Wednesday 31st October

Early evening                Visitors arrive at Billinghay Community Hall

                                     Welcoming reception and introductions.

Evening                        With host families in their own homes.

Thursday 1st November

Morning and       Choice of activities provided by local organisations and families.

 Afternoon                

                         1) Billinghay Primary School – demonstration of traditional playground games (am)

                              Lincolnshire County Council Mobile Library -visit and explanation of their work (pm)

                          2)  Lafford Secondary School –  classroom activities (11-16 year olds only)

                          3)  South Kyme Golf Club – players and beginners

                          4)  Lincoln Bowl – Tenpin bowling

                          5)  Family interest and activity with host family

Evening                    Meal with Host Families in their own homes

                               8.00pm, Billinghay Community Hall. Games of Europe          

                              Demonstrations and opportunities to play games from many European countries. We will be joined by local immigrants and visiting workers from Poland, Latvia and Lithuania. Snacks and drinks from across Europe.

Friday 2nd November

 Morning                 (French) Coach to Sleaford:

                             Choice of activities:-

                             1) Sleaford Women’s Institute – explanation of their work and visit to the produce market. Then: Sleaford Toy Library – explanation of their role

                           2) North Kesteven District Council 'The Hub' -visit to Arts and Crafts centre

                            3) Carre's Sports Centre (EU funding of sport) NKDC Sports Officer: opportunity to join in sporting activities.

Afternoon               (French) Coach to Peterborough:

                            Sustainable Community Green Spaces project – introduced by a Project officer with explanation of the role of EU funding in establishing the project

                            Peterborough Cathedral or shops

Evening                (English) Coach Departs Billinghay 5.30.

                            (French) Coach continues to Peterborough Greyhound Racing Stadium: Meal and races.

Saturday 3rd November

Morning               Meeting to discuss follow-up events and activities to this programme in both Billinghay and Ballon. How to increase visibility and awareness of the European Union in these communities.

Afternoon           With host families

Evening               'Celebrating 50 years of the European Union'  Wine and Wisdom/Vin et Verity

                          Quiz night and buffet supper at Lafford High School. Questions and answers on all aspects of the EU and its member states over the past 50 years.

Sunday 4th November

Morning              Farewells and visitors depart.

The following is an extract from the grant application:

The overall programme, 'European Sports Games and Pastimes' will be a sharing and learning exercise about cultural and social diversity, differences and similarities across the whole of the E.U. We are especially glad to be able to welcome people from Poland, Latvia and Lithuania who are living and working locally and can provide insights into their  culture and their experiences of being migrant workers within the E.U..An important role will be played by the host families as the visitors will be immersed in the culture of British family life. To encourage inclusion we have also invited people with learning difficulties, living in Billinghay to join in the 'Games of Europe' evening. Guest speakers at various events, will be expected to explain their work in the context of E.U. directives, expectations and funding.

We see the 50 years of the Treaty of Rome as an important anniversary which we will mark with our Quiz Night. In the context of a typically British 'Pub Quiz' we aim to test peoples knowledge of the E.U. and it's development over the past 50 years and offer a learning experience for those with gaps in their knowledge. This evening will be undertaken in a light-hearted and enjoyable format; each team being a mix of French and British young, middle-aged and elderly, with plenty of wine to help along the wisdom.

Overall the programme is designed to increase knowledge of the E.U., its peoples and their culture and thus contribute to European integration. The joint activities, events and hosting arrangements will encourage friendships in Europe; we hope that these may also be established by the involvement of people from the new member states. Active participation is expected from all involved in this meeting. By including a wide spectrum of people, local clubs and societies,  officers of  local government and non-governmental organisations we believe that there will be truly meaningful, accessible,  pro-active participation.

Active participation and visibility are crucial elements to this meeting. By including a wide spectrum of people, host families, local clubs and societies, officers of local government and non-governmental organisations in the initial planning  running and follow up, we believe that this will be truly meaningful,accessible, pro-active participation.

Following the meeting, Billinghay and District twinning Association and Ballon Committee de Jumelage will both continue to hold regular meetings to discuss issues raised at this event, acting upon them where necessary and possible. Both organisations will continue to advertise their activities and encourage new members. They will plan future activities. Encouragement will be given to host families and their visitors to maintain contact and further develop friendships. Immigrants and visiting workers from other European states, living locally, will be encouraged to join the twinning association and participate in local clubs and events. Contact will be continued with local schools, encouraging and helping to establish and maintain relationships between schools and pupils in the two communities; language learning will be encouraged by the awarding of prizes.