Buntingford Twinning association celebrated 30 years since the first exchanges with Luynes during this year's visit by our French counterparts.

The party from Luynes numbered 54 and included many children - the youngest of whom was only six. They arrived by coach and were joined by 4 Spanish twinners from Buntingford's twin town of Ólvega who joined the French visitors on their days out.

On Thursday they all went to London, where Covent Garden always seems to be a firm favourite and Friday they went to Ipswich for the first time.

Saturday was spent with their host families.

The highlight of the trip was the soiree where all twinners met up for an evening of socialising and entertainment.

Cockney London was our theme for the evening with some members of the committee and their husbands or wives dressing up as Cockneys.

We all enjoyed a Hog Roast provided by butcher Jeff Pigg, followed by traditional English puddings - treacle tarts, trifles and apple pies. A barrel of beer was provided by the Buntingford Brewery and was given the name of "Entente Cordiale".

Our guest of honour was the Pearly King of Peckham (George Major) who was accompanied by his daughter as his Queen and his granddaughter as his Princess.

He was a huge success and managed to speak to almost everyone during the meal. The Cockney Disco and Singsong was provided by Dave Austin who not only made the souvenir song books but was the genius behind our gift to Luynes -a photo-album come scrapbook of our 30 year history.

Our return visit to Luynes will be Sat 25- Weds 29th October which has been chosen deliberately because it will be half- term so that children can be included and new twinners are always welcome.

Plans so far include visiting the market at Richelieu and the château at Chambord.

The next trip to Spain will probably be in August but is still in the planning stage.

Anyone can be included in both hosting or on the trips to France and Spain.

For further information about Buntingford twinning or the meal, please contact

Jean Cook jean.m.cook@tesco.net Tel: 01763 271495