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Twins closer than ever
Published 28.07.2010 11:35
Two days of events in the Borough of Spelthorne marked the 20th anniversary of the Spelthorne - Melun (France) twinning links and the first anniversary of links with Grand Port Savanne, Mauritius. Twinning Celebration Evening
A delegation of more than 40 from France and Mauritius plus representatives from Japanese local government came to Spelthorne for a workshop on Monday and Tuesday, culminating with a special twinning celebration evening at the Council Offices on Tuesday night (27 July) when a communiqué was signed, officially marking the occasion
The workshop sessions at Staines Community Centre – introduced by the Mayor of Spelthorne Councillor John O’Hara and Chief Executive Roberto Tambini - comprised presentations and demonstrations of best practice from all the countries involved. They were on such varied topics as the role of local councillors to economic development, environment and climate change.

Chief Executive Roberto Tambini said: “The events were a real success and forged relationships between both old friends and new ones.
“I have always been a strong believer in the advantages to be gained from twinning arrangements and the mutual benefits to be achieved. It was gratifying to see that so many people from Melun and Mauritius had made the effort to join us for this celebration and for the conference.
“We learned things from each other which will help us manage through these difficult times.”

The entire weekend was sponsored by a number of *businesses to whom the Council owes a debt of thanks for making the programme possible.



Notes:

Pictured above:
Standing, left to right:
  • Cllr Richard Smith-Ainsley - Deputy Leader, Spelthorne Borough Council
  • His Excellency Abhimanu Kundasamy, the High Commissioner for Mauritius, Grand Port Savanne District Council
  • Colette Melot - Melun, France.
  • The three delegates from Grand Port Savanne District Council, Mauritius - Shyam Teeluck, Vinaye Harcharan and Ramduth Basenoo
Seated, left to right:
  • Gillian Karaviotis - Mayoress
  • Roberto Tambini – Chief Executive, Spelthorne Borough Council
  • Cllr John O'Hara – Mayor, Spelthorne Borough Council
  • Cllr Sam Budd - Deputy Mayor, Spelthorne Borough Council
  • Nigel Lynn - Deputy Chief Executive, Spelthorne Borough Council

Speakers included: Robin Hambleton, Professor of City Leadership at the University of the West of England – a local government expert who has written a number of books and articles on aspects of how it is governed; Jennifer Watson, who works on environment policy with the Local Government Group’s European and International Unit and Libby Ferguson whose role promotes the role of local government in international development.

*Business sponsors: BP, BUPA, Lotus, Steria, Hunt Ford & Co Accountants, Myers, Everyone Active, HJR and Surrey County Council with media support from Surrey Herald, Eagle Radio, Solace, ACCA.



Media enquiries to the communications team on 01784 444260/446297/446373