“As most of you will be aware on Monday February 9th, albeit somewhat early due to elections in Saumur, we simultaneously celebrated something truly special – 50 years of twinning between Warwick and Saumur. Just for information, the actual date is 19th March when we signed on the dotted line in 1976.
For half a century, this partnership has brought our communities together through friendship, shared traditions, and plenty of memorable moments along the way.
What began as a formal agreement has become a genuine bond — proving that distance is no match for goodwill, curiosity, and perhaps the occasional celebratory toast! Never mind castles, horses and rivers!
Both Saumur and Warwick have planted the Cedar of Lebanon tree in recognition of our bond. The Cedar of Lebanon tree represents strength without aggression, stability and wisdom and peaceful cooperation – a neutral, shared symbol between our two historic towns.
As we mark this golden anniversary, we do so with pride, laughter, and excitement for the next chapter of this wonderful friendship. A friendship that will be inherited by future generations. A friendship meant to last!”
Cllr. Jackie D’Arcy
Mayor of Warwick and President of Warwick Twinning Association
Mayor of Warwick
Photo by Alex Harvey
Maire de Saumur
Mandy Littlejohn the Chairman of the Warwick Twinning Association attended the celebrations in Saumur:
“I was delighted to represent the Mayor and Warwick Twinning Association in Saumur on February 9th to mark our 50th anniversary. This milestone is a testament to our enduring bond, and I am confident that the friendship between our two towns will only grow stronger over the next half century and beyond.”
Mandy Littlejohn
Chairman of Warwick Twinning Association
How it all began
In 1976 a resident of Warwick visited Saumur on holiday and came back and spoke to Warwick Town Council saying what a beautiful place it was just like Warwick with a river, horses and a magnificent castle. At this time Twinning was very much current and at the time Warwick had no Twinned Towns.
This was agreed and the original agreement was signed on March 19th 1976 in Saumur and in Warwick on April 23rd 1977 by The Mayor Bryn Brewster
Warwick Twinning Association was also formed in September 1977.
Commanderie du Taste Saumur
Warwick Chapter
When Bryn Brewster was Mayor he paid an official visit to Saumur together with Mike Gaffney and some Councillors. This was in July 1978. Whilst attending one of the official functions he met Comte Bernard de Colbert who was the Grand Maître of the Commanderie du Taste Saumur. He owned Château de Brézé where he had a vineyard.
He invited Bryn to pay a visit and sample his wines and whilst there he suggested that Bryn should start a Warwick Chapter and become the first English Grand Maître, and Bryn agreed. The Count then said that Bryn should appoint two others to become Grand Échanson (Secretary) – Mike Honnoraty, and Grand Chancellier (Treasurer)- Wallace Wainhouse, and invite ten other local residents to become the first members. He said he would bring a group of his members to Warwick, in a coach six weeks later (September). They would also bring sufficient wine for a banquet and would provide the first three robes and taste vins.
In November 1996 Bryn Brewster decided to take up permanent residence in the vicinity of Saumur and Michael Honnoraty was installed as the new Grand Maître at the Autumn Banquet. After nearly 50 years of presiding over the Warwick Chapter and 30 of those years as Grand Maître, Michael has steered the group and delivered their main aims of good company, good food, friendship and of course, good wine. In 2025 Mike decided it was time to resign and Ian Badhams has become the new Grand Maitre.
In the French region surrounding Saumur, The Commanderie du Taste Saumur, was founded in 1967, to promote the wines of the region. Many areas of France have their own “commanderies” which have grown from the original guilds of wine growers to better support the guild members. They share criticism and praise but they never mixed the wine!
Photo by Gill Fletcher
Photo by Gill Fletcher
Warwick Town Council and
Warwick Twinning Association
Warwick Town Council and Warwick Twinning Association have continued to support international friendship over the last 50 years hosting many trips and school exchanges particularly in the 80s and 90s more recently Warwick Town Council works with all of our twin towns in running Eurocamp for young people 16 to 21.
We both attend the yearly Partnership Meeting with all our Twinned and Friendship Towns.
Warwick Racecourse has also ties with Hippodrome des Verrie – strengthening our friendships and the link with Horses.
Past Chairmen of Warwick Twinning Association include Mo Sutherland, John Hodgetts, Christine Hodgetts – Mo Hooper and for many years Roger Smith whom I took over from in 2021 after Rich Eddy had looked after during Covid. Two long time Treasurer’s were Cherry Dodd and Ron Everett. We are very lucky to now have Sue Butcher as our Treasurer.
Mandy Littlejohn, who is the current Chairman, became involved in 2009 ad a Warwick Town Councillor, with her first trip to Saumur in 2012 where she has built many friendships to keep the passion and friendship alive long after the Golden Anniversary.
The membership and interest in Twining has grown over the last few years – for more info – https://warwicktwinningassociation.co.uk/
