MEMBERS of North Tawton Twinning Association played host to eight guests from Blangy Le Chateau over the weekend of Friday, May 11 to May 13.

The guests were collected from the overnight ferry from Roscoff to Plymouth at 8am on 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! The group then re-convened at Arla Taw Valley for a very informative tour of the factory plus cheese tasting. The group expressed a big thank you to Rob Whiteley, Tim Kitchen and the team plus Kim Stephens for providing a translation for our 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 over 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. It included twinner Adrian Tilley 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.

A rather noisy lunch was enjoyed at On the Waterfront, but the sun shone for the group 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 Inn, 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, Sampford Courtenay. The cider making process was explained and also the history behind the names of all the ciders.

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 light hearted fun turned into a very competitive game of clock golf, petanque/boules and molkky (a kind of skittles) France versus 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.

Thanks were expressed to those from North Tawton and neighbouring villages who joined in the 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. For more details visit www.facebook.com/NorthTawton TwinningAssociaton/