Mayor in Montreuil

My main news this week is our visit to Montreuil-sur-Mer, October 4 – 5, where we met Mayor Pierre Ducrocq to discuss what might be involved if it were decided that Rye should twin with Montreuil-sur-Mer. It is the most delightful town, incredibly clean and tidy and well maintained. It has so many similarities to Rye – cobbled streets and period houses, boutique small shops, excellent restaurants, a strong arts and sporting community, a good range of schools and so much more.

It is where Victor Hugo based Les Miserables, and its ramparts make a most pleasant stroll around the town looking out to forest and farmland. The town is extremely welcoming of Brits and there is a strong sense of l’esprit de l’Entente Cordiale. Home to the general headquarters of the allied troops in the first world war, we also met Lord Astor of Hever there, whose grandfather was Field Marshal Haig. Haig’s statue has recently been refurbished and takes centre stage in the town square.

I feel there are many ways we could benefit from a twinning – school exchange trips to help youngsters learn both French and more about history, plus the joys of experiencing new cultures; opportunities for businesses to trade with one another; for hotels and caterers to help develop their staff to learn new catering techniques and enhance their skills; and for our strong arts community to host cultural exchanges.

There are, like Rye, many good nature reserves close by, as too the harbour of Etaples (which I’ve sailed into before) and the airport at Le Touquet, which I’m led to believe is going to be renamed Le Touquet-Paris-Plage Elizabeth II in honour of the late Queen, such is the respect for Anglo-French relations. I appreciate that it is not the right time to be spending public money on such a venture, and Rebekah and I financed the trip ourselves.

As mayor I attended Speaker’s Day in Hythe on Saturday, October 1, as Councillor Jim Martin is the 665th Speaker of the Confederation of Cinque Ports. I am grateful to the town clerk and our mace bearers for coming along and taking part in the parade around Hythe and the church service.

Rebekah and I were delighted to attend the arts festival this year on September 24 to hear Senegalese kora player Kadialy Kouyate and his group, who performed some magical music. It was really educational as well to learn about an instrument I’d not heard of before and hear some great world music.

Talking of music, we have done our last shanty session at the lovely Charles Palmer vineyards this summer (September 18) and very much look forward to going back next year. We are performing at St Peter’s Newenden on Friday, October 14.

Image Credits: Rebekah Gilbert .