Thaxted Twinning Association is holding a valuation day to raise money for hosting their French guests.

The event will be held at Thaxted Guildhall from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, April 27.

Visitors can bring along antiques and collectibles for a free valuation, with specialists from Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers on hand to offer auction estimates and expert sales advice.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Visitors from Saint-Vrain were welcomed to Thaxted last yearVisitors from Saint-Vrain were welcomed to Thaxted last year (Image: Thaxted Twinning Association)

Entry is £1 for adults and free for children. Tea, coffee and homemade cakes will be served.

All proceeds from the day will help Thaxted welcome residents from the twin town of Saint-Vrain, which is just south of Paris.

A spokesperson for Thaxted Twinning Association said: "The major reason for our fundraising events is to enable us to entertain and reciprocate the kindness shown to our members of Thaxted Twinning by 'Association Saint-Vrain Jumelage'."

The next visit to Saint-Vrain will take place from Thursday, May 30 to Sunday, June 2.

Members only need to pay the price of a Eurostar ticket, with children going free from the group's fundraising, and once in Saint-Vrain they are hosted free of charge by the French twinning association.

In 2025 Thaxted will host residents from Saint-Vrain and will be responsible for providing days out, meals and entertainment.

The partnership between the towns has been going on for more than 20 years.

A statement on the Thaxted Twinning Association website reads: "Quizzes, dinners, BBQs, free French lesson evening and even wine tasting (naturellment!) are on the cards throughout the year, which will all serve to prepare the palette for the pièce de résistance, exchange visits during the summer.

"During these visits we have social get-togethers, trips out to see the surrounding area and visit historic places and fun places for younger members.

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"Many of our members make private visits to France and stay with the friends they have made through twinning.

"There is also a good deal of regular contact by emails, phone calls, social media, WhatsApp and Zoom."

The Twinning Association is also hosting a free French lesson in the Guildhall from 6pm to 7pm on Friday, May 17. People of all ages are welcome.