Between April 21 and 26, the Twinning Association of Vernou-La-Celle-sur-Seine (21 people) visited Manorbier, staying in the homes of local residents. The hosts (Manorbier Twinning Association) arranged a full programme of visits, beginning with a long, but very enjoyable full-day trip to Portmeirion in North Wales.

The following day they visited Chapel Bay Fort at Angle and were given wonderfully informative guided tours of the installation. The French visitors thought the displays and the tour were fantastic! It really is a military ‘gold mine’.

This is a hidden gem of Pembrokeshire of which many of the local hosts were unaware. The French visitors weren’t told that the fort was part of a collection of such forts, etc., designed to keep their ancestors out!

Sunday was a family day where the hosts made their own arrangements to entertain their guests. Some visited local attractions, while others shopped.

Monday was mainly a Tudor day. Everyone went to the Tenby Tudor Merchant’s House where they were able to get a feel of 16th century life with the expert help of Angela, Brian and Isla (whose fluent French came in very useful).

After this, a brilliant tour round the Lifeboat Station was organised, led by Josh Hunt. All came away full of admiration for the work that the RNLI does and amazement at the technology of the lifeboat ‘Haydn Miller’.

Each day was rounded off with convivial evenings, which included a Safari Supper, which began with canapés in Manorbier Castle Crypt (thanks to Emily Naper) and different courses in different houses (well organised by Pat Henderson); an evening at the Swanlake Inn, being entertained by the Jameston Jammers; and a Medieval evening at Greenhills Hotel in St. Florence (thanks to members Mark and Sue Phillips). The guests – locals and French alike - wore Medieval costumes, while Razor Bill provided an entertaining programme of music.

Altogether a very successful and well-organised trip was enjoyed by all and will certainly help to perpetuate ‘twinning’ between the respective villages. Thanks and congratulations go to president Lin Dagger and secretary Jan Foreman, of Manorbier Twinning Association, who shouldered the burden of the organisation.