This year, the Midsomer Norton and District Twinning Association broke with tradition and have just returned from their very first Easter family Exchange. In August, the temperature in Ambarès can reach 42ºC and, although perfect for the beach, can prove too hot for sightseeing activities.
This year we decided that we would like to see a greener France and enjoy the blossom on the fruit trees and the newly shooting vines. The weather could not have been better, with permanent blue skies and warm, rather than hot sunshine.
Our French friends had obviously some concerns over Brexit and were keen to reassure us that their friendship remained warm. In her speech at the end of visit dinner, Jeni Randles,the English President, told them that in England we have a saying –“You cannot choose your relatives, but you can choose your friends!” She said that we have been friends for over 35 years and that they are well and truly ‘stuck with us!’
During the week, we were taken to some very interesting places, including the new and prestigious Citè du Vin, a park dedicated to the Bordeaux Wine industry. During the visit, the Bordeaux based ‘Midsomer Norton’ named tram, which was
officially named during a ceremony in 2013, passed by, purely by chance, to loud cheers from the English! We were also taken to the very beautiful Chateux de Vayres, where the gardens were amazingly lovely.
There was also a visit to the Bastide area of Bordeux and a day organised by the local sports clubs, where we played some very imaginative games. Later on that day, we were entertained with an excellent magical show.
This year, our group ranged in age from twelve to seventy and we all had a fantastic time together. We were accompanied by our Mayor, Paul Myers, who gave a very amusing talk, with video footage, at the official welcoming ceremony, celebrating ‘The Wassailing Traditions of Somerset’. The Deputy Mayor, Steve Plumley, wore a blonde wig and a cloak and became ‘The Wassail Queen”, before a beautiful Wassail cup was
presented to the town.
Earlier that day the newly-repainted red telephone box, presented to the town many years ago, was inaugurated as a telephone library! Cllr Myers personally donated a series of Shakespeare plays and a copy of Jane Eyre. The French presented Midsomer Norton with a framed picture to hang in the Town Hall.
The Twinning Association is an excellent association to join. There are social activities to be enjoyed throughout the year and we really do enjoy each others’ company. If you are interested in joining us, contact Jeni Randles, our President, on: 01761 412130. You will be very welcome!