There could not have been a warmer welcome for a group of twenty visitors from the Western Valleys of Cumbria. Host families and a large number of people from the town, a hundred people in all, gathered in St Martin's new Salle de Fêtes to witness the signing of the Twinning Charter between the Western Valleys of Cumbria and St Martin d'Auxigny, enjoying a meal together while watching the Rugby World Cup Final on a large screen. And all cheering for England! One of the highlights of the event was the moment of total surprise when the first notes of God Save the Queen rang around the building as David Killick signed the charter on behalf of Western Valleys. Unnoticed by anyone, the town's band had come into the back of the Hall.

St Martin d'Auxigny is a small town of just over 2000 inhabitants, some two hours south of Paris in central France. It is a pretty, forested, rural area which has apple growing as its main industry - many of the dessert apples sold in English supermarkets are grown there. The signatories were the presidents of the two twinning associations, David Killick for WEVA, Genevieve Malherbes for St Martin and Fabrice Chollet, Mayor of St Martin.

WEVA exists to encourage all kinds of links between our two communities, based on home to home hospitality. Originally centred in Wasdale and Eskdale, it has now expanded to include the whole of the CA19 and CA20 postcode area, and friends elsewhere. Hence our use of the generic title "Western Valleys of Cumbria".

The official signing was at the heart of a full programme. The celebrations started with a brief and welcoming speech from the President of the Regional Council, continued with very enjoyable concerts from a local choir and a traditional music group. The following day saw the last formal events. Having been asked which tree would be appropriate to plant to commemorate the twinning, we had had no hesitation in selecting a red-berried rowan. Following the tree planting, everyone involved in the twinning joined in an informal parade through the centre of town behind a cart drawn by one of the large black donkeys unique to the area (see insert photo). Riding in the cart were a number of the children of the families involved. The combination of Sunday's busy market, our parade and the children in the cart made for a lively hour which culminated in an open invitation to everyone to call into the Town Hall and meet the English group over a drink.

The rest of the programme included more usual activities. We visited the local nursery and primary schools, enjoyed wine tasting at two of the local vineyards and had a tour in a "little train" around the mediaeval centre of Bourges, the nearest city.

To have reached formal twinning only two years after the first personal contacts and three group visits proves how well the inhabitants of two areas understand and appreciate each other. Already a number of strong personal friendships have, developed. We are now beginning to plan the return visit, which will take place sometime next year, as well as discussing possible future developments. If you would like more information about WEVA please contact: David Killick: killick.wasdale@btinternet.com 019467 26258, or Steve McLeod: steve.yvonne@tiscali.co.uk 01946 822982