BACK AND FORTH TO BRITTANY

In 1989 the Constantine and District Twinning Association was formed. That bald statement conceals an awful lot of hard work. Not just the proper preparation of an accredited association at this end with all that entails - canvassing people; finding somewhere to meet; the paperwork; etc; etc - but, in addition, searching for the right twin to approach. France is a big country even if you only look round the edges and up the rivers.

The task was taken on by Nigel and Celia Rimmer who lived in Constantine at that time. Wisely they took their search to Brittany with it's common Celtic heritage. They looked for a small town that had similarities with the Parishes of Constantine and Gweek. What they found was the small, attractive town of Pont-Croix, set in rural countryside at the head of the river Goyen. Thus the parishes of Constantine and Gweek are twinned with Pont-Croix. Since then the Association has flourished with visits to each country taking place in alternate years.

In 2005, the Pontecrucians visited Cornwall. Activities included a meeting at Constantine Church Hall to see the General Election in progress. Our local councillor spoke to us and was duly re-elected with a substantial majority. Our fishing theme was supported with a boat trip down the Fal and a trip to Newlyn to the Pilchard Museum. We listened to David Muirhead talking about the fishing industry in English and fluent French, albeit with a delightful Cornish accent! We finished the day at Penlee Gallery to admire the paintings of the Newlyn school showing scenes of fishermen and their families, so familiar to our Breton friends. This visit also included a barn dance, a visit to Flora day, gig rowing for all and culminated in a marvellous final dinner at the Tolmen Centre for more than 90 people.

In 2006 it was again our turn to visit France. Their chosen theme was seaweed and they much impressed us by showing how it can be used in cookery. We danced Breton dances, played traditional Breton games and spent a day at the Ile de Sein. We were escorted into the harbour by a school of dolphins (brilliant French stage management!). We all loved this enchanting and historic island - it was a great day out with our lovely friends.

This year, 2007, we are planning to introduce the Pontecrucians to cricket and play a joint game. There will also be more gig-rowing by popular request, as well as a barn dance with Ros Celtek, a heritage walk to Polwheveral, a talk from our MEP and much much more...

Our membership now exceeds 100 and members have been making the most of French conversation classes in the Tolmen every Wednesday during term-time. Mary Owen runs a group for beginners and Margaret Stevens and Gia Shaw plan a programme for the improvers group, ably assisted by Natascha de Poncheville.

For more information contact Gia Shaw on 250769 or Mary Owen on 250700.