MORE than 40 people from Fordingbridge’s twinned town of Vimoutiers in Normandy came to the town to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
The French visitors arrived last Thursday (May 8) and were treated to a civic reception with speeches by the Fordingbridge Mayor, cllr Pete White, and leaders of the two twinning associations.
The reception was complete with handbell ringing to celebrate the National VE Day events, followed by the lighting of the beacon, the Tribute of Remembrance read by the town crier, and the singing of ‘I Vow to the My Country’ finishing with national anthems played by Hyde Band.
A spokesperson for Fordingbridge Twinning Association said: “The French guests enjoyed these formal events and were pleased to join in.”
The following day they were taken for a guided tour of Breamore House, its museum and bluebell woods, and its famous “miz-maze”.
A spokesperson added: “The day ended with a rip-roaring ceilidh, featuring local band “Murphy’s Lore”. Everyone joined in with the dancing along with much laughter!”
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The VE Day celebrations, organised by Fordingbridge Town Council and assisted by organisations such as the Avon-Valley Shed and Fordingbridge Rotary, concluded on Saturday (May 10) with a picnic in the park.
This was preceded by a guided walk of the New Forest by the Fordingbridge Twinning Association, and the French visitors were treated to fish and chips, with much music in the afternoon, numerous stalls and entertainments before an evening dinner with dance music.
The visitors were waved off after a Sunday brunch, and they were treated to a performance by the eight-piece band New Forest Rhythmix before they caught their coach home via Portsmouth Ferry.
A spokesperson said: “The next twinning event will be when they return our hospitality, and local ‘twinners’ will attend the Foire de la Pomme over the weekend of October 17 to 19, in Vimoutiers, just an hour’s drive from the ferry at Caen.
They added: “The weather was fantastic over the whole four-day visit, which caused much amusement with people returning to France with sun tans. They don’t usually expect that when they visit the UK!”
Contact Derek Ayling on 01425 650770 or by email at Hippotrain@BTInternet.com for details on how to join the Twinning Association, the Avon-Valley Shed, or Fordingbridge Rotary.
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