A visit to Le Blanc Mesnil – Sandwell continues to develop its international relations
Members of Sandwell Twinning Association were delighted to visit Sandwell’s twinned town, Le Blanc Mesnil near Paris, this summer for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic.
On their arrival the Mayor of Le Blanc Mesnil, Jean-Philippe Ranquet, welcomed them at a civic reception in the Hôtel de Ville.
Members of the twinning association in Le Blanc Mesnil hosted the Sandwell members in their homes. The hosts had prepared an exciting programme of visits which included an aviation museum north of Paris, based on an old Nazi airfield, which was then in occupied France, and to a privately owned château, which had been in the owner’s family for centuries. Other visits included the city of Amiens on the Somme and the Palace of Fontainebleau.
Also travelling with members of the twinning association was a group of four students of French at Central St Michael’s Sixth Form and two teachers. Dr Matt Lamb, Principal, said: “It is wonderful that some of our students were given this brilliant opportunity to visit France and immerse themselves in the language and culture. It really helps bring to life the language that they are studying at A Level. I want to thank the people of Le Blanc Mesnil for their very kind welcome and hospitality.”
As Sandwell celebrates 50 years in 2024, next year Sandwell and Le Blanc Mesnil will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the twinning agreement between the two boroughs as ‘twinners’ from Le Blanc Mesnil will visit Sandwell. Sandwell will be organising special events to celebrate the occasion to which local people will be invited. For more information, please contact [email protected] or through Facebook at Sandwell Town Twinning Association.
Members of Sandwell
Twinning Association Gerry McMahon and Laura McMahon, left, with students and
staff from Central St Michael’s Sixth Form.
