France/ After 40 years of friendship with a German municipality, the Ancinnes twinning committee will be mothballed
Created in 1986, the Ancinnes (Sarthe) twinning committee is celebrating 40 years of friendship with the municipality of Schwarme, Germany. But the association will soon be mothballed.
In 1986, Ancinnes officially sealed its twinning with Schwarme, a German commune of 2,700 inhabitants, located in the state of Lower Saxony and in the district of Diepholz.
Forty years on, our German friends came to celebrate the event. They were welcomed into Ancinn families from Tuesday May 12 for a short week of shared activities and discoveries. The program included an outing to Saumur and the surrounding region.
A final trip before being put to rest
As for the Ancinnois, they'll be going in the opposite direction next year. A trip that could well be their last.
After the visit of the Sarthois to Germany, and in consultation with both parties, the twinning committee will be mothballed.
" Generations change, habits evolve, and it's becoming more complicated to mobilize people and keep these exchanges going as before", say the members of the Anconin committee.
"Twinning is running out of steam".
This is a general observation according to Denis Assier, the mayor. "In France, twinning is running out of steam.
Everywhere, there is a lack of renewal, a progressive disinterest and a certain skepticism about the future of twinning.
Denis Assier, mayor of Ancinnes.
Twinning began to multiply in the 1960s, particularly with Germany, 25 years after the end of the Second World War.
Initially a sporting friendship
"In Ancinnes, our history has been different," recalls mayor Denis Assier. "It wasn't the spirit of reconciliation that prompted us to twin up with Schwarme, but sport!"
Indeed, handball players have been meeting regularly since a first exchange in 1972. Following in the footsteps of the young sportsmen and women, the two communities felt the need to deepen the friendship and solidarity between our two regions," comments Gerda.Gerda Sundermann-Oldenburg, wife of Johann-Dieter Oldenburg, mayor of Schwarme, who was unable to attend the ceremony for health reasons.
Since then, some 15 volunteers from Anconin receive their German counterparts or travel to Germany every year.
"Next year, we'll be visiting them to celebrate this 40th anniversary with German customs," says Pierrette Grouas, president of the Ancinn twinning committee.
"Strong ties forged
Despite this lack of energy, the German representative, assisted by an interpreter, was quick to point out the importance of this relationship. "We not only discovered the beauty of your country, but also the kindness and warm hospitality of the Ancinnois people who welcomed us into their homes.
Our twinning has enriched both our communities and our hearts.
Gerda Sundermann-Oldenburg, representative of the municipality of Schwarme.
"Even if tomorrow the committee no longer exists, strong links have been forged and families from both countries will remain united," confirms Pierrette Grouas.
"Still a little hope
Despite everything, the Sarthe mayor remains optimistic. "Let's make sure that these 40 years are not the end, but a new beginning, by involving the younger generations".
He hopes to introduce a new type of twinning, better suited to the younger generation.
"With the college, trips take place every year and relationships are created between French and German correspondents. So there's still a bit of hope," he believes.
Source: actu.fr/pays-de-la-loire/
