Easter visit to Torigni.
Forty-four members of the Shipston on Stour Twinning Association spent the Easter weekend in and around Shipston’s twin town, Torigni sur Vire, in the department of Manche, France. For eight people in the group this was their first experience of French hospitality the French way of life.
An early start on Good Friday and a rapid crossing on the Fast Cat catamaran meant that the group was in France by lunch time, so a stop was made at the Auchan supermarket just outside Cherbourg. As Good Friday is a normal working day in France the arrival time in Torigni had been fixed for late afternoon, so a detour was made to visit a biscuit manufacturer. On arrival in Torigni everyone was treated to a welcome drink, new families were introduced to their hosts and many “bisous” (kissing on cheeks, two, three or four times) were exchanged, as many old friendships were renewed. The rest of the evening was spent with host families, some in Torigni, some in the surrounding villages.
On Saturday, after a delicious breakfast of bread, jam and croissants, obtained from artisan bakeries, the English group left for an excursion to Cancale, which is renowned for its seafood and especially its oysters. It was very pleasant to take lunch in one of the many quayside restaurants or to stroll along the seafront with a view of Mont St Michel in the distance. Everyone gathered at the Chateau in Torigni on Saturday evening to enjoy aperitifs and canapés before sitting down to a sumptuous five course meal. Gifts were exchanged and short speeches were given before the dancing started. Those that had the stamina remained until the early hours of the morning.
Sunday was spent with host families and various places were visited and different activities were undertaken. One group went on a guided boat trip through the nearby marshland and were told about the history of the area and the importance of the marshes to the ecology of the region. Much wildlife was observed including little egrets, great white egrets, white storks and coypus.
The French had organised a number of visits for everybody on Monday including a rural life museum, the national horse stud in St Lô and an exhibition depicting the bombing and eventual liberation of St. Lô during the war. Lunch had been taken in a bowling alley with not a burger or chip in sight. Instead there were selections of cold meats and various delicious salads to be enjoyed. Afterwards there was time for a quick game of ten pin bowling, played in a very friendly spirit.
The weekend had passed all too quickly and after one last photo for the French press it was time for more hugs and “bisous” as the group left on Tuesday morning on the return journey. Everybody was delighted with the visit and had improved their knowledge of the French language and customs. Many thanks go to Keith McCarthy for his organisational skills and to Richard and Derek Webb whose skilful and competent driving added to the enjoyment for all. Preparations are already underway for the visit of the Torignais next year when the thirtieth anniversary of the signing of the twinning charter will be celebrated.