BURRATOR Mathieu Twinning Association has recently celebrated 40 years of twinning with a French village.

For 40 years, from 1976 to 2016, exchanges have been made between Mathieu in Normandy and Burrator.

In April this year, 25 people made the trip to Mathieu to take part in the 40th anniversary twinning celebrations.

As well as celebrating the anniversary members of the association were also able to see the sights. A group visit was made to the Chateau Carrouges, a brick-built home, surrounded by a moat, where a king of France had once stayed.

Some of the group went to a local art and nature attraction where locally produced cider, calvados, jam and honey were on sale.

Jenny Gray, secretary of the Burrator Mathieu Twinning Association said: ‘In the afternoon we wandered around a pretty old spa town called Bagnoles de l’Orne where attractive houses from the Belle Epoque overlook a lake. The evening was spent with the host families, sharing a meal and learning about each other.

‘On Sunday the day was free to explore the region with our French friends. A variety of attractions were visited: the Bayeux tapestry, the Normandy landing beaches, Caen market, coastal villages and Mathieu itself.

‘That evening we met together for a meal, entertainment and to share photographs taken over the years.

David Reed, who, in 1976 was headmaster of Lady Modiford’s school, Walkhampton and is now aged 83, had travelled from Wales to join the party! He and Jim Knight, who followed him as headmaster, were thanked for their long standing involvement with the twinning, enabling children from Walkhampton to benefit from learning first-hand about life in France.

‘The evening continued with a wonderful meal, entertainment from local musicians and dancers in costume,’ added Jenny. ‘We all took part in some traditional folk dancing, guided by the dancers and this resulted in a lot of confusion and laughter.’

Mike Inman, who was present in 1976 at the first twinning visit, was delighted to make the acquaintance of the 12-year-old granddaughter of the Mayor of Mathieu at that time.

The current mayor was given a letter of greeting from the chairman of Burrator Parish Council. He made a speech to the assembled group, followed by speeches by the president of the Mathieu group and the Burrator group. All agreed that it was down to the generous support and enthusiasm of the individuals who had taken part over the 40 years that the twinning association had been such a success.

Following the exchange of gifts and sharing of three celebration cakes and champagne, Jenny said: ‘This was a very joyful occasion and both groups felt proud to be part of such a memorable achievement. A strong attachment has been maintained, which will hopefully continue into the future.’