Friendships reinforced as French exchange group makes visit to Northumberland
French guests enjoyed a visit to Amble as part of the annual Amicale Héry-Shilbottle exchange.
They were welcomed by Mayor of Amble Luke McTaggart who gave a short speech in French.
Everyone then enjoyed a coffee morning and a delicious spread, thanks to Eileen and Tony Regan, members of the Amicale Héry-Shilbottle Association, who were hosts for the day.
After the coffee morning, Eileen led a historical walking tour of Amble.
The event was part of a very successful and enjoyable week of cultural activities.
Cllr McTaggart said: “I was pleased to offer an official welcome to our French guests on behalf of Amble, it’s one of the highlights of the role to participate in this sort of engagement as the Mayor and it was wonderful to see so many local residents involved in the exchange.
"Thanks to the organisers for the invitation and in particular to Eileen Regan and fellow Town Councillor Tony Regan, for hosting us on the day. I’m thrilled our visitors took such a strong interest in the history of the friendliest port and hear Eileen’s guided tour went down a treat!”
The Amicale Héry-Shilbottle Association is a 63 year-old friendship and twinning partnership between Shilbottle and surrounding areas and Héry in Burgundy.
Established in 1963, the association has facilitated many cross-Channel exchange visits, fostering deep community and family bonds.
In 1963 the treaty of friendship was initiated by June Raynal, a Northumberland woman who married a Frenchman and settled in Héry. Both villages shared strong historical industrial roots, making them a perfect match.
The first group of young people from France came in 1964, and in 1965 a group of young people from Shilbottle travelled to France to experience French culture and stay with local French families.
Although originally the Amicale was for young people it developed into an exchange between the wider community. Some of the young people who visited France in the 1960s are still involved today.
The partnership successfully celebrated its diamond anniversary (60 years) in 2023 in France and 2024 in Shilbottle and holds regular cultural events like French Cafés hosted at the Shilbottle Community Hall to keep the exchange thriving.
Chairman of the Amicale, Gill Bray commented: “In 1963 when the Amicale was set up, it was decided that the object of the association would be to foster friendship and a closer understanding between our respective communities, and that has been the strong foundation on which more than 60 years of exchanges have continued.
"This year we welcomed 16 French friends for a wonderful week of friendship and fun. We celebrated the culture, history and heritage of our beautiful area, including our visit to Amble, where it was great to be welcomed by the Mayor. Everyone involved has had a memorable time – and we look forward to our next visit to Hery in 2027.”
New members are welcome - for further information about the Exchange, there is a Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/190917250944000/about