Exeter Yaroslavl Twinning Association
News 2022
World War II - Presentation by Aleksandra Karachevtseva
Aleksandra Karachevtseva of School Number 4 Yaroslavl delivered a presentation to our UK and RF Twin Cities on-line Forum on 31 January 2022. It was about WWII, focussing on the perspective of her school. She showed how life was in the school during the war years and how those days are remembered now. You can view her slides here.
This presentation was part of one of our regular on-line monthly meetings which are hosted by Coventry and Volgograd Bond of Friendship Committee. A number of UK and Russian cities participate, with a wide range of topics covered. For further information please contact us
Russian Christmas Dinner
We held our traditional Russian Christmas dinner on 5 January, prepared for us by students of @34 Restaurant, Exeter College. Flexibility is most important for the hospitality industry, for the college this is a great opportunity for students to extend their breadth of experience.
Russian cuisine has rich variety, thus each year the college produces a completely different menu. This year there were six courses, with vegetarian options. The main course was Rasstegai, a pastry encased casserole, either venison or wild mushroom and leek. The menu also included canapes, buckwheat blinis, vatrushka (savoury buns), pelmeni (Russian dumplings), salmon cured with vodka, medovik (honey and almond cake) and petits fours. The meal was great, beautifully presented and service top notch from the young staff.
We were honoured by presence of our special guest, Lord Mayor of Exeter. 35 members and guests attended; it was a really pleasant evening. Unfortunately, 10 people who had planned to attend were unable to do so because of Covid and health issues. We hope they can join us next time. We certainly want to celebrate Russian Christmas 2023 in similar style, please look out for details nearer the time.
Finally, special thanks to Olga Zabotkina (University of Durham, Olga Lawson (UK and RF Twin Cities Forum) and Ilya Larionov (Yaroslavl) who translated the menu for us. They commented favourably on the authenticity of the meal, we very much hope that on a future occasion they will be able to join us.
News 2021
Russian Xmas Fayre 18 December 2021
Our annual Christmas Fayre will take place on Saturday, 18th December from 10am to 1pm at St. Stephen’s Church, High Street, Exeter.This is our main fund-raising event of the year and with only six weeks to go, we would be very pleased to have contributions of saleable items.
If you have any of the following which you would like to donate, please let us know and we can arrange for collection if necessary:
- Books
- Jewellery
- Bric-a-brac
- Toys
- Jam, chutney etc.
- Cakes, biscuits, mince pies etc.
We are also urgently needing some more helpers on the day to man the stalls. If you are able to come along to give a hand, even for part of the time, it would be greatly appreciated. If you have any queries or would like more information, please contact Joyce
Many thanks for your help in making our Christmas Fayre a great success.
Russian Xmas Fayre 18 December 2021
We have cancelled our 2020 Russian Xmas Fayre. Although disappointing you will understand that this is because of the Covid pandemic. However, we are pleased to say that we have moved the booking to 18 December 2021, also at St Stephen's Church in Exeter High Street
It's never too early to be thinking about the Fayre. We will need :
Home produce goods, such as jams, chutneys, jellies, marmalade, cakes, biscuits, preserves etc. Hand-made Christmas decorations or Christmas craft materials (ribbon, paper, fabric etc.)
Unwanted jewellery of any sort
Russian goods
Books and Bric-a-brac
If you have any such items or want to get involved in the Fayre please contact us
2021 Annual General Meeting and Social Evening
Our successful Annual General Meeting and social meeting was held at The Imperial, Exeter on 13 October 202. Our present committee were re-elected, although the Chairperson position remains unfilled. Committee members have agreed that they will share Chairperson's duties.
Although our leadership is established for the 12 months, we welcome other people who are willing to join our committee as coopted members. Please let us know if you can help
One unusual raffle prize was a cream team with Lord Mayor of Exeter, at the Guildhall. The lucky winner was Angela Samuel.
We have two important events coming up soon. Russian Xmas Fayre on 18 December and Russian Xmas DInner on 5 January. We will need helpers and goods for the Xmas Fayre. Please get in touch if you can help. Similarly if you would like tickets reserved for the Russian Xmas Dinner. Get in touch
Correspondence - Senior Leaders of Exeter and Yaroslavl
Positive contact between senior leaders in Exeter and Yaroslavl is on-going. There is unlikely to be an official physical visits to Russia (or any of Exeter's twin cities) for the forseeable future but the Exeter is maintaining links with Yaroslavl in as many ways as possible.
between the respective civic leaders with news about Exeter and Yaroslavl.
It is encouraging to us in twinning to know that good relations are continuing at a senior level.
Exeter Yaroslavl Twinning Recognised in Coventry
EYTA committee member Peter Barker recently attended a event in the City of Coventry to mark the 80th Anniversary of the first contact between them and their twin city of Volgograd (former Stalingrad). The event was attended by His Excellency Russian Ambassador and twinners representing Canterbury - Vladimir, Cheltenham - Sochi, London - Moscow and of course Coventry - Volgograd
Peter and the other twinners received 'Twin to Win' awards from the Lord Mayor of Coventry. A full report is here
Commemoration: 76th Anniversary of the End of WWII
September 2021, representatives of the Russian community in Great Britain, Russian and British twin cities and the Russian Embassy, London took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Soviet War Memorial, commemorating the 76th anniversary of the end of WWII. Peter Barker represented the friendship between Exeter and Yaroslavl.
The Soviet War Memorial in London is located in Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park, which surrounds the Imperial War Museum, Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ. The Memorial was unveiled on 9 May 1999 by UK Defence Secretary George Robertson MP and Russian Ambassador HE Yuri Fokin.
The bronze sculpture “Sorrowful” measures 3.5m high. The semi-abstract figure holds aloft a bell which will forever remain silent in memory of those who perished in World War II. The sculptor was Sergei Shcherbakov from Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad).
After the ceremony participants visited the Russian Orthodox Cathedral at Kensington, London for prayers and lighting candles.
They concluded the day with a meal at Mari Venna, Russian restaurant, near the cathedral. Prince William celebrated his birthday at this restaurant.
Another commemoration is planned for 29 November to mark the presentation of a special sword commissioned by King George VI in honour of the heroic defenders of Stalingrad (now Volgograd). This commemoration will also be in London, at the monument to King George 6th and the Queen Mother in Pall Mall.
Video of the ceremony made by the Russian Embassy London.
Late Alan Huxley - Founder Member
Alan Huxley a founder member died on 1 February 2021. Friends and family, including members of our association, attended a memorial gathering in Exeter Guildhall on 25 July.
Alan taught himself Russian and achieved great distinction as a translator. As a founder member of our association he went with the first official delegation to Yaroslavl in 1989, led by Chester Long, then Leader of Exeter City Council. He then worked hard helping to establish our association, the main purpose of which was to enable ordinary people of Exeter develop and build links with the people of Yaroslavl.
He moved from Exeter to Bovey Tracey, where he ran the Last Bastion Book Shop, Bovey Tracey. Eventually he moved to Spain, where the climate was favourable to his health. He became a keen follower of Barcelona Football Club, particularly because they were supporter owned.
Ill health necessitated his return to the UK, to live in Wales where the NHS provided marvellous support.
At his memorial gathering, his life and many achievements were remembered and poetry read in English, Spanish and of course Russian.
Late Major Nicholas Boggis-Rolfe: Memorial Service
Nicholas Boggis-Rolfe was highly respected member of our association, with many friends in Exeter and Yaroslavl. He learnt Russian during army service and after his retirement he went to Novorossiysk with the Plymouth twinning group. Subsequently he joined our association and was with us on a number of our visits Yaroslavl.
Sadly he died on 20 December 2020 and a well-attended memorial sevice was held for him in the Guards Chapel, London on 9th July. There were prayers, hymns, family sharing memories of Nicholas, an opera singer sang and musicians from the Grenadier Guards played. Peter Barker of our association was in the congregation. The service was streamed live on YouTube, although not recorded due to copyright restrictions. However, you can download a copy of the order of service here.
Lord Mayor of Exeter presents prizes and certificates to Contestants in our Exeter - Yaroslavl Competition.
On 22 June the Lord Mayor of Exeter - Councillor Trish Oliver presented prizes and certificates to prize winners and participants in our Exeter Yaroslavl Creative Writing Competition, at Exeter's historic Guildhall.
For 2021 the competition was opened to Exeter young people as well as those in Yaroslavl. There were a record 87 entrants.
The standard was very high, with Exeter winners were Sophie Brace, Holly Errington and Felicity Charles. Felicity was unable to attend, because she was Covid self-isolating.
We congratulate all the winners and Daisy Martin, Isabelle Newbery, Bethany Green, Rebekah McMillan, Lucy Roberts, Florence Griffiths and Madison Alford-Carnell who all received certificates
A virtual prize ceremony was held for the Yaroslavl young people, which was opened by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Exeter – Councillor Ian Quance
A fuller report is available on Exeter College websitehere.
Exeter - Yaroslavl Creative Writing Competition 2021
.JPG "Detail of presentation during virtual meeting and link to recording")
On 26 May we held a virtual event to announce the winners of our annual Exeter Yaroslavl Creative Writing Competition for young people. Traditionally a representative from Exeter has presented prizes and awards in Yaroslavl but due to the pandemic the event was virtual this year. This year we opened to the event to young people in Exeter.
We are delighted that 87 people entered the competition this year, a record number
We were delighted that that the Deputy Lord Mayor of Exeter, Councillor Ian Quance opened the event.
After greetings from Exeter Yaroslavl Twinning Association and Yaroslavl Exeter Friendship Association we heard about the contest and its traditions. We hd music, poetry and of course the announcement of competition results
We will be shortly publish the results in full but in the meantime you can see our recording of the event here
.
Yaroslavl - Exeter Creative Writing Competition for Young People 2021
For 24 years we have hosting a creative writing competition for young people in Yaroslavl. In 2021 for the first time we also invited young people from Exeter to participate. We were delighted with a record number of 87 entries and we are grateful to the team in Yaroslavl who assessed all these entries.
The winners have been informed and have received their prizes. We congratulate them all
We will be posting their names here and there will be links to their projects so you read them for yourself
We wll be having another competition in 2022. Young people from Yaroslavl and Yaroslavl Oblast, as well as Exeter and Devon will be eligible to enter. If you would like to be notified when competion details become available, please contact us.
Creative Work Competition
For 24 years Exeter’s twin city in Russia, Yaroslavl, has been hosting an English language essay competition for students. For the first time this year they are opening the competition to students and young people in Exeter and Devon. This is an exciting opportunity for students to connect with people from another society and culture. It is also an excellent chance to build your research skills and have your work assessed by a panel of teachers in Russia. All participants will be awarded a diploma by the authorities in Russia, and the very best projects will receive prizes.
You can read more about the competition here and download a copy of the rules with contact email addresses. You need to register interest by 1 April and submit your project by 20 April.
Helena Harrold
.JPG "Helena Harrold with the helpers at our Russian Xmas Fayre in Exeter Guildhall")
We were sorry to learn that Helena Harrold has died. A former teacher of Russian she was a member for many years. She was so amazing, sharp mind and very kind! She knew several languages and her Russian was virtually perfect! She taught in London and the first time she went to Russia was with a group of engineers as an interpreter. She participated fully in the work of our associations, including the role of a golden fish in one of our Russian plays. She was a good singer and dancer.
A private funeral service will take place in St Peter's Chapel, Exeter and Devon Crematorium on 31st March. Donations in her memory are welcome for the RNLI and may be sent to ISCA Funerals, Constable Court, Fore Street, Exeter EX1 2QJ or on-line here
UK and RF Twin Cities Foundation - Honorary Presidents
Our congratulations to those honoured by the UK Twin Town and Sister Cities Foundation.
Three people have been made Honorary Presidents:
Vicky Davis, Canterbury
Peter Barker, Exeter
Martin Kimber, Cheltenham
Peter is an EYTA committee member
The Foundation holds on line meetings on the 30th of each month and works with the 23 UK cities which have a twin / sister city in Russia and vice-versa of course.
The foundation plans to hold more actual meetings after lockdown ends, in various parts of the UK and Russia. That is something to look forward to.
To participate in the UK Twin Town and Sister Cities events please contact us
Alan Huxley
Members of EYTA who knew Alan Huxley, who founded, and was the first Secretary of EYTA, will be sorry to hear that he died earlier this month. He was 88 and spent a large part of his life promoting friendship and understanding between the UK and Russia.
He had a keen interest in the Soviet Union as it then was from the 1960s onwards, when he went to work there for two years and it was this interest that led him to help set up and then lead EYTA.
Celia tells us that there will be a memorial gathering for Alan in Exeter when we are allowed to congregate and hopes to see some old and new members of EYTA there.
Nicholas Boggis-Rolfe
We are very sorry to report that Nicholas Boggis-Rolfe died in hospital on 20 December 2020. A private cremation was held on 7 January
Nicholas was a great stalwart of twinning, having been a member of Plymouth - Novorossiysk twinning and then Exeter Yaroslal Twinning Association. He will be missed by his wife Caroline and family as well as many friends in Exeter and Yaroslavl. Our thoughts are with them.
A memorial service in the Guards Chapel near Buckingham Palace is being planned for 9 July.
Russian Conversation Group 18 January 2021
Next Russian Conversation Group 18 January 2021 at 14:30 UK time. During the current pandemic we are are holding these meetings on-line and they are proving successful. Normally held on the 3rd Monday of each month.
Leader: Nataliya
Topic: Christmas. Be ready to talk about Christmas. We would like to hear your story about Christmas. Could be the most recent Christmas or one some time ago. Something warm and interesting.
The Zoom invitation has gone to group members but we welcome new members. Participants contribute £1 per session to association funds. If you would like to join in please contact us.
News 2020
Merry Christmas from Yaroslavl
Viacheslav Gavrilov, Deputy Mayor of Yaroslavl, sends his best wishes to you and all the members of the Association on the threshold of Christmas.
Please find attached the New Year card with a New Year look of Yaroslavl.
All the best for next year!
Christmas message from Lord Mayor of Exeter
We have received a Christmas message from The Right Worshipful The Lord Mayor of Exeter Councillor Peter Holland:
"Sending my very best wishes for happiness, peace and good health now, and in the New Year".
The Lord Mayor of Exeter's Charity 2019 - 2021 is City Community Trust.
It is Exeter's Health and well-being charity. It works in partnership with Exeter City Football Club and provides a range of activities to people of all ages, focussed on health, well-being, education and physical activity.
Probably First Ever Twinning Visit (Coventry - Volgograd)
We think this is the first ever twinning visit (Coventry - Volgograd) Red Army sniper Lieutenant Lyudmilla Pavlichenko with the Mayor of Coventry (Mrs Alderman Smith) and the Mayoress (Mrs Councillor Cant) in the Central Hall in November 1942 (Coventry Evening Telegraph, 21st November 1942)
Снайпер Красной Армии лейтенант Людмила Павличенко с мэром Ковентри (членом горсовета госпожой Смит) и мэром (членом совета госпожой Кант) в центральном зале в ноябре 1942 года (Ковентри ивнинг телеграф, 21 ноября 1942 года).
Ask for information about Russian Twinning
Russian Conversation Group 21 December 2020
Next Russian Conversation Group 21 December at 14:30 UK time. During the current pandemic we are continuing these meetings on-line and they are proving successful. We normally hold them 3rd Monday of each month.
Leader: Nataliya
Topic: a place in Devon. Be ready to talk about a place in Devon. Could be connected with a literary or historic figure. Perhaps a place you have visited or somewhere that interests you. Your choice.
The Zoom invitation has gone to group members. New members are welcome. Participants contribute £1 per session to association funds. If you would like to join us please contact us.
Exeter Yaroslavl On-Line Social Meeting 24 November 2020
.jpg "On line Exeter - Yaroslavl social meeting - we meet the cats")
Next on-line Exeter Yaroslavl Social Meeting 24 November 2020 17:00 UK time. We introduced these meetings after the onset of Covid. As they have proved to be popular and we will be continuing even after the Covid has gone. We have agreed to hold them on the 4th Tuesday of each month.
Zoom instructions and password are sent to our members. If you would like to join please in get in touch.
Russian Conversation Group On-Line 16 November 2020
Next on-line Russian Conversation Group Meeting 16 November 14:30 - 16:00
Leader Nataliya. Topic will be to discuss an object in a museum which interested you or which you like.
We are also proposing to hold them on the third Monday of each month in future. Having a regular day each month should make planning easier for everyone. The Zoom link has been sent to usual participants.
We ask group participants to contribute £1 per session to association funds
If you would like more information please contact us.
Wishing Everyone an Enjoyable Bonfire Night
We wish everyone a happy Bonfire Night on 5 November. Don't forget that pets are often frightened by fireworks, so best to limit festivities to this one night.
The photo is the firework display that concluded City Day 2020 in Yaroslavl. The location is the Strelka, the point at which the River Kotorosl merges into the Volga ( Стрелка И Волжская Набережная г. Ярославль)
Last year representatives of our association attended City Day in Yaroslavl and we hope that next year we will be able to do so again.
History of relations between Yaroslavl and Exeter
Yaroslavl and Exeter have been twinned for over 30 years. Svetlana Shishkova and Galina Evstifeeva were English language teachers at School Number 4, Yaroslavl when the link was first established. They have kindly written an article in which they share their memories of that time, in particular the visit of Exeter Children’s Orchestra to Yaroslavl and Yaroslavl children's folk instruments orchestra and dancing group 'Elling' to Exeter.
You can read their most interesting article in Russian here or in English here.
История взаимоотношений Ярославля и Эксетера
Ярославль и Эксетер-- города-побратимы уже более 30 лет. Светлана Шишкова и Галина Евстифеева преподавали английский язык в средней школе №4 г. Ярославля , когда первые контакты были установлены . Они с удовольствием написали статью, в которой делятся своими воспоминаниями о том времени и, особенно, о визите Детского Оркестра г.Эксетер в Ярославль и Детского оркестра русских народных инструментов и танцевального коллектива из Ярославля « Эллинг» в Эксетер.
Вы можете прочитать их очень интересную статью (интересный рассказ) на русском здесь и на английском здесь
Exeter Yaroslavl On-Line Social Meeting
.jpg "On line Exeter - Yaroslavl On - Line Social Meeting")
Our next on-line Exeter Yaroslavl Social Meeting will be 27 October 17:00 UK time. We introduced these meetings after the onset of Covid. As they have proved to be popular and we propose continuing them in the future.
We suggest holding them at a set time and day each month. We have in mind last Thursday of each month, 17:00 UK. We would welcome comments on this proposal.
Russian Conversation Group On-Line 19 October 2020
.jpg "Portrait of Modest Musorgskii by Ilya Repin (1881 State Tretyakov Gallery Moscow)_files")
Our Russian Conversation Group will next meet on 19 October 14:30 to 16:00
Topic will be music. Group members should prepare to say something about music, musicians, or composers. Possibly perform some music for us or play a short recording for us.
Our leader will be Nataliya, one of our Russian members. lectronic Zoom appointment details have been sent to group members
If you would like to join us or want more details contact us
AGM 15 October 2020 - Draft Minutes
This year we held our Annual General Meeting on line on 15 October 2020. The draft minutes are now available for members perusal.
Please note: they are a draft and will not be approved until our next Annnual General Meeting in October 2021. If you notice any errors, omissions or have a question please get in touch.
Exeter Yaroslavl On-Line Social Evening 22 September 2020 18:00
Next Exeter – Yaroslavl Social Meeting: 22 September 18:00 Exeter Time / 20:00 Yaroslavl Time.
Please let us have offers for the programme. Recently we have had Morris Music, oragami, poems, videos and even riddles. We will welcome any cultural activity, which is always appreciated by our friends in Yaroslavl and also by us back here.
Programme and reminder will be issued nearer the date. Contact us for more information
Father Peter Scorer RIP
We are sad to report the Father Peter Scorer has died. He was priest at Exeter Orthodox Church and a founder member of our association. He and Irina have continued membership ever since.
His funeral will be at St James Church on Friday 18 September, but due to Covid attendance will be limited to 30 people, so only family will be able to attend.
We will send a condolences card to Irina early next week. If you would like to add a personal message to the card please send it to us by Monday 21 September. We would also appreciate any reminiscences or information about his life and career. We will then write up a article about him. Photographs would also be welcomed
If you need our email address contact us
City Day Yaroslavl 12 September 2020
On 12 September Yaroslavl will celebrate its 1010th birthday.
Due to the limitations caused by the spread of coronavirus infection, friends and partners from Yaroslavl's twin cities will not be able to be with the Yaroslavl people on the day.
But we be thinking about our Yaroslavl friends on City Day and have sent them our warmest wishes
For more information about our work with Yaroslavl please contact us
UK RF Twin Cities meeting 26 August 2020
.JPG "Twin Cities on-Line Meeting Screen Shot and link to Contact Form")
Our next on line meeting with our friends in our partner organisation another Britain - Russia twin cities will be on 24 July. Always an interesting and useful event, sharing news and ideas with British and Russian cities which have shared partnerships:
We will be sending out the Zoom link to our members. If you are not a member but would like more information please contact us
English Language Editor Required
Our friend Olga Gorval in Yaroslavl is looking for an English speaking person to act as as editor for her Russian-English translations.
Ideally she would have short video sessions to discuss her texts with the editor and find better equivalents for some of the words and spot any frequent mistakes. Emails would be a possibility.
She would only need to discuss some of her tasks, not very often. She could pay some fee or help this person with their Russian studies.
Olga has teaching experience and is fluent in English. She does translations on a regular basis and has done work for the BBC.
An excellent opportunity for someone who wants to make progress in learning Russian
Ask to be put in touch with Olga
Joint Exeter Yaroslavl On-Line Social Evening 25 August 18:00
.jpg "Exeter - Yaroslavl members participating in on line social meeting and link to our contact form")
Our next Exeter – Yaroslavl Social Meeting: 25 August 18:00 Exeter Time / 20:00 Yaroslavl Time.
Please let us have offers for the programme. Cultural activity or something you would like discussed. We already have offers of accordion playing, poems and videos. More welcome.
Programme and reminder will be issued nearer the date. Contact us
Joint Exeter Yaroslavl On-Line Social Evening 11 August 18:00
Thank you to everyone who replied expressing interest or supporting the idea of an Exeter/Yaroslavl cultural evening to be held on the 11 August via Zoom, Exact details will be sent out shortly but in the meantime we are looking for any volunteers who think they can showcase a cultural activity. It could be a song, music, poetry, perhaps a talk on some cultural aspect of the UK or another country. Anything which you think would be interesting for our members. We are looking for activities between 10-30 minutes in length.
Russian Conversation Group: 10 August 2020
Our next Russian Conversation Group meeting will be 10 August 2020 14:30 - 16:00 via Zoom.
Veronika is unavailable so Nataliya has kindly agreed to act as our Leader.
Topic will be "Dreams". Dreams can have two meanings; what we experience in our sleep «Сна» or our hopes for the future «Мечты». Be ready to talk in Russian for a few minutes about either or both.
For more information about our Russian Conversation Group contact us
UK RF Twin Cities meeting 24 July 2020
Our members and friends in Exeter and Yaroslavl have been invited to another Britain - Russia twin cities get together on 24 July. Always an interesting and useful event:
PROGRAMME:
* Sharing friendships updates. Обмениваемся новостями.
* Getting ready to celebrate friendships "round" anniversaries of twin cities friendships. Готовимся отмечать "круглые" юбилеи побратимства.
We have sent out the Zoom link. If you would like it re-sent or just wish to know more please contact us
On-Line Meetings Exeter Yaroslavl on line:
Next 14 July 2020 14:00 - 15:30
We are currently holding on-line meet-ups with our members and those of our partner organisation in Yaroslavl
We talk mainly in English, although some members like to try a little Russian for which they get feedback direct from Russia and great encouragement.
We meet Tuesday afternoons fortnightly 14:00 - 16:30. If the time is not convenient do let us know. We can probably arrange for a chat with Russia ata time more convenient for you.
If you are member who would like the link sent again or non member who wants to know more please contact us.
Russian Conversation Group 13 July 2020 14:30 to 16:00
Next Russian Conversation Group meeting 13 July 2020 14:30 - 16:00 via Zoom. Veronika will be Leader.
Topic will be Childhood Memories. Talk in Russian for a few minutes.
The picture is «Садовник» "Gardner"
People of all standards welcome including beginners. Just come and give Russian a try. If you want to take Russian further we can introduce you to good tutors
Ask about our Russian Conversation Group
Competition Results 2020
Our partner organisation "Yaroslavl-Exeter Friendship Society" has decided the results of the 13th competition of creative work in English work, which is held annually for schoolchildren and students of colleges in the city and region. Our association has always supported this competition.
Congratulations to the winners and all participants in the competition. The results are here
Результаты конкурса 2020
Наша партнерская организация «Общество дружбы Ярославль – Эксетер» подвела итоги XXIII конкурса творческих работ на английском языке, который проводится ежегодно для школьников и студентов колледжей города и области. Наша ассоциация всегда поддерживала эти конкурсы.
Поздравляем победителей и всех участников конкурса! Результаты здесь
Exeter - Yaroslavl Creative Writing Competition 2021
On 26 May we held a virtual event to announce the winners of our annual Exeter Yaroslavl Creative Writing Competition for young people. Traditionally a representative from Exeter has presented prizes and awards in Yaroslavl but due to the pandemic the event was virtual this year. This year we opened to the event to young people in Exeter.
We are delighted that 87 people entered the competition this year, a record number
We were delighted that that the Deputy Lord Mayor of Exeter, Councillor Ian Quance opened the event.
After greetings from Exeter Yaroslavl Twinning Association and Yaroslavl Exeter Friendship Association we heard about the contest and its traditions. We had music, poetry and of course the announcement of competition results
We will be shortly publish the results in full but in the meantime you can see our recording of the event here.
UK and RF Twin Cities on-line Meeting 28 May 2021
.jpg "Lord Mayor of Exeter, Councillor Peter Holland addresses our meeting")
Our next UK and RF Twin Cities on-line meeting will be on 28 May, starting at 17:00 London 19:00 Moscow. Zoom.
Topic will be "Ecological movements at our towns and cities". We would like a volunteer to give a short, non-political talk on behalf of Exeter on this topic. Please let us know if you are willing. The audience will be people from UK and Russian twin cities. Usually cities participating include Yaroslavl - Exeter, Sochi - Cheltenham, Vladimir - Canterbury, Kostroma - Durham, Novorossiysk - Plymouth, Coventry Volgograd and others
Topics in succeeding weeks:
Dates provisional, may be subject to adjustment.
30 June: Our local Nature Reserves
30 July: Our local festivals, music life, theatres
30 August: Our gastronomy and food
30 September: Our architecture
30 October: The Twin Cities Award in Volgograd
30 November: The Uk and RF twin Cities Forum
30 December: The Year Review
If you are willing to talk on any of these topics please let us know.
For those people who simply want to attend these interesting meetings we send the link out to our members. If you are not on our list please ask for information
конкурс творческих работ
«Общество Дружбы Ярославль-Эксетер» и «Ассоциации городов-побратимов Эксетер-Ярославль» (Exeter-Yaroslavl Twinning Association) приглашает к участию в конкурсе творческих работ учащихся средних школ, колледжей, ВУЗов г. Ярославля и Ярославской области. Тема «Какую из прочитанных книг ты назвал бы самой интересной» «The most interesting book I have ever read»
Все участники будут награждены дипломом властей России, а самые лучшие проекты получат призы.
Для участия надо зарегистрироваться на сайте до 1 апреля и отправить завершённый проект до 20 апреля.
В этом году впервые к участию будут приглашены студенты из г. Эксетер и графства Девон.
Мы желаем всем участникам удачи!
Подробная информация здесь
Creative Work Competition
For 24 years Exeter’s twin city in Russia, Yaroslavl, has been hosting an English language essay competition for students. For the first time this year we have opened the competition to students and young people in Exeter and Devon. This is an exciting opportunity for students to connect with people from another society and culture. It is also an excellent chance to build your research skills and have your work assessed by a panel of teachers in Russia. All participants will be awarded a diploma by the authorities in Russia, and the very best projects will receive prizes.
You need to register interest by 1 April and submit your project by 20 April.
Good luck to all entrants
Full details here
Frosty Morning in Yaroslavl
.jpg "Yaroslavl Railway Bridge across the Volga.")
Olga Chistyakova has sent us excellent pictures that she took on an interesting excursion on a frosty winter morning in Yaroslavl on 23 February 2021.
She was about in city from 8-30 to 11-30 in the morning while the temperature was 33 degrees below zero.
They show a true Russian winter, with beautiful blue skies, yet snow piled high.
Children of Orphanage "Solinechniy" - Congratulations
_3.jpg "Military Veteran meets young people and link to their article")
Congratulations to children of Orphanage "Solinechniy" - more winners in our annual competition we hold in conjunction with Yaroslavl Exeter Friendship Society. Amongst participants in the winning team were Ruslan Aleskerov, Egor Ganchev, Alena Pushnyakova, Carolina Fomina, under the guidance of teacher Irina Berestova and orphanage Director Elena Kuznetsova.
The competition was to complete an English language project on the topic "Remember the Glorious Deeds", a theme based on the Great Patriotic War. You can read about their excellent project and see their photographs here
We will feature another prize-winner shortly
Russian Conversation Group - on line
15 June 2020 14:30 to 16:00
Next Russian Conversation Group meeting will be on 15 June 14:30 16:00 via Zoom. Veronika will be Leader.
Select an object that has special meaning for you. Show it to the group and talk about it in Russian for a few minutes.
The picture is a Domovoy, which is a Russian Fairy. He always has a luxurious beard and always is the bearer of Good Fortune and Health. Its an idea to have one in every room. We may see a Domovoy at our meeting?
Ask to join our Russian Conversation Group
Russian Conversation Group - 15 June 2020
Our May Russian Conversation Group meeting was most successful. Particular thanks to Olga who acted as leader and told us interesting things about Russian culture and gave great encouragement.
The poems that people presented were:
Самуил Маршак: «Праздник леса»
Александр Блок: «Ночь, улица, фонарь, аптека...»
Булат Окуджава: «Эта комната»
The next meeting will be on 15 June 2020. We have moved to the Zoom “free package”, which may or may not give us full time allocation.
We therefore ask that all participants do not take too long when presenting something to us, thereby limiting time available for others.
Yaroslavl Group Visit Exeter 07 - 16 June 2020
Yaroslavl guests will be coming to Exeter 07 – 16 June. I have been told that there is good demand from people wanting to come to Exeter.
However, our friends understand that the number of people we can receive will depend on availability of hosts. We don’t know who will be in the group, nor whether some guests will go off on a coach trip during their visit. That could depend on numbers and who comes.
We would appreciate a few more volunteers to act as hosts. If you would be willing to host someone could you let us know as soon as possible. We would be grateful. Similarly if you want more information about the visit or want to get involve please conact us
Enquire about the visit from Yaroslavl
Anniversary party of Coventry and Volgograd Twinning.
Online 6 June.
We have been invited to the anniversary party of Coventry and Volgograd Twinning. On line 6 June. Any EYTA member who would like the Zoom link please ask. Programme below:
INVITATION From Coventry and Volgograd bond of Friendship Committee to Exeter Yaroslavl Twinning Association. Online Zoom Happy Birthday Street Party from Coventry
Volgograd Place in Coventry
Coventry Street in Volgograd
11.00 am UK time
Happy 76th Birthday to Coventry and Stalingrad/Volgograd Bond of Friendship Committee greetings from the participants of twinning projects and events
11.20 am
Happy Birthday to The Queen! The Stalingrad Story of the English Queen book presentation
11.30 am
Happy Birthday The Twin Towns and Sister Cities Movement greetings from our friends Invitations to the new projects
11.40 am
Tea Coffee break
12.00 pm
Happy Birthday to Alexandr Pushkin from Volgograd the UN Day of the Russian Language and Culture Till 1pm - 1.30pm
5 pm
Happy Twinning Birthday, Coventry Twin Towns and Sister Cities Flowers to Coventry Twin Cities Round Table at the Herbert Gallery
Exeter - Yaroslavl Keep in Touch Meeting 2 June
A reminder that Tuesday 2 June 2020 at 14:00 we will have our Exeter – Yaroslavl Keep in Touch meeting.
If there are any topics you'd like to raise please let us know. We will put together an agenda.
We will have guests, John and Emara from Exeter City Council and Olga from Coventry – Volgograd Twinning. Olga is involved in a special on-line event between those cities on 6 June at which we will represented.
See https://thetwinsistercitiesclub.wordpress.com/category/events/
UK and RF Twin and Sister Cities Forum
An exciting new project is underway to involve UK - Russian Federation Twinning Organisations. It is being led from Coventry whose Russian Federation twin city is Volgagrad (Stalingrad).
Olga is driving the project and the aim is to get a website up and running with plenty of information by 26 April, which is the anniversary of the date in 1944 when the original Coventry and Stalingrad Committee was established.
we want to be fully involved in this initiative which promises to become a valuable support network. Good progress is already being made and we recommend you have a look at the website, which is developing quickly.
UK and RF Twin & Sister Cities Forum
Welcome to New Members
Welcome to new members Caroline Bennett, Austen Birchall, Eliza Cargill, Jez Gibson, Irina Hilditch, Margaret Sheppard, Ira Starodubtseva.
New members are always welcome. It is not necessary to speak Russian even when you go to Yaroslavl. Our partners in Russia include many excellent English speakers. However, if you want to learn about Russia and even try some Russian we can give you plenty of opportunity.
If you would know more about our association or are just thinking about joining please get in touch.
Конкурс «Помним Славные Победы !»
«Ярославская Городская Общественная Организация «Общество Дружбы Ярославль-Эксетер» приглашает к участию в ХХIII конкурсе творческих работ учащихся средних школ, педагогических колледжей, ВУЗов г.Ярославля и Ярославской облаcти на тему
«Помним Славные Победы!»
"Remember The Glorious Deeds!"
Сроки Проведения Конкурса 10 января - 1 мая 2020 г.
Подведение Итогов в мае 2020 г.
Работа выполняется на английском языке
Контактные телефоны:
Смирнова Татьяна Александровна,
председатель жюри конкурса
дом. (4852) 519378 моб. 8 903 8263765
Editor's note: This is an invitation to Yaroslavl children to participate in the competition we support each year. It involves writing an essay in English
.
Russian Conversation Group - 18 May 2020
We had a most successful first on-line Russian Conversation Group. We were particularly pleased that 3 Russian people joined us and chatted to us.
Next Meeting will 18 May 2020 on line Zoom 14:30 – 16:00
Link to be sent out separately
Leader: Veronika
Topic: “What I have been watching during the quarantine”
Nataliya suggested we comment on the film “Contagion”
If you are unable to see the film please talk about an alternative of your choice
Incidentally, the book that Eliza recommended at our first on-line meeting was “The Shoemaker and his Daughter” by Conor O’Clery. See here.
On-line Monthly Coffee - Meet-up 12 May 2020 - 2:00 - 4:00 pm
We really enjoyed the chance to meet up by Zoom, particularly so as a number of our Yaroslavl friends were able to be with us.
We spoke mainly in English, although some of our people spoke some Russian. They got feedback direct from Russia and great encouragement. We were also introduced to cats.
We have decided to do it again on Tuesday 12 May 2020. If you weren't with us first time round we would be delighted to see next time.
We have sent the link out to members. If you haven't received it please let us know.
If you are not a member but would like to know more, please contact us.
Ask for link, password or information
On-line Monthly Coffee - Meet-up 5 May 2020
Tuesday 5 May 2:00 – 4:00 pm we will have a chance to meet up via Zoom. Our Yaroslavl friends have also been invited, so we can hear the news from Russia. We don’t think you need to download Zoom.
You simply click on the link and use the password if necessary.
The details have already been sent out to members. If you are a member who has not received the link or if you are not a member but would like to know more, please contact us.
Ask for link, password or information
Russian State Ballet and Orchestra of Siberia
Irina Hilditch, one of our Russian members, has drawn our attention to the visit to Britain by the Russian State Ballet and Orchestra of Siberia.
They will be touring here 14 February - 15 March 2020, at various venues around the country, the closest to us being Bournemouth
They will perform Coppelia, Swan Lake and The Nutcracker
Details of dates and ticket sales are here
About the company (in Russian)
Russian Conversation Group 17 February 2020
Reminder: Russian Conversation Group meeting 17 February 2020 14:45 – 16:30
Leader Veronika
Topic: Building on explanation of Russian verbal aspects Preparation. Prepare some Russian sentences using imperfect and perfect aspects.
Veronika has also asked whether we would be interested in a reading club? That would be a good help to language learning. Please let me know or Veronika when we see her on 17 February:
«Если интерес к клубу чтения будет , дайте мне знать . Мне кажется раз в месяц - это будет хорошим подспорьем в языке»
If you would know more about our association and or our Russian Conversation Group please get in touch
Russian Conversation Group 20 January 2020
Leader: Veronika
Venue: Exeter
Мы дослушаем истории . И я думаю поработаем над аспектом в русском на примере историй
Составьте рассказ «Как я провёл рождество»
Обратите внимание на то, по какому принципу вы будете выбирать verbs для рассказа . Для этого сначала представьте зрительно картинку и потом подумайте , важен вам процесс или результат?
Пример
Весь вечер мы разговаривали; и ели индюшку» ( процесс , imperfect)
«Я развернул подарок и увидел ;шарф такой же , как в прошлом году»
( результат perfect , beware of prefixes)
We will hear any outstanding work from last time.
Then work on aspects of Russian verbs using our accounts of how we spent Christmas. So write about "How I Spent Christmas"
Note the principle of choosing appropriate verbs for the story.
Imagine the picture visually and then think, which is most important, the process or the result?
Example:
“All evening we talked and ate turkey (process: imperfect)
“I unwrapped the gift and saw the scarf, which was the same as last year” (perfect: result – take care with prefixes)
Russian Christmas Dinner 9th January 2020
Russian Xmas is in January and we will hold a Russian Xmas Dinner on 9th January at @34 Restaurant from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm. The students of the college will prepare and serve a meal for us planned by one of our Russian members, based on the sorts of dishes that Russian people eat at Xmas.
Menu
Starter: Zakuski, Baked Piroshki (Beef/ Mushroom) / Rye bread
Main: Salmon Coulibiac
Desert: Smetannik Cake
Petit four:Pampushky
Demand has been high. However, if you are thinking about attending please ask as soon as possible for further details and availability. If we can we will try to fit you in.
Enquire about the Russian Xmas Dinner
Happy Christmas from Irina Peneva
Irina Peneva has wished us a Happy Christmas. She is Chairperson of Yaroslavl Exeter Friendship Society, our partner organisation in Russia.
Christmas Day in Russia is on 7th January. Russian people will be returning to work or school from 9th January.
Christmas Greetings from Yaroslavl
We have received Christmas Greetings Season's Greetings from our friends at Yaroslavl City Hall and International Department, Yaroslavl
The wish Merry Christmas to everyone in the Association and hope to see us next year!
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