To do much with a little …

Realising that the game was up, Charles de Gaulle headed for England.

It was June 1940, and the French government had agreed an armistice with Germany.

Something to which he was implacably opposed.

However, moving to Britain placed him in a difficult position due to his uneasy relationship with the country and his suspicion that it held imperialistic ambitions for his beloved country.

Much as the move to these shores upset his sensibilities, it provided the perfect platform to continue his struggle from afar.

However, apart from radio, which he used to appeal to the French people with great effect and an almost maniacal determination, his resources were few.

An intensely proud individual who disliked asking for help, he was driven on one occasion to write to an aide urging him …

… “to do much with a little, starting from almost nothing”.

Who could fail to be moved by such a powerful and motivating request?

This is something we should keep in mind as we grapple with Champagne and Roses plans for the New Year, knowing that we might only have Beer and Skittles budgets.

If that makes for the start of a conversation, I’d love to hear from you.

Have a great week.

Alec