The revived twinning links between Liskeard and Quimperle in Brittany have been strengthened.

A party from the French town, led by Mayor Michael Quernez and Deputy Mayor Pascale Douineau, has spent a weekend in Liskeard.

The group included representatives from the Quimperle rugby, chess and badminton clubs.

The visit followed on from a trip to Quimperle by Liskeard Mayor Simon Cassidy and town clerk Steve Vinson last year.   

The twinning links had first started in the 1970s but in recent years there had been no activity.  

Describing the visit, a town  council spokesperson said:  “The group enjoyed some of the Liskeard Unlocked heritage events taking place, including at the Liskeard and District Museum, and the Liskerrett Centre’s creative jam. They went up the tower at St Martin’s Church, after ringing one of the bells, as well as taking a peek into Gilberts Outfitters. 

“A civic reception for town councillors, the leader of Cornwall Council, the local MP and representatives from schools, businesses, the Old Cornwall Society, cycling groups, the British Legion and Liskeard Show was held at Stuart House.   

“Following the reception, the mayors visited Wildanet, a Liskeard-based technology company providing broadband in rural areas.  

“The club representatives met their counterparts from Liskeard. Gwenael Merien met with Tony Knightsbridge from Liskeard-Looe Rugby Club. Claire Reed from the Liskeard Inclusive Badminton Club met with Jacky Hamoniaux, and Stephen Pearce from the Liskeard Chess Club met with Stephane Dimey.  Many thanks to Paul Pascoe, Tom Jordan and Cecile Ussher for their time acting as interpreters.   

“Sunday morning started with a meeting with Liskeard-Looe Rugby Club juniors who were training and the Liskeard-Looe Ladies Rugby Club at Lux Park. The plans were then changed slightly due to the bad weather when the laying of wreaths on behalf of the people of Liskeard and Quimperle was moved from the War Memorial to the Public Hall, for a ceremony hosted by the British Legion.  Liskeard Silver Band played the national anthems of the UK and France. Ethan Mort and Rose Ramwell were the macebearers for the event.  

“A buffet lunch at the British Legion followed. The group took part in an Old Cornwall Society heritage walk with Brian Oldham before departing following a very productive weekend.”