Chinon Visit 2019
Late in the afternoon of Wednesday June 5th, 26 members of the Association gathered together in the car park of Tiverton Town Football Club and climbed aboard a Blake’s coach to embark on the 2019 visit to our twin town in France, Chinon. Our driver Doug drove to Plymouth arriving in very good time to board the overnight ferry to Roscoff.
Following a smooth overnight crossing, breakfast was consumed on board and we set off for Chinon stopping for a leisurely lunch at our usual watering hole in Entrammes. A significant number had decided to sample a roasted leg of a guinea fowl with the remainder preferring to trust fish or beef curry.
The afternoon passed in a soporific blur for most until we arrived in Chinon at 5pm. A slight misunderstanding of the precise meeting place was rapidly rectified and, after the usual warm “French” welcome, we dispersed with our hosts to spend the evening with them catching up on developments over the past twelve months.
Jean Pierre had arranged a visit the following day to Terra Botanica in Angers. However, the weather was very unkind and the bouts of heavy rain and “les vents violents” conspired to spoil what should have been an amazing experience. We were mainly confined to indoor activities including a 4D cinema showing the journey of a raindrop to the centre of the Earth and a tour of Jurassic Park. It must be worth a future visit in better weather.
That evening, we enjoyed a meal of Galettes and Crepes with a number emulating the gargantuan appetite of one of Rabelais’ notorious characters. Many of us are, of course, very familiar with this “Tradition of Bretagne”.
On Saturday, we were invited to the “Caves Painctes” for an aperitif during which Pauline and Jean were honoured with membership of The Entonneurs Rabelaisiennes. Their ability to consume a large quantity of wine without pausing for breath was tested to the limit! Unfortunately, the name “Jean” is that of a male person in France and Jean was addressed as “Mr Jean Aplin”.
We then retired to the Espace Rabelais for the lunchtime Mayor’s reception in the “Tiverton Room” followed by an excellent buffet meal after speeches of welcome.
The afternoon was spent with our hosts and the evening at La Roche Clermault for a delicatessen barbequed buffet, cheese and dessert accompanied by the tasting of red, white and rose wines made on the premises from grapes grown there – Chinon wine. We all had the opportunity to stock up our own wine cellars before leaving.
We lunched in Saumur on the Sunday at an “all you can eat” Chinese Buffet and then visited a cave in St Florent St Hilaire to see an exhibition entitled “Pierre et Lumiere”. Over a significant period of time, a sculptor had carved scenes of churches, chateaux and villages in the neighbourhood in the bare rock – an amazing feat and remarkable accuracy.
That evening, there was the “Official Committee Dinner” in the Espace Rabelais. We had Jambalaya prepared and cooked by “Du soleil dans la cuisine” and were entertained with traditional dancing in traditional costume. There were the usual speeches and exchanges of gifts.
Monday was spent with our hosts culminating in an evening buffet at our usual venue in Beuxes.
An early departure was required the following day to ensure a timely arrival at Roscoff but not assisted by the extraordinary length of the “Goodbyes”. The poor driving of a lorry causing damage to the coach’s wing mirror did not, fortunately, delay us unduly and we arrived in Roscoff just in time. Another smooth crossing ensured a return in Tiverton by 11pm.
Thanks to Blake’s Coaches who, once again, ensured that the arrangements were all in order and to Doug, our driver, for his attentiveness. Thanks also to Jean Pierre who had, as usual, devised an interesting and varied programme and to all our hosts who, once again, welcomed us into their homes.
John Smith
Hofheim Visit 2019
A little later than expected, our friends from Hofheim arrived in Tiverton late in the afternoon of Thursday July 11th. This year, they had wisely chosen to fly to Heathrow and arrived reasonably refreshed. After the usual warm welcome, the party dispersed with their hosts, a few having chosen (disappointingly) to stay in the Tiverton Hotel.
The evening was spent renewing existing and forming new friendships and preparing for the entertainments ahead.
An early start the following morning was rewarded with a shortish coach trip to Bishops Lydeard and then a leisurely journey by steam train on the West Somerset Railway to Minehead. We were able to appreciate the beautiful Somerset countryside and the undulating coastline from Watchet to our destination.
The beach at Minehead did not persuade any of us to dip a toe in the sea; it was admired from a distance. Ice creams were a popular choice followed by a stroll along the main street – an interesting selection of shops with only the odd one vacant.
We were then taken by coach to Ralegh’s Cross for an enjoyable lunch in congenial surroundings. We were promised a tour of Exmoor by coach before
returning to Tiverton. If anyone was thinking of taking a post-prandial nap, they were to be disappointed. The scenery was stunning and the roads narrow. There was some entertainment as a car driver attempted to reverse to a passing place with varying degrees of success much to everyone’s amusement. We appreciated the views from above Porlock and the ice cream vendor appreciated our presence. There then followed the iconic descent into Porlock – no mean achievement by coach – and the return to Tiverton. The driver deserved his round of applause.
On Saturday, we congregated at the Town Hall for the usual “Mayor’s Reception”. We were very well received, on behalf of the Town Council, by our Mayor Colin Slade and very well fed by Wally and Ann who had once again prepared an excellent spread. The Mayor of Hofheim, Gisela Stang, made a very moving and emotional speech on her last visit as Mayor, extolling the virtues of twinning in reply to Colin’s eloquent welcome.
That evening, we gathered at the Calverleigh Village Hall for a barbeque (prepared and cooked by Lloyd Maunder) followed by a session of country dancing on the instructions of a caller and to the music of a band. The lack of rhythm, false steps and unintentional barging only enhanced the enjoyment of those dancing and watching.
Sunday was the “free” day with members taking guests to different venues throughout the South-West.
A later start on Monday was welcomed by all. We travelled by coach to Buckfast Abbey near Buckfastleigh. This is well worth a visit. The Abbey celebrated 1000 years since its foundation last year. Although thriving for many of its earlier years, it fell into disrepair after the destructive actions by Henry VIII only to be revived and rebuilt a relatively short time ago by 6 monks over a 30 year period – a remarkable achievement! The return trip to Tiverton took in the coastline of the English Riviera.
The Official Dinner was held that evening at the Tiverton Hotel. The event was excellent and was a perfect ending to our few days together. Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding are typically English, the latter often needing some explanation of its contents and purpose.
As our guests were flying home, there was a more relaxing departure from the Football Club after the usual lengthy farewells.
The weather was kind throughout and the arrangements and organisation seamless. Although she has no control over the former, Angie should take full responsibility for the latter! With the support of her sub-committee, she arranged and organised everything so well despite the number of changes (some at the last minute). Thank you, Angie. You deserve the highest praise for an excellent visit.
John Smith
Countdown Evening
Brilliant is my verdict on the evening, although it got off to a poor start, the internet link let us down but with the help of David – computer expert in my eyes now – service was restored. John Snr. must have been having a few moments of sheer panic - but service was resumed and the evening could start.
Carol Vorderman attended dressed in the most outrages outfit, would advise her to make a visit to Banbury’s to purchase something more suitable to her trim figure and maybe the hairdressers to have her hair styled.
John Jnr was the Quiz Master and took control of the board, in turn each table had to pick out the letters by says vowel (at least 3) or consonant (4) and these appeared on the screen, you then had one minute, to make the longest word from the letters. Winners received a white ball and at the end of the evening the team with the most balls were the winners. It real was fun and made your brain cells work hard, many of you love to do a crossword or Sudoku daily I know.
Half way through the evening we had supper, jacket potatoes filled with baked beans and or cheese, a sausage and coleslaw followed by peaches and ice-cream, thanks go to Pauline, Jenny and Linda for their hard work in the kitchen to produce what was an enjoyable meal.
We resumed Countdown which this time included the numbers game and anagrams all to test the grey cells. By now we were getting into the way of things and longer words were forthcoming. The evening ended with a numbers game which was so easy that at one glance you could solve it, a nice way to finish.
Hopefully we will have a repeat of the evening sometime in the future.
Did you know that Countdown was inspired by the French television programme Des chiffres et des lettres (French: [dɛ ʃifʁ e dɛ lɛtʁ], "numbers and letters")? It was created by Armand Jammot and tests the numeracy skills and vocabulary of two contestants., this French show is one of the longest running game shows in the world.
Jean.
American Meal.
Sunday July 28th saw 29 people sit down to enjoy what was a lovely tasty meal arranged and cooked by Chris and Angie, along with helpers. The hall held four tables with vases of sweet-peas decorating them, four or five people took them home afterwards to enjoy the wonderful smell they give off, shame they don’t last very long. We started the meal with an artichoke salad, much nicer than expected, there was a choice of Smokey B-B-Q ribs or Southern fried chicken served with chips, (oh how I love chips as I don’t often make them at home), coleslaw and sweetcorn. A choice of puddings including a Carrot cake to die for and very generous portions to all made by Chris, this was followed by tea or coffee. The draw made a profit of £43. Thanks to all that helped or brought draw prizes it was good that so many did.
Italian Meal Sunday 18th August
Perhaps we don’t realize how lucky we are to have Shirley amongst us as a member and as a chef/cook, once again she produced a special meal, she admits herself that she could have improved on the pasta dish but really I think we all enjoyed it and I know several people went for seconds. Many hands helped clear the tables, which is greatly appreciated and there was a good selection of draw prizes. As people left the hall several said how much they had enjoyed the meal and were looking forward to the next event, value for money, wouldn’t have tried the pasta dish normally but really enjoyed it. Lovely atmosphere.
Coming Events
Sunday 22nd Sept. Harvest Lunch C.Morchard 12.30 for 1 £10
Thursday Oct. 12th AGM Town Hall 7.30
Saturday 19th October Devon Twin Circle Halberton 12.30 £7.50
Saturday 16th November Raclette Withleigh 7 pm £8.00
Friday 13th December Christmas Meal Football Club 7 pm £12.50
Important date for your diary
Annual General Meeting
Thursday October 10th 2019 at 7.30pm at the Town Hall in Tiverton.
Reminder: Subscriptions due
The financial year of the Association ends on August 31. The annual subscription (£10) is then due. Members who have not paid by the date of the AGM (October 10th) will not be able to vote at that meeting. Everyone is encouraged to pay the amount due to the Treasurer as soon as possible after August 31 (or before if they prefer!).
It is hoped that some of you will attend the Devon Twin Circle AGM Meeting; it is a chance to meet and speak with other Twinning Associations, get new ideas for visits and events.
Devon Twinning Circle Annual General Meeting
Saturday October 19th. 2019.
Halberton Village Hall, Tiverton EX16 7AF at 2pm.
A short version of Countdown will be demonstrated by John Smith Snr.
Lunch will be served at 12:30pm at £7.50 a head. Vegetarian option available
If you have any dietary needs please advise well in advance.
We hope you will be able to join us for Lunch.
Menu: Savoury Pie, followed by a choice of Puddings.
Please book with Angie. 13 Juniper Close, Tiverton. EX16 or Email: angiemcockburn@gmail.com Tel: 254376
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