The French connection

The French Connection 25th-27th May
The French have now confirmed their number coming as 15. The two extras are Meigen, an ambassadorial scholar from Northern Australia. Beryl has agreed to host her and the Truckels have agreed to host Madeleine Bodin, in addition to the Guerrins as the Guerrins are personal friends of Madeleine. The Flacks are friends of the Bodins having stayed with each other on previous exchanges, and they have agreed to entertain her on the Saturday during the visit to the Mary Rose in Portsmouth. If she does not wish to travel.

The French have agreed to host the winners of the French Speaking competition and Ryde Academy and Ryde School will be invited to nominate students to participate. The event will be slotted in at 9.30 am on the Friday morning before the welcome lunch at the IOW College in Newport. The George Street Centre and Ryde Methodist Church are being considered as venues.

 On the Sunday a visit has been arranged for mass at 10.00am at Quarr Abbey and to meet the French Abbot from Tours afterwards. The French have been asked for numbers and an alternative event will be included if appropriate.

Beryl Ely has agreed to help coordinate hosts for dinner parties on the Saturday evening and she has sent an email to all members to seek volunteers. Please contact Beryl as this will become more pressing as time passes.