Rob had missed being in the Remembrance Day Parade with his pipe band in Bridlington so we decided to look for an Armistice Day parade in one of the towns nearby. Mike from the campsite suggested we try Azzay Le Ferron just 10 minutes from here. We were not sure if anything was going on as it is a Public Holiday here in France and everywhere was very quiet. However when we drove into the centre of the town we found a few people gathering in the square where the Memorial was and in front of the church. There were a handful of people in uniform, we found out later they were 'les pompiere' or firefighters, all volunteers, and some of them were carrying flags. As 11o'clock approached a few more people arrived and as we were getting out of the car a man came up to us and told us we weren't the only Brits there, it turned out he and his wife live nearby although were originally from Essex and run a B&B. We stood and chatted for a while and then the short ceremony began.
The men with flags and in uniform lined up and 2 wreaths were laid. Then the national anthem was played on a CD player and after that the Mayor said a few words. Unfortunately we don't know what she said as it was all in French! It was sad that there was only about 25 people there but it was still special that we could mark the day in France.
Afterwards we were approached by a few people who greeted us, in French so not quite sure what they were saying, then the couple from England told us that everyone was welcome at the Hall for refreshments so we joined them and walked the short distance to the Hall. It was good chatting to them and finding out about their lives here in France while we waited for people to arrive at the Hall. After a while when everyone had arrived we were offered sparkling wine and small pastries, puff pastry with goats cheese in the middle, all very nice.
We even had a chat to the Mayor, Martine, whose English was certainly a lot better than our French. she was also saying that she was disappointed with the turn out at the Ceremony. I wish I had asked her, politely of course, what she had said at the ceremony. Rob told her that he would learn the tune of their National Anthem on his bagpipes and play for them next year, and I think she thought it was a good idea, so he spent all evening trying to find the music on the internet.
We certainly felt like part of the community yesterday especially as so many shook our hands or kissed us, on each cheek, as we said goodbye, they all seemed so very friendly and polite.
Sue and Chris, the couple we met, invited us to visit them sometime so we will be giving them a ring and hopefully see them again soon.
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