Theillay visit 2005

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June 2005
On Thursday 26th May the Party of 21 adults and 9 children left Nether Stowey on their bi-annual journey to their twinning town of Theillay in the Sologne region of France.

We caught the overnight ferry from Portsmouth to Le Havre, arriving at 8.00am Friday after a very good crossing. We covered the miles (Kms) quickly stopping at the beautiful town of Chartres for lunch, the temperature was quickly rising and we all caught the full force of the sun! We all were wishing that we had packed more sun dresses. Back on the coach for the final stage of the journey, as we had made such good time we had another short stop at Salbris by the side of a large lake, which proved too tempting to the younger members of the party (as well as some of the not so young). The wet member of the party soon dried and we were soon at our destination the Lovely village of Theillay. Here we were all made welcome with wine, juice and snacks and introduced to our host families with traditional bon homie.

Our family lived a few miles out we were told! Christelle and Oliver Gormeron, Christelle's mother lives in the village of Theillay, so after a short welcome from the french committee we all dispersed to our different locations. Chaumont-sur-Tharonne is definitely a few miles away! Through woods and passed lakes of cool water. The welcome we received was worth the extra miles, Oliver and Christelle have two very beautiful girls. Dinner with the family enabled all parties to practice Fronglasie and get to know each other. The girls soon established great understanding and were able to play together with little problem.

Saturday 28th
Up early and after a traditional French breakfast we set
off to Theillay for Lunch with Christelle's mother and father. Their garden was full of roses in bloom, and we enjoyed a lovely lunch in the shade of the house the temperature had risen to 30. After lunch we were taken to join the rest of our party for a visit to the town of Romorantin-Lanthenay on our trusty Berry's coach driven by Steve. The town is a mediaeval city once the favoured abode of Francois 1, ( King of France the same time as our Henry the 8, Field of the cloth of Gold fame). The ancient town has many interesting buildings, and situated on the river Sauldre.The visit finished in the fascinating Musee de Solonge, located in the centre of the town in the buildings of the old town mill, straddling the river celebrating the history and traditions of the Sologne region.

After a fascinating tour we headed back to the coach and were reunited with our French hosts in Theillay. That evening we had a great BBQ with the family and friends( Diddier and Florance). Together with their visitors Jane Gibbs and her children Henry and Harriet. We all had a very enjoyable evening.

Sunday 29th
Mother's day in France so the mothers were all given a lie in. We left after breakfast to have lunch with Diddier and Florance and Claude and Christelle. Another very memorial meal with traditional french flair. After a very long and boozy lunch we were all taken to Theillay to have Tea in the newly refurbished Chateau La Fregeoliere which is situated on the edge of Theillay beside the lake.

The owners were Dutch and made us all very welcome giving us a tour of the newly converted buildings. The annual competition this year was the game of Jenga, a number of games were played between all age groups with once again the English being the winner so we get to keep the cup for another year. After tea we had the presentation of gifts the English gave the French a giant game of Jenga as well as photograph of milestone under place name on entry to Nether Stowey, a bottle of whisky and the French gave the English a lovely picture commemorating 10 years of friendship visits between the villages, embroidered by Elizabeth. Then it was down to the lake for a picnic but unfortunately the weather changed and this was curtailed.

Everyone went back with their families for our last evening together. We has a quiet evening and then to bed for our early start in the morning and our long drive back home.

Monday 30th
Back to Theillay. On our way driving through the wood we were very lucky to see a wild boar amazing experience we had during the course of our journeys seen a number of deer but this was the first time we were privileged to see a live wild boar. In Theillay we were all very sad and tired after our very hectic weekend, we all had an amazing time and look forward to a return to these very hospitable people. The journey home was very good and we managed a short stop at a French Hypo Market to spend what was left of our Euro's. The ferry crossing was very calm no one was sea sick and we all arrived safely in Nether Stowey at midnight very tired.

If any one would like to add their comments just e-mail us. If anyone would like more information about the Twinning society or would like to join give Ann Hill a ring 01278 732488. More members are always welcome.

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