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Friendship Weekend, April 2014

The Friendship weekend presided over by President Georgie was a huge success with visitors from France, Germany, Netherlands and our sister clubs in the UK.

On Friday morning our French friends had a splendid brunch – a ‘full English’ with blueberry muffins and maple syrup – followed by a trip to Compton Verney to see the permanent Art Exhibition and have a guided tour of the sculptures of Rodin and Moore.

On Saturday morning we took our visitors to Stoneleigh Abbey where we were joined by our Dutch members. Following coffee, we embarked on the ‘Jane Austin’ tour and given insights into the little known world of Jane Austin and her ties to Stoneleigh. This was followed by our 45th Charter Lunch at the Warwickshire Golf Club. The tables were beautifully decked out with flowers arranged in the soroptimist colours. A traditional meal of lamb and fruit crumble was served which was heartily enjoyed and wonderful entertainment was provided by the ‘Celtic dancers’ – a brilliant entourage of young girl traditional dancers and one sweet little lad who was straight out of the mould of ‘Billie Elliot’! We were also joined at lunch by our town Mayor and honorary member Felicity Bunker, Regional President and fellow club presidents.

Two of our members each hosted a supper evening on Friday and Saturday.

On Sunday morning we took our guests to the Barn Museum in Abbey Fields followed by a tour of Kenilworth Old Town.  This was nicely rounded off by a traditional English pub lunch at the Clarendon Arms.  Our German, Dutch and UK visitors then departed for home.

On Monday morning we took our French visitors to Baddesley Clinton: the tour of the house followed by lunch in the restaurant.  Then it was time to leave for Coventry and the bus to Gatwick.

Our visitors were full of praise for the organisation, activities, and for the warm welcome and friendliness shown to them throughout the weekend.