Patchway is twinned with two towns:  Clermont l'Herault in southern France and Gauting, just south of Munich.   In 2005 we celebrated 10 years of twinning with Clermont.   The twinning with Gauting took place in 2002.

In 2006 a Schools Charter was signed between the schools of the three towns pledging future co-operation and links.

Clermont l'Herault

The nearest airport to Clermont is Montpellier and the town is only 40 miles from the Mediterranean Sea.    Clermont has a population of 7,000 and is the centre for the smaller towns and villages of the surrounding coutnryside.   Local produce is sold every Wednesday at the street market.    The theatre and cinema, together with the many clubs and organisations, cater for a wide range of sporting and cultural interests.    Agriculture is the main occupation of the aera.   Vines and olives are important crops.    Away from the nearby coast, the mountain scenery is spectacular and provides ideal opportunities for walking and climbing.   The nearby Lake Salagou caters for a wide range of water sports or for people who just want to relax.

http://www.clermont-herault.com/

Gauting

The nearest airport to Gauting is Munich and the town is close to an area of lakes and forest in the foot hills of the German Alps.    Gauting claims to be the birthplace Charlemagne (742 AD) but possesses no medieval buildings so typical of many old German towns and villages.     For many years the population of Gauting remained at around 1,000 but in the last 50 years it has increased rapidly to nearly 19,000.     One of Munich's main commuter railway lines runs through Gauting and many people work in Munich.   The town itself has some light industry but is surrounded by productive agricultural land.    Gauting has many cutural and sporting activities and Lake Starnberg and the Alps offer a wide range of outdoor activities.  

http://www.gauting.de/

Patchway Twinning Association is open to all individuals, organisations and companies interested in extending their knowledge and experience of life in Europe.    It aims to establish links and exchanges between individuals, organisations and companies in the Patchway area with those with similar interests in Clermont and Gauting.    The Association has around 70 members and is run by a committee elected at the Annual General Meeting.  Also on the committee are representatives of Patchway Town Council and Patchway Community College.   The Association arranges visits to and welcomes guests from Clermont l'Herault and Gauting and organises social events for members and friends.

Please contact the membership secretary for further information:             

Mrs J. Gammon, 224 Dewfalls Drive, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 9BU.  Tel: 01454-613263.