There is an
old French (?) saying ‘when the going gets tough, the tough get going’ and
there were certainly times at our Annual Coupe d’Antibes and Christmas Party
when the weather gods got seriously nasty. On a number of occasions during the
day both players and spectators beat a tactical retreat to the BBQ shelter to
get out of the driving rain and gale force winds. Nonetheless, in the calm,
sunny intervals between squalls some closely fought rounds of pétanque were
played with the Winners showing true grit and carrying away La Coupe. But
everyone knows that for real French sports followers winning the greatest
number of points is only half of the game. What’s really important is how you
do it. The flair, the elan, skill and the style with which the game is played
(especially Petanque) is at least if not more important. We don’t seem to have
recognised this in the past so 2018 became the inaugural year in which we
awarded a prize to the most stylish player. Margaret Gaunson, our judge of all
things stylish, was in no doubt and selected Brigitte Leroy for her elegance
and poise on the piste. May I offer my congratulations to Brigitte and also to
the Winners. Read more about the big event later in this issue. May I wish you
all a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year. We are looking
forward to seeing you in the New Year at the Alliance Française de la Côte de
Saphir Welcome Party which will be held on 9th February, details in the December 2018 edition of La Mouette or on the "Events" page.
Amities,
Rob McCombie
