On Thursday 26th May, 42 Twinners from Dunmow and surrounding villages boarded a Don’s coach for their alternate year visit to twin town Dourdan, 30 miles south-west of Paris. This was a special trip celebrating 25 years of the Dourdan link.
After a millpond ferry crossing the party arrived in early evening to be met by Dourdan hosts and whisked away for dinner at their homes. In a break with tradition, the following day was free for hosts to take guests to favourite haunts, eg. Chartres, Orleans or Paris. Everyone met up that evening for the anniversary dinner at a splendid new venue, with champagne and canapés being followed by melon and ham, a succulent beef main course, cheese and mille feuilles. Professional music was augmented by French and English songs from a group of Dunmow and Dourdan singers.
Saturday morning saw everyone on the road to the famous Loire valley, to visit the lovely chateau of Amboise, once the home of kings. Although much has been destroyed by later owners, what remains is beautiful. Its highlights (including the grave of Leonardo da Vinci) were delightfully portrayed by a young, knowledgeable and humorous guide – not the normal ponderous guiding style. After appreciating the lovely gardens in brilliant sunshine, the party adjourned for an excellent lunch under the castle walls.
The afternoon saw a tour of wine cellars in caves carved into the rocky banks of the Loire by builders seeking stone many centuries ago. The tour included tastings (white, red and dessert) and valuable tips on how to taste. The wine was excellent, so many Twinners added a case to their baggage.
On the final morning (Sunday) Dunmow Twinners were received by the Mayor of Dourdan in the impressive town hall. Short (thankfully!) speeches were followed by the traditional exchange of gifts between the towns. Then it was time for the usual prolonged farewells, clear evidence of the extraordinarily strong bonds of friendship that Twinning has created.