Friends of Triel

Leatherhead and District Twinning Association

Recent Exchanges

Visit to the UK, May 2018

Friends of Triel

In May 2018 we hosted our friends from Triel. Thirty-six 36 Triellois arrived on English shores on Thursday 10th – Sunday 13th May. We are grateful to our 19 hosts for giving everyone a warm welcome to Leatherhead, Bookham and Ashtead. This is the first year we have not held a civic reception, instead we welcomed our guests on a warm summer evening to a drink and nibbles in the Leatherhead URC Hall. Simon Ling, the Chair of Mole Valley District Council and Paula Hancock, Chair of our Twinning Association opened proceedings; Nicole Jussesrand, Chair of Amitié Européene, re-sponded. Marie-Claude responded on behalf of Joel Mancel, the Mayor of Triel who unfortunately had to cancel at the last moment. The buzz of conversation and the warmth of the greetings marked a good beginning of the visit.

The next day a coach took us to Arundel for our day out. We had a great time being guided around the castle and then exploring the gardens. After eating our picnics, or maybe fish and chips we explored the town, its antique shops and old buildings, or enjoyed tea and cakes by the river or in Belindas, a 16th century tea room which has a quirky collection of teapots. That evening there were bring and share suppers in 4 homes across our area. These informal suppers mean that we have time to share together, friendships deepen and the twinning is strengthened.

We had intended to visit the Isabella plantation, with its magnificent azaleas and rhododendrons, but the coach was unable to take us. Some did make it and were really pleased they made the effort. Some others took their guests into Guildford and explored the Castle, wandering through the colourful blooms of the Castle Gardens, “Better than Arundel” was the verdict.

Tyrell’s Wood Golf Club did us proud with a delicious buffet. Atlantis treated us to music that ensured most of us were gigging at some point in the evening. Our gift to the Triellois were 2 classic English roses.

Sunday morning we said our fond farewells promising a return visit in 2019. At the moment there is some uncertainty about when we will be able to make this visit. We will be able to update you at the AGM. Finally it is good to know that our local wines are being enjoyed in Triel. Here are a group of Triellois tasting the other part of our gift – a selection of Denbies wines.