A figure in the political and cultural life of Mellois has just died with Patrick Chatelin. Died at the end of December 2024 in his 93e year, he had been mayor of his commune of Saint-Léger-de-la-Martinière for forty years. Elected in 1959, he was re-elected each time thereafter, before handing over in 1999. From 1988 to 1994 he was also general councilor of the canton of Melle. In parallel with these mandates, he chaired the Mellois HLM company from 1965 to 1999.
“He leaves us with extraordinary memories”
A farmer by profession, Patrick Chatelin was also keen on local history and heritage and an informed music lover. Combining these centers of interest, it gave birth, in 1970, to the Melle Festival. The first of its kind in Deux-Sèvres or even in the region.
Friends of Saint-Savinien
Everything started from the Saint-Savinien church, then dilapidated. With two music-loving friends, including veterinarian Philippe Marty, he founded the Friends of Saint-Savinien association. We roll up our sleeves to clean and restore the church, in order to organize concerts there. Renowned cellist Paul Tortelier is invited. It is he who will give the inaugural concert and the kick-off of a cultural adventure lasting more than five decades.
“He leaves us with extraordinary memoriesgreets Françoise Lemaire, current president of the association. What he brought was to say that even when you live in a small town in Deux-Sèvres, you should not be deprived of the arts and in particular of music, performed by the greatest. We had this incredible chance. He was truly a trailblazer. »
The year 2024 was unfortunately marked by the decision of volunteers to put an end to the festival, even if the association continues its cultural activity in conjunction with other structures. “Patrick Chatelin had a central role for this festival and he has always been present until nowcontinues Françoise Lemaire. He was aware of our decision, he understood it. This festival will ultimately have lived with Monsieur Chatelin and will end with him. »
Sustainable footprint
These 54 years will leave a lasting mark. The event made it possible to save the Saint-Savinien church from ruin and gave many impulses: “At the beginning, there was not only classical, there were exhibitions of craftsmen, writers, theater, jazz, French song (Les Frères Jacques), underlines Françoise Lemaire. Today we have many associations in Melle, we can say that it was he who contributed to giving birth to this cultural life, with an event which brought together all the arts. »
