Cowbridge Town Twinning Association
Twinned with Clisson, Loire-Atlantique, France

Below is a copy of the press release sent to the GEM newspaper and also the French press.

TWINNING VISIT OF CLISSON TO COWBRIDGE

From Thursday to Sunday, Cowbridge hosted once again a party of 39 from the twin town of Clisson in France. Our twinning began in 1991 with the signing of the Twinning Charter by the mayors of the two towns.

The weather was excellent and the “Entente Cordiale” between our two towns was strengthened further as old friendships were renewed and new friendships established. There is always a happy atmosphere during our annual exchanges and this year was no exception. The Mayor, Mr Huw Llewellyn-Morgan, welcomed the visitors on a warm sunny day in the new Physic Garden. Planted in the garden are three vines donated by Clisson during their last visit.

On Friday morning, Alun James, head of low carbon futures in the Welsh government, gave an interesting illustrated talk in the Town Hall on “Renewable Energy” in Wales and the policy for its development. This was followed by a buffet.  In the evening, a “Hog Roast” supper at the Rugby Club was supplemented by the singing of Meibion Y Machled, accompanied by a harpist and a clog dancer. A lively choral contribution from the French visitors was much appreciated.

On Saturday, the guests and their hosts made the most of the fine weather and visited a wide range of interesting places ranging from the Gower to Brecon Cathedral. The finale of the visit was a dinner in the Town Hall with music throughout the evening by “Gipsy Jazz”. The visitors departed early on Sunday with the usual emotional and prolonged farewells as the participants from both towns looked forward to the return visit next year. The Cowbridge Town Twinning Association welcomes new members interested in either the local social events or in exchanges with Clisson. Anyone interested can contact either Ray Morgan (774566) or Andrew Lane (772068). Learn more on the website at www.cowbridge-twinning.co.uk.