title

badge

Welcome to the ATTA Website. We hope that you find the information about the ATTA interesting and useful.

Who we are and what we do.

The ATTA exists to promote friendship between the residents of Andover and the surrounding area and other overseas towns. We are currently twinned with Redon in France, Goch in Germany and Andover, Massachusetts in the USA. Our first link was with Redon in 1977, followed by Goch in 1980. In 2000 we signed an agreement with Andover, Massachusetts and this event is commemorated with a stunning statue of the Chief of the Algonquin, (from whom the early settlers bought the land) in the open space behind Cricklade House.Andover.
 
The ATTA holds interesting monthly social meetings during the year and we also visit one of our sister towns and receive their representatives into our homes in Andover. There is normally an annual exchange between us, Redon and Goch, and we visit Andover, Massachusetts (or they come to us) once every two years. During our visits we stay in the homes of our hosts and visit local places of interest as a group and there is always a lively dinner on Saturday evening. This makes the trip an ideal way of meeting new friends and gaining an understanding of life in a foreign country. We also entertain our European and American friends in our homes in Andover.
 
You don’t need to speak a foreign language to join in. We all have a lot of fun communicating in other ways, but being in a large group means there is always someone to help out if needed. We all regard it as an adventure and many of us have forged lasting friendships over the years.

Background to our twinning links.

The first formal link was made with Redon, Brittany in 1977 followed by a link with Goch, Germany ,in 1980. In July 2000, Andover UK and Andover, Massachusetts signed an agreement to formally link the two towns. This event is marked by the statue of the Chief of the Algonquin in the open space behind Cricklade House in Andover.

Redon.

This ancient and historic town stands at the junction of the rivers Villaine and Oust. The well-preserved town centre has a lively market and is dominated by an imposing Town Hall and an abbey church. Redon has an inland harbour connected to several beautiful canals and it is the centre of an rich agricultural area. There is a thriving light industrial sector and the town has very good sporting and leisure facilities.

Goch

Goch is located close to the Dutch border and is primarily dependant on agriculture and horticulture, with some light industrial development. The main town and several adjoining villages form 'Stadt Goch'. The town was heavily bombarded during the last war and has been beautifully restored with many traditional-style houses, public buildings and a mill.

Andover, Massachusetts

This is an old New England town located 25 miles north of Boston. It was founded in 1646, the land being bought for £6.00 and a cloak from the local Algonquin Indians. In 1692  three people were executed as witches (Salem in not far away) and in the 19 century Harriett Beecher Stowe, the author of 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' lived in the town.Today Andover has a charming town centre and spacious suburbs set in tree-lined roads. It houses the famous Phillips Academy and was recently named as one of the top 10 towns in the USA to raise children.

Visits and other Social Events

Regular visits are made to and from our twin towns, giving members an excellent opportunity to meet and make friends with like-minded people in Europe and America without incurring high travel costs. Accommodation is arranged with private families and it is expected that whenever possible, those who receive hospitality abroad will be prepared to offer it in return.

Other events are organised monthly in Andover for members throughout the year. These include a varied programme of visits, talks and a summer barbeque. Please see our programme for more details.

Other Exchanges

The Association encourages and assists other groups in Andover to make contact with our twin towns and there have been several visits from school groups, sporting clubs and music societies.

Flag of Honour.

The Association was proud to be awarded a European Flag of Honour in 1984 for the part it played in the subsequent twinning between Goch and Redon. It was only one of eight flags awarded in the UK that year.

Interested to find out more?

Then e-mail    Imr.stockings@virgin.net

You will be sure of a warm welcome.  

Secretary:                 Lynda Stockings:lmr.stockings@virgin.net

Asst. Secretary:        Margaret Henstock:margaret.henstock@btinternet.com