Headley-Corné
  
Twinning Association
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Headley-Corné twenty years of friendship.
(Vingt ans d`amitié)
Headley and Corné commemorated twenty years of twinning with a marvellous weekend of celebrations in Corné, a French town set in an idyllic location on the Loire Valley.
Some travelled by car whilst children of Headley Youth Football Club and supporters went a rather scenic or long way via Calais to reach their destination by Saturday lunchtime. The trip was extended by the French Fishing dispute which meant the shortest sea crossing became a mini cruise as ferries had to wait at sea waiting for a space to dock.
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| Arriving in Corné they were met by their French Hosts, who showed fantastic hospitality. A number of children were a little bit apprehensive about spending time with a family whose language they had little understanding, but they needn’t have worried, football is a universal language - so too was the playstation and X box when there were some periods of time when the families were together. For the adults amongst us, the language barrier provided an exciting challenge. One dinner party had red faces all round as a simple conversation about cheese and crackers translated into French as when the English ate Cheese they smoked dope as it was an English tradition!!!
The boys from Headley Youth Football Club took part in the football game against players from AFC Corné which was a fantastic experience. It was played with Great Spirit and in a tightly fought game Headley won the game 2-1.
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| In the evening the twenty years of friendship was recognised with a function held in the town hall. It was a grand affair as this special relationship was celebrated with music, dance and song. Gifts were exchanged, a lovely tapestry from the hosts whilst a wonderful oak bowl, turned by Simon Horrocks was presented by James Hadfield. Mention was made to the memory of Gordon Wrigley who was instrumental in the original linking. The following day a communal picnic was held and whilst the children could carry on with their football, the adults had an opportunity to learn French Country dancing and try traditional bread and fillings.
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| Some families went and explored the local area and in particular the local town of Angers whilst on the Loire a festival of the water was being held.
Doves of friendship were released and the last night was spent with the host families.
Monday morning and it was time for the Coach to return to England. Fortunately it was not back the same way and the Ferry this time returned to Portsmouth. Originally it was due to leave from Cherbourg but as the port was blockaded it meant going from Caen thus enabling another couple of hours extra in France. There was time to have an interesting stop at le Mons race track when there was time to go around the car museum and to briefly see the race track. The Coach then headed for Falaise, the birthplace of William the Conqueror and a guided tour had been laid on for those wanting to explore the castle whilst others went around the D-day Museum. The group eventually got back to Headley early on Tuesday morning.
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From the football club grateful thanks to East Hampshire District and Headley Parish Council for their help and support .
Memories of the weekend will last a lifetime and hope very much that in 2009, when it is Headley's turn to host, that the weekend will be as hospitable. For anybody interested in finding out about becoming part of Headley Twinning please contact James on 01428 717427
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