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This year has started rather quietly for us but there has recently been a quick succession of events and news that it is time again to share these with you. Almost like waiting for buses!
GAMES EVENING 6 FEBRUARY
To add some post-festive cheer, we held a games evening on 6 February at St. Peter’s Hall which about 20 members attended. Members of the committee brought in various board and card games for people to choose as they wished. We had fish and chips from Mother Kelly’s. Everyone had a delightful time and there was more and more laughter as the evening wore on! We hope to repeat this event again next year.
AGM 24 MARCH
Our AGM was held on 24 March in the refurbished Council Chamber. The meeting was well attended and a range of issues were discussed including our events, twinning in general and visits. An annual fee increase from 1st April 2026 to £15 (individual), £24 (family) and £40 (organisation) was unanimously accepted by those present. The committee was re-elected and the point was made that the committee will require new members next year, as several current members wish to stand down from their current roles, especially that of Honorary Treasurer.
INTERNATIONAL SUPPER 15 MAY
This year, our international supper at the United Reform Church had a Canadian theme with salmon Wellington, pancakes, maple syrup, maple leaf bunting, lots of decorations in red and white as well as a picture quiz on Canadian landmarks and celebrities. The kitchen crew did a fantastic job in order to produce our meal efficiently and on time. It was a successful evening and enjoyed by all.
CYCLISTS FROM FECKENHORST 18-20 MAY
A group of four intrepid cyclists from Freckenhorst, a village near Warendorf, cycled to Petersfield in mid-May as part of their town twinning tour Freckenhorst-Petersfield-Pavilly. Members and friends of our Association were so kind as to host them for the 3 days they were here. The then mayor Chris Paige welcomed them to the town hall for a morning reception along with the Petersfield Bicycle Buddies, who met up with them for a brief tour in the Petersfield area. Unfortunately for them, the weather was not always ideal for a gentle ride around the Hampshire countryside!
BARENTIN 5-8 JUNE
Fourteen members visited Barentin for an extended weekend (Friday – Monday), including some first-time travellers. The ferry timetable meant it was an early morning start to Newhaven and after a lengthy check-in we had a calm crossing. Our hosts welcomed us in Dieppe in their private cars and soon after our arrival in Barentin, we were treated to an official reception by the mayor and several councillors. Saturday was a day with hosts and many of us enjoyed trips in and around Barentin and to nearby Rouen. On Sunday, a coach took us to Château Vendeuvre in a different part of Normandy where we had a delightful and fascinating personal tour by the count himself. The count guided us through the various rooms which contained stunning furniture, décor, automatons, china and collectibles. He conducted the tour in English and French and played the spinet for us to give us an impression of a 18th century soirée. The garden was beautifully laid out with a seashell grotto, a lake called “The Mirror”, water courses and surprise fountains which were triggered as you walked past. The Orangerie contained an enchanting collection of miniature furniture. Our hosts also treated us to a lovely dinner at the château restaurant. It was a memorable visit. Our friend Edwige captured the entire visit beautifully in a slide show which you can access by clicking the two links below.
https://youtu.be/ozr8FBGnAYk?si=Fye3DJFNyd9TQdtu
https://youtu.be/8SCZakdULxg?si=c79vJcPJNXno0Qu9
WARENDORF VISIT 19-25 AUGUST
We are expecting 17 of our friends from Warendorf this year and I would like to thank those of you who have offered to host them for this period. Our visitors have asked for a range of visits and activities which have been able to organise for them. There might be some minor adjustments to the start and end times but the programme will be as follows:
19 August – Arrival in the evening in Petersfield. Our visitors are coming in two groups, as some are travelling by train and others by air.
20 August – Late morning - Walking tour of Petersfield in German; Evening – Drinks reception at The Avenue Pavilion
21 August – 10.30 am Visit of D-Day Museum, lunch at museum. Afternoon - free time in Southsea. Hosts may join if they wish. Transport in private cars
22 August – Day with hosts
23 August – 9.00 am depart by coach for visit of Highclere Castle. Hosts may join if they wish. Due to high demand at Highclere Castle, only a limited number of hosts may participate.
24 August – Morning – Walk on the South Downs; Evening – Farewell meal at The Half Moon, Sheet
Further details will be provided to the hosts as well as the price for taking part in the various excursions. It is customary for the Association to fund admission and official meals for our visitors. Our members bear the costs outings themselves.
FURTHER PLANNED EVENTS
Bowling evening including meal at Petersfield Bowling Club – 10 September (time to be confirmed by the club)
Quiz Night at the Half Moon including meal – 18 November

Have a lovely summer and best wishes from The Committee!