Record numbers enjoy visits to France and Spain

A record number of members from Royston Twinning Association enjoyed a “truly memorable weekend” on a trip to France.

La Loupe in northern France was the destination for 45 twinners, with families staying with French families.

The trip gave an excellent opportunity for them to practice their French and experience a different style of life.

Jane Dottridge from the association said: “Everyone enjoyed it and had a truly memorable weekend.

“The larger group also attracted more families in La Loupe to get involved as hosts.”

There was a crammed schedule for the twinners, with day trips and evening parties squeezed into the weekend.

Mrs Dottridge said: “As well as the warm hospitality, there was a civic reception at the town hall and a concert by the teachers and students of the music school.

“The highlight of the weekend was a visit to the Le Mans automobile museum.

“This revealed the inspiration for, and the history of, the famous 24-hour endurance race.

“There were also cars on view, from steam-powered carriages to the latest ground-hugging racing car.”

The twinners spent the Saturday night partying into the small hours with a disco after enjoying a barbecue at an airfield clubhouse.

They also visited Le Jardin du Petit Bordeaux – described by Mrs Dottridge as “a luxuriant garden tucked away in the woods.”

Next year, the association will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the French twinning with a return visit to Royston on 2-5 June 2011.

Meanwhile, progress to forge a twin town link with a Spanish town is continuing.

Last year, Villanueva de la Canada, which is about 20 miles from Madrid, invited Royston to be its twin town.

Since then, the groups have exchanged visits, and two Royston twinners enjoyed the local celebration Fiesta de San Isidro.

The celebrations included a procession, a picnic, a concert in the park, and a visit to the historic city of Avila.

Mrs Dottridge said: “We hope to establish a formal twinning link with Villanueva de la Canada by the end of this year.”