ACTIVITIES

What we do throughout the year.

• Weekly French Conversation meetings resume in May 2022, and the Quiz is updated.
• Alternate year visits to Saint‑Contest, Normandy, during late spring.
• Alternate year hosting for our friends from Saint‑Contest.
    Watch this space for news of the next visit.

From Connexion, the French newspaper in English.

UK nationals visiting France, once it is possible again, should note that rules for non-EU visitors include an obligation to hold travel insurance for death and repatriation.
Travel insurance has always been recommended by the UK government despite the fact that the EHIC covers “necessary” healthcare arising during a stay.
This is because EHICs do not cover some costly items, such as mountain rescue, repatriation in a medical emergency or death, or some private facilities.
EHICs, or the new GHICs, are being maintained for Britons, but non-EU visitors to the EU must have cover including “medical repatriation costs and expenses in the event of death”.
In theory, this could be checked on entry to France by short-term visitors – although Americans here have told The Connexion their visitors are not asked to show this. This will also be required if applying for a visa for up to six months in France.
However, the British EHIC or GHIC would remain valid for “essential” care, as long as there is no intention to “move” to France.
So, if you’re planning to accompany us on our next exchange visit to Saint Contest whenever that can happen, or even if you’re intending to visit France independently of the Association, make sure you check your travel insurance to see if you’re covered.

A presentation to Marchwood Parish Council in 2019 by our then Chairman

Mr Keith Petty spoke to members about events to mark the 21st anniversary of the village’s twinning with the Normandy commune of St Contest. It is hoped that this year’s exchange visit due to take place in late May 2020 will provide a suitable celebration of this anniversary.

He continued by saying the principle of twinning to foster closer relationships across borders whilst encouraging a better understanding of different cultures and languages.

He concluded by saying he hoped that members of the Parish Council would see fit to support the aspirations of the twinning association by the consideration of a grant application.