WHITCHURCH and its surrounding parishes welcomed their French compatriots to celebrate the 35th year of association between themselves and twin town Neuvic Sur L’Isle.

Activities included visits and tours of the Whitchurch Silk Mill and Laverstoke Farm as well as a cheese and fruit cake evening before a celebration meal held at Testbourne School.

Since the beginning of twinning in 1979, many people living in Whitchurch and its vicinity have enjoyed valued friendships with their compatriots in Neuvic Sur L’Isle, in the beautiful Dordogne region of France.

Apart from alternate-year visits between the two communities, for six days during May, various fund-raising social events including lunches, cream teas, coffee mornings and quiz evenings, are arranged in the homes of members or in the Whitchurch Parish Hall throughout the year.

Colin Follett, chairman of the Testbourne Parishes Twinning Association said: “We are a long-established twinning group with strong connections between our respective communities. We wish to maintain this link for many years to come and are always on the lookout for new members, of any age.”

Membership is available to anyone residing in Testbourne Parishes and who is interested in establishing a friendly connection with a French family and willing to host that family.

For more information go to testbournetwinning.org.uk or contact Colin Follett (Chairman, Testbourne Parishes Twinning Association), telephone 01256 326909, or email chairman@testbournetwinni ng.org.uk.