The weekend of 17th to 20th May was the time when Jeurne Garde visited Stockport School of Gymnastics for the annual Staleybridge/Armentiere sporting exchange. Old friendships were rekindled and new friendships formed in a very busy weekend. This page gives a flavour of what we got up to.

In 2002 Jeurne Garde visited Stockport.

Friday 17th May

Arrive at Staleybridge, 8.00pm instead of 5.00pm due to the coach having a blowout in one of the tyres on the UK motorway. Met up with the host families and free time before a well earned nights sleep.

Saturday 18th May

Morning Free with host families. This almost without exception involved going shopping and spending huge amounts of money. The Stockport town centre saw one group spend over an hour in Claire's Accessories. No pictures of shopping to protect the broke.

Lunch consisted of a buffet in the gym followed by what loosely could be called training. A token effort on all of the apparatus followed by displays from both clubs and an energetic trampet display from both French and English gymnasts.

Combined Warm Up

Jeurne Garde Coaches at Lunch

All Gymnasts French and British

The French Gymnasts

After the session in the gym a quick change, some food with the host families and then to Stockport town centre for a spot of bowling, 10 pin not boules.

Sunday 19th May

We spent the day at Alton Towers. It was an early start, into a coach and arrive at the theme park in time to queue for the rides.

The picture shows the teacups, not exactly a white knuckle ride but it was the only ride going slowly enough for the camera to get the action.

Without a pause it was off to the final disco and social to eat and swop presents. Another chance for all families to get to know each other and practice their language skills.

The macarana

More Dancing

All Gymnasts French and British

Monday 20th May

Early to Staleybridge to catch the bus back to Armentieres. Tears and more photos and a promise of more fun in Armentiere in May 2003.

Gymnasts, too early to focus

Gymnasts and Coaches