We took our first trip to Torigni this year having seen an article in the Shipston Forum. We contacted Keith who could not have been more encouraging or helpful. Having agreed to take part we were invited to a coffee morning at Keith and Diane’s, where we met several other couples who had mostly been involved for some time. We also learned of others we knew who we never realised took part. The welcome we received was excellent and made us feel a part of the process even though it was our first encounter. It was also clear that many of the exchanges had led to strong friendships being established and that many of the families exchanged each year, often outside the ‘official’ twinning exchanges or took holidays together.
Our details were sent to France where a suitable family were found to accommodate us. My wife Diane speaks French reasonably well, son, Stephen, is studying French GCSE at Shipston School and I can say hello, goodbye and thank you – actually a very little more but not much – understanding is another story!
our normandy tart
Our hosts, Georges and Jacqueline, were a delightful older couple who lived just outside Torigni and we met them for the first time as we got off the coach to collect our bags. The welcome could not have been warmer and during the short reception, both made every effort to make us feel at home and relaxed. The first evening meal was typical ‘home cooked’ Normandy cuisine, very tasty and enjoyable. During the meal we chatted ‘en francais’ and according to Stephen my face was a picture as I struggled to try to understand what the conversation was about. This did not spoil my enjoyment, in fact enhanced it as I appreciated the speed was reduced to at least give me a chance and to my surprise I was quite often able to comprehend the gist of conversations. Having said that, our hosts who spoke less English than I did French, were very grateful that Diane was able to chat with them.
Georges and Jacqueline live in a traditional house in a quiet but delightful village. The house was within a few metres of the local patisserie so Stephen was treated to pain au chocolat at breakfast whilst we had the traditional bowl of coffee and a simple but enjoyable breakfast of our choice. Jacqueline is an excellent cook and every meal was a pleasure.
On Saturday after our day trip and the evening meal with aperitif, wine and calvados we discovered that George played the trumpet and persuaded him to play for us. That prompted a musical evening, singing, chatting and laughing. So much simple enjoyment – priceless!
Was it strange staying with ‘strangers’ in their home? In a way it was unbelieveable that people could be so generous and friendly but it soon became clear that this was the norm and we could not be more happy to welcome George and Jacqueline to our home next year and repay their hospitality.
In short, if you enjoy a good meal, have a slight sense of adventure, enjoy conversation, are mildly curious and interested in seeing how ‘the other half lives’ then the twinning exchanges are for you. Get involved and have new friends home and abroad.
