Six members of the Billericay Twinning Association have returned from a five-day visit to its twin town of Chauvigny in France.
Chauvigny was celebrating 50 years of twinning and guests had been invited from its other twin towns in Italy, Germany and Burkina Faso in western Africa.
The Italians, from the town of Trino, even brought their town band which provided music at various events.
David Clark of the Billericay Twinning Association said members were able to make links with clubs, organisations and individuals in Chauvigny.
He added: "So many people in Chauvigny are involved in the twinning movement that after a day or two many of them were recognising us in the street and stopping to say bonjour."
Among the highlights was an official dinner attended by 320 people, when Mayor Gerard Herbert spoke about the weekend Chauvigny residents spent in Billericay for the signing of the twinning charter in April.
He said the visit had been unforgettable and described the signing ceremony in St Mary Magdalene Church, Great Burstead, as dignified and moving.
Published Monday August 2, 2004
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