IT was sunshine all the way as 20 years of friendship were celebrated in Calstock Parish at the recent weekend visit by 36 visitors from their 'twin' village of St Thuriau in Brittany. 

The fun began at the Tamar Valley Centre, Drakewalls, with a welcome from Tony Smith, president of Calstock Parish Twinning Association. 

Old friendships were renewed and new ones established and the art exhibition at the centre created much interest. 

Saturday was spent with host families before a dinner and dance at St Mellion International Resort. Entertainment was provided by 'Hevva', with Cornish music and dance. 

During the interval the folk from St Thuriau led everyone in singing, beginning with a song specially written for the 20th anniversary. 

An exchange of gifts took place and Yvon Le Menaheze, president of the St Thuriau twinners, presented the host association with an engraved silver tray and an illustrated folder with lists of all who have participated in the visits over the years. 

In return, she received an album of photographs from each of the visits, provided by the Calstock members.  Each family present was also given the collection of photos in DC form. 

On Sunday everyone gathered again for a picnic in sunshine at Sconner Down, near Polbathic. The afternoon concluded with games, singing and dancing in the open air. 

There was a special surprise in store for three of the visitors.  Alain Guyot, Christian Hemonic, and Yves Pinsard were each presented with a medal from members of their committee to thank them for their many years of service to the 'Comite de Jumelage'. 

There was a large crowd at Millbay in the evening to wave off the visitors as they boarded the ferry to return home and all agreed this had been the best twinning weekend yet.