This site is under construction. If you wish to add or include any content, please contact info@kota.org.uk. Last Updated March 2009
WHAT IS TWINNING?
Twinning is a special relationship between two countries, which is sealed by the signing of a charter. This concept was extended after the Second World War when a conscious effort was made to rebuild friendships especially in Europe.
Devon is twinned with the Calvados region of Normandy in France and in 1979 Kingsteignton was twinned with Orbec, a lovely medieval town.
The aim of Twinning is to broaden a mutual understanding of the cultural, recreational, educational and commercial activities of each other’s communities. It offers a unique and personal experience of living, for a few days, in the same house as people whose ways are just a little bit different to ours. So many things across Europe are now the same but within the home and family there are still many fascinating differences. What do they have for breakfast? How do they furnish their homes? What shape are their pillows? Most importantly, we meet people as they really are. They open their homes to welcome us, as we do them, initially as strangers who soon become friends. By doing this we can promote and foster friendship and understanding between the people of Kingsteignton and those of Orbec.
Each year we have one official contact with Orbec. One year we visit them and the next year they come to us. We have social events here at home to get to know each other and to raise funds as the association is self-supporting.
Twinning is open to everyone, individuals, couples and families. The age of our members ranges from 1 year to 80+! It is not necessary to speak French although it can be fun trying! 
CALLING ALL FORMER TWINNERS!
Have you ever been a member or involved with Twinning in any way? Then read on.......
This year is the 30th Anniversary of Twinning between Kingsteignton and Orbec and we will be celebrating this in October with a reunion of past and present members. We hope to contact as many past members as possible so if you, or someone you know, used to be a member please contact us so that we can make sure you are included.
In July we will be visiting our friends in Orbec for a few days. We know that they are planning an extra-special time for us to celebrate the 30th Anniversary. Maybe you would like to join us? For more information e-mail info@kota.org.uk
KINGSTEIGNTON-ORBEC TWINNING ASSOCIATION
Our New Year Dinner was again held at Dainton Park Golf Club and as in previous years we enjoyed an excellent meal. A good number of members were able to be there despite all the colds and 'flu that were around. We put our thinking caps on in-between courses to do a Christmas song themed quiz which caused a good few laughs.
At the end of January the AGM was well attended. Our president, Vee Chambers, took the chair for the elections when Janet Betts was elected Chairperson, Sandra Cross was elected Vice-chairperson with Eileen Fazakerley and Marilyn Hazell continuing in their roles of Secretary and Treasurer respectively. Thanks were given to the outgoing committee members for all they have done for us.
We have been invited to some social events organised by other Twinning Associations including a skittles evening, a quiz night and a Murder Mystery night, all in March! We shall be busy enjoying ourselves! Our own light-hearted quiz evening is planned for 21st April and we hope to have a Treasure Hunt around Kingsteignton in the summer amongst other things.
The 30th Anniversary of Twinning between Kingsteignton and Orbec is being celebrated this year and we hope that some of you will be able to join us in our special celebrations or on our visit to Orbec in July.
2009 NEWSLETTER
...and here is your new Committee for the coming year. All positions are Honorary.
President – Vee Chambers
Chairman – Janet Betts
Secretary – Eileen Fazakerley
Treasurer – Marilyn Hazell
Committee – Janet Wilson (Membership Secretary), Frances Bartlett (Minutes Secretary), Pat Wignall, Dorothea Fleckney, Liz Lord, Ann Lonsdale, Joan Lambert (Town Council Representative). There remains a vacancy if anyone should be interested. Please contact our Secretary.
MEMBERSHIP FEES of £10 per adult (under 18s free) are payable to the Treasurer by the 31st March 2009.
Our thanks to former Chairman Penny Moss, Vice Chairman Malcolm McKendry and Membership Secretary Tessa Brown.
OUR OWN SOCIAL/FUND RAISING:
Our own Quiz to be organised by Charles Wray at the Oakford Club, Kingsteignton at 7.30 pm on the 25th April, bar available. Please contact him direct if you wish to join in - £1.50 per person.
Charles has also offered to organise a Walking Treasure Hunt in July followed by an optional supper at a local hostelry. Details to follow later.
Our new Chairman, Janet Betts will be having a Tea Party at her home at ******************* on the 6th June from 3.30 to 5.30 pm at a cost of £5.00 per person.
The Ram Fair will be held on Bank Holiday Monday 25th May and we hope to have a stall. Volunteers to run this will be required.
Preliminary Notice that our Christmas Coffee morning will be hosted by Janet Wilson. Date to follow.
30TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION:
We shall be holding our Reunion evening on the 3rd October at Rydon Community Hall. Further details to follow.
DEVON TWINNING CIRCLE:
Annual General Meeting to beheld on 18th April at Sampford Peverell. Please contact Marilyn Hazell if you wish to attend so that she can arrange car sharing. Lunch is available if required.
30th ANNIVERSARY VISIT TO ORBEC:
We currently have 24 adults and 2 children booked to go to Orbec. The cost of the trip will be capped at £100 and could be considerably less, depending upon numbers travelling. This includes coach fare to Portsmouth and ferry to Ouistreham, plus return. A visit to Monet’s Garden at Giverney is promised and there will be other activities as well including a meal together. Please contact Marilyn with a deposit of £20 for adults and £10 for under 16s to reserve your place.
Come and join us!
Anyone living or working in and around Kingsteignton can join KOTA. Come along to any of our advertised events to see if it's your sort of thing. Membership of KOTA costs £10 a year per adult. Children join for free.
Links
Orbec Web site (in French)
Contact info@kota.org.uk for all KOTA enquiries