The objective of this group is to enable French to be spoken on a regular basis in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.  Many people are inhibited from using their French because they are shy or do not like being corrected every time they make a mistake.  This is a conversation group, not a study group.  Mistakes here will be ignored as will gaps in vocabulary.  The purpose of the group is to increase confidence and there is a great variety of subject matter to use.  The group usually meet on the third Tuesday of each month, and volunteer to host the meetings on a random basis.  The host usually has the responsibility of designing the programme for the evening.  Those with little experience or those with a stronger knowledge of the language are equally welcome to attend.  Current attendees enjoy the evenings, always learning something new or helping others.

With the continued objective of fostering local interest and maintaining funds, various local events are organised throughout each year.  Theses include an annual quiz, wine-tasting evenings, parties, barn dances, seasonal meals and a range of other ideas, including some joint ventures with Denmead and Horndean Twinning Associations.

Young Twinners aged between 13 and 17 years are encouraged to participate and in previous years, events have been organised by both France and UK for youth to participate on outdoor pursuits.

I have been on several trips to France and our French friends have been to England.  I really enjoy being with Veronique - we are the same age and like the same things.  On our last trip to France with the Clanfield Twinning, I went to  school in France !  It was good fun, difficult to understand but I learned a lot and even managed to speak a little with Veronique’s friends.  We have also been horse riding and roller booting together.
Veronique and I don’t speak much of each other’s language - we understand each other using French - English translator.  It is fun to try new foods, see new places and meet new people,  One of the things I enjoy most has to be breakfast.  We have chocolate milk in HUGE bowls, chocolate croissants and chocolate spread !!  In the evenings there are dinner dances where all the French and English people join together and dance the night away.  The children even get to taste the wine !!  Whatever we are doing, it’s always great fun .
                                                                                                                                                              Zoe Adams        

There have been a few “arts” exchanges, principally painting exhibitions.  The most important of these was the visit to Clanfield of Club  Feminin in April 1996.