A large group of exchange visitors from France, Germany, Switzerland and Italy descended upon Banbury as part of a long-running Banbury Rotary Club exchange.
The programme included a stay at the recently re-opened Whately Hall hotel and – amongst other things – included visits to Blenheim Palace and Sulgrave Manor. Miraculously the sun shon non-stop!
The grand finale saw almost 100 Rotary members from five different European countries at a Gala Dinner and Ball at Banbury Town Hall: well – more accurately it was a great meal and a céilidh which had all of our European friends laughing and smiling as – like us – they desperately tried to master the instructions quickly enough to keep in-time with the music.
The speeches were short and positive recognising the importance of continuing friendship and cooperation in the face of the escalating challenges facing Europe at the present time.
The event ended with an invite to all members of Banbury Rotary Club to visit Aalen – Heidenheim in Germany next summer.