Local group works to set up new links with Celtic regions

Local group works to set up new links with Celtic regions

13 February 2019

WORK is underway to revive the district’s link with a leafy French suburb just north of Paris.

Two decades ago, Lamorlaye was twinned with the Ballynahinch, Drumaness and Spa area, but the partnership fizzled out several years ago. 

Now moves are underway to re-establish the partnership and include the French town in the Rowallane and Slieve Croob Twinning Group’s ambitious plans to link up with a number of Celtic regions. 

They include the Republic of Ireland, Wales, western Scotland, Galicia in north western Spain, Cornwall, the Isle of Man and Brittany in the west of France.

The new cross-community group — which was formed exactly a year ago — aims to bring young and old people from all traditions and communities together through participation in a range of activities to share an understanding of local heritage, language and cultural diversity through fun and meaningful structured healthy activities.

Last week, Lamorlaye’s deputy mayor, Yasmine Chani, was in Down District along with a group of musicians from Galicia.

Madame Chani is keen to re-establish Lamorlaye’s link with the district and during her visit met with Newry, Mourne and Down Council chief executive, Liam Hannaway and local authority chairman Mark Murnin.

Madame Chani said it was important for Lamorlaye that the formal link with the Rowallane and Slieve Croob was re-established.

“I believe it is very important that we rebuild the link as it is 20 years since the partnership with the Ballynahinch area was formed, “ she said during a visit to the St Patrick Centre in Downpatrick.

“International relations are very important, in particular, for young people and Lamorlaye students. The link with this area is part of our history, that is why I am here to meet with the council chairman and to visit local schools.”

The deputy mayor is keen to see links re-established between schools in France and the Ballynahinch area.

“The link can help inspire young people in France and in this area and forging the link again will provide us all with new motivation,” she added.

David Stewart, who was a member of the former Ballynahinch, Drumaness and Spa twinning group and is now a key member of the Rowallane and Slieve Croob group, is also particularly keen for the formal link to be re-established.

As someone who has visited Lamorlaye on a number of occasions and witnessed the value of cultural exchanges involving young people in particular, he hopes formal links with the French suburb can be reformed.

“The old twinning link seemed to lose some of its impetus, but the Rowallane and Slieve Croob group is a much broader association,” he continued.

“We are delighted to have some people from Galicia with us at the moment and it would be fantastic if the Lamorlaye folk could join our group as well to be part of the Celtic region partnership.”

David added: “Yasmine has told us about some of the reformed committees in Lamorlaye, some of which are looking at environmental issues which I believe would be of interest to people in our area.”

Karen Patterson, acting chairwoman of the Rowallane and Slieve Croob twinning group which includes Ballynahinch, Drumaness and Spa area, is also keen to see Lamorlaye join the Celtic region partnership.

“Yasmine approached David and we are meeting with council officials to discuss reconstituting the twinning link. She is keen to meet with local schools and while the initial focus is on those in the Ballynahinch area, we would be keen to roll this out to others,” Karen explained.

“Newry, Mourne and Down Council provides us with financial support as does Sport NI and we are grateful for all the support we have received. As part of our cultural heritage, looking at our past and history and as 

part of our overarching Celtic nations initiative, we want to bring everyone together.”

Karen added: “Moving forward, the focus is on culture, sports, language, arts and crafts, music and dance. Rather than focusing on twinning towns, the emphasis is on twinning regions. We also hope to develop a three-way relationship with Rowallane and Slieve Croob, Vimianzo in Galicia and Lamorlaye.”

Rowallane councillor Robert Burgess, has praised the work and commitment of the cross-community twinning group.

He added: “The group is all inclusive and open to everyone in the Rowallane and Slieve Croob area. Launched a year ago, I have no doubt that more success lies ahead, with the group building on the good work it has already achieved, fostering good relations, not just in this part of the world, but across Europe.

“The possibilities the Celtic regions partnership are limitless in my opinion, helping make this district a vibrant location, not only to live and work in, but also to visit.”