The members of the Twinning Association have just returned from their visit to Ballon & St. Mars sous Ballon. This was the 32nd year of the twinning. Most people travelled by Coach via the Portsmouth to Caen ferry and arrived in Ballon late Sunday afternoon. Those who travelled by car had already arrived and sampled the generous hospitality of our hosts. After the usual welcome, time was spent at leisure with our French families.
Monday: Free time in the morning with the families followed by a trip to Le Mans. After a super lunch at the new cinema/theatre complex, we were given a guided tour of historic Le Mans by an English speaking guide. After learning about the “English” connections through the Plantagenets we ended the visit with a look at the ancient cathedral.
Tuesday: Everyone did their own thing with their “twins” and there were numerous get togethers with consumption of more food and wine. The day culminated with the Gala Dinner which was on Wild West theme. Everyone had made great efforts to dress appropriately for the occasion. There was even more food and drink to accompany the Cowboy version of line dancing! A thoroughly good evening was had by everyone as can be seen from the picture. The horse has not been entered for the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe..
Wednesday: Despite the tiring effects of the previous night, everyone managed to turn up for the bus trip planned. The morning consisted of a visit to the historic French Spa town of Bagnoles de L’Orne where some morning coffee and a walk around the beautiful town blew away the cobwebs in readiness for the afternoon session.
This was a visit to a French Draught Horse Centre “La Michaudiere”, dedicated to preserving old French breeds of these horses. Each type of horse was displayed to the crowd with some brilliant horsemanship from the enthusiastic riders. A nice touch was the introduction of an English Shire horse at the end of the Show. Even the donkeys performed and the whole show was a delight from start to finish – see the pictures below.
Mention must also be made of the excellent meal that was produced for us at the centre washed down with wine, cider and calvados.
Thursday: Everyone headed home exhausted but agreeing that this was one of the best visits ever.