Grenay is situated in Hautes-de-France, which is the new name for the administrative area around Calais. Ruddington has been twinned with Grenay for many years, but activities have been limited. One reason for this is simply that the French have money for twinning and Ruddington has relatively little. However, with the uncertainty that follows the Brexit vote, there is a desire to strengthen links across the Channel, and elsewhere.
Ruddington has many groups and associations involved in the arts, in sport, for young people, and in health and wellbeing. The opportunity exists for any group to forge links with likeminded people in Grenay. What twinning has done in the past had great value, but there is far greater value in what twinning can achieve going forward.
The Parish Council will be working hard to develop new ideas for twinning and really make these happen. If you have even just the smallest glimmer of an idea, or simply have an enquiry, please contact either myself or the Clerk to the Council.
Nick Tegerdine, Chair, Environment & Policy Committee