Town Twinning
Athy is twinned with Grandvilliers (located in the Picardy region of France, north of Paris). The charters were formally signed in November 2004 in France and March 2005 in Athy. The Twinning Sub Committee of the Council work closely with our partners in France and organise an annual twinning event. In addition, a number of cross cultural exchange projects are organised to allow citizens of both towns engage in educational, business and social activities in the respective towns.
2010 Projects:
2nd-4th July, 2010
Annual Town Twinning. Delegation from Athy to visit Grandvilliers for programme of activities. If you are interested in joining the group, please contact 086 6688745 or Town Council.
July/August
Work placement student(s) from Grandvilliers to undertake work placement in food science related work environment. Host farm/ company required. Contact Town Council.
23rd August - 10th September
MFR Songeons- Equine & Traditional Agriculture: Sixteen MRA students to undertake work placement in Athy and environs. Host farms/ families required. Contact Town Council.
Other projects to be confirmed and added as arranged. Please contact Town Council (059) 8631444 if you would like to be involved in any current or future town twinning projects.
Grandvilliers Website - www.labaladirlandaise.fr
2009 Projects:
29th May - 1st June
Annual Town Twinning. Delegation from Grandvilliers visited Athy for fifth anniversary celebration to commemorate signing of official charters between the two towns. Various cultural events took place at Athy Town Council, Heritage Centre, Teach Emmanuel, Youth Cafe (Meeting Lane, Athy) and Women's Integrated Network (Stanhope Place, Athy).
2nd - 3rd July
Representatives from Grandvilliers Committee to visit town. Meeting with Town Twinning Committee to discuss current/future projects.
6th - 20th July
Ten students and one leader travelling to Grandvilliers for equine studies exchange/work placement.
13th - 14th July
Churchtown Pipe Band visit Grandvilliers for Bastille Day celebrations.
24th August - 11th September
Eleven students travelling from Grandvillers to undertake equine studies exchange/work placements in Athy and environs.
2008 Projects:
9th-11th May, 2008
Annual Town Twinning. A delegation of 40 people from Athy and environs visited Grandvilliers and participated in a sustainable energy conference and cultural activities over the 3 days.
21st June, 2008
Meeting in Athy with representatives from Town Council, Kildare County Council and Grandvilliers committee re. advancing possible new projects under the town twinning remit.
22nd June, 2008
Kildare County Show- 22nd July, 2008- Visit of members of Grandvilliers committee
7th-20th July, 2008
Federation of Oise Twinning Committees- 2008 Summer University, Pierrefonds, Compiegne. (Sustainable energy theme). Three students from Athy and environs attend.
25th August, 2008
Lifelong Learning Program (EACEA) & MFR Songeons- Equine & Traditional Agriculture. Eighteen MRA Students undertook a 3 week work placement in Athy and environs.