Friends of Triel
Leatherhead and District Twinning Association
Recent Exchanges
Twinning Exchange to UK, May 2018
In May 2018 we hosted our friends from Triel. Thirty-six 36 Triellois arrived on English shores on Thursday 10th – Sunday 13th May. We are grateful to our 19 hosts for giving everyone a warm welcome to Leatherhead, Bookham and Ashtead. This is the first year we have not held a civic reception, instead we welcomed our guests on a warm summer evening to a drink and nibbles in the Leatherhead URC Hall. Simon Ling, the Chair of Mole Valley District Council and Paula Hancock, Chair of our Twinning Association opened proceedings; Nicole Jussesrand, Chair of Amitié Européene, re-sponded. Marie-Claude responded on behalf of Joel Mancel, the Mayor of Triel who unfortunately had to cancel at the last moment. The buzz of conversation and the warmth of the greetings marked a good beginning of the visit.
The next day a coach took us to Arundel for our day out. We had a great time being guided around the castle and then exploring the gardens. After eating our picnics, or maybe fish and chips we explored the town, its antique shops and old buildings, or enjoyed tea and cakes by the river or in Belindas, a 16th century tea room which has a quirky collection of teapots. That evening there were bring and share suppers in 4 homes across our area. These informal suppers mean that we have time to share together, friendships deepen and the twinning is strengthened.
We had intended to visit the Isabella plantation, with its magnificent azaleas and rhododendrons, but the coach was unable to take us. Some did make it and were really pleased they made the effort. Some others took their guests into Guildford and explored the Castle, wandering through the colourful blooms of the Castle Gardens, “Better than Arundel” was the verdict.
Tyrell’s Wood Golf Club did us proud with a delicious buffet. Atlantis treated us to music that ensured most of us were gigging at some point in the evening. Our gift to the Triellois were 2 classic English roses.
Sunday morning we said our fond farewells promising a return visit in 2019. At the moment there is some uncertainty about when we will be able to make this visit. We will be able to update you at the AGM. Finally it is good to know that our local wines are being enjoyed in Triel. Here are a group of Triellois tasting the other part of our gift – a selection of Denbies wines.
Twinning Exchange to France, June 2017
The exchange to Triel took place from Thursday 1st to Sunday 4th June 2017. 31 people including 3 children travelled to Triel with a two hours lunch stop break in beautiful city of Amines. On arrival in Triel, there was an unexpected reception in the conference centre where we had drinks and light refreshments with the Mayor and rest of the hosts. Thursday evening was spent with the host families.
On Friday morning the group departed Triel to visit the lovely château de Vaux-le-Vicomte (pictured). It was not crowded, but we did not enter the Château until 2 pm and the guided tour, athough interesting, was very long. This meant a late departure so we did not return until 7 pm. Small groups met together in the evening.
On Saturday 15 of the group with their hosts visited the Fire station which was well worth a visit. In the afternoon the group visited St Germain and evening finished with dinner dance at the usual venue of Coq a Vin. On Sunday there was a stop for lunch at La Coq Hardi in La Touquet where there was excellent food and great value. The group returned back to Leatherhead in the evening.