'We are always delighted to host' - Kinver says Bienvenue to French guests once more

Set in the French Loire Valley,  residents of Mer have already have been out and about visiting the likes of Oxford and Ludlow. as well as the sights of Kinver itself including the famous Rock Houses yesterday (April 9). The twinning agreement between Kinver and Mer came into being on September 26 1987.

The Kinver group alternate between hosting and visiting with members hosting the French every other year, though not always within the village itself. Other members live in Wolverhampton and other areas.

They raise money throughout the year from events like treasure hunts and beetle drives to fund activities for the French, although on Thursday they won't be going far, to the Wild Zoological Park at Halfpenny Green.

Chairman of Kinver Twinning Association Lynda Higgins, who has visited Mer five times said she was delighted the weather had stayed good for the week, which had already been enjoyed by the 41 guests from France who were to enjoy a celebration meal tonight (Wednesday).

She said: "This is always the culmination of quite a lot of hard work, planning and fundraising which takes place throughout the year and many of our members are longstanding and have visited Mer a number of times. The welcome we give them is always reciprocated and I can testify to that having been five times.

"When they come to Kinver we tend to vary the activities and trips - this week they have been out of the area to Oxford and Ludlow but of course there is plenty to see in the village and surrounding it and it is always good fun.

"We are always delighted to host our French guests and it is always a bonus when the weather is good but we are also looking for new blood and members to joint the twinning committee."

if you are interested in joining the Kinver Twinning Association, e-mail kinvertwinning@gmail.com