BANK Holiday weekend saw an amalgamation of cultures as Okehampton's friends from the French town of Craon visited West Devon.
The 2008 twinning association exchange visit took place across the August Bank Holiday weekend and saw Fore Street in Okehampton decked out with tricolors and Union flags to celebrate the occasion.
Okehampton mayor Kay Bickley, who was hosting a French family, said: 'It was excellent — hard work but everyone was very friendly and the mayor of Craon was a super chap.
'It was nice to see all the literature they produce for Craon and the comparison between the two towns.
'There were lots of children involved and it's for them who we're essentially doing this for.
'It's a great experience and there is great camaraderie between the two towns — the whole spirit is about bringing people together and having fun.'
The exchange visit began with a day trip to Morwhellham Quay with everyone encouraged to participate in various activities representing life in a Victorian copper mining community.
On Saturday, August 23 the French families were treated to a reception at Okehampton Town Hall, complete with a speech in French by Cllr Bickley, followed by a dinner and ceilidh, by Walter Shortage and the Hosepipe Band, in the Charter Hall.
The following day saw the all-important Craon v Okehampton rounders match for the rediscovered cup, 'Concours de Palets.'
Following in the footsteps of Team GB, the Okehampton team defeated their international rivals but wait with trepidation to see what challenge the French will come up with next year.
Fond farewells were finally made on the Sunday night after another year of firm friendship had been celebrated in style.
Anyone interested in finding out more about the twinning association, the exchange trips and programme of social events throughout the year, should contact twinning association chairman Nike Westman on 01837 52246 or secretary Sean Lynch on 01837 52404.
LEFT: A welcome to Okehampton.
Picture by
James Bird