Limonest (France) Exchange

Limonest-Doncaster Exchange...How did it start?

In the summer of 1979, the Doncaster Youth Jazz Orchestra became the first UK jazz orchestra to perform at the prestigious Montreux and Nice Jazz Festivals. As a direct result of DYJO being televised and broadcast throughout France and more importantly, being spotted by Monsieur André Gicquel of Addim Rhône, they returned at his request to the Rhône district of France in 1980 for their first concert tour.

The most memorable concert on that first tour was in a northern suburb of Lyon called Limonest (pronounced Lim-on-ay!) The townsfolk were friendly, enthusiastic and incredibly hospitable. Thereafter, a concert performance in Limonest was insisted upon by the mayor and the staff of the music school.

In 1989, a cultural and educational Exchange between our two towns was inaugurated when Mr Alf Taylor (LEA Director of Education) French dignitaries and John Ellis (DYJA) attended the official launching in Limonest. Due mostly to the vision and consistent support of Monsieur Max Vincent (Mayor of Limonest), this extraordinary collaboration has initiated long-standing friendships, in addition to the obvious educational and cultural opportunities for our young people.

20th Limonest-Doncaster Exchange 24th Oct - 2nd Nov 08 (Away leg)

"Amazing trip" …"Superb Exchange" … "Everyone was so friendly and hospitable"…"My French family was fantastic" …"The concert was awesome" …"I miss my fab French friends so much" … Best Exchange ever!!

The above are just some of the comments I've heard since returning from Limonest. I'm not surprised, because it truly was a memorable experience. Nonetheless, I am pleased to hear such positive comments, because I know just how long and hard our French partners worked, not just throughout the full week of activities, but in the build-up over several months.

It was a remarkable Exchange experience, with a well-balanced programme of activities; organised and supervised by pro-active individuals from within teams. All of the French staff and voluntary workers were obviously committed to the Exchange philosophy. Also, the "Friends of EMHL" worked closely with the Alumni workers who had returned specifically to support the 20th Exchange.

From the very first greeting en mass at the Music School - to the final "farewell party" at the school canteen - our French friends were determined that we would enjoy every minute of every day and they succeeded brilliantly!

Arnaud Caumeil and myself were in total agreement with regards to the work-rate and overall performance of the musicians. The French and English students worked well together in rehearsals and the end result was amazing. To stand in front of that wonderful "wall of sound" as directors was very rewarding for both of us. To share this unforgettable concert with an appreciative full-house was even better. In addition to the regular concert supporters of Limonest, there were current and past exchange family representatives, past participants and their young families - and a representative parent contingent from Doncaster who made the journey independently. I can say without doubt that this concert will rank as one of the many "magic moments" of the past 35 years.

Next October, it will be our turn to reciprocate when we welcome our Limonest friends to Doncaster. On our recent return from France, our relatively small staff team met immediately to decide on whether we could or could not adequately host our Limonest friends. We feel that we most definitely want to, and that we can, but only if we start to plan the exchange now. If you are interested in joining a new pro-active Exchange team, please contact myself, Maggie Colwill-Brown or Diane Brookes. The 21st Exchange will take place in the LEA half-term week i.e. 24th - 31st October 2009.

Finally I wish to sincerely thank the man who is mostly responsible for all that's good in Limonest - Monsieur Max Vincent (Mayor). His vision and initiative sparked the Exchanged ideal way back in 1989. His consistent support of Limonest's musicians and their international Exchange programme is legendary in the Rhône region. He has been to Doncaster in support of several Exchanges over the years and I hope that he will find the opportunity to join us again next year.

I wish to acknowledge and thank the following NJC staff and Alumni members for their continued interest and contribution to the overall success of the 20th Exchange:

• Diane Brookes (Admin)
• Maggie Colwill-Brown (Exchange Co-ordinator)
• Trevor Allen (Logistics)
• Mark Ellis (Clarinet/Interpreter)
• Richard Potts (Trombone)
• Sarah Potts (Clarinet)
• Catherine Miles (Flute)
• Simon Nixon (Trumpet)
• Emma Frampton (Clarinet)
• Nicola Juden (Bassoon)
• Gareth Smith (Trumpet)
• James Hamilton (Trumpet)
• Nadine Harris (Clarinet)
• Hannah Mitchell (B/Gtr)