MONMOUTH’s twin town in Carbonne, France was devastated to see the town affected by flood in November, and in showing their support they handed over two generous cheques, one to Osbaston School and another towards The Mayor’s Fund.

Carbonne Town Council gave one cheque towards the Monmouth Mayor’s flood fund appeal and the association handed one over to Osbaston Parents, Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA)

A presentation was organised at Osbaston School by Monmouth Twinning Association long-term member Jane Harvey so the cheque could be received by the school.

The cheque handover was exchanged by Marilyn Jones, Chair of Monmouth Twinning Committee to Mair Davies, Chair of Osbaston PTFA.

Other attendees at the presentation included: Deborah Morgan, International Languages Teacher, Catherine Jones Headteacher at Osbaston School, Mayor of Monmouth, Councillor Jackie Atkin, Martin Newman twinning member and Mayor’s consort and pupils Matthew, Imogen, Luc and Osian from Osbaston school.

Carbonne Twinning Association and Town Council saw the news of the flooding in Monmouth on November 15 and got in touch with people in Monmouth to see how they could offer their support.

In December, Carbonne Town Council contacted Monmouth Town Council to make two generous donations, e2000 to the Mayor’s Flood Appeal and e1500 to Osbaston Church in Wales School.

The Mayor of Monmouth, Councillor Jackie Atkin wanted to share her appreciation to Carbonne for their unwavering generosity.

“I want to pass a heartfelt thanks on behalf of Monmouth Town Council and Osbaston School, the support given has made a real difference in a very difficult time and has been deeply appreciated by the school community, town council and local residents alike.

“The support shown by our twin town has made a great deal to Monmouth, not just financially but as a reminder of our strength, of our long-standing friendship and solidarity in difficult times.”

Marilyn Jones, Chair of Monmouth Carbonne Twinning Association, said: “I heard from our friends in Carbonne and they were horrified with what they heard on the news about the floods.

“I sent them videos and photos, including one of Osbaston School surrounded by water and they decided they wanted to do something.”

The Twinning Association collected donations from their members and put together funds to send to the school. One of their connections with Osbaston school has been formed over several years from their pen pal scheme “Posters, Penfriends and Friendship”, uniting year four and five pupils of both schools together, reinforcing a strong community bond overseas.

Monmouth and Carbonne have been twinned since 1975 and not to long ago they celebrated their 50th anniversary in Carbonne in September, with the planting of a tree of friendship and in Monmouth there was a celebration in form of an exhibition called the "Fifty Years of Friendship” in the Shire Hall.

Anyone in Monmouth and the surrounding area is welcome to join the twinning association. There isn’t a requirement to speak French, and the membership is free for the first year.

You can find out more about the twinning association, here: wmonmouthcarbonne.org.