A TOTAL of 19 members of Cheriton Fitzpaine Twinning Association had fabulous weather for their weekend visit to their twinned village of Bonnebosq in Normandy.

While some members took their cars, nine travelled by minibus to Portsmouth for the overnight crossing, which was very comfortable as they all had cabins so they could sleep.

They were all met at the French Port (Oistram) by their French friends in cars to take them to Bonnebosq, first to the village Hall for breakfast.

They were then taken by their hosts for the three night stay. Whilst there, members enjoyed a grand party night in the hall, with a buffet supper, wine and some fabulous entertainment by a local dance group, which concluded with the “Can Can”!

On the Sunday, everyone was taken to the Cerza Zoo/Wildlife park, which included a sightseeing tour around the park by the mini train and there was also plenty of time to walk the trails to see the animals, which including lions, giraffes, emus, monkeys, baboons, rhinos, lemurs, white polar bears, small goats and deers, which were very friendly and lots more.

Some also saw the film of the park, in the cinema. A delicious lunch was also provided.

During the free time, they were taken out and about by their hosts. This included the market at Pont-l’Évêque, La Basilique at Lisieux, and each others homes for meals and barbecues, plus a sightseeing walk around Bonnebosq.

Chairman Brenda Fowler, one of the founder members of Cheriton Fitzpaine Twinning Association, presented the Bonnebosq President, Maite Lesquwrbault, with a beautiful framed picture of an arial view of Cheriton Fitzpaine, and said how delighted they all were to visit Bonnebosq again.

Also on the trip was former Chairman Geoff Yeandle and his wife Brenda, who have also been members for more than 30 years, their treasurer John Wilson, another founder member and new members Peter and Jess Corthorn, and their two children Zephy and Flora.

Members are now planning how to entertain their French friends when they visit in May 2019.

Margaret Tucker