Undeterred by the freezing evening temperatures, 30 twinners attended Axminster Twinning Association's first post-Covid annual general meeting, held at Pippins Community Centre in January.

The members were warmly welcomed by association chair Caroline Hillyard before proceeding with the official AGM formalities.

Caroline gave an overview of the association's gradual return to social activities during early 2022 as Covid concerns gradually faded.

A well-attended, mid-summer mini-golf evening in Lyme Regis, the return of weekly mixed-ability French Language Café sessions in the Waffle House. plus the ever-popular French Film and Food night at Woodbury Village Hall, followed in December by a lively Christmas party in the Axminster Heritage Centre's Bradshaw Room ended 2022 on a high note.

Looking to the immediate future, Caroline highlighted a number of 2023's upcoming events, with others still being considered.

These include a Skittles Supper evening in March, celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III in May, as well as discussion about travel arrangements for a coach-party of Axminster's twinners to make a weekend trip to twin town Douvres-la-Délivrande in early June to enjoy the hospitality of its French counterparts.

Matters then turned to the main purpose of the evening, the official AGM formalities, which were dealt with speedily and included the treasurer's report and the formal election and re-election of committee members.

On this occasion, members were informed that two of the association's longest-serving, dedicated committee members, Jane and Graham Godbeer, had decided that, after 20-plus years on the committee, it was time to retire and hand over the reins to others.

Thanking them both for their immeasurable efforts over the years, Caroline presented them both with gifts as a token of gratitude for their long service.

The floor was then opened for any comments or questions by the members, followed by a lively quiz with questions based on members' knowledge of their twin town of Douvres-la-Délivrande in Normandy and other aspects of twinning.

Members then enjoyed a supper of Lyme Bay fish and chips and mulled wine.