Incoming French Visit 23rd to 27th April 2016 - Oswestry Twinning Association

Saturday 23rd April – 5 pm – ARRIVAL

This was earlier than expected at around 5 pm at the British Ironworks Centre Everyone gathered in the tea room where a delicious finger buffet reception awaited. which was generously provided by Clive & Tracy Knowles the owners of the Centre.

Our thanks go to them & their team.

David Davies Chairman of Oswestry Twinning Association greeted Chairman Michel Courtois on our guests arrival.

Sunday 24th April

This was a day where each host was left to plan their own entertainment for their guests.

Monday 25th April – 08:45 am – Visit to Shugborough Hall the ancestral home of the Earl of Lichfield.

We arrived at Shugborough to a welcome cup of tea & biscuits after which we began a tour of the House.

There were volunteers in traditional dress who were positioned at key parts of the house where they were carrying out tasks appropriate to their location.

For example a servant in the kitchen gave me a step by step explanation of what her duties were during a typical day in her life.

We were fascinated by the Lord Lichfield’s collection of Photographs he had taken of celebrities (mostly female) in the sixties.

The visit featured a view of his private apartment.

The rooms were all kept in a high standard of decoration.

There was also a fascinating collection of puppets.

The house has been kept in good repair by the Staffordshire council in partnership with The National Trust.

It would take a full day to be able to see all the different locations on the site.

These are some of the views.

A very enjoyable day despite the threat of rain at times everyone enjoyed the trip.

The evening was a great success at the Cross Keys Pub in Selattyn

We were given a warm welcome and a mouth watering buffet awaited us on arrival, after which we all got down to a fun Skittles Match

Tuesday 26th – 08:45 – Visit to The Black Country living Museum, Dudley.

The weather was a bit changeable that day and there were some hail stones but there were plenty of places to shelter in the historically created Village.

We found the tram ride great fun.

There were also a lot of examples of Vintage cars & motor bikes which brought back many happy memories for some of our hosts & guests.

At lunchtime we all met by the Fish & chip shop where we enjoyed a traditional meal in the historic Black Country surroundings.

For those more adventurous a short trip in a canal boat was available.

On our return we were all looking forward to the evening meal at the Cricket Club.

Evening – Civic Dinner at the Oswestry Cricket Club

The culmination of the visit where our French friends, Host Families, members and distinguished guests had a good evening together.

Following the excellent meal provided by Alan & his team, speeches were made by the French Combs Jumelage Chairman, Michel Courtois, The Mayor Peter Cherrington, our Chairman, David Davies with the French President John Margiotta giving translations.

Special Twinning badges modeled on a creation by Mayor, Peter Cherrington, were distributed at the end of the speeches.

Bon Jounee and see you next year in Combs La Ville.

For more details please follow the links which have been added to this website.