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Visit to Châtelaillon in April “The best yet!” said
one of the 31 Knebworth folk who spent this long weekend in
Châtelaillon-Plage. A warm welcome awaited us at the Town Hall, with wine,
speeches and gifts. Friday, in the town of Cognac, a costumed guide showed
us round the castle where François 1 was born and the distillery where we
sampled the fine Otard Cognac. After a copious lunch in a local
restaurant we visited the Chapelle des Pots to purchase local pottery.
Saturday we were free to explore the area, walk along the
lovely beach and so on. That evening a most amusing guide, in the guise of
the Night Watchman, took us on a tour of La Rochelle, including the
splendid Town Hall and an underground bunker full of War time memorabilia.
Sunday brought a boat trip to Ile d’Aix which
passed by Fort Boyard, made famous by the international television
games show which poses a series of challenges to its intrepid teams. We
enjoyed a picnic lunch on the island, visits to the Napoleon Museum and the
Mother of Pearl museum, and the opportunity to discover the beaches and
woods of the island. That evening saw the farewell party at the Sailing
Club, with nearly everyone dancing the “Cha-cha-cha de Châtelaillon!”
Come to our dinner dance in November and we’ll try it
here!
The two committees met to make plans for 2007.
• Visit to Knebworth. Dates agreed – weekend of 7th
May Bank holiday.
• Football. It is planned that a group of young French footballers
will come to play in Knebworth. Thanks to Steve Cook for being our link in
this.
• Tennis. Unfortunately the visit to Knebworth for 2006 has had to be
cancelled, but it is hoped that a party from Knebworth Tennis Club will go
to France next year.
• Golf. It is planned that a group of 6-7 French golfers will come to
play in Knebworth.
• Datchworth School Link. The Headmaster of the Boucholeurs School,
Denis Hébert, introduced me to his pupils and said how pleased they are with
this exchange. They have on display the letters and photographs they have
received from Datchworth pupils.
The things we’re asked to do! We have been asked to
tell the people of Knebworth that if you are maybe thinking about buying a
building plot in this popular seaside town, you can contact: Aude Eloy /
Uriell Kerdraon, Mairie de Châtelaillon-Plage, 00 33 546.30.55.44
a.eloy@chatelaillonplage.fr
who have details about the "Colline d'Angoute" development.
Our next three KTA events form part of the Knebworth
Festival
The History of Knebworth, a Talk by
the well-known local historian and author Tony Rook, on Thursday June 29th
in Trinity Church Park Lane. Doors open at 7.30 for talk at 8.00. Piano
entertainment by John Hunt, with a drink of wine and nibbles in the Church
Hall afterwards.
Tickets: £5 for KTA members, £7 for non-members,
available from: KTA, 12 Stonecroft, Knebworth, SG3 6BL (cheques made out to
KTA please.)
Festival Walk Sunday 2nd July, meet at 11.30am on
the Old Knebworth Green opposite the Lytton Arms Public House. The walk will
visit some of the places described in Tony Rook’s talk. It will be about 4
miles, with the option to leave after 2 miles. Everyone welcome!
Visit our stall for more information about KTA, and
a free Pineau tasting for over 18’s, on Saturday June 24th, on St
Martin’s Green, 10pm – 3pm. |
