Falmouth and Saint Nazaire strengthen ties
Last month, a delegation of eleven members from the Falmouth Twinning Association, including two former mayors, embarked on an enriching week-long visit to Saint Nazaire.
Falmouth and Saint Nazaire Strengthen Ties Through Cultural Exchange
Last month, a delegation of eleven members from the Falmouth Twinning Association, including two former mayors, embarked on an enriching week-long visit to Saint Nazaire, Loire-Atlantique, further solidifying the friendship between the two towns.
This visit followed a group from Saint Nazaire’s participation in the 80th annual Operation Chariot commemoration held in Falmouth earlier this year on 24 March. Operation Chariot, otherwise known as ‘the greatest raid of all’ has connected the two towns and their communities since World War II, and recent efforts have sparked interest in establishing a permanent twinning arrangement.
During their week in Saint Nazaire, the Falmouth delegation enjoyed a series of engaging activities that highlighted the historical significance of Operation Chariot. Highlights included a guided tour of the dock and submarine pens, pivotal targets during the raid, and a visit to a museum in Batz-sur-Mer, which is dedicated to the German occupation and fortifications in the area. The museum featured an impressive bulkhead door from HMS Campbeltown, recovered from the seabed decades after the raid.
The Falmouth group received a warm welcome at the Town Hall, where they were greeted by Deputy Mayor Céline Girard-Raffin. Peter Downie, Chair of the Falmouth Twinning Association, presented a commemorative plate to the Saint Nazaire Jumelage, while Councillor Steve Eva gifted the Deputy Mayor two informative books about Falmouth.
Throughout the week, the delegation explored picturesque villages and ports, enjoying delightful lunches each day. A river trip on the Brivet, a tributary of the Loire, showcased the region’s rich wildlife. Evenings were filled with social gatherings, culminating in a memorable “BYO” buffet featuring a stirring performance by local sea shanty group “Vent Arrière,” which included a heartfelt rendition of “Cornwall my Home,” specially learned for the occasion.
This visit marks the beginning of what is hoped to be an annual exchange between Falmouth and Saint Nazaire. As Saint Nazaire boasts a larger twinning association, the Falmouth Twinning Association is actively seeking new members to enhance their engagement. Interested individuals are asked to get in touch with the Falmouth Twinning Association.