I see in the latest G&H that some members of the council (well, the now ex-mayor) think that Marlborough should be twinned with another town.
I have lived in several places which were "Twinned" but never saw the point. The only people to benefit seemed to be the councillors (now there is a surprise) and a few children (some of whom are no doubt related to the councillors). Or am I missing something? Can twinning bring a benefit to the whole community? Would it benefit the people of Marlborough?
What do you think - is twinning a positive cultural step forward or a waste of council tax-payers money?
If it was to "twin", who should Marlborough twin with?
I would nominate Sun City, Arizona - a purpose build retirement community of about 38,000 people, of whom 98% are white and 80% are aged 65 and above. It sounds like Marlborough in 20 years time unless the councillors get their act together soon.
I do not dispute anything you say about your previous experiences of twinning activities.
What I would say is that negative approaches to anything should not put people off doing the right, or positive thing.
I am so not looking forward to coming back to a country that appears to be so negative.
So- to the positive. Marlborough has so much going for it that I would think that there are many suitable places in Europe and beyond that would like to twin- whatever that means (and maybe that"s the main issue).
COME ON YOU LOT- LET'S HEAR SOME POSITIVE STUFF.
Rambler must wonder if there is anything worthwhile going on. It's too easy to see the half empty side of things, and you are the pople who are trying to make a difference.
Sorry if I highjacked the topic- so, I say, let's twin with somewhere nice and warm and get the airlines to give reduced rates for getting there (and back?).
Our present twin in the Gambia should be enough for now.....we can't sort that one out yet
We as a family have been trying to do things for Marlborough for over 10 years ...but whoever it is gets left to do it all on their own, no help and very little thanks (with the exception of the few who do appreciate what the volunteers in the town do)
We have found that this apathy is a product of this town and other towns and villages rally round and get things done....we have therefore decicided to help others who deserve help.....where ever they may be ....if Marlborough does need help we would consider it but only as part of a group large enough to do the task well.
I still do the marlborough site....but I can run that to my taste....(I did have businesses listed on here, FREE, but after some of them started moaning that their entries didn't show enough etc.etc. I took them all off)......I run this site because I believe that Marlborough deserves to be advertised to the world and that it is a great place....but ALL the residents must be prepared to put in some effort to make it better.
there is no reason why we can't have the BEST Carnival, Jazz Festival, or events of any kind but Marlborough must get involved and not shout things down all the time.....why can't we have ONE excellent theatre instead of three mediocre ones...the same with a Cinema, people would come miles to see the latest play/film but they will have to put up with what can be fitted in or can be afforded.
Rant over for now, but look around you what do other places do (Pewsy ...carnival.......wigglybus.....christmas lights)
what does your "community" do
The problem lies in Marlborough being a place or town there is no community here
Rob
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I'm a Dyslexic Agnostic Insomniac...
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I know what you are on about- I've had the same situation with all the schools my daughter has attended. It's the minority running all the extra curriclar and fund raising activities.
Anyway- must go now- it's Mother's Day here today, and am about to get the BBQ going!
I've studied this twinning thing for some time now - my opinion is it's an ECU ploy. It's governments big and small trying to bring about a united Europe. many of us don't agree we need a united Europe. And what others have said is correct - a very few benefit from all this twinning - usually the councillors and family. I say stuff the twinning up your proverbial council cossack!
i have yet to see any evidence at all that twinning benefits the community or any stats that show that twinned towns develop their tourism with each other.
I agree with Rob basically. The smaller the village the more self sufficient and looking after itself. As the towns get larger the vast majority like living in the town for various reasons but not contributing necessarily. That's why councils get away with so much! - Running things for towns like websites is a task that does not get just rewards. You need to do it for the intrinsic value and have a hard skin.
My experiences in life has taught me that it's always a small band of energetics that get things done and ocassionally just ocassionally they can rally around the majority if there is a major crisis.
It is a well known human phenomena - the few lead and the masses follow - it just depends which group you want to be in!
If you are a leader, expect no thanks , just lead for the shere hell of it - if you get accolades , be thankful they are few and far between. and just once in you life you may inspire the masses as did Churchill and still they turned against him eventually!
