Exchanges

Two exchanges take place each year and each typically lasts 4 - 5 days. Although taking part in exchanges is optional, it is hoped that as many members as possible will want to participate in these activities.

In May, STA members either travel to Cholet or welcome a group of Choletais to Solihull. In September STA either heads  o MTK or hosts a visiting German party. In 2024 for example, STA members went to Cholet and then later in the year, hosted a group of Germans in Solihull. In 2025 the Choletais will come to Solihull in May, and STA members will travel to Germany in September.

When visiting either France or Germany, STA members are accommodated in the home of their host family. Similarly, French or German guests visiting Solihull stay in the homes of STA members. Hosts provide this accommodation free of charge.

A programme of activities is drawn up for any visiting party by the relevant committee. This typically includes both some whole group activities e.g. visiting local attractions, receptions with respective Mayors, etc. and some time spent with individual hosts.

In recent years, whole group events have included visits to Compton Verney Art Gallery and NT properties here in the UK, to Les Machines de L’Île in Nantes, and a day in Speyer in Germany. Shared meals, in interesting locations, always feature strongly on any programme.

In terms of costs, travellers pay their own airfares. Hosts provide free accommodation and some meals, and pay for their own participation in the group programme events. The hosting Twinning Association usually funds all the costs associated with the visiting party attending whole

group events.