Gowerton Twinning Association has recently celebrated 10 years of twinning with La Gacilly, a town in Southern Brittany, France.  La Gacilly is a popular tourist town with many visitors from all over Europe.   Many 'artisans' ply their trade in the old centre of the town - working in wood, leather, glass, etc - and on the outskirts is the Yves Rocher factory, very famous in France for the production of cosmetics and toiletries with an organic theme. 

Regular visits are arranged between the two towns, with groups from Gowerton and surrounding villages visiting La Gacilly, usually staying at the homes of members of the La Gacilly Twinning Association.  Last year, a group from La Gacilly visited Gowerton, staying with members in Gowerton, Waunarlwydd, and Crofty. 

The Twinning Association was originally set up by members of the Gowerton Community Council, but the Twinning Association is now run as a separate entity.  Members work hard throughout the year to raise money in order to provide trips and various activities when the Gaciliennes visit.  Theme and quiz evenings are regularly held and are generally well-received.  The most recent venture was an 'Allo, 'Allo Evening with typical French cuisine served and a quiz relating to the television series. 

On Saturday, 24 March, we are organising a day trip to London, leaving Gowerton at approximately 8.00am and returning by midnight.  It is the weekend of the Ideal Home Exhibition, so could be a good opportunity for those wanting to visit this, or to take in a matinee show and a meal before our return journey.  Tickets cost £25 per person.  For more information, contact Mike and Gwyneth Rees on 01792 872446

This year, a group from Swansea area will be travelling to La Gacilly for a short visit.  This is taking place on the first weekend of June, during the school holiday and will run from the Saturday to the Tuesday (the Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday).  Anyone interested in taking part should contact the secretary, Sue Beetlestone on 01792 873953, for more details.  You will need to pay for your travel to France, but will be staying with French families once in La Gacilly.  There is also an option to stay at the local hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.