Ruthin 2006

This year it was Briec's turn to visit us and a party of 42 people from Briec, old friends and new, arrived in Ruthin in the early hours of 25 May after a hastily rearranged journey, the ferry originally booked having suffered storm damage a couple of days previously. Upon arrival, the guests were welcomed at Awelon by the Twinning Association chairman, David Smith, before departure to their host families in preparation for an early start next day. These photographs summarise the visits and entertainment. As for more formal business, the committees held a joint meeting at the end of day one. After a very happy stay - described by some of the visitors as 'the best yet - it's always good but this year you have taken it to a new level' , an excellent Sunday lunch was provided be members of the Association in Cae Cymro, Clawddnewydd, before departure and the long coach journey to Plymouth and thence to Roscoff. And so ended another successful visit.	The first day's outing was to Porthmadog, passing Llyn Celyn, where the significance of the drowning of Treweryn was explained. After a pleasant lunch by the coast, the Bretons enjoyed a visit to the Ffestiniog railway, returning by coach from Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Friday was spent in Llandudno, where the weather was kind despite a strong breeze. Our guests explored the town, its pier and shops before a superb lunch, provided with enthusiasm by a French chef at the Dunoon hotel. The wine was good too! In the afternoon, the unique Great Orme tramway took us to the summit, where despite the ever-stronger wind the views both inland and seaward were appreciated by all. In the evenng, we all set off for Ysceifiog village hall, where we were welcomed, fed and entertained by Clerical Error, the Morris Dancing group who had previously visited Briec, to much acclaim, for their festiavl. this was their way of repaying the warm welcome they had received in Brittany. Some of the entertainment turned out to be rather more than we might have expected......... On Saturday morning the 25 first-time visitors were given a guided tour of the town by Vernon. This included a visit to Nantclwyd y Dre, the historic house wqhere the restoration programme was explained, and the Gaol, where the monthly country market was taking place in the courtyard. The enterprising Briecois had brought their own produce and held their own stall. The Chairman of Denbighshire County Council entertained the party to lunch at the Gaol and civic gifts were exchanged. The afternoon was spent with families, making various visits, several enjoying a challenging walk in the Clwydian Hills, including Moel Menlli. Saturday was rounded off by an excellent meal at the Clwyd Gate restaurant, followed by singing together in four languages!