On Wednesday May 9^th we welcomed our largest ever party of French visitors to North Ferriby.

Thirty eight people, including ten youngsters aged between 5 and 17 came to stay in members’ homes for four days. Many are old friends but we also welcomed one new family and one new couple, as well as initiating two new host families into the joys of twinning.

They began their time with us at an evening apéritif reception in the garden of John and Rosemarie Halmshaw.  This was a chance to greet our visitors, renew old friendships and introduce our new families. Janet Aitken welcomed our visitors with a short speech and Alain Broussard responded. We were so pleased that Belinda Hookem, Chair of the Parish Council came to meet everyone and also gave a welcome speech which was much appreciated, especially as she wore a lovely dress with French tricolore cuffs and hem!

The following morning we set off from North Ferriby for a full day out at Bempton Cliffs and Sewerby Hall. The French were delighted to be travelling in the double decker bus, a novelty for them.

Our first stop at Bempton was a revelation as we were lucky to see so many nesting birds on the cliffs. The RSPB volunteers were enthusiastic and directed their telescopes for us to see the birds’ activity at close quarters. It was quite cool and breezy but this did not mar our enjoyment and fascination with the place.

We continued on the short journey to Sewerby where we picnicked next to the play area which pleased the younger children. Just as it began to rain we went inside the orangery for a talk about the restoration of the house. The sun came out and for the rest of the afternoon it was glorious. We went with our families around the house, furnished authentically and with many hands on displays, the magnificent gardens, the sea front and the zoo not to mention a visit to the café.

We went home tired but pleased with everything we had seen during the day and spent the evening at home with our guests or joined other hosts for a communal meal.

On Friday the adults were free and many took advantage to take their guests on visits to various places in the area or further afield. Jane Knight and Janet Aitken took the five teenagers to Wolfreton School. This was most impressive, not only because of the magnificent new buildings but also because Hilary Hogan, the French teacher had put so much thought into our visit. We went into a Japanese lesson and a French lesson, followed by a tour of the school and sports facilities. We then had a buffet lunch where we were joined by students from the school who were interested in French so that they could chat with their guests and exchange email addresses. This was a most successful visit and we hope that this partnership will thrive.

An equally successful visit was made to North Ferriby Primary school by the younger children. They were made most welcome by Lisa Chappelow and the other teachers and thoroughly enjoyed their experience of an English school.

In the afternoon many of us went on a guided tour of the Old Town with Paul Schofield, the City guide. This was very interesting and many of us saw places which we hadn’t visited before. We rounded off the visit very nicely in the pubs or the bars in the Fruit market.

 On Saturday we held a joint committee meeting to appraise the visit where we had very positive feedback from the visitors and received an invitation to visit them next year. We usually visit at the end of May but please inform the committee of any preferred dates. Obviously it is very early and flight times are not yet published but keep abreast of any information to avoid clashes of dates.

Later in the morning John Holt led a walk along the foreshore to the Humber Bridge with the lovely views over the river. We had a very welcome drink at the Country Park Inn as it was a warm day and then walked home.

 On Saturday afternoon we held our annual France versus England challenge for the magnificent silver cup! This year Diane Porter organised a sports day with running races, relays, hurdles, egg and spoon, sack race and culminating in a tug of war. There was fierce completion and good natured jostling and a fun afternoon was enjoyed by all, with even the more mature amongst us catching the competitive bug.

 In the evening Dr Jive entertained us with live music and the dance floor was full with French and English dancing together with true entente cordiale. A splendid buffet was provided by Ann and Michael Welbourne and the hosts and a great night was had by all.

 On Sunday we said a reluctant goodbye to our visitors as they set off for Birmingham airport at seven thirty in the morning. We were all very tired but also very happy with the visit. Our French friends are so charming and appreciative it is a pleasure to host them.

Finally I would like to congratulate all the committee and the hosts who worked so hard before and during the visit. You were so friendly and welcoming to our guests and are great ambassadors for our association and possibly our country too, in these difficult times. 

Janet Aitken - Chair