Exchanges
Over the years a number of groups and clubs have made the trip between Finisterre and the Vale of Clwyd. Here is a brief summary.
Football - in 1995 the youth team from Ruthin Town Football Club visited Brittany for fixtures against Langolen and Briec. These were close and competitive matches, with Ruthin just taking the honours. Two years later, Langolen Football Club brought their senior team to Ruthin - again, the Welsh got the win. The following year, Ruthin repeated the achievement in Langolen.
Ruthin Choir - this unforgettable visit to Briec by the best mixed choir in Wales took place in May 2003. Brilliant performances to large appreciatve audiences in Briec, Quimper and Pleyben were accompanied by some hilarious partying with their hosts. This was not the first visit, however, as the choir had also entertained the people of Briec in 1994.
Bagad Briec and Gwen ha Du came to Ruthin in August 1994 and provided a feast of traditional Breton music and dancing. They were back in May 1996 as the star attractions of Ruthin Festival. Separate visits brought them to the Festival again - Gwen ha Du in 1998, and the Bagad in 1999. In fact it was through the Twinning, and the desire to see these groups preforming in Ruthin, that Ruthin Festival was established. From these origins, the Festival has grown to become an independent and thriving event.
Farmers - In 1994, 35 Welsh farmers visited their counterparts in Briec. During September 1996 a group of 32 Breton farmers visited Ruthin to share experiences and interests with Vale of Clwyd farmers. They enjoyed a number of events including a 'Noson Llawen' in a barn at Glascoed.
Walkers - in September 2002 , a group of 20 Briecois visited Ruthin to undertake a number of walks in the area, along with their Ruthin friends. The highlight was a great day on Snowdon in magnificent weather. After going up the Pyg track, Christiane's birthday cake was enjoyed on the summit!
Majorettes - In August 1994 a group of 44 from the Ruthin majorettes - the Majestics - visited Briec and participated in several festive events.
Students - between 1994 and 1998 pupils from Ysgol Brynhyfryd enjoyed their foreign-language exchange visit with the two 'Collèges' of Briec. More recently, the visits have been made in both directions by individual students or small groups, either for work experience or simply to improve language ability, while making new friends.
Folk dance - in 2006 the Morris group 'Clerical Error' performed in Briec and this was a hugely enjoyable stay for both visitors and hosts.
... and in addition there are the many friendships which have developed, leading to many more family and personal visits