ON a recent dry Thursday morning at 8am around 30 people set off from Holsworthy on the bi annual trip to the beloved twinned town of Aunay Sur Odon in Normandy.

Setting sail from Portsmouth to Ouisterum at 3pm the atmosphere on board was of excitement at meeting their French comrades. After one or two pints and a nice meal the twinners were soon on French soil, on to the coach and a short journey to Aunay. A wonderful greeting awaited them and they then made their way to their respective families.

On Friday morning they all met at the town hall and set off on what proved to be a well organised and interesting day out, first port of call was St Lo where they visited a farm museum with beautifully adapted buildings with interesting artefacts some familiar to farming methods back home and others not. The weather was a real treat all basking in brilliant sunshine, a couple of hours later they set off to their second port of call; Haras National one of the top horse stud farms in France, a guided tour of the stables equestrian and exercise facilities not forgetting some stunning and expensive horses then ensued.

The twinners returned to Aunay to catch a couple of ales at the local café before being invited to the town hall where they were greeted by Pierre Lefebvre, mayor of Aunay sur Odon. Pleasantries were exchanged and light refreshments were provided. The rest of the evening was spent with their families.

Saturday came and so did the sunshine, temperatures were even higher than the previous day. Everyone was allocated to their families but a big group of twinners all met up for a barbecue at Banneville sur Ajonic, a small village outside of Aunay, great fun was had with the odd aperitif. They then moved on to a lovely surprise at Souleuvre Viaduct where those brave enough went on huge zip wires and bungee jumps.

In the evening they all met at the local school hall where the officers and members of Aunay sur Odon twinning association had laid on a wonderful meal followed by a disco which went on well into the night and the following morning.

Sunday morning saw the twinners spend the day with families, everyone had their own tales to tell as they were taken off to different locations, they were treated to a picnic on the banks of the river Seine and then a visit to Honfleur located in the north of Normandy — a truly picture postcard town.

Monday morning was fairly subdued as members packed their bags, but smiles soon returned when the hosts gave a truly bon voyage as the twinners set off for Roscoff to catch the ferry back to Plymouth. All had a lot of lovely stories to share on the journey home.

If anyone would like to get involved with the twinning assocation contact Teresa on 07532 008159 for more details.