Douchy-les-Mines (France)
A city in north-eastern France, neighbouring Valenciennes (Nord department). A twin city of Mielec since 11 November 1990.
History
The beginnings of the settlement are connected with the creation of the Abbey of Saint-Pierre de Grand about 650. Confirmation of the existence of the monastic settlement and Douchy court can be found in a document from 946. About 1140 the Catholic parish and municipality of Douchy were established. Until the mid-19th century, its inhabitants were farmers and craftsmen. In 1718, deposits of hard coal were discovered in this area, but it was not until 1834 that the mining company called “Douchy” was established. Scheduled exploitation of coal deposits has been carried out since the 80s of the 19th century. It was then that many Polish families seeking work came to Douchy (especially from Silesia). During the First World War, in the nearby Ardennes, fierce fighting took place, which has been commemorated by a monument in the city centre. Since the coal mine operations contributed to the development of this city – in 1938, its name was changed to Douchy-les-Mines. The modernization of the French economy caused many coal mines to close, also in Douchy (1955). When in the years 1976-1977 an inter-municipal waste incineration plant was built, services for 32 surrounding municipalities began to yield considerable revenues. As a result, in the 80s and 90s, a modern urban centre was built, which significantly changed the face of Douchy.
The modern image of the city
Douchy-les-Mines has about 11,000 inhabitants, including hundreds of people of Polish origin. In the city there are, among others, 6 primary and college type schools, a complex of buildings of professional firefighters, two Catholic churches, a complex of cultural and educational facilities (house of culture, media library, Regional Centre of Photography), a leisure park with a multifunctional pavilion. In addition, the historic castle in Ardennes belongs to the city, which is used in the summer by inhabitants for summer leisure. Among the inhabitants there is a large group of Polish descendants. Many of them speak Polish and retain some of the Polish customs. The Representative City Brass Band is the pride of the city.
Partnership cooperation
The cities Douchy-les-Mines and Mielec started it in 1983 from contacts of the Workers’ Cultural Centre in Mielec with cultural centres in Western Europe. It was then, when the Song and Dance Ensemble “Rzeszowiacy” concerted in Douchy-les-Mines as part of an artistic tour around the Federal Republic of Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg and France. Contact with the French and the representatives of the local Polish community turned into regular cooperation. Mielec hosted a group of French youth, while in Douchy artistic ensembles from RCK performed: Song and Dance Ensemble “Abrakadabra” and other children’s groups and a brass band. The marriage of Mielec’s citizen, Lucyna Masłowiec – the founder of “Abrakadabra” with Jean L. Bera – vice-mayor of culture and sport in Douchy-les-Mines, grew to become a symbol of friendship of both cities. The official signing of a partnership agreement of our two cities took place on 11 November 1990 during the visit of a delegation Mielec’s local government in Douchy.
