A truly memorable four-day visit has just ended, when Vernou la Celle descended on Manorbier. Some 32 French guests arrived to celebrate 25 years of twinning between the two villages.

Manorbier arranged a packed programme of activities, which began with a Safari Supper on the night of their arrival. The French think that going from house to house for different courses is quite hilarious, but they enjoy meeting other host families.

The visit to the new Tenby Lifeboat station was informative and interesting; however, they found it difficult to grasp the concept that RNLI is manned by volunteers and no money changes hands when someone is rescued and that it relies purely on donations for its continued existence. Thanks go to the Tenby station's visiting officer, Dave Rees, for giving an excellent talk.

Artistic talents were put to the test as they all spent a couple of hours decorating china in the Ceramic Café. Great concentration, punctuated by hoots of laughter abounded as they all put paint onto their chosen piece. The results of their labour was on show for all to see, on the Friday evening when the completed items were given out. It woud be safe to say that for some - it would be advisable to keep the day job! However, they all had tremendous fun and a 'talking piece' to take back to their homes.

The day was rounded off with a scrumptious meal at the Castlemead Hotel in Manorbier before everyone went to the Swan Inn in Jameston, home of the Jameston Jammers, where they all burnt up their calories on the dance floor.

Thursday saw an early start, with a few bleary eyes and sore heads, as they all went to the Big Pit. They made use of the Big Pit's new French and audio tapes which enabled those with limited English to fully appreciate the experience.

Now, the French ladies always enjoy shopping, so they also went to the designer outlet at McArthur Glen. For anyone reading this who has shares in the outlet - just rub your hands in glee, because they shopped and shopped and shopped! The evening was rounded off with a meal at the Masons Arms at Bryncethin on the way home.

Friday was a free day and host families made all the arrangements. Some made the trip to Skomer Island, some to St. Davids and some walked along the coast path; whilst others opted for a leisurely lunch at some of the area's lovely pubs.

In the midst of all these activities, there was also a very serious International Championship taking place. A snooker championship was in full swing at Manorbier's Crucible. It's best not to dwell on the result, but suffice to say that Manorbier is already talking strategies for the return match in two years time.

The final evening saw everyone munching away at a hot buffet and trying to follow the instructions as the Rev. Roger Jones from Pembroke called out the steps for the country dancing. Now the French had language as an excuse, but for the locals, everyone is still trying to work out how they managed to get it so wrong. The resulting chaos was hilarious for both dancers and onlookers. Everyone was still talking about the night the following morning and the French have gone home with two new words in their vocabulary 'dosey doe'!

Gifts were exchanged and a painting of the Church and Mairie of Vernou was given by Vernou's Community Council in recognition of the 25 years of twinning. The French Twinning Association had made a beautiful quilted tapestry in honour of the occasion and Manorbier Twinning Association gave the French a specially commissioned plate by James Campbell to mark this very important friendship link. The visit was a wonderful experience and everyone had a marvellous time.