Last Sunday, June 15, the French branch of the OGAE network had their annual assembly. Not the kind of meetings to sing on stage or to watch past entries, but one with a lot of things to be discussed.

An article by Dominique Dufaut

When it came to the vote for the renewal of the club's board, previous president, Mathieu Kroon, was unanimously reelected, receiving 100% of the votes. Secretary of the club remains Francis Soghomonian (left) and Vincent Quintin (right) is the newly elected treasurer. Vincent has been a long time member of the club as well as the webmaster of the French website "Bonsoir Paris" .

As for the new board's future projects, the new tenure promises to be very active. Every member in the 15-persons board has undertaken one or several parts in all aspects of the club's day to day function.

Regarding meetings, the club has decided to maintain the autumn's one. This year's theme will be "The 80's French finals"… which already makes people laugh. As usual, one or two singers will be invited. Many names were suggested by fans who have a personal link with them : Jean Jacques (Monaco 69), Romuald (Monaco 64 & 74 + Luxembourg 74), Christine Minier (1987) or, more recently, Sandrine François (France 2002) and Louisa Bellaïche (France 2003).

OGAE France has already invited Marie Myriam (France 77), Séverine (Monaco 71), Jacqueline Boyer (France 60), Dominique Dussault (Monaco), Catherine Ferry (France), Mary Cristy (Luxembourg 76), Jean-Paul Cara (composer of the 76, 77 and 81 entries) and Ortal (France 2005).

The previews meeting, to be arranged four weeks before the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest, will also have one or two guests who will be announced in due time.