Weekend of spectacle and fun to celebrate 30 years of friendship between Seaton and Normandy town of Thury Harcourt

Midweek Herald: French visitors with their hosts from the Axe Vale Canoe Club at Axmouth Harbour before setting off to Beer. Photo by Ian Barradale.French visitors with their hosts from the Axe Vale Canoe Club at Axmouth Harbour before setting off to Beer. Photo by Ian Barradale. (Image: Archant)

Thirty years of friendship between Seaton and its French twin town were commemorated with the unveiling of a special plaque yesterday (Sunday).

Civic leaders joined local residents for the naming of the public realm at The Underfleet as Thury Harcourt Place.

A 48-strong party from the Normandy town spent the weekend in the resort to celebrate the link between the two communities and enjoy a taste of Seaton’s special brand of hospitality and entertainment.

The naming ceremony began with a display by Seaton Majorettes followed by short speeches made from the top of a tram especially provided by Seaton Tramway, before the unveiling of the name board.

Among those attending were local MP Neil Parish, county councillor Jim Knight, and the mayors of the two towns, Paul Chandelier of Thury-Harcourt, and Gaynor Sedgwick, of Seaton.

After the unveiling the celebrations continued with morris dancing by Uplyme Morris, introducing the French visitors to this quintessential English activity.

Earlier in the day the twinning association, with the help of local organisations, put together a program of activities designed to show what Seaton and its immediate surroundings have to offer.

These included a visit to the wetlands centre in co-operation with Axe Vale and District Conservation Society, canoeing with Axe Vale Canoe Club, a cycle ride with the help of Axe Valley Pedallers, and a visit to a special opening of Seaton Museum.