Clermont-Ferrand exchanges

Salford's twin towns - Clermont-Ferrand

Clermont-Ferrand was the first French town twinned with Salford, on 15 May 1966 thanks to the involvement and enthusiasm of Jack Goldberg.

This Second World War former soldier believed in the' European democracy' based on 'friendship between people'. As soon as he was elected councillor in 1956 at Salford City Council, he looked for a European town to be twinned with Salford, many British towns had already twinned.

Clermont-Ferrand suitably corresponded to his criteria. He began correspondence with the French Mayor, Mr Gabriel Montpied. After their first meeting failed in 1962 in the Council of European Municipalities in Vienna, they agreed formally to a meeting and met again in 1966. Then, in 1967, even after he was retired, he had been invited to join the first English delegation to visit Clermont-Ferrand.

Exchanges themes

Thanks to the twinning, Salfordians and Clermontians could learn a lot about new ways of life or thinking. Here a wide range of themes can be exchanged on each side of the Channel. Thanks to these various events and visits, the ties have become stronger.

University and school exchanges:
- the University of Salford has agreements with:
  - Université d'Auvergne: School of Computing, Science and Engineering
  - Université Blaise Pascal: University of Languages, Tourism and International Trade
- The agreements are extended to art and design as well as engineering, health sciences and ICT
- Work experience placements:
  - In Salford City Council and in local businesses the council and in local businesses
  - French International firms (Volvic, Danone or Michelin) should propose English placements to the English students.
- Schools and high schools are involved in the exchanges.
Culture:
- Symphony orchestra and rock band visits
- Film festival with Mike Knowles
- Chess tournament
- The 40th anniversary: The friendship tree
- Photo and art exhibitions
- Gymnasts participation to the international festival
- Art, paint
- Cycle ride, rally and football tournaments
- Radio broadcasts
Health and environment:
- Intergeneration issues
- Improve energy uses
- Fight against drug addiction
Technology:
- Salford City Council ICT project used by Clermont-Ferrand
Urban transport
- Transports: GMPTE discovers the special tram which runs on tyres not rails
- Road security: link between GEARS and FIT
Civic and work delegations were one of the most part of the exchanges.

Exchanges chronology

The twinning between towns is a link which is built day-to-day with a strong friendship since its beginning in 1966.

The above is an extract from the Town Twinning anniversary booklet made by Stephanie Dupouyet and Sandra Cancel, two French students from Clermont-Ferrand on a placement at Salford City Council.

For further information