We travelled by Eurostar and TGV as in previous years – an opportunity to get to know other members during the journey.  Heavy traffic as always crossing Paris, but our 2 cheerful taxi drivers made a pleasant and speedier diversion via Place des Vosges to Gare de Bercy.  Four chose the faster metro instead.

On arriving in Nevers, our hosts met us on the platform and whisked us homewards to wash off the dust, before joining up again an hour or so later for a delicious 5-course gourmet dinner in a timber-beamed restaurant out in the countryside.

We were 18 this year.   For 5, it was a first visit and they were successfully matched with their hosts, and here are some of their comments:  “The first surprise was just how welcoming our French friends were; not only when they greeted us warmly at the station but every time we gathered for coach trips, and on our departure.”  “Although I recounted my previous traveller’s tales fairly inadequately, we all laughed a lot.” 

Friday was a free day spent with hosts: we heard tales of a cycle ride to the vineyards, time spent in the beautiful gardens at Aprémont, exploring the historic centre of Nevers, a visit to the costume museum at Moulins, and lazy walks along the banks of the Loire.

On the Saturday morning we had an interesting guided visit of the massive Chateau de Saint-Fargeau, dating from the 15th century with later additions; we had time to explore the maze of small passages and rooms on the lower floors, and to see the wonderful toy collection.

Then to the castle of Guédelon, a project begun by the current owner of Chateau de Saint-Fargeau.  Guédelon is being constructed using medieval tools, materials and methods. We saw the progress made since our visit several years ago, and plenty of continuing activity.  “Guédelon was very interesting, particularly watching the craftsmen at their work.  The rope maker was a real character who enjoyed involving and teasing the young people which was fun for all.”

After a free Sunday morning, a completely different experience awaited us in Street Art City (just outside Lurcy-Lévis).  The drab buildings of an abandoned Telecom training site are transformed inside and out by vibrant murals, graffitti, portraits – think Banksy on a grand scale. A privately-run, non-profit enterprise, artists from all over the world come here to experiment and display their work. It’s certainly a talking point and a hive of creativity.

Our stay in Nevers came to a close the following morning, as we awaited the train back to Paris, and the invitation was extended to the Amicale to visit us in St Albans next year.

To conclude: other quotes from newer members of the FoN, “I look forward to hosting next year and visiting Nevers again in 2021.”  “An active long weekend, full of new impressions and newly forged friendships. Unforgettable experience”  

On March 2nd we held our Spring social evening, combining a bring and share supper with an auction of French wines given to us by the Amicale last year.

The bottles auctioned were good quality wines that retailed in the UK for approx £20 – £25.  This was a fun event that, combined with our traditional raffle, raised over £90.

We were pleased to welcome some new members and enjoyed getting to know them over supper and catching up with old friends and acquaintances.

The evening included a light hearted quiz which was completed in groups, giving us the opportunity to exercise our brains.

 The event raised over £300 which will go towards our expenses when the Amicale visit us in 2020.

The Amicale visited St. Albans at the beginning of June 2018.  This was a slightly extended visit allowing them to see more of the surrounding area.  During their visit they spent a day with their hosts and had 2 day trips, in addition to a meal at the Old Albanians.  The meal was attended by the Mayor of St. Albans and finished off with entertainment from a Ukelele band .

Arriving at the Old Albanians

Enjouing a welcome drink on the terrace

During their free day our English hosts provided a range of activities depending on the interests of the guests.  A 10 year old visitor from France attended a local primary school for a few hours before being given a tour of St. Albans.  Others were taken on walks in the surrounding area, whilst many visited the new exhibition of a mosaic replica of the Bayeux tapestry at St Albans Cathedral.

On the Friday they were treated to a ride on the Grand Union Canal, a very different experience to canals in France.  They could have a go at opening the locks and had a fish and chip lunch.

We visited Bletchley Park on the Saturday, where our visitors could learn in more detail about the Enigma Machine and the lives of staff who worked there.  This included leartning about the war fought in the skies by birds – yes the homing pigeons that took messages, and the Falcons used to take them down!!

It was a lovely day out and the good weather meant many people could picnic in the grounds by the lake.

After this we called in to Stockwood Park in Luton for a walk around the gardens and carriages and for some tea and cake before returning to St. Albans.

Can you guess the object? was the main activity for our autumn social evening held on 4th November 2017.  Guests were given bags of objects and had to guess what they were.  This was the second time we have held this event and it proved as popular this time as the first time we did it a couple of years ago.  The objects ranged from a Indonesian drinking bottle made from coconut shell to plumbing tools and lace making equipment.  The table that got the most correct received rounds of waxed cheese as a prize.

Prior to this activity we had held our annual AGM and had a fish and chip supper.  The committee were re-elected for another year, and a vote of thanks given for all their hard work.   The evening ended with a raffle.  It was a very enjoyable evening and we look forward to the next event in spring 2018.  The money raised will go towards events when our french friends visit St. Albans next year.

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.