French visitors enjoy a busy time in Peterborough

Peterborough Anglo-French Association hosted 29 members and friends of the Bourges Twinning Association (FGB).

The Twinning Charter between Bourges and Peterborough was signed in July 1957, and since then exchanges have taken place every year between citizens of Peterborough and Bourges. This year, activities were planned for each day except Sunday, which was a free day for the hosts to plan something of their own choosing.

On the Friday, the visitors were welcomed by the Chairman of the PAFA, Tony Elliott and the Deputy Mayor and the Deputy Mayoress. They wished the group a very happy stay in Peterborough. Jean-Pierre Bodeux, the President of FGB replied, saying what a pleasure it was to be in Peterborough once again. He was looking forward to a pleasant weekend. He also invited the PAFA to visit Bourges next year.

There followed a visited Gordon Easton’s Engine Farm Museum in Coates, where all concerned enjoyed going from building to building to see his many exhibits, including a collection of WWI memorabilia and a 1940s’ room.

On Saturday there was a visit to the English Whisky St George’s Distillery near East Harling, Norfolk, where there was a demonstration of how the whisky is made, before everyone enjoyed lunch of fish and chips in the restaurant.

A coach journey to Wroxham for a boat trip on the Broads, along the River Bure followed.

On the Monday there was a guided tour of the Grainstore Brewery in Oakham with a tasting and a ploughman’s lunch. This was followed by a walk around Oakham and a cream tea at Rutland Water.

Member Anne Weyers said: “A full weekend, enjoyed by all. We all gathered early on Tuesday morning to wave goodbye to our friends from Bourges.

“Sadly, just a few weeks later, we learned that Jean-Pierre Bodeux, FGB’s President for many years and a most entertaining and charming man, had died suddenly on holiday. He will be sadly missed.”

Peterborough Anglo French Association is always happy to welcome new members. Members meet once a month in Netherton and have speakers, social evenings and always refreshments. Meetings are conducted in English.

Every second year members go to Bourges, and in turn host visitors from Bourges.

Anyone interested, please contact the chairman Tony Elliott at [email protected]