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Verwood is still twinned with Champtoceaux and its
Canton but since the
15th December 2015 its is now called Orée-d'Anjou.
This still consists of the 9 original members of the Canton,
Champtoceaux,
Bouzillé, Drain, Landemont, Liré, Saint-Christophe-la-Couperie, Saint-Laurent-des-Autels,
Saint-Sauveur-de-Landemont & La
Varenne but from now on they will all be referred
to as Orée-d'Anjou. There is now
only one mayor for the whole of
Orée-d'Anjou.
  Our
friends from Orée-d'Anjou
France, arrived on Thursday afternoon the 30th of May and were
welcomed by the new Mayor of Verwood, the Twinning Association
Committee and their hosts to a reception in the Town Council
Offices. This
gave them the opportunity to meet with their hosts (both old and
new), view some of the Twinning and Town memorabilia and enjoy
sandwiches and refreshments.
Teas were served by committee members using
vintage cups and saucers. Thanks go to Cllr Lindsey Dedden for the
loan of these and for her valuable assistance. Also, thanks go to
the Verwood Town Council for their grant of £100 and the Town Clerk,
Val Bright for her assistance.
  On
Friday morning, a visit to the Wayland owned Sixpenny Micro Brewery
in Cranborne was arranged and thoroughly enjoyed by all. Visitors
and hosts were welcomed by Lyall, the head-brewer, who served
tasters of the beers they produce.
 The whole group was then divided
up for tours of the brewery itself. A
delicious traditional lunch of fish and chips was served from a
mobile van followed by a demonstration of Morris dancing by the
Bourne River Morris Men. It was of course necessary for all who
wished to have a go with limited success.
At around 3 p.m. the coach returned to Verwood
and time was spent with hosts.
 On Friday
evening a dinner and dance was arranged at the Remedy Oak Golf Club,
a stunning location on a beautiful evening. A superb dinner was
enjoyed followed by speeches by the chairmen of the Twinning
Associations of Verwood and
Orée-d'Anjou
followed by a disco and dancing until late.
Prior to departure, the committee in France had
arranged to bring some of their local produce, wines/cheeses etc to
promote their area in the Loire Valley. A stall was erected outside
the Heritage Centre on Saturday morning for selling and sampling.
The idea was a great success and even attracted passers-by to take
interest in the Verwood Twinning Association. Saturday afternoon and
evening was spent as free time with hosts.
Sunday came too soon and time for them to leave.
Hosts and guests met at the Heritage Centre for a noon departure.
Lots of hugs, kisses and `Au revoirs` and it was the end of such an
enjoyable weekend.
The committee would like to thank all the hosts for
their hospitality.
There is currently an unofficial invitation for a
return visit to France next year in late September. The idea is to
coincide with the grape picking period to see and experience wine
production. It should be noted that the planned return visit in 2020
to Orée-d'Anjou did not go ahead until 2023 due to the Covid
Pandemic. |
Verwood
and Three Legged Cross Twinning Association - UK
