On Friday 8 July 24 French people arrived in two minibuses and two cars. Due to Beverley town Centre Cycle Race, access to our normal meeting place at the Minster was cordoned off so there was a change of plans and our rendezvous became the station car park.
It had been a long and tiring journey because of Friday traffic but the French visitors were able to relax in Lempicka Cafe whilst watching the Cycle Race, before being welcomed into the hosts’ homes for dinner.
The programme for Saturday 9 July was varied and with a seaside theme, so the arranged visits were to the Bridlington Seafood Festival, Sewerby Hall, Flamborough Lighthouse and Bempton Cliffs RSPB reserve.
Sadly the weather was rather showery, although still warm, but that didn’t stop everyone enjoying themselves.
The seafood delicacies of Bridlington were declared very tasty, Sewerby Hall magnificent, and Flamborough Lighthouse impressive with a stunning view.
However it was the gannets and puffins at Bempton who really stole the show especially for the photographers amongst the party. It was fun during the day as the visitors bumped into others of their group as the hosts undertook the programme in a different order or time. Once again dinner was in the hosts’ homes.
Sunday 10 July, the morning was again warm and showery and about a quarter of the group undertook a five-mile walk around the Westwood ably guided by two members of Beverley Ramblers Association. It was very pleasant and gave plenty of opportunity for conversation.
In the afternoon most of the group visited the Walled Gardens of Beverley, open for the first time under the National Gardens Scheme, our French friends were delighted by them and struck by the differences with French gardens.
Later some of us managed to catch the Final of Wimbledon and Andy Murray’s victory in straight sets over Milos Raonic.
Our farewell dinner was at the Travellers’ Rest in Beckside Beverley, during which the Mayor Rob Begnett said a few words with a response by Dominique Petit, Présidente of the Nogent Twinning Association.
Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to recount their adventures of the weekend over the excellent buffet meal.
Meanwhile the final of the European Championship football was taking place in Paris, sadly we learnt later that France had succumbed to a goal from Portugal in extra time.
On Monday 11 July, at 9am precisely, to the sound of the Minster bells, we waved good-bye to our French friends with promises to keep in touch and looking forward to the exchange visits in 2017.