VISIT OF LA BRISE D'ANJOU APRIL 28TH TO 3RD MAY 2011

by Margaret Rowe, Sunday, 5th June 2011

The French coach drew up at Mab's Cross School at 6.30pm, an hour earlier than expected, on a lovely warm sunny evening. Before long all the Hosts arrived to meet them and take them home for an evening meal.

On Friday morning there was an opportunity to relax at leisure after their long journey and to share with their hosts all the excitement of the Royal Wedding - visitors and hosts all enjoyed watching this on the television.

In the afternoon a canal barge trip was arranged from Riley Green to Wheelton. The weather was perfect and the beautiful countryside was at its best. Music from both la Brise D'Anjou and Scottish dancing were played, and there was even some dancing in the centre passage between the tables. Everyone enjoyed tea or coffee with freshly baked scones, butter, jam and cream - a delicious treat! The journey home was over Rivington close by the area where the moorland fires had started that day and they saw the flames stretching across the moors and the fire engines dealing with it all.

On the Saturday morning we all gathered at the Museum of Wigan Life where the group was given a Guided Tour of the museum with translation by Mirosa, a charming young guide; then up to Market Place in the Town Centre where an hour display of piping, Scottish Country and French Folk music and dancing, was provided for the people who were out in Wigan that day. It was lovely to see the performance with all the colourful costumes shown to their best in the beautiful sunshine. Later there was an opportunity for our visitors to see the town.

In the evening members and friends celebrated the 35th Anniversary of the Thistle Society and the 20th Anniversary of the Twinning of the two groups at the Wigan Cricket Club. We all enjoyed dancing displays, and joined in with each others dances, Lawrence Hoy gave a lively performance of Lancashire songs, Joan Bradbury, in both French and English gave an amusing recitation about S.C.D. and Leah Anders, accompanied by Tom Mullen on his pipes, danced the Highland Fling. Everyone enjoyed a traditional Lancashire hot pot followed by apple pie and cream. We closed in the traditional way with Auld Lang Syne. It was a fantastic evening!

On Sunday morning the party set off for the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry. La Brise D'Anjou found it a most interesting visit exploring the underground passages in the Station Building, viewing the engines in the Power House before crossing the road to stop for a packed lunch in the Picnic Area. After that they explored the Aviation Building. Finally we returned to the textile machine room for details of how everything worked in the mills in those days. Fortunately, Ed (Reid) was able to translate clearly all that the attendant told us, so that the French were able to understand all the workings and machinery.

On their return to Wigan there was just time to have a quick freshen up before meeting for family “get togethers� giving the opportunity for hosts and visitors to have time together, to share and enjoy singing and dancing and a meal in relaxed surroundings.

Monday was a day to enjoy the music and the dancing from both groups at the two venues, Haigh Hall and the Heskin Farmers' Market. The costumes were shown off to their best in the beautiful sunshine and the setting just in front of Haigh Hall was perfect. From there we travelled over to Heskin Farmers Market. The wind had come up and was blowing music papers and the coiffs of La Brise D'Anjou so we had to dance inside. However, an excellent display was provided even though there was not quite so much room. To close a Farandol was danced which brought in all the performers and spectators an excellent end to the afternoon.

The last evening was spent at St James' Social Club where there was dancing for everyone. A delicious buffet supper was enjoyed followed by a presentation by La Brise D'Anjou of a special plate and box of wine. The evening closed with Auld Lang Syne.

At six o'clock on Tuesday morning the hosts waved the party off for the long journey back to Angers in the Loire Valley. We were all tired, but very happy after a most happy and successful visit.

The Thistle Society is very grateful to everyone who planned and worked for this visit and to all those who so generously provided hospitality. We hope that lasting friendships have been made and that there were will be visits by families to Angers.

We have enjoyed 20 years of lasting friendships and hope this will continue to grow. We know that some of our hosts are already arranging visits to Angers this year and in the future.