This year saw a rejuvenated Scoriton & Buckfastleigh Twinning group travelling to France including a crowd of youngsters under 10. In fact, unusually this year the majority of our group making the crossing were new to the Twinning. It is heartening to think the Twinning message resonates loud and clear with our young families.
Naturally the newcomers were somewhat apprehensive about what the weekend held in store. They need not have worried. The youngsters showed the way, playing happily with their French counterparts, language seemingly posing little problem. The adults too soon found their feet, the French welcoming them into their homes and quickly forming close bonds with their English visitors.
When we arrived at the Port of Caen from Portsmouth after a blissfully smooth crossing, we dispersed to the various individual host families. Great care had gone into the allocation, taking into account age, interests and even dietary preferences.
Each French host family planned a weekend tailored to their guests. There were family visits to Bayeux (without the tapestry), the nearby D-Day beaches and local markets.
It was hard to tear ourselves away for the boat home. All in all, another very successful Twinning visit. Judging by the praise heaped on the French on the group WhatsApp chat after the visit, it is the beginning of many beautiful friendships.
We are already starting to plan for the return leg in 2027 when the French visit us. A hard act to follow.
