Heathfield & Waldron Twinning Association
Heathfield is twinned with the picturesque market town of Forges-les-Eaux in Normandy. The twinning was established in 1998 following Heathfield’s first French Street Market – Le Marché – held the previous year when a number of stall holders from Forges were invited to take part. The success of that initial market led to the decision to set up a more formal relationship between the two towns and the twinning link was established at a ceremony in Forges in May 1998.
Since that time the relationship between the two towns has gone from strength to strength. Group visits take place every year with the two towns alternating the role of host and many friendships have been established on both sides of the Channel.
An important feature of any twinning relationship is the exchange of cultural, educational and sporting links. Over the years this has involved the Heathfield Choral Society, Bridge Society, the Heathfield Community College and Tennis, Rugby and Show Jumping. Neighbouring villages of both towns also play their part in cementing the relationship with cycling clubs taking advantage of L’Avenue Verte and The Cuckoo Trail to tour our area and croquet competitions taking place between Waldron and Catenay, near Forges.
The Association also organises a number of social events throughout the year for its members including French Film Nights, BBQs, Garden Parties and Pub Skittles. It also has an annual fundraising quiz, open to all, which usually takes place towards the end of the year and is always a well supported and enjoyable event.
Overall the Association has created a strong and very beneficial link between the two towns, one which continues to flourish after more than 25 years.
If you are interested in learning more about the Twinning Association please contact Sheila Drennan sheiladrennan@btinternet.com.
To discover more about our twin town please click on the link to visit the Forges-Les-Eaux website: https://www.forgesleseaux.fr/
Our Aims
- To promote and foster friendship and understanding between the people of HEATHFIELD & WALDRON and those of FORGES-LES-EAUX in FRANCE
- To encourage visits by individuals and groups to and from linked towns and the development of personal contacts, and by so doing to broaden the mutual understanding of the cultural, recreational, educational and commercial activities of the linked towns
- To organise fund-raising activities to foster the aims of the Association.
More details can be found in our Constitution, which is attached to our membership application form.
Heathfield and Waldron is a civil parish within the Wealden District of East Sussex, England. Heathfield is surrounded by the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Forges-les-Eaux is a commune in the Seine-Maritime department in the Normandy region in northern France.