Castle Donington Twinning Association Visit Gasny
| Published: 8th October 2008 16:19 |
Castle Donington Twinning Association members have been on their annual visit to Gasny in France. Here is their report:
The Mayor of Gasny M. Jolly welcomes
the visitorsThursday morning 18th September saw over fifty people set off by coach, car and plane for Gasny for the annual visit in this the 25th anniversary year of our twinning link, including three families who were visiting for the first time.
After a good journey via the Dover-Calais ferry and plenty of entertainment, including a group sing song to music provided by Carol Haywood on her ‘squeeze-box' the coach party arrived at the Salles des Fetes in Gasny at about 7.00pm to be greeted by the Mayor of Gasny M. Jolly followed by a champagne reception after which the visitors left with their host families.
A trip to Paris was arranged for the Friday and everyone made good use of the excellent weather to explore the sights of Paris, from the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame to the Botanical Gardens. The evening was spent with host families with many parties continuing into the early hours of Saturday morning.
View of Vernon Market The day dawned bright and sunny and many of the visitors took advantage of a trip to the Supermarket in Vernon to stock up on French delicacies to take home to Castle Donington. It has to be said that most of the delicacies were of the liquid type! Afterwards people went to the Saturday market in Vernon and then met up at the usual bar in the corner of the town square.
Saturday evening and it was everyone to the Salles des Fetes for the traditional party. Whilst enjoying a traditional French meal all were entertained by a brass quartet playing traditional French music and old Beatles favourites. This was followed by a disco. There was a very creditable performance of YMCA by members of the visiting party only to be matched by the can-can performed by some very muscular Frenchmen sporting knickers, frilly frocks and beards and moustaches. Whilst some people left earlier, the party did not finish until about 3.00am!
Sunday was spent with host families and people were entertained with visits to the coast, to Chateaux or they just relaxed with their hosts.
Monday morning soon arrived and with a rendition of Auld Lang Syne the party left for home. A truly fitting end to the 25th anniversary celebrations.
The coach arrived back in Castle Donington about 8.00pm, just as the rain began to fall but even that could not dampen the spirits of the travellers who had just experienced a wonderful weekend with our friends in Gasny.
More photos of the visit
Brass Quartet entertaining on the Saturday evening
Rendition of YMCA by the ‘Castle Donington singers'!
Can Can by our French counterparts
Auld Lang Syne sung before departure on the Monday morning accompanied by
Carol Haywood on her accordion
Associated articles
Castle Donington Twinning Association
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