OVER the weekend of July 29/30 a group of Crediton people including the Mayor of Crediton, Elizabeth Brookes-Hocking supported the Ceremony in Avranches commemorating the liberation of the town on July 31, 1944.
Chairman of the Twinning Association Jenni Pitts and her husband David were joined by Association Secretary, Patricia Sherwood and her husband Edward, Paul and Marion Evans, Peter and Valerie Brewer, Graham and Lorraine Wood and Frank and Natalia Letch.
A full programme included a reception at the Hotel de Ville hosted by the Mayor of Avranches David Nicholas on the evening of July 29 when the our Mayor addressed in French the assembled visitors from the other Twin Towns (Korbach in Germany, St Gaudens in the South of France, St Helier in Jersey) as well as our group.
On Saturday, July 30 the programme included the ceremony of the naming of the Allée de Crediton near the famous Jardin des Plants, followed by an opportunity to climb the 90 or so steps to the top of the tower of the Notre Dame des Champs Church.
In the afternoon a visit to the Chateau Montgommery at Ducey included the opportunity to ride bicycles along a former rail track to the Chateau.
The evening saw all delegation members enjoying a very nice meal in a restaurant in Avranches.
On Sunday, July, 31 at the Memorial in Patton Place a patriotic ceremony took place to commemorate the liberation of Avranches after occupation by the Germans.
Floral tributes were laid including a poppy wreath by our Mayor who joined other dignatories in greeting the flag bearers who had assembled for the occasion.
National Anthems from the UK, Canada, the USA and France were then played by a group of musicians led by René Remond.
A very nice brunch was arranged by the Twinning Support Group in Avranches called ‘Cities Avranches Partenaires’ with their President Odile Morel ensuring all went well.
An opportunity to enjoy a game of Boules at the Avranches Aerodrome was also offered and enjoyed by those who took part.
Next year sees the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Twinning Charter between Avranches and Crediton in Avranches with both signatories from Crediton, Jenni Pitts as Mayor and Peter Brewer as Twinning Chairman being present during the visit this year.
A very good weekend enjoyed by all particularly after the break in visits due to the Covid situation. Roll on next year.
Peter Brewer