After a mass celebrated by Father Jean-Luc, the Les Blés d’or club, in Saint-Méen-le-Grand, immortalized the club’s 50th anniversary with a photo taken in the parking lot of the Théodore-Botrel center. 172 people then participated in the meal, animated by songs.
In her speech, Annick Gaudin, president of the club, recalled the origin of the association: In the 1970s, the first clubs of the 3e age appear after the lifetime severance pay for cessation of activities. The Mutualité sociale agricole (MSA), which wishes to promote the healthy aging of a population unaccustomed to leisure activities, wants to promote social ties, hence the idea of creating clubs. The success was immediate and the clubs multiplied. Ours was declared to Official newspaper on May 10, 1974, under the name retirees’ club.
Create “social ties”
The mayor at the time, Doctor Jean Guégau, was leader of this project to bring conviviality and social bonds
. Albertine Henry, now 102 years old and living in Rennes, was the pharmacist’s wife. She was the first president of the association, from 1974 to 1977.
Seven presidents then succeeded one another: Marcel Toxé (1978 to 1989); M. Flamand (1990 to 1994); Louis Payoux (1995 to 2010); Jean-Claude Gourdel (2011 to 2013); Désiré Ruault (2013 to 2017); Bernard Gaudin (2019 to 2021), and Annick Gaudin (2022 to date).
In 1997, the retirees’ club changed its name to become the Les Blés d’or club.
“This avoids isolation”
Annick Gaudin wanted to thank all the presidents and members of the board of directors who worked to make the club work, Générations Mouvement for its support in administrative procedures, but also all the members: It is through your participation in activities that the club exists. Through your meetings, social bonds are created and this avoids isolation.
The president emphasizes that lifestyles have evolved in recent years. It is up to us, volunteers, to adapt by offering new activities. You should know that the club is open to everyone, regardless of age. Just get a membership card.
The club’s next meeting will take place Thursday, June 27, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Théodore-Botrel center.
