From the President

 Welcome to our December newsletter!

My ‘Mot’ this month is more like a dot point presentation, but I figure it is more important to share facts and news with you than to worry about prose!

·        As the New Year approaches, I invite you to continue your adventure and relationship with our Alliance Française by renewing your membership for 2025, so that you won’t miss out on any of the exciting things we have planned for the year ahead!  You will find out what is in store for 2025 on page 3 of you La Mouette.

·        Last month, 12 members of our regular French speaking group got together for lunch at Florabel Café & Bar in Eden. The food was very pleasant, the conversation was lively, in short we all had a great time and are ready to do it again at another venue, early next year, this time we will be meeting in Bermagui.

·        Continuing with recent events, on Wednesday 27 November, Lilias and Mike once again hosted a French wine tasting, presented by Justin from Amazing Grapes Canberra and attended by 15 members and 6 guests. Mike told me that it was a very enjoyable and happy evening, with lots of conversation, he did not mention the wine, but I am pretty sure it was the wine that got the tongues wagging!

·        The reopening of Notre-Dame: the reopening ceremonies will begin on December 7 and 8, 2024, followed by an octave of events until December 15, including two concerts of Jean-Sébastien Bach’s Magnificat on December 17 and 18.

·        Once again, Christmas is just around the corner and its magic is gradually taking over the streets, shops and homes. It is time to decorate the house, think about the menu and plan the celebrations. To get you in the spirit, you will find articles dedicated to Christmas in this issue. Chocolate is inextricably linked with the sweets and pleasures of Christmas. Individual chocolates appear behind the windows of the Advent calendar and on the Christmas table, to the delight of all gourmets the world over. I am celebrating this nutty, velvety treat with a finger-licking gourmet dessert, perfect for your Christmas menu. So if, like me, you love chocolate, try the recipe on page 8 of you La Mouette.

·        Before the year ends, take a moment to celebrate the festive season with us by taking part in the Coupe d’Antibes, on Friday 13 December and our Christmas Party, on Friday 20 December.   

·        On behalf of the entire team of the Alliance Française, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to each of you for your continued support and participation and to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, un très joyeux Noël et une excellente nouvelle année.

·        See you all in the New Year (and on 13 and 20 December!)

Sylvie

From the President

 Chers tous,

As the year draws to a close, cultural life in our Alliance will be busy, with some exciting events on the agenda. I recommend that you take a look at the programme on page 2 of your La Mouette.

First of all, I am delighted to announce that registration for the end-of-year event (cultural & musical dinner and Christmas party) is officially open! As you know we are all invited to take to the stage with short skits, songs, musical items, poetry or whatever we would like to present for a fun filled end of year activity. I hope that many of you will come and share your talents. Send me your details (see registration form on page 4 of La Mouette) before the end of the month by email to mansynette@gmail.com

Many thanks to those who decided to join us on Friday 1 November 2024 for the 4th edition of our Car Adventure Tour. Once again, despite a small number of participants (ten) and some rain, it was a successful event, followed by a relaxed, enjoyable, lively and chatty dinner at Altar Wine Bar, where we were joined by four members of the Alliance Française de Milton-Ulladulla. As we only had three cars participating, nobody missed out on a prize, with prizes going to first, second and last! Thank you to all the participants for their expertise, sense of humour and joie de vivre.

Our next French speaking lunch is taking place on Thursday 7 November at the Café Florabel in Eden; If there are other members who would like to participate, please send me an email (mansynette@gmail.com) so you will receive all necessary details. It’s Beaujolais Nouveau time! Throughout France, the Beaujolais Nouveau festival takes place every third Thursday in November, the date on which vinification ends and marketing is authorised. The release of this fruity wine is eagerly awaited by wine lovers, but it is also the occasion for many events in the Beaujolais region, with celebrations often lasting until the end of the week. The traditional launch of Beaujolais Nouveau is Les Sarmentelles in Beaujeu (Rhone-Alpes region), where a procession of wheelbarrows filled with burning vine shoots precedes the tapping of the first barrels at the stroke of midnight. Producers and winemakers open the doors of their cellars and wineries late into the night for tastings of their vintages. Restaurants offer menus based on the Beaujolais theme, and all the villages take part in the festivities, offering a range of craft products at various events.

The Alliance Française of Canberra’s French Market is back for its 9th edition on Saturday 16 November (10am to 3pm), over 30 stalls showcasing French culture and delicacies, delicious food, and drinks.

Sylvie

From the President

 A big thank you to all members who attended our Annual General Meeting at Club Sapphire on 25 September. As the existing committee had renominated for their positions, it was another easy going affair. The AGM was followed by a very brief General Meeting, as required by our Constitution, at which it was decided to continue the good work and to remind you of the end-of-year event, our cultural and musical dinner and Christmas party, where we are all invited to take to the stage for a fun filled end of year activity. Both administrative proceedings were followed by a screening of the film La Tête en Friche (My Afternoons with Margueritte). The characters are instantly sympathetic, the acting is superb, the script impeccable, simple and with good feelings, a charming movie that we all enjoyed.

It is time to invite you to take part in our now famous Car Adventure Tour, which will take place on Friday 1 November 2024, from Moruya to Milton. We encourage you / recommend that you form a team of 4 people (4 pairs of eyes are always useful) and that you have an internet connection to help you answer tricky questions. You will find all the details you need on page 2 of your La Mouette, as well as a recommendation for booking accommodation. I am counting on many of you to help make this fourth rally a great event.

I came across a recipe (which I tried and found to be yummy) whose name made me smile, ‘French breakfast muffins’, so I decided to find out where muffins come from. As you know, there are two types of muffin, the bread-like we call ‘English muffins’, which originated in England, and the cake-like simply called ‘muffins’ that were developed in the United States in the 19th century, but did you know that the name muffins comes from the old French word ‘moufflet’, which means soft? It's quite surprising and I am sure you will agree, but not enough to call muffins ‘French’... So what makes these muffins French? Read on and you will find out why (see recipe on page 3).

And last but not least, welcome to our new members, Carole, Leanne, Michael, Jessie, Colleen and Peter.

A bientôt!

Sylvie

From the President

 Chers tous,

I am writing to you from WA, where spring is in full swing and the spring flowers are in full bloom, a symphony of colours thanks to broom plants, heather, wattles, white clematis and banksia.

Last December, I suggested that we use our ‘French Corner’ to present biographies of our members from time to time, the first being that of Brigitte Leroy. This month you'll find Mike's (Michael Warren) biography, full of interest and surprises.

It's happening in September!  The Paralympic Games from 28 August to 8 September.

The name of the Paris 2024 mascot is Olympic Phryge, based on the traditional small Phrygian hats that the mascots are shaped after. The Phrygian caps, the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic mascots, have been a symbol of freedom throughout French history. They are a common reference for French people, including in the world of art (as a metaphor for freedom) and as a symbol of the Republic in French institutions. Phrygian caps can be seen sitting atop the head of the iconic figure Marianne in every town hall and even feature on everyday objects in France such as coins and stamps. They are also an international symbol of liberty worn by freed slaves in Roman times and appearing on different emblems in North and South America. Also known as the liberty cap, the Phrygian cap has become one of the symbols of the French Republic.

If you're planning a trip to France or Europe in September, did you know that the European Heritage Days are being held for the 39th time on 17 and 18 September? These days give numbers of visitors, from France and abroad, access to national monuments that are usually closed to the public, allowing them to enjoy unusual visits and discover the heritage of more than 50 countries. Important fact: visits organised as part of Heritage Days are free of charge.

A major painting by Paul Gauguin (Paris, 1848 - Hiva Oa, 1903) has been acquired by the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra. The work acquired is The Blue Roof, also known as The Farm at Pouldu (Brittany), painted in 1890. Currently, The Blue Roof, which is the first painting by the artist to enter an Australian public collection, is on display as part of the major exhibition The World of Gauguin: Tōna Iho, Tōna Ao (29 Jun - 7 Oct 2024). The exhibition, held at the National Gallery of Australia, traces Gauguin's artistic journey and his travels around the world, from his Impressionist beginnings in 1873 to his final destination in French Polynesia.

I look forward to seeing you on 25 September for our AGM and a film that many of you are sure to enjoy.

A bientôt!

Sylvie

From the President

 Cher tous,

Our 14th July event was particularly successful this year, thanks to the enthusiasm of the large number of participants - 40 members and their 27 guests - a copious and delicious dinner and a frenzied and energetic cabaret show. It was a superb evening, during which Madame d'Aulnoy, Carmen, and a particularly dynamic and libertine Veuve Clicquot took turns to entertain us to music brilliantly performed by a talented musician. I would like to thank you all for coming in such large numbers, for your positive comments at the end of the evening and for being dressed to the nines. From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU.

On 12 July, I was asked to be the guest speaker at the CWA local section's French lunch. About twenty members attended, the food was delicious, the conversation pleasant, we felt very welcome in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

The Olympic Games are open!

Did you know that the slogan for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is "Ouvrons grand les Jeux!” (Games wide open), a play on words based on the expression “Ouvrez grand les yeux” (Open your eyes wide), which naturally refers to spectators' amazement at the athletes' performances. A pretty good slogan, if you ask me. French has been one of the two official languages of the Olympic Games, along with English, ever since Baron Pierre de Coubertin, co-founder of the International Olympic Committee, known as the father of the modern Olympic Games, revived the competition. This is laid down in Article 23 of the Olympic Charter adopted in 1908: "At all Sessions, simultaneous interpretation shall be provided in French and English". However, "In the event of any discrepancy between the texts, the French text shall prevail". Traditionally, the heads of state who declared the Games "open" did so in French, anyway, since Ronald Reagan, this custom has been lost, as the opening is now pronounced in the language of the host country. For the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Organising Committee has signed an agreement with the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) to ensure that the French language is used in all communications media, but did not see fit to appoint a “grand témoin de la Francophonie” (grand Francophone Observer) for the Olympic Games as they are being held in France!

With the exception of our pétanque players, we won't be meeting in August, but I look forward to seeing you on 25 September for our AGM and a film that many of you are sure to enjoy.

A bientôt!

Sylvie

From the President

 Chers tous,

Once again, a fantastic French wine degustation! The evening was a perfect mix of fine wines, delicious cheeses and pâtés and great company. Special thanks to Brent McKay of Amazing Grapes, who provided a selection of fine wines that delighted our palates and our senses. These tasting evenings are not only informative and enjoyable, but they also provide an opportunity to discover some interesting wines and enjoy a very relaxing evening... all right, the wine must have had something to do with it!

Many of us enjoy the Tour de France, not just for the race itself, but also for the scenery, the history, the wealth of information and the famous "Plat du Tour". Due to the Olympic Games, this year the Tour de France will start a week earlier than usual, on 29 June, and will be quite different with a new starting location, its first gravel stage, a non-Paris finish and a different type of final stage. As you know, the Tour de France has always ended in Paris, with several laps around the Louvre and Champs Elysées, due to Olympic preparations in Paris, it will end in Nice on July 21 with an almost 34 km individual time trial. If you would like to download the route (bilingual F/A edition), follow the link:

https://storage-aso.lequipe.fr/ASO/cycling_tdf/tdf24-parcours.pdf

Unveiled on 16 May Saint Honoré’s Day (Saint Honoré being the patron saint of bakers and pastry chefs), the French postal service “La Poste” has printed 594,000 mouthwatering copies of a new baguette stamp, which captures the scent of bread in the ink. The baguette, which won intangible heritage status from UNESCO in November 2022, is considered a jewel of French gastronomy. “The baguette, the bread of our daily lives, the symbol of our gastronomy, the jewel of our culture", La Poste says on its website. “The baguette is the embodiment of a culture and customs that are deeply rooted in the daily lives of the French. It stands for a ritual, that of going to the bakery, a local business rooted in the regions, attracting 12 million consumers every day. The fact that 6 billion baguettes are made every year confirms its emblematic status as part of France's food heritage.”

The Art in Miniature group is holding its annual exhibition at the Raglan Gallery and Cultural Centre in Cooma from 3 July to 18 August 2024. The opening will be hosted by Anne Masters, Director of the Gallery of Small Things (ACT), on Saturday 6 July at 2pm. If you are passing through Cooma, I encourage you to visit the exhibition (Wednesday to Sunday, 10.30am to 3.30pm). You are going to think that it is not really French, to which I would reply that one of the exhibiting artists, Jocelyne Godber, is French.

I look forward to seeing most of you on 14 July in Madame d'Aulnoy's Parisian salon, and if you are worried, no heads are likely to roll, because we will be there at the end of the 17th century, with the Revolution still to come...

A bientôt!

From the President

 Chers tous,

Despite the relatively small number of participants, the screening of Notre-Dame On Fire was a great success and received plaudits from the entire audience. This powerful movie, in which everything is based on fact and nothing seems plausible, gripped us, moved us and kept us on the edge of our seats until the striking destructive fire was extinguished. I encourage you to read Davina and Barry's report on the film (see page 5), and if you were unable to attend the screening, to borrow the DVD, which is available to our members from our library corner.

If you are interested in the Olympics and decide to follow them, you are bound to travel, because while Paris has been chosen to host the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, in reality 39 venues will welcome athletes from around the world. As host city, Paris will host the competitions at 26 Olympic and Paralympic venues representing 35 sports, with 8 other cities in the Île-de-France region hosting major sporting facilities. The Château de Versailles has also transformed its gardens for the equestrian, paraequestrian and pentathlon competitions. Two other towns will host handball, shooting and football events, and the harbour of Marseille will host all the sailing events, while the surfing competitions will take place in Tahiti.

Before I say goodbye, do not miss the extraordinary chance to celebrate this year’s Bastille Day event, it will not be just another date on our event calendar, but a grand rendez-vous, with a promise of a great evening of celebration! Promote the event amongst family and friends, enrol, select your menu and pay your contribution by 23 June.

Looking forward to seeing you all on the occasion of our French Wine Tasting event, Je vous dis A bientôt!

Sylvie