HOLSWORTHY Twinning Association boarded a coach on the early morning of May 28 to begin the long trip to Aunay-sur-Odon for the biennial exchange visit, writes Christine Williams. Some 15 hours later they pulled into the Aunay town car park — with free parking at any time — to join other twinners from Holsworthy who had journeyed under their own steam. They received a warm welcome from their hosts who took them off to their homes and plied them with generous refreshments French-style. The next day was spent largely in recovery mode, catching up on news and indulging in a bonanza of eating, drinking and socialising, which has come to be an important feature of twinning visits. Several enjoyed cultural activities in the afternoon, including visits to beautiful chateaux and gardens, which abound in Normandy, while working up appetites to enjoy evening meals provided by their hosts. On the Friday the group was taken on a more sombre outing to visit the Normandy landing beaches at Colleville and Arromanches, and the vast American cemetery by Omaha Beach, which provided a graphic reminder of the sacrifices made by men and women of many nations to ensure victory in the second world war. For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.