THE first annual meeting of the “new look” Fordingbridge Twinning Association took place at the Town Hall.

And the organisation has a new member – the Mayor of Fordingbridge Malcolm Connolly.

He said: “I wasn’t a member of the group but I was so impressed with it and the links it has fostered with Vimoutiers that I thought it would give us some wonderful opportunities.

“The twinning association wants to strengthen its links to our twin town and we hope to increase the number of cultural exchanges overseas.”

Children from Fordingbridge Junior School and the Burgate School and Sixth Form Centre took part in a fun creative competition entitled Souvenir, which translates to ‘remember’ in French, which secured 50 entries.

Mr Connolly added: “The standard of entries was excellent.”

New chairman Alison Ayling took the helm of the organisation and welcomed new and old members back.

Some major events are being commemorated this year: it is the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings on the beaches of Normandy, and also the centenary of the beginning of the First World War.

For details contact Mrs Ayling or the association’s PR officer Derek Ayling on 01425 650770, or email Hippotrain@btinternet.com.