32nd Anniversary Visit

  July 1998  

Led by Mayor and Mrs. Rick Kuss, a contingent of 32 Salinians traveled to Brecon for a two week anniversary visit. At a reception in Brecon Guild Hall the Mayor of Brecon Town, Councillor Susan Francis welcomed the visitors on behalf of the people of Brecon. She made particular mention of the long association between Brecon and Saline even as long ago as the late 18th century when troops from Brecon were garrisoned in Michigan. In an emotional response, Mayor of Saline Rick Kuss thanked the people for their hospitality and friendship. Mayor Francis presented Rick with a Town Council plaque and Mayor Kuss responded by presenting a document of citation and in a lighter mood gave members of the Town Council umbrellas . Visitors, hosts and members of the Town Council were entertained by the Aberhonddu Male Voice Choir.

The Salinians were extremely grateful for the planning and work of the Brecon-Saline Twinning Association Host Committee, shown here with Mayor Francis and her husband Joe Francis.

The timing of the visit was perfect for a visit to the Royal Welsh Show. The Saline visitors were accustomed to local American agricultural fairs but were overwhelmed by the size and complexity of the this exposition. Some things were very similar, however, including face paint for some of the younger Saline travelers.

Travelling Together

Visitors and hosts spent time on this trip travelling together. The transportation adventures started locally with a serene trip on the canal aboard the Dragonfly.

The party then traveled to nearby Merthyr, where Mayor and Mrs. Kuss and Mayor Francis were warmly greeted by Merthyr Mayor and Mayoress Goldsworthy.

A trip through North Wales and the Isle of Anglesey was highlighted by visits to several castles, including Caernarfon and Beaumaris. The group also traveled to Bath where some of the travelers found comfortable chairs amidst a beautiful garden.

Home Away From Home

But back at "home" in Brecon, it was just friendly fun and comradery that capped the visit. The sharing times included a barbecue (with an international cast of cooks) and a treasure hunt that bewildered most of the Americans.

And what trip to Brecon would be complete without being shepherded to the livestock auction to get a first hand look at tomorrow's lunch

.

This leisurely trip ended with a farewell even at the Brecon Leisure Center, where the Americans showed their prowess at what is know in Wales as "Ten Pin".

The fond farewells included parting gifts from Mayor Kuss and Saline-Brecon Friendship Guild president Pat Patrick to Mayor Francis.

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