Many hands make for light work – community volunteering at La Giraudiere

Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed we were not, but after a cracking breakfast of Master Crumble, it was all stations go this Wednesday morning! La Giraudiere’s current band of intrepid chaps – Paul, Marcus, Rob and Dom – headed down to l’etang Vallier, a nearby lake, geared up and ready for action. The task was daunting: to erect the mega-marquee to be used during Sunday’s much-anticipated 13km trail du Brossac (watch this space!).

Before long, we were joined by a veritable fleet of Peugeots, Renaults and Citroens, as a cheerful array of enthusiastic Brossacians made their way to join us in our collective endeavour. Hands shaken and friendly greetings reciprocated , the menfolk swung into action!

With a remarkable organsiation and not a little bit of Gallic nous, our work proceeded at a genuinely impressive rate, as the poles, pegs and pins began to be put into place. The much appreciated « casse-croutes » of pain rustic, paté and camembert (perhaps even a fortifying tipple!) offered another opportunity for general discussion and French practice – as well as a hearty second breakfast!

La Giraudiere’s trio of suitably proud community volunteers!

We got back to work, and were able to complete the job by mid-morning, proving that the old adage « many hands make for light work » remains true. As a visitor, it struck me as fantastic that so many people were willing to come out at an early hour and get stuck in to help a local cause. In many ways, it’s emblematic of the good-naturedness and dynamism that is evident in this community, which has been so welcoming to so many of us here at La Giraudiere.

p.s. fingers crossed for good weather on Sunday! x