When Dukinfield was twinned with the French town of Champagnole, the seeds of a beautiful friendship were sown. 

More than 60 years later, it might be a while since their last get-together but the bond between the two is still strong.

Jean Depledge, who has been a stalwart of the town twinning association from the early days, was delighted to receive a New Year card from Guy Saillard, the Mayor of Champagnole sending greetings and best wishes to the people of Dukinfield.

In his hand-written message Mayor Saillard refers to the Yew Tree Singers whom he remembered from a visit to the town about five years ago. 

The singers, with Jean their musical director, recently celebrated 50 years. Last year was also the 800th anniversary of Champagnole and the choir had been due to travel to France to celebrate the double milestone. Sadly due to Covid-19 the visit had to be cancelled.

Jean, now 87, has many happy memories of the ‘fantastic times’ she and her family enjoyed with friends from Champagnole. 

“It’s such a beautiful place and the hospitality was always first class. They welcomed us into their homes and we did the same for them when they came here. It went on from there, we always kept in touch,” she said.

Jill Nichols, another long-time member of the association who also received a card from the mayor, said children were at the heart of the town twinning in its early years. For many it was their first experience of travelling abroad and life in another country. 

TWIN TIMES: Jean Depledge and Jill Nichols with the New Year cards from the Mayor of Champagnole.

With family lifestyles and holidays changing beyond all recognition in recent decades, the numbers interested in traditional exchange holidays plummeted.

Both Jean and Jill admit they are unsure what the future holds for the twinning association.

“We are still here though and the greetings we’ve received from Mayor Saillard prove that the friendship is still valued by people in Champagnole,” said Jean. 

“The way forward is more likely to be through visits by groups like the choir and possibly sports clubs.”

Set in the Jura mountains of eastern France approaching the Swiss border, Champagnole is a popular tourist destination. Jean and Jill are happy to help anyone planning a trip to the region who would welcome a few suggestions from personal experience of the ‘must see’ places to visit.

For more information, contact Jill on 0161 285 7038, email jillfromroc@msn.com 

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