Five members of the Saint-Nazaire jumelage visited Falmouth between 14th and 18th March 2024. The visit coincided with the annual Operation Chariot commemoration in Falmouth and the visitors were hosted by members of the FTA for their stay.

Having travelled overnight, they were quite tired when they arrived at Peter and Iris's house to meet their hosts and spent the rest of the day relaxing.

Friday 15th March

Started with a guided walk through the town that included the Art Gallery and the Saint-Nazaire memorial on the pier.

After a light lunch at the Maritime Museum, the group was given a guided tour of the museum.

In the evening, 17 twinners met at the Harbour Lights Restaurant for Fish'n'Chips. The food was fantastic and we had a lovely evening together.

Saturday 16th March

We all met at the Castle for a tour but the weather had closed in so we dispersed to other activities. Our guests we taken to Truro for a visit to the cathedral and a close look at the café culture.

In the evening the twinners were invited to the Mayor's Reception at the Princess Pavilion. Two councillors, a teacher and tree students, all from Saint-Nazaire, joined us. We were treated to a seated buffet and prosecco.

Sunday 17th March

Everyone met for a commemoration on the pier at the Operation Chariot memorial. It was a very moving service that was extremely well attended. After the service we marched back to the Atherton Suite where our guests were introduced to pasties and neat navy rum.

The afternoon was at leisure with the hosts and in the evening we were treated to a delicious farewell meal at the Penmorvah Manor Hotel. I couldn't fault the meal, nor the service and the evening flew by full of fun, laughter and a few farewell tears.

Monday 18th March

The hosts brought their guests to Peter and Iris's house for a last goodbye. The left around 11 a.m. and visited the Eden Project and Lanhydrock on their journey back to Plymouth for the overnight ferry to Roskoff.

This was the inaugural visit of what we hope will be a long and lasting relationship between our two towns. In the short space of these few days friendships were forged that will last a lifetime. it was amazing to see how the two groups gelled. We have already been invited to visit Saint-Nazaire in September.

Fish'n'Chips at the Harbour Lights

Penmorvah Manor Hotel

The Mayor's Reception