From the President

 Cher tous,

Our 14th July event was particularly successful this year, thanks to the enthusiasm of the large number of participants - 40 members and their 27 guests - a copious and delicious dinner and a frenzied and energetic cabaret show. It was a superb evening, during which Madame d'Aulnoy, Carmen, and a particularly dynamic and libertine Veuve Clicquot took turns to entertain us to music brilliantly performed by a talented musician. I would like to thank you all for coming in such large numbers, for your positive comments at the end of the evening and for being dressed to the nines. From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU.

On 12 July, I was asked to be the guest speaker at the CWA local section's French lunch. About twenty members attended, the food was delicious, the conversation pleasant, we felt very welcome in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

The Olympic Games are open!

Did you know that the slogan for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is "Ouvrons grand les Jeux!” (Games wide open), a play on words based on the expression “Ouvrez grand les yeux” (Open your eyes wide), which naturally refers to spectators' amazement at the athletes' performances. A pretty good slogan, if you ask me. French has been one of the two official languages of the Olympic Games, along with English, ever since Baron Pierre de Coubertin, co-founder of the International Olympic Committee, known as the father of the modern Olympic Games, revived the competition. This is laid down in Article 23 of the Olympic Charter adopted in 1908: "At all Sessions, simultaneous interpretation shall be provided in French and English". However, "In the event of any discrepancy between the texts, the French text shall prevail". Traditionally, the heads of state who declared the Games "open" did so in French, anyway, since Ronald Reagan, this custom has been lost, as the opening is now pronounced in the language of the host country. For the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Organising Committee has signed an agreement with the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) to ensure that the French language is used in all communications media, but did not see fit to appoint a “grand témoin de la Francophonie” (grand Francophone Observer) for the Olympic Games as they are being held in France!

With the exception of our pétanque players, we won't be meeting in August, but I look forward to seeing you on 25 September for our AGM and a film that many of you are sure to enjoy.

A bientôt!

Sylvie