Chers Amis
Most
of us are members of the Alliance Française because of our interest in French
language, history and culture. Many of us have visited France and had our
senses overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of Paris, its epic streetscape and
public buildings, and in particular, the 800 year old Notre Dame de Paris. In
some small way, therefore, we share with French people the horror and disbelief
of the images we saw on our TV screens on 15 April when flames tore through the
cathedral’s roof and brought its spire crashing down to the floor below. France
has suffered more than its fair share of both natural disasters, and man-made
horrors, over recent years resulting in the loss of life and property. But even
though the Notre Dame fire caused no loss of life the prospect of losing such
an iconic building has caused an unprecedented outpouring of grief both in France
and overseas. Our thoughts are with the French people and hope that the
cathedral is quickly restored to its former glory.
Amities, Robert McCombie
Amities, Robert McCombie
