"Twinning is just a cheap excuse for the local coucillors to go on a freebie to France." 

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This is a common misconception and couldn't be further from the truth - the essence of twinning is to establish links between different communities across Europe - through social, cultural and business links.

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The concept of twinning came about after the Second World War to try and rebuild relationships across a broken Europe with former foes coming together to forge links through tourism and trade. Ironically this feels equally relevant today as we move towards the uncertainty of Brexit

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Lane End has been twinned with St Pierre d'Oleron for nearly 20 years; the twinning partnership has brought our two communities together - we keep in touch with our French friends through a range of events and visits.

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It's also not a coincidence that St Pierre is an Island with beautiful beaches and Lane End is set in rolling countryside about as far from the sea as you can get - again different types of community.