Je Suis Paris, Nous Sommes Unis

In this time of great tragedy and sadness, we stand in solidarity and support with our French neighbours, against the barbaric assault on humanity which has taken place in Paris recently. And, of course, let us not forget those who have suffered such atrocities all over the globe, including Australia. I know many of our members have visited Paris only this year, and it is difficult to comprehend how something so horrific could happen in this beautiful, exciting and vibrant city which is loved by so many. I have no doubt that “liberté, égalité et fraternité” will prevail over this evil, and peace will be the sweetest revenge.

Vive la France!

On the home front now, and as from this issue, we have a new editor of La Mouette. Clive Roberts has taken over the task from Regine Kasper, who has produced the newsletter for the past 8 years. You can read Regine’s story further on in this issue, but on behalf of all members of the Alliance Française de la Côte de Saphir, I want to sincerely thank Regine for her remarkable contribution to the group by ensuring that La Mouette was issued expeditiously each month for our enjoyment. Anyone who has had to undertake such a task will appreciate what an enormous commitment this is; the deadline looms large every single month and cannot be ignored; I think most of us just take it for granted that La Mouette will appear before the start of each month without giving much thought to how it actually gets there! Well, please know, Regine, that your enduring dedication is greatly appreciated. We also thank Clive for stepping into these very large shoes and wish him well in the task ahead. Clive has already had some experience in producing the newsletter and acquitted himself splendidly!

Gai Jacobs
Mme la Présidente

French influence in Morocco

Did you know.... ... that in 1912, French parfumeurs began to mass cultivate the bush Rosa centifolia in Morocco's Vallée des Roses, and today there are hundreds of kilometers of rose hedges and two factories in the valley distilling rose essence? That the Barbary lion is Morocco's national animal?  That the liver, not the heart, is considered to be the symbol of love in Morocco?  That Morocco is the largest processor and exporter of sardines in the world?

Well, if you came to the Moroccan Lunch at the Wharf Restaurant on Sunday, the 11th of October, you would know all of this and more! The eighteen diners were well entertained with good company, good food and good fun by means of the trivia quiz researched and delivered by our own "Michel Lapin".

If you missed that one, don't despair, as there are more opportunities coming up: the first of which is the Christmas picnic and pétanque day at Mandeni on 29 November. Please mark the day in your diary now!

Touch of Red – Starting the Year in French Style

In lieu of starting 2015 with a ‘bang’, our Alliance Française de la Côte de Saphir, started it with the ‘pop’ of champagne corks! (Seems like this is how we start most of our events!!!!!) 

Thanks to the generous hospitality of our hosts, Margaret and Bruce Gaunson, La Fête de Bienvenue, or Welcome Party, was another wonderful evening, celebrated in French style with friends, fabulous food and fine wine. This year, since the day happened to fall on 14 February, it was themed for Valentine’s Day as “A Touch of Red”. Everyone joined the fun by wearing something red, and those, who had no red to wear, brought it bottled! Once again the quality and variety of the dishes, provided by those attending, was remarkable and there were very few crumbs of anything left over.

AF French Film Festival 2016

For information, please click HERE

Pétanque

Alliance members meet to play pétanque at Mandeni Family Fun Park twice every month - on the 2nd Friday and the last Saturday. No prior experience is needed and newcomers would be most welcome! 

Just come along, bring your morning coffee and have fun playing this challenging game. Bring your own boules or borrow the club’s. Cost is $2 a head for hiring the two pétanque pistes. 

The BBQ afterwards has now become a tradition so why not join us for an enjoyable time. A fee of $2 a head is collected for use of the Mandeni BBQ facilities. If you have any questions please ring Clive Roberts on 6495 9324 (h). 

Location Mandeni Family Fun Park, Sapphire Coast Drive, 1.5 kms north of Tura Beach Drive. Turn left next to “Za’s Stonehouse”.

Current French conversation arrangements:

Informal French language discussion for "students" and "learners" take place on the first Saturday of the month.

Where: Poppy's Cafe, Merimbula 

When: 10am 

Look for Robert McCombie (mobile: 0407294486), who leads the discussion.  All current members of the Alliance Francaise are welcome.

Experiencing the Adventure of French

If you are interested in "experiencing the adventure of French", we have brochures, a 2015 calendar and prices for all sorts of French courses and accommodation options from CAVILAM - Alliance Francaise, a Centre for French language teaching, in Vichy in the Auvergne region. 

The CIDEF (Centre international d'etudes francaises) has also sent us a booklet of their French language and culture courses held at Angers in the heart of the Loire Valley. The booklet includes accommodation as well as information about prices and course dates. 

The above material is in our Library cupboard in the foyer of the Sapphire Aquatic Centre at Pambula Beach. There are a couple of copies of most items but please record your details in the book provided if you take away any of the brochures.