It was the AGM of our walking group, which is made up of French and British members in equal numbers. Our AGM took place around a long table where we began with an aperitif, of course.
Some of our members speak French and English, some speak only French and others speak only English. The President, who is French, welcomed everyone and immediately handed over the proceedings to the Treasurer, who was also trying to barbecue our lunch at the same time.
Our Treasurer, who speaks French like the policeman in 'Allo 'Allo, tried to talk in French but was shouted down, everyone asking him to speak in English. The President decided to interpret. After a couple of agenda items the Treasurer handed over to the secretary, who happens to be his wife, while he attended to the more important barbecue.
The secretary doesn't speak much French either but amazingly after a glass or two of Cremant the tongue loosens and the French flows remarkably well, although little is understood by anyone. After a few minutes the Secretary ran out of French words and reverted to English. The President, momentarily confused, began to translate the Secretary's English into English, which left the entire membership nonplussed.
The Treasurer returned but by this time we were all hungry so we accepted the Treasurer's report, voted to keep the subscription the same and dismissed someone's request to have the AGM during the spring or autumn. Ridiculous suggestion. How can you have an AGM without a barbecue?
Some of our members speak French and English, some speak only French and others speak only English. The President, who is French, welcomed everyone and immediately handed over the proceedings to the Treasurer, who was also trying to barbecue our lunch at the same time.
Our Treasurer, who speaks French like the policeman in 'Allo 'Allo, tried to talk in French but was shouted down, everyone asking him to speak in English. The President decided to interpret. After a couple of agenda items the Treasurer handed over to the secretary, who happens to be his wife, while he attended to the more important barbecue.
The secretary doesn't speak much French either but amazingly after a glass or two of Cremant the tongue loosens and the French flows remarkably well, although little is understood by anyone. After a few minutes the Secretary ran out of French words and reverted to English. The President, momentarily confused, began to translate the Secretary's English into English, which left the entire membership nonplussed.
The Treasurer returned but by this time we were all hungry so we accepted the Treasurer's report, voted to keep the subscription the same and dismissed someone's request to have the AGM during the spring or autumn. Ridiculous suggestion. How can you have an AGM without a barbecue?
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