Ten Banyulsiens arrived by minibus from Manchester airport on the evening of Wednesday, May 22 and, as you’d expect, headed immediately for Settle Cricket Club, not only to bask in its glories, but to enjoy a welcome meal after their long trip from the deep south of France, after which they settled into their hosts’ homes for a much-needed kip. Bonne nuit!
With loins suitably girded, they began their programme of activities the following morning with a visit to Giggleswick School Chapel, followed by a get-to-know-you amble around Settle and coffee and cake in Victoria Hall garden to keep them going until the official reception in the afternoon at the Town Hall, where they were ceremoniously received by the Mayor and gifts exchanged. Bienvenue!
The afternoon was rounded off with a game of bowls, which the French contingent fortunately didn’t lob boules-fashion. At 5pm the perfect English scene, complete with drizzle, was set when Sir Nigel Gresley steamed past in all his glory. In the evening eight guests were wined and dined by four extra volunteer hosts, thereby extending local participation. The more, the merrier! The Twinning needs to become a true TOWN event. The remaining two guests were taken off to a very soggy sheepdog demonstration – against the weather or working conditions? – followed by fine fare in Hawes. Bon appétit!
Friday, Saturday and Sunday offered Salt’s Mill, Saltaire (with park picnic), Skipton (market, canal, castle, beer festival), Sizergh Castle and a more local tour comprising Feizor (including elevenses or lunch chez Elaine); Clapham Art Exhibition; Lord’s Antiques in Ingleton; flowerpot representations of an archetypical French and Englishman at Watershed Mill; Ribblehead viaduct with another train à vapeur; Hoffmann Kiln. Brief translations were provided and, to make our guests feel even more at home, a cheese dégustation was arranged at Lord’s Courtyard. Du charbon à Newcastle?
One couple expressed an interest in cricket and were treated to a game and a knock-up (not the French variety) on SCC’s well-watered greensward. This willing duo had also brought hiking shoes and enjoyed a circular stroll from Feizor. A good walk should always have a pub or tea-room in the middle. And at the end. And along the way. D’accord?
The visit climaxed in a delicious meal from Dominique Ashford of Dale House Barn, Slaidburn, comprising venison lasagne (with veggie option), salad and wild garlic focaccia, followed by Pavlova with cream and fruits back at Settle Cricket Club, accompanied by guitar-led songs in both languages, wine and Mouton Noir, of course. Santé!
The visit came to an end the following morning, when four of the French group returned to Manchester for their flight home, whilst the rest carried on by train to Edinburgh and, on the stretch to Appleby, listened to a commentary on the origins, vicissitudes and survival of the Settle to Carlisle line. Merci, Monsieur Portillo!
The visit was a great success and needed a great deal of planning, plus a significant financial contribution from the unofficial ‘committee’. The idea is to hold a Twinning visit alternately in Banyuls and Settle, every two years. When we next receive our French friends here in 2028 and when we go to them in 2026, it would be wonderful to increase the numbers of participants and bring in a younger generation in particular. Negotiations to link the two rugby clubs have already begun. Could our cricket club engage in missionary work over there? Allez les jeunes!
On the financial side, we know that local government money is tight, but hope that this venture will continue on a regular and solid basis, especially after the brainless, heartless, soulless tragedy of Brexit. Let’s show our nearest neighbours that we’re not all small-minded Little Englanders! Vive l’Entente Cordiale!
Ian Gray on behalf of the unofficial ‘committee’.
