MOSSLEY celebrated half a century of twinning by turning on a bit of French flair as it showed off its best.
Representatives from Hem, the town on the other side of the English Channel, it has been paired with since 1972, travelled for a fitting celebration.
And then ‘Jubilee Jumelage’ proved a massive hit as cultural events showed exactly what Mossley has to offer and has on its doorstep.
On Friday, September 23, first stop was The Vale where a delegation including mayor Francis Vercamer and Jean Francois Leclerq saw performances by several of the talented creators who use it as their base.
Saturday, September 24 saw the main event, Music In The Park which saw Mossley Park play host to a number of local bands and artists, including St John’s brass band.
Funded largely by Mossley Town Council, dance groups – notably Born and Bred Dance Theatre – also showed their stuff, while a number of artists also showed off their work.
George Lawton Hall also played host to the formal part of the weekend, a jubilee dinner, which was an opportunity for everyone to remember the importance of twinning.
A delegation from Wiehl, the German town Mossley has a close relationship with, also attended.
The dinner saw Paul Dowthwaite, representing the Mossley Twinning Committee, monsieur Vercamer, Anne Schmitter, representing the mayor of Wiehl, and Frank Travis, chairman of Mossley Town Council, tell of how important it is to further develop the bond.
Mossley Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society also wowed attendees with a number of performances on the stage.
Sunday, September 25 saw representatives gather at Mossley’s war memorial for a solemn service to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Early indications are the event, which was planned for months, went as well as everyone hoped – and even the weather behaved!