Thursday 5th to Monday 9th June: 2008 Visit to Pertuis (for photos click here)

Thursday 5th June: Many of the party arrived by air at Marseilles and were met by Guy. We were taken by coach to Aix-en-Provence lunch and a tour. The evening was spent with our hosts.

Friday 6th June: The day was spent with our hosts. Pam & John with Pat & Rod were taken by Jean-Luc to Cezanne's Studio in Aix and the Bibemus quarry from which he painted his series of the Mont Sainte-Victoire.
During the evening we attended a banquette in honour of the 40th anniversary of Pertuis' twinning with Herborn (Germany). All the twin towns, Alton, Herborn, Este (Italy near Montecchio!), Utiel (Spain). Atul Patel (our Mayor) presented the Mayor of Pertuis, Roger Pellenc, with a gift created by Ron Thorne (Kemp&Stevens).

Saturday 7th: The day was spent exploring Avignon. There was a lot to see and more time was needed. Next time maybe! We examined the Pont, the Catherdral, the Gardens around the Palais des Papes.
The evening was spent watching the Corso flower carnival.

Sunday 8th: Was spent with our hosts. We strolled into Pertuis, had a coffee, and watched and listened to music and dancing by performers from the Corso - who would be doing an afternoon session. Lunch was with friends from 1:00pm to 5:00pm - French style. And in the evening all the twinning groups at the Val Joanis winery for a get-together and a tour round the winery. Strangely the German group was preoccupied with a small television.

Monday 9th: We came home.

Sunday December 2nd

Yuletide Charity Stall 2007

Our new banner and Pat and Faye, who did most of it, with David bringing cheer.

Saturday October 6th 8:00pm

Curry Evening - with Race Programme,

We would like to thank our sponsors for their support of the very successful Curry and Race night,

Thursday - Monday, Sept 13th - 17th.

Visit to Montecchio Maggiore, Sept 13th

Dedicating the via Alton

ITALY WELCOMES ALTONIANS

Seventeen members of Alton Town Twinning Association recently enjoyed a four day visit to our Italian twin town, Montecchio Maggiore.

On the first day they attended a ceremony, complete with local band, to rename one of the town centre streets Via Alton, a reciprocal gesture to Alton’s Montecchio Way. This was followed by a civic reception where they were officially welcomed by the town’s mayor,  Signore Maurizio Scalabrin, and members of Montecchio’s Twinning Association.  Mrs Robyn Fitzer, Alton’s town mayor, responded expressing the pleasure of the Altonian members in being in Montecchio. Official gifts were exchanged.

Later they visited the local Cantina where they watched the wine making process including the arrival of grapes from the many surrounding vineyards and were treated to generous samples of the sparkling prosecco wine accompanied by delicious cakes.

The following day was spent in Venice where they were guided around the tiny streets by a young Montecchian university graduate, Giulia, who even organised a delicious lunch in a small trattoria.  As well as spending a day with their host families the group also spent an afternoon in Verona – the setting for Romeo and Juliet as well as being the home for the fantastic annual opera season set in the ancient Roman Arena.

   On the final evening the group had dinner with the Alpini Mountain Brigade – a wonderful celebratory meal spent in excellent company with more exchanges of gifts.

Thursday 28th June 2007

Visit from Pertuis 28 June - 2nd July (for photos click here)

Thursday, 28th June
The Pertuis group were met by coach at Gatwick and travelled to Alton, arriving at the Community Centre at 10.00pm where their hosts were waiting to greet them.

Friday, 29th:
The reception at the Town Hall was preceded by music from the Alton College Jazz band playing in the Market Square from 09:30 to 10:00am The excellent performance was much appreciated by our friends from Pertuis.
During the reception there were speeches from the Town Mayor, Robyn Fitzer, Andre Borell, Mayor of Peruis, Chairman of ATTA, David Willoughby, and the Chairman of the Pertuis Twinning Association, Guy Soussi. Then there was an exchange of gifts. Andre presented Robyn and Alton with a painting of Pertuis by a local French artist, and Robyn gave Andre a cut glass bowl. Afterwards there was a toast to twinning and friendship, and the singing of the local Provence anthem.
Alton Town Guides then took us around Alton. The tours were unfortunately shortened by a downpour of rain. One group was ably guided by Margaret Doores, wife the Rev Peter Doores, the vicar of St Lawrence and as a result the group had an excellent visit to the church while avoiding the worst of the downpour. Some members took a French group to the Butts school to reinforce school twinning links.
All groups then went to a variety of local restaurants and pubs for lunch. The afternoon was free time spent with our guests During the evening we had an first class buffet at the Alton Bowling Club, in the Public Gardens. Entertainment was started by the Alton Concert Orchestra. Attempts were then made at understanding bowling, and the evening was brought to a roistering close by the lively performance of the Alton Shanty Men. Patrick Acerbo from Pertuis was persuaded to lead a rendition of the Marseillaises

Saturday, 30th:
After meeting in the Leathern Bottle for coffee at 10:30am there was a brief visit to the Regency market. The weather did not dampen the spirits and several of our friends from Pertuis were able to enjoy the performance by Alton Morris and indeed to join in!
Members then took their guests to locations around the local area including Winchester. In the afternoon many came to an open day at Hartley Park Lavender Centre, and, following a scrumptious cream tea, enjoyed a visit to Mr Whitehead's Cider business.
In the evening we all repaired to the Assembly Rooms for the Regency Ball. The Regency Dancers gave demonstrations of various style of Regency dance and Joy Windsor, with Faye Mylward, sang a selection contemporary Regency songs. At the end of the evening we all joined in with the Regency Dancers for what appeared to be a Regency free for all dance. Having worked up a thirst a number of the French dragged (not unwillingly) their hosts to the Market Hotel for a taste of English evening pub life .

Sunday, 1st July:
This was a free day with hosts. There was the old fashioned cricket competition at the Butts where all could be entertained by Alton Mayor, Robyn Fitzter bowling the first ball . Other groups went to London, Salisbury, Stonehenge and Windsor.
The London group were very much indebted to Catherine and Philip Topliss for their sterling efforts to guide and keep the group together. All enjoyed the waterbus and open-topped tour bus trips as well as the entertainment and food at Covent Garden. Finally a walk back to Waterloo via Trafalgar Square and Whitehall, taking in No 10 on the way, brought a very satisfying day to a close.

Monday, 2nd July:
All good things come to an end. All met at the Community Centre at 09:30hrs for final goobyes before our Petuis friends took the coach back to Gatwick.

Au Revoir.

Saturday 12th May 2007

Visit of the choir "La Sisilla from Montecchio Maggiore

The “La Sisilla” choir from Montecchio were with us, from Thursday 10th May, as guests of Alton Choral Society. On arrival they were greeted at the Town Hall by Robyn Fitzer, Town Mayor, and Pat Lerew, Vice Chair of ATTA, and made welcome.

On Saturday, 12th, they gave an impressive and well received performance of Italian songs, as described in the programme. Alton Choral Society, conducted by Richard Toll, gave a spirited performance of "Zadoc the Priest" and joined with La Sisilla for a performance of "Laila Oh".
At the end of the evening Richard Toll thanked and praised the Montecchian choir for their performance and said how much ACS had enjoyed their own involvement.
Carlo Zanin responded with the thanks of "La Sisilla" to ACS and ATTA for their help with the arrangments for the trip.
Richard was presented with the "La Sisilla" banner as a token of their appreciation. Carlo also made a presentation to Pam Bradford, President of ATTA.
(click here for photographs)

During the weekend they gave performances

Sunday    13th at 11:00am at St Mary’s Church, Alton – at Mass

Sunday    13th at  07:30pm at All Hallow’s School, Farnham

Tuesday 8th May 2007

Pertuis European Week 8th - 12th May 2007

A small representative group from Alton went to the celebrations of European Week in our new twin town of Pertuis. The focal point is the European Day promotion of each of the four towns twinned with Pertuis, but the opportunity was taken at other times to build up more contacts to help with possible future links between other groups in Alton and Pertuis. Excursions also took place to Avignon and Marseilles to assess possible group visits by future full twinning visits. Very many thanks to all our friends in Pertuis who made the visit both successful and highly enjoyable, with special mention for our host, secretary Nadine Roux, who wined dined and transported us throughout the whole week.

Use this link to open a more comprehensive report (pdf file)

Thursday 26th April 2007

AGM

Twenty members attended the 2007 AGM at the Assembly Rooms. Pam Jones gave her Chairman's report outlining the successes of the year's events especially the new twinning with Pertuis. She also announced the standing down of the President, Peter Whitmarsh and the election by the Committee of Pam Bradford as the new President. Following reports from the Treasurer, Membership Secretary and the Montecchio and Pertuis Liaison Officers the meeting proceeded with the election of the new Committee.

The new Committee is:

David Willoughby thanked Pam Jones for her hard work on behalf of Twinning and then talked briefly about his hopes for the future. Shortly after this, the meeting closed.

Click here to read the Minutes.

Friday 30th March 2007

Pizza & Skittles at the Market Hotel
Twenty seven members had a thoroughly enjoyable evening of skittles and pizzas, from Pizza Plus (used to be Genziani's).
There was a small raffle with the main prize being a hamper of beer, courtesy of the Hogs Back brewery. David Hodder won the skittles competition by a good margin with a vigorous display of power bowling (mind your ankles when he bowls!). Our thanks go to Dominic Ronane and Pat Lerew for their organization of the evening.

Monday 29th January 2007

Vin & Vino wine tasting evening
A very enjoyable evening at the Community Centre comparing a number of French and Italian wines selected and introduced by Morris Hopkins. The evening ended with a cheese buffet with French and Italian cheeses to help finish off the wine!

Sunday 3rd December 2006

Christmas Charity Market
An eventful day starting with storms that prevented the stall being sited in the High Street. We repaired to the Community Centre and as the weather cleared to give a bright and sunny, but cold day, we set up the stall at the front door. We dispensed French onion soup, from Madelaine, and minestrone soup from Pam and ran a tombola. At the end we contributed £56 to funds.

Saturday 26th November 2006

ATTA Christmas Lunch, at the Alton House Hotel

Saturday 21st October 2006

Signing of the twinning agreement in Pertuis

We arrived on Friday afternoon at Marignane to be collected and taken to La Maison de la Culture et des Associations to be greeted and introduced to our hosts and taken to their homes to be given our first taste of their excellent hospitality.

The following day we attended the signing ceremony at the Hotel Sevan. The Mayor, Andre Borel, made a speech of welcome emphasising the values of twinning historically, culturally, and socially, and especially its use in bringing the younger people of both communities into appreciative contact. Our Mayor, Dave Crocker, responded with cordial agreement. The documents were signed and gifts exchanged (see the December 2006 Newsletter). National anthems were played as well as the anthem for this region of France, and then we were led in a traditional dance (which became rather like a very long conga). A fine lunch at the hotel was followed by an afternoon with our hosts or a tour around historic Pertuis. The evening was spent with our hosts enjoying food and wine.

On the Sunday, we visited Ansouis and the castle. Our guides around the castle were the Comte and Comtesse. This was followed by lunch at a converted farmhouse in Sivergues. The farm goats gave considerable amusement but were not allowed to join in with the meal however much they tried. The food was an excellent collection of cold cured ham, goats cheese in rounds and melted on toasted bread, crisp lettuce salad copiously dressed with wine vinegar and garlic, all accompanied with local bread and wine. The afternoon stroll round the farm fields and then Lourmarin were very much needed! Then followed a visit to the Val Joanis winery which has a celebrated kitchen garden and fine wine for tasting. The evening was spent again with hosts again with delightful food, drink, and good company.

On the Monday morning some groups went to visit local schools whilst others visited the local area. At lunch time we went to the town hall for a last reception with the Andre and the Pertuis twinning group and our hosts. Finally we were taken to the airport for the trip home with many presents and priceless memories.

Tuesday 23rd May 2006

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING held at the Allen Gallery.

The AGM was held courtesy of Tony Cross at the Allen Gallery on Tuesday 23rd May 2006. It was nice to see new members as well as the "Regular faces" in attendance. After the formal business, members chatted over a glass or two of wine, and enjoyed the surroundings of the gallery. This was a nice way to thank the members for all the hard work that they have put in to make the Association a success.

2006 AGM Agenda (pdf)
2006 AGM Minutes (pdf)
2006 AGM Changes to the constitution (pdf)
2006 AGM Changes to the subscription(pdf)

Revised constitution (pdf)

The following were elected to form the committee of the ATTA: -

Thursday 18th May to Monday 22nd May 2006

Visit from our friends from Montecchio Maggiore.

Pictures

Thursday 20th to Sunday 23rd April 2006

First Pertuis visit. Eight visitors from Pertuis, were welcomed officially at Alton Town Hall on Friday morning and following a whirlwind tour of local schools (which left them very impressed), there was an informal reception and dinner at the Community Centre in the evening. Visiting Mayor, Andre Borel, who received a phone call from France on Friday telling him he had just been made a Companion of Honour, France's highest decoration, requested a "quick marriage" with Alton, as they were so impressed.

M. Borel, accompanied by three local politicians, three spouses and Pertuis' Public Relations officer Sarah de Beschart, were impressed by the number of local residents who speak French well, and they enjoyed an animated evening, speaking glowingly of the visits they had made to schools and churches in the area.

Picture galleries

Thursday 6th April 2006

Dante's World - an illustrated talk by Luath Grant Ferguson held at the Allen Gallery

Monday 27th March 2006

Went to see "Billy Elliot" show in London. Thanks to Tonie Ronane for the organization and driving.

Saturday 25th March 2006

A Murder, Mystery Evening, with a band of travelling players. We had a good turn out, and it was so nice to see you all there.

Everyone enjoyed the evening, so a special thanks to all of those involved in making the event such a success.

Wednesday 8th March 2006

Visit to Petersfield Twinning Association. A good exchange of views and an enjoyable quiz

Saturday 25th February 2006

A Games / Social evening was held at Beech Village Hall. Even though only a handful of dire hard members could attend, a fun evening was had by all.

Chilli, vegetable chilli, jacket potatoes and french bread, followed by numerous desserts, was our foundation for the evening!

Then Sarah had us playing games: -

Celebrity Head

What's in the bag?

Find the Headline!

Kim's game.

By this time the wine helped!

We may not have had the format quite right this time around, but it still has potential for other social evenings in the future.

Many Thanks to all of you who attended.

Sunday 4th December 2005

The Alton Charity Market was a great success. Well done and thanks to all those who helped and contributed.

Saturday 3rd December 2005

The Christmas Luncheon at the Alton Grange Hotel

Saturday 12th November 2005

"Venice Through The Eyes of Canaletto"

The coach left Alton at 09:15, on its way to the Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace. The trip was arranged as part of the Association's cultural programme.

The exhibition of Canaletto's work was excellent, made more enjoyable as the audio guide complimented the lecture given by David Davis, just the week before.

After a couple of hours in the Queens gallery, we had about three hours in which some had lunch; shopped or visited other local museums.

We arrived back in Alton at about 18:00, ending a thoroughly enjoyable day out.

Many thanks to David Davis, Herta Deverill and Suzanne Wilson for organising this visit for us.

Tuesday 8th November 2005

An evening at the Bottega dei Sapori was enjoyed by everyone who attended.

Tiziano and Maggie did us proud. The Prosecco flowed, and the canapes were gorgeous.

May be next time a few more people will attend.

Photos at the Bottega

Thursday 3rd November 2005

The lecture "Venice Through the eyes of Canaletto", by David Davis held at the Allen Gallery on Thursday 3rd November. This event attended by more than 30 people was most informative and enjoyable.

Afterwards a glass or two of wine was shared, as we relaxed in the pleasant surroundings of the Allen gallery.

Many thanks to David Davis and Herta Deverill for organising the event, and to Tony Cross and his staff for the use of the gallery.

The event was a preparatory lecture and slideshow before a visit to see the Canaletto exhibition at the Queens gallery, of which there are still tickets available.

Tuesday 26th July 2005

All Hallows Catholic school trip to Montecchio Maggiore

A group of sixty pupils from All Hallows Catholic School Farnham visited Montecchio Maggiore for a ten day concert tour.  The pupils, aged 11 - 18 gave a series of concerts in Sovizzo, Ss Trinita, Brendola and Valdimolino as well as our farewell concert in front of the town hall of Montecchio Maggiore.

Mark Banks reported "We stayed in a Monastery in Trinita and were given an official welcome by the Mayor in the Town Hall.

I am indebted to Carlo Zanin for making this visit possible." 

All the concerts, which started at 9:00 p.m. were warmly received and on each occasion the pupils were kindly given a buffet by the hosting venue, which was enjoyed by all despite being nearly midnight.

The concerts consisted of performances by the Concert Band, Jazz Band, The String Orchestra, Cantamus ( choir ), MJQ, Big Band and the Folk Group. Each concert lasted about 100 minutes and was presented by Dr Carlo Zanin.

He made all the detailed arrangements for the accommodation and concerts as well as all the other numerous things, which needed to be in place. 

Although All Hallows Catholic School is in Farnham, it takes pupils from a wide catchment area, which includes Alton and Four Marks as well as Aldershot and Farnborough.

Saturday 25th June 2005

Many thanks to Sarah Tucker for organising a skittles evening at the French Horn.

It was a shame than not many people attended, but those who did thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Margaret showed that she had the "Killer" instinct!

The skittles photo gallery

Wednesday 18th May 2005

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING at the Allen Gallery, starting at 19:30.

2005 AGM Agenda (PDF, 384KB)

2005 AGM Minutes (PDF, 12KB)

2005 AGM Chairman's Report (PDF, 13KB)
2005 AGM Social Secretary's Report (PDF, 13KB)

The AGM saw one new Committee member elected (Mike Bancroft), and Chairman Pam Jones thanked the previous committee for all of their hard work. Special mention was given to John and Herta Deverill for all of their valiant services over the years.

Thursday 7th to Monday 11th April 2005 - Visit to Montecchio Maggiore

AS WE boarded the coach in Alton at 6.15 am we felt apprehensive, wondering what our host family would be like, not having stayed with an Italian family before and speaking very little Italian.

After the short flight, arrival at Verona airport was on time and the coach arrived to take us into Verona to look around and later to meet back at the coach at 5 pm. The sun was shining as we climbed the steps of the spectacular Roman Arena and looked out over the rooftops of the city.

As we approached Montecchio Maggiore we were again slightly nervous as we came to the Scout Hut, where we were to meet our host families. Another ‘first timer’ said he knew how children, who were evacuated, must have felt waiting to be met by their new families! There were biscuits and drinks served by the Scoutmaster, who was keen to show us pictures of other Altonians, who had visited. People who had been before greeted their hosts with hugs and kisses and we waited. Our host couple were introduced to us and we shook hands. We left the Scout Hut with our luggage and transferred to their waiting car. It was not far to their home, which would also be our home for the next 4 days. Our hosts showed us to our accommodation and said we were to rest and refresh for a 7.30 pm dinner.

Dinner was huge, five courses, and our hostess said it was all local dishes and produce, with local wine (from the jug) and various grappas. It was all superb.

We found that this occasion was repeated on every day of our stay, either at home or with other members of the group. Our hostess could speak quite good English, but out host none, so with our tiny smattering of Italian our hostess worked very hard translating in both directions!

As time went on we became more relaxed and felt that we were truly welcome in their home and they could not do enough for us. On the Sunday, when it poured with rain, they drove us on a tour of Montecchio and the surrounding area, taking in Juliet’s castle with its superb views, and the local Palladian villa. They have both lived in Montecchio all their lives and wherever we went we would meet their friends and be introduced proudly as the visitors from Alton. The day trips, which the Italian Twinning Association had arranged to Venice and Vicenza were excellent and the warmth and friendship shown by everyone from the Mayor downwards throughout our stay was so genuine.

We would encourage anybody to join the Twinning Association and to go to Montecchio. We are looking forward to our new friends’ visit to us so that we can show them around and try to repay their wonderful hospitality. They were so kind and friendly it was an honour to stay there. There is so much to see and do in the Montecchio area, we are looking forward to returning as soon as we can.

Peter and Mary Field

Photos from the trip to Montecchio Maggiore

Tuesday 29th March 2005

Lecture on the work and style of Palladio

The first in our Cultural Programme, a lecture on Palladio and his work at the Alton Community Centre.

David Davis and Herta Deverill organised the event, and our guest lecturer was Judith Patrick, who was excellent.

Every one enjoyed themsleves, and we look forward to future events

Saturday 19th February 2005

Venetian Ball

The inaugural Venetian Ball held at the Alton Grange Hotel was a great success.

More than 80 of us had a wonderful meal, before dancing the night away to the Alton College Jazz Band,and the house disco.

The event wouldn't have been possible if we hadn't received kind permission from Amaryllis for the use of the marquee, and Andrea, David and all the staff at the Alton Grange Hotel.

I can't wait to next year!

2005 Venetian Ball Photos

Saturday 4th December 2004

Unveiling of the Mosaic

This was an invitation only event.

The program for the day was: -

1:30 - Arrive at the Alton Grange Hotel, for Christmas Lunch.

17:00 - We arrived at Alton Town Library for the unveiling of the mosaic, by the two mayors Roger Fitzer and Maurizio Scalabrin.
Wine, soft drink and canapés were served during the evening.

19:30 - A slide show was presented in the Assembly Rooms, by Professor Luciano Chilese.

The slides shown were of a recent Montecchian expedition by the CAI Club Alpino Italiano to Karakorum.

It was a thouroughly enjoyable evening.

We hoped that you all enjoyed the day.

Wednesday 17th November 2004

Italian Evening

A big thank you to Tiziano and Maggie for inviting us to an Italian Evening at the Bottega dei Sapori.

This was a very enjoyable evening, giving us the chance to sample some pesto, olive oils, cheese and salami, in a relaxed friendly atmosphere.

Even some Italian was spoken, as the wine, coffee and good food was served.

Thank you to all who attended.

Friday 29th October 2004

Quiz Night held at Beech Village Hall.

Thank you to every one who attended this event. It was a successful evening that was most enjoyable.

Congratulations to the winning team, "You're taking the Pizza." (Peter & Carolyn Goodrham;Maurice & Eunice Hopkins; Paul & Judy Mortara.)

Special thanks to Luath Grant-Ferguson for being an excellent compere, and to all the other willing helpers on the night.

The final scores will be published here in due course.

Thursday 23rd September 2004

The opening of the New Library will give you all a chance to see the mosaic, that has been manufactured by Bisazza Spa in Alte di Montecchio Maggiore for us.

The Mosaic is situated on the first floor, and we think it looks magnificent! Lets us know what you think?

Many thanks to all of those involved in the project, for making the dream a reality.

Treasure Hunt held on Saturday 17th July 2004.

Starting at 4pm from the Community Centre, many intrepid adventurers set out on our Treasure Hunt. (Those still trying to get to the final clue can follow this link!!!)

Nick and Sarah Tucker devised and organised the event, with two trails so that you could either walk around Alton, or drive around the surrounding countryside.

Car Treasure Hunt

Walking Treasure Hunt

The evening ended at the Worldham Park Golf Club, that provided us with a terrific venue and BBQ.

At the end of the evening we moved inside, and Bryan Harrison, showed the video that he made of the recent Italian visit to Alton, which was of interest to old and new members alike.

In helping make this evening such a success, we also have to thank: -

Sue Wilson, Paula Stanners, and David Woodroofe.

All those who donated raffle prizes, especially Bottega dei Sapora and Alton, Bolt and Tool.

for yet again providing all of the video and projection equipment.

and....

Lastly a big thank you to you all, for turning up, and making it such a great evening.

Treasure Hunt Photo Gallery

Saturday 19th June.

Beech Village Fete and Hog Roast.

An excellent afternoon for a fete.

Many thanks to Pam Jones, Sarah Tucker and Bryan Harrison, for giving up their time for the cause of the Association. Without them we wouldn't have been able to participate.

Also a big thank you goes to John Jones, Winkie Harrison, John and Herta Deverill, Paula Stanners and David Woodroofe for their support during the afternoon.

We were invited to the fete, only a few days before the event. We accepted the invitation, and put together a promotional stall to inform people about us. As a committee, we think that this was worth while, and would participate in similar events in the future.

During the afternoon we also held two competitions:-

The winner of "Guess the weight of the pasta" was June Sherwood.

The winner of "How well do you know Italy" was Daniel Steel.

To read the Beech Village report of this event, follow the link below: -

Beech Village Fete and Hog Roast

2004 AGM Report

AGM Minutes 2004 (PDF, 14KB)

The AGM was held courtesy of Tony Curtis at the Allen Gallery on Thursday 20th May 2004. It was nice to see new members as well as the "Regular faces" in attendance. After the formal business, members chatted over a glass or two of wine, and enjoyed the surroundings of the gallery. This was a nice way to thank the retiring Chairman, Pam Bradford and other members for all the hard work that they have put in to make the Association a success. The formal minutes of the meeting will be published in due course. The following have been elected to form the committee of the ATTA: -

April 2004

Alton has played host to a party of 35 visitors from its twin town of Montecchio Maggiore in Northern Italy. The Italian group was led by the Sindaco (Mayor), Giuseppe Ceccato, who wanted to visit Alton again before the expiry of his mayoral tenure of five years.

He and his wife stayed at the Alton House Hotel, while the other visitors were accommodated by hosts in and around Alton. According to Alton Town Twinning Association (ATTA) spokesperson John Deverill, the guests arrived at Stansted and visited Cambridge before continuing by coach to Alton.

Following a reception at the Town Hall hosted by Alton Town Mayor Pam Jones, the party divided to visit Coors Brewery and Chawton House Library and Study Centre, with many having lunch in beautiful weather in the garden of John and Herta Deverill in Kings Road. They then visited Chawton School, whose children and staff have for some years been exchanging material and e-mails with their counterparts at Zanella Primary School in Montecchio under the guidance of Pam Jones and her Italian counterpart. Four children from Zanella School visited Alton with their parents.

After a talk by Luath Grant-Ferguson and David Davis on the planned visit to Oxford the next day, the Italian visitors played skittles with many ATTA members at the Golden Pot until bedtime.

The visit by coach to Oxford on Saturday, led by Luath and David, included Queen's College, University College, the Radcliffe Camera Museum, bookshops, and other places of particular interest with free time for the visitors to pursue their own interests.

On Sunday Altonian hosts took their guests on different outings - to Windsor, London, Portsmouth and Chartwell, while some just stayed at home until the evening when there was a celebration supper at the Alton Scout Pavilion in Anstey Park, provided by the Alton Town Twinning Association. The wine had been brought from Montecchio for the occasion and the Alton Morris team provided both entertainment and exercise, in which the visitors joined with gusto.

The group returned to Italy on Monday, after a visit to Hampton Court Palace. According to Wing Commander Deverill: "Many old friendships were reinforced and new friendships made which is the object of the twinning."

The next ATTA occasion is expected to be the unveiling of the mosaic, commissioned by the association to be made in Montecchio Maggiore to commemorate Alton's twinning with the Italian town. The mosaic is to be installed in Alton's new library.

Letters from Montecchio Maggiore - April 2004

I hope that you are all well and relaxed after our departure.

Your work has been great and we are all fully satisfied. The memory of this trip will stay with us for a long long time. As agreed I have contacted the director of the Scouts, and have given him the e-mail address so that he can make contact directly with the Alton Scouts. Also I have contacted two of the local golf clubs, and both secretaries were positive about the prospects of meeting golfers form Alton. I will send their literature to you. How ever there internet addresses are: -

www.abnet.it/aziende/golfclubcolliberici/
www.golfclubvicenza.com

I am willing to help liaise between these organisations if required. There is another golf course about 70km form Montecchio Maggiore on the plateau of Asiago, but I have made no contact there. Thank you once again for a most enjoyable visit.

Carlo

Hello Alton,

I was in Alton with my son on 15,16,17,18 and 19 April this year, and we had a really great time! We stayed with a wonderful family, and we say thanks to them for their wonderful hospitality. We had great fun and …great British and International cuisine!!!!

It was our first time in Alton. We knew about the Twinning between Alton and Montecchio, but we had never had the idea to travel, or to have an English family stay at our home. I THINK THAT THIS IS A VERY CLEVER IDEA!

Nearly everyone nowadays has the chance to travel, or to go abroad on holiday, but staying with a family is a completely different experience, and gives the perspective of seeing the country from the inside out. Learning and making new friends is even better!

I thought that everything was extremely well organised, and special thanks should go to all those from Alton and Montecchio Maggiore who made this possible.

Antonella

We have arrived back in Italy, without any problems and on time! We had no problems at the airport, and we must thank the coach driver, Roger who made every thing so easy for us during the entire visit. We had a great day at Hampton Court; the gardens are "une merveille".

I cannot hide the fact that when I arrived home, I was extremely tired, but now rested I can reflect upon what has been achieved. Thank you for all that you have done for us; Be proud, you have all done well and everything has been absolutely perfect.

Ciao e a presto

Carlo