In 1971, with the establishment of the Ivybridge and District Twinning Committee, the idea of forging close ties with a French town by way of a twinning arrangement began in earnest. However, fate was to play a hand in the selection. St. Pierre-sur-Dives, a small town located in the department of Calvados in Normandy was originally suggested as a twin for Plympton St Mary Rural District Council (PRDC) but with the impending Local Government Act, PRDC was to be dissolved and so it was suggested that Ivybridge should consider the link up. Following preliminary exchanges with St. Pierre-sur-Dives, a visit by an Ivybridge delegation was organised for October of that year to evaluate the town’s suitability. The visitors were warmly welcomed and given a tour of the area.

St. Pierre-sur-Dives at this time had around 3,500 inhabitants, described as “attractive, prosperous and developing”. Notable buildings included a 11th century abbey and a large medieval market hall. The latter had been destroyed by fire in 1944 but was entirely rebuilt respecting the original building techniques using hand-made chestnut dowels rather than any nails.

 

The main industry of the town was the manufacturing of boxes for the locally produced cheeses (Camembert, Livarot and Pont-l’Evéque) whilst an actual Camembert cheese factory employed about 25 people.

 

Following the visit, the delegation was unanimous in their feeling that St. Pierre-sur-Dives and district would make a very suitable twin. A reciprocal visit to Ivybridge was arranged for January of the following year.

At a public meeting in May 1972 it was decided to form an Ivybridge and District Twinning Association to assist with the development of links and exchanges between Ivybridge and St. Pierre-sur-Dives.

 

The official Twinning Charter (la charte de jumelage) was signed in St. Pierre-sur-Dives at the Town Hall on 26 June with a second Charter signing ceremony in Ivybridge scheduled for the weekend of 23/24 September. Under the Charter, the two districts were to undertake exchanges promoting economic links, culture, tourism as well as social and sporting interaction. It was also to develop exchanges between schools and families to foster feelings of friendship and understanding.

 

On the evening of 23 September 1972, the Twinning Charter was officially signed at Plympton St.Mary Rural District Council offices with the raising of a glass of champagne!

 

Following ratification of the twinning arrangement, bi-annual exchange visits between the two towns were established. As visitors stayed with families of the host town, long-lasting friendships were forged. The twinning associations also arranged special events such as fairs, barbecues, quizzes, dances and walks.