Visitor Thoughts
Easter is a tricky time for me, family commitments etc., so getting involved in Vern has never really been on the cards. However this year was different. The trip took place over the May Day bank holiday. As soon as I heard that this would be the case I realised that this was my chance to go. After some reassuring conversations with Alizon Mooney I took the plunge and booked my ticket.
When the morning of departure arrived I was extremely nervous. I was travelling without Jed. Would I be ok? Would I be able to make myself understood? Would I feel out of place with the ‘Vern veterans’?
I needn’t have worried. I was made to feel so very welcome by everyone concerned. Arriving in France I was greeted very warmly. The first evening I spent in the company of some Tatsfielders I hadn’t met before the trip, together with their and my hosts, Nathalie and Maurice. I found myself relaxing very quickly. We spent Saturday visiting local places of interest and Sunday enjoying a barbeque by the lake and in the evening a delicious three course meal and dancing.
Did it matter that my French was very poor or that my hosts English wasn’t very good either – not at all. With the help of a phrase book and sign language we got on just fine. We laughed a lot and gave up when we couldn’t understand each other. Nathalie and Maurice and everyone involved in the twinning in Vern couldn’t have been more welcoming – their only agenda was to give us all a special time. In the space of three short days I feel I have made some lovely friends on both sides of the channel. Given the chance would I go again or have a couple to stay? You bet!
Barbara Hester
This year we joined the Tatsfield twinning association for the first time and travelled to Vern D’Anjou. What a marvellous experience it was. From the outset it was a pleasure to meet new Tatsfield villagers as we all made our way to a town that had only been a name on a map for us up until then.
On arriving in France, we were welcomed by their twinning committee and were introduced to our hosts. Everyone was made to feel so welcome and throughout the weekend nothing was too much trouble. Each and every host was not only so hospitable to their individual guests but to the party at all times, whether it was in their homes or on the wonderful trips they had arranged.
We saw several places of real interest, enjoyed many a fine feast and by the end of our short time there it felt as if we had known our hosts like friends of many years’ standing. It was an incredible trip full of culture, fun and gastronomic fulfilment.
For those who have never considered taking part in this event, we would wholeheartedly recommend it.
Paul & Val Hoad
The trip was so well organised and all we had to do was to turn up at the
Ship at the right time where taxis were laid on to take us to Gatwick. When
we arrived at Vern we met the couple we were staying with, a lovely couple
but it was difficult at first because our French was rubbish and their
English wasn't great. But fortunately their grown-up son was staying with
them and his English was pretty good. As well as some informative trips out
we learnt about French traditions in the home like being served coffee in a
cereal bowl in the mornings for you to dip your bread or croissant in and in
the evening you use the same plate for the starter, the mains and then
cheeses or dessert, wiping it clean with some bread in between!
It was all extremely enjoyable as the group is such a friendly bunch and
very amusing. And now we know some more faces in the village.
Jenny Lewis
When the morning of departure arrived I was extremely nervous. I was travelling without Jed. Would I be ok? Would I be able to make myself understood? Would I feel out of place with the ‘Vern veterans’?
I needn’t have worried. I was made to feel so very welcome by everyone concerned. Arriving in France I was greeted very warmly. The first evening I spent in the company of some Tatsfielders I hadn’t met before the trip, together with their and my hosts, Nathalie and Maurice. I found myself relaxing very quickly. We spent Saturday visiting local places of interest and Sunday enjoying a barbeque by the lake and in the evening a delicious three course meal and dancing.
Did it matter that my French was very poor or that my hosts English wasn’t very good either – not at all. With the help of a phrase book and sign language we got on just fine. We laughed a lot and gave up when we couldn’t understand each other. Nathalie and Maurice and everyone involved in the twinning in Vern couldn’t have been more welcoming – their only agenda was to give us all a special time. In the space of three short days I feel I have made some lovely friends on both sides of the channel. Given the chance would I go again or have a couple to stay? You bet!
Barbara Hester
This year we joined the Tatsfield twinning association for the first time and travelled to Vern D’Anjou. What a marvellous experience it was. From the outset it was a pleasure to meet new Tatsfield villagers as we all made our way to a town that had only been a name on a map for us up until then.
On arriving in France, we were welcomed by their twinning committee and were introduced to our hosts. Everyone was made to feel so welcome and throughout the weekend nothing was too much trouble. Each and every host was not only so hospitable to their individual guests but to the party at all times, whether it was in their homes or on the wonderful trips they had arranged.
We saw several places of real interest, enjoyed many a fine feast and by the end of our short time there it felt as if we had known our hosts like friends of many years’ standing. It was an incredible trip full of culture, fun and gastronomic fulfilment.
For those who have never considered taking part in this event, we would wholeheartedly recommend it.
Paul & Val Hoad
The trip was so well organised and all we had to do was to turn up at the
Ship at the right time where taxis were laid on to take us to Gatwick. When
we arrived at Vern we met the couple we were staying with, a lovely couple
but it was difficult at first because our French was rubbish and their
English wasn't great. But fortunately their grown-up son was staying with
them and his English was pretty good. As well as some informative trips out
we learnt about French traditions in the home like being served coffee in a
cereal bowl in the mornings for you to dip your bread or croissant in and in
the evening you use the same plate for the starter, the mains and then
cheeses or dessert, wiping it clean with some bread in between!
It was all extremely enjoyable as the group is such a friendly bunch and
very amusing. And now we know some more faces in the village.
Jenny Lewis