FOR more than two decades, a Wantage organisation has been forging close ties with communities in France and Germany during a series of visits abroad.

Now the Wantage, Grove and District Twinning Association is to display a range of photographs and memorabilia from its foreign adventures over the last 10 years at a new exhibition at the Vale and Downland Museum in Church Street.

The association has been arranging visits to families in Mably in central France and Seesen in Lower Saxony, Germany, where members travel abroad every two years to gain a greater understanding of French and German culture, language and national characteristics.

And twinning families from France and Germany have been regular visitors to Wantage and Grove.

The exhibition ties in with the visit of 30 German members from the town of Seesen who will be staying with host families in the Wantage area from tomorrow to August 14.

Chairman of the association’s German group Graham Parker called on locals to come along to the exhibition and encouraged people to join the association.

Mr Parker added: “We hope people will take the opportunity to come and view the exhibition to get some idea of some the varied and interesting activities undertaken by twinners.

“A small group has just come back from a visit to Mably, where they enjoyed a full programme and the hospitality of their French hosts.”

Derek Verdin is secretary of the German visits, and has lived in Wantage for 57 years.

A retired research chemist, Mr Verdin added that when he first arrived in the town the only opportunity for such visits were for Scout groups and schools.

The 82-year-old said: “I have been involved since 1990 when a small group went over there .

“When we go over we stay with families so you get an amazing experience of everyday life.

“The exhibition gives a good impression of what you can see there .”

Over the years association members have enjoyed trips to Berlin, Hamelin, and Brocken in Germany.

For information call 01235 868516.