At this stage, with the curtain on the verge of going up, I think it would be nice to say a thank you to Sylvain who organised this Rugby World Cup 'blog. Also a big thank you to all those from Plessis Meudon who, generally, left nice comments - but why Jipé would want to deny a "liaison de jeunesse" with Mildred - heaven only knows!
So thank you Sylvain.
On the other side of the channel there has been agent Tony Usher keeping me supplied with useful information on what actually happened (I am always too 'bonhommied' to remember). Phil Chesterman started the ball rolling with his recollection of past Paris plastering trips inspiring reminiscences from Alastair McGillivray...Colin Dickins chipped in.. Top poster was Annie with Miss McTavish in close support - not forgetting Rab E Lais with a vested interest. A bit closer to home and thanks to Domfrance, Emilieitalie, Alexleeds - not forgetting her friend Charlene, and Rob(son) with one or two snippets. Oh! -' Chabalist' too. A short lived phenomenon (unlike his hair) methinks, but useful nevertheless. If there are any I have forgotten then sorry. Paul Clancy provided a couple of bits for which I am grateful but Jim O'K was unable to give the readers a low-down on the 'Onions' - maybe next time. (2011?)
From West London's point of view, nothing much has been said by the current membership. Not a problem because reading or commenting here has not been a compulsory exercise. For those that have taken part, whether 'lurking' or expressing a point of view in the comments area - thank you. Unfortunately the lead up to the blog on the front page of Le Parisien says that it will be the points of view from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa etc etc - ie our players "In English please!"... but it didn't materialise.
Their loss.
For us, this time 'together' with friends from Paris, has been a chance to re-enforce our relationships, to make us a little bit stronger - win or lose. We never forget because we chose not to. We may, on the other hand, have trouble remembering! We are all on the same side in our game...
This bit of the build up ends with a tribute to all those who would love to be here. Here's one guy we will not forget.
Patrice Boutelleux
I feel a little depressed this morning it has been a great six weeks and now its over and I have enjoyd blogging whether as annie miss McTavish or indeed Chabalist
I thought the game was awful last night don't think i cheered once (which i have been known to do over the six weeks!) What a great picture of Patrice, I actually remember where this was taken, it was in the Hippopotamus bar/ restuarant. When Myself, Moyra annette and helen rees went over for a girlie weekend. He was a lovely person. I also remember when my mum came to her first banquet and was sat next to Patrice, at first she thought who is he, by the end of the night she was completely charmed by him.
I have many great memories of Patrice.
Martin thankyou and Sylvain for getting together and starting the blog. It was real fun. I shall miss reading all the different views and your very witty comments and even the challenge of trying to translate the Plessis-Meudon blog, might even have improved my French. To the point that I will understand all their kind words on Scotland!!
Roll on 2011!!
Posted by: annie | 21 October 2007 at 13:00