Another successful Roscommon-Chartrettes Town Twinning exchange took place this summer, with the initiative now in its 28th year.
The connections and friendships between the two communities continue to grow through a shared appreciation of culture and language. People of all ages from County Roscommon were warmly welcomed on arrival at Orly Airport in Paris before enjoying the hospitality of French host families and a packed programme of events organised by the Chartrettes community.
Highlights included water skiing on the River Seine, on whose banks Chartrettes is located; a visit to Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte; learning about the history of winemaking in the area; and a tour of the Palais Garnier in Paris, famously associated with The Phantom of the Opera.
A formal welcome and dinner reception was hosted by the Mayor of Chartrettes, Fabrice Bargeault, and the President of the Chartrettes Committee, Jean Marc Ollson. Roscommon County Council was officially represented by Director of Services Chris Flynn, with Cllr Larry Brennan also in attendance.
At the weekend social events, Roscommon was proudly represented through music, song and dance, with members of Comhaltas Ros Comáin leading the way. The young people who travelled also received great praise for their performances, while the Chartrettes hosts provided entertainment of their own, including renditions of popular French songs.
Speaking about the twinning, chairperson Noel Connolly said: “This year’s event was once again a great experience for everyone involved, with many new faces as well as new discoveries in the Chartrettes and Paris regions.
“This was a visionary international initiative from the outset, supported by Roscommon County Council and Chartrettes Municipal Authority, and it continues to enrich both our communities.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about the twinning can email rostwinning@gmail.com or contact secretary Marie Mitchell on 086 385 9274.
