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Mediterranean weather, a varied and interesting programme, and lots of fun and camaraderie all contributed to a great week of commemorating 40 years of Twinning between our towns.

The week commenced on Friday 30 June with a boat trip from Bristol Floating Harbour to Hanham and back for 40 people including the Mayor and Officials from Libourne, hosts, guests and Twinning members. The skipper’s commentary on the sights we passed worked well, and in Hanham we had an enjoyable lunch in the marquee of Beese ‘s Tea Gardens. It was back in a marquee for the evening as we had our own event as part of the Keynsham Music Festival in Keynsham Park. The Thornbury Swing Band was entertaining, spoke some French, and got everyone on the dance floor.

Official events took place on Saturday – firstly the naming of the Libourne Lounge by the Chair of BANES and the Mayor of Libourne. The unveiling of the plaque went hilariously wrong when the curtains failed to open (a real YouTube moment!) but that all added to the spirit of the occasion, as did the wine and canapés which followed. Everyone then proceeded to the unveiling of the Information Board in Market Walk – two of the young people from our two towns doing the honours, accompanied by a Brass Band.

After free time with families for the rest of the day and Sunday, during which a number of the hosts, guests and Twinning members got together for meals and drinks, we all met again for a dinner at the Grasmere Hotel in the evening. The hotel did us proud with a great meal, and then on Monday we embarked on some culture – a coach trip to National Trust’s Great Chalfield Manor, where we had a picnic, a guided tour and a wander round the gardens. We had time for a brief visit to Bradford-on-Avon on the way home.

Another free day on Tuesday – the sun still shining – was followed by a visit to Bristol Botanical Gardens and then a skittles match in Keynsham. The French team won, aided by their English coach Derek McCaig! We will have to seek our revenge, maybe at Pétanque in France! Then it was time to head for Bristol Airport after a thoroughly enjoyable week. Vive le Jumelage!

In April, the Libourne Choral members were hosted by members of Keynsham Orchestra and the Twinning Association. They enjoyed local trips and performed at The Lord Mayor's Chapel in Bristol, Keynsham's Community Space and with the Keynsham Orchestra.

September 2014 saw another visit from 16 French friends.

In the interests of furthering links between our two towns, Maire Philippe Buisson & his party of 2 councillors and a teacher also came. They had a private visit to the as yet unfinished Keynsham Civic Centre, visited Wellsway School and met representatives of local groups over lunch.

Socially, there was a welcome meal with cold buffet, entertainment provided by Phoenix Keynsham Youth Theatre and KLOGS and dancing accompanied on the piano the French Association’s President. A Farewell Dinner with speeches was held at Stockwood Vale Golf Club.

Days out took us to:

1. Castle Combe and Avebury passing the Cherhill White Horse and Silbury Hill.
2. Berkeley with a guided tour of the castle, visits to the Butterfly House & Dr Jenner’s House and views of Highgrove House and Westonbirt Arboretum on the return journey.

The previous year's postponed visit got off to a good start with a 'speeches, tea & canapés' reception. As well as informal time together, hosts & their guests enjoyed two days of organised trips to: Marlborough, Swindon for shopping and a visit to the steam museum, Ledbury for sightseeing and an English pub lunch and Chepstow Castle. Dinner at Cameley Lodge, with entertainment from Keynsham Youth Theatre rounded off the visit. For a flavour of the visit, click on the presentation below created by Michèle Rambaud.

2007: Keynsham hosted 22 friends from Libourne. They visited Salisbury, Castle Combe and Lacock. Socially, they enjoyed a BBQ, followed by a guided walk round Saltford village. The highlight of their visit was an evening celebration of 30 years of twinning with speeches, exchanges of gifts, a buffet and entertainment by Morris dancers, a classical guitarist and a jazz interlude. The visit was rounded off with an evening meal at a local restaurant.