Chard - Seica Mare Twinning
Chard Seica Mare Twinning Association and Project Romania have joined forces and on September 6th 2008 at 3pm Chard and Seica Mare officially TWINNED in the Guildhall.
The Twinning Association brought over the group of dignitaries including the deputy mayor, Florin Benghea, with his wife Gina, and the Mayor of Seica Mare, Nicolae Susa with his wife. The mayor of Chard and Seica Mare signed the official charter, prepared by Taylor Print and Design.
For 3 - 4 years Gina Benghea has been training a group of 70 children in the 'lost art' of traditional dance in national costume. Many of the children in this group are from poor homes and they have worked very hard to achieve a high standard. They also play complicated Romanian folk tunes on their recorders and sing sacred song.
Project Romania, in partnership with the Twinning Association, arranged for 34 of these children as a team to perform at the Twinning ceremony. They will be visiting schools in the town and joining in other Chard activities.
On Sunday 7th many towns’ people enjoyed the Civic Service of Celebration at St Mary's - dancing, singing and meeting Chard people at tea in the Hall.
On 9th September the team danced in front of international TV and Press at the start of the 3rd leg of the Tour of Britain in Crowshute link at 9am.
The whole team worked whilst here but they also had a treat, they were taken out for a day at the Crealy Adventure Park, which the Park offered a greatly reduced price. And they experienced Fish and Chips at Lyme Regis with the mayor of Chard and his wife, Martin and Nannette Wale. Typically for the UK – it rained. Nevertheless they thoroughly enjoyed seeing the sea – many for the first time.
We were grateful for help from National Express who offered a free coach to bring them from Luton and take them back and to all the many sponsors and fundraisers who helped to make this such an historic and enjoyable time.
Click here to view photos of the twinning.