French visit 17/20th August 2018

Our French guests,31 adults and 8 children, arrived in Bideford at about midnight on Friday 17th August having travelled up from Plymouth. The weather was dismal but the customary welcomes were warm and guests and hosts went home, ready to start the weekend in the morning.

Saturday 18th

Our mayor,Doug Bushby, held his civic reception at the Pannier Market at 10.30am,with light refreshments. The Bideford Town Band was there playing a wide selection of music, as usual. This was very much enjoyed by our guests and the stallholders.  There were speeches of welcome by the Mayor, our Chairman, Faith Butler with response Jacqueline Corre who read out a few words from their president, Corrine Duclos apologisine for her absence because of prior commitments. Unfortunately,the sound system in the Pannier Market is very poor so not everyone could hear all that was being said.  

At the end of proceedings everyone dispersed and either went home or wandered around the town, until we reconvened at 1.30pm at the Portmore Golf Park for lunch which consisted of three courses with wine. The remainder of the day was spent with families. A mixed hamper of Breton produce was presented to our Twinners.

Sunday 19th

This day was spent with families to do their own thing together. Several groups met up for lunch and we all came together In the evening when we went to The Old Custom House in Bridgeland st for light refreshments and a disco.

On the Monday families did their own thing, although a large number gathered at Harbour Lights for a garden party in the summer sun.

Everyone then gathered for an afternoon tea at Woolsery hall, before our tired friends left on their coach.