Last weekend Worcester Twinning Association welcomed visitors from the town of Vernon in Northern France to mark the 10th Anniversary of their Friendship Pact, which was signed in 2006 by the then Chairman Nevill Swanson. The delegation from Vernon included three Deputy Mayors, a Councillor and members of their Twinning Association, who stayed with host families. Rosemary Campbell, the Association's Liaison Officer for Vernon organised a varied and interesting programme of events, which culminated in a riverboat trip on Monday evening and an opportunity for everyone to see the wonderful firework display from South Quay, signalling the end of the Worcester Festival.

There are links between the Vernon family of Hanbury near Droitwich and the French town of Vernon. On Saturday the visitors enjoyed tracing some of the origins of their town name at Hanbury Hall owned by the Vernon family until 1940 on the death of the last occupant, Sir George Vernon, upon which it was bequeathed to the National Trust.

Shortly after attending morning service at the Cathedral on Sunday, the visitors and Worcester members alike climbed to the top of the Worcestershire Beacon for a splendid view of the surrounding countryside. Vernon is famous for it’s annual Cherry Fair during Pentecost and a visit to the Pershore Plum Fayre was a must for Bank Holiday Monday. This was followed by high tea at Besford, where the present Chairman of Worcester Twinning Association, Liz Smith, was on hand to cut the special anniversary cake and sample the delicious homemade sandwiches, scones, cakes and of course local strawberries and fresh cream. Members reluctantly said goodbye to the guests from Vernon on Tuesday morning and are already looking forward to celebrating another milestone in 5 years time.

ROSEMARY CAMPBELL