Since Prez and Veeps were unavailable on Tuesday
afternoon, 17 December, Jessica asked me to fill in and represent AWG at the
re-naming of the MRI as Maison des Relations Internationales Nelson-MANDELA. I had to race away from the Garden Group luncheon at Peggy Rig's
in order to get to MRI, but arrived just in time for the speeches by Madame le
Maire de Montpellier, Hélène Mandroux, some of the members of her cabinet, and a
representative of the South African community.
A couple of South African
sportsmen arrived in time for the unveiling of the new plaque. After
Mandela's death, one of the members of the mayor's cabinet suggested re-naming a
Montpellier park after the Nobel Peace Prize winner, but Madame le Maire felt it
would be more appropriate to re-name the MRI. 
I cannot confirm it, but I
think Montpellier might be one of the first cities in France to unveil a plaque
to Nelson Mandela following his death.
Following the ceremony, I got a chance to speak to
Madame le Maire, and took advantage of the opportunity to mention that AWG is
part of FAWCO, and FAWCO is interested in organizing a conference in
Montpellier. Madame le Maire said we would have her full
support.
-m
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