BUDE Twinning Association welcomed their French counterparts, Ergue-Gaberic to the North Cornwall coast recently and enjoyed an excellent weekend full of various activities.

After the ferry was delayed arriving into Plymouth and a very late arrival into Bude, their visitors managed to arrive at the Crescent car park by 10am on Friday morning so that the children could go kayaking, where they travelled to Rodds Bridge and went ducking under the bridge on their return to the Wharf. Thanks goes to Shoreline Activities Bude for the loan of equipment.

The rest of the party took a leisurely stroll along the canal looking at some historical points of interest along the way, invading the Brendon Arms to look at the wonderful mural of the old lifeboat being launched on Summerleaze Beach and along the Wharf where the French visitors were very interested in the farmers market and the artisan shops.

They then crossed Nanny Moore’s Bridge which they have re-named Bude’s Pont d’Avingon and then onto the lifeboat station for an interesting talk and demonstration arranged by members of the lifeboat crew.

Lunch was enjoyed at various eating establishments around Bude while some decided to take out a picnic or enjoy their food from home.

Following that, a reception by the mayor was held at the castle where a cream tea was laid on, followed by a welcome from mayor Lea Deeley and the chairman of Bude and Stratton Twinning Association, Robert Taylor.

It was then the turn of Loic Fenay, president of Ergue-Gaberic to say how nice it was to be back in Bude again meeting all their friends and also welcomed in new members on both sides.

Gifts were exchanged and a large envelope, containing messages, drawings and pictures was presented to Robert from the children of Ergue-Gaberic who are looking to forge links with a school in Bude.

To round the event off, The Bencoolen Wreckers entertained everybody with an excellent array of songs, this was all organised by Chris Bale.

The following afternoon was spent at the sun-drenched Otter Sanctuary near North Petherwin where a talk was on Birds of Prey was the highlight for the visitors.

The Saturday evening dinner was at the An Mor Hotel. The service was excellent and the food top notch which made for a fabulous evening.

The last part of the evening was a Ceilidh (a Gaelic dance) led by Teresa Moule and young violinist Shaun Foster, who is a member of the Young Bude Twinners. The children were provided with a goodie bag for their impeccable behaviour while the adults were continually entertained.

On the final day families visited some of North Cornwall and the surrounding areas’ beauty spots such as Rosemoor, Boscastle, Padstow, the Gnome Park or got together for brunch or Sunday lunch before saying goodbye until next time!

On their return committee of the Ergue-Gaberic twinning sent Bude a message thanking them and the mayor for their fantastic support while the newer members got a chance to fill their suitcases with such wonderful memories.