NINE members of North Tawton Twinning Association left North Tawton on Thursday, April 25, travelling overnight to France via the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry.

Arriving in Blangy-le-Chateau around 4.30pm the next day, following a couple of breaks in the journey at Dinan and Ouistreham, they were welcomed by the deputy mayor Isabelle Pivert and the French twinning committee.

The North Tawton contingent presented a framed picture of North Tawton circa 1900 to them and a Devonian calendar. After getting together with their French hosts they spent the evening at a barbecue hosted by Isabelle.

For the next three days the group was very well looked after, enjoying visits to very interesting places including the market at Pont l’eveque, le Calvados Experience, Chateau du Breuil, a gospel choir concert at Blangy church, Basillica at Lisieux, castle and museum-de Saint Germain de Livet, Honfleur - a picturesque harbour village, Sainte Catherines church (vaulted timber).

Some of the group visited Trouville and other places.

They dined at French restaurants, cafes, with their hosts and enjoyed barbecues at Isabelle’s.

A member of North Tawton Twinning Association said: “Our French hosts/families made us very welcome in their homes, we enjoyed their hospitality very much and building our friendships together.”

The group left Blangy-le-Chateau at 9am on Tuesday, April 30 after saying farewell in Le Place de North Tawton, by the town hall.

Headed for Roscoff, a stop was made at the Carrefour to purchase wine, cheese, biscuits and chocolate to take home. They eventually arrived home around 11pm.

North Tawton Twinning Association has approximately 20 members and would welcome anyone who would like to join them.

They expect to receive a group of French Twinners next year, (visits are alternated every other year) and will be looking for hosts/families to receive people into their homes or just join in with activities.

Speaking French is always an asset but not essential.

Anyone who would like to join should please contact Jill on telephone 01837 880233 or see the Facebook page.