The function does not exist on Facebook to celebrate birthdays with music. Otherwise, we could have heard computers and smartphones humming Alain Souchon by clicking on the group “You know you lived in Menton when”, in recent days. “I’m ten years old, it sounds weird but I’m ten years old. If you don’t believe me, hey, Tar’ shut up at recess…“. Even if the only violence, in this case, consists of deleting hateful or unwelcome posts on a page that aims to be welcoming and unifying. Since May 11, 2014.
“Initially, it was a pregnant woman who launched the idea for the group. She proposed creating a community around Mentonrecalls Samantha, a member since genesis. Then Mig took over the reins. Before him, it was a bit floating, we were looking for our bearings. He framed things.“
Women captains
Over time, everyone found their favorite field. Some have even specialized in sections that have now become essential. Photos accompanied by a short text in Mentounasc, postcards, presentation of stamps linked to local news, horoscope, weather, historical or literary chronicle, before/after game, cinema program, etc.
For three years, the team at the helm has been 100% female. Joëlle and Michele B are administrators. Josiane, Michelle C, Françoise, Bridget and Nina are moderators. Although in fact, the members of the group mainly know them as “bees”. A term first used in a sarcastic tone, which the foragers of good news have adopted in the noblest sense. Because without bees, the world – including the digital world – would no longer run smoothly.
Josiane explains that she has been in the group for nine years, moderator for six years. “With my daughter, I talked about Menton, about the good years. She told me that there was a group where this was discussed. And she suggested that I sign up. I was a little nervous about becoming a moderator. Then I gained confidence, and now things are moving!“, she says with a burst of laughter. Much more accustomed to gratifying the group with kind thoughts than playing the “cleaner” Léon.
More than 13,500
What to remember from ten years? That the happy Facebook troop has continued to grow. “The group, today, is a city within a city. We are 13,534 members. So, apart from teenagers and children, I don’t see who isn’t there!“, Samantha laughs. With 765 publications over the last 28 days, 7,100 comments and 33,000 reactions, proof is also provided of its dynamism. Last figure to remember: 10% of members are expatriates or vacationers who wish to maintain their connection with Menton. And deep down, that’s what all the group’s regulars aspire to. Maintain the bond around the same love for the territory. Be part of a collective.
“When I arrived in Menton, I didn’t know anyone. I discovered the group thanks to Anthony, we work together“testifies Bridget. “She didn’t dare participate at first. She liked it but didn’t comment!“, joke those who have since become his companions in fortune. And there are many members who have formed friendships through the group. To the point that the idea of finding moments to break the virtual and meet in the flesh emerged. Group aperitifs are organized once or twice a year.
“Encourage”
“The first time, I arrive with my pizza boxes but I don’t see anyone. I send a message and they respond tersely: ‘You have the wrong day, it’s tomorrow’. So I distributed everything to passers-by – who were delighted – and I bought some again the next day“says Josiane, hilarious.
This is also the spirit of the group. Don’t worry. Make fun and joke.
Social media, we know, can be cruel. But the bees and their allies have only been able to reap the benefits. Cultivating the importance of humanity rather than anonymous villainy.
“There is never any nastiness. We always try to respond with kind messages, to encourage“Bridget confirms. “When a regular doesn’t post anything for a while, we send them a private message to see if everything is okay. Some are in solitude, the group is also there to get them out of it“, adds Samantha. Joined by Michèle A, who observes that some people have opened up since becoming members of “You know that you lived in Menton when…”. Among other things, because prejudices have no place there.
“During confinement, the group helped a lotemphasizes Anthony. It was perhaps at that moment that we most realized the solidarity there was.“ He gives another example: that of an elderly person who was in a nursing home in Bordeaux but loved Menton. “Her daughter-in-law asked if we could send her some cards. For three years, Samantha did it every week. Saïd had made a painting for him…“
When is the birthday party and aperitif? The team explains that they are waiting for the two Belgian bees to return to celebrate. They who came to Menton for the holidays and never forgot it. “Michele B joined the group because she had incredible photos, but needed help contextualizing them. Today, it’s the chief bee. She is a lawyer by training, she channels“, highlight the other bees.
Belgian bees
The distance in no way alters the dedication with which the person concerned reigns over the hive – as evidenced by the message she wished to convey. “The group was created to bring together the people of Menton and all those who love Menton. The team ensures that this objective is always respected: no controversy, no politics. Mutual help, from time to time real meetings.“
Expectations and hopes for the future of the group? “For a while now, a community of artists has developed, there is a multitude of talentsslips Samantha. It’s still timid but we feel that a lot of things are emerging. In the group, we don’t prevent people from expressing themselves; on the contrary we stimulate. Then there will be other ideas. This is what will allow the group to continue.“
