Twinning Association strengthens relationship

AFTER a two-year delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Llandeilo Twinning Association has visited the northern French town of Le Conquet to mark the 40th anniversary of their special relationship.

The towns have been twinned since 1980 and understood to be the longest standing twinning for Carmarthenshire.

A celebratory document was signed by Le Conquet’s mayor Jean Luc Milin, Llandeilo deputy mayor Christoph Fischer, chair of Llandeilo Twinning Association Tim Greenish and president of the Le Conquet Twinning Association Olivier Odorat.

Since establishing the twinning, residents of Llandeilo and Le Conquet usually meet once a year, alternating visits between Carmarthenshire and Brittany.

Guests are hosted by local families to get a flavour of each other’s cultures and way of life, and enjoy a variety of gatherings and activities.

Lifelong friendships have formed over this period of time and new ones develop every year.

Tim Greenish said: “We have been lucky with our twin town, as we couldn’t have been better suited.

“They are two beautiful market towns with their own character, both in areas with an active Celtic language and strong local culture, both charming destinations in their own right, welcoming and friendly.”

Christoph Fischer said: “This visit was my first and I was not prepared for the beauty of Le Conquet.

“I didn’t know it had such charm, such beautiful buildings and beaches.

“Most importantly, I’m stunned by the warmth of the welcome, the enthusiasm of our hosts and the instant bond I struck with our hosts.

“I can’t believe we had only one bus instead of three.”

This year’s trip entailed a joint committee meeting where plans were set for Le Conquet’s return visit to Llandeilo in April next year.

During this trip, visitors and hosts shared an evening of cheese, wine and music, a sightseeing trip to the city of Brest where a gala dinner with Breton music and dancing was held.

Tim Greenish said: “If anyone would like to get involved with twinning and join us on our next trip to Brittany, get in touch and they can come to one of our social events to meet us.

“As well as meeting our French friends when they visit.”

Llandeilo Twinning Association can be contacted via email at Llandeilotowntwin@outlook.com

LLANDEILO TWINNING ASSOCIATION After a two-year delay a bus-load of Llandeilo residents at last spent an extended bank holiday weekend in Le Conquet in Brittany to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the twinning of the two towns.