Valognes

The Wimborne/Valognes Twinning Association was founded in 1968 under the auspices of Wimborne Town Council and is one of the oldest such associations in the country. Valognes is a town of similar size to Wimborne and is situated about 13 miles south of Cherbourg in the Manche Department, which is itself twinned with the county of Dorset.

The objectives of the Association are to foster and promote goodwill between organisations and individuals of these two communities in a variety of ways, e.g. school exchanges, exchange visits and by encouraging a greater knowledge of the other community’s environment and lifestyles. Anyone interested in furthering these objectives may become a member on payment of a small subscription, which includes a quarterly newsletter.

The Association currently has around 200 members who enjoy a full and varied programme of events throughout the year, which help to raise funds for the entertainment of our French visitors, usually a group of about 25 to 30, on their visits every other year, hosted by members. In alternate years, a group from Wimborne visits Valognes when they are in turn hosted and receive a very warm welcome and a full programme of entertainments. Many lasting friendships have been formed in this way.

New members are always welcome. The Membership Secretary can be contacted atmembership@wvta.org.uk