East Grinstead Town Twinning Association

East Grinstead Town Twinning Association was formed at a public meeting held at East Court, East Grinstead, on 21st November 1962 after contact by the Mayor of Bourg-de-Péage, in the Drome Region of Southern France. Official twinning took place in 1964. Over the years the link has grown stronger, with exchange visits between young people, adult groups, sports groups and other organisations such as choral societies, professional associations etc.

Bourg-de-Péage had twinned with Mindelheim (Bavaria, Germany) and Verbania (on Lake Maggiore, Italy) in 1962 and in 1964 twinned with Sant Feliu de Guíxols (Costa Brava, Spain), so it was a natural progression for East Grinstead to link with these other towns as well. Official twinning with Verbania took place in 1992 followed by Mindelheim and Sant Feliu de Guixols in 1994. Our fifth link came about through Mindelheim’s twinning link with Schwaz (Austrian Tyrol).

In 1985 East Grinstead was honoured with the presentation of the European flag in recognition of our activity in promoting friendship to our European neighbours.