The celebration ceremonies of the 20th anniversary of our Twinning ended with the inauguration in front of the Great Dunmow's Maltings of a remembering plate, at the entrance of the museum. I reckon this as a testimony of durability, strengthened by the increase in number of members of our association recorded in 2011.

Construction programmes being carried-out in Dourdan and its area have brought news inhabitants and are likely to continue in this way. Among those who will read those lines, may I invite newly arrived families to take knowledge of the partnership activities between our two twinned towns and make contact if they would like to participate in a friendship that has been on over 20 years.

 Events organised by our association in 2011 are summarised in the foregoing pages. As far as I am concerned, I will certainly steadily keep in mind our visit to Windsor Castle in May, so well organised by our British friends. But worth to be mentioned are our active participation in the new events :  Foire du Hurepoix and Medieval Fest on 4 days, not forgetting our English courses which have recorded a big increase in number of attendants.

 Year 2012 which begins will see the traditional ceremony of the"Flitch Trial" (held every 4 years) happening again in Dunmow. It should be nice is some people from Dourdan are present and we are currently thinking about the way such participation can be organised. Any suggestion in this matter is welcome.

2012 will be the year of my 70th birthday, but also the last of the 5 years I have been pleased to lead  the Twinning Association. As a matter of fact, I have always said that this milestone will point out that time has come when a younger successor is required to take over and continue making the twinning lively. It should be necessary that volunteers apply now. MIND ! If no-one wishes to take over, this might result in our Twinning coming to an end !

 This is what I wish to our twinning for this new year. I also send to yourself and families, dear Members and Friends of Entente Cordiale, my best wishes for a very happy new year. I also thank all members of our Committee for the time they have devoted to our association, as well as the Essonne County Council and Dourdan Town Council for their subsidies and support.

                                                                                              Christian RAFFIN