Henley Falaise Leichlingen Twinning Association

MEMBERS of the Henley Falaise Leichlingen Twinning Association visited our twin town of Falaise in Normandy from May 24 to 27 after a break of five years.

This marked the second part of the 50th anniversary celebrations, the first part having taken place in October, when a delegation of 40 Falaise residents visited Henley.

The visit to Falaise was particularly moving as it took place two weeks before the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings on the Normandy beaches (June 6, 1944).

The people were very thankful for Operation Overlord because, despite suffering heavy bombing by the Allies, the town and surrounding areas were freed from German occupation.

It was Canadian armed forces who fought and won the battle of Falaise Pocket, liberating the town on August 17, 1944.

During our visit, several members of the association took the opportunity to visit (with their hosts) the sites of the Normandy landings and the associated memorials.

The British Normandy Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer is beautiful, moving and respectful and has a brilliant art installation, Standing with Giants, which will remain in position until the end of August.

This represents the 1,475 fatalities that occurred under British command on June 6, 1944.

It was a community project set up in 2019 by Oxfordshire artist Dan Barton and a group of local volunteers.

This year’s visit was, as always, convivial and fun.

Within our party of 24 people, there were those who were renewing existing friendships and those who were visiting Falaise for the first time.

All the guests stayed in family homes, making the most of the opportunity to improve their spoken French and to enjoy the well-known French hospitality. Sampling the local apple and pear beverages (Pommier, cider and Calvados) was high on the agenda of the hosts.

It also goes without saying that both guests and hosts relished the opportunity to put the world to rights during extended, delicious meals.

The visit began on the Friday evening with a formal mayoral reception at Falaise town hall, the Hôtel de Ville.

After canapés and a glass of Crémant, there were speeches by Hervé Manoury, Mayor of Falaise, Serge Loock, chair of the Falaise Jumelage, and Sue Fitzsimons, chair of the association.

Guests then left to spend the evening with their hosts.

On the Saturday morning, most guests took the opportunity to visit the market in the recently refurbished market hall.

This was a chance to see and sample local fare, including the distinctive Norman dish Teurgoule, which is cold rice pudding with spices.

There was also a fascinating selection of locally grown fruit and vegetables on
display.

Following this, guests could enjoy dancing demonstrations from various local artists as part of the annual spring show Danse de Tous les Sens. Guests and hosts came together in the evening to enjoy a special dinner at the Pressoir, previously a cider press.

During aperitifs, guests were entertained by a young folk group playing lively French folk songs while after dinner another small band played an impressive range of French and other songs, eliciting lively audience participation.

Dinner itself was a spectacular five-course feast.

What a special evening that was.

The Sunday was left free for guests and hosts to do as they pleased.

Apart from a pre-booked delicious three-course lunch at an auberge, there were opportunities to visit local gardens, chateaux, villages or the coast.

We were spoilt for choice — the area surrounding Falaise is so beautiful and interesting.

We are looking forward to seeing our Falaise friends in Henley in spring 2025. In the meantime, twinning friends from Leichlingen will be coming to Henley in October and we are currently planning the itinerary for this visit.

If you are interested in taking part in these and other twinning activities, we would love to welcome you to the association. Please get in touch by emailing HFLTA73@gmail.com

Sue Fitzsimons