The Stevenage-Ingelheim-Autun Association
3 towns - 1 vision
An exciting opportunity for Stevenage youth
‘3 towns - 1 vision’ is the name given to an exciting new project designed to bring together and actively involve the young people of Stevenage, with those from Ingelheim in Germany and Autun in France, under its Town Twinning arrangement.
The ‘3 towns - 1 vision’ project was initiated by The Stevenage-Ingelheim-Autun Association in November 2004, when a small working group was formed. This group comprised professional adults who have considerable experience in project and financial management, logistics and the care of young people.
The objectives of the project are to:
-
Extend links and exchanges between the youth of Stevenage, Ingelheim and Autun through joint meetings promoting understanding and awareness of each others' culture and way of life.
-
Encourage European citizenship through a structured programme of events designed to promote friendship and European awareness.
-
Develop the exchange of experience relating to local environmental, language and social identities.
3 towns – 1 vision 2010
Autun is hosting the sixth 3 towns - 1 vision in the CPIE (Youth Hostel) in Collonge-la-Madeleine . The visitors will have a varied and interesting programme of events during the course of their stay.
The young people are departing from Stevenage station on Saturday 24th July and will arrive in Autun later that day.
Sunday 25 July - The main focus of this day will be on the pH (or acidity-alkalinity) of water: initially there will be a demonstration (or talk) on the making of a water wheel, which will be followed by a slide show on the same theme.
Monday 26 July - A trip to Beaune, initially to visit the Hospices de Beaune, followed by the opportunity for some retail therapy. Then on to the local park for a picnic lunch. In the afternoon they will have the opportunity either to walk at a place known as "les troiscriox" or to hike in the hills above Beaune.
Tuesday 27 July - In the morning there will be a workshop: Youths for Europe, followed by lunch. There will be free time in the afternoon for the visitors to take in the sights of Autun, or just to do some last minute shopping. This will be followed by an official reception at the Town Hall. In the evening the young people will participate in a dress rehearsal, of the Gallo-Roman pageant, Augustodunum, the Quest of Peace at the Roman Amphitheatre.
Wednesday 28 July - There will be a trip visit to the Heritage Activities Centre (Archaelogical Centre) for a day of discovery in and around Autun, followed by a farewell barbeque in the evening.
Thursday 29 July - Return to Stevenage.
3 towns – 1 vision 2009 - Ingelheim hosted this, the fifth 3 towns – 1 vision event which was based at the Youth Hostel in Bingen, over looking the River Rhine. It was held from 24 to 29 July and the groups comprised: 14 young people from Stevenage with 12 from Ingelheim and 11 from Autun, and there were 2 leaders from each of the three towns.
An exciting programme included a walking tour of Bingen; a boat trip on the River Rhine (a UNESCO World Heritage Site); a Treasure Hunt in the picturesque town of Bacharach and a guided tour of Mainz.
The trip is best summed up by a group of the young people representing Stevenage who took part:
"Over our visit to Ingelheim this year, we discovered new cultures, new skills, and life-long friends from our twinned towns Ingelheim (in Germany) and Autun (in France)."
"We were welcomed to Ingelheim with a BBQ of traditional German food, after which we broke the ice with a hallway sing-song, initiated by the talented French. We explored the local area and surrounding towns during the day and in the evenings we were given free time to socialise and form greater bonds with our new friends."
"The German scenery was beautiful, and we were very lucky to have stayed in a youth hostel overlooking the River Rhine, and many picturesque vineyards and castles."
"During the five days we were there, we formed close links with everyone and were devastated when we had to leave them on our last day."
To enlarge click thumbnail - to return use the Back button
3 towns – 1 vision 2008 - Stevenage hosted the fourth event from 25 July to 30 July, which was once again based at the Youth Hostel in Cheshunt, in the delightful Lee Valley Park. The groups this year were the largest in its brief history and comprised: 13 youths from Stevenage with 15 from Ingelheim and 15 from Autun. There were 2 leaders from each of the three towns. A varied and exiting programme included: Learning opportunities on the European Union and history of Stevenage; Cultural visit to London and flight on the London Eye; Outdoor pursuits and sporting activities, including a treasure hunt and raft building and racing; Social integration of the youth groups.
To enlarge click thumbnail - to return use the Back button
3 towns – 1 vision 2007 - Autun hosted the third event from 30 July to 4 August at a cultural centre in the village of St Leger sous Beuvray in Morvan Regional Park which is near Autun. There were 2 leaders from each of the three towns.
The meeting held in Autun in 2007 concluded the "first round" of 3 towns - 1 vision events where each of the three towns has played host. All the events were very successful and fully endorsed by the participating youth and leaders. This was achieved through cultural visits to places of international interest, with multi-lingual programmes to encourage social exchange, team building activities and discussion to raise the awareness of life for the young people in each others' countries. Talks on the European Union and the structure of Local Government in the host country helped to compare similarities and differences of our three towns. A large proportion of those taking part have joined the group from the preceding year demonstrating that their experience had been an enjoyable one.
To enlarge click thumbnail - to return use the Back button
3 towns – 1 vision in the future – The vision was that this would become an annual event which is being realised through the enthusiasm of the organisers in Stevenage, Ingelheim and Autun and with the full support of the three towns’ councils. The project is being acclaimed by all three Councils as a way of encouraging young people to become involved in international matters.
Costs – The costs of the annual events are met by the Town Twinning Associations with support from the Town Councils. A contribution is also made by each participant.
In 2005 the Stevenage organisers also obtained a grant from the Awards for All Fund of the National Lottery. And in 2008 grants were obtained from the European Commission, Stevenage Community Trust and the Rotary Club of Stevenage; donations were received from the Stevenage Borough Council and The W & M Morriss Trust; together with the Association's various fund raising activities.
Who can take part? – The project, whilst limited in numbers, is open to young people aged between 15 and 19 years of age who either live, work or study in Stevenage. If you qualify and are keen to learn more about this exciting opportunity, we would like to hear from you. Please click here to contact us.