Ross-on-Wye and its twin town, Condé-sur-Noireau, celebrated their 40th anniversary this weekend.

Ross has been twinned with Condé since 1978, and celebrated its friendship with a coach full of Condé residents who came to visit.

They planted a red Acer tree on the morning of Saturday, April 28th, but were surprised to find out that the 40th anniversary tradition in France is Emerald (not Ruby as it is in England). Sue Kirby came up with the idea to take a green Acer with them next year to Condé.

Some of the visitors from Condé also took part in a special exhibition at the Market House over the weekend. The Made in Ross arts collective invited artists from the twin town in Normandy to exhibit with them and a sample of their work was on display in the Market House.

They also enjoyed an evening of socialising and dining at The Chase Hotel on Saturday, April 28th, 2018.

The evening began with speeches by Mayor Nigel Gibbs, who spoke in French too. As well as a speech from Alison Field, who is the Chairwoman of Ross Twinning.

Condé has two mayors, however both were unable to make the trip to Ross-on-Wye, so Sylviane Paris, who is Chairwoman of the Condé Twinning, stepped in and delivered a speech.

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