A TOTAL of 29 visitors from Crediton’s Twin Town of Avranches arrived during the evening of June 21 and were met by their hosts.

On Saturday morning, June 22 the delegation was given a tour of the Sandford Orchards Cider Factory which concluded with an opportunity to sample some of the produce.

The group then joined their hosts and enjoyed a reception at Crediton Rugby Club hosted by Crediton Town Council and Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Frank Letch who welcomed the guest and hosts with his usual interesting and amusing address – in excellent French.

Drinks and pasties were then offered to everyone. Some of the visitors then walked to Newcombes Meadow to witness the wonderful Family Fun Day organised by the Crediton Congregational Church.

On Sunday, June 23 the group met at Knightshayes Court for a visit to the National Trust House and Gardens which were appreciated by everyone.

Later in the evening 64 guests and hosts gathered at the Waie Inn, Zeal Monachorum for a celebration meal. Odile Morel, President of the Avranches Twinning Organisation thanked the Crediton group for their kindness and said how happy her fellow Twinners were to be in Crediton again.

Jenni Pitts, Chairman of Crediton Twinning Association spoke about 2019 being the 30th Anniversary of the Association being formed.

She then referred to the Twinning Charter which was signed in April 1993 and was on display. She remarked that Monsieur André BAZIN who signed the Charter on behalf of Avranches was able to be at the meal.

Jenni also referred to the Flag of Normandy which was on display in the room to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the liberation of Normandy following D-Day 75 years ago.

André BAZIN then spoke about the first contacts with Crediton 30 years ago meeting with Paul Evans and Peter Brewer and the confidence of the Twinning here with the naming of Avranches Avenue before the Twinning Charter was signed in 1993.

Jocelyne Whittaker, a language teacher at QE joined the event and was introduced by Jenni Pitts who explained that Jocelyne had re-introduced the student exchanges with a college in Avranches and, although missing this year, the exchanges were planned to resume in 2020.

The delegation left from St Saviour’s Way at 9am on Monday, June 24 after a very successful and enjoyable visit.

Membership of the Association costs adults £5 per year (children are free) and more information can be obtained from Peter Brewer by calling 01363 774269 or email: [email protected] .