Codsall and Bilbrook group celebrates 20th anniversary of French partnership with events

And now the Codsall and Bilbrook French twinning association are celebrating 20 years of being paired with St. Pryve St. Mesmin in north-central France.

Around 40 members of the association joined up at Codsall Parish Rooms in Wolverhampton on Friday to celebrate the history of its partnership with the French village.

Group treasurer, Trevor Griffiths, who has lived in Codsall for the last 50 years, said: "It was superb. It was certainly well attended by the members.

"Most people know each other so it became more of a social event. We had crepes with cider and wine.

"It has been 20 years since we signed the agreement [to twin]. We had 50 years of peace and we decided to go down the twinning route.

"This year we are going across in May to visit. People stay in each others homes and we get to see a different way of life.

"There are quite a host of benefits including sharing each others cultures and there has been some well established friendships.

"There are 34 people hoping to go across in May. Because it is the 20th anniversary the Codsall and Bilbrook Parish Council have got together and are providing a signpost for the village in France.

"It is an active group and we are always looking for new members."

The association put on events in a bid to raise the funds to host their French counterparts when they visit every other year.

Events include skittles nights, quizzes, our annual boules tournament, salsa dancing and a decorated float entry and crepes stall at the annual Scouts Carnival.

The event last Friday saw the group take a photograph which they plan to present to the community in St. Pryve St. Mesmin in May.

On Friday May 18 they will make the journey, expected to take them 12 hours, to the French village where their hosts will entertain them.