The Mayor of Nevers came to St. Albans on an official visit for the weekend of the  22nd/ 23rd/24th of July.  He was a guest of the Mayor of St. Albans and followed an intensive sight seeing programme of the local area.  Andrea Berry a committee member of the Friends of Nevers was asked to act as interpreter and took part in the weekend.  Some other committee members also joined in the official meal at Veer Dhara One.  Below is Andrea’s amusing account of the event, in rhyme.

The Mayor of Nevers came to town

With a delegation all of his own.

The aim: to further connections

Well before the next elections.

Business, school, indeed all organisations

Will benefit from improved relations

As Denis’ expertise in technology

Will combine with his methodology

To increase not only Anglo-French communication

But also global twin town job creation.

 

A morning of St. Albans history

Was followed by the mystery

Of an oh so English game of cricket –

The poor French not coping with the wicket

(For which there is no translation in either word nor deed).

 

Our efforts to welcome were well received

The Nivernaises above all relieved

To have time to shop at M&S

Before returning à l’hôtel to dress.

 

The finest local cuisine was savoured:

The Indian banquet amazingly flavoured.

Gifts were exchanged; and sad to part

The French left with St Albans within their heart.

 

 

 

23 people travelled to Nevers for our exchange visit in June this year, some to renew old friendships and 5 new people visiting Nevers for the first time.   We travelled by Eurostar to Paris, sharing taxis between Gard du Nord and Gare de Bercy, arriving at Nevers station early evening were we were greeted by our hosts who had all gathered to welcome us.

The Amicale had arranged a full day’s outing to the city of Bourges and we enjoyed an interesting guided tour of the Palais Jacques Coeur built in the 15^th century for the wealthy merchant.  It was the weekend of  the Bourges Medieval Fair, and after a typical French lunch, there was time to explore the cathedral and the market stalls.

Later, we were taken for a walk in the unique Marais district on the edge of the city centre, where allotments are separated by narrow water channels and the owners access their plots by punts, a haven for wildlife too.

During the weekend, we had two free days to spend with our hosts and to see the various attractions in Nevers itself and nearby.  The beautiful gardens of Apremont by the River Allier, the small medieval city of La Charite-sur-Loire and the costume museum in Moulins were among the places that people visited.

The evening dinner, held in a Nevers restaurant, was attended by visitors, hosts and other friends – about 60 people – and gifts were exchanged between the Amicale and the Friends of Nevers.

On the journey back to London, it became clear that new friendships had been made and the visit was voted a success.  We look forward to welcoming members of the Amicale to St Albans next year.