Cornwall and Brittany have traded for thousands of years, especially in tin, and it seems likely that both regions could even share the same ancient ancestors. There was a great wave of emigration from south-west Britain in the 5th and 6th centuries, involving hundreds or even thousands of settlers from the south-west British peninsular resettling to present day Brittany. This, it is said, may have been to escape the Saxons who were aggressively invading south-west Britain from the north. The impact of this emigration is abundant everywhere with the commonality of the Breton and Cornish languages, common place names and Saints' dedications. The coastlines look similar and Brittany even has its own St. Michael's Mount. Sentiments of close attachment between the two principalities have continued to the present day, with twinning of Cornish and Breton towns, and with more formal regional ties being maintained between Cornwall County Council and the Département of Finistère.
Avenue de Truro in Morlaix was inaugurated in the following year on 5th May 1984. It was a joint twinning event with not only Twinners from Truro present, but also those from Wurselen in the west of Germany. The two roads Avenue de Truro and Avenue de Wurselen were inaugurated at the same time, with a ceremony held on the junction between the two roads. On the day it was described as 'the Crossroads of Europe' !
Both roads as they are today, with images from Google maps.
Avenue de Truro in Morlaix runs for around 1 km, in the suburb of Kerscoff, which is about 2 km north of the Morlaix town centre.
Morlaix Avenue in Truro carries the A39 from Falmouth, along a dual carriageway, for around 1 mile from the western approaches of Truro to the Trafalgar Roundabout in the City Centre. It passes the passenger ferry boat terminal, on left of photo, for boats to St. Mawes and Falmouth, about a one hour trip along the River Fal and 'Carrick Roads' estuary.
What we do . . .
Welcome to the Truro-Morlaix Twinning Association web-site.
Where are we ? Truro is a small city located in Cornwall in the south-west of England. The town of Morlaix is located in Brittany, approximately 30km south of the Brittany Ferries port of Roscoff, in the north-west of France.
How long have we been an association? We were created in 1979 by the two Mayors, Mr JJ Cléach of Morlaix and Mrs DM Ansari of Truro, and we celebrated our 40th Anniversary this year in 2019 !
Who are we? We are a group of people from in and around Truro who have a love for France and want to socialise with like-minded people. People of all ages and backgrounds are members, and we are delighted at the growing number of children who are members.
What do we do? We regularly hold social events, organise trips to France, and hold a highly successful Immersion course in France. Each year we take a large group of members to Morlaix for a long weekend. Most of us stay in the homes of local people and then offer a similar hospitality when they come to Truro.
Never been to France? Then this is the ideal way to find out about the country: You have the support and protection of a large group going with you. All the bookings are taken care of - you just turn up.
Don't speak French? You don't have to, as many of the French speak English, and you will soon pick it up! All communication throughout the official annual twinning visits to Morlaix and to Truro is in both english and french. Language Immersion annual visits, however, are conducted in the host's language - french in Morlaix and english in Truro.
Uneasy about staying in someone's home? You don't have to be as we try and match you up with a similar family/age group etc. But if you prefer, you can pay to stay in B&B or a hotel.
Bit short of money? For the official annual twinning visits there is no problem. Apart from the transport cost to Plymouth and the discounted ferry fare, if you stay with a Morlaix twinner then all you need is a small gift for your host. Everything else is paid for, including all your food and entertainment. Participants of the language Immersion visits, however, will normally be expected to pay their own share for outside activities, eg. visits, where costs apply, although hosts are asked to be mindful of not visiting places that cost money, unless specifically asked to do so.
Not much room at home? It is not necessary to host in order to join and take part. All we ask is that you support our fund-raising events throughout the year. If numbers have to be limited for official twinning visits to Morlaix, priority will be given to active participants of the association.
A bit shy or on your own? We are a friendly lot who welcome individuals and families of all ages as well as groups, societies and associations to join us. We usually have social/fundraising events once a month which give you the opportunity to meet our members and make friends.
Run out of reasons not to join? Click here to find out how to.
Please note: the association is unable to help those seeking employment in France.
Our Aims . . .
The Worldwide Twinning Movement aims to foster peace and understanding between peoples of different nations through the forging of friendships at the grass roots. We strive towards having a better understanding of and relationship with our European neighbours. One of the most enjoyable ways of achieving this is the rapport established through twinning, by families, individuals, special interest groups and businesses.
The Truro Morlaix Twinning Association has consistently followed those aims over the last 40 years. From a small start in 1979 the association has grown and many friendships have been formed that have even survived members moving away from the twin town.
In recognition of the Twinning Associations, L’Avenue de Truro and Morlaix Avenue were inaugurated in the early 1980's.
As well as the individuals and families that take part in the annual visit to Morlaix, there have been many groups and organisations that have forged links with their Breton counterparts. These include: the Ramblers, Pencalenick School, Truro Minors Football, Tattered Swans Morris Dancers, Dandy Cloggers, Fire Service, Police, Treliske Hospital, local schools, Truro College, youth groups; Chacewater Choir and many others.
The annual visits of the French to Truro or the English to Morlaix have also been occasions for increasing the understanding of the local and cultural histories of the towns and people as well as the surrounding areas of Cornwall and Brittany.
We have had the occasional bumpy ride over the channel, but this is soon forgotten in the warm welcome, good food, fine wine and interesting activities !!
