Over the weekend of 15th/16th October 2016, some 39 Dourdan Twinners and 34 counterparts from the Dunmow area got together for a splendid weekend in Arundel, West Sussex.
The French arrived by coach in good time on the Saturday and they were delighted to fit in an afternoon visit to Chichester, including a memorable visit to the Norman Cathedral. Particularly impressive was the stained glass by the 20th century Russian-French artist, Marc Chagall. There was just enough time for a stroll around the shops, although heavy rain showers meant many took refuge for a while in the local pubs and cafés!
Our Dourdan friends arrived at the large and imposing Avisford Park Hotel (between Chichester and Arundel) just before 6pm, where they were welcomed by 14 Twinners from Dunmow. Drinks and a sumptuous selection of salads, main courses and desserts followed, allowing everyone to relax, chat and catch up on each other’s news.
Next morning, after a hearty breakfast, we all made our way to the delightful town of Arundel, dominated by its imposing castle and cathedral. Here, we were joined by 20 more Twinners from Dunmow who had travelled for the day. Whilst the French enjoyed a specially organised tour of the inside of the castle, many of us explored the grounds, including the new formal garden, a tribute to the 14th Earl of Arundel (the first great English art collector), and evocative of Jacobean garden design. There was also time to visit the Fitzalan Chapel and climb the 131 steps to the top of the Keep where we were rewarded with views of the River Arun, the town, the Sussex Downs and the sea!
At the end of the morning, we all came together to walk the short distance along the High Street to the Norfolk Arms, a charming former Georgian coaching inn. Here, some 70 Dourdan-Dunmow Twinners sat down to a delightful, traditional Sunday lunch: pumpkin soup, roast pork and vegetables and strawberry cheesecake. Time flew by as we enjoyed both the food and each other’s company and, before we knew it, it was time for our French friends to board their coach and for us to wish them “bonne route et au revoir!”
A wonderful weekend of good company and excellent food in the very attractive, historic town of Arundel.
Susan Williams