Didcot–Meylan Twinning Association

Visit to Meylan by Didcot Youth

26 - 29 October 2006

A group of 9 young people and two adults from the Didcot area made their first twinning visit to Meylan from the 26th to 29th October 2006. After a very early start they arrived at Lyon airport at 11.10 and were whisked away for lunch and a visit to the 'Antésite' soft drinks factory at Voirin, where they were shown a film, the factory and tasted the drinks made from liquorice - famous throughout France for their thirst quenching qualities, healthiness and economy. The weather was glorious, 30^oC. Then it was on to Meylan to be introduced to their families for the duration of their stay.

That evening there was a buffet reception and music. The Didcot young people were given souvenir twinning pens and pocket torches and they gave the Meylanais gifts from local businesses including RWE nPower, the Diamond Project, Grundon, CCLRC (Rutherford Appleton Laboratory), UKAEA (United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority) and street maps of Didcot and a commemorative certificate from Didcot’s Mayor, Mike McNulty. All these were much appreciated.

The next morning they were given a guided tour of Meylan and were impressed with the beauty of the surrounding mountains, the local facilities(theatre, music school, senior school, parks, and halls), and the attention paid to Didcot. At the large sundial it was possible to find out the time at Didcot and the pedestrian underpass at a roundabout had a large mural of Didcot showing the station, countryside, power station and town.

A coach ride along hairpin bends took them into the mountains for a picnic and orienteering at Le Sappey. The French and English young people were put into teams, given a map, had to follow a route, answer nature questions and get back to base as quickly as possible. The day was rounded off with an evening of games and challenges testing skills, creativity, taste, and knowledge of Europe at 'Horizons à Horizons'. Once again the young people had fun working together.

Saturday was spent at a large, fairly new gym at Charlaix where they were able to play table tennis, badminton and other games and take advantage of the magnificent climbing wall. New friendships were cemented as the two nationalities helped each other succeed. A German party from Meylan's twin town of Planegg arrived that afternoon and after an official reception at which the mayor and councillors welcomed and gave a gift to all the young people it was time for a quick break, then the final evening meal with music at Décibeldonne.

All were sad to leave their host families on Sunday and agreed they would love to visit Meylan again and receive the Meylanais in Didcot. The trip was a wonderful way in which to experience the French way of life, the town of Meylan and the lovely surrounding countryside and to make new friends and have fun. Moreover the young people were such good ambassadors they helped strengthen the ties between our twin towns so that more French people are keen to come over here.