Kingsclere celebrates 10 years of twinning with Cormicy on Coronation weekend

A North Hampshire village celebrated its decade-long relationship with a French commune at a special ceremony on Coronation day.

The Kingsclere Twinning Association invited six people, including the mayor, from Cormicy, a village and civil parish near Reims, to stay in England over the historic weekend to be hosted by local residents.

On Saturday, May 6, Kingsclere’s French visitors and around 50 people from the village took part in an afternoon celebrating the link between the two places.

Kingsclere Parish Council chairman Clive Mussett welcomed the French contingent and presented them with West Berkshire Brewery beer, Fortnum and Mason’s Christmas Ale and Twinings tea.

Mayor of Cormicy Chantal Lantenois replied with a speech and presented the parish council with a magnum of Cormicy Champagne and a box of artisan biscuits, made in the north-eastern French commune.

After making a speech, Sue Watson, chair of the Kingsclere Twinning Association, presented the French with an engraved glass Coronation chalice, set on a wooden plaque commemorating 10 years of twinning and a copy of the book Watership Down, in French.

Maryline Cuillier replied on behalf of the Cormicy Twinning Association and presented Kingsclere with a magnum of Champagne and a hamper of local foods.

Twinning association members Caroline Woods and Sarah Davis acted as interpreters.

There followed a toast, with English sparkling wine, to 10 more years of twinning and the cutting and sharing of an anniversary cake.

On the following day, Kingsclere’s French visitors joined in a street party in Hook Road to celebrate the royal occasion.

They had specifically requested to come over for the Coronation weekend and thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the village celebrations.

Cormicy is hoping to host Kingsclere in 2024 for a return visit.