The good burghers of Ashburton have played host to, and been impressed by, 150 children from the Breton town of St Pol de Léon. The visit was arranged as part of trip to the region by pupils and staff from Ecole Notre Dame de la Charité. Living not far from Ashburton's twin town of Cléder, they had heard much about the stannary town's history and wanted to see it for themselves. The role of ambassador fell to chairman of the Ashburton Twinning Association, Judi Stafford. She led three separate groups around the town on Monday and Tuesday, the spring sunshine showing off the ancient masonry at its best. Helped by such characters as porteeve Tony Pugh and steward John Germon, the youngsters visited sites such as St Lawrence Chapel and the old weavers' houses. 'They were very well behaved and so interested in our history it was a real pleasure to be with them,' said Mrs Stafford. 'Unfortunately they had heard so much about our medieval fairs that they thought we went round in costume all the time.' Not wanting to disappoint, the ceremonial garb was dusted down and the children given a taste of the Aysheburton of yesteryear. 'They thoroughly enjoyed it and we were given some lovely presents by both the children and the mayor of St Pol de Léon,' said Mrs Stafford.
