Belford Twinning

When Hilary McGlynn retired from running the Bell View Day Centre in Belford to live with her daughter in France she had little idea that future contact with Belford might be stronger than she thought!

It is being proposed that Belford twin with her new home, the commune of St André de Chalencon, and so far, much enthusiasm is being shown both sides of the Channel.

“When we were talking about who to twin with, I thought Belford would be perfect,” said Hilary “It has so many similarities with this area in France. Both areas have outstanding countryside, are rural farming areas, and also there is much similarity in the outlook of the people too.”

St André de Chalencon has a village hall (Mairie) which also encompasses the post office. It also has a café-bar, a hotel, a church, a primary school which has around 30 pupils, a football pitch and a clubhouse. Associations and communal events are numerous and include the ‘Third Age’ (Seniors), Association “Lou-tchi Lou-tcha” for young people, A Football Club with three teams, and an Events Committee.

In the adjoining village of Chazelles is the chateau which is now run by Cathy and Frank Wainwright and Cathy’s mother, Hilary, as a successful B&B.

St André de Chalencon is situated in the Haute Loire, situated within the Auvergne region of France. The area stands at an altitude of around 800 metres (which the French call ‘moyenne montagne – middle mountain’. The nearest large towns are Le Puy en Velay, which is 40 minutes drive away, and St Etienne which is nearly an hour away. Lyon airport is an hour and a half’s drive away and Easyjet has just opened a new low-cost route from there to Edinburgh.

The Twinning Committee is run by former Head Teacher of the local school in Craponne, Mr Jean-Paul Martinez, and the Committee has also appointed a special ‘youth ambassador’ Vincent Jouve, who is keen on promoting links between the young people and schoolchildren of both Belford and those who live within the commune of St André.

The Twinning Committee have also already extended an invitation through their key contact of Brenda Stanton for a group from Belford to visit St André during their annual carnival weekend on the 28th and 29th August which will include a special dinner in their honour.

Cathy adds, “We will be so proud to show people round this wonderful area and to forge links between the two communities. But watch out anyone on a diet – this area is renowned for its superb local cheeses and sausages. Luckily there are also miles of lovely walking for those wanting to walk off a good lunch!