Vernouillet - Twinned since 5th May 1985

The French connection came about when a French teaching assistant at Conyers School in Yarm and her neighbour in Vernouillet, near Paris, thought it would help young people to learn another language and to get to know more about the way of life and customs in the other country. As a result of this, some school exchanges and private visits (including representation by members of local clubs) were made to establish connections. A formal Twinning agreement was signed on the 5th May 1985 in Vernouillet. This was followed by a similar ceremony in Yarm, in the November.

Schwalbach am Taunus - Twinned since 27th September 1994

Once the twinning with Vernouillet was well established efforts were made to twin with a town in Germany. Some exchange visits were made with the German town of Heinburg, not far from Frankfurt. It was during the period when the Berlin Wall finally came down. Hainburg then felt connections with an East German town to be more compelling. So a search for another town was made.

Nine members of the association went to Schwalbach (also near Frankfurt), and were made very welcome. Despite the apparent miss-match between the two towns, successful exchange visits followed. In 1995 a formal Twinning agreement was signed between Schwalbach and Yarm.

Yarm’s twinning with the two towns has proved very successful. Visits have been, at any one time, enlightening, instructive, entertaining, etc, and always very enjoyable. Many strong friendships have been formed between the communities and this year we have celebrated 25 years with Vernouillet and 15 years with Schwalbach am Taunus.

If you would like to learn more about the Twinning Association or get involved you can contact:
Molly Wright by:
e-mail - m.wright28@ntlworld.com
Telephone : 01642 653606

Or why not come along to the Annual General Meeting of the Twinning Association on Wednesday 30th March 2011 at 7:30pm in the Yarm Town Hall.