Since the very first Doncaster Youth Jazz Orchestra concert in Limonest in 1980, we have enjoyed a special relationship with the people of that pleasant town just north of Lyon, France. Over the years all of our orchestras have visited and performed there as guests of the people and the school of music.

In 1989, a cultural and educational exchange between our two towns was inaugurated when Mr. A. Taylor (Director of Education) and myself, plus D.Y.J.A. staff and French dignitaries attended the official launching in Limonest. This was mainly due to the interest and vision of Monsieur Max Vincent (Mayor of Limonest). This worthwhile collaboration has initiated long-standing friendships in addition to the obvious educational and cultural opportunities for our young people. We wish to continue developing this link with our European friends via such exchange projects, which inevitably leads to other exiting opportunities for our people in the EU.