In late August 2018, members from Battle Twinning Association spent a very enjoyable weekend with our friends in St Valery.
Enroute, there was a visit to Chateau Hardelot, a neo-gothic castle constructed by an English industrialist during the nineteenth century on the ruins of an ancient fort. This has been restored as a joint Anglo-French project and has a copy of the Globe Theatre in its grounds.

On arrival in St Valery, there was a Vin d’Honneur at the Hotel de Ville, where the Mayor, M. Stephan Haussoulier, warmly welcomed everyone.Two embroidery panels showing scenes from the Bayeux Tapestry were unveiled. St Valery had worked a scene showing Norman ships leaving France and Battle had embroidered the arrival of these ships on the English shore in 1066.

Members spent the evening enjoying the hospitality of hosts in their homes. On Saturday, there was an outing to Long on the banks of the River Somme. An exquisite eighteenth century chateau was the first stop. It had been restored by its owners who had also created extensive gardens with views over the surrounding countryside. After lunch in a charming riverside restaurant, members visited one of the world’s first hydro-electric stations.

On Sunday, the large market on the banks of the Bay in the centre of St Valery was a great draw for local specialities. After a group lunch in a country hotel, fond farewells were made as we set off to return home.