Kings Langley and Achiet-le-Grand make a twinning combination (From Watford Observer)

Kings Langley and Achiet-le-Grand make a twinning combination

10:10pm Tuesday 13th October 2009 in

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Kings Langley parish councillors will be taking a £1,000 trip to France to sign a "friendship charter", in order to continue to nurture common community interests.

Five councillors will spend a weekend in Achiet-le-Grand, northern France, to sign the charter at the beginning of November. The excursion will also entail opening an exhibition and a wine reception.

Parish clerk Paul Dunham said: “Costs of £1,000 have been set aside by the parish council to cover the hire of the coach on November 6 and for the ferry crossing.”

Members of the public attending the meeting last Tuesday said they hoped that there would be opportunities for local businesses as a result of signing.

After proceedings, local resident Stanley Gray said: “I think it’s important that we try to maintain relations with our overseas friends, so I think signing the charter is a very good idea."

The formal twinning of Kings Langley and Achiet-le-Grand has been on the cards for some time.

In March 2007 a ceremony was held in the French town to commemorate World War One hero and Kings Langley resident Christopher Cox.

Mr Cox acted as a stretcher bearer with the Seventh Battalion of the Bedford Regiment and took part in an attack on German defences south of the French town, near Arras in northern France, on March 15, 1917.

Risking his own life to save others, despite heavy gunfire, Mr Cox was rewarded with Britain's highest military award, the Victoria Cross.

Twinning will act as a permanent reminder of Mr Cox’s courageous actions and should help the two communities grow together, developing strong networks between local organisations.