Reception

Monday february 26th 2007

The meeting at Oullins town hall was at 6.00pm and we were warm welcomed by the mayor assistant, Mr LAVACHE, and 3 of his assistants. After a short speech which dealt with the friendship between Newcastle and Oullins, Mrs Maugham, one of the English teachers, also wanted to thank the town for having always welcomed English penpals.

Then, applauses preceded a distribution of gifts by the town hall and drink. And just before saying a big THANK YOU, wa took photos that you can see.

Not only has it been an important moment for the English, but it was also the occasion for French penfriends to say how pleased we are to have the oppotunity of being involved in this exchange !

Above, the interview of Mr LAVACHE, the mayor assistant

M:  Hi everybody, we are in the Town Hall of Oullins and now I'm interviewing Mr LAVACHE, the mayor assistant.

M.L: Hello

M: have you ever been involved in an exchange program?

M.L: No I never had this opportunity, but it never prevents me from loving those that I do nowadays'students.

M: so, have you ever been to a foreign country ?

M.L: I've spend one week-end in London and i really enjoyed it!

M: why does Oullins, which is twinned with a German and an Italian town is not twinned with an English one?

M.L: Listen, the German one is because an "old" mayor of Oullins wanted to symbolize the peace between our two countries, it meant a lot to him!

And the Italian one is because it's a Southern town and I think it is a good thing to have links with such a town!

Now why not with an English town? Because it is too far and we are separated by the sea, it's a big money problem.

M: Ok, now, last question: In your opinion, what interests can the town of Oulllins can for visitors?

M.L: Oullins is a modest town but it has the chance of having an intact inheritance of the Renaissance and a very good life quality!

Now what do you think about joining our friends around some food on the table?

M: Ok, thank you sir, bye!

The English and the Frech... Maybe some mayors to be...?

       

You can see Mrs. Maughlam with Mr. Lavache, while Mrs. Michaux and Perrier are laughing !!

Just some "photos-souvenirs" of the English

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