TWENTY-FOUR members of Wellington Majorettes have just returned from a seven-day exchange trip to France. The team left in the early hours to travel by coach to Portsmouth where they boarded the ferry for a seven-hour crossing. Once they arrived in Caen, they had a further eight hours travelling to their destination, La Roche Chalis, in the south-eest of France, an hour’s drive from Bordeaux.

Members were introduced to their host families and soon built up fantastic friendships.

Troupe leader Louise Brierley said: "I first went on an exchange trip when I was eight years old, with Wellington Majorettes to Lillebonne, when we were twinned with a troupe of majorettes called Les Miss D’Auberville. It was a fantastic experience that many ex-majorettes still talk about today.

"I have kept in contact with Aurelie and Romuald Passeriux, who were members of Les Miss D’Auberville. Five years ago they decided to set up a troupe of their own and this is when we decided we should get the teams together.

"In 2016, Romuald and Aurelie made the first trip to Wellington in 25 years with their majorettes Les Rochal Twirl, joining Wellington Majorettes for carnival weekend. Two years later, we finally raised the funds to return with a small team."

The team performed twice during the trip, the first at an official ceremony in the centre of La Roche Chalis. Les Rochal Twirl Majorettes led the parade and Wellington Majorettes followed, providing the music for both troupes. The teams performed short routines and members were presented with a keepsake medal from the Mayor.

The second performance was on a Sunday afternoon in very hot conditions, at a summer festival in the next village. Hundreds of spectators warmly welcomed both teams. Feedback from the audience was that they loved Wellington Majorettes’ traditional uniforms and band.

During the visit, there was also time for sightseeing and team building fun between the two troupes. A visit to St Emillion was popular, with a historic underground tour – and wine tasting for the adults.

The two teams really united on a visit to Saint Aulaye, where they shared canoes and made their way down a river. They dodged overhanging trees and and tested their skills and teamwork, going over dams in 16 canoes to the little village of Parcoul.

The session was only supposed to be two hours but three-and-a-half hours later the canoeists arrived safely. They were all very wet and a little muddy, as they decided to stop for a swim in the river and were shown the art of bridge jumping.

The week passed quickly with picnics, late nights, shopping opportunities, hours of fun in the village pool and a fantastic disco.

Louise added: "So many memories and friendships have been made and the team hope to return in 2020.

"The team are now looking forward to the end of the month when Les Rochal Twirl Majorettes will return for our carnival weekend along with their friends from Les Batons de L’estuaire Majorettes. We will also welcome 14 friends from our Portuguese twin town, Torres Vedras."