We meet on the first and third Tuesday in the month from 2.30 to 4.3Opm. in members’ homes. Each member of the group prepares a short talk based on personal experiences such as holidays, visits to concerts, the cinema, theatres or art exhibitions, an aspect of current affairs or an article of interest often related to France. After each topic there is open discussion which is completely spontaneous as we do not know in advance what members will decide to talk about. We note useful phrases and specialist words which arise in order to expand our vocabulary.

Topics during the past year have included experiences in countries such as Kenya, where Jackie worked for three months, France, South Africa, Cyprus and the Baltic countries. Visits have included Portsmouth Docks, the Concorde Tour at Brooklands, Nottingham Art Gallery and the Matisse Exhibition. Nicolas Sarkozy’s visit to England and the French presidential elections increased our political and economic vocabulary.

At our Christmas meeting we arrive with food and wine, read French poetry and sing French carols. We hold a joint celebration on Bastille Day (July 14 ) with Group one when we invite husbands and wives to join us at a garden party where we provide the ingredients for a French meal starting with a glass of kir. We take part in quizzes and round off the evening with a rousing rendition of La Marseillaise.

In the summer Keith organises a magnificent dejeuner gastronomique at his favourite restaurant in Wimereux and we enjoy the opportunity to walk along the beach afterwards before making a visit to the hypermarket to stock up with supplies of French food and wine.

At present our group is full but if you are interested in joining us, phone me and I will contact you as soon as a place becomes available.

To send a message to a Group Leader, please use the Contact Point page. Current Group Status: Full

Lesley