The members of Billinghay Twinning Association returned from their visit to Ballon having been treated regally by their Hosts. Despite the rumblings of discontent with the EC in both countries, this was a meeting of friends both old and new.
Despite a few initial problems with Ferry embarkation, the Coach arrived more or less on time (early by French timekeeping!) and a full programme of events had been arranged as below:
Saturday:
Initial meeting at the Salle de Fetes (Community Hall) where refreshments were served before everyone departed with their French hosts for an evening with the family. Although it had been a long and tiring trip for those on the Coach, we understand that not all of them retired to bed early.
Sunday:
There was a day visit to an International Garden Exhibition in the grounds of a French Chateau. Here were over 20 “gardens” created by internationally acclaimed designers to the theme of “The Seven Deadly Sins”. The less artistic of us had some difficulty in associating some of the designs with the theme but, in spite of the inclement weather, the visit went very well.
Monday:
Another trip out to visit a “mini Railway” and Railway Museum. This gave everyone a chance to ride on the train which halted half way round the trip to allow the passengers to visit the Museum. The Museum featured various displays of railway stock and memorabilia from all parts of France. Monday evening was spent at the Salle des Fetes where we were wined and dined. Such had been the French appreciation of the music provided by Haydn Clark that they had requested that he join the trip to provide more musical treats and he duly obliged. Much dancing followed and also a cameo singing performance by Nigel Kent. Speeches of appreciation were made by both Associations with the hope that the twinning continues for the foreseeable future.
Tuesday:
After the late night on Monday, the day was given over to spending time with the host families although some, possibly inadvisably, spent the day visiting local attractions and sampling wine and food from the region. In the evening everyone gathered at a local restaurant for a four course meal washed down with more wine from the region.
Wednesday
A morning spent with the families with a mid-day Coach departure `for arrival back in Billinghay well after midnight.