Devon Twinning Circle

Officers and Committee

Chairman Mrs. Josie Mardon, 35, Woodwater Lane, Exeter, EX2 5JY. Tel:01392 253469 mandj@heimat.plus.com

Vice Chairman .Mr. Dennis Knowles, 43, Greenway Gardens, Tiverton, EX 16 5JL

Tel: 01884 254775. dennisknowles123@btinternet.com Imm.past chairman Ms Anne Lloyd, 9, Yeo Vale Road, Barnstaple, EX32 7AV Tel: 01271 377358.

Secretary Mrs Pat Sherwood, Littleover Dean Street, Crediton, EX17 3EN

Tel: 01363 772103 sherwoodpa@hotmail.co.uk Treasurer Mr. James Stewart, St. Mary’s, Forches Cross, Bovey Road, Newton Abbot TQ12 6PU

Tel: 01626 361808 james@jsacc.co.uk

Insurance officer. Mrs. Pauline Knowles, 43, Greenway Gardens, Tiverton, EX16 5JL

Tel: 01884 254775 dennisknowles123@btinternet.com

Committee Members.

Mr Philip Worsfold, 8B, Whitnage Road, Sampford Peverell, Tiverton EX16 7BU Tel:01884 821805. wors@8bwhi.eclipse.co.uk

Mr.Stewart Philp, Highlea, First Raleigh, Bideford, EX39 3NJ

Tel: 01237 473624 hylee@talktalk.net Mr. Maurice Mardon, Heimat, 35, Woodwater Lane, Exeter, EX2 5JY

Tel:01392 253469 mandj@heimat.plus.com

Newsletter Editor: Mrs. Jean Aplin, 13, Crowden Crescent, Tiverton, Devon. EX16 4ET

Tel: 01884 254260 jeanaplin@live.co.uk

Mr. Anthony Barlow, 43, Church Street, Kingsbridge, TQ7 1BT.

Tel: 01548 714004 barlowanthonyd@aol.com Mr Michael Mansfield, 16,Burnham Road, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 3JH

Tel: 01278 792570 michaelmansfield1@btinternet.co.uk

Rob Hooper, County Hall, Exeter Tel: 01392 382300 rob.hooper@devon.gov.uk

Report from Chairman Jose Mardon on the last general meeting

held Saturday 20th

April at Burnham on Sea. Burnham on Sea hosted the spring meeting and members were treated to a delicious lunch followed by a very interesting talk/demonstration/film show by the Education Officer from the RNLI. It would be difficult to select any 'best bits' from the presentation because each section drew the audience into the amazingly brave work that the RNLI carry out as a voluntary service. For most of us, just wearing the safety uniform and equipment caused apprehension, taking the various lifeboats out into appalling sea conditions added our great respect and admiration for these exceptional men and women. Even the weather blessed us. We enjoyed a glorious sunny day with blue skies, warm breezes and most of us took the opportunity to sneak a few minutes by the sea before we went back to our homes. Thank you very much Burnham, hospitality, venue, speakers and weather were perfect.

Next General Meeting is on Saturday July 20th

At St Brannocks Church Rooms, Church Street, Braunton, North Devon. EX33 2EP

Lunch will be served at 12:30pm - Cost £6.50 pp. We would be happy to see you joining us for lunch

Main Meeting starts at 2 pm. Menu: cold meat and salad buffet with new potatoes followed by a selection of desserts. Vegetarian option

Book with Mrs Pat O'Hare 1 Williams Close, Wrafton, Braunton, North Devon EX33 2DY. Tel: 01271 813534 Cheques made payable to Braunton Twinning Organisation. - Replies by 15th July....late comers welcome.

Guest speaker, Ben Byrom recently appointed River Warden to give a talk on the Braunton Floods in Dec 2012

Home to Home

Summer 2013

Exeter Twinning Skittles Evening

About thirty six Seriously Skilful Skittlers gathered at the Cat and Fiddle pub on Saturday March 16

th to do battle on the

very well presented skittle-alley. Comfy tables and seats nearby enabled all the assembled members to witness the action, leading to waves of cheering, applause and/or groans as the contests proceeded.

This was a joint gathering of the EYTA and the ETC groups both of whom entered the ‘lists’ with total, careless and wild abandon (!).

The first contest, “Best Individual”, was won by Roger Dean for the ETC group.

Following a food pause, with delicious and generous delights, the second contest, “Sudden Death”, was won by Angie Brooks from the Yaroslavl group.

The whole evening passed so smoothly, without any hitches, providing everyone with the maximum amount of enjoyment This was due entirely to the efforts of the willing helpers of the EYTA lead by David and Julia Parsons, ably assisted by Julia Upton and her team; and Kathy Morris was in there too.

All profits (£59.80) went to the Lord Mayor’s Charity and many grateful thanks must go to all concerned. If you didn’t manage to come then you missed a treat. Next time, definitely come. Jack Thompson

Exeter Twinning Groups Celebrate European Week. May 4th. Exeter City Council invited Exeter Twinning Circle and Exeter/Yarolslavl Twinning Association to celebrate Twinning with a publicity day in the Guildhall. The Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor raised a flag on the roof of the Guildhall to celebrate European week in the city. Many Exonians and tourists came into the Guildhall to look at the displays, talk to

members and sample continental delicacies. Everybody enjoyed the event and we hope that we have encouraged more people to join us and experience the joys of Twinning.

Ilfracombe Twinning Association

Held Four Fundraising Successes during the past year 1)Musical Soiree with Jemma, Daisy and

Friends 2) Quiz Night 3) Mock Auction at the AGM and 4th)Christmas Market.

Christmas Market a report by Carol Jenkins It was my 14th time at the annual Christmas market organised by the Ifs Twinning. Dot and I had a good crossing on the Thursday, arriving about 11 pm with our French families. We spent Friday pricing, labelling and sorting out the raffles and games before meeting the other six - Terri, Ray, Sue, Keith, Maureen and Paul who arrived late afternoon after a bumpy crossing, It was so good that they were there during the weekend, bringing a light-hearted togetherness around our stall with their French families.

Dot and I had to be in the hall at 8.30am on the Saturday, together with the people on the other 25 stands to get everything set up for the 10am opening. Dot wrought her magic with the presentation of the raffles. The usual "vin d'honneur" and nibbles were offered by the Town Council to everyone there. The marmalades, food items and crackers sold well, but it was a long afternoon with virtually no customers for some of the stands. It is always difficult to sell the raffle tickets and to interest people in the games, this is where we make the real money and this year was no different. Fortunately, things picked up on the

Sunday, especially in the afternoon and we had a good response to the raffle draw. The market finished as usual with a meal, for over 50 people, the soup and main course provided by the Twinning Committee, the desserts by the Twinners and the English cheeses and biscuits by Dot and me. A lazy Monday morning was followed by a calm and happy crossing for the eight of us and finally home to Ilfracombe at 11 pm. Thanks to your generosity with donations, and especially the marmalades, the flashing earrings, the lucky dip prizes, and all the bits and pieces Jan provides every year, combined with a lot of hard work before and during the weekend, the visit was a financial success. When all the expenses were taken out, we were left with a profit of £404 to my great relief, because after the quietest Saturday ever, I was fearing the worst. However, the most important thing really was that we were there, flying the flag and meeting all our French friends, they really appreciate us supporting them every year.

History of Ilfracombe Twinning Association I met with Tony & Joan Pace back on the 10

th August, 2012 to hear their memories of how our

Association began. Twenty two years ago, 1990, Devon was twinned with the French Department of Calvados in Normandy. Ifs, within that department, was interested in twinning with a Devon town and the Mayor of Ilfracombe at that time, Keith Brown, was looking to arrange such a twinning. Carol Jenkins had visited Ifs with a party of youngsters from the Community College and she recommended the town to Keith Brown through the Head teacher, Alan Bacon. Devon had a twinning officer in those days and the two towns were linked together. In the first half of 1990, Ifs sent a delegation of four people to meet Keith Brown and members of the Town Council. They were Monique Tamine who became the first President of the Ifs/Ilfracombe Twinning Association, Madam Moulin, the wife of the Mayor of Ifs at that time, Jacqueline Thiebert and Herve Sirault.Jean Moor and her husband at their hotel on the Torrs hosted an evening reception

for the French visitors, local dignitaries and interested people. Our French guests were very impressed with all that they had seen and heard. The Twinning was on ! Tony and Joan Pace attended the reception and Tony, having been previously involved with twinning with the German twin town of Ludwigshaven, was enthusiastic to be involved in the Ilfracombe Association and took on the role of secretary with Keith Brown as Chairman. George Filor, a local solicitor became the Treasurer. Years later, his wife Barbara replaced him. They retired to live in France and came to the 20

th Anniversary

celebration in Ifs in 2011. The first Twinning Weekend of the two towns was held in Ilfracombe, 5-7th April, 1991. Tony and Monique worked together concerning hosting arrangements, the programme for the Charter signing, commemorative luncheon and the weekend programme. The official luncheon was held at the Carlton Hotel in Ilfracombe with the arrangements made by Tony, to include table and wall flags and various speakers, with Carol translating.

Outside on leaving, the Ilfracombe Youth Band, “Blazing Sounds” played the Marseillaise and Monsieur Moulin stood to attention. The Charter, prepared by Tony and printed on vellum by the Head of the Art Department at the College, was signed by the two mayors, Rod Donovan and Monsieur Moulin, and Chairman Keith Brown and President Monique Tamine. During the first year or so, the Ilfracombe Association was run and organised by Tony & Joan, Hazel & Norman Courtney, Jean Moor, Gill Hiscock, Stephanie Keating and one or two

others who have since left the area. Hazel was our first Membership Secretary and only retired last year in 2012. Grants were received from the local Council and the International Twinning Association ( for a year or two ) for our visits to our twin town. Our first visit to Ifs in May 1992 was memorable – official reception at the Hotel de Ville ( vin d’honneur ), meal and entertainment at the Salle de Fetes and tour of the D Day landing areas. 56 people from Ilfracombe took part. During this early period Chris Holloway and her husband Brian, proprietors of the Queen’s Court Hotel on the sea front, were most helpful – hosting AGM’s and mini auctions and always prepared to look after our French guests including the late Jacqueline Sandaljiam, secretary of the Ifs Twinning Association and her daughter Virginie. Social events were introduced – barbecues, barn dances and treasure hunts. The Association became well established, with Carol introducing teachers from the College, with Dot and Jan to the fore. After two or three years, Tony was elected as Chairman with Carol as Secretary. They worked together for several years until Tony retired from the Chairmanship and Carol took on the role. Tony and Joan became Members of the Committee & later Life Members. Carol has taken us on to a further 14 years of Twinning, making the Twinning’s existence being a total of 21 years us.

Lifespan of the Lympstone Twinning Association

After a few exploratory years, Lympstone, situated on the eastern bank of the River Exe estuary,

roughly half-way between Topsham & Exmouth, southeast of Exeter, first started organised twinning

exchanges in 1979, with Biéville-Beuville (B-B), 5 miles southwest of the ferry port of Ouistreham,

north of Caen. There are still active twinners today in both places who travelled in that year to the

first of the Charter-signing events in B-B, & then a year later in Lympstone. Whilst these members

are testament to the lasting friendships that twinning fosters, it also can be considered that recruitment

of a sustainable level of twinners has failed, over the years, to recruit sufficient new members; but

more of this later.

The enthusiasm for twinning has always been more widely embraced in B-B than in Lympstone. In

fact, in the early days there were many in Lympstone who were strongly against the idea of twinning.

This vociferous opposition led by local farmers was in reaction to the much disliked Common

Agricultural Policy! Whilst B-B’s other twinning with Margetshöchheim in central Germany still

flourishes strongly, in 1979, this was an ask too much for Lympstonians, & remains so today.

But for nearly all of those involved, twinning has been & remains a marvellous experience. Difficult

to explain to a non-believer or even to oneself eleven months since one’s last twinning, it is amazing

how a short intense weekend rekindles all the positives.

Over the years, the number of folk actively involved in alternate year hosting & visiting has ranged

from the highs of a full coach-load, to recent years managed with a handful of full cars. Whilst

numbers have surely declined, the standard of our main Saturday evening fancy dress dinner &

entertainment has never been higher. Themed evenings such as Moulin Rouge & Toulouse-Lautrec,

& Arabian Nights, remain as vivid memories. Once again however, there may be a downside to this

success, in the ever escalating organisational preparation, requirement for strong (younger) bodies &

fundraising requirement. Many busy younger people nowadays are working longer & harder, have

more diverse outlets for their leisure time & all seem more averse to the necessary committee work.

Recruiting working volunteers in general is a difficult task these days.

Thus, the community of Lympstone in 2012, so active and thriving in so many ways and in spite of

all the enthusiasm & positive reaffirmation of the joys of active twinning, could not muster volunteers

to maintain a Committee. As presiding Chairman, I prolonged the death-throes for 12 months, in case

a Committee could be re-established but to no avail. However, once again there is a converse

outcome. In 1979, going abroad was unusual & a prohibitively costly affair for a young working

family so financial support from Lympstone Twinning Association (LTA) was an essential element of

the equation. Today, this financial hurdle is not such a burden to those involved, so a fundraising

Committee is no longer a necessity. In recent years, the Committee would raise ~£2,500 over the

two-year cycle primarily for hosting costs.

So phoenix-like from the ashes of Lympstone Twinning Association has arisen a new era of twinning

in Lympstone – Lympstone Twinners. Nothing more than a rallying title with a volunteer co-

ordinating ‘secretary’ and no financial component, simply to focus communication amongst ourselves

& our friends in France. Funnily enough, whilst we were navel-gazing over the demise of LTA, we

heard of the similar collapse of the organising Committee in B-B! Nevertheless I expect that five or

six carloads of Lympstonians will be travelling to our hosts this year with the sure knowledge that

although things will be different, we will again host our friends again in Lympstone in 2014.

Throughout the lifespan of Lympstone Twinning Association, the Organising Committees & members

have appreciated & greatly benefited from the activities & support of the Devon Twinning Circle.

Thank you. Richard Crisp

'Fabulous evening' was the remark made by many of the Kingsbridge Twinning Association members and their friends from Twin town Isigny sur Mer in Normandy. We had enjoyed several days of beautiful sunshine during which we had visited Morwellham Quay where the Victorian Clothing Museum released many of the member’s inner child when they

understood that they could dress up in the costumes and pose with their friends for photos. When we had managed to prise them away from this part of the venue we had a tour around the village followed by a train ride into the George and Charlotte Copper Mine where our guests were very impressed by a very knowledgeable train driver historian who was able to give a potted history of the mine in both French and English. We then had lunch of proper Devon pasties and whilst expressing enjoyment of them were pleased that they were not living as miners in Victorian days when this would have been their

daily fare. The high point of the visit is always our Celebration dinner but when planning this occasion we have the perennial problem of what to organise for entertainment. After 52 years of twinning together over which time we have had entertainment of all types and cultures from Belly dancing to Sea Shanties. However over the last four years our Association in Kingsbridge has held several very popular events where by the group 'Piaffinity' which is based in Totnes and now renamed 'After Piaf' have delighted a large audience so we did not have to think too hard when finding that they were available on this 50

th anniversary year of her death. Djamila, the very talented and elegant singer who

was born in Alsace professed herself a little apprehensive as, whilst she has been singing as a tribute to Edith Piaf for ten years, this was the first time with a large French audience. However she need not have worried as they were delighted with her rendition of a selection of Edith Piaf's repertoire and showed their appreciation by joining in with several of her songs and demanding an encore followed by giving a standing ovation. The following day the families had a free day to explore the area with their friends before being eventually coaxed back to the Plymouth ferry for the trip back home. Several expressed the opinion that the ferry may sink under their combined weight after enjoying so much good food, wine and fun and the word fabuleux was repeated in both languages many times.

Braunton Twinning Organisation

hosted their twin village of Plouescat from Brittany,

France for days of interesting visits and fun filled

evenings. Unfortunately the weather was not in their

favour but that did not stop them having fun.

They visited the RNLI Lifeboat Station at Ilfracombe

and enjoyed a few hours in and around Ilfracombe.

Then they visited Chambercombe Manor in Ilfracombe

for a tour of the Norman Manor house with the tales of

Wreckers and Ghosts. Braunton Parish Council hosted the visitors to a civic reception at Braunton Parish Hall in

the evening.

The next day saw the visitors exploring Braunton village and St. Brannocks Church during the morning.

Plouescat brought 4 students from their local schools over and they attended Braunton Academy for several

hours to have a taste of English education. They were well received and found it most interesting. In the

afternoon they were given a demonstration by David Kennard and his dog, Fly, at Morte Point, Mortehoe

bringing in the sheep scattered over the Cliffside. The French were suitably impressed and one was over heard

saying “ you have sheep...we have artichokes!” The Challenge was undertaken in a similar vein with one

member of each side being blindfolded ‘the sheep’ and with orders being given by the ‘shepherd’ in the

opposite language to guide the blind member through gates and obstacles. It was left to the adjudicators whether

any cheating was taking place and the end result was a draw. The day was finished off with a meal at the

Williams Arms in Braunton.

The next day was a slow start and the visitors had time to explore the area with their hosts. Several families

joined up and visited a local woodcraft centre where they were shown the art of carving wood. In the evening

the theme of ‘ABBA’ night brought out an amazing array of costumes and disco dancing.

It was a very wet morning when they all said goodbye for another 12months. The Plouescat coach then made its

way to Looe, Cornwall for a visit before returning to Plymouth for the Brittany Ferry back to Roscoff.

Reported by Julia Powell

Uffculme twinning links with Normandy village of Caumont-l’Evente A report by Jim Clancy Uffculme’s Twinning links with the Normandy village of Caumont-l'Eventé have existed for 36 years now and this year it was the Mid Devon village’s turn to host. The Uffculme Twinning Association hired a coach from local firm

Forward Travel to collect their French counterparts from the ferry port at Portsmouth. Several UTA members provided accommodation for 3 nights in the village. On the Friday the French were treated to a visit to Sidmouth via a stop off at the ever-popular Donkey Sanctuary at Weston. Once in Sidmouth there was a fish and chips meal for lunch before a stroll round this lovely seaside town. Many of the French enjoyed visiting Connaught Gardens which is in full bloom at this time of year. In the evening there was much merriment at a barn dance, organised by the UTA in Uffculme’s Village Hall. On Saturday a coach trip to St Fagans National History Museum was a huge success. This is based just outside Cardiff and is one of Europe's leading open–air museums and Wales's most popular heritage attraction. French and English alike enjoyed visiting the many historical buildings which have been re-erected in this 100-acre parkland. In the evening a special ‘Taste of the West Country’ 5-course meal was prepared by local caterers Lisa & Iain Thompson of Deli Shack. The high quality of the food prepared received high praise from the French and was a great advert for West Country produce. Speeches were made and the French thanked their English hosts for organising such a wonderful time. Dates were also announced for the visit of the English to Caumont-l'Eventé next year.

CULLOMPTON TWINNING ASSOCIATION A report by Eira Brown

Cullompton Twinning Association hosted their French friends from Ploudalmezeau, Brittany, from Wednesday 8

th May until Saturday 11

th May. This year the 36

th year of twinning between our two towns and a

packed programme of activities was enjoyed by everyone. The 50 twinners from Ploudalmezeau arrived in Cullompton late evening on Wednesday 8

th May after their ferry crossing from Roscoff to Plymouth.

On Thursday the group visited the Museum of Welsh Life at St Fagans, just outside Cardiff. Although the weather was quite miserable, everyone enjoyed the visit and the French were most interested in the Celtic links, there being many similarities between the Welsh and Breton languages. They were especially surprised to meet one of the artisans in the Mill House who could speak French and Breton. After returning home in the late afternoon, there was the opportunity to attend a concert in Kentisbeare with songs by Voiceworx and La Basse Coeur. The repertoire included songs in French, Breton, Hebrew, Zulu, and English. On Friday 10

th May the twinners went to Buckfast to take a trip on the steam train to Totnes, with an on board

picnic provided by each host family. The weather was kinder for this trip and everyone had a thoroughly good time. On return to Buckfast there was time to visit Buckfastleigh Abbey, which although undergoing renovations was still spectacular. During the evening Cullompton hosted a dinner for their French friends at Cullompton Rugby Club with approximately 140 people enjoying a three course dinner followed by music and dancing. After a joint committee meeting on Saturday morning, the twinners, together with the two choirs were hosted by Cullompton Town Council to a reception held in the Community College. After speeches by the Mayor, Gordon Guest and the Deputy Mayor of Ploudalmezeau, Michel Guena, gifts were exchanged, and we were entertained by Cullompton Community Choir who sang a small selection from their repertoire. Saturday afternoon was spent “en famille”, many of the French visitors doing some last minute shopping both at the French and Farmer’s markets in Cullompton and in Exeter. After a full and fun packed weekend, the French left in the evening to catch their overnight ferry from Plymouth to Roscoff. Everyone had a most enjoyable time renewing long standing friendships and meeting new friends, and ensuring that the “entente cordiale” is alive and kicking between Ploudalmezeau and Cullompton.

Un weekend en Bretagne!

Bishopsteignton twinners returned to the village on Bank Holiday Monday (27th

May), following a successful and highly enjoyable long weekend with their Breton counterparts. It is difficult to think of something original to include in the programmes for such trips, but the twinning committee in La Roche Maurice managed just that by arranging a visit to the Oceanopolis facility in nearby Brest. Laid out in three pavilions – Polar, Tropical and Temperate – Oceanopolis provides a mine of information about every imaginable creature living in or by the sea, in a format which proved popular with young and old alike. Twinners were able to see cute penguins and not so cute sharks at close quarters and

learn about colourful fossils and fish found in every part of the world. The guided tour in English took 2 ½ hours, but time passed very quickly with so much to see and enjoy. The weekend also provided plenty of opportunity to do what twinning groups do best –indulge in too much food and wine. Particularly impressive was the communal meal on the Saturday evening, which showcased the best of Brittany. Local fish and shellfish were served on a bed of sauerkraut. It was an unusual combination, but it really worked and drew many a compliment from seasoned twinners. The whole event had a nautical theme, with sea shanties sung (in French and English) after the meal and all twinners entering into the spirit of the evening by dressing up as sailors and pirates.

Ottery St Mary, a report from Sylvia Gehring

Already our visit to Pont l’Évêque seems far behind us – It was a lovely weekend: the sun shone

(sometimes!) and the welcome from our French friends more than compensated for the lack of

warmth from the sun. While Saturday was spent in individual activities with our hosts – parties, visits

– even a trip to Paris for one couple – Sunday was the highlight of the weekend when a group trip to

the exquisite Château de Beaumesnil was followed by a convivial dinner considerably enhanced by

the lively singing of a group from the Sid Vale Folk Choir who had accompanied us. International

friendship and cooperation was very much in evidence as all joined in the choruses …. But for those

of you who missed our visit to France, there are plenty more opportunities in this year’s diary for you

to participate and enjoy 29th JUNE: CRÊPES AT WEST HILL FÊTE – 12TH JULY: CAR TREASURE HUNT –

5th – 9th SEPTEMBER: VISIT FROM ILSFELD

The visit this year by a party from Ilsfeld, our German ‘twin’, is of particular significance, as it marks 10 years since the original charter was signed, here in Ottery. We therefore plan a weekend of celebration to mark this important date in our association’s calendar, with visits to places of note, a civic reception followed by dinner and entertainment, as well as a joint service in the Church of Saint Mary. We hope that all members, old and new, particularly those who were at that ceremony in September 2003 and were instrumental in setting up the link with our German friends, will join us. 15TH OCTOBER: FILM EVENING AT THE BRITISH LEGION,

Bow & District Twinning Association a report from Una Hobbs (Secretary)

We visited our twin village – St Martin de Bienfaite la Cressonniere for five days over the last Bank Holiday weekend in May. Our trip started off with a couple of hitches, first one was that the ferry we were booked on to travel was taken out of services for a couple of days and so we were transferred to an earlier ferry, which meant that instead of leaving Bow at 9 am we had to leave at 3.30 am!! On the morning before we left one family had to drop out because the little boy was too unwell to travel, so we

were reduced to 31 persons instead of 34.

We arrived in our twin village at tea time to be met by our Host families and welcome refreshments. The next day we went to Trouville and had a trip around the town on their “railway”. Unfortunately it was raining and blowing and some of us got quite wet – however there was a lot of laughter about wet bottoms and trousers and we soon dried out in the warmth of the coach. A slight change of plan by our hosts saw us, after lunch, on our way to Pegasus Bridge – this was very much appreciated stop. Quite a few of our party had not been before and those that had, had

not seen the old bridge in its new setting or the visitors centre. By this time the sun had come out and we had a nice guide who gave a really good talk. One member of our party was ‘over the moon’ by the visit, as he said he reads everything he can find about Pegasus and he has lost count of the number of times he has seen the film based on it. Our day ended at a garden centre where we were fed – once again, on lovely crepes and tea or coffee.

Saturday and Sunday saw us all out and about with our families. Saturday evening we did all meet

up again for a lovely meal in the village hall where speeches by the two chairmen were made and a gift to our French friends was presented (a framed photograph of their visit to Bow last year, taken at Dingles museum a visit that they enjoyed immensely).

Lunch was in the village hall on the Monday before leaving to make the journey home, after a wonderful visit. Our friends make their return visit to Bow in May 2014.

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Kingskerswell Twinning Association by Margaret Jury

Members of Kingskerswell Twinning Association welcomed 24 guests from Lonsee, their Twin village in

Baden Würtemburg, South Germany on Thursday 30th

May. After a journey lasting nearly 20 hours they were

greeted at Kingskerswell, where they met their hosts, and went on to stay in private homes in the area.

On Friday 31st May 54 people visited Killerton House, near Exeter, and had a superb day out. The weather was

hot, and the gardens were a picture. The temperature in Lonsee the day before they left was 8 degrees, so this

was quite a shock! During the evening many families joined together for drinks and chat.

On Saturday there was an optional trip to Berry Head, which was enjoyed by many. It was windy, but clear and

sunny, so there was a beautiful view, which they enjoy immensely, as they don’t see the coast very often. On

Saturday evening we had our Social Evening attended by 60 people. We met at the Newton Abbot Recreational

Trust, and enjoyed a lovely meal to start the evening. We were entertained by “Heather & Gorse” a clog dancing

group – and my - what energy they put into the dancing! It was very much enjoyed by all, and included audience

participation. DJ Bruce Green provided the music for the evening, which was attended by the mayor of Lonsee,

Herr Ogger, and Herr Greiner from the Council in Lonsee. The mayor of Westerstetten, about 7 miles from

Lonsee, was also there with his partner. He just happened to be in the area!

Sunday was left free for people to do as they wished. Some went for a walk on Dartmoor, others by train & boat

to Exmouth. Herr Ogger and his hosts had Sunday lunch (roast beef & Yorkshire Pudding, naturally!) with

Margaret Jury, Chairman of Kingskerswell Twinning Association, and then went for a walk round the village, as

it was his first visit. He spent a while chatting with residents in Lonsee Gardens, and met John Leonard, vicar of

Kingskerswell. He said he was very impressed with what he had seen.

On Sunday evening we had a gathering for chat & drinks at the Farmhouse Tavern, Newton Road, Torquay,

before saying our “goodbyes”. We all sang Auld Lang Syne together before the arrival of the coach. Luggage

was put on board, and after many hugs, they left at about 915p.m., arriving home at 4p.m. our time on Monday.

It had rained in Lonsee all the time they had been here! We were asked to “fix” the weather for their visit, and I

think we did a very good job!

We are already looking forward to meeting again next year in Lonsee! It really is like being part of a very large

family, and many wonderful friends have been made over the years

In the picture are: Herr Ogger, Mayor of Lonsee, and Mrs Margaret Jury, Chairman, Kingskerswell Twinning

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Incorrect Information in Spring Home to Home

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) You can no longer go to the Post Office for an application form. Anyone over the age of

16 can apply for a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) online or by calling the NHS on 3000 330 1350 The EHIC is free of charge. However, other unofficial websites may charge if you apply through them Thanks to Bruce Benton for this information.

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Gifts to Twin Towns Most Twinning Associations take gifts when visiting their Twin town; it is some-times difficult to know what to take, so perhaps we could have a pool of idea. I will start the ball off: Tiverton, to celebrate their 40th Anniversary with Chinon took slate coasters 9x9cm. in five different designs (photographs of our town, and engraved with wording 40th Anniversary 1973 -2013) we gave two coasters to every host and the remaining three were available for members to purchase to give to their hosts if they so wish.

Supplied by Nick & Wendy Robinson – Single one off coaster £6.00 discount for larger amounts. info@laserncreations.co.uk

www.laserncreations.co.uk. Tel: 01884 34678.

To quote: Our hand crafted slate will make an elegant addition to any home. They can be engraved with a picture or text. Finished with a slate protector and cushion pads; who could resist such a stunning gift?

Please send any item for the next newsletter to Jeanaplin@live.co.uk or by post to 13 Crowden

Crescent, Tiverton. EX16 4ET