“They’re really so nice,” visitors whispered as they passed Claude Sérillon and Thierry Beccaro. Because the two boys, newcomers to the show, did not hesitate to tour the authors in a good mood. “I am really very surprised to see the number of regional authors here, it’s fantastic,” confided Claude Sérillon.
A few minutes later, Martine Mandé, elected representative from Saint-Etienne and organizer of the show, brought together the stars of the day to say all the good things she thought – but she is not the only one – about these personalities. The first to be cited is the honorary president: Claude Sérillon was entitled to a speech full of praise retracing his journalistic but especially literary career “You are a special being, you read a lot and you like to know what he is happening elsewhere, but what better land to welcome you than ours? » said Martine Mandé.
“Declaration of love”
“I hesitate between worrying because it looks like a remarkable obituary or rejoicing at a declaration of love. We’ll see! » joked the said honorary president. He in turn thanked Martine Mandé and the municipality for setting up this fair and he insisted on the importance of including disabled people.
Thierry Beccaro was also warmly greeted: “You are a unique personality in the television landscape” supported Martine. The latter did not hide his satisfaction at being present in the country of wine. “Because of my alcoholic father, I forbade myself from drinking wine, I thought it would make me an alcoholic too, until the day I met great chefs who taught me about wine. I planted my vine last night and I am delighted with it,” confided the famous host.
A planned shoot
Max Cabannes and Serge Block, authors of comic books and adored by many fans present on site, as well as the author Corinne Javelaud were thanked with the same enthusiasm. “As for you, Jean-Pierre (Alaux), you have become a true friend, since the time you have been coming, it is a row of vines that now belongs to you,” smiled the elected official before Jean Pierre Alaux revealed a scoop: “Coming is a real pleasure, I now have my room here and next year I will come back, especially since a film shoot is planned.” According to our information, television is filming a series on heritage based on his work with Martin Cantarel as the hero.
Michelle Saintout, the mayor, in turn praised the work of Martine Mandé and said she was delighted to welcome so many people. Among the guests, mayors of neighboring towns were present, as well as Pascale Got, MP, Stéphane le Bot, departmental councilor, Michel Reybier and his wife, owners of Cos d’Estournel.
At midday, before lunch together, a friendly drink was served in the form of a few tastings of Saint-Estèphe wines, which did not displease the guests. In the afternoon, the school children played the game particularly well by sticking characters on the frieze, helped by Serge Block. William Hamelin, for his part, delighted the public with his wine chocolates.
