THE latest visit by residents of Dawlish’s twin town, Carhaix-Plouguer in Brittany, got off to a flying start with a lively reception at Dawlish Manor House on Saturday 3 June, writes Alison Thomas.
The Mayor of Dawlish, Cllr Rosie Dawson, welcomed the visitors and presented them with a magnificent coronation flag.
This was followed by a video presentation by pupils from Westcliff Primary Academy, who have links with a school in Carhaix, and a sparkling performance by Year 8 pupils from Dawlish College, who entertained the guests in both French and English, concluding with a lovely poem on the theme of friendship.
A glass of Pimms and a delicious buffet prepared by Dawlish WI rounded off the proceedings. Dill Cameron, chair of Dawlish Twinning Association, said: 'We’re very grateful to the schools for their terrific contribution. The twinning was founded over 40 years ago and lasting friendships have been formed.
'But it’s really important to engage young people and we’re actively looking to recruit new members.'
The visitors spent the rest of the weekend with their respective hosts before meeting up again on Sunday night for a formal meal at Mount Pleasant Inn in Dawlish Warren.
June Wilson was delighted to welcome back the couple she first hosted with her late husband Geoff 24 years ago when they were newly- weds.
DTA secretary Val Mawhood, on the other hand, had never met her guest before and admitted to being very nervous beforehand.
‘In the event I needn’t have worried,’ she said. ‘We soon discovered we had things in common and we had lots of laughs.
'Dominique’s English is no better than my French, but that just added to the fun. I’d like her to come back with her family and stay much longer!’
The meal on Sunday night was characterised by warmth, conviviality and animated chatter, concluding with more speeches, a devilishly difficult quiz prepared by the French, and even some Breton dancing.
‘That was great fun,’ said Michèle Busnel from Carhaix. ‘It was a lovely way of bringing us all together.’
The final day was spent at Coleton Fishacre and in Dartmouth. Then all too soon it was time to take the visitors to Plymouth for the evening crossing.
‘All good things must come to an end,’ lamented Marie-Aline Guillerm.
‘Toutes les bonnes choses ont une fin. But it’s not goodbye. It’s au revoir – see you again next year!’
► If you are interested in joining Dawlish Twinning Association, contact Alison Thomas: [email protected], 07947 060130
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