GSE Brittany 08

The city of Rennes!!

2008-10-30T02:12:00.019+01:00

Rennes has provided the New Zealand group with another perspective to Brittany. On arrival within this student city we undertook several walking tours followed by a a day trip to St Michael's Mount on sunday http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Michael%27s_Mount. The business expériences have been very positive for all members. The following is a selection of photos from this weeks activites... Tonights dinner was held in the famous Stade Rennais Football Club Restaurant http://www.staderennais.com/index.php
The New Zealand group is grateful for the ongoing support of all Rotaries who we have met so far. We enjoyed meeting again with those who attended tonights meeting, especally those who traveled a long distance from the south coast of Brittany.

ORANGE LABS - Vendredi 24/10

2008-10-24T16:33:00.001+02:00

We met Joel at the headquarters of ORANGE LABS – the heart of telecommunications in France and widely regarded internationally. They were one of the first worldwide R&D centres in telecommunications. This was an impressive facility that occupies an enormous footprint. They have over 3,900 engineers and researchers employed in 15 sites over 3 continents. We were shown a variety of new technologies that are being developed the highlight being live conferencing where people are able to communicate real time with realistic sound quality and imaging. This was an amazing situation where we were effectively in a room with some one in Grenoble, as they moved around their studio the sound levels and directions changed as if they were in the same room as us… this was truly choice and is still under development.

http://www.francetelecom.com/fr_FR/

We had lunch at Orange and then were deposited at the Rotary Club house of Lannion with an open bar and an internet connection to write what we just have…

Cite des Telecom & Morlaix Chamber of Commerce - Jeudi 23/10

2008-10-24T16:27:00.004+02:00

The morning started with a trip to the Cite des Telecom http://www.cite-telecoms.com/ a museum tracing the history of telecommunications including the satellite that was used for the first transcontinent television broadcast between France and the US in 1962. This visit was very interesting, including seeing the 50m tall ball that housed the satellite (the arch de triomph would fit inside this!!). Unfortunatley this trip was all to short as we had a sandwich to catch and another meeting to make…
On the road again on our way to Morlaix and another oyster farm, producing 2,800 tonnes per year!! A quick oyster or two along with a loverly Rose and we were off again.

Next stop was a food factory producing 250 lines of foods, precooked and frozen for sale in France (5% is sold internationally).

Next onto the Morlaix Chamber of Commerce to meet the president of the Chamber for a brief discussion of their operations.
From the Chamber of commerce we were rushed off to meet the Mayor of Morlaix for an orange juice before we walked to the restaurant for our dinner and another warmly received presentation….

We packed the van and headed home, another late night but a great dinner and plenty of laughs…

Journee Professionnelle - Mecredi 22/10

2008-10-24T16:23:00.002+02:00

Chris – Visited a new development in planning for an existing small town which will look to minimise environmental impact whilst maintaining a traditional appearance. Following an extremely rapid lunch in a hazy bar I proceeded to a 5 home development where each home has been constructed from a variety of sustainable low-impact materials including straw, timber and mud-brick. Unfortunately the three little pigs were nowhere to be seen but there was a goat mowing the lawns. Composting toilets and a natural grey-water treatment facility were also in place. Tres Interessant!!!

Don – Went to the Treguier Agglomeration (Local Council) to meet with a algae-bloom expert working on the problem at the local beaches due to the high nitrate depositing from the local farming industry. His mouth watered when I explained the New Zealand Resource Management Act (He is the only one that does). He is currently working with the local farmers to reduce nitrates through preserving wetlands and replanting hedgerows. This was followed by lunch at the same hazy bar as Chris. I felt right at home. The afternoon was taken up with visiting local farms and looking at the local beach. Joel (EGE Team Leader) also went over Cadastral Maps dating back to 1800 with me.

Stephan – Visited Police Nationale at Lannion and spoke at length with Captain Guerniou and Brigadier Lasblez about Domestic Violence and crime trends within the Cote D’Armor region. The crime is the same but in differing proportions. The interesting facts were that the Police and Gendarmerie do not have a national shared information system and their legal system has many tiers and archaic laws based on Latin Law (and not common law) which severely impedes the execution of their duty. I was treated to a view of the wide variety of tools available to deal with insurrection (necessary in this very political country)... Dirty Harry would be dribbling.

Ben – The entire day was spent with Alain Rey of Newscape Technology and Pascal Mouquet of CEVA – Seaweed Manufacturing Technology Centre. All things discussed were entirely pertinent to Information Mapping and my day to day work in New Zealand. An awesome day. Web Links: http://www.newscape-technology.com/ http://www.ceva.fr/

Wednesday evening was rounded of with a visit to the local Warengham Distillerie producing in the region 2400 litres of 70% whisky per week. This translates to between 4,000 and 5,000 bottles of high-grade malt whisky per week or between 200,000 and 250,000 bottles each year. A majority of the whisky is for the domestic market with only 5% exported. The ‘hooch’ tasted really fantastic and Don tried his best to fit a barrel under his hoody. This was followed by moules marienier frites at a restaurant in Trebourden. Stephan obviously does things in threes as the waiter cleared three empty mussel bowls away to the clear adoration of the Lannion Rotarians.

Guingamp & Cotes d’Armor - Mardi 21/10

2008-10-24T16:18:00.005+02:00

Today we are greeted by the Rotary club of Guingamp. The town is 15th century so the visuals of the town itself were amazing. So to start our visit we walked around and visited the Place du Champ au Roy (where the ramparts were once erected) in front of this square is a wonderful bandstand is located inside and dates from the beginning of the 20th century. It is the last remaining Cotes d’Armor. There were many wonderful site but the other that really stood out was the Basilica Church that was built from the X1th to the XV1th centuries. It attests the evolution of styles and shelters a holy black virgin (yes Jesus was a black man!) venerated since the X1Vth century. Then back to the club house for a beautiful lunch with the local Rotary club and back in the van and on the road for a visit to Musee des Manoirs (a 16th century manor that has been restored) and is now operating as a museum with the history of the manor and the times that the monor has lived through.

Then back to the club house again for Apero dinatoire and home james!!

Paimpol - Conference Hydroliennes - Lundi 20/10

2008-10-24T16:04:00.004+02:00

Rendezvous at Lannion club for a day in Paimpol, stopping briefly at Treguier to see the cathedral with its’ magnificent cloisters. We were treated to a presentation on sustainable and enviro-friendly building followed by a short walk to the Hotel De Ville to meet with the Deputy Mayor and a press reception. Again, we made it into the national newspaper. By this time we were well used to the fame and celebrity. Then back to the Paimpol Rotary club for a fine cold meat lunch followed by a tour of the local harbours and a tomato hothouse producing 2,500 tonnes of beautiful tomatoes per year. According to Don they tasted delicious... Another quick drive to another local port gave us an insight onto the local scallop industry where they are only allowed to drag for scallops for 1 hour, twice a week under the close supervision of many authorities. Finally we returned to the Paimpol club for a dinner and presentation. Stephan continued his fine form from Saturday and demolished 3 heavy cream deserts to the astonishment and wonder of the Rotarians. The Haka was delivered with Gusto and which was replied to with our first experience of La Marseilles.

BBQ at Landrellec and Promenade cotiere - Dimanche 19/20

2008-10-24T15:46:00.010+02:00

Everything is well as we are settled into the new host families and discovered that a BBQ in our honour is planned for the afternoon by the sea in the small village of Pleumeur Bodou. We arrived to find the BBQ smoking and glasses loaded with Champagne at the home of Jean’Pierre Fournier. The menu for the day was SPECIAL SAUSAGES, GIANT STEAKS, BAKED POTATOES, BREAD AND SALTED BUTTER AND THEN THE MEGA WHEEL OF CHEESE (ah this is heaven) of course we needed to wash all that food down with some delicious wine and laughter. The best was saved for last a fine performance from Les Kiwi boys HAKA! With which the French replied with the La Marseilles!
Of course since we preformed the Haka the cigars were brought out! (not for Mary). Then in true French style a walk around the Pink Granite rocks follwed by champagne at the house of the Lanion club president Michel Salon. Exhausted after our day we all returned with our host families to what would be our residence for the week! Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Journee Professionnelle - Vendredi 17/10

2008-10-24T15:11:00.004+02:00

Professional day !!!!!!!
This day focused on visits and meetings with industry specalists within our indivdual profession.

Mary Blackman – for me I was lucky enough to visit the best Patisserie in Lorient! Oh lala! The patisserie was in a small suburb called Plumier. I was met by the big Chief owner and was given VIP treatment around the kitchen it was amazing they make everything from scratch! They have all the goodies like baguettes, hand made chocolates, every tart you can imagine filled bread rolls loaves of bread, cakes tirimusu and the best cakes in the world! After I managed to wrangle the croissant recipe from the owner I was also presented with a box of hand made chocolates that were the best chocolates ive ever eaten but the thing that they are most famous for is their macaroons! I died and went to heaven as Piere (my host family) brought me a box of macaroons to take with me. And yes I shared with the boys!
After that a complete change in the programmme, I was finally off to a Les Mills Gym! Yeah ! I was suffering withdraw symptoms like a fat bum etc!!

So Madame Fabienne Puddu at the SPORT PLAISIR 2 RUE CHAIGNEAU LORIENT http://www.sportplaisirfitness.com/ met Piere and I at the door and we were straight into it BODY ATTACK was my first class! I enjoyed as it only went for half an hour then I popped off for a little lunch and then back to the gym in the afternoon for a BODY COMBAT class that I swear nearly killed me! I loved every minute of it! After the class it was time to get ready for dinner with Don and his host family and them home for a very goodnite sleep!
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Chris Kendall – visited 2 building construction site – the first being major school alteration and the second being the first and only enclosed mall in Lorient

Don Cameron and Ben Dunsheath – visited Kannard, a company making locator beacons for land sea and air, GPS equipment and bouys for tuna fishing.

We met in late afternoon for lunch.

Chateau des Rohan & Enteprise Armorinox - Jeudi 16/10

2008-10-24T14:59:00.003+02:00

Early rise again as we are off to the town of Josselin to visit Chateau des Rohan a castle that has history dating back to the 11th century, where a real Duke and Duchess live. The bottom of the castle is open for the public and the top floor is the living quarters for the family. We were met by the Duchess herself! Within the castle are 4 main rooms the dining room which has sculpured panels all around the room with the Christian name of the first duke to live there wife , Herminie and the children of Duke Alain Rohan. The main drawing room also has a magnificent gold clock that was gifted to the family from King Louis XV, it can tell the time, day, month, the temperature, the signs of the zidiac and the lunar cycle! There are only 2 in the world! The other stand out room for us was the library which contains around 3000 volumes dating back to the 17th century. The garden and the grounds were also magnificent! After the tour we drove up the road to Ploermel to visit de l’enteprise Armorinox which was a very large engineering company that specialized in commercial cooking equipment. After a short dvd presentation on the businesss we were shown around and then returned for a beautifully prepared lunch in the board room followed by a presentation from Les Kiwis!

And to finish the day a visit to museum that was founded by teaching catholic fathers for their pupils. The museum was called Horloge Astronomique it had many interesting eclectic collection ranging from rocks to animal brains but the main attraction for us was the 7 foot clock that was built in 1850 which was able to tell the time, location of planets, sunrise, sunset, moon phases and the time for any country in the planet!!! It was very interesting!
After that home time!!!

Cite de la voile - Mecridi 15/10

2008-10-24T14:53:00.012+02:00

We met at 9am at the Cite de la voile (world of sailing) http://www.citevoile-tabarly.com/ to visit the Eric Tabarly Museum and the Groupama2 trimaran! Very lucky indeed as there are very few people who get a personal visit on board these amazing exspensive ($4millon euro) trimarans! They cost 2 million euro per year to operate and have a racing life span of 4 to 5 years. The crew usually consists of 6 persons and the living space is very small and tight!

After the visit to the Groupama trimaran http://www.cammas-groupama.com/fr/index.jsp we headed over to the Eric Tabarly Museum. What an exceptional human being he was! All his designs were well before the times in which he designed boats and has been one of the most famous French men in history. The bottom level held all an exhibition of his life. The second level was about the boats he designed and the history of sailing. There were some very interesting inter-active displays including mini sail boats to race around a small pool, a simulator of riding on a Trimaran which was amazing and also some mapping tests and steering of a sailing boat which was harder than you would think trying to keep it on course – the machine told Stephan he should take a rest under an apple tree as he must be feeling very sick from going round and round in a circle!!! After the museum we were treated to a fabulous lunch and then the afternoon to work on our blogg!!! The largest racing trimaran in the world is shown in the following photos is was launched several weeks ago is currently undergoing testing.
http://www.voile.banquepopulaire.fr/

The evening involved a presentation to several of the Rotary clubs.

Port Lorient

2008-10-15T18:02:00.007+02:00

The Lorient Port area provided sailing and rowing activities over the last few days. This morning we visited a factory specalising in the production of multi hulled yachts and racing keelboats and the visit to the most impressive sailing museum (yes that is correct I am a kiwi saying this as recently constructed 18 million euro museum was great)- more details to follow when we next have free time with internet access next Friday….:)

Picture shows yachts with submarine base backdrop...

Lycee Agricole du Gros-Chene et IUT - Mardi 14/10

2008-10-15T16:57:00.011+02:00

Pontivy was our next town. The morning involved a trip to Lycee Agricole du Gros-Chene et IUT. We were shown through their teaching, training and research facilities and lunch was prepared by students of the facility. We enjoyed being shown around the farm, in particular the piggery which provided entertainment for the afternoon.

The afternoon involved a visit to another industrial engineering facility that specialises in manufacture of machinery for abattoirs. Couedic Madore Equipement.

The evening was another two club presentation. This was well received by all and went very well.

Chantier naval de plaisance & Citadel - Lundi 13/10

2008-10-15T16:54:00.002+02:00

Our first visit in Lorient was to Chantier naval de plaisance, builders of rescue, pilot and taxi boats for the local industry. These boats are all constructed from fibre glass and were up to 10m in length.

Another lunch was had on the water front, pots of Moule were enjoyed by us all with French Fries (in France, Ha!!) and a 500ml beer each, a nice change from the vin. Once desert was had and there was only bottled beer left (we realised that perhaps beer is not really the done thing) we left for the Citadel.

Construction of the Citadel began in 1590 by the French in conjunction with the Spaniards to stop the protestant religion from enering Europe. This was a magnificient complex and now houses 3 museums that document the first trade ships, the evolution of naval rescue services and the salvage of historical goods. We all enjoyed this museum a great deal.

Monday evening was a two club presentation at the Tabarly Museum. This was a great evening and our presentation went very well.

Quimperle to Lorient - Samedi 11/10 & Dimanche 12/10

2008-10-15T16:49:00.001+02:00

Our travel day… We left our first host families with happy memories of the week that we had had… We all greatly enjoyed our time in Quimper and were thankful for the amount of organisation that had been undertaken for our visit.

We arrived at Lorient, another seaside town and were distributed to the locals for the weekend. We each had great weekends with our new host families seeing the sites of our village for the next week.

Bigard, Geult and Quimperle Rotary Club Presentation- Vendredi 10/10

2008-10-15T16:39:00.006+02:00

A visit to Bigard, the largest meat processing factory in France with over 60 cattle and 400 pigs being processed per hour!!! Bigard have dealings with alliance Co op in New Zealand. This is even more impressive in that they also have a bakery which produces breads and croissants for the meat to be included!

Following our morning visit we visited the local government building, the Hotel De Ville, to meet Madame Le Berre a deputy mayor for a glass of cassis and cidre and nibles. This was a warm up for La Mouche Qui Louche (the cross eyed fly) Bistrot and Boufee. Another marvellous meal with vin rouge and café before sunning ourselves in preparation for our next meeting in the afternoon.

Geult was the next visit. Guelt is an industrial engineering facility that has grown from 1 to 120 people in its 30 years history. They specialise in plant for food processing including maintenance and refurbishment of old machines. The scale and quality of the building was very impressive.

This was our last night in the Quimper and we were hosted the Quimperle club at the Les Moulins Du Duc. This dinner was attended by various club members as well as the DG Gerard Quere. This was a fantastic 5 course meal which was also our best presentation to date. A wonderful night was had by all and we were privileged to each receive personalised plates from the HB Henriot Factory that we visited last week.

Concarneau - Jeudi 9/10

2008-10-15T15:57:00.003+02:00

Concarneau, a seaside town which was well known for it fishing industry but is becoming a dedicate ship building port www.concarneau.org Our first visit of the day was to JFA, where we were accompanied by two potential EGE (NZ – GSE) members for the trip to New Zealand in March.

JFA specialise in high end boats and yachts and showed us around their design area and ship building facilities, where we were taken through a new super yacht that was about 25m in length. Amazing! www.jfa-yachts.com

Chaintier Naval Piriou was our next stop which specialized in the design and construction of tugs, fishing boats and fast passenger ferries. This was an impressive factory with boats up to 50m being constructed in three different warehouses.

Lunch was at another seafood waterfront restaurant filled with men and Moule (muscles). Once again were we amazed at the quality of the seafood.

The afternoon was spent at the Musee De La Peche, which showed us the history of fishing. The models within the Musee were amazing.

We had some time to wander the walls of the La Ville Close which was a medieval town from the 16^th century, spectacular in the sun! We were also shown an art gallery that had works by Sydney Thompson, a well known New Zealand painter that lived in Concarneau from the age of 23.

The evening meeting went well, with the refined presentation proving to be a hit, with numerous ohhhss and ahhhss at our amazing scenery.

By now the amazing Antoine had graduated to agent 002, with a licence to kill rabbits (late at night in our Renault Transit Van on back country roads).

Entremont Cheese Factory - Mecredi 8/10

2008-10-09T01:04:00.003+02:00

The day started with a visit to Entremont, a very large cheese factory that is 1 of 26 throughout Europe turning over more than $2 billion Euro annually. The factory produces 20,000 ton of Chedar cheese per year, as well as a large variety of their cheeses and well as Whey powder and other dairy products.

Our 2^nd presentation was at Quimper and did no run like the smoothly refined machine that we had anticipated. We had the afternoon (5 hours) to gripe and moan about what was required but were all very happy with the results of our efforts. Antoine and Claude worked above and beyond the call of duty to help us to correct and refine our translations for which we were very grateful.

A quite evening followed which was appreciated by all.

Pte Raz, Le Connetable Sardines Cannery, Douarnenez Rotary Club Presentation - 7/10

2008-10-09T01:01:00.009+02:00

Antoine, by now aka 007, accompanied by Jose and David showed us the coastal area of Douanenez including stops at Pointe Du Raz, Pointe Du Van and Baie des trepasses. This drive provided spectacular vistas western cost of Brittany. Lunch for the day was at Le Charcot and included the famed Escargot! It was a great meal which set the standard for the meals to follow.

In the afternoon we were welcomed to the sardine factory Le Connetable, which has been in operation for over 120 years.

We also wandered around the port areas to see the local industry and boats/yachts in the river and harbour.

This evening was our first presentation which was invaluable in providing us with an idea of the changes that were required to meet the expectations of our hosts/audience.

Professional Experience - Lundi 6/10

2008-10-09T01:00:00.009+02:00

Vocational: The first official day of our exchange was also our first vocational day. We each spent the day with a host being shown places of interest or relevance with regard to our individual vocations.

Lundi Soiree Ben, Chris and Don were entertained by Jean and Denise as well as our host families. This was a hiliarious night with some lovely vin rouge, cidre and rhum being consumed while our host for the evening prepared glorious Crep’s in savoury and sweet. The quote for the evening was ‘just one more drop’ given by our wonderful and ever entertaining driver, Antione… before he was escorted to the car for the drive home.

Est Thaeron - Dimanche 5/10

2008-10-09T00:54:00.011+02:00

A tour of Josiek Thaèron’s oyster farm, Est Thaeron provided the group a look at the production processes involved with one of Frances most famous seafoods. Josiek emphasised the role of species diversification, environmental challenges and the role the seafood industry plays in Brittany’s culture.

Arrival in Quimper, Brittany

2008-10-05T12:02:00.009+02:00

Arrival at Quimper Airport we were greeted by an enthusiastic group and taken to the hotel. The following link offers some photos http://www.rotaryd1650.org/ege/ege_2009.htm#equipe_nz
This was the first opportunity to meet District Governor Gèrard Gullou and to discuss a refined plan for the month ahead.

Travel

2008-10-05T11:43:00.007+02:00

We travelled via Singapore (two nights) and then to Paris via Munich (one night). In Paris we arrived late and made our way exploring sites close to our central hotel until the early hours.

Group Farewell - Marton Rotary Club (22 September)

2008-09-24T11:14:00.001+02:00

Monday evening we were farewelled by the Marton Rotary Club. The 9940 District Governor, Tony Fryer, GSE Chairman, Andy Watson and Rotary Foundation Chair, John Cole, attended the dinner presentation along with approximately 70 Rotarians. This was the first opportunity for our group to speak to a large audience and receive presentation feedback.

Welcoming the Denver GSE Group (17 September)

2008-09-24T11:13:00.000+02:00

Harbour City Rotary Club of Wellington hosted a dinner at the Duxton Hotel for the incoming Denver GSE Group. Don, Chris and Stephan introduced the Brittany Group in French and English. Also introduced was the Group Leader Judith Timpany of the outgoing GSE group visiting Denver.

Media

2008-09-24T11:06:00.008+02:00

It all seems very real now that we have been featured in several recent newsletters including:
http://www.rotaryd1650.org/ege/ege_2009.htm#equipe_nz
http://www.rotaryd1650.org/
http://www.newsmgr-rotary.wellington.net.nz/forms/2008-07DistrictNewsletter.pdf
http://www.harbour-city-rotary.wellington.net.nz/hcrweekly.htm
http://www.port-nicholson-rotary.wellington.net.nz/library/programme.htm

Rotary District 1650 Magazine.

Travel Itinerary

2008-09-24T11:05:00.002+02:00

Monday the 29 September will mark our 10am departure from Wellington Airport to Auckland and then on to Singapore for 2 nights. We stay for a single night in Paris on 1 October followed by a short flight to Quimper, Brittany. We then commence the official GSE programme. A big thank you to Phyl Cameron for organising return travel and accommodation.

Travel Summary
Arrive Quimper Airport, Brittany - 2nd October
Quimperlé, 2-11 October
Lorient, 11-18 October
Lannion, 18-25 October
Rennes Nord, 25-30 October
Depart Rennes Airport for Paris - 30th October

Group Planning

2008-09-24T10:27:00.006+02:00

First Group Meeting (10 August)
This was held at Andy Watson’s home in Marton. It provided the first chance, after group selection, to share ideas and have a brainstorming session. We realised at this stage that 8 weeks from selection to departure was a very short time frame to work with. Tasks were assigned to be explored by the second meeting.

Second Group Meeting (23 August)
Our second planning meeting was in Palmerston North and focused on deciding the group look. This included flyers, business cards, badges, gifts and uniforms. Soul Street Wear, Taihape offered the distinctive look for Kiwi clothing, while Federation http://www.federation.co.nz/ portraying the casual kiwi image we wanted in France. As the only woman in the group, Mary’s direction and involvement provided a vaulable insight into today’s well dressed man! We men were completely at her mercy. She decided on black suits with a variety of shirts and ties in an identical set for each of us males, plus other ties from Kia Kaha http://www.kiakaha.co.nz/index.pasp.
Mary selected her clothes unaided by the rest of the group tres chic!!

Third Group Meeting (19-21 September)
This third planning meeting was hosted by Don and Phyl Cameron in their new house in Horopito. The location is most impressive with the house surrounded by native rainforest and with great views of Mt Ruapehu. Our thanks to both Phyl and Don for their hospitality.

With only 8 days until departure this was an opportunity to finalise presentations, travel arrangements, uniforms and gifts and discuss the finer details of our planning. Saturday night was focused on a meal in the local town of Ohakune watching Wellington beat Auckland in the Ranfurly Shield rugby game. Sunday featured morning tea from Soul Food Café and a lounge covered in laptops, gifts, paper and bodies.

About Us (the GSE group)

2008-09-24T09:52:00.014+02:00

The group from Rotary District 9940 http://www.rotary9940.org.nz/index.php will consist of one group leader (Rotarian) and four group members (non-Rotarians):

Stephan Symonds
“Originally from England, I moved to New Zealand in 1995. I am 37 and live in Wanganui with my partner, Mary, and her 2 children, Nikita and Jacob. I have 2 children of my own, Hannah and Evelyn. I have been a police officer for 10 years and currently work in Marton. I am looking forward to observing policing in a different country and immersing myself in the French culture.”

Chris Kendall
“I am 29 and live in Wellington with my girlfriend. I have been a Sustainable Design Consultant in an architectural firm for the past 6 years. I enjoy the outdoors, in particular cycling and mountain biking. I look forward to experiencing the people, culture and sights of Brittany as part of this exchange.”

Mary Blackman
“Born and bred in Aotearoa (New Zealand), I am 34 and have been married for 12 years to Te Hau with whom I have an 11 year old boy named Atawhai! I have owned and operated Soul Food Café for 4 years. One of the 799 things on my to-do list before I die is dance like no one’s looking, sing like no one’s listening and laugh like there is no tomorrow around the Eiffel Tower!”

Ben Dunsheath
“I am a 28-year-old Business Development Manager in the geospatial industry living in Wellington. I enjoy a range water sports in particular sailing and swimming. I am looking forward to experiencing the French culture in Brittany.

Don Cameron—Group Leader
“My home town is Ohakune, a ski town in the Central North Island. It is famous for Mount Ruapehu, an active volcano, and for growing the best carrots in the world! I am 60 years old, married to Phyl, also a Rotarian. We have 2 married daughters and 3 young grandsons. My interests include theatre and music, road cycling and of course, skiing our wonderful volcano.”

About the GSE Program

2008-09-24T09:51:00.001+02:00

The Rotary Foundation’s Group Study Exchange (GSE) program is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for businesspeople and professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 who are in the early stages of their careers. The program provides travel grants for groups to travel on exchange visits between reciprocal areas of different countries. For four to six weeks, group members experience the host country's culture and institutions, observe how their vocations are practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas. (http://www.rotary.org/en/Pages/ridefault.aspx, August 2008)