On Saturday 19th December a committee from St Just in Penwith travelled to Huelgoat, Brittany to complete the first signing of the twinning agreement between the two towns.
A focus on the sharing of cultures, sports, food and arts between the two communities featured strongly in the document that the St Just Mayor, Monty Nicholls and the Huelgoat Mayor Corentin Garrec signed whilst witnessed by both committees.
The towns have much in common; both relied on mining in the past and now in the present tourism and the arts are their main sources of income. The young people were highlighted in the agreement for it is felt that a greater understanding of other cultures is best developed earlier on.
The reception put on by the French committee was second to none. The morning started with coffee and croissants on arrival and was followed by Champagne and canapés to celebrate the signing of the agreement. Breton bagpipes were played whilst the Cornish Flag of St Piran was raised outside the Mairie. The Cornish committee returned the gesture by singing all verses of “Trelawney”. A chance to tour the town and visit it’s many talented artists was next on the agenda. Then a luncheon at the local hotel, serenaded by a local jazz band was provided to finish off the celebrations.
For the twinning to be completed we are expecting the French committee in St Just in the Spring to sign the agreement on Cornish soil.