CORSHAM Twinning Association has returned from its trip to the France after celebrating a 30-year twinning link with the town of Jargeau.

About 70 association members flew to the French town in the Loire Valley, close to Orleans, on October 21 for their biannual trip.

Member Ian Brain, of Freestone Way, Corsham, said: “Everything went very well. It was a fantastic cultural exchange.

“We got to see a lot of sights, including the Sancerre Vineyard, where we did some wine tasting, and we also had a tour around a castle which is being built in a medieval fashion, which won’t be completed until 2025.”

Mr Brain said a dinner and awards ceremony was a particular highlight.

During the trip, the two towns participated in a number of challenges and sporting events, competing for the Henderson Cup.

The competition has run annually during twinning trips in England and France for the last eight years. This year Corsham’s team was victorious, bringing the overall score to 4-4 in the series.

Corsham Town Council chairman Peter Antsy, who was presented with the Henderson trophy, said: “The trip to Jargeau, my first with the twinning association, was fantastic. We had a full and varied programme of activities organised for us.

“The whole trip was efficiently organised by the French association, who treated us to some amazing trips, to Sancerre and the castle site.

“I’d also like to praise Corsham Twinning Association for all their hard work and efforts in organising the trip. They are a great credit to our town. A particular highlight for me was the performance by our town band, who travelled out to France. They were fantastic.”

Corsham Twinning Association is now already planning for next year’s twinning event, when it will play host to guests from Jargeau.