Kingsclere's new 'twin'' in France

Kingsclere is officially twinned with a village in the French Champagne region

KINGSCLERE is now officially twinned with a village in the Champagne region of France, following a recent ceremony in

the village.

Around 50 residents of Cormicy spent a weekend in Kingsclere.

David Goodfellow, a spokesman for Kingsclere Twinning Association, said: "The villagers of Kingsclere have responded with great enthusiasm and generosity to the prospect of the French visit and many offers of accommodation and hospitality were received, meaning

that all the French visitors were accommodated in local households," he added.

During the weekend, the French visitors enjoyed a walk around the historical village, a cream tea and a visit to a

cricket match.

The French party took part in a barn dance and six members entered the annual charity fundraising Twist Kingsclere five mile run around the village, a fundraiser for Kingsclere Primary School.

“The first three Frenchmen joined hands to cross the finishing line together,” said Mr Goodfellow. “Later there was a England v France tug-of-war competition which was keenly contested and I think ended up as a 1-1 draw,” he

added.

A similar twinning ceremony will take place in France when the Kingsclere Twinning Association hopes to take a

similar number of villagers there.