B.A. at the F.D.A.

The other night I did something brave. I went to a meeting of the F.D.A., all on my own. A business acquaintance introduced me to this group (it’s a kind of member-get-member thing), and always being up for a challenge, I went along to see what was what. And to put you out of your misery, F.D.A stands for Femmes de Decisions et Actions.

Blimey. I’ve always been a bossy boots, kick-ass, know-it-all kinda gal, and here I was in a room full of ‘em. No, I’m exaggerating. They are (for the most part) nice, intelligent, educated Frenchwomen who give up their time to do Good Deeds (or what the French call BA, for Bonne Action) and raise money for good causes. The night I went along, they were handing over a cheque for 10,000 euros, which is the kind of money not to be sniffed at. I had a delicious dinner (these things are always done over a good meal) and some thought-provoking conversations (no-one asked me why I moved to France, which was bloody refreshing), and to top it all off, I found a new hobby horse (excuse me while I heave myself into the saddle).

So… Montpellier-based mothers of young children, lend me your ears. What do you do with those old baby clothes that just can't be reused or given away? Maybe you're not planning any more children, and your girlfriends just aren't sprogging right now? Fed up of looking at that old car seat/cot/bottle warmer/steriliser/other piece of baby kit? Les Restos du Coeur can use it all. Part of the charity set up by famous French alternative actor/comedian Coluche to help the homeless, there are now five Restos Bébés in Herault (see www.restosducoeur34.org for details) where young mothers can go for support and to get free food, clothing and other babycare items for children up to 2 years old. What they need are your old baby clothes and kit. If anyone has anything to donate, there are two drop-off points, both in and nearby Montpellier. One is in the centre of town, at Les Arceaux : call Isabelle Plana on 04 99 13 32 50 to arrange a convenient time to drop. The other is in Lattes, call Josy Plana (her mother) on 04 67 65 20 14, same arrangement.