Trail Du Brossacais 26 June 2016
An observation in international volunteer co-operation was observed last Saturday morning with a team of volunteers under the guidance of Paul from La Giraudiere and in tandem with a large team from the local community setting up the support logistics for the 11th Trail du Brossacais which was held on Sunday 26 June 2016. Two large marquees were erected and it was great to see the girls from La Giraudiere up the ladders mixing it with the local guys and getting the job done. The volunteers were impressed that morning tea was provided prior to commencing work and included a small glass of vin rouge to get the pulses running. After a good morning of work and much appreciation from the locals, the volunteers returned to La Giraudiere for lunch and a short break.
With batteries recharged, the crew set out again after lunch to clean out the shower stalls and to ensure that the toilet facilities were in good condition for the participants to use the following day. Great effort by all concerned – volunteers and local community. The international language of hand signals, pointing, arm waving and laughing worked really well. It was an enlightening sight and the end result was harmoniously achieved. The French folk needed no English and the Australians and Irish needed little or no French.
Trail Du Brossacais volunteers from La Giraudiere erecting marquees under the directions of the locals.
Paul with volunteers 4 Australian 1 Irish – marquees erected – job well done.
Trail du Brossacais is held every year in Brossac and the volunteers from La Giraudiere lend their support in a practical way. As a reward for the hot work, the Australian and Irish volunteer workers from La Giraudiere retired to The Club for an ale followed by a swim in the enticing waters of Lake Brossac.
Sunday morning, the day of the event, dawned and Paul and a couple of volunteers headed back to Lake Brossac to assist with the organisation of the event. Our young Irish volunteer, Odile, competed in the race and put in a great effort. She thoroughly enjoyed the run through picture postcard country – a 13 km course running through fields in the local villages. A crowd of several hundred were gathered in the marquees after the race was finished and all enjoyed lunch and drinks and lots of lively conversation and laughter. It was obvious that all those who participated, volunteered and attended the event had an enjoyable day. A big shout out to the volunteers for their efforts and to the local community for staging this hugely successful event.
Trail Du Brossacais 2016 volunteers and large crowd of locals enjoy catered lunch under the marquees.
