Article by Joan Blease
Going to Paris is exciting at the best of times but going to Paris to be presented with the FIAP World Cup has to be off the excitement scale !
Four members KT Allen, Kitty and Geoff Walsh and Joan Blease, travelled over to Paris and enjoyed the sights and sounds of that beautiful city. After enjoying a morning sight seeing the group made their way over to the FIAP headquarters where they were given the warmest of welcome by the President and various high ranking officials of FIAP. Many speeches were made in various languages but all spoke warmly about Wigan 10 and how everyone was thrilled that some of the group were able to be at the presentation.
The presentation of the trophies then took place and Joan was asked by her fellow members to give the acceptance speech – which she did. The speech was short (and in English) and was dedicated to the memory of Maurice Jones the much loved member of Wigan 10 who sadly lost his brave battle with cancer in late December 2013. Most of the people had met Maurice on a number of occasions and were saddened by the news of his passing.
In the evening the group attended a fantastic Gala Dinner in a very beautiful restaurant in the centre of Paris. Again the group could not have been made more welcome and the wine and conversation flowed once more.
Regretfully the long weekend came to a close – but the group had travelled around Paris seeing the various sights – but always having time to sit down and have a lovely coffee or bowl of French onion soup.
All in all it was a wonderful occasion and it is hoped that the club will be fortunate enough to travel over again next year.
