Bretons welcomed back as twinning arrangement returns following pandemic

For the first time since 2018, an entourage from Brittany came to Caerphilly as part of the town’s twinning arrangement with Lannion.

Caerphilly has been twinned with Lannion since 1991, while Llanbradach has been twinned with Ploubezre, which is about two miles from Lannion, since 1994.

The arrangement was created by the Caerphilly and District Twinning Association, whose members visit Brittany bi-annually, while their Breton counterparts come to Wales on alternate years.

The twinning also sees Llanbradach Junior footballers take on Breton opposition each year.

Members of the association last visited Brittany in 2019 – with Covid stopping the exchange visits in 2020 and 2021.

This year, around 30 Breton visitors were welcomed to Caerphilly County Borough for a long weekend.

A welcome meeting in Llanbradach saw gifts exchanged between Llanbradach Community Council and Ploubezre council, as well as between Caerphilly Town Council and Lannion council.

A game of boules was contested between the hosts and their guests – with the Bretons coming away with a narrow 5-4 win.

During their visit to south Wales, the Bretons also visited the Museum of Welsh Life at St Fagans and Cyfartha Castle in Merthyr Tydfil, as well as taking a ride on the Brecon Mountain Railway.

The exchange visits usually end with a meal at Caerphilly Castle’s Great Hall – but due to the ongoing renovation works there, it was held at Llanbradach Community Centre instead. The meal was then followed by folk dancing.

Llanbradach councillor Colin Mann, who is the chair of the twinning association, said: “This year’s visit was complicated by the fact that Covid is still with us, but in spite of this the visit went very well, enjoyed by everyone.

“Twinning is an excellent way of getting to know local people in a way that you cannot do on a traditional holiday.  A lot of our members now have many friends in Brittany, friendships that have lasted over many years.”

Cllr Mann continued: “There are many similarities between Wales and Brittany. The Welsh, Breton and Cornish languages are related and you can see that in the place names.  Much of the geography is similar and the Breton National Anthem shares the same tune and similar words as the Welsh Anthem.  Many older people may remember the Sioni Wnion (Johnny Onion) men coming to Wales.

“I would like to thank all our members for their support in hosting our guests.  Without the hosting the exchanges would not work.”

He added: “We are looking forward to making a return visit to Brittany next year.  We always welcome new members and any everyone will be encouraged to take part in next year’s visit.”

Anyone interested in joining the twinning association can visit the association’s Facebook page or contact Cllr Mann on 07500 057096.