Ballon Visit 29th April to 3rd May 2009

The theme for the visit this year was Lincolnshire - Fens, Wolds and Coast

Our visitors arrived late afternoon on the Wednesday and there was a welcome from the Parish Council Chairman, Juneta Wilson, and introductions for new visitors. The evening was spent with their "families" with the French needing a rest after their long journey.

Thursday was spent in Spalding with the majority of the people taking the opportunity to visit  Boswell's Romany Museum. This turned out to be extremely interesting with a magnificent display of Romany Caravans of all eras. Other people visited the Museum and Art Gallery at Ayscoughee Hall. After lunch at Springfields there was afree afternoon to explore the Gardens at Springfields and visit the Fenscape display. This explained the history and development of the Fens. Afterwards there was still time for a little retail therapy! Whilst some families headed home a large number chose to dine at the Hume Arms in South Kyme where Vijay, Maeve & staff laid on a wonderful meal. This was much appreciated by our visitors.

The first event on Friday was a morning visit to the Seal Sanctuary and Animal Garden at Mablethorpe. In the afternoon there was free time but those interested were treated to a visit to the Lifeboat Station at Mablethorpe. This proved to an entertaining and interesting diversion. So much so, that the Association chose to make a donation to the Lifeboat funds as the visit had been laid on free of charge. The evening was spent gyrating around the dance floor at the Lafford School at a Ceilidh with the Old Parrot Band who also gave a demonstration of clog dancing. I think it would be true to say that there were no likely candidates for Strictly Come Dancing although the French Bus Driver hardly missed a dance.

Saturday commenced with a meeting of Committee membersof both Organisations. This provided a useful insight into how we both operated and saw the future of the Twinning. The afternoon was spent in various activities, the main ones being:

• South Kyme - Narrow Boat Festival & Scarecrow competition. Also the "Annual Challenge" took place and the Billinghay Duck narrowly beat the Ballon Canard in the Duck Race.
• Spalding - Flower Parade and festival
• Tetford - Scarecrow Competition followed by a barbecue at David Needs Wolds Residence!

Our visitors finally departed for some much needed rest early Sunday Morning!