When Le Marche was first launched in 1997 Wealden District Council suggested that some stall holders from Forges-Les-Eaux be invited. Forges is in an area called Le Pays de Bray with which Wealden is linked. Following the success of that initial market both towns decided that they were interested in a more formal relationship and discussions took place which resulted in a twinning link being established at a signing ceremony in Forges in May 1998.

Over the succeeding years the relationship has gone from strength to strength with 2018 marking the Association’s 20th Anniversary.  Traders from Forges have taken part in Le Marche on several occasions in the past and Forges has also provided some of the  entertainment.   Although in recent years it has not been practical for anyone from Forges to take part in le Marche it is hoped that this year will see a return presence from our twin town.

Group visits take place every year with each town alternating the role of host and many friendships have been established.  An important feature of any twinning relationship is the exchange of cultural, educational and sporting links and in the past his has involved bridge, the Heathfield Community College and tennis, rugby and showjumping.  The Waldron Croquet Club’s annual competition with Catenay – a neighbouring village of Forges – continues and a group of cyclists from Buchy – another of Forges’s neighbouring villages – are frequent users of the Cuckoo Trail and visitors to Le Marche.   A link between the Heathfield Choral Society and La Chorale in Forges has been successfully established with several joint concerts taking place in both towns and last year Heathfield Community College hosted a science teacher from Forges.

All in all the Twinning Association has created a flourishing and beneficial link between our two towns, thanks in the first place to Le Marche.

For up to date news or if you are interested in learning more about the Twinning Association please contact the Chairman sheiladrennan@btinternet.com. To discover more about our twin town please visit the Forges-Les-Eaux website
www.ville-forges-les-eaux.fr.

Sheila Drennan, Chairman