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 CHALFONT
ST GILES
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GRAFT - DE RIJP
Graft - De Rijp is the name of an administrative area of North Holland encompassing the picturesque villages of Graft, De Rijp, Markenbinnen, Noordeinde and Oost- and West-Graftdijk. It is very similar in size and population to Chalfont St Giles. However the landscape is totally flat, forming part of the Unesco world heritage site De Beemster polder, some 28 square miles of land reclaimed from the sea in 1612.
In tulip time the polders are a riot of colour. For the rest of the year they are carpets of vegetables or provide grazing for cows. There are always birds swooping and whirling in the wind, that same wind so important for the windmills that pumped the polders dry.
There are canals everywhere and instead of streets there are alleys joined by little wooden bridges making lovely reflections in the water. Graft - De Rijp is a paradise for photographers.
In the 17th century De Rijp was the second largest herring port in Holland and also had a large whaling fleet. Over the years, as more land was reclaimed, it got further from the sea but the old traditional fishermen's houses remain. Built beside the canals they are usually painted dark green with white window frames and carved gables adding a special charm. As in St Giles, much of the centre of De Rijp is a conservation area to preserve the old buildings and, consequently, is a popular tourist destination.
Fishing is now only a leisure activity and most of the working population commute to Amsterdam or the nearby towns of Purmerend, Alkmaar and Zaanstad. There are many young families in the community, with more affordable accommodation than in St Giles. English is widely and willingly spoken.
Dutch people love flowers and plants so every house, shop and café has a magnificent display. There are rowing boats on the canals at the end of their gardens, sailing boats and barges on the larger canals and even boats to ferry the children across the large North Holland Canal to the school at West-Graftdijk. Most people, young and old, also travel by bike. It's easy when it's so flat! Wooden clogs are still worn, especially by farmers, whilst others hang them up as decoration or fill them with flowers.
De Rijp's most famous citizen was Jan Leeghwater, who invented the polder system and, in 1630, built the present day town hall. It is a truly outstanding example of Dutch Renaissance style. The nearby Grote Kerk, built in 1655, is typical of the huge churches built in Holland at the time and dominates the skyline for miles around.
Our twin community is a delightful place to visit with much to do and see and our Dutch friends are so welcoming. Although these exchange weekends are always full of activity, the peaceful influence of the water in the canals is everywhere.
What is Twinning?
Twinning is about fostering friendship and understanding between our two communities.
Twinning means getting to know another group of people with different traditions, interests and way of life. It means telling them about us and introducing them to our ways. Although Holland is not far away, there are many differences influenced by history and environment.
Don't worry about the language. Dutch is almost impossible but so many Dutch people speak English and love everything British.
We have two regular exchange visits annually, one each way. We host in our own homes which makes it so easy to get to know each other and many firm friendships have been formed this way.
Ours is not a 'formal' twinning between local councils. It is a 'personal' arrangement between two groups of friends who want to learn more about one another.
We also have a very full social calendar of events and activities here in Chalfont St Giles. In fact, we are probably the most active local organisation! We have a coffee morning in the Reading Room on the first Saturday of each month where we can catch up on personal news and find out about future events. There is something different each month, such as walks, a summer barbeque, talks, social evenings, theatre outings and visits to places of interest. New members soon get to know everyone!
Everyone is welcome; young, old, singles, couples and families with children. We strive to ensure that our activities and visits have something for all ages and interests. New friends can be guaranteed both here and in Holland.
For more information, pop in at a coffee morning (first Saturday of each month from 9.30am to 12 noon at the Reading Room, Chalfont St Giles) or contact the following committee members who will be delighted to introduce you to our special form of Twinning.
Mary Finey 01494 873088
Rena Hume 01494 872745
Bert Bowden 01494 872439
Ursula Pain 01494 873175
Chalfont St Giles & Graft - De Rijp Twinning Association
Membership Application Form
(Please print, complete and send to membership secretary)
There are three classes of membership of the Association -
- Individual £6 per year.
- Juvenile (under 18 years) £1 per year
- Group special rates available on request.
* Details of main applicant -
Full
Name:
Address:
Post Code:
Phone:
E mail:
Additional applicants at same address -
Full Names (plus ages for children):
Please return with remittance (cheques payable to 'Chalfont St Giles Twinning Association') to the Membership Secretary:-
Bert Bowden
1 Palliser Road
Chalfont St Giles
HP8 4DN
Tel: 01494 872439
* Data Protection Acts - membership information will be stored on a computer unless the member requests otherwise. It will be used for the purpose of maintaining membership records and communicating with members. Personal details will not be disclosed to any individual or organisation outside the Association.