Ilkley-Coutances Twinning Committee

The Twinning Committee exists to foster links between organisations and people in the two towns of Ilkley and Coutances, with the ultimate aim of encouraging international understanding and co-operation.

Coutances is an attractive market town in Normandy, of a similar size to Ilkley. The original twinning began immediately after the second world war between the towns’ secondary schools. As a result of these exchanges the then Ilkley Urban District Council decided to twin with Coutances. Agreements were signed first in Ilkley and then in Coutances. Since then there has been a lively programme of visits between Coutances and Ilkley, with many of the two towns’ organisations taking part.

In addition, each year a Civic visit takes place, with each town taking turns at hosting the other. Most recently, Ilkley visited Coutances in October 2004, as part of the celebrations of the thirty-fifth year of Twinning.

Fund raising is carried out during the year to help fund the hospitality for the visits. Events such as cheese and wine evenings, raffles and stalls at Ilkley events are held. Some funding is also received from Bradford Metropolitan District Council.

The Twinning Committee is made up of representatives of organisations in Ilkley, as well as individuals who may join as ‘friends’. The annual subscription is £5.00 for an organisation and £3.00 for Friends. New members are very welcome; if you are interested in helping to further the ‘Entente Cordiale’ between Ilkley and Coutances, call Secretary Margaret Smith on 01943 601336, or come along to one of the meetings. These take place on the 3rd Thursday of January, March, July and September in the Council Chamber of Ilkley Town Hall, opposite the bus and railway stations. Meetings begin at 7.30pm.