TWO groups from the Forest helped strengthen the connection between Coleford and its twin town in Western France last month through rousing musical performances and the toasting of local beer.

As part of visits planned in conjunction with the Coleford Twinning Association, both the Five Acres High School Choir and the Glos Velo cycling group made the trip across the channel to St Hilaire de Riez in the Vendee region in June.

The choir - which had originally planned to make the trip in 2020 - embarked on an eight-day music and cultural tour of the region, fully funded by the Government’s Turing Scheme. 

Their trip included performances and talks with students at two secondary schools and a special performance at the town’s annual ‘Fete de la Musique’.

They also visited the region’s ‘Puy du Fou’ cultural theme park and local museums and took part in beach sports activities.

The trip was a huge hit with the students, with one choir member, Anastasia, commenting: “We had so many opportunities like surfing, theme parks, and not to mention four performances.

“I just loved everything about it to be honest.

“After everything we went through during the pandemic it was just so amazing to be able to perform again. I really hope we get to do this again!“

Then on Saturday, June 18, the choir were joined by 23 cyclists from the Glos Velo group, who planned a short stop off in St Hilaire de Riez for their lunch en route to the Mediterranean coast.

During their visit, Dave Kearsey from the group presented Kathia Viel, Mayor of St Hilaire de Riez, with beer from Littledean’s Bespoke Brewery to mark the occasion.

And the cyclists even had time to pose for a photo with two Forest businesses who benefited from the trip - Five Acres Vehicle Rental, who provided a support vehicle for the cyclists, and the FR Willetts coach which transported the choir “from door to door”.

Mayor of Coleford, Cllr Nick Penny, commented: “As a Council we are delighted that the Twinning Association is so active as it approaches its 6th anniversary. 

“We see the benefits both through the development of personal friendships and strong links between schools and local clubs, but we also see the economic benefits through working with businesses such as FR Willetts Coaches and Five Acres Vehicle Rental, as well as local hotels and attractions when we receive visitors to our town”.

This month it is Coleford’s turn to welcome visitors from St Hilaire de Riez with a group of 21 coming over to support the Dynamite Shakers, a young French Garage Rock band who will perform at Coleford Music Festival on Saturday, July 9.

For the full festival line up, go to www.colefordmusicfestival.co.uk.