East Woodhay 'twinners' unveil Normandy sign pointing homewards

Memorable visit marks two decades of cross Channel link

EAST Woodhay Twinning Association marked two decades of a cross-Channel link with a memorable visit to Normandy – including the unveiling of a French signpost pointing in the direction of East Woodhay.

The weekend trip by association members marked the 20th anniversary of the charter, which established the link between the communities of East Woodhay and Colomby-Anguerny – two Normandy villages that merged in January this year.

On Saturday, places visited by guests and hosts included Mont St Michel, Honfleur and Granville, as well as several gardens, chateaux and a bell-foundry.

Sunday was given over to celebrations of 20 years of fun and friendship.

In the morning all gathered in the community hall at Anisy. Speeches, re-dedications and the signpost unveiling were interspersed with music played by the band from the town of Douvres la Délivrande.

In the evening a grand dinner was held at Colomby-Anguerny, and the climax of the meal was the serving of five delicious celebration cakes, decorated with sparklers.

Finally, each family was presented with a souvenir photo album reflecting exchanges and visits of the past two decades, together with a small personalised sachet embroidered by members of the French hosts and containing a hand-made soap.

Then it was time to say ‘au revoir’ until 2017 when it will be East Woodhay’s turn to host the party.

Association chairman Mike Jenkins said: “The combination of sight-seeing, eating, drinking and generally socialising with our French friends made for an exhausting weekend.”

“It was well worthwhile though and we look forward to many more of them.”