Our visit to Privas got off to a flying start, literally. We flew from Leeds Bradford to Paris Charles de Gaulle and transferred to the TGV station for the onward journey to Valence, arriving there at 9.00 pm. Our hosts were waiting for us and I think most of us were ready for bed by the time we arrived in Privas.
These weekends are always hectic and packed with activities, not to mention a great deal of eating and drinking. We visited the most amazing ice-cream factory and restaurant and we were able to try out some extraordinary flavours – they offer over 100 different ones, including hay! We had a lovely day out in Provence, visiting the Chateau de Grignan, home of the famous writer, Madame de Sevigne. Lunch at a local restaurant was delicious.
We were given a very warm welcome by the Mayor of Privas, Monsieur Valla, and members of the Town Council at the official reception in the Town Hall. Civic gifts were exchanged with Councillor Norma Harrington presenting a plate on behalf of Wetherby Town Council.
Our French hosts were keen to take back the McGill Challenge Trophy, so we had the usual boules and darts competitions. We did really well at both, but admitted defeat and left the trophy in Privas for the next 2 years. The boules competition took place in the Espace Ouveze and was followed by a meal and entertainment by a wonderful musician from Armenia. Privas is now linked with a town in Armenia. The event was an opportunity to chat to some old friends who are no longer able to make the journey to Wetherby. Following the darts competition, we enjoyed a barbecue – although the rain came down part way through so there was a flurry of activity getting all the tables and chairs inside.
The free time with host families was spent in various ways, including visits to local beauty spots and pretty villages.
Our train journey home was quite exciting as we all had to get off at one of the stations in Lyon due to a suspect parcel. The incident was dealt with amazingly quickly and we were on our way to Paris Charles de Gaulle within 30 minutes.
We all agreed that it had been a tiring but very rewarding visit. Our hosts, as always, had gone out of their way to provide us with an interesting and enjoyable few days. Thanks to Francois and Claudine Briffotaux especially. as well as other members of the organising team.
