On our arrival at the town centre we were immediately confronted by dozens of gendarmes. However, they turned out to be friendly and were just about to begin their annual commemoration ceremony. This included a march through the town with their own musical accompaniment followed, as far as we could tell, by a visit to le pub. We were met at the Chapelle des Carmes in the main square by a representative from the Tourist Office together with Sophia Boursot who was to be our interpreter. Dating from 1679, the building was originally a Carmelite convent but has also been used as a town hall and a market hall. It is now the Office de Tourisme. The town visit included the old underground wheat vaults which had only recently been opened up again and which had served a less benign purpose during the War. Also en route was l'Eglise Notre Dame de Grâce dating from 1503. The ‘gothic’ stained glass windows incorporated during the late 19th century restoration were quite fantastic.

By this time, refreshments were definitely required and the group made its way to ‘Boursots Wine Collection’ a few metres down the road. This establishment is run by Guy and Sophia who are well accustomed to fulfilling the requirements of English, and indeed French, visitors to the town and to their shop. It’s worth looking at their web site http://www.boursot.co.uk/ which is packed full of useful information and offers. Guy had selected a number of whites, reds and sparklings for us to try and buy while we tucked into a magnificent spread of cheeses, pâtés and biscuits. Having loaded a vast quantity of economically priced cases into the coach we set off for what proved to be a very crowded Cité Europe. Perhaps a Saturday afternoon during the run up to Christmas was not the best timing!

This trip proved very popular and will be repeated in the Spring. That will give us the chance to try out some of the town’s excellent bistros and to have a look at some of the many other attractions attraction which Ardres and the surrounding area have to offer.

Whilst these and other changes bring to an end a lengthy period of uncertainty and some problems within the conseil d’administration, the loss of Brigitte is a very sad one for us in Southborough. She has been in the thick of the organisation for 14 years as an active supporter and as a proactive organiser of many trips and projects in France, in Britain and in Germany. Recently Brigitte played a prominent role in our 15th Anniversary celebrations and also in the Armistice commemorations which took place in September.

Our very best wishes go to Brigitte and to her husband Pascal. Hopefully we will see them again on future occasions. In the meantime we look forward to a continuing active relationship with the ‘new look’ committee in our twin town.