A BIG reception was laid on for the latest Ross–Condé Town Twinning Weekend as the French visitors gathered in the Larruperz Centre.

There was a real sense of anticipation as the Ross-on-Wye contingent awaited the arrival of its French friends, who arrived by coach on April 17.

Following the mayor’s reception at which a heartfelt and eloquent pro-European speech was made by the Mayor of Ross, Cllr Linden Delves.

During the reception the Ross–Condé Twinning association enjoyed drinks, nibbles, and plenty of lively conversation.

Afterwards, everyone returned home to share dinner and spend time getting reacquainted—or making new connections—with their French guests.

This year, the twinning association was delighted to welcome two new French families, hosted by two new English families which was said to be a marvellous addition to the local twinning community.

The Saturday was a free day, giving hosts and guests the opportunity to spend time together as they wished.

In the evening the association came together and had buffet meal in St Mary’s Church Hall that had been provided by Truffles.

This was followed by a vibrant big band and dance event across the churchyard at St Mary’s Church, where the Monmouth Big Band were performing on stage.

The dance floor was full all evening, with French line dancers and English enthusiasts of jazz, swing-jive and lindy hop all joining in, ensuring that everybody had a marvellous time.

The Sunday saw the association enjoyed a trip to Stratford-upon-Avon where the hosts and the French visitors spent the day exploring the town’s many delights—taking in the historic black-and-white buildings, browsing the shops, enjoying river cruises, or simply soaking up the atmosphere.

Alison Field, Chairwoman of the Ross-Conde Town Twinning said: "Being twinned with our nearest neighbour across the Channel means so very much to us! It is wonderful to have been sharing our lives and cultures with our French friends for 48 years now."

She concluded: “Vive l’Entente Cordiale!”

The French Association chairwoman Sylviane Paris welcomed the two new English families to the adventure of twinning and added: “It is always a joy to see our English hosts, who do their best to make us feel at home with them. We’ve been treated to a lot of good moments that will remain engraved in our memories.

“This is a twinning adventure that has lasted for 48 years. Almost five decades of exchanges and of sharing convivial moments, of learning each other’s languages, of discoveries of different lifestyles and customs, of mutual symbolic gifts, of visits of all kinds, of unforgettable parties and of course strong friendships which are the treasures of our twinning.

“For all of us, friendship is one of the most important aspects of our life. So together let's continue to write the most beautiful pages of our shared story.”

With hugs, kisses, and fond farewells on Monday the association said its goodbye and waved their friends off as they head back to France.