The Dorset Youth Marching Band set off on Friday 28th May for our forth trip to France, following from previous trips in 2006, 2007 & 2008.

We arrived at the Geits on Saturday afternoon and prepared for a brilliant week ahead of us. It kicked off with us performing at a Troglodyte village just outside of Saumur, followed by a very nice meal laid on by a bar, all arranged by the Bandmaster of Elan Saumurois. The following day we headed into Allonne to meet with our friends from 2006, Avenir Allonnais. We met with Allonnais at their practice hall and were treated to a brilliant meal and all the members had a brilliant time!

The following day was a quiet one, we had the chance to do some shopping and relaxed for most the day, with the highlight being our visit to a local Vinyard to perform and have a tour of the facility. On the Tuesday we headed into Saumur to perform to the Mayor and onlooking public before joining Elan Saumurois in Saumur for a performance, followed by a get together and brilliant meal at their practice hall. Another brilliant day for the band!

On Wednesday, we headed off to Doue Zoo for the day. All the members loved seeing the various animals before heading back to the Geits for a BBQ. The BBQ was laid on by DYMB and Mr & Mrs Harding for the friends we've made over here, including Avenir Allonais, Elan Saumurois and the owners of the Vinyard. The following day was far more relaxed! We went out shopping again and when we got back, just chilled in the pool until it was time to head out for dinner, which was to be at a mobile English style fish and chip cafe.

On the Friday, we headed back home after another excellent week. We have to say a huge thank you to everybody we met over there, all of whom were such brilliant hosts. A special thank you to Avenir Allonnais and Elan Saumurois for making us feel so welcome once again, to the Mayor and people of Saumur for allowing us to perform in such a lovely city and of course to David and Joyce Harding for allowing us to stay once again and for being such excellent friends of the band.

Be sure to check out the day by day diary of the trip: France 2010 Diary.