Earlier this month Dursley welcomed six visitors from Bergerac in France for the first official twinning visit between the two towns.
Bergerac is located in the Dordogne region, known for its world class vineyards, historical sites and picturesque landscape. The delegation included the Mayor of Bergerac, Jonathan Prioleaud, who met Dursley’s Town Mayor, Alex Stennett.
They discussed formalising the twinning of the two towns, common interests such as sport and music, and how links can be established. Following a welcome reception with the Dursley-Bergerac Twinning Committee volunteers, the group had a full day, and evening of visits and activities planned. On the 12th, in the glorious sunshine, the group stopped at Coaley Peak Viewpoint to admire the stunning landscape views across the Severn Vale, on their way to Woodchester Valley Vineyard for a private tour to see how their award-winning wine is grown and produced locally.
This was followed by a visit to another award-winning venue the Old Spot Inn in Dursley. Once rested and fed, the group took a walk along the Cotswold Way National Trail through the town to the Heritage Centre for a quick visit and on to join in with a game at Dursley Bowls Club.
The group took in St James Church before making their way to Leaf and Ground for presentations and press interviews. The evening saw the group receive a warm welcome at Dursley Rugby Club and a delicious BBQ cooked by the Dursley Lions. This was enjoyed with the company of representatives from many of Dursley’s fabulous community organisations and groups.
The Dursley Male Voice Choir entertained the crowd with song, receiving a standing ovation for their performance. After what was a very busy visit, the visitors departed for home on 13th August with both groups looking forward to September, when a delegation from Dursley will visit Bergerac to sign the official twinning agreement. Dursley’s Town Mayor, Councillor Alex Stennett said: “It has been a really good start to the twinning process with a chance to get many of the interested groups together to discuss current and future activities.
“With so many opportunities for cultural and educational exchange the future certainly looks bright.” For anyone interested in joining the Dursley-Bergerac Twinning working group, please contact the Town Council or email: dursleytwinning@gmail.com
