Les Beckwith gave a briefing on the background and history of the now defunct Town Twinning Association, which began in 1982. He explained why it had folded a few years ago and how the assets had been dispersed to various charities in the town. He described what twinning involved exactly and how there were differences in organisation between Le Pouliguen and Llantwit Major. He informed the meeting about the visit made by the Mayor, his wife, himself and his wife and Pat Walker to Le Pouliguen last summer and how the French were keen to re-establish twinning links with Llantwit Major.

Tim Ingram gave a briefing on his experiences of twinning between Plymouth and Brest.

All at the meeting agreed that it was now feasible to try to revive the Town Twinning Association, as long as people were willing to offer their time and effort to make this happen. Chair noted that he had raised the matter with the Town Council and councillors were supportive of the initiative, although they did not have any funds available for the venture. He noted that, as such, any new Association would be starting 'from scratch'.

A general discussion then ensued regarding the frequency of visits per year and the preferred months such visits should occur. It was explained that normally a visit would be made to Le Pouliguen every other year with the French visiting in alternate years. It was suggested that this might be too expensive and too much work and visits could be, say, once every three years. Members of the former Twinning Association explained how the process normally worked and the sorts of events and visits that were arranged previously. It was agreed to work out these details once a committee had been formed.

Various members noted that Twinning should involve various clubs and organisations in the town, as well as schools, and it was agreed to pursue this.

 It was agreed that a Chair, a Secretary and a Treasurer should be nominated temporarily. Kelly Marsh subsequently volunteered to act as temporary Chair until an AGM could be called. Les Beckwith agreed that he would liaise with her in the interim period. As no one volunteered to act as Secretary or Treasurer, Councillor David Foster proposed that these positions should remain vacant until an AGM could be called, when the main officers and committee members could be formally elected and this was agreed in order to give people time to consider whether they would like to stand or not. Kelly Marsh suggested that an outline of the responsibilities for each of the officer roles should be circulated, so that any nominees would know what they were standing for. She agreed to liaise with Les Beckwith on this. Councillor David Ellis agreed to make all the necessary arrangements for an AGM, which it was suggested could be held at the Rugby Club free of charge. He agreed to send out the minutes of the current meeting, nomination forms and the date and time of the AGM etc. to all those present and other interested parties. It was agreed that some time later in February on a week day (not Friday) commencing at 7.00 p.m. would be suitable.

Councillor David Foster announced that normally the Mayor of the town was the President of the Association and two Town Councillors could be appointed to sit on the committee and this could be done at the Council's AGM in May, Chair noted that he would be reporting back to the Town Council on this meeting at the next full Council meeting on January 315t.  

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 Les Beckwith announced that he had found a copy of the previous Association's Constitution, although there seemed to be two versions of this. He drew attendees' attention to the last clause, which stated that on dissolution of the Association, "all surplus funds shall be transferred to such local charity or charities as the Executive Committee shall in its absolute discretion decide" This is what had happened. He suggested that any new Constitution should amend this clause and put any surplus funds in a Trust. Andrew Leonard pointed out that this would mean there would have to be trustees appointed to administer this Trust.

Chair asked whether Les Beckwith had an electronic copy of the former Constitution and he replied that he could scan it in. Elizabeth Davies agreed to type it up, so it could be circulated with possible amendments to all present and interested parties for provisional adoption at the AGM. This was agreed. 

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Fund raising and possible future events 

It was noted that previously members paid an annual fee of £10 to £15 per year to be a member of the Association. It was agreed to delay any discussion on fund raising or future events until officers could be elected and a committee formed at an inaugural AGM.

Tim Ingram noted that coach and ferry companies can offer discounts for large groups. Les Beckwith pointed out that the journey by coach from a French port to Le Pouliguen is about five hours.