RADSTOCK and MIDSOMER NORTON LIONS CLUB
		in Lions District 105W of Multiple Lions District 105 - British Isles and Ireland
		Radstock is in South West England HOME

LIONS TWINNING VISIT TO CHATEAU GONTIER FRANCE

On May 2^nd 2008, a group Radstock and Midsomer Norton Lions and partners, (12 in all) were received by the Lions of Chateau Gontier.

After a warm welcome by the club, we were escorted to our host’s homes in the town. Supper that evening was taken “en famille”.

On Saturday, dull weather soon gave way to warm sunshine for our visit to the city of Angers50 kilometers south of Chateau Gontier.  There we visited the castle and museum where the magnificent 14^th century Tapestries of the Apocalypse are displayed. The tapestries depict verses from the book of Revelation. Our excellent guide brought the pictures to life with his descriptions and stories. It was staggering to learn that more than a third of this wonderful work of art has been destroyed through the ages. Parts were used to protect orange groves from the frost or as horse blankets!  We felt very fortunate that 353 feet of tapestry remains to be wondered at.  After lunch at a Thai restaurant, we enjoyed a tour of the city on the “touristic train”.

That evening we attended a reception at the Town Hall, where speeches were made in honour of the 20^th anniversary of twinning.

There then followed a superb meal at a nearby restaurant followed by more speeches and exchange of gifts.

President Alan Denham presented a limited edition print of a painting by Roger Jones of “The Five Arches” at Radstock, to President Jean Luc Dosso, who reciprocated with the gift of a bronze statuette, by local sculptor Derbré .

Le Domaine de la petite Couere was our destination on Sunday, when again we enjoyed a lovely warm day.

This attraction features a reconstructed 19^th century village, farm animals and interesting displays of vintage cars and horse drawn farm machinery.

Here, the two Lions clubs held a meeting to discuss their next joint project.

Meanwhile, the rest of the party enjoyed the sunshine

Our last evening was spent in the gardens of Jean Luc and his wife Patricia, where we enjoyed “Le BBQ” with other club members!

On Monday morning we all met at Frome Square to say our farewells. Lion Rex Gregory thanked the French Lions and their partners for their hospitality and said we were looking forward to their visit to us next year.

So ended a most enjoyable weekend which saw us heavier, browner and inspired to improve our French!

Its all tooooo much.

Lions and partners, from both sides of the channel, with a common interest (wine!)

The bronze statuette by Derbré

Our  thanks to Gillian Hipwood for this report.