MEMBERS of North Tawton Twinning Association played host to eight guests from Blangy Le Chateau in Normandy, France, during the weekend of Friday, May 11 to Sunday, May 13.

The guests were collected from the overnight ferry from Roscoff to Plymouth at 8am on the Friday morning and taken back to their hosts’ home to drop their cases – and then the fun began!

It started with an official reception and full English breakfast at the White Hart, North Tawton after which some walked up to view the sights of North Tawton – the Clock Tower, the Church and the Clink!

Then everyone re-convened at Arla Taw Valley for a very informative tour of the factory plus cheese tasting, of course.

A big Thank you goes to Rob Whiteley (manager) and Tim Kitchen and team plus the twinning association’s own Kim Stephens for providing a translation for the guests.

A quick return to the host homes to freshen up before an evening meal at The New Inn, Sampford Courtenay where the guests were able to catch up with Christine and Graham King – who have been involved with and organised many twinning visits since its inception more than 40 years ago.

The first day rounded off with a musical evening at Winkleigh Sports Centre – where a variety of music and dancing was enjoyed by all. This included Adrian Tilley (twinner) and his band “All Bar One” and an alternative to “Duelling Banjos” – there were definitely duelling Saxophonists!

With no chance of a lie-in, Day Two involved a trip to Exeter for a guided tour of the Cathedral and a Red Coat Tour from the Cathedral down to the Quay.

Even the English amongst the party found out things about the Cathedral and Historic Exeter that they did not know. If you see them ask them about the origin of the Nursery Rhyme – “Hickory Dickory Dock” and a smoking dog called Butch!

A rather noisy lunch was enjoyed at “On the Waterfront” – (lots of birthday parties going on at the same time) but the sun shone for everyone to enjoy a meander along the Quay for a browse around the many craft shops.

It was then back home before a grand four-course meal at The Railway, North Tawton.

Sunday started a little more relaxed with the first activity starting at 11am – an interesting tour and cider tasting at The Cider VAT in Sampford Courtenay.

The cider making process was explained and also the history behind the names of all the ciders. (Again, a tour for the locals if you have not done it yet).

The rest of the day, before returning to Plymouth to catch the overnight ferry back to Roscoff, was spent at Higher Town, Sampford Courtenay where the sun shone gloriously for a cold salad lunch, puddings and afternoon Devon Cream tea.

There was also the inaugural International Games Tournament – what was intended as lighthearted fun turned into a very competitive game of Clock Golf, Petanque/Boules and Molkky (a kind of skittles) France v England.

The final “throw/hurl” by Sheila Quick won the day for England and Jill Whiteley, (Chair of North Tawton Twinning) was presented with the trophy by Pete Henshaw.

All-in-all a glorious weekend for all concerned. (It is believed that the French have returned home to plan a return tournament for North Tawton’s visit to them next year which may include Triathlon and Wild Swimming!)

Thank you to those from North Tawton and neighbouring villages who joined in with activities over the weekend and contributed to the catering and fun.

North Tawton Twinning Association would welcome new members of all ages to get involved with fundraising events and future exchange excursions.

Check out the “Facebook” page for more details: https://www.facebook.com/NorthTawtonTwinningAssociaton/