SUMMER, for members of the Andover Town Twinning Association, really began with friends from Goch, Germany, visiting from 31 July until 4 August.

They had a great time visiting Lacock Abbey and enjoying a hog roast and skittles evening at the White Hart, Stoke. The food was delicious and lots of it, but the fact that the Germans won the game was taken as a challenge for members to succeed at anything they may devise when Andover visits next year. The guests were entertained on their final evening by a get-together in two of the hosts' homes with an American supper. It was a lovely finish to a very happy week-end.

In September 13 members travelled to Andover, Massachusetts to stay with members of the Andover Sister Towns Association. It was a fantastic trip. Their American friends had pulled out all the stops to make sure that they had a wonderful time. They did lots of things. These included visiting Boston (twice) once to go to the Museum of Fine Arts and have a tour of the Boston Redsox baseball stadium at Fenway Park, and again to have a sailing boat trip around the harbour where several of them took up the challenge of hauling the sails.

There was a reception at one of the oldest and largest houses in Andover, dinner at an old Methodist retreat centre set in the middle of beautiful parkland and a tour of Phillips Academy. This is one of the leading private schools in the US. It boasts both President Bushs and many other famous Americans as alumni. They also visited the 'other Portsmouth' in New Hampshire and finished on the last night with an amazing lobster cook-out (barbecue to you) at the magnificent home of one of the members. Everyone returned with the most marvellous memories and even stronger friendships.

The next event will be a fun evening of ‘Fluffy Pig Racing’ 11 October at Clatford Village Hall starting at 7.30pm. Food and drinks will be available. Prices are £7 for members and £8 for guests. For further information please contact Margaret Henstock on 01264 352182 or visit the website andovertowntwinningassociation.hampshire.org.uk.