Twinning group marks quarter of a century

MEMBERS of Bisley-with-Lypiatt Twinning Association have just celebrated 25 years of their parish's twinning with the community of Plessala in Brittany.

Over the August Bank Holiday weekend, 39 French visitors (16 of whom were aged between 10 and 18) stayed with local hosts, cementing many existing friendships and starting others.

One guest was an emissary from a community Chorale which hopes to forge a link with a choir in the Stroud area that will lead to separate visits for the joy of singing together.

There are high hopes that a group centred on Amberley and Nailsworth will take this forward.

The Saturday saw a great number of members take their guests to Bisley Flower Show and Fete, with everyone involved in the visit coming together that evening for a giant bring-and-share supper and barn dance using the show's marquee.

People involved in previous twinning exchange visits were also present at the event, where guests enjoyed two handmade decorated cakes — one for Bisley-with-Lypiatt and one for Plessala — made in honour of the 25th anniversary.

Speeches were given thanking those who have played a prominent role in the twinning partnership over the last 25 years, with mementos presented from both the British and French sides to mark the occasion.

On the Sunday, hosts chose how they wished to entertain their guests, with activities including participating in water sports at Cotswold Water Park near Cirencester, watching a performance at Giffords Circus on Minchinhampton Common and visiting Bath and Bristol.

Commenting on the organisation's anniversary, chairman Muriel Brooks said: “We are delighted that Bisley-with-Lypiatt Twinning Association has now been in existence for a quarter of a century. Over the years, some very strong relationships have been forged both within and between the British and French contingents of the partnership, and both parties have many fond memories of previous twinning-related events.”

Through each year, the Association offers members of all ages the chance to make new friends at social events and, if they wish, get involved with the annual exchange with Plessala.

All prospective members are welcome.

The annual membership subscription is £3 for an individual and £5 for a couple or family.

Details of previous visits can be viewed on bisley-with-lypiatt.gov.uk/twinning/.

For more information, contact Muriel Brooks on mbrooks@niceworkuk.co.uk or 01452 770346.