Cowes-Deauville Twinning Association

It is with regret that we have to announce that the Association has now closed.

Despite our recent press release to push for new members we regret to advise that the response was poor. At the AGM held on 15/10/2020, the existing members sadly voted to close the Association due to lack of active members able to form a viable working committee.

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The following information remains as historical reference:

Our Association always welcomes applications from anyone who is interested in forming friendships with a French family and who also have a connection with the town of Cowes.

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This connection can be having (or had) an address or employment in Cowes or its neighbouring areas, or have a close interest within the region.

This Association was formed in 1964 with a view to furthering social, cultural and sporting exchanges between the citizens of both towns.

A Twinning Charter was duly agreed and signed by the serving local officials:

Chairman of Cowes UDC:
Cllr E. J. Powell

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and

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Maire de Deauville:
Monsieur Michel d’Ordano

This Charter was later re-affirmed in June 2004, again by the local officials:

Mayor of Cowes Town Council:
Cllr A. L. Wells

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Maire de Deauville:
Monsieur Philippe Augier

The Association is primarily concerned with cultural exchanges rather than promoting trade but, nonetheless, the many French visitors invited through the Association’s activities help to promote the name of Cowes to the French communities of Deauville and Normandy.

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Over the ensuing years the Association has promoted visits to Deauville by both our members and various groups having a common interest, for example: Cowes members of the Isle of Wight Fire Brigade Royal British Legion Youth Band, (which has been invited to attend many Armistice Day services and Bastille Day celebrations at Deauville); sporting groups such as Judo; Rugby; Runners; Yachting; etc.

Visitors from Deauville have often attended Armistice Day services at the Cowes War Memorial, Northwood Park.

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The Association has also been successful in finding local accommodation for French students wishing to study English.

The main event of our annual programme is the exchange visit which is hosted on alternate years by the Cowes and Deauville Twinning Associations.
These are always very relaxed occasions.

The Annual General Meeting is held during the month of October.

Throughout each year the Cowes Association also holds various social functions both to raise funds (we are entirely self-funded) and to offer members the opportunity to keep in touch as a group. These funds are used solely for the expenses arising from the entertainment of our French guests. The Cowes members are totally responsible for their own costs.

It is hoped that the Association can continue to lend its support towards a general sense of civic pride within the community of Cowes.

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Membership typically varies around 20 from year to year.