It is with a special sense of pride that we hear that our dear friends in Witney’s French Twin-Town, Le Touquet will pay a remarkable homage to our late Queen when it renames its airport Elizabeth II Le Touquet-Paris-Plage International Airport.

Councillor Owen Collins Mayor of Witney commented,

“We are deeply touched and grateful by this gesture from the town of Le Touquet, acknowledging her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The people of France took the Queen to their hearts during her lifetime, and as well as providing a lasting memorial to her relationship to the country, this renaming will also further strengthen the bond between Le Touquet and Witney, which has stood for over forty years and which we hope will share in the Queen’s longevity.“

Officials sought permission from King Charles III less than a week after the Queen’s death in September last year and permission was granted earlier this week.

It is hoped that the strong links and close friendship that already bind Witney and Le Touquet will be felt throughout the UK.

Witney has been twinned with Le Touquet Paris Plage (‘Paris by the Sea’) since 1980 and over this time we have shared a great number of civic and cultural events, friendly challenges and games and fostered some warm friendships. We even have a little area of Witney in the Woolgate Centre named Le Touquet Square.

The official document explains (in French) the historic links between Le Touquet and the UK and contains more details about the agreement.