for 22 years, they have been mobilizing for the Telethon in Calvados

For several weeks, the team which organizes the Creully-sur-Seulles Telethon (Calvados), near Bayeux, has been on deck. This year, she is mobilizing for the 22^e edition. Twenty-two years that these “little hands” have been active and working in the shadows to make this moment of mobilization, a moment of celebration and happiness.

“They are the soul of the Telethon”

In 2001, Jean and “Toinette” Duclos had the idea of ​​launching a unifying action around a noble cause “Even if they are in the background, they are the soul of the Telethon. We are very close, we form a real family, declares Jean-Pierre Etienne, alias Nono, moved. They launched an appeal to the people through associations. Everyone responded: the ALCC, the firefighters, the football club, the anglers association, even the veterans. »

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A quasi-military organization was then set up. “Everyone has a role to play, has the plan in their head. We know what needs to be done, we do it.” explains Bernard Regnault, “Mr. Potato”, responsible for relations with the Creully Cooperative. “There was no need to designate people. It happened on its own,” adds Jacky Marin.

Tartiflette and laughter as a recipe

Since the start of their mobilization, tartiflette has been a must, the warming seasonal dish. And everything is always done in a good mood. “ From the beginning, the veterans have been on potato duty. It reminds them of the good times in the army”notes Séverine Cordier.

Each year, 300 kg of potatoes are peeled by hand, or 6.5 tonnes since 2001. “And 60 kg of onions, that’s 1.3 t,” adds Claude Ferré. “The first year, we did this in the kitchen. We couldn't eat in the house for two days.” s'amuse Nono.

Because yes, 60 kg of onions makes for tears. Have they discovered the secret to not crying while peeling? “Yes, a revolutionary method: we make each other laugh. We tell each other funny stories and we laugh. Tears are not appropriate for the Telethon. In fact, they are tears of joy for a good cause”certifies Nono.

Bernard, Jean, Antoinette, Jacqueline, Joël, Claude, Patrick and the others, no one in Creully knows their middle name. But many people think that “Modest” would suit them very well.