Following arrival by coach on Friday evening, guests from Hexham attended an official reception in Noyon's town hall on Saturday morning, addressed by both mayors. Derek Kennedy and Sandrine Dauchelle marked 32 years of friendship and cooperation between the towns.
On Saturday afternoon there was an opportunity for newcomers to Noyon to be taken around this historic town by their hosts. In the evening: Hexham Village Band performed in 'Le Confluent' restaurant, which sits at the junction of two canals. Guests were invited by their hosts to a four-course buffet supper, which many enjoyed while sitting outside on the terrace.
On Sunday the coach brought hosts and visitors to the city of Amiens for an afternoon cruise on board the 'Picardie' barge. Typical regional dishes were served as the boat glided along Amiens' ancient waterways, which are lined by privately-owned 'floating gardens'. Many of the party later visited the magnificent cathedral of Amiens.
On the Sunday evening the final event was a dinner dance in the Chevalet building in the centre of the town, with music by the group M67 and Hexham Village Band.
On Monday morning it was 'farewell' as the coach departed for Hexham, after a memorable weekend of French hospitality.
Photographs © HTTA/SC
Publicity after the event included coverage by the Hexham Courant, and here by the magazine 'Living in Noyon'
