Dan Kelly  receives the rank of  Commandeur dans l'Ordre des Palmes Académiques

On Wednesday, 1st October 2008, Mr Dan Kelly, the former Chairman of the Bristol-Bordeaux Association, was awarded the highest rank of Commandeur dans l'Ordre des Palmes Académiques. The presentation, which was made by his Excellency Mr Maurice Gourdault-Montagne, Ambassador of France to the United Kingdom, took place in the splendid surroundings of Clifton  Hill  House,  Bristol.

L'Ordre des Palmes Académiques was re-established in 1955, having been originally established by Napoleon in 1808 to honour eminent French academics. Today the order can be bestowed upon anyone, including foreigners, who has made a major contribution to French education. There are three ranks, Chevalier, Officier and Commandeur, with strict criteria for passing to the higher grades. Mr Kelly now holds all three ranks of this prestigious order, which is one of the world's oldest civil awards.

Association members and friends of Mr Kelly were present to witness the presentation, which was hosted by Mrs Annie Burnside, Honorary Consul of France and Warden of Clifton Hill House.  The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor of Bristol, Councillor Christopher Davies and the Lady Mayoress were among the guests of honour, as was the President of the Association Bordeaux-Bristol, Madame Arlette Izaac, who made a special journey from Bordeaux in order to be present at the ceremony.

Excellent speeches were delivered by both the Ambassador and Mr Kelly, whose wit and erudition were much appreciated by the audience. The Lord Mayor also expressed his appreciation of Mr Kelly's achievements. The presentation was followed by a champagne reception with delicious canapés provided by Clifton Hill House, rounding off a most enjoyable and convivial occasion.

All of those present would undoubtedly agree that this was a splendid way to celebrate the remarkable achievements of a man who has devoted much of his life to the teaching of French and the promotion of international friendship and culture.

Photos of the Presentation are on the following pages: