Michelmersh and Timsbury Twinning Association
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Welcome to RyesThe villages of Michelmersh and Timsbury are twinned with the French village of Ryes, Normandy. Ryes is a small village situated 6 Km from Bayeux, famed for its historic tapestry, and just 3 Km from Arromanches and the D-Day landing beaches. The Twinning Association offers you a unique opportunity to explore this fascinating area of France in the company of the people of Ryes, who are always delighted to share with us their local knowledge and their local cuisine. Le Jumelage (Twinning) is a great chance to brush up your French language skills, perhaps to have a go at conversing in French for the first time or maybe just to enjoy good company! How it all beganThe relationship between the villages began in 1980 when the Michelmersh and Timsbury football team visited France for a friendly match, to be followed the next year by a return visit from Ryes. Over the years that followed the visits gained momentum and popularity until in 1985 Michelmersh and Timsbury officially twinned with Ryes, and the relationship was sealed. What we doSince 1985, the association has gone from strength to strength, with many friendships formed over glasses of wine and Calvados (a local speciality of the region). The annual Twinning visit usually takes place in May, with the people of Michelmersh and Timsbury either visiting Ryes or playing host to our French visitors in alternate years. The visit to Ryes typically involves a morning ferry crossing from Portsmouth to Caen and two nights spent in France, accommodated within the homes of our French host families. It has become our custom to spend one evening having a communal meal together in a local hall or restaurant, whilst spending the second evening with our host families. A daytime excursion is typically arranged to some place of cultural or historic interest. Last year we visited Giverny, the home and gardens of Claude Monet. The reciprocal visit to Michelmersh and Timsbury usually follows a similar pattern, with English families playing host to our French visitors. This year we took our visitors to Longleat House and Safari Park. Join in the funM&T Twinning Association currently has around 50 members, and new members of all ages are always most welcome. We charge an annual membership subscription for the purpose of funding the visit from the French - typically we have to find funds for an excursion and an evening meal. We also hold a series of social and fund-raising events during the year, including the annual Petanque competition and barbecue. If you would like to join us, the annual membership fee is £12 per adult, £6 per child (14 years and under). Please contact any of the officers below, or email aynsley@btinternet.com |
2008 Visit to Timsbury & Michelmersh |
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The dreadful weather in the days leading up to the Twinning weekend had us rather concerned However, from the time we picked up our French friends at the ferry port in Portsmouth, on Friday 2nd May, the weather was perfect. On Friday evening we held a garden party, with a Hog Roast (with real crackling!), a 6 piece jazz band – “Jazz Handz” – games (Jenga and Boules) and fireworks. A cake was cut by the chairpersons of both Associations, to celebrate 25 years of friendship between the two villages. It was a wonderful evening enjoyed by all (une grand fete), and our grateful thanks go to Joy and Mervyn Hodges, who made their beautiful garden available and put in many hours of work preparing for the event. Thanks also to everyone else who helped make the evening such a success. |
On Saturday morning, bright and early, we boarded the Isle of Wight ferry for our visit to Osborne House. We had lunch in the restaurant at Osborne, then looked round the house and gardens before getting back on the coach for a short tour around the eastern end of the island, with an entertaining commentary from the driver, with translation into French by Josiane Kelly. We stopped off at Shanklin and Gods Hill and then returned to East Cowes for the 18.30 ferry. Sunday morning was spent with host families, and in the afternoon we gathered at Portsmouth ferry terminal to bid our visitors a noisy au revoir, after what everyone agreed had been a most enjoyable weekend and a fitting tribute to 25 years of friendship. 
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OfficersChairman Peter White, Newlands, Stockbridge Road, Timsbury. 01794 368394 Secretary Richard & Sylvia Croxall, Barn End, Stockbridge Road, Timsbury. 01794 368853 Treasurer John Aynsley, Riverdance, Stockbridge Road, Timsbury, Romsey SO51 0NF. 01794 367245 aynsley@btinternet.com Hon. President Peter Pritchett-Brown Committee Vanessa George, Jane Mayor, Jean Moody, Joy Hodges |