When Richard Foster cycled 800 miles from Chorleywood to the South of France last year for charity, one of the most heartwarming moments was being met at the outskirts of Dardilly by residents on bikes who proceeded to ride with him in to the town. The escort happened as a result of the twinning between Chorleywood and Dardilly.
“ I decided to break my journey there because of the Chorleywood link but didn’t expect such a grand welcome.” says Richard. “We had such a great time staying with a local couple that we joined the Chorleywood Twinning Association as soon as we got back.”
Richard and wife Kathy have recently been on their first twin town visit. The Association travelled en masse over to their host families in April. The Fosters were bowled over not only by the extent of hospitality and camaraderie, but the whole experience.
“ We packed so much into a short stay. We learned tango skills, went wine tasting in Beaujolais, visited a chocolate factory and saw some stunning places.. especially Le Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval – a palace built from stones collected over 33 years by a postman and Musée des Confluences, a natural science and anthropology museum with an unusual architectural design. The whole break was brilliant, not to mention the superb food and wine. We flew from Luton to Lyon.”
The more established Town Twinning members are pleased to welcome some younger Chorleywood families into the Association of late and are particularly happy about a new connection between St Clement Danes (SCD) and a secondary school in the Dardilly locality.
Spearheading the tie up with St Joseph’s School, Tassin La Demi Lune, is Head of SCD French Department Marie Massé, who went along I think on the exchange trip to establish initial links.
“Year 9 students have written letters to students at St Joseph’s and are excited about getting responses.” says Mmlle Massé, “It should be the start of an ongoing relationship with lots of future exchanges that will be fun and should improve students’ French conversation.”
For information on Chorleywood Twinning Association Contact richard.foster31@btinternet.com 07716 958526