A Global Family: WGC Rotary Welcomes Twin Club from Luçon, France for Centenary Reunion

By WGC Rotary News Team

Our landmark Centenary celebrations are officially under way, and we could not have asked for a more perfect start. International fellowship is at the very heart of the Rotary movement, and on Friday afternoon, that global connection came to life right here in Welwyn Garden City.

At exactly 4:06 pm, the platform at Welwyn Garden City train station was filled with excited chatter and open arms as we welcomed nine wonderful members from our twin club in Luçon, France.

After a quick trip to their hosts' homes to unpack and settle in, our French guests joined WGC club members—both new and old—for a spectacular welcome reunion hosted at the home of our current Joint Club President.

A Classic English Evening with a Musical Backdrop

The evening began with refreshing drinks in the garden, bathed in sunshine and the beautiful sounds of local musical duo Tammy and Adam. They serenaded the gathering with a fantastic variety of background songs that perfectly set the relaxed, celebratory mood.

To give our twin club friends a true taste of Britain, the evening featured a distinctly English theme. Guests tucked into a traditional fish and chip supper, generously provided by the team at Hakalok, which went down an absolute treat with our continental visitors.

A Moving Tribute to Rotary Support

Just as puddings were being served, our performers prepared to depart, leading to one of the most touching moments of the night. Ahead of her final song, singer Tammy paused to share how much it meant to her to be invited back to perform for WGC Rotary.

She reflected on her journey, noting that she first joined the Thalians drama group when she was just 21 years old. Now in her mid-40s, she shared that the club has, in a sense, watched her grow both personally and professionally. Tammy expressed her deep gratitude, stating she felt the club had steadfastly supported her throughout her entire career as a performer and as a person. It was a poignant reminder of how deeply rooted WGC Rotary is within our local community.

The True Spirit of Rotary

As the night drew to a close, a magnificent selection of English cheeses—ranging from sharp mature cheddars to creamy local bries—was brought out. The atmosphere was so warm and vibrant that nobody wanted the evening to end; everyone lingered long into the night, sharing stories, laughter, and memories.

Moments like Friday night perfectly encapsulate what our organisation is about. Beyond our local fundraising and community projects, we are part of a massive, interconnected global network bound by genuine friendship.

We are incredibly grateful to our friends from Luçon for making the journey, to our wonderful hosts, and to everyone who made the first night of our Centenary weekend so unforgettable. Vive le Rotary!