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Caen, France

Last updated: 07 December 2011 10:21

Twinned with Portsmouth since 1987.

The ferry service between Portsmouth and Caen opened up an opportunity to forge links between the civic authorities and the communities of the Cities of Portsmouth and Caen. On 5 June 1987 a document was signed in the Guildhall, Portsmouth and in the Hotel de Ville, Caen on 6 June 1987, formally declaring that the two cities would undertake to foster exchanges and meetings between their respective citizens in all fields of endeavour. It has since provided opportunities for business and commerce, social and holiday visits, particularly by young people, sports clubs and arts projects.

Each year the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth visits Caen for the D-Day Commemoration Ceremonies and lays wreaths to commemorate those civilians and military personnel who died from both Countries.

The Mayor of Caen pays regular visits to Portsmouth further strengthening the ties of friendship between us.

Reason / Aim of Link

To foster exchanges and meetings between citizens of both cities in all fields of endeavour.
Important trade and travel link, daily sailings from the Continental Ferry Port and the Port of Ouistreham, Caen.

Funding

The Caen Foundation exists to support young people, normally aged under 25, from Portsmouth to make visits to the City of Caen. Those groups so far assisted by the Caen Foundation consist of Junior and Senior Schools, sports clubs and arts projects.

Exchanges

Many individual links have been achieved, particularly in the areas of sport, leisure, tourism, economic issues, business and cultural activities.
There have been many other contacts and exchanges such as the Police, taxi drivers, firemen, general practitioners, the legal profession, nurses, the scouting movement etc.
A number of Portsmouth Schools have successful exchange programmes with Schools in Caen.

Mysteries of Our Neighbour’s Culture

Interreg is an initiative funded by the European Regional Development Fund that aims to stimulate cooperation between regions in the European Union. In 2009, Portsmouth City Council and Caen City Council successfully bid for a grant of 1.5 million euros towards a 3-year project - Mysteries of Our Neighbour’s Culture. The aims of the project are to encourage better knowledge of other cultures by young people in both cities and to stimulate longer term school exchanges. Currently there are 15 Portsmouth primary schools taking part involving over 500 pupils. This has been our most successful twinning project to date.

The Portsmouth-Caen Friendship Committee

The Portsmouth-Caen Friendship Committee has recently been established. The Chair is Honorary Alderman Robin Sparshatt and the Secretary is Councillor (Mrs) Terry Hall. For further information please contact Cllr.Terry.Hall@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.

The aims and objects of the Friendship Committee are:-

(a) To maintain official contacts between Portsmouth and Caen and to work in association with the Friendship Committee in Caen.

(b) To actively encourage organisations and individuals in Portsmouth to link with those having similar interests in Caen.

(c) To advise on arrangements for hospitality for groups coming to Portsmouth from Caen other than official visits organised by the City Council.

(d) To promote a greater understanding of the Caen area and customs of the people of Caen.