I was in Vernet over the 17 & 18 June.
The Kiplings are well remembered in the pleasant Spa ; one bridge
over the river is named for Rudyard; around the town and hillsides
are ca a dozen information notices referring to him; the tourist
office has an exhibition featuring the Kiplings and a display of some
of his works in recent French translations with nice modern illustrations.
On the Friday the Conference took place, in the Casino park, audience
of ca 30. I gave a brief greeting from our Society. The three talks
given by staff of the Perpignan University were delivered in French
and difficult to follow much of, despite brief English synopses provided.
Next afternoon in the Casino three actor-singers gave a spirited
theatrical hour of selected readings from Kipling such as "If";
followed by tea.
I intend to upload some of my photos on an internet site and
advise in another message.
Bryan Diamond
London
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