Didcot-Meylan Twinning Association

Didcot-Meylan Twinning Association
THE RED LION FOR LUNCH AND A BEER
Brightwell is a typical English village and as such is home to a typical English
pub, The Red Lion. After a busy morning the group was more than ready for
lunch and this was an ideal place to sample pub food. It seems that most of
our French visitors, making the most of being in the UK, had chosen the fish
and chips, followed by crumble. Judging by the empty plates being taken
back to the kitchen, the food met with their approval. In addition to food, the
Red lion is also a good place to sample some beers brewed in Brightwell,
including Power Station and Brightwell Gold. The welcoming landlady Sue
Devey-Robson has recently heard that the pub has made it into the CAMRA
Good Beer Guide for 2009. Well worth a visit
TRADITIONAL DANCING FOR ALL
The final event of the weekend was the Civic Reception
and the organising committee was keen that there
should be audience participation. So, after an
excellent buffet supper, supported by Sainsbury’s
supermarket, and a formal exchange of gifts, we
were exhorted by their caller to get up and dance to
the music of Elastic Band, the name apparently derives
from the unpredictable number of players available on
a particular evening.The caller talked the couples
through a set and then we were off at speed, with the
music. Much laughter and a few mistakes later, the
first dance was complete. This set the tone for the rest
of the evening, with everyone being encouraged to join
in the country dances and respites being provided by a
display of traditional Morris Dancing by Lumbawakk.
ORIGINS OF MORRIS DANCING
Morris dancing is a traditional form of
dance, usually to music, which often
involves the use of sticks,
handkerchiefs and even swords. The
name may originate from the word
Moorish and certainly it existed in
similar forms in other European
countries. There are six main styles
of Morris dancing - Cotswold, North
West, Border, Longsword, Rapper and
Molly - danced by ‘sides’ or ‘teams’.
Lumbawakk are a Border Morris side,
characterised by their flamboyant
costumes.
Harcourt Arboretum
After an excellent lunch most people would have been
happy with a siesta but instead we travelled by car to Nuneham
Courtenay to explore the Arboretum. An integral part of Oxford
University’s Botanic Garden, the arboretum was first planted in
1835 with the magnificent Sequoias (Redwoods) being some of
the oldest trees. The visit was led by committee member, Nick
Hards who shared his extensive knowledge of the arboretum with
the party.
Unusual in this part of Oxfordshire, its acid soil suits
rhododendrons and azaleas. In autumn magnificent leaf colours
make walking through the woodland a delight with the resident
peacocks that strutted in the car park providing an exotic note.
After such a busy day, our visitors returned to their hosts
and dined either in family groups or with other hosts. Saturday
was left free so that guests and hosts could choose their own
programme. Choices included trips to Blenheim Palace, to White
Horse Hill and other notable landmarks.
JOIN THE ASSOCIATION
Our thanks to all those members who have paid their subscription for 2008/2009.
The rate remains at £5 per household. Cheques or cash to the secretary or treasurer.
Good wishes and plans for 2009
The formal part of the evening included
speeches by the mayor of Meylan and
the deputy mayor of Didcot. Both
expressed their satisfaction at the
obvious success of the twinning of the
two towns and looked forward to future
interactions. This theme was taken up
by the Chair of Didcot’s Twinning
Association, Terry Joslin and reinforced
by the President of Meylan’s
Association, Mireille Adji-Anastasiou who
reminded us all that next year will be
the 10th anniversary of the signing of
the twinning agreement and invited us
back to Meylan where plans are already
underway to celebrate this special
anniversary. Gifts were exchanged
and, in special recognition of her crucial
role in the success of the 2008
exchange, flowers presented to Didcot’s
secretary Dr Janet Cockburn.
Thanks to our generous sponsors
Didcot Town Council
RWE NPower
Sainsbury’s Supermarket, Didcot
DidcotFirst
Didcot Town Football Club