There was plenty of friendly rivalry, laughter and celebration in Rochdale recently as the Friends of Tourcoing hosted 25 visitors from France to mark 70 years of twinning between the two towns.
The week got off to a fantastic start, and it was the much-anticipated ‘Games Day’ that really captured the spirit of the visit. French and English teams went head-to-head in a series of light-hearted competitions.
Mini golf at Puttstars proved a close contest, ending in a well-fought draw, with both sides showing impressive (and sometimes surprising) skill. In the boules competition, the English team beat the French at their own game of pétanque - a victory that was celebrated with plenty of cheers, good humour, and a little disbelief.
Guests enjoyed relaxed social time, a warm welcome at the Mayor’s Parlour, and a guided tour of the town hall, with plenty of opportunities to catch up with old friends and make new ones.
The final night was a civic reception, an evening of food, music, and celebration. A display of memorabilia reminded everyone just how much history sits behind the twinning.
Beyond the activities and events, it was the atmosphere that made the visit so special - the laughter over meals, the conversations in two languages, and the genuine warmth between hosts and guests.
Rochdale’s twinning with Tourcoing began 70 years ago in the aftermath of war, with the aim of building understanding and friendship between communities.
Nearly 60 years ago, local twinning associations were established to strengthen these ties, and thanks to the dedication of members on both sides, those connections remain as strong as ever.
This latest visit was a joyful reminder that twinning is not just about official links, but about people - opening homes, sharing cultures, and forming friendships that stand the test of time. Seventy years on, Rochdale and Tourcoing continue to prove that while competition can be fun, friendship is the real victory.
