Past Events in France
MOUVAUX CHRISTMAS MARKET 2-4 December 2011
An early start saw David and Sheila Everson, Sandra Truscott, Janet May and John and I headed off to Dover with a car load of goodies to take to the Mouvaux Weekend Christmas Market.
I am glad to say that this time there was no snow, no fog and no traffic accidents and apart from the slight jiggling of the ferry due to Sea France having “operational difficulties”, we arrived in good time to set up our stall in readiness for the Friday evening rush. The Market takes place in the Town Hall and whilst we are situated inside, you will also find lots of Chalet style stalls on the outside with goods ranging from sausage and decorative hyacinths to hats, sweets and wooden toys. When it gets dark, it becomes very festive as the Christmas lights brighten up the whole area.
Once again, the people of Mouvaux were generous in their welcome and we were inundated with people wishing to taste the homemade cakes that were in abundance this year. We decided to ring the changes slightly and so we went armed not only with the “favourites” but also Ginger Cake, Chocolate Fudge Cake, Date and Orange Cake and Apricot and Walnut loaf, to name but a few. Having made the mistake last year of not including the Christmas cake, we also took with us 12 small and 2 large cakes – all of which were sold.
Saturday started slowly and the weather was drab, but by mid afternoon, the rush started again and bit by bit the table started to empty and hey ho, by Sunday we were left with just a few items to sell. – I think the final count left us with 3 tins of baked beans and 3 cartons of custard!
So a success I think – a big thank you to Sandra and Janet, particularly for their linguistic skills and to David and Sheila who, after a well earned rest, decided to come back to the fold. It was good to have them on board again. A mention of thanks must also be made to Rosie and Clive Cowdy and to Vanessa Bloomfield, all of whom provided a number of homemade cakes and jams. David, Sheila and Sandra also bought their home-baking skills to the fore, which enabled us to go laden with some wonderful cakes and mince pies. So what with all the cakes, Christmas crackers and novelties, baked beans, Christmas puddings, Tea and the like, we certainly had a very full stall.
Our hosts were excellent and vouchers for the little restaurant (Courte Paille) were most welcome. As the year before, having sold all our goodies, we enjoyed a relaxing lunch on Sunday with our neighbouring German and Belgian stall holders before heading back to Dunkirk for our ferry home.
If we can manage to cover our costs, that’s great; if we can make a small profit, that’s even better, but the most important thing is to be involved in something quite different and interesting.
Margaret White
11.12.11
20th ANNIVERSARY OF TWINNING OF MOUVAUX and NEUKIRCHEN-VLUYN
2 Mayors and 4 past mayors, plus the twinning leads for Mouvaux, Neukirchen Vluyn and Buckingham gave it their best puff, to celebrate 20 years of twinning between the French and German towns on 29 October 2011 in Mouvaux. Buckingham was represented by Howard and Jane Mordue. Our Mayor sent his best wishes.
The day’s celebrations had begun at lunchtime with the arrival of the German delegation, some 15 strong, and lunch at a local restaurant. A post prandial stroll up the main thoroughfare, the Grand Boulevard, followed to view some 30 photographs of Neukirchen-Vluyn erected on large panels up and down the cycling and jogging path.
The group then moved to the main shopping street in Mouvaux, the ‘rue Franklin Roosevelt’, where the Mayor of Neukirchen-Vluyn (Harald Lenssen) was invited to join the Mayor of Mouvaux, (Eric Durand) and other dignitaries to cut the ribbon on the newly named, ‘Espace Neukirchen-Vluyn’, a smartly refurbished car parking area right by the shops.
After speeches there was a short break in the programme before the next event, the opening of an exhibition of twinning photographs and memorabilia at 17h in the Town Hall. This naturally focussed on the Franco-German link but also featured, in glass cases, every gift presented by the town of Buckingham over the past 9 years – a true journey down memory lane!
The guests were then directed through to the music school for an official re-signing of the charter ceremony, followed by a short concert on piano of two German pieces of music.
After a short gap we were treated to a very tasty cold buffet with the guests being entertained by magicians at table. Birthday greetings and gifts were exchanged with a ceremonial blowing-out of the Christmas cake by all the present and past mayors. After this, it was time to listen and dance to the German band, ‘Do It Again’ until well gone midnight.
Jane and Howard Mordue
02.11.11
SEPTEMBER TRIP 2011
On a fine morning at the end of September, Mike and Ginny Booth, Janet May and Susan Ellis squeezed into John Murray’s car, and set off for Dover for our trip to Mouvaux, where we were greeted by Annie Millicamps, and our hosts Cristelle Glorieux, Renata Boitot, Brigette and André Frys and Hubert and Mathilde Devriendt.
The next morning we went by tram to Lille and boarded a small tour coach for a guided visit of the city. We continued our visit on foot, during which time we took in a lunch at an outside table at a restaurant. There was so much of interest to see, and the sun was scorching down. One of the highlights was a visit to the Cathédrale
Notre-Dame de la Treille. Although it is constructed in a neo gothic style it only dates from the middle of the Nineteenth century. The front is faced with marble, and from inside, it is transparent and beautifully veined. One day in Lille is not enough!
The following day we went by car to the small and pretty town of Wambrechies. We had a tour of the ancient distillery and saw the old mills, stills and machinery still used for making alcoholic liquor. Naturally, a tasting followed. The town is dominated by its old château with its peaceful park, the quayside of the Deûle canal which is crowded with colourful boats, and the buildings of Flemish architecture.
In the meantime, Mike and Ginny had been invited to speak to students and teachers at a local school in Mouvaux. They were thus able to give a useful report to the Twinning Committee when we arrived back home. We met up with Mike and Ginny at the house of Annie at midday. Annie treated us to a splendid luncheon, with bubbly and wine.
In the afternoon we motored to Roubaix. The first visit there was to the Museum – Workshop of Textiles. The guide gave working demonstrations of the looms, ranging from old, wooden machines, to the latest computer-controlled machines. Roubaix of course was at the centre of the French weaving trade, and examples of its work were displayed in the next museum that we visited. This was the famous Swimming Pool Museum. The construction of the pool was completed in 1932, and was described as the most beautiful Swimming pool in the whole of France. It is world famous, and, now enlarged, is a magnificent art gallery. Our day concluded in the evening with a Soirée in the church hall. With much joviality we enjoyed a buffet in the company of our hosts and members of the Twinning Committee.
We left for home on the Friday morning. We all agreed that we were sad to be leaving, having enjoyed ourselves so much, and been received and treated so well.
John Murray
18.11.11
GALA DANCE WEEKEND MAY 2011
French hospitality reached new heights for 11 square dancers from the area when they were invited to participate in a dance gala in Buckingham’s twin town Mouvaux. The event, to celebrate 50 years of dancing, was organised by a dance school, whose members accommodated, dined and entertained the group for the weekend with such friendly enthusiasm that 11 more Francophiles were created.
Buckingham also made its mark on Mouvaux’ citizens: the audience joined in lustily with the “call” song “ I just called to say I love you”, afterwards warmly greeting dancers with broad smiles, shaking hands and of course lots of kisses on cheeks. A great weekend for l’Entente Cordiale.
Valerie Shaw
25.05.11
MOUVAUX CHRISTMAS MARKET 2010
To follow in the footsteps of Ron, Muriel, David, Sheila, Clive and Rosie was always going to be difficult. They had been the stalwarts of the Mouvaux Christmas market for many years and quite rightly they deserved a well earned rest and to let someone else have a turn!
So, after much deliberation, a team was pulled together of myself, husband John, Howard and Jane Mordue, Jill Martin, Sandra Truscott and Janet May.
Meetings were held, goods were purchased, cakes were made and with the generous on-going support of all the past team, we were ready to head off to Mouvaux. Winter, however, decided to give us an early call and snow fell in abundance during the days preceding our departure, to the point of thinking whether we would actually be able to make the trip at all, but depart we did and we managed to make our way to Dover on a very cold, frosty and snowy December morn. All was going well..... Calais greeted us with sunshine and we were feeling quite smug! Unfortunately sunshine turned into pea soup approximately 40 minutes from Mouvaux and as a result we found ourselves on the end of a horrendous traffic jam which in turn meant that our idea of arriving at our destination in ample time was well and truly thwarted with us finally arriving well after 5.00 pm! Not an ideal start. Nevertheless, with the market in full swing the ‘new kids’ on the block were welcomed with open arms and with all hands on deck, our stall was soon up and running and we were receiving our first customers. It was quite chaotic, there was little time to think, but we got through the remaining hour and a half without too much damage to our reputation! Saturday morning a deluge of snow fell, but it didn’t stop the people of Mouvaux making their way to the market once more.
We were a new team, (although I believe Howard and Jane had taken part in the market many years before) and to be honest didn’t really know one another. It could have been disastrous – either too many “wannabe” chiefs and not enough Indians, or even too many Indians and no chief at all! We needn’t have worried as everyone rallied round tremendously and got on with the job in hand. It was busy, yes, but (dare I say it?) a rather fun way to spend a weekend! Our host families were lovely and the people of Mouvaux made us feel very at ease and at home.
I would like to thank everyone for their help and team spirit. We had some excellent linguists amongst us. Unfortunately, Jill Martin had to pull out from actually attending the market, but a BIG THANK YOU must go to her not only because of the warm welcome she gave us into her flat for the meetings but she was also such a great help with both the gathering of goods and the making of some of the cakes - her general enthusiasm was very catching! The guidance of Ron and Muriel was much appreciated and it was very kind of David, Sheila, Clive and Rosie to continue to make the mince pies and flapjacks.
So, will we be doing it in 2011? Well at the moment, we have all decided we would, but if there is anyone else out there who wants to have a go, please get in touch. Equally, we would be pleased to hear from anyone who would like to donate any homemade goods. Julia Randall made some yummy Crab Apple Jelly which went down a treat and as always the homemade cakes were also very popular.
Finally, on a personal note I must thank hubby John – this was never going to be his “thing”, but he was an excellent driver and gofer and proved a great support to me. The aim was to go, sell everything and come home. Well, we did that and yes, some mistakes were made, but what we didn’t really bargain on was getting to know and enjoy the company of some very nice people indeed. Sheila Everson kept saying we would enjoy the experience and you know .....we did!
Margaret White
09.01.11.
JOINT WALK AT MONTREUIL-SUR-MER 2010
This year it was our turn to cross the channel so eleven intrepid travellers in three cars left Buckingham on Saturday morning 26 June to travel to France via the ferry from Dover to Calais. The planned walk proved to be further away than usual so it was over an hour before we reached Berck on the Normandy coast. This is a town that reminded me of Margate and it seemed that it survived on sales of ice-cream, because as we walked along the promenade everybody seemed to be either buying one or eating one. The sea was far far away. Some the group walked to it to have a paddle: to see them I had to use a telescope! The weather was hot so we were glad to find a friendly restaurant for a most pleasant meal.
After a noisy breakfast amongst hundreds of kids we made our way to Montreuil-sur-Mer to meet our hosts, some 10 km away. “Sur-Mer?” - no sign of the sea but we were assured that in the past it was there: it must have been yonks ago. A stroll round the town was a delight at that time of the morning in that it revealed a charming place, quite different from the awfulness of Berck, characterised by little shops, cobbled streets and a magnificent surrounding protective set of battlements which circled the town.
A large coach arrived and out spilled some forty walkers from Mouvaux kitted out with an array of haversacks and provisions. We had been told that the walk would be some 20 km so I was most relieved to find that it was 18 km in a figure of eight producing two stints morning and afternoon of 9 km each with refreshment in the town.
After a multitude of greetings and a plethora of instructions we set off at a cracking pace. By this time the day was hotting up and it really was very warm for me: I struggled towards the end to make the distance (and that was only the first stint!). We were expertly shepherded by marshals in florescent jackets and whistles: care and encouragement was readily given to those who lagged behind. Much chatter ensued both in fluent and pidgin French.
They had arranged for a local café to give us drinks at their expense: I enjoyed a nice cold bière pression and we ate our sandwiches. I and a few others decided to back out of the second 9 km and off they went. I gather from reports that without us laggers the rate quickened to a startling pace. I had a walk round the town and then came back to the café to enjoy another bière and to watch Germany demolish England in the World Cup.
On the return of the main party, warm exchanges were made and they were soon off for their return journey to Mouvaux. After a long cold shower we retired to another café in Berck and certainly in my case, very tired, we went to bed. The whole trip was once again a great success. We express many thanks to Sheila and David Everson who efficiently made all the arrangements our end without a hitch. We look forward to the return walk our side next year. We hope that we can get back to the Spring for all sorts of reasons not least that it can be done in slightly cooler weather.
Geoffrey Shaw
09.07.10
CULTURAL VISIT TO MOUVAUX and LILLE APRIL 2010
John Murray organised a special trip to Mouvaux and Lille for a select few (Howard and Jane Mordue, Mike and Christine Kirby and Derek Carpenter) over three days in April. On arrival after travelling in two cars by the ferry they were kindly generously hosted on the first evening by our twinning friends and were fed and watered most generously. The weather was warm and sunny.
On the second day they took the tramway from Mouvaux to Lille and then went on a bus tour of the city, with video and commentary. Annie then took them on a walking
tour of the old town with a meal at a quaint restaurant. This was followed by a fascinating visit to the Palais des Beaux Arts.
On the third day they motored to Wambrechies and visited the Claeyssens distillery. After partaking of suitable samples, they happily adjourned to the home of our guide, Annie, where they were treated to a splendid luncheon. Later in the afternoon they had extremely interesting visits
to museums in Roubaix - The Jacquard museum of weaving looms, and the art
museum in the refurbished art deco swimming pool. In the evening they attended a party with host families and members of the Mouvaux Twinning Committee.
On the way back to England, I gather that they diverted to Grand-Fort-Phillip, which I expect involved a visit to a hypermarket. They also enjoyed an excellent lunch in a local restaurant.
Geoffrey Shaw
07.05.10
TWINNING FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT MAY 2009
Two teams from Moretonville Junior Football Club went to Mouvaux 29-31 May 2009 to take part in a football tournament covering the towns linked to Mouvaux.
It was played at Parc Sportif, Pierre de Coubertin in Mouvaux. Joining Moretonville were teams from Mouvaux, Tourcoing, Halle in Belgium and Neukirchen-Vluyn in Germany.
Moretonville were delighted to be sponsored with new shirts provided by the Whiteleaf Business Centre and were supported by an enthusiastic group of parents and friends.
In a tournament played to a high “academy” standard, the two Moretonville sides finished a creditable eighth and tenth out of a total of sixteen teams.
Mark Chapman from Buckingham and Berni Russell from Mouvaux put in in a lot of hard work in the planning involved in getting right the logistics of the operation
and it was deemed a great success for all involved. So much so that plans are already in hand for a repeat in 2010 and it is hoped that it will be held in
Buckingham in the future.
Geoffrey Shaw
08.07.09
TWINNING WEEKEND in MOUVAUX 3-5 April 2009
Once again it was our turn to visit Mouvaux. We were not disappointed by the tremendous hospitality we received and we came away with happy memories.
The weather was a little chilly but sunny so we could take advantage of the longer evenings (courtesy of the sensible use of the French of Summer time!).
The main party went by coach.
Valerie and I spent a few days before in Mid-France and we all met the English party at the Mairie. There was a formal welcome in the Foyer and we received
some welcome refreshment. We were all taken to our respective hosts for dinner on Friday evening.
On Saturday morning we were split five ways:
- Most of the adults were given a choice of a visit to Parc du Haumont or a wine tasting at the cellars of Monsieur Vin. I gather that those
who went to the Parc enjoyed a pretty visit but, as I have walked round it a few times now, you will not be surprised to hear that I went to taste some
wines at the unearthly hour of 9.30 am in the morning. Our guide there was extremely knowledgeable and absolutely fascinating. He explained each wine
in detail. We received generous portions and we also enjoyed samples of local cheese. From my point of view it was a very civilised way to start the visit.
- Students from Buckingham School joined Mouvaux students to discuss the relative merits of each town under the title "My Town too". Reports received indicated that it went very well and we were pleased to hear two excellent summaries by representatives from each side at the following luncheon.
- A group of karate students, who train at Tingewick, Steeple Claydon, Twyford and Evenley, trained and watched demonstrations in their sport. Both sides
noted the similarities and differences in the methods and training and discussions took place for a further exchange in Buckingham.
- Chris Phillips, who is a keen roller-blader, took the brave step of joining in with many much younger people in a wide-ranging display and exhibition
of roller-blading. We await to see the picture of him beside that girl in the ballerina dress!
- Two Brownies and their families will not easily forget the rapturous welcome they had from their counterparts in France, the Jeannettes and their leaders.
Badged yellow tops met badged orange shirts with wild embraces and excited giggles (language is not so important for 10-year olds) and games with dice
and chocolate and silly songs with actions can be enjoyed the world over. A wide game (something to do with capturing pirate ships) was played with great gusto on the green, the outcome being a fervent promise to repeat the fun another year, next time in Buckingham?
On Saturday afternoon, after a most convivial lunch provided by the Mouvaux Committee, the youngsters went to Bellewarde Adventure Playground while
the adults were taken to Ypres in Belgium. We were astounded to learn that the whole town had been flattened by mortar fire in the First World War.
What was even more amazing was the decision to rebuild the town exactly as it was: so much so that many of the houses look as though they were built
100s of years earlier. We were taken for a tour of the town by a local guide, who spoke in both French and English moving from language to language
with ease – most humbling! Our visit coincided with a town festival and we have recorded the wonderful site of John Murray trying to communicate with
some travellers from outer space.
In the evening we were cordially entertained in the homes of their hosts. In our case we were presented with the most magnificent hors d'oeuvres
I have ever seen – each part was in its own individual glass. The meal continued like it did in many other homes with good food, animated conversation
in both English and French and of course plenty to drink.
On Sunday morning we were taken to St Omer, which is built on a network of canals with the feel of the Norfolk Broads. After an enjoyable trip on
a boat we were generously given an excellent meal at Estaminet Clairmarais.
The English party went off by coach but Valerie and I lingered for another day in Lille.
The French certainly know how to eat and drink! - it's wonderful - we have much to learn in this respect. Good food, good wine and good company should
not be rushed.
Geoff Shaw
GCS/17.05.09
50th ANNIVERSARY OF JUMELAGE MOUVAUX-HALLE
Buckingham has only been twinned with Mouvaux for just over 5 years but way back in 1958, in the aftermath of the Second World War,
their first international link was established with Halle, a small Belgian market town. It was started based on personal contacts
between some of the sporting clubs and has endured over the years. On 18th October 2008, Mouvaux invited their other twin towns,
Buckingham and Neukirchen Vluyn to join in the celebrations. Thus it was that on a bright but cold Saturday morning, the Mayors
of 4 European towns walked shoulder to shoulder at the head of a procession around the streets of Mouvaux.
To make sure that the populace noticed, the Belgians brought ‘les Gilles’ with them.
With their strange costumes and outrageous headgear and clogs, and accompanied by incessant drumming and strange cries, the troupe
really brought Mouvaux alive. But why did the Mayor and Mayoress have to dance holding an orange each? All very strange. The day
continued with a friendly bowling competition between the sexes in the Mouvaux indoor bowling alleys, or ‘bourloires’ where
we were taught to throw heavy flat sided bowls, or cheeses. It was never going to be an elegant sight….
There was an official opening of a play area in the town, named after Halle, followed by a formal re-signing of the charter
and a short classical music performance in Mouvaux’s music conservatoire. A gala dinner rounded off the occasion in great style.
It was good to make friends with Mouvaux’s Belgian and German friends and it was a wonderful occasion to remember.
Jane Mordue
28.10.08
JOINT WALK AT CALAIS
Those intrepid walkers, David and Sheila Everson decided to arrange with our Mouvaux French friends a joint day walk along the cliffs of Calais. Valerie and I
decided to join them but I certainly hesitated when I heard that it was going to be over 10 miles! However on Saturday 29th March Valerie and I took the train to meet the rest
of our walking party in a hostelry on the outskirts of Dover. After a convivial meal, where we managed to sign up some new members for the Twinning Association,
we retired to bed with the thought that we would only have a few hours sleep before an early departure at 5.00 am to catch the ferry from Dover.
Our group of twelve duly met up with a full coachload of French walkers looking frightenly well equipped for a long trek and after many exchanges and a long wait
for some of their group who had come by car we set off.
It soon rained. It rained and rained. It rained and rained some more. With a bad foot I chickened out after a few miles and went back to get some soup and to
attempt to dry out at a local café. I met a very exhausted party later that afternoon, when the rain did stop at last.
All agreed however that it had been a memorable day's walking and the English party left to catch the ferry to England. I found that I was too tired to eat much on
the boat but the more experienced tucked into some P&O fare. We slept well that night. Valerie and I left to catch the train home but the rest of the English party
had enough energy to do another walk on the way back.
Would I do it again? Perhaps. I need to be fitter and I am not used to the long distances which seem to be the norm. However its a great way to keep the exchange going.
Geoffrey Shaw
08.04.08
MOUVAUX MARCHÉ NOËL 2007
Christmas markets are a great tradition in France and many of the bigger towns like Lille attract great numbers of tourists. The one in Mouvaux is planned on a
smaller scale as befits the size of the town but it compensates by having a lovely friendly atmosphere, where friends can meet once a year in the festive season.
Our stall is inside the Old Town Hall together with those from their other twin towns from Belgium and Germany and a lively convivial time is had by all.
Experience has taught us the type of produce the French expect from us so we came suitably armed with those products
that either do not exist or hard to find in France such as home made Christmas cakes, mince pies, crackers (what fun it was explaining them to the French!),
puddings, bara brith, Oxford marmalade, puddings and tea. It is always a pleasure to see familiar faces coming back year after year to buy goods not readily available
in a place like Mouvaux and this year we were sold out early on the Sunday.
As always we enjoyed wonderful hospitality from our hosts and a lively convivial time was had by all. Our sincere thanks go to those who provided home-made food for sale.
We mention particularly the contributions from Jill Farrell for her wonderful Christmas cakes, Sheila Everson, who is our mince pie queen, and Len Davies for providing
little bits of Wales with the Bara Brith and Lancashire with his Eccles cakes.
Ron Gleeson
GCS/13.12.07
TWIN TOWN COMPETITION April 2007
The Mouvaux Twinning Committee had the innovative idea to invite their three twin towns from England, Belgium and Germany to submit photographs to be displayed in the Mairie during April.
The Buckingham Photographic Club took up the challenge and we were privileged to see the results during our visit during the twinning weekend. The standard was very high and we are
pleased to announce that Buckingham won four prizes out of the five that were on offer. The whole idea was so successful that it is planned to extend this to
include a junior competition next year.
Geoff Shaw
GCS/12.06.07
TWINNING WEEKEND in MOUVAUX 13-15 April 2007
It was our turn to visit Mouvaux - an eagerly awaited treat for those who had been before and an exciting venture for those who hadn't.
Once again we were not disappointed by the tremendous hospitality we received and we came away with happy memories. In previous years we have visited there in the Autumn: for
various reasons this was changed to the Spring and the advantages of warmer weather and longer evenings (courtesy of the sensible use of the French of Summer time!) became
obvious.
The main party went by coach.
Valerie and I went the day before by Eurostar and we all met the English party at the Mairie. Introductions were made in the hall opposite and then we were all taken to our hosts for a welcome meal and exchange of ideas on Friday evening.
On Saturday morning we were split four ways:
- Members of the Buckingham Business Club were given a most interesting and informative presentation on plans for a comprehensive redevelopment planned for Mouvaux town
centre. The enthusiasm of the Mayor was evident and I found him exciting to listen to. In his case we were given a superb example of how one can get ideas to germinate
with a mission to succeed. I could not help thinking how frustrating it has become sitting on a committee of the Buckingham Community Plan where idea after idea
has been ignored by our local councils. We were then taken to see the area actually on the ground and as, we ran out of time, Valerie and I later walked round the perimeter
of the site to clarify in our minds what was envisaged. Oh for the vision of Mouvaux!
- Students from the Royal Latin School and Buckingham School were taken to a farm nature reserve at Wasquehal where they worked in pairs with pupils from College Mivan der Meersch to observe the wild life.
Much use of the respective languages was required to communicate the results and liguistic skills were rather stretched at times. However it is heartening to hear a comment
from the Principal to say that he had been impressed by the linguistic abilities of all the students who took part in these exchanges.
- A group of karate students, who train at Tingewick, Steeple Claydon, Twyford and Evenley, trained and watched demonstrations in their sport. Both sides
noted the similarities and differences in the methods and training and discussions took place for a further exchange in Buckingham.
- A small group played tennis in the impressive sports hall. The remainder of the party relaxed with their hosts at home: we heard that one member of our party
had a particularly late petit dejeuner!
After a most convivial lunch provided by the Mouvaux Committe, on Saturday afternoon the younger elements of the party went to explore Lille while the others went to Wambrechies
to visit a fascinating toy museum containing a very full collection of toys, dolls, games and models: Paddy Collins and I amused ourselves competing against
each other in the games section. We were then taken for a tour of the local distillery. The highlight of the latter of course was the final tasting of the varieties of gin,
liquers and whiskies. In the evening most were entertained royally in the homes of their hosts
In the evening most were entertained royally in the homes of their hosts. On a hot and balmy evening in our case we sat out
on a patio looking out on a lovely garden complete with good food, company and wine.
On Sunday morning the younger members went ten-pin bowling in Lomme and the older contingent witnessed a ceremonial planting of an Oak tree in the gardens of the
Mairie. The task was underaken by the two mayors and Jane and Berni all grappling with the one spade and some English soil brought over for the occasion. This marked
the 5th anniversary of our twinning and the celebrations continued over a delicious civic lunch where gifts were exchanged and Berni ended up as a Friend of Buckingham. We
were delighted to have the presence of the British Consul on this occasion.
The English party went off by coach but Valerie and I lingered for another day in Lille.
The French certainly know how to eat and drink! - it's wonderful - we have much to learn in this respect. Good food, good wine and good company should not be rushed.
Geoff Shaw
GCS/12.06.07
WALK - OYE PLAGE 11 JUNE 2006
Valerie and I took the Eurostar to Brussels on Thursday 8 June to spend a day or two with friends there
before coming back to Mouvaux on the Saturday. We were very well looked after by Berni and Helene Russell
for our stay there.
Boy - was it hot. We therefore with a little trepidation travelled with Berni to meet a group of walkers for lunch by the sea. A large group of 26 walkers gave us a warm (literally!) welcome and we joined them for lunch before walking the length of a massively long beach with hardly a French soul on it. The sea was somewhere in the distance. It was claimed that we could see Dover but I was not convinced: we did see quite a few ferries however. We coped - just and arrived at a cafe for a very welcome glass of biere.
We finally ended up in a village where there was the inevitable noisy summer town street fair. Two sets of dodgems but not an ice-cream in sight. The walkers are keen to maintain the link and are getting quite excited about a possible day trip to the Dover cliffs for a joint walk in the Spring of 2007.
I slept well that night! - before leaving by Eurostar on Monday morning.
Geoff Shaw
GCS/24.06.06