Monthly Archive: October 2018

Dunmow hosted the annual meeting of the Essex and Suffolk Joint Twinning Congress on 13th October. More than 30 Twinners from 13 Twinning associations across the two counties were welcomed to the Maltings by congress chairman Mary Dunk and Dunmow mayor Barrie Easter (preceded by our town crier).

Before the business proceedings Deputy Lieutenant of Essex Michael Chapman (in full uniform including sword) explained the role of Lieutenant and its history, and emphasized the importance the Crown placed upon Twinning for maintaining warm foreign relations. He also volunteered the presence of either himself or fellow officials at appropriate Twinning events throughout the county. Michael then gave an amusing and very informative illustrated history of the Dunmow Flitch Trials, clearly of interest to our guests.

Mary Dunk gave a brief overview of the year. She was sad to report that Witham’s association had folded but was delighted to welcome a new and thriving association from Stansted Mountfitchet. Twinning in the region was generally going strong, with relationships ever warmer between local Twinners and their overseas counterparts. Mary emphasized the value of exploring potential locations to visit with Twinning guests, and the joy of discovering people from your community of special interest to visiting Twinners (such as Dunmow’s holder of the Legion d’Honneur, now sadly deceased, or the Queen of France buried in Bury St Edmunds).

Delegates then reported on their past year – activities, successes, failures, learnings and feelings about the future. Most were optimistic – no-one mentioned GDPR or the B-word! There were differences of approach. Several associations (including Dunmow) raise substantial sums from social events to finance the biennial visit of their overseas counterparts, and when ‘over there’ stay in family homes, developing close ties and enjoying day trips at no cost. Other associations stay in hotels, with each country paying its own way. Some associations found fund-raising a challenge, for others it was less arduous – useful tips were exchanged. Some were very well integrated into their community, in one case having no need for ‘membership’. Close ties with other local organisations could be valuable, most notably with the Fire Brigade.

Following this very valuable exchange of experience, Mary Dunk closed the meeting by thanking delegates for their helpful ideas and Dunmow for its venue, hospitality, and excellent guest speaker. After a light lunch delegates left to explore the Maltings museum and the streets of Dunmow.

Our visitors were greeted by Dunmow’s Twinners at the Mercure hotel on Saturday afternoon. Sadly it was raining so those who set off to explore Royal Tunbridge Wells had their enthusiasm slightly dampened. Nevertheless the historic buildings and cafes of the Pantiles market area, the Chalybeate Spring (source of the spa baths) and the shops in the High Street offered welcome relief after the long journey from France. The Mercure served a dinner of melon starter, chicken breast main and cherry cheesecake, over which long-standing close friendships were renewed and new friends made.

Sunday dawned sunny if fresh. After a good breakfast, visitors and hosts boarded the coach for a short drive to Scotney Castle and House (National Trust) in Lamberhurst, meeting those Dunmow Twinners who had driven down for the day. We were delighted that a number of new members were able to join us for one or both days.

By now the weather had really warmed up, with clear blue skies, so all were able to appreciate the stunning autumnal colours of the beautifully landscaped estate. The picturesque views and steep walk down from the early Victorian house and terrace (designed for Edward Hussey by architect Anthony Salvin) to the 14th century moated and ruined castle (much of its structure sadly reused for the Victorian house) were ‘sheer delight’.

Groups entered the house in turn for a self-guided tour (French translations thankfully provided). The interior was a fascinating mix of original Victorian furnishings and more modern items. The last owner, Elizabeth Hussey, held very strong views about her home and it has a charming personal feel. There is a fascinating ‘Friends Room’ with a collection of paintings and other artworks donated by illustrious family guests, including artists John Piper and John Ward, and the cartoonist Osbert Lancaster. (Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher had a ‘hideaway’ flat on the property.)

We returned to the Mercure for a lunch of salmon with dill sauce, followed by lemon posset, plus more animated conversation. Sadly it was then time for our French friends to depart, following the usual fond and lengthy farewells (plus exchange of presents) which bear witness to the extremely warm feelings shared by our two communities. These will doubtless survive Brexit!