Adult visits to Azay le Rideau started as a result of the Bishop Rawstorne C.E. High School pupil exchange visits which began in 1982.  Children had come back with such glowing reports of the area, and of the kindness shown by parents that in 1985, a group of teachers and several parents from the Croston area joined in a five day visit to Azay le Rideau, staying at the homes of parents who had looked after their children so well.   

They were not disappointed, and a reciprocal visit to Croston the following year began what has now become an established and enjoyable association with the people of Azay.  Close friendships have built up over the years with many parents now regularly exchanging private visits and attending the weddings of many children who were the catalyst for the formation of our Association. 

At first, it was mainly teachers and parents, but now, friends, relatives and even grandparents join the visits. Although we stay in each others homes, initial worries about food, language problems and whether you're going to get on are soon dispelled.   Hosts  go out of their way to make their guests feel at home.  As an extra safeguard though, we always try to ensure that families staying together are of similar age and have common interests.  It all seems to work really well. 

Upon arrival in Azay you are met by your host and, after a lot of waving of arms, gesticulations, laughing and frantically flicking through pages of dictionaries, it is surprising how soon sitting down to good meal and a bottle (or two) of wonderful local  wine can clear away all inhibitions.  And strangely enough, no hangovers the next day.

Whilst evenings are usually spent with hosts, often at barbecues or parties together with others on the visit,  there is always a planned programme of daytime trips to chateaux, historic towns or other attractions,  and of course,  visits to local vineyards with the inevitable wine-tastings.   The visit is usually rounded off with a farewell party and dance with everyone attending.   It's surprising how time flies and most of the journey home is spent on enthusing about what a fantastic time we've all had.

The official adult exchange visits to Azay le Rideau take place every two years, usually in the Summer holiday period, with alternating return visits to Croston the during the intervening years.

2003 visit to Croston :-  21st--26th August

Our friends from Azay-le-Rideau visited Croston this year  from the 21st to the 26th August.  They arrived Thursday  and spend the evening with hosts.  On Friday they visited York for the day accompanied on the tour by French-speaking guides.  They returned for the evening with hosts.  On Saturday hosts and guests travelled by coach to Cartmel races which many enjoyed on their last visit.  Cartmel itself is a charming place with many lovely walks and attractions nearby.  And whilst we enjoy French wine, our guests over the years have definitely taken to English pubs, pub lunches and beer.  This year once more proved to be very popular and a great success. 
Sunday was spent with hosts, allowing us to show off local attractions and scenery or whatever appealed. As usual,  joint ventures were  planned e.g. barbecues, boules matches etc.   Monday too was free  to spend with hosts apart from the evening farewell reception and meal at Wellington Park, Leyland.  This was a lively affair with ceilidh dancing and other entertainment.  Sadly first thing Tuesday morning, it was all over, our visitors leaving early for a quick glimpse of London before going home.