A SMALL delegation from Cardigan consisting of Cllrs Clive Davies and Catrin Miles and former town councillor Graham Evans travelled to the Auvergne to celebrate the second leg of the 50th twinning anniversary celebrations between Cardigan and its French twin town of Brioude.

Not only was Brioude celebrating 50 years’ twinning with Cardigan, but also 40 years’ twinning with Laufen, Bavaria.

The visit followed April’s anniversary celebrations in Cardigan when 18 visitors from Brioude, including Mayor Jean-Luc Vachelard, Brioude Twinning President Gerard Selaquet, former Mayor Jean-Jacques Faucher and members of Brioude Municipal Council Twinning Committee were welcomed to the town.

Last week’s French visit began with a guided tour of the Doyenne, Brioude’s own contemporary art gallery.

This was followed by a tour of the St Julien Basilica Cathedral – the largest church in the Auvergne.

The evening continued at the Town Hall with the signing of Charters to mark both Cardigan and Laufen’s special anniversaries with Brioude.

Cardigan Twinning President Catrin Miles spoke warmly about the ‘golden years’ of the movement and disclosed that Year 5 and 6 Cardigan pupils would be working on a specially-commissioned ceramic work of art in Brioude Garden inspired by images of the French town.

“We hope to develop links between the young people of Brioude and Cardigan so that the Twinning can continue its future path through our youth, whilst learning from the events and relations forged over the last 50 years,” she added.

“Long live the Twinning!”

During the customary exchange of gifts, Brioude’s Mayor was presented with an eye-catching galvanised metal Welsh dragon that will find its place in a suitable outdoor location.

Cardigan received a specially-commissioned work of glass art by a local craftsman to represent the long-standing twinning relationship.

There followed the unveiling of a plaque on Place de Cardigan (Cardigan Square) adjacent to the Town Hall.

Saturday saw a visit to Ally: the site of an operating wind-farm that has brought income and infrastructural development for local land-owners and villagers.

A meal was then held at a community restaurant where gifts were exchanged.

Brioude representatives were delighted with a unique beech hand-crafted bowl and plinth especially created by Jason’s Wood Craft, Cardigan.