30th April 2026
This weekend (1–3 May), Thame will welcome 38 visitors from Montesson marking 25 years of Twinning between our two towns.
Our guests will stay with host families, many of them staying with families they’ve known for years; however, we are especially grateful to those who are new to twinning and hosting for the first time. Demand for accommodation has been high, and we are thrilled that so many wish to visit our wonderful town.
The celebrations are already underway, with a group of Montesson cyclists having set off on Sunday, a fitting symbol of the friendship at the heart of the Twinning. The weekend begins with a civic welcome at Thame Town Hall, hosted by the Mayor of Thame, Cllr Andy Gilbert. On Saturday, our guests will enjoy a programme of events, including a special evening in Thame, with food, music, and dancing. Montesson’s Mayor, Antoine Lemaire, will join the celebrations as both towns come together to mark this milestone.
A highlight of the weekend also includes a shared visit to Broadway Museum and Art Gallery, which is part of the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. Here we will receive a welcome and introduction to local history in French, which will bring residents of Thame and Montesson together as we broaden our understanding of the cultural, recreational, and educational activities of our two towns, an aim at the heart of our initiative.
As Twinning celebrates 25 years, we also recognise the vision of its founders, Don Butler in Thame and Jean-François Bel in Montesson, whose initiative created the lasting friendship enjoyed today.
Looking ahead, Thame residents are warmly invited to join a return visit to Montesson from 18–20 September. To get involved email [email protected]. The cultural programme has been supported by South Oxfordshire District Council through the Councillor Community Grant Scheme.
This weekend is all about bringing people together and sharing what makes Thame special. Long may our friendship continue!
Subject to low wind speeds, the French flag will fly outside the Town Hall over the weekend to welcome our French visitors.
Visit Thame and District Twinning Association's website to learn more about their initiative.
