Extracts from Minutes 6th July 2009

Present: Martin Willey, Paul Gray, Sue Page, Bill Piper, Kay Wilson, Mary Guppy, Malcolm Richardson, John Howell, Sheila Howell, Trevor Wood, Ken Seymour

Apologies: Katie & Howard Scott, Jane Clark, Bradley Woodward

Martin welcomed John & Sheila Howell and Bradley Woodward as new Committee members.

Minutes of Meeting held on 11 May 09 - accepted.

Chambourcy visit and Invitation for 2010

It was confirmed that next year's visit would take place in late May. Martin Willey praised Carole Renaud's efforts with the youth exchange and her attempt to get the football exchange going.

Treasure Hunt

It was confirmed that all was in hand for the 12 July. 22 people had signed up so far.

Feast Week Plans

It was agreed that all members of the committee would donate 2 full bottles of wine and as many clean empty bottles as possible. Martin Willey was preparing the quiz. Malcolm Richardson was supplying the gazebo. Several members agreed to help on the day. Martin suggested that the group take part in the parade, using a sports car and members dressed in French costume on foot collecting money for the Mayor's appeal.

School Contact progress

The College was concentrating on e-mail contacts. The High School had been preparing for Ofsted which had delayed progress. Curriculum changes in 2009/10 which would make French more important for primary schools. Contact to be made with Wycliffe School.

Business

Martin would e-mail the French to progress a link.

French Conversation

There needed to be more self help sessions before next year's visit. There were courses available at The Percival Guildhouse and in Market Harborough.

Plans for the rest of 2009

It was agreed to arrange a skittles evening at Croft for Thursday 15 October.

Development

Martin and Bill Piper had discussed linking other groups, e.g. Rotary, Lions, Masons. Malcolm agreed to make enquiries about Rotary link and Ken will enquire about Lions. There were no Masonic lodges in Chambourcy.

Martin will try to ascertain if there is a possibility of twinning choirs. Bradley Woodward was interested in performing arts twinning. Martin will approach the French about coming over for a youth visit next year. It was suggested that enquiries are made to see if it would be possible to send a band to France for the French national Music day. The Federation of Small businesses have asked if the Association can provide a speaker for their meetings. Martin Willey volunteered. It was also noted that Tony Jukes had done this in the past.

Date of next Meeting: Monday 7 September 2009