The town of Beaminster recently celebrated 45 years of twinning with the French town or Saint-James.

The anniversary was marked with a visit to Saint-James, in Normandy, led by Beaminster Town Council chairman, Cllr Craig Monks, and the twinning group, including founder member Margaret Greenham, now in her 80s.

Writing about the trip, Cllr Monks said: "Traveling to a foreign land can be a transformative experience, and my recent trip to Saint-James in France was no exception. This year marked the 45th anniversary of the twinning between Saint-James and Beaminster, and our celebratory visit was filled with heartfelt connections, cultural experiences, and unforgettable memories.

"Our adventure began with an official reception attended by our group. Margaret Greenham, our founding member of the twinning, and Mayor David Juquin of Saint-James, delivered inspiring speeches that emphasised the significance of fostering international relationships. It was a moment of unity and reflection on the enduring bond between our two towns.

"Friday was a day of exploration and immersion into the French way of life as our families were graciously hosted by local residents. One of the highlights was visiting the Brittany American Cemetery and Memorial, a place that pays tribute to the 4,410 brave men who rest there after the D-Day landing and subsequent conflicts. It was a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom.

"In the evening, the French families treated us to a delightful dinner, showcasing the best of French cuisine, wine, and hospitality. The flavors danced on our taste buds, and the exchange of gifts added an extra touch of warmth to the evening. 

"I had the honour of presenting a painting of Beaminster, crafted by the talented local artist Joan Hudson, as our gift to Saint-James.

"Our Saturday was filled with exploration and excitement. We visited the bustling French market and the charming town of Avranches, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and immersing ourselves in the local culture. Later, we enjoyed a picnic at a picturesque dairy farm, savouring the taste of freshly produced local delicacies.

"In an unexpected twist, Saturday afternoon brought an extraordinary opportunity as we were invited to fly over and around the majestic Mont Saint Michel in two four-seater planes. The exhilarating experience was heightened when I took control of the aircraft, much to the amusement and concern of my fellow passengers, David and Christophe. The breathtaking views of Mont Saint Michel from above left an indelible mark on our memories.

"As the sun set on our final evening in Saint-James, we gathered with our newfound French friends, cherishing the camaraderie and the bonds that had formed over the course of our visit. 

"The spirit of twinning had transcended borders, connecting people from different cultures and backgrounds in a shared appreciation for friendship and cultural exchange.

"My first trip with the twinning group to Saint-James will forever hold a special place in my heart. It rekindled memories of my school exchanges and allowed me to experience the real France once again. 

"Celebrating the 45th anniversary of our twinning relationship was not only a time of reflection but also an opportunity to invigorate the younger residents of both towns to become part of this incredible experience.

"The trip exceeded my expectations, introducing me to amazing friends like David and Christophe, and igniting a passion within me to promote our twinning group to the residents of Beaminster. 

"If you yearn for something exciting, wish to explore France, and open your doors to new friendships, I encourage you to get in touch with our twinning group. Join us on this remarkable journey, where cultural exchange and lasting connections await."

For further details on the twinning group, contact Valerie Jepps on [email protected]