A new column which will focus on Frome’s partner towns, sharing the history of the partnership and the town’s connections with Frome - starting with Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne in France
Hello, I’m Philip Campagna, one of your town councillors.
One of the great pleasures of my role at Frome Town Council has been helping to strengthen our links with Frome’s partner towns – formerly known as twin towns. These relationships create opportunities to share culture, sport, music and ideas, while also building friendships that can last a lifetime.
This article is the first in a series introducing Frome’s four partner towns, beginning with the longest standing: Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne in France.
Frome’s partnership with Château-Gontier began in 1975, making 2025 the 50th anniversary of this special relationship. The milestone was celebrated last September at St John’s Church, marking five decades of cultural exchange, community spirit and international friendship.
Over the years, school groups, youth choirs, musicians and community organisations have all taken part in exchanges between the two towns. Many of the people involved formed close friendships that continue to this day.
Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne, with a population of around 14,000, is located in north-west France on the banks of the beautiful River Mayenne. Just south of Laval and within easy reach of the ferry port at Caen, the town is rich in character, history and charm.
Its picturesque upper town is filled with winding streets, elegant old houses and reminders of its prosperous past as a centre for the linen trade. One of its most striking landmarks is the 17th-century Ursuline convent, now transformed into a vibrant cultural centre. The town is also known for its beautiful gardens and green spaces, including the wonderfully named ‘Garden at the End of the World’, home to an impressive variety of plants and flowers.
There is plenty for visitors to enjoy, from bustling street markets and museums to cycling routes, an open-air swimming pool and the popular Refuge de l’Arche animal park. The town also hosts a lively calendar of events throughout the year, including its much-loved Blues Festival every August.
The connection between Frome and Château-Gontier remains as strong as ever. Frome Twinning Association continues to nurture friendships and exchanges, while Frome firefighters celebrated 50 years of partnership with their counterparts in Château-Gontier in December 2025.
There is huge potential for even more links to develop in the future – between sports clubs, schools, businesses, artists and community groups. If your organisation would like to explore a partnership with a group in Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne, I’d be delighted to hear from you. Please contact me at pcampagna@frometowncouncil.gov.uk
Philip Campagna
