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Race Night a Winner!
Very many thanks to those of you who supported our recent race night. It seemed to be greatly enjoyed by those who came along and entered into the spirit of the evening with great enthusiasm. It increased our funds by over £600 and completes the task we set ourselves to raise money to finance the first part of the formal twinning in Bathford in October 2005. More of that later. Special thanks to Colin Priston who masterminded the evening.
Accommodation
From information received from Artannes, it sounds as though about 65 people will be coming to take part in the October event, so our need is quite considerable. Most of you will have been approached regarding accommodation for our guests and I am grateful for the very satisfactory response we have had so far. While I am getting close to having the requisite number, I still need some more to cover any last minute problems or withdrawals. So, if you have not been approached by a member of the committee or responded to my previous appeals but can help out, do please get in touch. Basically it involves offering up to 4 nights B&B (nights of 27, 28, 29 and 30th) and a meal on the evening of their arrival. On other days their meal arrangements will be included in the programme but we might ask you to give them a light lunch on one other day. It is not necessary to be able to speak French as we will match language abilities of guests and hosts.
I should also add that hosts do not have to accompany guests at all events and visits. I'm sure many of you will wish to spend some time with them in this way but it certainly need not be a total commitment.
July Visits
There had been a suggestion that a party would come over from Artannes in July and many of you kindly offered accommodation for that time. To me it never really seemed like a good idea for them to make two visits in one year but I think it arose because they have been coming in early July from the start. Anyway, it turns out that they have had a huge option expressed for the October visit and the July idea has been dropped!
However, thanks are due to the many residents of Bathford and Kingsdown who made offers for July.
Formal Twinning News
As you know, our dates are now firmly fixed and we are heavily engaged in putting a programme together. The second part of formal twinning will take place in Artannes in 2006 and although we have not yet agreed a date, we are hoping for one in spring or early summer. I will contact you all as soon as it is fixed.
In the meantime, I thought you would like to know how our October programme is shaping so I am devoting the last part of the newsletter to this end. I hope we shall see you at some of the events and I will try to indicate those which will be open to all. Because of size limitations of meeting places in Bathford, it is taking some ingenuity in sorting these events out!
Twinning at Bathford, October 2005 - Programme
(Most of the party will come by coach and this will be used to transport the group whenever possible.)
Thursday 27 October:
Approx 19.30 hours - Artannais Party arrives at Parish Room for formal welcome. Introduction to hosts. Depart for host houses and dinner.
Friday 28 October:
Morning -Talk & Slide Show in the Parish Room - National Trust speaker. (Open to all.) Soup & Ploughman's Lunch in Hall
Afternoon -Visit to Tintern Abbey by coach. (Although anyone is welcome to go, the idea is to send the party out, with minimal accompaniment, to give free time to hosts and those involved in preparing for the evening.)
Evening - Group dinners in various houses. (A chance for those who cannot offer accommodation to meet some of the visitors. Although we will be seeking hosts and hostesses for this, cost recovery of food provided will be given.)
Saturday 29 October - The Twinning Ceremony & Charter Signing:
Morning - in the Parish Room - Formal Exchange of Greetings
Address(es) by Regional MEPs
Special Musical Items
Charter Signing - Mayor of Artannes & Chair of Bathford Parish Council
Celebration drink - probably Somerset Cider
(Open to all but seating limited by hall size - otherwise standing room only.)
Afternoon - French party at leisure with hosts.
Evening - Celebration Dinner at Selwyn Hall, Box. (Unfortunately it has been necessary to use a venue outside Bathford due to numbers involved.)
Toast by MEP Gordon Watson, who has local connections.
Musical entertainment by Nick Breeze Trio and others.
(Considerable availability of tickets for this dinner - price in due course.)
Sunday 30 October:
Morning - Special Service in the Parish Church or accompanied Village Walks.
Traditional Sunday Lunch - in two or three pub locations. (Availability of places.)
Afternoon - Option: Dyrham Park or places of interest in Bath. (All welcome.)
Evening - Farewell Supper. An evening of Fun & Games at the Cumberwell Park Golf Club. Finger Buffet and bar. (Availability of places for this event.)
Monday 31 October:
The party will be making an early departure, probably about 08.00 hours, as they want to be back in Artannes by evening.
Final Note
I am going into hospital on 8 May and am unlikely to be carrying out normal Secretarial duties for a couple of weeks or so. In my absence, please contact Colin Priston who is standing in for me.
Contact Colin by phone on 743499
E-mail: cpriston@iname.com
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