An exhibition currently on view in the Shire Hall, celebrates the 50 years of twinning between Monmouth and its French counterpart, Carbonne.

Marilyn Jones one of the members of the twinning association thanked everyone for coming and added that it was “especially nice that David Evans the mayor of Monmouth and his console Fiona as well as town council members are here today to officially launch this exhibition to celebrate 50 years of Twinning between Monmouth and Carbonne,”.

“Thank you so much to Caroline Haynes of Monlife who expertly guided us to create this exhibition and a special thanks to Jane Harvey who led to committee so that we could gather together materials and ideas in order to portray the history and ethos of the Twinning since its founding in 1975.

“It's wonderful to have a twinning recognized in this way in the Shire Hall.

“I think what comes across is the profound friendship between our twin towns as well as the ongoing cultural exchanges which have developed over the years despite the geographical distance which separates us and our linguistic and cultural differences.

“I feel that this is especially heartening in the present world climate where there is so much competition and conflict between nations

“As it says on the first poster in the exhibition, the best thing about being a Twinning member is the friendships you make in France and fact that our twin town Carbonne becomes a real home from home.

“As they say in France ‘viva le Jumelage’.”

Monmouth residents have enjoyed regular ‘exchange visits’, linking with friends in our French Twin Town, Carbonne, for almost 50 years.

Membership is open to all Monmouth residents – families, singles, couples, members of sports or cultural groups.

And there’s no need to be able to speak French!