The band has a long association with the Twinning Society through past members Pete Wilson, Alex Hollweg and Dickie Binding and through our present First Baritone, Andrew Rhodes. On this visit we enjoyed a packed itinerary that included visits to Brest, Quimper, the lighthouse at Pointe Saint Mathieu, the Saint Renan Waterpark and an afternoon at the beach, as well as performances at venues such as the La Forge brewery in Plouarzel and the Mairie of Saint Renan. A highlight of the visit was the presentation to the Mayor of two artworks by the late Watchet artist and former band member Alex Hollweg, gifted by his widow Geraldine and children Rebecca and Lucas, as a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two communities.
In a musical tribute, the band performed "Chantons en Choeur," a piece arranged by Alex specifically for these twinning visits. This composition, which blends French folk songs, has become a cherished part of the band's repertoire and a reminder of the deep cultural ties between Watchet and Saint Renan. The band also played a moving rendition of “The Old Rugged Cross” in memory of former bandmate Pete Wilson. The performance was especially poignant with the attendance of Jean Wilson and Marilyn Binding, whose late husbands Pete and Dickie were much-loved leading figures in both the band and the Twinning Society.
Beyond the music, the trip offered plenty of fun opportunities for cultural exchange and camaraderie, with shared meals, sightseeing and music making.
To read more about the visit you can head to the County Gazette, the West Somerset Free Press or Somerset Live.
There are also photos and videos in our Media section on our website so why not take a look and listen to what we've been up to.
If you are interested in becoming involved with the Twinning Society and strengthening community ties through such visits then please do get in touch with them by emailing