Alresford Twinning Association welcomed 20 new visitors from their twin town recently.
The guests, who come from Bricquebec in Normandy, France, joined the association for their annual exchange visit on May 17.
The welcoming party was attended by the Mayor, Councillor Russell-Gordon-Smith, and Mayoress Mrs Dinah Ashcroft at Arlebury Park Centre in Alresford.
On behalf of the association, Alison Love introduced Cllr Russell-Gordon-Smith and Mrs Ashcroft.
The Mayor greeted the guests in French, reminiscing about the establishment of the twinning association in 1982.
He highlighted the importance of maintaining friendships between towns across borders and discussed the historical connections between Winchester and France.
Cllr Russell-Gordon-Smith proposed a toast to Alresford and Bricquebec, emphasizing the significance of grassroots contacts in today's world where there is adversity and intolerance.
Mme Chantal Gréard, representing the visitors, thanked the Mayor for his kind words, before giving him an image of Bricquebec's ancient donjon.
The weekend's festivities included a trip to Solent Sky Museum in Southampton and a dinner at Cheriton's Flower Pots Inn on May 18.
Wrapping up the visit, the French guests attended Alresford's Watercress Festival before heading back to France by ferry.
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