Autumn seems to be the season for clubs and societies to hold their AGMs. I attended the one at the CLAN, where I teach English, a few weeks ago; it was preceded by a dinner, so didn’t get started till about 9pm. I installed myself near the back; I’d only gone to show willing and make up the numbers and didn’t read anything into the fact that I was the only English person there. I couldn’t hear/understand very clearly what was going on, but suddenly found myself the centre of attention, being made to stand up and having questions thrown at me from all sides about my class last year. Eventually I worked out that I was the English teachers’ representative (being the only one who’d turned up) and that I was expected to give an account of what I felt we’d achieved during the last school year and what changes were planned for the coming year. “Anglais” being at the start of the alphabet, it was the first subject on the agenda, so I didn’t have any clues from hearing what other teachers said; I stood there like some sort of stuffed lemon, my ability to understand or speak any comprehensible French rendered non-existent in my state of total panic! They must have wondered what use such a moron could possibly be teaching anyone anything!
Today was the turn of the cycling club; the meal in this case would come after the meeting, at a local restaurant and the club would foot half the bill. We arrived in plenty of time; when there are 50-odd attendees and everyone has to either shake hands with or kiss on both cheeks, everyone else, even the greetings take some time!
Having a lunch booked made the meeting run smoothly, with little of the time wasting that often seems to go on. We went through how many people, and who, had done which rides throughout the year, the financial statement and the president’s report. The club owns and runs, on a voluntary basis, the gite d’étape, where pilgrims on the route of St. Jacques de Compostelle can stay overnight; this brings in funds which are used to subsidise holidays and meals. Also to provide Sunday’s after-the-ride aperitifs; a very civilised aspect of this club.
There was a report on the Wednesday afternoon rides, in which Nick featured; “This year Nick has joined us, distinguishing himself by riding a single speed bike. Perhaps his English origins make him want to emulate Bradley Wiggins.”
We went on the elect a new president, then got down to the serious business of aperitifs, before heading off to the restaurant for a meal that went on till 4o’clock this afternoon. Is it any wonder two thirds of the club turn out for the AGM; perhaps we Brits have a lot to learn!
