Sailly sur-la-Lys Visit to Carnforth - 2008
Glorious weather accompanied the biennial visit of members of the Sailly sur-la-Lys Town Twinning Association to their counterparts within the Carnforth and District Twinning Association.
This year’s visit to Carnforth commenced with a Civic Reception held at the Station Hotel Carnforth, during which Carnforth Town Mayor Ken Bond exchanged gifts with the long standing Town Mayor of Sailly, Annie Vancortenbosch in the company of around 120 twinning guests, hosts, members of Carnforth Town Council and Morecambe and Lunesdale MP Geraldine Smith.
During the reception a commemorative stone plaque standing at the foot of the Twinning Tree, which is growing in Carnforth’s Market Square, was unveiled by the Mayors. The plaque was kindly donated Mr Neil Oldfield of Ratcliffe and Bibby solicitors.
The following day around 80 guests and hosts descended on Liverpool for the day. After an initial visit to the Beatles Museum which was extremely popular with the French visitors, the group dispersed to view other areas of interest within the City including the Tate Gallery, Maritime Museum, Walker Gallery and Cathedrals.
On Saturday, Borwick Hall was the centre of a fun activity day for the young and energetic of the group. An initial bike ride of around 12 miles was followed by activities requiring strength and courage, followed by a canoe adventure on the nearby canal.
Sunday saw the group take part in various activities. A guided walk of historic Lancaster, another around Levens Hall and surrounding area and Holker Hall and Gardens proved popular.
The day ended with a ceildhi at Over Kellet Village Hall where the throng were introduced to aspects of some traditional group dances wherein enthusiasm and general "bon homie" substituted for historical accuracy at times.
Booths supermarket at Carnforth, kindly gave permission for the French visitors to board their coach in safety within the store car park on Monday morning and after prolonged and emotional farewells the visitors left around 10.00am. It was generally agreed that the visit had once again been an outstanding and memorable experience for all who participated.