Abergavenny plays pivotal role in pan-European cultural celebration

A GROUP from a Abergavenny have visited its its twin town, Beaupréau-en-Mauges, in Western France.

The delegation consisted of members from Abergavenny’s Twinning Association, Rhinos Football Club, and Town Council.

The twinning reunion saw representatives from Wales, France, Germany, and Spain convening at the Europiad.

This visit was the first after a hiatus attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic.

John Prosser, chairperson of the Abergavenny twinning association, said: "Thirty-three years of twinning with Beaupreau and the friendship is still going strong as demonstrated by the warm reception received by the Welsh delegation.

"It was good to see teams from Wales, France, Germany, and Spain taking part and the exciting exchange of ideas for future events.

"We look forward to the next visit from Beaupreau.”.

Joining the delegation were participants from the Abergavenny Rhinos Football Club.

Simon Mansfield, the club's secretary, expressed his pride in the club’s under-14 team overcoming stiff competition to win the event.

"The youngsters who represented Abergavenny & Aber rhinos where absolutely 1st class throughout the trip and events & we are so proud that our U14s despite tough opposition won the event.

"The trip was a great success & was a great experience for all involved."

Abergavenny town councillor, Kyle Jamie Eldridge, who accompanied the delegation, said, "It was an honour to go to Beaupreau and go alongside a fantastic group of young people, who not only represented their town with enthusiasm and skill, but who made twinning stronger than ever by just being themselves."

Pauline Dilay, one of the Beaupréau Twinning organisers, said: "Basically the experience was very exciting, we wanted to organise something for the youngsters of Beaupreau, something they will never forget, around sports events and linguistic exchanges."