“Since I have been a volunteer, my desire has been that deaf people are not isolated. » It’s a Max Martin, somewhat moved, who answers us thanks to the help of his son Lionel. Saturday June 15, the Camélia room, in Saintes, hosts a large banquet for the 65th anniversary of the Association of the Deaf of Charente-Maritime. More than 100 people came to celebrate this annual meeting.
Premiere in 1959
For Max Martin, this day is even a little more special, he who has been a volunteer since 1959, the year of the first departmental meeting, synonymous with the creation of the association for its members.
Originally, Saintes had been chosen to facilitate the meeting between members of the Bordeaux Institution for the Deaf and the Amicale Guyenne et Gascogne. Following which, the participating Charentais-Maritimes united to create AS 17. Each month, the structure, which has its headquarters at 25, rue du Pigeonnier in Saintes, offers many activities to its members such as fishing, pétanque, bowling, cards…
In his life, Max Martin was a carpenter then a worker for Semis, well known in Saintes.
É.L./NA
Solidarity
Saturday, in front of a hundred guests from all over New Aquitaine, and even beyond, Max Martin, 86, received the medal of honor, Grand Gold level, from the hands of François Gaubert, regional delegate of the National Action for the promotion and development of voluntary services. “For me, this distinction represents recognition of my involvement in the association,” confided with humility the man who is now treasurer. The world of deaf people is very united. »
In his speech, the octogenarian had a thoughtful word for his wife, France, “who has always supported me”, and “those who have participated in the office since the first meeting”.
É.L./NA
More than 100 people came for this special day.
From 1961, this native of Vérines served as president for four decades. Then, as a counselor for ten years, before stopping for about two years in the early 2000s. “My father told me: “I’m stopping, it’s okay. » He didn’t last long, his son smiles. Now he wants to stop in 2026. We’ll talk about it again! »
