The Barrow and District Twinning Association

Barrow Upon Soar is twinned with the French town of Marans in the Charente Maritime of southwest France.
The twinning association aims to foster relations between the two towns and regularly arranges exchange visits. In addition we have regular social events for members and guests throughout the year.

Marans

Marans is the western gateway town to the 'Marais Poitevin', a beautiful, tourist canal and marshland park. In fact it is between this Marais Poitevin marshlands park and the ocean, in the heart of a large inter-regional park. It covers 82.5 square kilometres (32 square miles) and is home to 4,428 inhabitants.

The 'Sèvre Niortaise' River, which divides the town in two, is of major importance to the town. The riverside quays and the town centre port are reminders of the importance of shipping in the town's past. Now that Marans has become more of a maritime and riverboat tourist destination, the port has been developed into a 180-berth marina and the regions 100 kilometres (62 miles) of canals have made it a very popular fishing and nature vacation resort. There are many boat trips to go on and many walking trails discovering a wealth of fauna and flora along the riverbanks. The surrounding area has many cultural attractions and Marans itself has received a national award for its floral decorations.

The Association

The twinning association currently has about 30 families from Barrow and the surrounding areas as members. And we would welcome new members.

* There is no obligation to speak French, join the committee or even go to France to become a member.

* We have a series of social events throughout the year, and in the recent past we have organised:-
- visits to theatre and ballet
- a day out boating on the canal
- regular trips to local pubs and resturants
- walks in the countryside
- trips to see Shakespeare performed at Tolethorpe Hall
- skittles evenings
- quiz night

Click above link for details of social events planned by the group.
If you want more information on a social event please contact one of the names listed at the bottom of this page.

If I want to join or want more information

Contact
Sue Rodgers (Chair) Tel (01509) 416533
Val Gillings (Vice Chair) Tel:
Mike Morley (Treasurer) Tel: (01509)412982
Kathryn Timmons (Secretary) Tel: (1509) 416168