Roland Lienard, First Deputy Mayor of Louviers, leads the 42-strong French delegation that arrives this Friday evening [17 May,] as Mayor Franck Martin is unable to come this year. With his wife Martine, Mr. Lienard has represented the Normandy twin town on several previous occasions.
The Mayors’ Twinning Reception will be at the Prince Regent Hotel on Sunday evening [19 May,] to be attended by three Mayors. Weymouth & Portland Mayor Councillor Margaret Leicester and her Escort Ken will be joined by newly-installed Les and Jean Ames, Mayor and Mayoress of Portland to greet Roland and Martine Lienard. Weymouth & Portland Mayor Elect Councillor Ray Banham, who will be installed next week, is also be attending. After dinner, French and English members will be entertained by WOW [Weymouth Operatic Workshop.]
The Louviers delegation arrives on Friday evening and on Saturday will enjoy a day in Swanage, visiting the town, seafront and Durlston Castle. They return to France on Monday morning. Weymouth has been twinned with Louviers, near Rouen, since 1958 and a reciprocal visit is arranged every year.
“It is always a pleasure to welcome our friends from Louviers and we hope they will enjoy their weekend with us,” says Weymouth Twinning Society Chairman Cath Irving. “We are all hoping for good weather as Durlston Castle surrounds are stunning. This summer a mixed crew of English and French children are sailing on TS Pelican to France and back. This will be a wonderful opportunity for all concerned.”
Michel Hooper-Immins
