Tuesday, 1st November
The morning was spent in conjunction with the Skirth Regeneration Society when trees were planted on the river bank in an area to be known as the Ballon Walk. The planting was carried out by members of both Associations. After the planting, similar trees were presented to the visitors from Ballon along with a spectacular metalwork sign bearing the words “Billinghay Copse”. It is understood that the trees will be planted and the sign placed on a new roundabout on the edge of Ballon. This was followed by a meeting in the Community Rooms where the respective Twinning Committees discussed:
- The reasons why a grant was not awarded
- The future development of the Twinning
- Possible ways of obtaining a grant in the future without involving a third country
The evening was the main function of the Anniversary visit and involved a medieval evening at the Lawn Function Rooms. The hardy among the twinners processed around the Cathedral and the Castle walls on foot much to the amusement of mystified onlookers. We were mistaken as being part of the Ghost Walk tour around Lincoln.
An enjoyable evening was had by all with the food and drink being supplemented by an entertainment show by our visitors which enlivened proceedings. The efforts made by everyone to dress in accordance with the occasion was wonderful to see. The children were entertained for part of the evening by a jester keeping them well occupied and leaving the knights, princes and paupers to chat up the damsels and wenches (allegedly).
Wednesday, 2nd November
An early morning departure for our visitors with many bleary eyes showing the success of the medieval entertainment of the previous evening.