“Our twinning and exchanges with Weymouth have thrived since 1958- it still has relevance and great value 57 years later in the present day,” declared Councillor Christian Wuilque on his first visit to Weymouth. As the Briefholder for international relations, he was representing the Mayor of Louviers, Francois-Xavier Priollaud, who was unable to travel with the 45 strong French delegation.
Councillor Christian Wuilque was responding to the welcome expressed by Councillor Christine James, newly installed Mayor of Weymouth & Portland, who noted at once that 1958- when the twinning between and Weymouth and Louviers was inaugurated- was the year in which she was born! “I know many friendships will be reaffirmed tonight and probably a few more made,” continued Councillor James. “I congratulate members of the Louviers Society on their successful and lengthy relationship. I am looking forward to visiting Louviers in September.”
Cath Irving, Chairman of the Weymouth twinning committee, spoke of widening exchanges, including the visit of a group of Louviers musicians in the future. “We welcome the exchange of any group with interests in common,” she told members.
Jacqueline Hamon, Chairman of the Louviers twinning committee, thanked their English hosts for their warm welcome, saying: “we are pleased to be among this celebration between English and French friends. We will look forward to welcoming you to Louviers in September.”
The civic reception and twinning dinner was held at St. Aldhelm’s Church Hall in Radipole, attended by about 100 French and English twinners. Trisha Chorley, Mayoress of Weymouth & Portland and Rod Wild, Mayor of Portland attended. Following dinner, WOW Musical Theatre’s 11 strong cabaret troupe gave a rousing rendition of Beatles songs and received a standing ovation.
The menu reflected Dorset flavours, with a choice between steak & ale pie or pork with cider & apricots as the main course. Dorset cheese and biscuits headed the dessert menu, together with banoffi pie or lemon & raspberry meringue. The dinner began with smoked haddock mousse, served with Dorset bread and butter.
The following day, Lord Digby welcomed the party to Minterne House, where he explained the history of the Churchill and Digby families, who had lived in the house. Lord Digby diplomatically said little about the massive painting of the Battle of Trafalgar in the hall, depicting his ancestor Captain Sir Henry Digby in HMS Africa, who had helped defeat the French navy in 1805. A superb English high tea was served in the Dining Room- plans to serve tea on the lawn being abandoned due to light rain. Lord Digby circulated among the French and English delegation, shaking many hands.
The twinning link between Weymouth and Louviers began in 1958, 57 years ago. Louviers is in Normandy, 22 miles south of Rouen. The reciprocal visit to Louviers begins on 2 September.
Michel Hooper-Immins
