A full fifty years on from that first adventure in 1975, twenty seven intrepid Monmouth French Twinning Association Members boarded planes, trains and automobiles to make their way to Southern France in the next of a long line of visits to Monmouth’s Twin Town in France – Carbonne near Toulouse.v

Leaving grey, autumnal skies, we were greeted by real tee-shirt weather and wondered whether we had packed the right clothes for our stay. The bright blue skies brought out smiles on every face as we met our French hosts and were whisked away for dinner on our first night.

Home but not Alone

Each Welsh couple (or single) is hosted by a Carbonne family where we get to see how the French really live, eat and socialise. So tempting is it that many of us were seen peering into estate agents’ windows dreaming of a little bolt hole in the South of France.

Out and About

We enjoyed formal sit down meals and informal buffets as well as the Vin d’Honneur at le musée Abbal, where we were formally welcomed by town dignitaries and presented with bespoke 50th Anniversary hand made mugs.

A gentle stroll round St Lizier one afternoon, a coach trip to Montauban the next, a guided walking tour of Carbonne town after that, our hosts had thought up a wonderful itinerary to keep us entertained. And what a delight to see Welsh and French flags flying side by side on Carbonne’s Pont du Jumelage (Twinning Bridge)!

Penpals and Pictures

Before the trip our very own Osbaston Church in Wales School pupils had prepared letters in French and pictures for pupils in Carbonne. Their penpals in l’école Henri Chanfreau were overjoyed to receive real letters from Wales (not emails – it makes such a difference!) and immediately began writing their replies!

After performing a song about daily routine in English pupils bombarded the visitors with questions about life in Monmouth and what it was like to wear a school uniform!

Two classes presented the Welsh visitors with pictures they had prepared ready for delivery back to their penpals at Osbaston Church in Wales School.

Football Challenge

Can a Welsh team beat a French team at football? That’s the challenge extended by Phillipe Martin and Christophe Blainc, president and co-president of the Carbonne junior football club as Monmouth Town Football Club has now been invited to

participate in Carbonne’s International Junior Football Tournament which take place every Easter. It’s a challenge we can’t resist!

Five days of visits, lunches, outings, apéritifs…. what better way to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Monmouth’s Twinning with Carbonne.

To find out more, visit the website monmouthcarbonne.org or drop in to the Shire Hall to see our “Fifty Years of Friendship” exhibition. All Monmouth residents are welcome to become members of the Town Twinning Association and there’s no need to be able to speak French! Why not pop along to our Coffee Morning at Ty Price, 10am to 12pm on Saturday, 22 November.