Presidents Weekend – in France

Woking is twinned with Plessey-Robinson, France. Rotary are now linked with their Rotary Club, who have proposed many exciting events for the weekend.
More information to follow.Visit to Plessis Robinson 16th-19th May 2025

What a fabulous weekend. 12 of us travelled from Woking to visit the Rotary Club of Plessis Robinson. An early start meant we caught the Shuttle to Calais and arrived in time to have a welcoming dinner. What a welcome we were given together with canapés in the grounds then a great meal, transport to the venue in Clamart was organised by their Clubs.
Saturday morning a very interesting visit to the Chateau de Malmaison, which had been the beautiful home of Napoleon and Josephine. Here history unfurls through exquisite artefacts and beautiful gardens, a unique blend of history and beauty. From there to a lunch organised by Graham. The evening again so different!
There were three Rotary Clubs joined together to their biggest fund-raising event. “The Grand LOTTO in Clamart”, Hundreds of prizes displayed on the stage, then the Bingo started. Appreciation was shown for the gifts for the prizes we brought with us. The evening is expected to raise approx. Euro 5,000. Late finish but many of the small children were up and enjoying the event.
Sunday, the early risers found the Market, with plenty of cheese being bought.
Sunday lunch on board a boat cruising the Seine, starting at the Eiffel Tower, a typical French meal with the views. We managed to get a quick look at the almost finished Notre Dame Cathedral after its devastating fire.
Sunday evening, we ate locally and our Plessis Robinson contact Eric joined us for a farewell meal in a local square.
An enormous thank you to Carol who set up the whole adventure plus Graham for his organising. Also of course our fellow French Rotarians. The hope is that they would join us next year in the UK.
Monday. Shuttle, back home by about 5p.m.