MEMBERS of Dawlish Twinning Association say they were ‘blown away’ by the warmth of a Breton welcome during their recent trip to France. 

The group enjoyed a long weekend in their partner town Carhaix-Plouguer in Finistère.

The weekend began with an official reception, where Marie-Laure Cloarec, president of Carhaix Twinning, Marie-Antoinette Quillerou, town councillor responsible for international relations, and the mayor, Christian Troadec, welcomed their guests.

The towns have been partnered for 47 years.

Mayor of Dawlish, Cllr Lin Goodman-Bradbury, gave a speech delivered entirely in French, appreciated by twinners from both sides of the Channel.

The two groups then exchanged gifts – from Carhaix, a pictorial map of the town and surrounding area and a Breton flag: from Dawlish a unique Ditto house specially commissioned for the occasion, created by local craftsman David Hardie and author Diana Townsend.

Dawlish Twinning Assocation exchanging gifts with French hosts
Dawlish Twinning Assocation exchanging gifts with French hosts left to right: Dill Cameron, Chair of Dawlish Twinning Association, Marie-Laure Cloarec, President of Carhaix Twinning, Carhaix town councillor Marie-Antoinette Quillerou, the Mayor of Dawlish, Cllr Lin Goodman-Bradbury (MDA Alison Thomas )

The miniature buildings feature in a series of children’s books and in a trail around Dawlish. 

Two pupils from Collège Saint-Trémeur presented Cllr Goodman-Bradbury with penfriend letters and A3 posters for their counterparts at Dawlish College, marking the beginning of what their respective teachers hope will become a flourishing link.

Mayor of Dawlish Cllr Lin Goodman-Bradbury with two students from Collège Saint-Trémeur presenting letters and A3 posters for their penfriends in Dawlish College
Mayor of Dawlish Cllr Lin Goodman-Bradbury with two students from Collège Saint-Trémeur presenting letters and A3 posters for their penfriends in Dawlish College (MDA Alison Thomas )

Cllr Goodman-Bradbury was hugely impressed with the quality of the children’s work, as well as the boys’ eagerness to converse.

She said: ‘It was as if, through me, they felt were talking to their new friends.

‘It was a lovely connection.’

The remainder of the weekend was divided between time spent with host families and group activities.

Twinners enjoying a meal at L’Auberge de l'Est à l'Ouest in Poullaouën
Twinners enjoying a meal at L’Auberge de l'Est à l'Ouest in Poullaouën (MDA Alison Thomas )

DTA secretary Val Mawhood said: ‘The hospitality from host families and the group as a whole was tremendous. 

‘My host’s husband speaks no English but he was so enthusiastic and determined to communicate in any way he could. It was lovely.’

Cllr Goodman-Bradbury said: ‘They gave us such a warm welcome. It was the best of days. I was proud to be able to represent the town I love in an official capacity and be shown round the area by people who love their community too.

‘We communicated through a mixture of broken French and Franglais but communicate we did and that’s what it’s all about.’