Town Twinning

What is Twinning?

Town twinning was developed in Europe after the Second World War as a way of building strong links and friendships with communities in other countries to avoid another war and to bring unity across Europe.

There are approximately 2000 twinning arrangements in Britain, and 75% are with French and German authorities. There is no fixed definition or model of town twinning or partnership arrangement. A twinning link is customarily defined as a friendship agreement involving co-operation between two communities in different countries, endorsed by both local authorities.

The idea is to pair towns and cities in different countries, with the focus being to foster human contacts. Twin towns often, but not always, have similar populations and characteristics.

The two twinned communities organise projects and activities around a range of issues and develop an understanding of historical, cultural and lifestyle similarities and differences. These activities involve a wide range of community members.

Camborne already has four twinning arrangements which the Council supports.

They are with:

1. The Copper Coast Council, South Australia
2. St Anne-d’Auray, Brittany, France
3. Calumet, Michigan, USA
4. Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico

The Council has a positive relationship with Camborne Twinning Association, which looks after two of the Twinning relationships (St Anne-d’Auray and Calumet).

The Purpose & Benefit of Twinning

There is no fundamental requirement to have twinning relationships with other local authorities.

Twinning arrangements can however bring mutual benefits to the Council, the town and its twinned partners. Twinning represents a long-term commitment between the partners, not a short-term project partnership. It should always be able to survive changes in political leadership and short-term difficulties of one or other partner, and support each other in times of need.

The twinning charters refer to promoting freedom and peace through mutually friendly relationships and fostering close links through the association. It encourages citizens of both towns to contribute by close contacts within the range of possibilities to provide a sound basis for personal friendships as a practical contribution to the unity and harmony of the two countries and a better international understanding.

Potential benefits include:

• exchange of knowledge, skills and experience
• increasing cultural awareness, including knowledge and understanding of the places of origin
• increased tolerance and understanding
• enhanced opportunities for youth activities
• close friendships built up over many years

Camborne Twinning Association

Camborne Twinning Association has been established for some time, Chaired by Mr David Oates, the association has built strong links with twinned towns over the years. The Association primarily focuses on the relationships between Camborne and St Anne-D’Auray in Brittany and Calumet, in the USA however the association is a source of experience for the Council in forging and maintaining new relationships, such as the one with The Copper Coast Council, Australia.

In 2008, the then Mayor of Camborne, Mrs Jean Charman (also an active member of the Association) visited the city of Pachuca de Soto in Mexico and signed a friendship agreement with the Mayor of Pachuca, thus cementing the relationship with a region of Mexico which has many strong links with Camborne.

Most recently, the Council has supported Camborne Twinning Association in the hosting of a ‘Live Stream’ event with residents of Calumet in the USA.

The Councillor representative on Camborne Twinning Association is Cllr Zoe Fox.

To contact Camborne Twinning Association, please contact Mr David Oates or enquire with the Town Council for contact details.