This should have been our sedate summer event, sat under parasols in the gentle surroundings of a summer garden, but just a week after a very wet and uncomfortable day spent at Mount Edgecombe Classic Car Rally, raising funds for our organisation, the rain was lashing down once again.

Would our cream tea afternoon take place or wouldn’t it? Veronica had been working frantically during the few fine hours of the week getting her garden looking good for the big event, but she needn’t have bothered, for a garden venue was out of the question.

The event was like a step back in time for the day was exactly as it had been a year ago , wet and grey.  Anyway not to be beaten by a drop of rain the event went ahead due to the kindness of Veronica and Roy who opened up their home to some very damp “Twinners”.

Attractions were a draw, and Christine Martin manned a bottle stall, also there were homemade cakes for sale and a new Provencal draw was started, (all produce from markets and supermarkets in France).

There was an ample supply of home made scones presented by members of the Entertainments Committee, thus we were ready to receive those brave enough to battle the elements.  We were very surprised at the number of Twinners that ventured out into the wild weather to join us and support our event.  It was a most convivial gathering, a pleasant get together in good company, and certainly well worth our efforts as we raised a further £67.35 for our funds ,which taking the weather into consideration, was excellent.

Many thanks to Veronica and Roy for providing the venue and to the few courageous and generous people who attended. A big thank you also to the workers.

Janet Fincher

 I enjoyed all the activities arranged during the youth visit, but my favourite was the beach visit at Tregonhawke.  On Sunday 27 July we went there to learn how to paddle on surf  boards.  It was a lovely sunny day and we started off with a land sea race and I was so excited to come third, that I can’t remember who came first and second! Then we had a surfing race, where two people joined together to make a team and paddled on a surf  board – it was exhausting but enjoyable.  After this we had free time on our surfboards and I chose to catch waves while lying down.  It was a wonderful feeling! Following our picnic we had a fun time playing in the sea and being pulled along by the waves.  I had a great time!  Thank you to the organisers for a wonderful day.

 REBEKAH CHEUNG

 What a day! It was only the shear love of, and loyalty to our beloved Twinning Organisation (and the fact that once we were there we couldn’t escape until 4.00p.m.) that kept us at Mount Edgcumbe Park, under extremely uncomfortable conditions.

Four Twinners were the only ones brave enough to venture to the park to man a stall for the organisation, in an effort to raise a few more pounds.  These intrepid enthusiasts were Chris Martin, Janet and Eric Fincher, who together, mastered the poles and set up the association’s gazebo, ready for the big day.  The weather forecast, earlier in the week, was quite promising, so we were hopeful of a reasonable day. Ha, ha!

As the gazebo was erected, and some of our wares arranged on our table, we were joined by our secretary Gill Wyke, whom we were overjoyed to see, as it meant that we had relief bodies for the very long day ahead. No sooner had we completed the preparations for the day than the sky turned a slate grey and down came the rain, and   the park was gradually transformed into a mud bath. For some time there was only a trickle of people past our stall, and nobody wanted to buy.

Myself I had been very busy sewing all my holiday (Eric allowed me to transport my sewing machine, in the caravan, In spite of the extra weight).  To provide a splash of colour and draw the buyers towards us I had bought several lengths of Provencal material which shouted “SUN”, but there was no interest from the passers by, it was heads down or hidden under umbrellas they battled with the dreadful weather, which continued throughout the day.  Not fit for a dog to be out! So consequently we saw very few Twinners, and who can blame them. The day was a great disappointment to both stall holders and the public.

Our worst moments were when we dismantled the gazebo, and no longer had its protection, from the elements.  At this particular time the rain increased in intensity, the skies opened and let us have it full blast, we were absolutely drowned.

The good thing though was that in spite of all, our funds were increased, although by very little.  We made £50.10p, so after taking out the cost of the hire of the pitch we made a profit of £40.10p.  Sadly it was a long and uncomfortable stay for so little.

The consolation was that we had £40.10P more in our “coffers “than when we arrived.

Perhaps, better luck next year. !!!

 Janet Fincher

This year our family hosted the Ambroise family for the second time. Staying with us we had: Anne the mother of the three girls, Aude the oldest girl (16 years of age), Clemence who was 14 years of age, and Laure who was 6 years old. Anne and Aude knew a considerable amount of English, and Clemence knew the basics. However, young Laure knew the phrase ‘GOOD MORNING’ and that was about as far as it went. Laure was very expressive and was able to ensure that we knew exactly what she meant!  Our French is very basic, however, we tried to practise as much as we could.  My sister and I got on very well with the girls and introduced them to our friends.  We discovered we enjoyed many of the same things, including shopping and listening to music that was English but also popular in France and popular French music.

Over the weekend, the activities we were set were made even more enjoyable with the French girls.  During the paper chase in Mt Edgecombe, we got completely lost and came dead last (apart from Anne, the girls Mother) but had fun along the way. That evening we went for a meal in the Carbeile Inn.  I invited a friend that is one of the Twinners that wasn’t involved this year, Seana Murray.  Seana had stayed with the Ambroise family 2 years ago. Here we all talked about the differences between their lives in France and ours in England, and also talked about when we visited France all together two years ago when we all first met.

Personally my favourite day was at the beach, we didn’t join in with the surfing but I wish I had. Aude and I watched from the beach and sunbathed, and then I went swimming with the younger sister, Clemence.  You could see all the younger children were having a lot of fun, and they were all playing together, English and French. After the beach we all had a free evening that we spent playing the ‘Nintendo Wii’ and played games such as bowling and tennis. This seemed like a nice relaxing end to a good day and no French was needed for this!

To end the week our family, and other families, did last minute shopping in Plymouth. Then at midday we all went to Torpoint Rugby Club where a football coach had prepared games for all the young children to play. As they were a child short, I was nominated to take part, I was too big to play some of the games but gave it my best go and the other girls my age had fun watching me struggle to score a goal.

When it came to the time our family had to leave, it was a difficult goodbye. Myself, my sister and the three French girls all hugged and exchanged goodbyes, and a few tears. We formed a strong friendship with them and are hoping to visit them at their home at the end of August; we also keep in contact via text message and online.

Twinning has given us the chance to make friends that live lives that have many differences to ours, but also similarities.  

Charlotte Oakley

Our Salsa & Tapas Evening held on Saturday 12th July was an event somewhat different to past functions but nevertheless enjoyed by all those who came along. The evening commenced with a welcome glass of Sangria donated by a member followed by dancing. 

After dancing instructed by Sarah, everyone was ready to eat.  Jane had decorated the tables with pink serviettes, tea lights and bowls of roses and everyone tucked into the tapas, a delicious dish of meat, potato & tomato, olives, peppers, tortilla espaniola, italian ham, bread just to name a few followed by a delicious dessert made by Veronica consisting of oranges and almonds topped with ice cream. 

Everyone full it was now time for more dancing.

The evening concluded with a raffle which raised £53.

A big thank you to everyone who helped in anyway and to all those who came along and supported us helping to raise the sum of £102.62p for our funds.

Well done.

Chris Martin

The sun shone for us on Sunday 22nd June for our Boules BBQ. The day started at 1130 when members and some of their families and a group of Saltash Twinners took part in a knock out boules competition, six teams of three in all. 

Dave Ellis lit the BBQ and after several games everyone sat down to a BBQ lunch or picnic.  During the afternoon cream teas were served and a raffle took place.  A big thank you must go to some of the youngsters who along with Barbara Williams helped us with  the teas and raffle whilst we were playing in the competition. 

 It was pleasing to see some of the youngsters enjoy a game of boules during the afternoon. At the end of an enjoyable day it was time for the final of the knock out competition.  The winners were Ewart Hodge, Christine Dennis and Ian who was with the group of Saltash Twinners), runners up being Dave Ellis, Michael Newberry and Rina Stoner (Saltash)

Jim Smith presented medals to the winners and runners up and I thanked Dave and Ann Ellis for organising the day and for everyone who had come along and supported us helping us to raise the sum of £67.80p for the funds. 

Well done everyone and thank you.

 Chris Martin

Chairman