A TOTAL of 17 French visitors from Bonnebosq in Normandie, France arrived in Cheriton Fitzpaine at the end of April for a long weekend visit.

On arrival at Cheriton Fitzpaine Parish Hall they were welcomed by the Chairman of Cheriton Fitzpaine Twinning Association, Geoff Yeandle, and their hosts, for a buffet lunch, in a beautifully decorated hall.

Bonnebosq president Maite Lasquerbault presented Geoff with a large framed photograph of their members, taken in Bonnebosq.

Later Cheriton President Brenda Fowler handed out gifts that local Brownies had made for the visitors. These included keyrings, sweets, pens and pencils decorated with novelty tops.

After this the guests were taken to their host families for a rest after their overnight journey, before evening meals.

Two ladies were taken to Grayling’s traditional fish and chip restaurant in North Tawton, while others had family get togethers.

On Sunday several visitors went on a morning trip on the Tiverton Canal, organised by Wendy Wilson, while others were invited to Brenda Fowler’s for morning coffees.

Then everyone met at the Trout Inn in Bickleigh for lunch. In the evening there was a skittles night at the Half Moon, when the French were very enthusiastic players!

Margaret Tucker provided and presented the trophies. The overall winner with the top score was Derek Shapland, runner-up was Paul Merchant.

Top French winner was Maite Lesquerbault, and runner-up Michel LaBouche, third after a playoff was Corinne Guittet. Pasties were served during the evening.

Monday was a free day when the hosts took them out and about. Some went to Budleigh Salterton, others to Exmoor, several enjoyed shopping at Sainsbury’s, while two ladies were taken to the Upton Pyne Wedding Dress Exhibition and a ploughman’s lunch.

Everyone agreed it had been a most enjoyable weekend, which ended on Tuesday morning, when the French visitors boarded the coach to return by ferry to Ousitreham, and then to Bonnebosq, with invitations to the Cheriton Fitzpaine Twinners to return to Normandie in 2018.