Twinners celebrate in Chevilly

The Curry Rivel & District Twinning Association celebrated its 20th anniversary with our long-standing friends in Chevilly over the weekend 4 – 7 May.

Over 30 people from in and around Curry Rivel made the journey to our twinned town, situated just outside Orléans, and stayed with "Chevillois" families. And what a right royal welcome they received!
After settling in on the Friday evening, their French hosts entertained them on the Saturday, often with a trip to a local place of interest. Towards the end of the afternoon, a special ceremony took place in the centre of the town with speeches by Bernard Texier, Mayor of Chevilly; Barbara Hamlin, Chair of the Curry Rivel & District Twinning Association; and Bénédicte Meriau, Présidente of the Chevilly Twinning Association. The speeches reinforced the relationship between our two communities and a plaque commemorating this with the words "Friendship goes on" had been specially commissioned for the event. The brass band of the local fire brigade was also in attendance playing the national anthems of the two countries. Afterwards both French and British members of the twinning participated in a cocktail reception kindly sponsored by the local town hall. The evening continued with a fabulous buffet meal followed by a disco where everyone could show their skill on the dancefloor – and many did!
Although the evening ended late, twinners were up early the next day for the official excursion to the town of Bourges where they were treated to a tour of the impressive Palais de Jacques Coeur, the home of a French merchant from the 15th century. After lunch and a visit around the old part of the town it was time to head back to Chevilly for the final evening with their hosts.
All good things must come to an end and, sadly, on the Monday morning everyone had to say their goodbyes and a tired but happy group of Curry Rivel residents boarded the coach for the return journey. Despite the current political uncertainties, all were sure that this was not an "adieu", only an "au revoir".
For more information on the Curry Rivel & District Twinning Association, please email: thepavilion54@btinternet.com or telephone 01458 252946.