ON THE evening of Thursday, June 2, 48 members of Holsworthy Twinning Association set off to spend a weekend at their twin town, Aunay-sur-Odon in Normandy, writes Chrsitine Williams.

On arrival, after a calm crossing from Portsmouth to Ouistreham, they were warmly welcomed and taken to their host family homes where the usual generous amounts of food and drink were offered while everybody tried out their English and French.

The next day began grey and misty as the visitors were taken for a visit to Caen where they were free to spend four hours as they chose.

Some went to the castle built by William the Conqueror in 1060, or to a museum devoted to World War Two and the battle of Normandy.

Most people headed for the market, which extended over both sides of two streets and offered a wonderful selection of cheeses, fruits, vegetables and fish.

After lunch, which was eaten either as a picnic or in one of the local cafes or restaurants, there was a visit to Falaise, the birthplace of William the Conqueror.

There was an opportunity to see the newly opened museum to commemorate the civilians killed during Operation Overlord.

On entering visitors walk over a glass floor, beneath which could be seen the basement of a house destroyed by cluster bombs. An accompanying film showing the bombing of Caen, Falaise and the surrounding area was deeply moving.

There was time for a stroll around the castle before returning to Aunay for an official reception at the Town Hall, where the visitors from Holsworthy were received by the deputy mayor for light refreshments and the traditional speeches.

The vice- chairman of Holsworthy Twinning Association, Robert Moores, made a valiant effort to thank Aunay Twinning Association in French for their warm welcome and hospitality. Then it was back to their hosts’ homes for a traditional evening meal, which in most cases consisted of several courses and lasted for hours.

Saturday, June 4, was a free day spent with hosts and visits to different local parts of Normandy.

In the evening there was dinner and entertainment in the spac­ious vil­l­age hall where everyone dined very well on a wonderful assortment of aperitifs, hors d’oeuvres, local pork, an amazing selection of local cheeses and delicious red berry or passion fruit mousses, all washed down with local wines and cider. An excellent disco provided good music for everyone to dance to till the wee small hours!

The final day, Sunday, June 5, was dry and sunny and the morning was spent relaxing with the families and sharing big get-together lunches before a group photograph and lengthy good-byes early in the afternoon. So ended another busy, fun-filled visit to Aunay.

As the visitors from Devon sailed home, tired, but with wonderful memories and suitcases filled with presents, they were already looking forward to welcoming their French friends to Holsworthy next year.