A message from the President
Dear members and friends,
First of all, please excuse us for the late distribution of this 25th issue of our 6-monthly bulletin.
The Federation of European Cluniac Sites: latest news
The application to UNESCO for recognition of Cluniac sites continues to progress : the number of sites that have submitted applications has exceeded all expectations (to date there are 95 candidate sites). The deadline for applications is 30th September. The final dossier, currently in phase 2, will be finalised in 2024 for presentation at the start of 2025 at the latest. This European application involves seven countries.
Associations’ projects in Lot-et-Garonne, 2022 – Project Chemins de Cluny en Pays de Serres:
We are happy and proud to have been winners in this competition between projects, thanks to the outstanding work of our vice-president Gabriel Goudezeune. The department will bear a large part of the costs inherent in preparing these new walkers’ footpaths as tourist attractions.
Cluniac footpaths in the Pays de Serres:
Following the call for bids from projects last year, the subsidies received from the General Council of Lot-et-Garonne enabled us to take a great step forward and to buy all the necessary materials to prepare these three footpaths for tourism. We are currently engaged in finalising the way-marking ; the waymarking teams have been formed. Central panels showing the footpaths have been installed in each village involved, as well as descriptive panels at the Cluniac sites situated along the routes. For each of these sites a virtual visit is available via the QR code displayed on each descriptive panel.
The Cluniac footpath of Guyenne Gascogne:
The charter of Cluniac footpaths was validated on 28th March at Cluny, during a convention that reunited all operators of Cluniac footpaths. The firm ATEMIA, who worked on the dossier, presented us with its conclusions and recommendations, so as to have a common and lasting policy for all Cluniac routes.
Events planned for this year:
The inauguration of the Cluniac footpaths in the Pays de Serres, as well as the 30th anniversary of our association will take place in September (the 23rd and 24th). The programme will include: the inauguration, walks, a concert, an evening meal with entertainment provided by a troupe of medieval singers, guided visits of the abbey and the museum. We’ll give you details of the full programme at the start of the summer.
Annual General Meeting:
Our AGM will be held on Friday 21st April 2023 at 20h30 (8:30pm). There is still a position to be filled on the management committee and we would welcome applications.
Subscriptions:
For those who are not up to date with their 2023 subscriptions, remember that you can pay online via our internet site. https://amisabbayesaint-maurin.com /fr/adherer-a-lassociation/
The amount remains unchanged: 15 € for active members and 30 € for honorary members. (Your subscriptions and donations qualify you for a reduction in income tax of 66% of the sum paid).
The members of the committee and the management committee send you warm greetings and hope to meet you this summer in Saint-Maurin.
Gérard Deflisque
President
Newsletter Summary:
- President’s message
- Abbey restoration works
- Footpaths project Pays de Serres completed
- History of the museum
- Birth of the association and 900 years of the abbey
- Achievements of the association