AFTER a two year delay – due to Covid restrictions – a bus load of Llandeilo residents at last spent an extended bank holiday weekend in Le Conquet in Britany to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the twinning of the two towns.
A celebratory document was signed by Le Conquet Mayor Jean Luc Milin, Llandeilo deputy Mayor Christoph Fischer, Chair of Llandeilo Twinning Tim Greenish and President of the Le Conquet Twinning Olivier Odorat. The towns also exchanged gifts to mark this significant milestone.
Set up in 1980, the respective twinning associations of Llandeilo and Le Conquet usually meet once a year, alternating visits between Llandeilo and Le Conquet. Guests are hosted by local families to get a flavour of each other’s cultures and way of life, and enjoy a variety of gatherings and activities.
When the twinning document was first signed in 1980 nobody could have guessed that 42 years down the line the communities would be as close as they have become now. Lifelong friendships have formed over this period of time and new ones develop every year. “Friends for over 40 years – my Breton family” said Marilyn Morgan, who along with Mair Griffith, both founder members, kept up with events on the group’s social media as they were not able to travel this year.
“We have been lucky with our twin town, as we couldn’t have been better suited,” explains Tim Greenish. “Two beautiful market towns with their own character, both in areas with an active Celtic language and strong local culture, both charming destinations in their own right, welcoming and friendly.”
“This visit was my first,” says Christoph Fischer. “I was not prepared for the beauty of Le Conquet. I didn’t know it had such charm, such beautiful buildings and beaches. Most importantly I’m stunned by the warmth of the welcome, the enthusiasm of our hosts and the instant bond I struck with our hosts. I can’t believe we had only one bus instead of three.”
This year’s trip entailed a joint committee meeting, planning ahead for Le Conquet’s return visit to Llandeilo in April 2023. During this trip, visitors and hosts shared an evening of cheese, wine and music; a sightseeing trip to Brest including lunch on a boat cruising Brest’s extensive harbour basin; and a gala dinner with Breton music and dancing, in which both sides took part.
“If you would like to get involved with twinning and join us on our next trip to Britany, get in touch via our email [email protected],” suggests Tim,” and you can come to one of our social events to meet us. You can meet our French friends when they visit in April 2023, when you would be welcome to join our activities.”
Add Comment