French Conversation – August 2023

The group met only once in August but we had a good turn out on 17th August. We had a topic (What is the bravest thing you have ever done?) but we chatted so much we have deferred that topic. Instead we spent our time having a good old moan about the state of things! Brexit was to blame for two of our group being unable to get their passports. Long waits,  extra requirements and paperwork which are all very frustrating.

And incidentally French for maiden name is “le nom de jeune fille”.

We talked about what happened to the vehicles for Dawlish  community transport (one of our group is a driver). There’s still transport as people have been kind and loaned vans and raised money but the vehicles have to be fitted for the disabled so it will be a reduced service until the insurance is settled. As yet the person responsible for the fire hasn’t been found thought there is cctv footage.

We talked about the bank closures and what that might mean for people. Likewise the proposed closure of the booking offices at the train stations. And the reduced number of staffed tills at supermarkets. We agreed that face to face customer service is needed for many people who have difficulties managing machines and the internet.

And of course we had a moan about the availability of doctors and dentists and the proposed buildings in the area. Who will need these services?

An enjoyable session!

Finally a correction from last week’s newsletter.

Did anyone spot it? It’s “tous les garçons et filles”. Apologies. I’d like to say it was deliberate to test your French but it wasn’t!

Bridie Cushion, Convenor