EAST BERGHOLT AND BARBIZON TWINNING ASSOCIATION

Our weekend of hosting 52 visitors from Barbizon, including 20 children, started on a glorious
afternoon in late May. Rupert and Sara Eley provided a welcome reception in their beautiful
gardens complete with resident peacock. Their generosity also included free access to the gardens
for guests and their hosts for the duration of the visit.

The fine weather continued the following day for the trip to Landguard Fort, Felixstowe and
Woodbridge. A fish and chips lunch was the choice for many: one was especially pleased that a
gluten free option was available.

Saturday was another hot day. Joan Miller kindly welcomed us to her home for a barbecue lunch
cooked by Stephen Miller. As in the previous visit three years ago, East Bergholt Bowls Club then
welcomed us for an introduction to the game, a knock out competition and refreshments. It was a
lovely way to spend the afternoon in their company.

The final event on Saturday evening was a group meal at the Constable Hall. During pre-dinner
drinks and speeches, certificates were presented to Carole and Ted Wheatley and Joy and
Michael Scott as the longest serving East Bergholt residents. Joy, as in all previous visits hosted
Jacqueline and Michel Marty who were also presented with their certificate. The Barbizon party
included Jean-Pierre Delobel and his sister Denise who were present, as children, at the first
twinning occasion. For those who had the stamina, an opportunity to line dance was the
entertainment at the end of the evening.

It was an early start for the return journey but all arrived safely back in Barbizon.

There were about 70 residents who were involved in hosting the visitors and the committee are
grateful for their contribution in making the visit so successful. We also thank Stephen Miller for his
hard work especially with catering. The committee also thanks East Bergholt Parish Council, East
Bergholt Community Council, Suffolk County Council and Babergh District for their grants.

There will be an opportunity to visit Barbizon in 2027 and in 2029 we will again be the hosts, when
it will be the 50th Anniversary of Barbizon Twinning.

Margaret Macallan