24th - 28th May 2024:
La Visite à Oignies
Amis and friends assemble in front of the mairie, ready for Saturday's parade.
Our twinning with Oignies came about as a result of the tragic events which took place in and around the town in 1940, during the Second World War. During each visit we hold an event, usually on the Saturday morning, to commemorate those who lost their lives, particularly the inhabitants of Oignies and the soldiers from Buxton, many of whom lie in the town cemetery.
Our annual visit to Oignies took place in earlier this year during May. We set off from Buxton by coach on Friday the 24th, for a long weekend of fun and friendship hosted by our Amis from the small town of Oignies in Northern France.
The Remembrance Parade passes through the streets of Oignies
Une Cornemuse
(Bagpipes)
Kim Flanagan of the Fairfield Band Plays the Last Post
Helen the Flag Bearer
Laying wreaths to remember the fallen
We were also given a guided tour around the towns brand new education centre, pictured here. The state of the art facilities include a multi media library, several music rehearsal rooms and a theatre.
On Saturday Night much fun was had by all at the Jeux Olympiques (Olympic Games) themed Dinner Dance at the Hotel de Ville, several of whome can be seen here sporting their olympic themed fancy dress.
On Monday we were taken for a day out down the pit. A visit along with our amis oigninois to the Mining History Centre, based at the former Lewarde Coal Mine, nearby. The centre offered a fascinating insight into the culture and history of the Nord Pas de Calais mining region, including the town of Oignies, in the days when coal extraction was the principal industry. It wasn't all work however, our 'descent' underground was preceded by a sumptuous three course lunch in the centre's excellent restaurant. A veritable fortification à la Française!
All from the Friends of Oignies Association would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to our great friends les Amis de Buxton for a wonderfully entertaining weekend. It was great fun all round, we all thoroughly enjoyed it, and we can't wait to see you all in Buxton next spring. Merci mille fois les Amis ! À l'année prochaine !
