Thame’s French ‘twins’ share the Christmas spirit & raise funds too!

Still on a high from their fantastic weekend in Montesson for its Christmas market, last week, Thame and District Twining Association set up their stall again on Friday for the Thame Christmas Lights Switch-On, hoping that the weather would stay fine and that the crowds would turn up!

Thame Twinning’s Chair, Linda Emery receives a special Christmas gift

At the same time, next to them, Huguette, Catherine, Janine, Elisabeth, Jean-Pierre and Michel from Thame’s twin town, Montesson quickly set up their “crêperie” and excellent selection of good value wines.

“No-one was disappointed,” said Sue Mottram, Secretary of Thame and District Twinning Association. “Sales started slowly, but as night fell, the crowds materialised and we were overwhelmed with customers. In fact we sold out on the tombola! The French contingent were equally pleased with their sales but were especially pleased to serve crêpes to Year 3 pupils from John Hampden who had been sent vouchers from their twin class in Montesson. The children were taught to ask for their crêpe in French – this was a great way for them to see that being able to speak another language is a useful skill.”

John Hampden School in Thame, recently ‘twinned’ with Ferdinand Buisson school in Montesson, and have already swapped Christmas presents and are looking forward to sharing a Skype call next Friday to meet each other.

The Montessonais set up again outside the Town Hall on Saturday, and by mid afternoon had only a few bottles left. Once they had packed away their stall, they did some Christmas shopping in the High Street, an expedition that included a visit to The Book House to buy children’s books for the grand children back in Montesson – and a trip to the pub for a well-earned pint of English beer.

Meanwhile members of Thame Twinning were busy preparing for the evening Christmas Party, making soup, puddings, making and wrapping Christmas presents for their guests, decorating the town hall and sorting out the Christmas music. A very amicable and fun evening, which included the customary visit of ‘Father Christmas’ who took time out of his busy schedule to make an early delivery to Thame’s special guests who were thrilled at being included and spoiled!

Sue continued: “Members and guests shared an excellent supper of home-made soup and desserts, cheese and wine and a drink or two while we chatting about the weekend’s events, but the real highlight of the evening was the traditional singing of Christmas Carols. Thanks go to David Jackson for organising this part of the evening and to those who led the singing. The Montessonais were clearly anticipating and looking forward to this as they had prepared a short repertoire of their own. The grand finale was a fantastic rendition of Jingle Bells in French very ably and creatively led by Jean-Pierre.

“I sure I speak for everyone when I say that there was a lovely atmosphere and a real feeling of being amongst friends.”

The provisional date for the Spring visit by the Montessonaise is May 10-12, 2019, and once the date has been confirmed in the New Year, Thame Twinning will be looking for offers of help with hosting.