International Links
The Council has established links with Vanves, a city in the suburbs of Paris
www.ville-vanves.fr and Benbrook, Texas in the United States of America
www.ci.benbrook.tx.us and the Borough of Douglas in the Isle of Man.
www.douglas.gov.im
Vanves, France is a town of 25,000 inhabitants on the outskirts of Paris. With many old neighbourhoods, parks and gardens it has an almost country-like charm, but at the same time has a vibrant community life with several craft, dance, painting and drama festivals. From the 17th century the village flourished on agriculture, wine production, wheat and especially diary products. Butter from Vanves had a great reputation just down the road in Paris. Nowadays it relies on over 600 companies, such as France Telecom and France 3 Television, as well as having the largest exhibition park in Europe.
The city of Benbrook, Texas is 10 miles from the twin cities of Dallas / Fort Worth and has grown from a population of 100 in the 1940’s to 20,000 today. Many of the citizens of Benbrook work in the surrounding metropolitan area but have chosen Benbrook for the quality of its environment and the recreation facilities that it offers. The city borders on a large lake where the citizens take part in water sports, make use of the biking and walking paths, or just relax. In recent years the city has seen the construction of several new sports fields and a state-of-the-art leisure centre. Soccer is growing in popularity and is played by both girls and boys. The climate is hot and dry with an average high of 36°C in August.
Douglas Borough, with a population of 23,487, is the capital and prime port in the Isle of Man, situated in the centre of the Irish Sea between Northern Ireland and England. The island has a well-balanced economy which combines traditional industries such as agriculture, fishing and tourism, with areas of recent growth such as financial services and manufacturing. Its colourful heritage, diverse scenic beauty and its quality of life, enhanced by many sporting events, hotel, conference and leisure facilities provide the basis for a long established tourist industry. Every June the island plays host to the most prestigious road race of the motorcycling calendar – the TT races.
For more information please contact:
Head of Corporate & Development Services
Tel: 028 2766 0244
twinning@ballymoney.gov.uk
Ballymoney Borough Twinning Association was set up by the Council in May 2000, just prior to the signing of the twinning agreement between Ballymoney and Vanves, France. Since that time a sister cities agreement has been signed with Benbrook, Texas and a friendship agreement with Douglas, Isle of Man. An AGM in Spring, which is notified to the general public through the press elects the Committee and Officer Bearers. Four councillors are nominted to serve on the Committee by Council.
The Committe members are:
Councillors:
Alderman Cecil Cousley, MBE
Alderman Frank Campbell
Councillor Malachy McCamphill
General Public:
Chairman - Mr Benny Knight, 11 The Meadows, Ballymoney BT53 6AX
Secretary - Mrs Paula Whyte, 4 Killyless Road, Cullybackey, Ballymena BT42 1HB
PRO- Mrs Arlene McVicker
Treasurer - Mrs Helen McKeown
Committee:
Robert Downey
Warner Kirkpatrick
Liz Dempsey
Georgina Blair
Alderman James Simpson
Samantha Logan
Sandra Kirk
Cherith Boyle
The Association is part funded by the Borough Council. The aim of the association is to foster goodwill and understanding between Ballymoney Borough and other parts of the world. To date we have helped to arrange a visit by the Leaney and Model Primary schools. While a small grant may be available to assist with travel costs, normally all travel costs are paid for by the participant. Accommodation and food costs are borne by the hosts. Funds raised are used to host our guests. Citizens of Benbrook, Douglas and Vanves have visited Ballymoney on several occasions.
In June 2003 a party of 51 people from the Borough travelled to Vanves to participate in a sporting event between Ballymoney, Vanves and their German twin, Lerhte. There were 2 soccer teams and 2 swimming teams under and over 18. We were very proud to be the winners of the Twinning Cup.
Anyone interested in Twinning should contact the Association via the Borough Council to warner.kirkpatrick@ballymoney.gov.uk
