Members of the Michelmersh and Timsbury Twinning Association enjoyed a trip to Ryes in Normandy.

The group of 14 people met up with their French hosts from May 26-29.

Mike Kelly, from the group, described the trip as a 'spectacular weekend'.

He said: “The weather was perfect and sunny apart from a strong northerly wind which kept the temperatures down a little. 

“Our hosts had arranged a magnificent itinerary. After meeting us at the ferry terminal in Ouistreham on Friday evening, the following day we visited the Chateau du Vendeuvre where a delicious four-course lunch with aperitifs and wines to compliment, was served.

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“A visit afterwards to the beautifully furnished chateau, the annex housed a museum of beautifully made miniature period furniture. Their impressive extensive grounds, with flowers, fauna, lakes, rivers and water surprises, helped walk off the calories. 

“That evening we made our way to the lovely host village restaurant in Ryes where dinner was served. Sunday dawned and we were up bright and early to make our way to the impressive Airborne Museum at Sainte Mere l’Eglise. Luncheon was laid on at a local hostelry at midday with a visit to the inspiring D-Day Experience Museum at Carentan afterwards, featuring a journey on a shot down aircraft simulator. On Monday our hosts took us on a trip to the hyper-marche at Bayeux before returning to eat with them at home after which they took us back to the ferry terminal for the 4pm sailing to Portsmouth.

“All in all a spectacular weekend. This was our first visit back since the Covid pandemic curtailed all travelling. We have been twinned for almost 40 years and it was great to be up and running again.”

For more details about the group, visit twinning@croxalls.co.uk.