Stur visits the Chandeleur

This year Twinning association members arrived in France while still members of the European Union. Understandably, we were unsure of any effect leaving the EU would have on us, since the day of leaving occurred during our stay in Montebourg. We need not have worried. We enjoyed the same sincere welcome as we’ve enjoyed during previous visits. Many French people we met at our stall went out of their way to say that we British would always be welcome in their country.

The Chandeleur (Candlemas Fair) has been celebrated annually since the tenth century, but this year it was special as it marked the 100th anniversary for the judging of cattle which are all of one local breed. The crowds watching the judging were, it seemed, larger than usual, and the winning animal made its way, with a little persuasion, up the ramp to be admired by all.

The Sturminster Newton Twinning Association has been supporting the Chandeleur for 25 years now, since the twinning associations of each town were formalised. We were welcomed by many who visited our stall where we sold a variety of cheeses, marmalade, lemon curd, cakes, Dorset tea and bottled beers. Almost everything we brought to the Chandeleur was sold. It was a very busy 3 days for all of us, and we left with a feeling that we really were appreciated, and our long-standing friendship would survive leaving the EU.