THIRTY years ago this year Bude-Stratton became twinned with Ergue Gaberic, a small town near to the picturesque city of Quimper in Brittany, France.

In early April, four members of the Bude/Stratton Twinning Association are travelling to Ergue to join in the French celebrations of the 30th anniversary of close ties between the two towns.

In May, 51 members of the Ergue 'Jumelage' will be hosted in Bude/Stratton, including Monsieur Pierre Faucher who was the mayor of Ergue when the twinning began in 1979!

Some of the French are running relay stages all the way from Ergue to Bude! The weekend will include a meal and dancing to 'Dana,' a Cornish Celtic band, at the Bullers Arms at Marhamchurch.

Because of the very large numbers of visitors, the association would be very grateful if any residents in or around Bude and Stratton would consider joining the association and/or hosting a French family for the two nights of May 29 and 30.

For details please contact Robin (01288 361996), Jaqi (07999 561572) or Reg (01288 321439, or look on the website http://www.bude-stratton-twinning.org.uk">www.bude-stratton-twinning.org.uk.