Annual Quiz Night 16th November 2019
Annual Quiz Night 16th November 2019
What is the only English anagram of the French word 'croûton' ?
What is the speed limit in France on departmental roads outside built-up areas ?
When and in which city will the summer Olympic Games next be held ?
Who was the owner of Manderley ?
What is a kir ?
What is the aboriginal name for Ayers Rock ?
Who came from the Ladies' Seminary ?
A tetradactyl is an animal with how many toes ?
These were just a few of the questions that had everyone scratching their heads at our annual quiz night held at Carnon Downs.
Thanks to all who were involved in organising the evening. Everyone had lots of fun and a great time, also enjoying the drinks, snacks and Cornish Pasties.
(ps. Answers are contour, 80 km per hour, Tokyo 2020, Max de Winter, Crème de Cassis with white wine, Uluru, three little maids, four)
Language Immersion Exchange - Visit to Truro October 2019
We welcomed a group of nine Twinners from Morlaix to Truro for the annual language immersion visit in English, from Fri 25th to Mon 28th October. Each of them was hosted in a different TMTA member's home to give them opportunity to speak in English and to experience everyday life here.
Despite the very wet weather on Friday and Saturday, everyone seemed to enjoy the weekend. On the last evening hosts and 'immersees' all got together to chat and for the awarding of the Certificates to each participant to mark the effort they had made.
Our 2020 schedule of visits will start on 19th March when we will have the opportunity to travel to Morlaix for a long weekend of immersion in the French language.
40th Anniversary Visit of Truro Twinners to Morlaix September 2019
We once more celebrated the 40th Anniversary of Truro-Morlaix Twinning, during our September 2019 visit.
We would like to thank all our Morlaix friends for their warm hospitality and welcome, and for their considerable efforts in organising such an enjoyable and memorable program of events. We are also very appreciative of the continuing support and involvement of the local dignitaries in Truro and Morlaix.
We travelled on the overnight sailing from Plymouth and were met at Roscoff ferry terminal, on Friday morning 20th September, with a warm welcome from our hosts.
On the Friday evening we were treated to a buffet meal at St Martin des Champs – one of 3 boroughs that adjoin Morlaix, and which are part of the Truro-Morlaix Twinning Association. The evening was hosted by the Mayors of the 3 boroughs of St Martin des Champs, Plourin-lès-Morlaix and Ste Sève. We were very pleased to welcome them to Truro in May 2019 as part of the French Twinning visit and were delighted to be greeted by them on our return visit. In their welcoming addresses they expressed appreciation to everyone who had worked over the years to sustain and develop the Twinning, and sincerely hoped that the association would continue to flourish and grow in strength over the years ahead.
Saturday morning provided an opportunity to explore Morlaix and to do some shopping in the bustling Saturday market.
At 11am we met outside the town hall, entertained by Breton musicians and sampled local delicacies at a Twinning stall set up by our hosts.
An exhibition recording the history of Truro-Morlaix Twinning over 40 years was on display at the Town Hall entrance.
The official reception and anniversary celebration were hosted by Mme Agnès Le Brun, the Mayor of Morlaix. Also in attendance was Bob Smith our Mayor of Truro, as well as the three Mayors of the adjoining boroughs of Morlaix.
The welcoming addresses once more stressed the necessity and sincere desire to further develop the close links between our two communities
Official registers were signed by the respective dignitaries and gifts exchanged.
The Mayors signed a renewal of the Twinning Charter.
Also a document marking the exchange of library books was signed by the Mayors of Morlaix and Truro, and by Margaret George and Hervé Bernard - the respective Chairs of Truro and Morlaix Twinning. Books from Truro Library are now available to borrow in Morlaix Library, and Morlaix Library books available to borrow in Truro Library.
The Mayors signed a renewal of the Twinning Charter.
Also a document marking the exchange of library books was signed by the Mayors of Morlaix and Truro, and by Margaret George and Hervé Bernard - the respective Chairs of Truro and Morlaix Twinning. Books from Truro Library are now available to borrow in Morlaix Library, and Morlaix Library books available to borrow in Truro Library.
On the Saturday evening we attended a delightful organ and choral recital at the picturesque l’Eglise St Mathieu, along with visitors from Chelm in Poland who are also twinned with Morlaix.
On Sunday afternoon we gathered with our hosts for a guided walking tour around Morlaix. We visited various sites with our guide Corinne Le Noan, including the old tobacco factory and narrow cobbled streets in the old quarter.
On the Sunday evening we enjoyed a Dinner Dance held in the village of Penzé, about 15 minutes drive from Morlaix.
After our meal, live music was provided by Breton musicians and we had a go at some Breton dancing, helped along with the steps by our hosts !
On the Monday, a boat had been chartered to take us for a 3 hour cruise from Morlaix to Roscoff, along the Rivière de Morlaix. It continued through the Baie de Morlaix to the open sea sailing past the ferry port.
At the mouth of the bay, we passed the Château du Taureau, the Île Louet, and the Île Noire Lighthouse.
The Château du Taureau (far left) was originally constructed in the sixteenth century by the inhabitants of Morlaix to protect the town from English looting – obviously this was well before the advent of Truro-Morlaix Twinning !! It is now a historic monument and can be visited on short trips between April and September.
The Île Louet (centre) is now a spectacular but somewhat isolated holiday home. The whole island, with accommodation for up to 10 people, includes a 19th century lighthouse, a quaint cottage and panoramic views. It can be hired for a very reasonable 578 euros for 2 nights, but you would not want to return very often to the mainland. The private boat costs 115 euros return for the short 5 minute crossing !
The Île Noire Lighthouse (far right) was built in 1845 replacing a 1775 day beacon, and serves as a front range light for the channel into Morlaix.
The Château du Taureau (far left) was originally constructed in the sixteenth century by the inhabitants of Morlaix to protect the town from English looting – obviously this was well before the advent of Truro-Morlaix Twinning !! It is now a historic monument and can be visited on short trips between April and September.
The Île Louet (centre) is now a spectacular but somewhat isolated holiday home. The whole island, with accommodation for up to 10 people, includes a 19th century lighthouse, a quaint cottage and panoramic views. It can be hired for a very reasonable 578 euros for 2 nights, but you would not want to return very often to the mainland. The private boat costs 115 euros return for the short 5 minute crossing !
The Île Noire Lighthouse (far right) was built in 1845 replacing a 1775 day beacon, and serves as a front range light for the channel into Morlaix.
We passed the ferry terminal and then docked at Roscoff harbour, spending a few minutes in the town before returning by coach to Morlaix.
During the voyage tributes were made to Truro twinners Bill Anderson and Harry McGill who sadly passed away a few weeks earlier. Glasses were raised in remembrance of both twinners, and a moment’s silence was held coinciding with Bill’s funeral happening at the same time on Monday afternoon in Truro.
On Tuesday 25th September we gathered at the ferry port in Roscoff. We once again thanked our hosts for their great hospitality, said au revoir and à bientôt, and travelled back to Plymouth on the afternoon sailing.
On Tuesday 25th September we gathered at the ferry port in Roscoff. We once again thanked our hosts for their great hospitality, said au revoir and à bientôt, and travelled back to Plymouth on the afternoon sailing.
40th Anniversary Visit of Morlaix Twinners to Truro May 2019
Twenty nine of our friends from Morlaix arrived on Friday 17th May, and left late afternoon on Monday 20th May '19. We have been most grateful to the Truro Council Gardens department for providing a special 40th anniversary display opposite the Trafalgar Roundabout in Truro.
On the Friday afternoon we visited the emergency disaster relief charity 'ShelterBox' based in Truro and learned of their invaluable work around the world. Our visitors spent Friday evening with their hosts, and on Saturday lunchtime everyone enjoyed a Cornish pasty and cider lunch hosted by Alison and Brian.
On the Saturday evening a Reception and Celebratory Dinner attended by 80 people was held at Truro school. We were privileged to welcome the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Cornwall, the Mayor of Truro and the Deputy Mayor of Morlaix, and were most grateful for their addresses to us.
We were also very pleased and privileged to welcome the mayors from the neighbouring towns of St. Martin, Ste. Sève and Plourin, who had made a special trip to Truro to celebrate our Twinning's 40th Anniversary.
After dinner we were treated to a performance by Cornish male singers, '8 in a Bar', and at the end of the evening the first of two special celebration cakes was cut.
On the Sunday morning, everyone put on their hiking boots for a woodland walk around Trelissick Gardens, and this was followed by lunch at the Linden Hey café nearby.
On the Sunday evening we held a Bring and Share supper at Carnon Downs village hall, which was very well attended by everyone who enjoyed a feast of items brought along.
Our final event on Monday morning was a walk around Victoria Gardens in Truro, and a talk about its history by Bert Biscoe, Deputy Mayor of Truro and local historian, and Barrie Cooper Head Gardener.
Other events 2019
Other events 2019
Our annual cream tea afternoon was held on Sunday 16th June '19. Many thanks to Jean and Bill for hosting an excellent event, and to everyone who helped with the food preparation and the washing up afterwards !! It stayed dry and the gazebos provided a lovely al fresco afternoon, despite the occasional gust of wind.
The Annual General Meeting was held in March. As the usual venue of the Council Chamber was out of action, the meeting was held on the top floor of Truro Library, and it was very well attended. Extra chairs had to be brought in! There was the usual wine beforehand, plus nibbles, although not as varied as on previous occasions due to the different venue!
The annual Immersion visit to Morlaix took place In March 2019 with participants absorbing the French culture and language, each one staying in a French home. Certificates were presented at the end of the long weekend.
A board games evening was held In February 2019. We met at Carnon Downs Village Hall playing everything from snakes and ladders, and dominos to scrabble. Hot pasties were served during the evening, and a fun time was had by all.
A quiz night at Carnon Downs Village Hall, challenged everyone. The quiz was followed by Chilli con Carne, prepared by the committee. January 2019
Events 2018
Quiz and pasty evening at Carnon Downs Village Hall. November 2018
Quiz and pasty evening at Carnon Downs Village Hall. November 2018
Eddie Jones Boules Tournament 2018
The annual Eddie Jones tournament was held at the Boules pitch in Boscawen Park on Sunday September 2nd, 2018.
Deputy Mayoress Marian Chester presented the prize to the overall winner Lilian Polkinghorne, and to the runner-up Margaret George.
She also presented the Penrose Trophy to Denis Hendy.
Deputy Mayoress Marian Chester presented the prize to the overall winner Lilian Polkinghorne, and to the runner-up Margaret George.
She also presented the Penrose Trophy to Denis Hendy.
Annual Visit of Morlaix Twinners to Truro May/June 2018
Our French friends arrived in the evening on Thursday May 31st, and left late afternoon on Monday June 4th.
On Friday we had the Civic reception in the City Hall, followed by pasties and sandwiches.
Our French friends arrived in the evening on Thursday May 31st, and left late afternoon on Monday June 4th.
On Friday we had the Civic reception in the City Hall, followed by pasties and sandwiches.
We then had a guided group visit around Tregothnan Gardens.
In the evening we enjoyed a Bring and Share supper at Carnon Downs Village Hall with entertainment provided by Mike, Christian and Bob, with some input from Linda!
On the Saturday we had a coach trip to Heartlands in Pool, where we saw the various exhibits, and enjoyed the gardens and the cafe.
Then on to the Telegraph Museum at Porthcurno where we had a picnic lunch before having a talk and demonstration. We then had free time to wander and look at the relatively new exhibition, and explore the tunnels. Sheila McGill presented the Museum with a sample of an undersea cable which had been in her family for many years, one of her family having been the captain on the ship which laid it.
On Sunday we all met up at the Greenbank Hotel in Falmouth for a traditional Sunday lunch. A perfect setting for showing off our beautiful Cornish scenery to our guests.
Thanks to Barrie for a very pleasant and interesting walk on May Day 2018, taking in the history of Devoran.
The AGM was held in the City Hall in Truro.
Our Crepe evening this year took place at the home of Barrie and Sandra in Tresillian. Jean prepared the delicious crepes and provided the extras to go with them. A good number turned up to enjoy the food and the company. There were plenty of goodies for the raffle and the evening enabled a healthy profit to be added to our funds. All profits go towards hosting the French when they come to stay with us.
Our New Year lunch took place at the Penventon Park Hotel in Redruth.
Our Murder Mystery evening took place at the Carnon Downs Village hall in November 2017. See the news page for a report.
Sir Tinley A Leaver and Lady Wynne de Meersfan (who won one of the prizes for the best name).
The French from Morlaix came to Truro for their main visit in September 2017
Eddie Jones Boules Tournament in September 2017, followed by a BBQ. The weather was not brilliant!