How does Brexit affect Ottery's link with Pont L'Eveque?

Phyllis Baxter had a dream to write a book and launch a website about Ottery (Image: Phyllis Baxter)

A few years ago coming into town, we were drawn to the welcoming sign “Ottery St Mary Twinned with Pont L’Eveque and Ilsfeld” and wondered how many residents in the parish had been curious about those places; visited them or even more, knew of the OSM Twining Association; shared with them the fun of meeting our counterparts; enjoyed their journeys to the continent and were part of the welcoming activities organised to receive our German and French visitors.

Twining was born as an official relationship builder that started in Europe after the Second World War, in intent to repair damaged relationships between France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

Towns that had suffered during the war were found and paired and residents from those towns were encouraged to meet, mix and get along.

That is the reason why we think, at present times twinning-at its core- is a good and important thing.

Twinning immediately became popular and Ottery St Mary joined in the process by twinning with Pont L’Eveque and Ilsfeld.

The twinning with our French neighbours became official on 11th June 1977 with the signing of the charter – specially illuminated by Denis Lambeth of Anthony Lamb and partners in Ottery - between the then Mayors of Pont L’Eveque and Ottery St Mary M. David de Rostchild and the late George Hansford Snr.

After a 13 hour trip by coach driven by Alan Down of Down Motors, a party of 46 adults and children were joined by 200 French guests who packed the town hall for the occasion.

With the celebration of 45 years of the signing of the charter in June, we got in touch with Mark Rix who for the last 15 years has taken the responsibility of maintaining this successful exchange.

Mark is looking forward to the continuity of this link that has lasted 45 years, under the guidance of a new chair as he recently indicated the wish to step down.

The incredible memories of the past years flow easily, especially one that Mark is quick to tell us.

“We all have many happy memories of our visits to PLE and Ilsfeld including the overpowering smell greeting us from the coach on the ferry car deck one morning as we all had a lot of cheese from PLE on board [ it is very tasty but does have a very strong odour]," said Mark.

"Also trips to many places of interest in both countries but most of all the friendships we have built up over the years.”

The unavoidable question of how Brexit had affected this exchange followed.

Mark added: “Brexit has caused major problems for our twinning with PLE as many of the people in PLE do not have passports and the cost is prohibitive for such a limited use as many are elderly and would only use it every other year for a short/long weekend.”

We thank Mark for all those years he has dedicated to the continuity of an idea that started as a true post war spirit of reconciliation developed throughout Europe.

Those ties still stand strong today in the Ottery Twinning Association. At present times when peace in the world once again seems to be threatened, twinning has a very important role to play.

Probably an inflow of new younger members will overcome the difficulties brought by Brexit. We hope soon the celebrations can take place on both sides of the Channel and the exchange and annual visits with their Twinning partner continue.

As Mark said, each of them enjoy the warmth of a true friendship and share the delights of their region during their visits, their guests are always delighted with the beauty and charm of the stunning east Devon region.

For more information on the Ottery Twining Association please get in touch with Twinning Chairman, Mark Rix. Tel: 01404 813123