A GROUP of Redditch councillors took a trip to France last weekend to visit the twinned town of Gruchet-le-Valasse in Normandy.
The group, Friends of Gruchet, who paid for the trip out of their own pockets, visited Redditch’s twin town in Northern France to learn about its history and culture, as well as forge friendships with its residents.
Leader of Redditch Redditch Borough Council, Bill Hartnett, who has visited Gruchet many times, said: “We were welcomed with open arms and great hospitality and enjoyed a packed weekend with theatrical productions, visits to manor houses, gardens and museums and even a boat trip.
It was also a chance for us to practice our French. Our hosts they said how touched they were by Redditch’s support over the past few months following the tragic incidents in Paris, Nice and Normandy.”
Coun Hartnett and Mayor Joe Baker were treated to a traditional open air theatre performance and visited the Benedictine Museum for a taste of local history.
Following his very first visit to the town, Mayor Baker said: “I was very pleased to attend the twinning visit to Gruchet-le-Valasse as mayor of Redditch. It was a fun-filled event and I was made very welcome by the mayor and his team.
“The twinning visits are an essential part of keeping friendships and international relationships and I look forward to welcoming a group from Grouchet to Redditch in the coming years.”
