Beaminster’S bilingual town crier David Craner gave a rousing welcome in English and French to 32 visitors from twin town Saint-James.
His words of welcome were echoed by president of Beaminster and District Twinning Association, Margaret Greenham and Councillor Rebecca Knox, who gave her welcome speech in French. The visitors, who included new family groups who were teamed up with English families with children of similar ages, enjoyed a packed few days.
They were taken to the Willows and Wetlands Centre and then to Wells where a private lunch was held in the surroundings of the Bishops Palace.
The sunny afternoon was spent in Wells, enjoying the cathedral and the gardens of the Bishops Palace.
The next day was spent with host families, sampling the best of West Dorset with one group deciding to walk to the top of Golden Cap, others visited Bridport Market and many of the children braved the water at the beach.
Saturday evening was a celebration for the whole group of 80 visitors and hosts with a hot buffet meal by Le Pip catering, followed by barn dancing to the Jeroka Ceilidh Band. Sophie Dapilly, the secretary of the Saint-James Twinning Association, said: “Everyone is delighted by this wonderful weekend that you had organised, and especially children.”
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