A FIRST event of 2018 has been organised to raise funds for the Newcastle Emlyn Plonevez Porzay Twinning Association.

Bingo at the Plough Hotel on Thursday, March 8 at 7.30pm will raise money that will be used to organise hospitality events for the Bretons who will visit Newcastle Emlyn town in mid-August.

The relationship between the two towns was established more thaan 25 years ago and Cefin, Anwen and their children Rhys and Megan Evans from Newcastle Emlyn have visited Plonevez Porzay four times.

“It’s an excellent opportunity especially for the children to make new friends with children of another nationality. We’ve also picked up a few new words and we take a phrase book with us to make it easier to understand the language,” said Anwen, who accommodated a 17-year-old from the Le Goanvic family three years ago to spend a few days studying at Ysgol Gyfun Emlyn.

“It was great to see how they lived, and they drink out of bowls rather than glasses and this was a totally new experience for us, but you got used to it. It’s a lovely experience for us and for them and we keep in touch all year round,”’ added Anwen.

Committee member Sue Tabbitt is hoping that by promoting the fundraising events it will promote the purpose of the association and entice more families to come on board.

Mother of two Sue said: “It’s never too late for people to get involved. We want to let locals and shop owners know that the exchange trip will be taking place this summer and that it’s such an important cultural exchange.

“There are so many similarities between Newcastle Emlyn and Plonevez Porzay – the language and cultures and it’s a great event to be part of.”

Newcastle Emlyn Twinning Association chairman Roger Davies is looking forward to welcoming the Bretons.

“We will take them on visits to Aberaeron, St David’s, Llandysul and Cardigan so they can see as much of the area as possible and so as they can taste the culture here,” he said.