Saltash Renews 40-Year Friendship Charter with Plougastel-Daoulas

Cornish cream met French strawberries in the Guildhall, and somewhere in the middle of it all a 40 year friendship got a fresh signature.

Saltash Town Council has renewed its Charter of Friendship with Plougastel-Daoulas, the twinned town in Brittany it has been connected to for four decades. The renewal was marked with a dedicated event at Saltash Guildhall on Friday 14th May 2026.

A friendship across the water

Plougastel-Daoulas sits in Finistère, Brittany, with a population similar to Saltash. It lies just over the bridge from Brest, a naval city with a university, much like Saltash’s own neighbour across the Tamar, Plymouth.

Over the past 40 years, the Saltash Twinning Association has built up relationships with many Plougastel families. French and English groups make trips to visit each other once every other year, hosted by local families in each town.

This year’s visit carried extra weight. The First Deputy Mayor of Plougastel, Patricia Henaff, travelled over with accompanying representatives, and the occasion was given a proper send-off.

Two signatures, one pledge

During the event, the Mayor of Saltash, Cllr Brian Stoyel, and Patricia each signed a copy of the renewed charter, reaffirming the shared commitment and cultural ties between the two communities.

The day was also attended by Mayoress Maxine Stoyel, members of Saltash Town Council, the Town Clerk, Deputy Mayor Cllr Brenda Samuels, and Town Council staff member Stephen Blake, who stepped in as Town Crier and delivered the cry to mark the occasion.

Gifts were exchanged between the Twinning Association, Saltash Town Council and Plougastel. These included the winning photograph from the Railway 200 competition by Stephen Evans, a handcrafted bowl from the Saltash Community Shed, and a commemorative book gifted by the Saltash-Plougastel Twinning Association.

And the highlight for many? The pairing of Cornish cream with Plougastel’s locally grown strawberries.

Looking ahead

Saltash Town Council says it remains committed to supporting town enrichment through cultural activity and community engagement.

Mayor Cllr Brian Stoyel said:

“Another very successful twinning weekend with the signing of a new pledge, cementing the intention of continuing for another forty years.

Family friendships abounded, fostering goodwill, culture and laughter across the water. Excursions were well received despite the expected typical English wet sunshine.

Dancing on the Saturday evening showed the need for a lot of practice in the coming years, but there was certainly much laughter and rhythm from some.

A glorious weekend, with happy memories, was had by all. Thank you to the organising team.”