Last week the Annual General Meeting took place. Once again Casal’s President, Victòria Gras, introduced the activity of the organization and thanked to the Committee and members for their work this year. The attendees had the opportunity to check the treasurer’s annual report and they approved the minutes of the 2012 Annual Meeting. Anna Lorente, Casal trainee, presented the new website that  introduces some improvements and new contents.

The call to join the new committee has been very well received and four new people have joined: Albert Casellas, Josep Vallhonrat, Maryan Valverde i Albert Ansó.  All of them are now members of the Committee which was accepted unanimously  and will be led once again by Victòria Gras as president and Marina Mateos as a vicepresident. The secretary and treasurer positions will be filled by Maryan Valverde and Albert Ansó.  Finally, Ferran Faus, Sara Bosch, Stewart King, Montserrat Vilanova, Àngela Amoròs, Mariona Guiu and Elisenda Avendaño renewed their positions as ordinary members.

One of the most emotional moments of the day was the farewell to two Casal’ historical figures: Montserrat Moragas Torruella (Barber) (Becker) and Josephine Canals. Montserrat Torruella was Casal’s founder and has been linked to the organization since then filling  different positions in the committee and as a member; Josephine Canals has been a member of the Committee for 27 consecutive years. The new committee gave them a certificate of appreciation for their work and dedication and a bouquet of flowers. Montserrat Torruella made a little speech in recognition of the work of Mrs. Canals, who also had emotive words for Montserrat. You can see their stories in the following link.

After the meeting we enjoyed  the screening of the documentary “Between two giants. Keeping a culture alive” a film that reflects how people of the north and south of the Pyrenees feel upon their cultural identity.