Fordingbridge Twinning Association invited over 40 French people from Fordingbridge’s twinned town of Vimoutiers, Normandy, who all arrived on Thursday 8th May (the actual VE Day), and were immediately treated to a Civic Reception with speeches from the Mayor of Fordingbridge (Cllr Pete White) and leaders of the two twinning associations. There was handbell ringing to celebrate the National VE Day events, followed by lighting of the beacon, the Tribute of Remembrance read by the Town Crier, singing of ‘I Vow to the My Country’, finishing with national anthems played by Hyde Band. The French guests enjoyed these formal events and were pleased to join in.
On Friday, they were taken for a guided tour of Breamore House, its museum and bluebell woods, and its famous “miz-maze”. (see attached photo of the French visitors outside Breamore House). The day ended with a rip-roaring Ceilidh, featuring local band “Murphy’s Lore”. Everyone joined in with the dancing, along with much laughter!
The VE Day celebrations, organised by Fordingbridge Town Council and assisted by organisations like the Avon-Valley Shed and Fordingbridge Rotary, concluded on Saturday, 10th May, with a Picnic in the Park. Preceded by a guided walk of the local New Forest by Fordingbridge Twinning Association, the French visitors were treated to a fish’n’chips lunch, much music in the afternoon, numerous stalls and entertainments before an evening dinner with local dance music.
The weekend ended for the French with a “brunch” on Sunday morning, with music provided by local 8-piece band “New Forest Rhythmix”, before they caught their coach home, via Portsmouth Ferry. The next Twinning event will be when they return our hospitality, and local “twinners” will attend the “Foire de la Pomme” over the weekend of 17th – 19th October, in Vimoutiers, just an hour’s drive from the ferry at Caen.
The weather was fantastic over the whole 4-day visit, which caused much amusement with people returning to France with suntans! They don’t usually expect that when they visit the UK!
For further details on how to join the Twinning Association, &/or the Avon-Valley Shed, &/or indeed, Fordingbridge Rotary, do contact Derek Ayling, on 01425 650770, or by email at Hippotrain@BTInternet.com
