We are often asked what Twinning is all about and it would seem that this Web page could be a useful vehicle to explain the concept of Twinning to a wider audience.

Twinning was first established in the 1940s and early '50s when people in various towns in different countries were looking to establish relationships and better understanding of each other's history and culture in the wake of a terrible world conflict which had torn peoples and nations apart.

In 1949 Ramsgate was approached by the Town of Frederikssund in Denmark, which seemed quite appropriate since the history of the Isle of Thanet was closely associated with Vikings, and it was in June of that year that a replica Viking Longboat sailed across the North Sea and deposited its crew upon the shores of what is now Viking Bay. Thus began a process during which time Ramsgate also came to be twinned with Conflans Ste Honorine in France.

However, partly because of distance and the structure of the Frederikssund set-up, contact with that town has been confined mainly to messages of friendship between the two mayors, although several visits have taken place, the most recent being an invitation by the Mayor of Frederikssund for Ramsgate's Mayor and a small delegation to visit Denmark in October 2003, with a view to forming closer links.

In 2004 Ramsgate and Conflans Ste Honorine celebrate 25 years of twinning. The Comite de Jumelage and the Ramsgate Twinning Association have always had close links with many exchange visits and firm friendships being formed over the years. Links have also been formed between Ramsgate and Chimay in Belgium, one of the towns twinned with Conflans and it has been felt by the Ramsgate committee that the association between Ramsgate and Chimay should be placed on a more formal footing. This feeling is also reciprocated by the Belgians and a request was put to the Ramsgate Charter Trustees for such a twinning to take place. In 2005 a Twinning agreement was signed by the two Town Mayors.

Various local organisations are already involved in the exchanges and particular encouragement is given to the younger generation, to help them to gain a better understanding of different lifestyles.

The Ramsgate Association meets once every month for talks,discussion on business matters relating to twinning and to socialise. In the last few years membership has been on the increase and there is much to look forward to. New members are always made welcome and families prepared to host visitors from our twin towns find the experience most rewarding.

The aims and objectives of the Association are very simple; they are:

• To promote and foster international goodwill, friendship and understanding between the twinned towns.

• Stimulate and foster personal contacts and exchanges between individuals and families

• Promote and encourage exchanges between education, sporting and cultural organisations

• Promote these aims through correspondence, meeting and social events

• Organise fund-raising activities to support these aims and objectives

A committee of a Chairman, Vice Chairman, Hon Secretary. Hon Treasurer and such other Officers the Association may from time to time appoint are elected annually to ensure the smooth running of the Association.

Membership can be applied for through our Membership Secretary, Cllr. Steve Ward 24, Muir Road Ramsgate CT11 8AX.

Last updated 26 October 2009.