French twin town donates books to Gosport school

Founded in 1959, the link between these towns has often been described as ‘one of the best in the UK’.

Annual school exchanges are put on at the end of May, and last summer a fete- style event was held in the grounds of Brune Park, Gosport.

The fete was attended by the chairman of Royan Twinning, who praised Brune Park, saying it was a great school and that they were deserving of the wonderful books.

‘We are delighted and honoured at this incredibly kind gift from Royan,’ said Richard Kelly, headteacher at Brune Park.

‘We think the students will enjoy them and hope they continue to do so for a long time.’

Di Dobinson, the Gosport and Royan twinning secretary, said: ‘It was magnificent to see the books handed to the school.

‘I know they are wanted and we really hope the students enjoy and get good use out of them.

‘It’s great to have this connection between the school and the twinning.’

The gifting of books between schools was organised by the Royan half of the Royan and Gosport Twinning organisation, and Councillor Austin Hicks.

The head boy and head girl of Brune Park, Lewis Smith and Madeline Bishop, attended the ceremony alongside Ms Dobinson, and the mayor and mayoress.

Lee Gardner, the librarian at Brune Park, has expressed the students’ delight at having the books in the library.

She said: ‘It’s not easy to find good quality, dual language books. I’m sure these will be well used and enjoyed.

‘The books have already been creating excitement, with both students and staff exclaiming over them.

‘I am thrilled to have the books in the library and we are very grateful to the people of Royan for their generous gift.’

Gosport Twinning is inviting anyone interested in joining the group to e-mail Di Dobinson at [email protected] for more information.