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A TRIBUTE TO JEAN-PAUL DUCHER
I met Jean-Paul and Jacqueline when the Jumelage between Thiers and Bridgnorth began
some forty years ago, and have spend many wonderful times in their company, at Festivals
in Schrobenhausen and Bridgnorth, and at their home at Les Hort. Jean-Paul would talk about
his experiences during many visits to the UK, (he knew more about England than I did!),
whilst Jacqueline prepared a tasty meal and then would join us to discuss family holidays,
grandchildren, politics, or twinning matters. It was a great pleasure for me to be in the
company of two very knowledgeable and caring people.
Whenever we met Jean-Paul always had a joke, or a trick to play on some unsuspecting person.
During the 2017 Christmas Market, he joined me for a “cup of tea and a scone” on the London
Bus that was parked in the Square for “British Produce Week”, when he decided to confuse
the “passengers” by conversing with me in the “Queen’s English”. The waitress was convinced
that she was serving two Englishmen, and commented on his french pronunciation, we left
the bus to the sound of all the passengers laughing with delight.
As well as mentoring numerous pupils, Jean-Paul was a revelation and inspiration for me
and I will miss his friendship.
This was the song that Jean-Paul and I sang together, over thirty years ago, at a party held in
Bridgnorth to celebrate Jumelage/Twinning friendships. I was surprised that a Frenchman
new the words to this Flanagan and Allen song, recorded sometime during the 1940’s, but as
I got to know him nothing surprised me because Jean-Paul had a wonderful combination of
knowledge, wit and humour, and when in the company of others was always ready with a
joke or funny comment. We performed that duet many times at twinning Festivals, each time
we would saunter up and down the room, one hand on a shoulder, just as the stars of the 1940s performed it.
UNDERNEATH THE ARCHES
Underneath the arches, I dream my dreams away
Underneath the arches, on cobblestones I lay
Every night you'll find me, tired out and worn
Happy when the daylight comes creeping
Heralding the dawn
Sleeping when its raining
And sleeping when it's fine
I hear the trains rattling by above
The Pavement is my pillow, no matter where I stray
Underneath the arches, I dream my dreams away
Bless you Jean-Paul.
To Jacqueline.
With love .
Mike.
On behalf of the Bridgnorth & District Twinning Association.
https/youtu.be/ebH2GoEo6E8
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