CELEBRATIONS have been held to commemorate a landmark anniversary between two twinned communities.
Upton Twinning Group marked the 20th anniversary of the area being twinned with Arradon, southern Brittany, by hosting 64 Arradonais.
Following a display of Breton dancing outside Chester’s Town Hall, an official commemorative ceremony was held with the Lord Mayor of Chester, Eleanor Johnson, the Mayor of Arradon, Dominique Mourier, the French Honorary Consul, Yvan Besnard, and the chairman of the Upton Parish Council, Pat Lott.
Upton Village Hall then hosted activities including watercolour painting, fabric flower making, bar skittles, shove-ha’penny, a history exhibition on Upton-by-Chester and crown green bowling at Wealstone Lane.
A willow garland was made to which everyone attached their thoughts and wishes for the Twinning while the Wirral Ukulele Orchestra was also on song.
At the Cheshire County Sports Club, there were displays of Morris dancing and singing by the Chester Morris Men, Scottish Country dancing by the Chester Caledonian Society and Breton dancing.
Host families in and around Chester entertained the Arradonais and at night they enjoyed the Ghost Trail.
Apart from this commemorative year, an exchange visit takes place each year, alternating between Upton and Arradon.
All activities, visits and functions are organised and paid for by the members of the Upton Twinning group.
The twinning 20th anniversary celebrations are due to continue in June when a party from Upton will visit Arradon.
