On the 9th of June a group of happy Barrow Twiners set off for Marans, our twinning town in France. Some flew from Stanstead Airport; some drove and one couple were already at their home in a nearby village in France.

Those who flew were met at La Rochelle by our hosts; it was a very happy reunion as our visit had been delayed by two years because of Covid. Luckily, we had no trouble leaving England or entering France.

Our hosts had organised a varied and interesting programme, that was far more relaxed than in previous years. We had a trip on a heritage train; a trip to an aircraft museum and an enjoyable visit to Domaine de Pere, where twice a year a huge plant sale and craft fair is held. Disappointingly we were not allowed to bring plants back home. We also visited The Bunker in La Rochelle, a German submarine headquarters, all in situ from World War Two.

We also had the official reception hosted by the mayor.

I asked some of the Twiners to write a few lines on their thoughts of the visit.

Here are some of them:

We were asked to write about our favourite part of the twinning group’s visit to Marans this year. We talked through the events we’d attended: a trip on an old train to a delightfully pretty craft village; a visit to an aircraft museum; a day out at a beautiful abbey with plants for sale plus everything else you might want for your garden; and a morning spent with our hosts walking to the mussel beds at Charron. In the end we decided that the best bit was catching up with our French friends again after a Covid enforced two-year break. We enjoyed delicious food and drink, had great conversations and had fun. It went by in a fl ash, as always.
Ginnie and Alan Willcocks

As in previous years our French friends had organised some enjoyable trips out and kept us entertained and well fed.

What I particularly enjoyed was the relaxed programme which meant every day I had time to sit and read in the garden and swim in the outside pool.
Helen Duxbury

It was lovely to see our friends from both Barrow (as we are retired now and not local) and Marans. We were especially pleased with the relaxed programme, which allowed more time to spend with our hosts.

The visit to the Bunker in La Rochelle was a highlight, but our owl in the garden is a lasting reminder of the plant sale at Domaine de Pere.
Jan and Kate.

The best thing for us was how welcoming all the French Twiners were, genuinely very happy to see all of us. Their hospitality was second to none.

We were very lucky that we stayed two days with Christian and Joel and two days with Arlette and Francis. Both couples want to visit us outside of twinning time next year.

Driving there, we were able to enjoy more of France and the lack of traffi c on the roads made it more enjoyable. We did 1,027 miles plus two four-hour ferry crossings.
Richard and Sylvia Steane

Friendship, fun, fantastic food and interesting visits are all part of the twinning trips.
Tilly and Pete.

As you can see everyone remarks on the friendship that exists between Marans and Barrow, why not join us and experience it for yourselves? You can ask the editor@ barrowvoice.co.uk to pass on your contact information or you can contact:

Ted Rodgers (Chairman) Tel: 01509 416533

Helen Duxbury (Secretary) Tel: 01509 552867

Val Gillings