So, the long hot summer has finally come to an end, a welcome relief to many but also a sign that Autumn is with us and for us here at CSF DELot, it is ‘la rentrée’. We held our first council meeting after the summer break on 17 September and were pleased to welcome one of our own newly qualified Active Listeners, along with a newly qualified Active Listener from a neighbouring Association and also Carol Quinlan, the new national Training Officer. But before telling you about what lies ahead for us, a little catch up on events just before our summer recess. As promised, here is Pat Lockett’s account of her trip to Gruissan and beyond in support of this year’s Cycle for Life: –
On Wednesday 14th May, an intrepid group of cyclist lined up for the start of this year’s Cycle for Life in Mazamet in the department of the Tarn.
“Following months of planning and coordinating, CSF National past president, Penny Parkinson, had successfully brought everyone together on the right day, at the right place and off they set along the scenic Voie Verte de Haut-Languedoc, heading south towards Bédarieux over two days. Volunteers from CSF Sud de France and CSF Languedoc made sure everyone was well fed and watered enroute.
Barry and I joined them (in support, not on bikes!) on Day 3 and as you’ll see from the photographs (in the gallery), endeavoured to be of use. They started at Bézieres and rode in the most awful wind and rain to arrive soaked at Gruissan ready for hot baths and vin chaud rather than a glass of something cool and refreshing.
We met up with Elizabeth and Curtis from New York who were cycling the first three days. They travel over completely at their own expense to participate and raise money for CSF. This year again, DELot asked members to support them and you have, to the tune of over €1000. Thank you so much for that.
The centre of Gruissan was the start of Day 4 and the longest day with 6okms ahead of them, thank goodness it was sunny but still with breeze. DELot secretary Cathy, and husband Gus, joined us and we made an excellent team of marshals, servers and shifters. Some cyclists struggled a bit but the sense of camaraderie was wonderful and no-one was left behind at any point. We picnicked on the beach part-way towards Barcarés and found a sheltered spot where the cyclists lingered over lunch… now that’s what cycling in south west France should be about!
Finally, Day 5 brought even better weather as the cyclists gathered on a warm and calm morning on Barcarés plage for their final 20kms, finishing in the centre of Perpignan, volunteers from Penny’s Association, CSF Sud de France, appeared with a host of goodies and the jubilant cyclists enjoyed a little wine, a little cheese and a lot of laughter.
Photographs were taken, certificates presented, speeches of thanks given and away they headed to their transports home, shouting… “SEE YOU NEXT YEAR”… – “oh ‘eck” said Penny to me afterwards, better put thinking caps on. The hope is to set the ride in a different part of France… so, anyone with an interest in leisure cycling who would be willing to help by offering ideas, planning the ride or offering support during the ride please please do contact me.”
Also in May, we trained a number of prospective Active Listeners from our area as well as from other Associations, and then it was time for our final council meeting on 18 June before taking a well-earned break – although our work supporting our various clients continued throughout the summer of course. Following the council meeting in June, our training session included a presentation by Dr Reix-Augeix, a local médecin traitant, who gave us a fascinating insight into her work treating Anglophone cancer patients. It was invaluable to hear things from a French GP’s point of view.
And so a look to the Autumn. At our June council meeting our president, Heather, introduced the ideas she had previously presented to the Bureau which showed a structure for developing the work that CSF does, as national is looking at whether cancer is the only condition we should be supporting. There had been some discussion as to how to reach people on a more personal level, such as coffee mornings along the lines of the Macmillan ones in the UK. A few of our council members have volunteered to research groups such as book clubs, choirs, quiz groups etc. where Anglophones meet so that we can make contact and circulate our information. Do get in touch if you are a member of such a group and would like us to contact you.