The Friends of Les Marches Twinning Association (FLMTA) gathered on Friday, 21 November 2025, to honour Malcolm Close for his outstanding contribution to the group.
Malcolm has been involved in the twinning for more than 25 years, serving over 20 of those years as chair.
To mark his retirement, he was presented with gifts and mementoes by members and friends.
Over the years, Malcolm has played a key role in organising visits between Les Marches in Savoie, France, and Stepps and the surrounding area in North Lanarkshire.
The event was attended by North Lanarkshire’s Provost, Kenneth Duffy; Councillor John McLaren; and former councillor and founder member Brian Wallace. Guests also welcomed the association’s new Chair, Josephine O’Brien.