FORDINGBRIDGE celebrated the 35th anniversary of twinning with French town Vimoutiers in style with a weekend of activities.

The 55 French visitors, including the Vimoutiers football team, arrived in the town on Friday afternoon, a little later than anticipated after being held up for an hour by customs in Portsmouth.

They enjoyed a welcome party in the town hall where there was food, drink and music delivered by the Godshill-based New Forest Jazz Workshop.

On Saturday, Fordingbridge Mayor Malcolm Connolly and Vimoutiers’s Deputy Mayor and president of the twinning committee, Stéphane Thouin, signed an updated twinning charter at a ceremony in the town hall. National anthems were played by Hyde Band and there was an exchange of gifts.

A tree was also dedicated to the memory of Germaine Beaugeard who had been instrumental in the establishment of twinning 35 years ago.

Fordingbridge Twinning Association chairman Alison Ayling said: “It was fantastic for everybody.

The French people visiting for the first time loved the town, the hospitality and the whole notion of twinning.”

The visit has also strengthened links with the two towns’ football clubs. Fordingbridge Turks Football Club hosted various tournaments at the recreation ground on the Saturday and Sunday.

Other activities included a visit to Fordingbridge Museum, barn dancing and a game of cricket in Godshill to name a few.

“They threw themselves wholeheartedly into everything,” said Alison. “They had a great time.

On the whole everyone is pleased with how everything went.”

Many people in the town put up some of the visitors but three staying in a shepherd’s hut had a surprise when a hen tried to lay an egg on them.

The town’s twinning association plans a return visit to Vimoutiers in October.

Fordingbridge mayor, Cllr Malcolm Connolly, said: “New friendships were made and everybody is looking forward to October

when we go to Vimoutiers.

“Although the country is about to leave Europe the town council and the twinning committee have vowed to keep the relationship with Vimoutiers going and look forward to the next 35 years.”

For more on twinning call Alison on 01425 650770 or email hippotrain@btinternet.com.