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Lymington Twinners trip to Vitré
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It was an early start for the 2014 trip to Vitré but a group of 35 arrived on time to travel to Portsmouth and catch the ferry to Caen. Flat, calm sea and sunshine made the mini-cruise pleasant and a chance to catch up on missed sleep. We arrived on time in Vitré to greet old friends and, for some of us, new hosts. A further 15 Lymington twinners had travelled separately by car, plane and tandem bicycle.
This year’s visit coincided with the 20th anniversary of Vitré’s twinning with Poland, so the French very generously, as always, welcomed a large number of twinners from both countries.
After an evening getting to know new hosts, or re-newing old acquaintances, Saturday heralded the official reception for the Polish contingency. Held in the centre of town we were greeted by a brass band, kept beautifully in time by a stern conductor, and a delightful group of teenage girl dancers. Speeches were rather long due to the need to translate from French into both Polish and English. Presentations and gifts were made and the audience were then treated to a very good buffet of nibbles and yummy cakes.
The afternoon allowed time for more catch up sleep-wise before we all set out to the local sports hall where tables were laid for 250 people. Once again, we were entertained by the Brass Band, and the girls gave a great demonstration of their dancing talents including hoisting each other into the air, and a fun rendition of the can-can. Fitting the occasion the band even played an Abba selection. Other entertainment included the Happy Valley Line Dancers. Happier on the floor than on the stage, they managed to get most people up and dancing and once again the young Polish girls shone, a couple of them careering around the hall at great speed, their elegant Mayor no longer able to control his lively group. A splendid buffet followed with lashings of wine. Delicious deserts provided by our Hosts.
Another early start saw us off on the coach accompanied by Anne Rupin (organiser), her husband, Dominique and historian, M Godet. We were heading for Le Mans, a morning visit to the Motor Museum, then an afternoon guided tour around the Old Town, steeped in Norman Plantagenet history. We were fortunate in our group to have an enthusiastic and innovative guide, obviously used to entertaining both children and old folk. Several of our group were crowned, wedded and died, much to the entertainment of all. The heavens opened, lightening flashed and thunder roared, fortunately while we were inside the cathedral, and created an eerie atmosphere amongst the chapels and tombs.
Our final day was spent with hosts who organised various outings, including St Malo, Cancale and river trips to keep everyone happy.
The return journey included a stop at the D-day beaches of Arromanches and a chance to view the film which reminded us all of how lucky we were to be able to enjoy such an experience.
This year’s visit coincided with the 20th anniversary of Vitré’s twinning with Poland, so the French very generously, as always, welcomed a large number of twinners from both countries.
After an evening getting to know new hosts, or re-newing old acquaintances, Saturday heralded the official reception for the Polish contingency. Held in the centre of town we were greeted by a brass band, kept beautifully in time by a stern conductor, and a delightful group of teenage girl dancers. Speeches were rather long due to the need to translate from French into both Polish and English. Presentations and gifts were made and the audience were then treated to a very good buffet of nibbles and yummy cakes.
The afternoon allowed time for more catch up sleep-wise before we all set out to the local sports hall where tables were laid for 250 people. Once again, we were entertained by the Brass Band, and the girls gave a great demonstration of their dancing talents including hoisting each other into the air, and a fun rendition of the can-can. Fitting the occasion the band even played an Abba selection. Other entertainment included the Happy Valley Line Dancers. Happier on the floor than on the stage, they managed to get most people up and dancing and once again the young Polish girls shone, a couple of them careering around the hall at great speed, their elegant Mayor no longer able to control his lively group. A splendid buffet followed with lashings of wine. Delicious deserts provided by our Hosts.
Another early start saw us off on the coach accompanied by Anne Rupin (organiser), her husband, Dominique and historian, M Godet. We were heading for Le Mans, a morning visit to the Motor Museum, then an afternoon guided tour around the Old Town, steeped in Norman Plantagenet history. We were fortunate in our group to have an enthusiastic and innovative guide, obviously used to entertaining both children and old folk. Several of our group were crowned, wedded and died, much to the entertainment of all. The heavens opened, lightening flashed and thunder roared, fortunately while we were inside the cathedral, and created an eerie atmosphere amongst the chapels and tombs.
Our final day was spent with hosts who organised various outings, including St Malo, Cancale and river trips to keep everyone happy.
The return journey included a stop at the D-day beaches of Arromanches and a chance to view the film which reminded us all of how lucky we were to be able to enjoy such an experience.
Other exchange visits with Vitré:
Lymington twinners trip to Vitré 2018
Vitré twinners visit to Lymington 2015
Vitré twinners visit to Lymington 2013
Lymington twinners trip to Vitré 2012
Vitré twinners visit to Lymington 2011
Lymington twinners trip to Vitré 2018
Vitré twinners visit to Lymington 2015
Vitré twinners visit to Lymington 2013
Lymington twinners trip to Vitré 2012
Vitré twinners visit to Lymington 2011
Lymington International Twinning Association
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