WESTBURY and District French Twinning Association welcomed a group of 32 people from the twin town of Château du Loir for five days packed full of activities.
The overseas visitors were formally welcomed by the Mayor Stephen Andrews at a Civic Reception held at the Westbury Leigh Church Hall. Chairman of the Westbury and District French Twinning Association, Jean Drew said, “After the reception it was then off to their hosts’ homes for dinner. Having started out from home at 4.00am, they were all ready to have an early night.”
After a good night’s rest, the group gathered together for a trip to Milestones Museum in Basingstoke. Jean said, “This is an exceptionally good museum that appealed to both English and French and although we had allowed four and a half hours for the visit, it didn’t seem long enough as there is so much to see.”
The rest of the day and the following were free for the hosts and their visitors to do as they wished. Activities were varied, from visits to Shepton Mallet, Glastonbury, Bourton on the Water, Clanger wood, Crofton Beam engines, Stonehenge, Longleat and many others places.
After their many different adventures, the group gathered together in the evening at Westbury Leigh Church Hall for a celebratory dinner. “Before long the hall was buzzing with chatter and laughter, with 74 people sitting down for a three-course meal, all efficiently served by Eynon Catering; our thanks to them for doing us proud once again”, said Jean.
“The final day was more time for hosts to spend with their guests. Before long it was time to say goodbye and we were all gathering at Warminster Road car park for our guests to board the coach for their 5.00am departure to Portsmouth and their ferry to France.”
About the visit Jean said, “Another successful weekend for us all, old friendships renewed and new ones made. Now we are looking forward to going to Château du Loir next year.”
If you would like to join the group and visit Château du Loir next year, please contact Chairman Jean Dew on 01373 864935.
