SUNSHINE, smiles and signing ceremony, with the usual generous dash of bonhomie, were the main ingredients for a successful Civic visit to Rambouillet, to reaffirm the oath of sharing language, friendship and cultural ties between Great Yarmouth and it’s French twin town.

Representing Great Yarmouth Borough Council last weekend, were mayor Cllr Barry Coleman, managing director Richard Packham and former mayor Cllr Tony Smith, joined by their wives, with Monsieur Gerard Larcher, mayor of Rambouillet and president of the Senate for the French Government and Madame Janine Christienne, councillor with responsibility for twinning, also representing Rambouillet.

Originally signed in 1956, the Twinning Charter is one of the longest-surviving such agreements in the UK and the Yarmouth twinning association is looking to strengthen links between the towns’ respective young inhabitants, whether that be with schools, choirs or various clubs.

Vice-chairman Brian Granger said: “We are lucky to have such a lovely town and welcoming people to twin with, so we owe it to our young generation, as well as our people of more mature years, to make the most of it.”

A highlight of the visit was a concert on the Saturday evening when a choir from Yarmouth joined with a choir from Rambouillet to entertain in the church of St Lubin. This was followed by an organ recital by John Stephens, director of music at Yarmouth’s St Nicholas Church. The association is looking forward to welcoming the French choir to Yarmouth next year for a repeat performance.

Anyone interested in finding out more about Rambouillet and Yarmouth’s French Connection, contact the Great Yarmouth and Rambouillet Twinning Association: chairman Mrs Hilary Evans on 01493 393416, email hilaryevans.294@tiscali.co.uk or vice chairman Brian Granger on 01493 604803, email brianggranger@hotmail.co.uk