Published at 11:46, Thursday, 13 November 2008

GUESTS from Ulverston’s French twin town and a Furness civic party took off to France for a week of remembrance.

HANDSHAKE: Picture shows Janette Jenkinson (Mayor), Marc Dauchet, Edith Carpentier, Eric Coulon, Dermot O’Connor, Patrick Cauchefer Mike Vallance

BAE in Barrow provided the free flight from Walney Airfield to Liverpool so the visitors from Albert would not miss their connection to Paris.

The Furness party – including Dalton mayor Dermot O’Connor and Ulverston-Albert Twinning Association chairman Roy Gill – made the trip to mark the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

They spent Tuesday visiting the war cemetery at Fricourt, the Ulverston Trench, the Monument aux Morts, and the First World War exhibition at du Jeu de Paume museum.

Before leaving, Mr Gill said: “We will be laying wreaths at three cemeteries and visiting the Ulverston Trench. There were lots of Lancashire Fusiliers over there fighting and many lost their lives, including the grandfather of Ulverston councillor Brenda Marr, who is coming with us.”

Ulverston mayor Jeanette Jenkins said: “It was a very nice gesture from BAE because otherwise they would not have made it to Albert in time for the Armistice on Tuesday.”

Christian Elliott, HR and communications director at BAE, said: “We are always happy to support the local community in activities which reflect positively on the area, especially on what is such an important day.”

The Albert guests had been in Furness to observe remembrance services at Ulverston, Dalton and Newton.

The Furness touring party was due to return home today.

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk