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French visitors remember with villagers

Posted by editor on Nov 12, 2006 - 08:01 PM
Filed under: Articles, News

FRENCH VISITORS REMEMBER WITH VILLAGERS

Around 70 people paid tribute at a Remembrance Day service conducted by the Rev. Steward Wardell at the Lych Gate of the now disused St Peter's Church in Swingfield.

Maurice Langlois (Mayor of Aviron), Pierre Mesmer (Mayor of le Mesnil Fuguet), Cllr. Colin Tearle Chairman of Swingfield PC), John-Jacques Hadjadj, Didier Mabier and Rev. Stewart Wardell

Members of the Swingfield Twinning Association and Swingfield Parish Council were joined by guests from their twinned village of Aviron in France at the service of Remembrance today (12 November).

The visitors from France included the mayors of Aviron and Mesnil Fuget as well French military personnel. Wreaths were laid by the two French mayors, a representative from the Friends of St Peter's Church and by the Chairman of Swingfield Parish Council Cllr Colin Tearle.

Earlier in the day they had attended a service at St Luke's Church in Hawkinge. "It was an extraordinary day," said Cllr Tearle, "St Luke's Church in Hawkinge was packed.

"A great number of people later paid their respects outside St Peters Church in Swingfield.

"There is a strong bond between us and the French and the warmth of the people of our two nations was brought together on this memorable day ".