A Weekend of Friendship and Future Possibilities in Les Ulis

This past weekend, I had the immense honour of representing the town I proudly call home during an official visit to Les Ulis, one of our twin towns just south of Paris. Accompanied by my consort, we were welcomed with extraordinary warmth and generosity by the twinning association and members of the town council.

From the moment we arrived, we were treated like family. Our hosts organised a wonderful welcome dinner where we shared stories, laughter, and exciting ideas for future collaboration. We explored opportunities in culture, education, business, and sport each conversation filled with enthusiasm and mutual respect.

Saturday morning began with a visit to the newly restored Notre-Dame Cathedral. Standing before such a symbol of resilience and beauty was truly humbling. The intricate details of the restoration glowed in the morning light, reminding us of the power of preservation and renewal. From there, we enjoyed a guided tour of central Paris, pausing at the Princess Diana Memorial and other iconic landmarks. A peaceful picnic in the gardens beneath the Eiffel Tower offered a moment of reflection and connection.

Later that afternoon, we were welcomed by a large and joyful crowd at Parc Paul Loridant. I had the privilege of delivering a speech celebrating our twinning partnership and the exciting potential it holds. Together with Mayor Clovis Cassan, we unveiled the Allée de Thetford a symbolic road in the town’s park, nestled beside a serene lake and framed by the city’s skyline. It was a deeply moving moment to see our town’s name honoured in such a meaningful way.

The evening brought another highlight: the Portuguese Communities Day celebration. Hosted by a local association and attended by the Mayor of Sátão (Portugal) and the Consul General of Portugal in Paris, the event was a vibrant celebration of heritage and unity. After a delicious feast of traditional delicacies, we were ushered into a packed theatre where we were honoured with gifts and a heartfelt round of applause. I addressed the audience with gratitude before enjoying two incredible musical performances first by Sem Gênero, a young group preserving traditional Portuguese music, followed by a renowned Portuguese singer who brought the house to life.

Sunday was a day of heartfelt goodbyes and new beginnings. After a breakfast of locally sourced ingredients, we toured the town, met local business owners, and were greeted warmly by residents. The sense of community and pride was palpable. Our visit concluded with a farewell lunch hosted by our gracious host, Emília Ribeiro, and attended by Mayor Cassan.

This visit has not only strengthened the bond between Thetford and Les Ulis but also opened doors to exciting new possibilities. Inspired by the friendships and opportunities we discovered, I look forward to sharing these experiences with my council colleagues, residents, and local businesses. Together, we can build on this momentum to create lasting partnerships that benefit both our communities.

"I'm uploading several pictures to give you a visual overview of the events. Apologies if the pictures are not in sequence"