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Entente
Cordiale
28th
October 2009
(Click
on photo for larger image)
with
thanks to Genevieve Usher
See
the videos
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Although it was a rainy evening the Cookham
visitors were warmly received at the Town Hall by the Mayor and the
Twinning Committee. Peter Bysshe said a few words on our behalf before we
were whisked off by our hosts to be wined and dined in true French style
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The highlight of the visit was a concert by
G & T. Genevieve Usher, Tamara Migrina and their accompanist/pianist
Chris Underhill. Whilst the trio practised for the evening's performance
the other Cookhamites visited La Rochelle with their hosts. Having seen
the aquarium they retired to a
restaurant before walking round this beautiful seaside town with its
stunning architecture and chic lifestyle.
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French cuisine is second to none and our
hosts did not stint in their hospitality. Chris and Helena Underhill
stayed with Valerie Gateau, who has a passion for cooking, much to the
delight of her guests.
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The concert on Saturday evening was themed
as 'A world tour'. It included a variety of musical styles from
traditional to opera, sung in Ukranian, Russian, Spanish, Italian,
English, French and German, including a song from The U.S.A. Chris also
played a piece by a Czech composer as well as French,
English and American pieces . It was fitting that our tour finished in
France with an operatic duet in honour of our hosts, who gave the trio a
standing ovation as they took their final bow with Joel Blaud, Head of
French twinning.
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Sunday was a day spent at leisure with our
respective hosts. We explored the impressive sights of Poitiers as well as
St Sauvin (a UNESCO monastery), Chauvigny (a hilltop medieval town with
five castles) and Montmorillon (famous for its yummy macaroons)
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After a
successful visit we were again wined and dined by our hosts and other
members of the French twinning group. It was time to renew old friendships
and cement new ones. A local group of musicians played traditional folk
music and the evening ended with dancing.
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The British guests were pleased
to have a couple of accomplished dancers in Peter and Penny Bysshe, who
glided round the floor with ease. If you would like to savour the delights
of Saint Benoit, make new friends and enjoy a Gallic experience, then contact Liz Kwantes on 01628 525130, you will not be
disappointed!
If
you want to know more Cookham Twinning email twinning@cookham.com
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