Falmouth Welcomes Twinning Committee from Saint Nazaire, Brittany π«π·π€γγπ¬π§
On Monday, Falmouth Town Council had the pleasure of welcoming the Twinning Committee (ComitΓ© de Jumelage) from Saint Nazaire in Brittany, France, for a special visit to the town.
On Monday, Falmouth Town Council had the pleasure of welcoming the Twinning Committee (ComitΓ© de Jumelage) from Saint Nazaire in Brittany, France, for a special visit to the town. The French delegation was led by President JosΓ© Lhinores and Vice President Sophie Mauduit. They were hosted for lunch in the Council Chamber by the Town Mayor, Cllr Alan Jewell, in the company of Deputy Mayor Cllr Tom Pearce, who represents Falmouth Town Council on the Falmouth Twinning Association. The Town Crier also took part, formally welcoming the visitors to Falmouth.
The visit was arranged by the Falmouth Twinning Association, reflecting a shared commitment from both towns to establish formal twinning links. Both Falmouth and Saint Nazaire are proud port towns with a rich maritime heritage, and their connection runs deeper than their shared love of the sea. The towns are historically linked through Operation Chariot during the Second World War, famously described as βthe greatest raid of all.β In 1942, British forces set out from Falmouth to launch a daring raid on the docks of Saint Nazaire, causing significant damage to the port and restricting its use by German warships. The operation involved immense risk and sacrifice, with many lives lost, and remains a key point of connection between the two towns.
During the lunch, gifts were exchanged and speeches delivered. Mayor Alan Jewell expressed his gratitude to all those who organised the visit, and extended his hopes that the Twinning Committee would enjoy the remainder of their stay in Falmouth. The Mayor highlighted the varied and engaging itinerary arranged by the Falmouth Twinning Association, which has offered the visitors a chance to experience both the history and culture of the town.
Highlights of the visit included:
- A tour of Falmouth Art Gallery
- A visit to Pendennis Castle
- Exploration of Falmouth Docks
- A service at the St Nazaire memorialΒ on the Prince of Wales Pier, commemorating the bravery of those involved in Operation Chariot.
- A pasty making workshop
- A tour of the Maritime Museum
- A trip to the
The group will return to France on Thursday 16 October, having experienced a warm welcome, Falmouth’s rich maritime and Cornish heritage, and the spirit of friendship that underpins the Falmouth-Saint Nazaire connection.