Holsworthy Twinning Association recently held their AGM at the Skills Centre in Holsworthy. Another very successful year was reported on by the Chairman, Philip Glessing There had been a very enjoyable visit with our French friends in May and a coffee morning in July. He thanked all his committee for their hard work over the year. The committee and officers were all re-elected back on en-bloc.

President Alan Harris. Chairman Philip Glessing. Vice-Chairman Robert Moores. Secretary Janet George. Treasurer Sylvia Gilbert. Billeting Officers Tracey Langman, Rachel Chidley, Janet Axford. Press Officer Eileen Harris.

Arrangements are well in hand for the Association's visit to Aunay on June 3rd - 6th and there are still seats available on the coach if anyone is interested in going. Several fund raising events are being planned throughout the year.

It was unanimously agreed to make a donation to the Haiti appeal and it was decided to support the Shelterbox Appeal through Holsworthy Rotary Club.

The Association is always looking for new members. We hold monthly meetings at the Skills Centre. Contact either Chairman Philip Glessing on 01288 354402 or Secretary Janet George - 01409 253356 for more information and dates of meetings.

• Coffee Morning - Memorial Hall Wednesday 22nd July.
• Skittles Tournament tbc

Viewing the weather forecast with some trepidation, members of the Holsworthy Twinning Association (Le Jumelage) looked forward to the arrival of their French counterparts from Aunay sur Odon in Normandy on Thursday 21st May.

We need not have feared, since the day of the trip to Plymouth on the Friday was dry and sunny. The French and English coaches arrived together at the Mayflower steps and the twinners had three hours to sightsee and lunch. In fact, one large enterprising group, in French style, got together for a communal lunch at Rockey's on the Barbican.

At 2:30 pm, all boarded a river cruiser for a trip up the River Tamar. The captain gave an English commentary and paid particular attention to the sea front berths of nuclear sub Conqueror (which sank the Belgrano) and the ship HMS Monmouth which is the only one allowed to display a black flag (attributed to the Monmouth rebellion in 1685, Judge Jeffreys and all that, and James II ordering Monmouth's beheading) Soon to be seen was a statue of William of Orange who turned England back to Protestantism (if only Monmouth had waited three years!) William also did the Plymouth Gin Company a good turn by liberalising the laws on the production of alcohol; perhaps too good a turn since the national production of gin went mad and you could get drunk for 1d and dead drunk for 2d!

We passed through the sea gap into the River Tamar, beautiful country and a lone seal spotted. Highlights were Cothele and the village of Calstock, where we left the boat to see picturesque cottages and shops, which seemed to take us back in time.
The return journey was much appreciated by the French as our interpreter, Adam Hilton gave an off the cuff commentary. The bus journey was highlighted by one of those little cameos that always crop up when the French are with us. Two little French girls with digital cameras had spotted a hot air balloon (une montgolfiere) as the coach approached Launceston. There was frantic passing of cameras from side to side since the coach's zigzagging caused the balloon to cross just before the click of buttons. In the end, after much mirth, good shots were secured.

Saturday evening brought our get together and dance at Chilsworthy Village Hall. Phil Glessing our chairman thanked the committee and members for their magnificent contributions of buffet food. He also thanked Chilsworthy volunteers for their exceptional assistance in setting up the hall. The French reply was given by Pierre Cool, now retired, who echoed the thanks. He also commented on the unusually good English weather that had graced the visit. The French were so unused to it!

At the end of the visit, some of the new twinners were exhausted. Three days of concentrated Franglais had been an eye-opener but worth it. The French who were new to the scene gave an equivalent response, touching their heads and saying ‘C’est dure’ (hard graft). Soon, the difficulties will be forgotten and we will be looking forward to the return trip next year.

On Thursday 29th May, 49 members of Holsworthy and District Twinning Association left Holsworthy at 7.00 am to travel by coach to their Twin Town Aunay sur Odon to renew friendships with their French Families. There were eight others travelling in cars.

The following day, a trip to Vire started with a visit to a factory producing cutlery. The number of different design castings was impressive showing how well the factory was coping with different fashion trends. There was an impressive amount of automation, but manual finishing and very good control underlined the quality of the products. Other factory lines include metal kitchenware and porcelain.

After the visit, different groups enjoyed walking around the market in the town. A large number of the twinners then joined up for a very pleasant lunch at Le Café Du Theatre organised superbly by Andre Alix (Didi) and Pierre Blestel.

With lunch dismissed, a further visit was made to Pontécoulant with its 17th century chateau. The French guide was assisted by our latest member, Adam Hilton, who translated for the benefit of the English.

The day was rounded off by a social meeting and aperitifs at the Marie with the mayor of Aunay, M. Daniel Bertin. In his speech M. Bertin underlined his dedication to twinning and wished everyone a pleasant weekend. In reply Phil Glessing thanked the organisers for their hospitality.

On Saturday, the English stayed with their French families for the day. In the evening, there was the usual get together with a meal and dance. Pierre Cool welcomed new families from both Holsworthy and Aunay. Chairman Phil Glessing thanked the host families for making everyone welcome and remarked on the healthy state of the oak tree donated and planted by Holsworthy in 1999, and thanked the French for the flowers that were sent at his recent wedding.

The group returned on Sunday via Roscroff to Plymouth exchanging memories of a very successful weekend.

On 28th April 2005 Holsworthy and District Twinning Association welcomed 70 people from their twin town of Aunay-sur-Odon in the Calvados region of France.  This year we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the founding of the friendship link back in 1975.

To celebrate that special occasion a civic reception was held in the Market Hall with our Mayor, Mr Arthur Stewart welcoming the Mayor of Aunay, Monsieur Pierre Lefevre who presented a small statuette to the town.  The welcoming party included the Mayoress, Mrs Arthur Stewart, Deputy Mayor, Councillor Liz Squire and the Portreeve, Betty Oak plus members of the Holsworthy Twinning Committee, Alan Harris, Philip Glessing, Janet George and Sylvia Gilbert.

On Friday morning the visitors were taken on a guided tour of Exeter, which included an opportunity for some shopping.  The evening was the big event of the visit with a dinner dance held at the Falcon Hotel in Bude.  The French visitors and their hosts totalled over 140 people and we all sat down to an excellent meal, enjoyed the music and dancing and we each had a piece of the delicious celebration cake made by Sally Harris.  The presentation of a framed group photograph taken last year when we visited Aunay was made by Pierre Cool, Aunay's President, to Holsworthy's Chairman, Philip Glessing.

At the friendly football match on Saturday afternoon Holsworthy beat Aunay 5-0.  Two years ago we were beaten on our home ground 1-0.  However, honour has now been restored.

On Sunday morning we said au revoir to our French friends until next year when we visit them.  A small plaque was given to each family which commemorated the 30 years of friendship.

If anyone reading this is interested in learning about Holsworthy Twinning and would like to join as individuals or as a family please contact our Secretary Mrs Janet George on 01409 253 356 or Philip Glessing on 01288 354 402.

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