Friday 18th June – National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas.
The party visited the Arboretum and attended the daily act of remembrance in the chapel. Flowers were then laid at the Phantom Memorial (to members of the SAS operating in Eastern France in 1944). They were protected by the villagers of Moussey, who were subsequently punished by the Gestapo.
Photo 1: Mme. Aimée Hannequin, Pithiviers Twinning Chair, lays a spray of flowers whilst Geoff Cort, Ashby Twinning Chairman looks on.
After lunch the group was entertained by “Lola Lamour” singing songs of World War II and after. Audience participation was encouraged!
Photo 2: “Lola” and 2 French guests performing an Andrew Sisters’ number.
Saturday 19th June – Ashby-de-la-Zouch.
The day left families free to organise their own activities and in the evening there was a concert by Ashby Concert Band and the Pipes and Drums of the Seaforth Highlanders. This included a rousing performance of “Highland Cathedral”.
Sunday 20th June – “Official Day” in Ashby-de-la-Zouch.
After a service at St. Helen’s parish church the party moved to Manor House school, where the official Welcome was given by Ashby’s mayor to the mayor of Pithiviers.
Photo 3: Mme. Bonneau, Mayor of Pithiviers, presents Mr. Jim Hoult with the civic gift from Pithiviers, a book of mementoes covering the 50 years.
Mr. Hoult then presented Ashby’s gift, an engraved silver platter.
The party then had lunch in the school hall and were entertained by Gresley Male Voice Choir.
At the end of the afternoon an “It’s a Knockout” competition was arranged between French and English teams. The result was a shocking 5:1 win for France!
Photo 4: The English team playing “The Guttering Game”.
Monday 21st June – Ashby-de-la-Zouch
The day began with a guided visit to Standard Soap in Ashby, where all visitors received a gift of cosmetics and saw production in progress.
Lunch was then provided at the Royal Hotel and afterwards Ashby Museum conducted an historical tour of the town.
Photo 5: A group walks by Ashby Castle.
At the end of the afternoon the French Theme window dressing competition was judged. The prize of a crate of champagne was won by “Fabulous Fabrics” of Market Street with the Dolce café second.
Photo 6: Mme. Hannequin presents the prize for the Window Dressing Contest to Mr. and Mrs. Smith of ”Fabulous Fabrics” in Market Street.