CELEBRATIONS have been underway as Launceston’s Twinning Association marks 40 years of partnering with Plestin-les-Greves in France.

The celebrations for 40 years of twinning between Launceston and Plestin-les-Greves continued in Brittany recently when 57 members of the Twinning Association, of all ages, were treated to wonderful Breton hospitality. The group left Launceston for the overnight crossing to Roscoff, with the channel resembling a millpond.

Friday, attendees were given the opportunity to tour the area on their own. Firstly, they travelled to Tregastel on the pink granite coast, a small town surrounded by fabulous empty beaches. Blessed with fine weather the active members spent the time walking, some swam whilst others sampled the French cuisine surveying the wonderful view. In the afternoon the group travelled a short distance to the “cite des telecoms” for a guided tour of the radome – with the antenna which received the first live transatlantic television programme; a virtual reality tour of the area courtesy of a headset, along with the history of vr; and a visit to this year’s exhibition, special effects in films.

The bus then drove the short distance to Plestin where guests and hosts were united – a few for the first time, to spend the evening together.

On Saturday morning the group met at the old port of Plestin, where Morice le Coq gave us some history and anecdotes of the ancient port, the local church and the discovery of the roman baths nearby. Between each area we were led by Breton musicians and also accompanied by a Breton singer.

During the afternoon many twinners visited a local cider farm. The younger members, and young at heart, played bubble football and the remainder were instructed on how to play boules by members of the Plestin boules club. The afternoon concluded with freshly made crepes and far Breton, washed down with cider or apple juice.

It was back home for a quick change before going to Lanvellec hall for the evening’s entertainment with 140 attending. The mayors of each town, Christian Jeffroy and Helen Bailey, the presidents Aurore Fournis and Jason Thorns all expressed their delight that the twinning has been so successful for 40 years and will endeavour to carry on the good work of former twinners – photos of many of whom were displayed in the hall. The evening carried on with a pig roast, followed by gateaux, eating interspersed with Breton dancing and concluding with a disco. There was a surprise during the evening when all were invited to go outside for a spectacular firework display to celebrate the 40th anniversary.

Sunday was spent in a variety of ways, each family doing their own thing – although many visited the market and craft exhibition. The group left Plestin on Monday morning for a visit to the supermarket in Morlaix, a short visit to the town of St Pol de Leon and then took the afternoon ferry for another calm crossing, arriving back in Launceston at 10pm.