After an interval of 5 years, on 16thand 17th August our village saw visitors from Grenay – our twin town in Northern France. Fourteen young people accompanied by three youth leaders were returning from a folk music festival in Grenay’s other twin town, Balyshannon in the Republic of Ireland.
They were joined by Grenay’s Mayor Christian Champire and his wife Michele and the French visitors enjoyed a packed 1½ days visiting Nottingham Castle, our Village and the Framework Knitters’ Museums culminating in a steam train ride to Loughborough on the Great Central Railway.
Ernie and Doreen Gadsby, stalwarts of the old Twinning Association, also had a French family visiting and they were able to join in the events.
On the Saturday evening Parish Council Chairman Peter McGowan and his wife Deirdre hosted a meal at the 3 Spices Restaurant on Easthorpe Street where the party was joined by members of the old Twinning Association, other parish councillors and a local French speaking lady.
This visit seems to herald more contact with Grenay in the future with a visit to France for Armistice Day already having been suggested. If you are interested in getting involved please contact the Parish Council Office.
Grenay visitors at Nottingham Castle