Alliance Française de la Côte de Saphir

2012 Alliance Française French Film Festival

2012-01-10T20:36:00.000-08:00

The Alliance Française French Film Festival 2012 is coming soon!

Sydney 6 - 25 March
Melbourne 7 - 25 March
Brisbane 14 March - 1 April
Canberra 14 March - 1 April
Adelaide 20 March - 8 April
Perth 21 March - 9 April

Organised jointly by the Alliance Françaises of Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, this Festival is a great opportunity for us to spread and promote the French language and culture in Australia.

Approaching its 23rd sensational year, the festival offers an ambitious national program over 5 weeks including 40+ films - action, romance, comedy, thrillers, children’s films, animation and documentaries - which have been commercially released in France the previous year.

With more than 130,000 national viewers for the 2011 edition, the Alliance Française French Film Festival has become one of the most important film events in Australia and the largest festival of French cinema in the world, outside of France.

Far flung French get vote and a voice in homeland

2012-01-02T11:29:00.000-08:00

FRENCH citizens living in Australia will soon be represented in the National Assembly in Paris.
Eleven seats are being added to France's parliament, with electoral boundaries spanning continents and even hemispheres. Canada and the United States will share one representative, while Britain joins nine other northern European countries.

Alliance Française Coupe d’Antibes 2011

2011-12-01T23:43:00.001-08:00

The Seahorse Inn south of Eden once again proved to be a successful venue for our end-of-year gathering. People came from as far as Bega in the north, Genoa to the south and Burragate to the west, showing great commitment to our Alliance. Fortunately - after the storms of Saturday - we were blessed with wonderful weather and once the clouds disappeared, we were left with a hot steamy afternoon to complete the final rounds of the pétanque contest.

44 happy Alliance members and friends joined in the festivities and shared the traditional Christmas fare provided by the Seahorse Inn. Formalities were at a minimum and the chatter and wine made for a convivial lunch.

The magnificent Christmas hamper, organized by Fiona Stafford, was won by a very happy Bénédicte Morrow, who couldn't believe her luck. Funds raised by this raffle will go to the Mumbulla Foundation.

We were overwhelmed by the number of pétanque players, however, Kerry Hunting and Neil Porter set a new standard in tournament management.

Pétanque played on grass is quite different to that played on a solid piste, according to the seasoned players, but new chums didn't know the difference. Simon Arlidge, a regular player, and Carmen Coutts-Smith went on to win the Coupe d'Antibes after some very long games and fierce competition against Margaret Gaunson and Clive Roberts.

Membership of our AF is open to anyone with an interest in things French.

Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année

Coupe d'Antibes rules of pétanque

2011-11-27T12:19:00.001-08:00

A little late perhaps, but after some discussion of the rules of pétanque yesterday, here are the Australian rules for the game. They are extensive and fairly prescriptive. These rules are based almost totally on the Official International Rules.

The Wikipedia entry on pétanque is both interesting and informative.

I found responses to some specific queries raised on the day:
- both feet must be within the circle - Australian rules;
- valid distances for the thrown jack are 6 metres minimum to 10 metres maximum - Australian rules;
- boules are thrown underarm (no requirement to throw with the "palm down") - Wikipedia.

6 Ways to Infuse French Culture Into Your Lifestyle

2011-11-23T22:24:00.001-08:00

I found this interesting article today: 6 Ways to Infuse French Culture Into Your Lifestyle

A. G. M.

2011-08-24T02:42:00.000-07:00

Monday 12 September AGM; presentation by Rex about his 2 week walk in France, Tasman Room, Merimbula Bowling Club (Club Sapphire) - 6pm start!

Contact: Margaret Gaunson on 6495 3515 or email on abgmob@hotmail.com to book.

18th September Conversation Lunch

2011-08-24T00:11:00.000-07:00

September 18th @ Pier 1 - above shops opposite newsagency in Merimbula - 12:00 start.

PLEASE make sure you contact Brigitte before Friday 17th on 6495-0781 (or in class) to let her know if you are attending. This is very important in case there is some need to modify arrangements at the last minute.

Allez Cadel!

2011-07-23T15:02:00.000-07:00

Cadel Evans wins the Tour de France - magnifique!

The Bastille Day event 2011

2011-07-16T06:37:00.001-07:00

I'm just home from the best Bastille Day evening I've been to (and there's been a few). Terrific music (courtesy of Colleen Spillane, Steve Clark, Ken Vatcher and Mark Bolsius - loved the music!), great venue and a wonderful atmosphere.

Here are a selection of photos:

TWO Tony Taylors - but which one won the prize? Easy - "Tony Taylor 2" :)

Barbara Studholme won the "French Lessons" cookery book by the chef from Tabou in Stdney.

Robert McCombie won the $400 gift voucher courtesy of Betta Electrical and Bega and Cobargo Veterinary Hospitals - Carmen, Robert and Peter Alexander.

Talk about "le Hot Club de France" - so good to have such classy music. Thanks Mark, Colleen, Steve and Ken.

Margaret, Dorothea and David.

Jan Porter and Rod Studholme.

Top job Carmen!

Conversation Lunch

2011-07-07T16:39:00.000-07:00

Don't forget our conversation lunch at Club Sapphire Golf Club, The Fairway, Tura Beach at 12 this Sunday (10th July)!

Bastille Day Tickets

2011-07-07T14:59:00.001-07:00

Tickets for Saturday 16th have been selling fast.

If you are still thinking about coming along but haven't bought your tickets yet, there are just 10 left, so be quick.

It is promising to be a great night.

2011 Bastille Day Celebration

2011-05-07T05:10:00.000-07:00

It is with great pleasure that we formally announce our 2011 Bastille Day event.

This year's Bastille Day celebration heralds a change in direction from our previous Bastille Day events.

To be held at The Wharf restaurant in Merimbula on Saturday 16th July, and featuring a two course meal, preceded by a wonderful selection of canapes and a drink in the Aquarium - serving to commence at 6.30. (vegetarians and those with special dietary requirements can be catered for). Entry to the Aquarium is via the internal stairs where tickets will be collected for the lucky door prizes.

Wear your dancing shoes to enjoy a spin around the dance floor to the acclaimed Colleen Spillane Quartet.

Price for members is $55, and for non-members, $60.

This will be a night to remember, and is expected to sell out early - there can be only limited numbers. Tickets will go on sale mid-June, but members can make initial enquiries/bookings to Margaret Gaunson via email or telephone. Click the poster above for contact details.

Why not get a few friends together and make up a table?

May 8th Conversation Lunch

2011-04-27T15:51:00.000-07:00

Covingtons Thai restaurant in Pambula at 12.

Bookings are essential, as it is Mothers' Day, and the restaurant is likely to be crowded. We will be booking a table early next week.

You don't need to be fluent, just willing to use the French language skills that you have.

Click the menu below for larger picture:

Please email afsaphir address or phone Neil (under "Porter, NE" in the phone book) if you wish to attend.

Conversation Lunch - Lakeview Hotel, Merimbula

2011-04-07T04:33:00.000-07:00

Sunday, 10th of April - 12:00. Conversation lunch - buy your own lunch and drink/s.

You don't need to be fluent, just willing to use the French language skills that you have.

Mogareeka Walk

2011-04-03T02:40:00.000-07:00

Please pardon my Franglais!

We had quinze marcheurs, quatre nageurs, un casse-cou, un serpent noir (allegedly), et deux nouveaux membres who came to the BBQ lunch afterwards (bienvenue à la Côte de Saphir Kerry and Greg!). We also had one of the most beautiful autumn days for a long while.

A number of members commented on what a great way it was to get to know people they hadn't previously met. A most enjoyable day really.

The following photos are from the first group sent in - merci Graeme!

From Carmen:

Booklovers - Everything French

2011-03-24T19:39:00.000-07:00

Mark Bolsius from Booktique in Merimbula sent this message for our book-loving members:

Time	19 April · 19:00 - 22:00

Location	Booktique - Shop 5-6 The Promenade Market St Merimbula

More info	A theme night - we're joining forces with Alliance Francaise in Merimbula and showcasing French Books, Music, Cookbooks, maybe a little wine, cheese etc. BRING - any book with a French connection that you enjoyed or want to share

No RSVP required.

Our Next Event

2011-03-11T22:26:00.001-08:00

3rd April: Mogareeka Walk & BBQ

We’ll be walking from the northern side of the Mogareeka Inlet Bridge to Nelson Beach via Moon Bay – then back to Mogareeka for lunch. Overall, this is maybe 6 or 7 km – an easy 2 to 3 hour walk (if we don’t stop to admire the views or to swim). If it’s a good day, Nelson Beach has a nice inlet for swimming.

We’ll be walking on narrow tracks, well-established trails and roads.

You need a reasonable level of fitness for this walk – although it is fairly easy, there are a couple of steep climbs (as anyone who has climbed the steps from Moon Bay up to the carpark will know). You also need reasonably strong walking shoes or boots – please, no light sandals or dress shoes.

Be aware that ticks and snakes are always present in the bush. If you have any health issues, please discuss them with Neil beforehand.

Meet at the parking area on the right hand side of the road (heading out of Tathra) on the northern side of the bridge over the inlet. Departure time is 10:00.

Bring something to eat for morning tea – we’ll stop at Nelson Beach around 11:00 – and most important, bring enough water, especially if it’s a warm day! We should get back to Mogareeka parking area around 1:00 to 1:30 for a BBQ – bring your own BBQ lunch and refreshments.

Anyone who would like to come just for lunch (ie no walk) is most welcome to do so – meet us at the Tathra Lions Park on the Tathra side of the bridge sometime between 1:00 and 1:30.

The following are recommendations:
• Small backpack
• Water!
• Hat, sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Swimming costume and light towel if it’s a nice day

Please let Neil know if you are planning to come along by emailing him at afsaphir@gmail.com or by phoning 64956860. Please email or ring by Wednesday 30th at the very latest!

*****************************************************************

Nathalie Natiembe at the Candelo Village Festival

2011-03-01T15:44:00.000-08:00

March 19 2011

NATHALIE NATIEMBE
From Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean, Nathalie Natiembé is a phenomenon who has appeared throughout Europe and recently at Womadelaide. Natiembé doesn’t need any tricks to capture the audience, starting every one of her shows with just her voice. Like a "griot" singing in Créole as well as French, she refuses to be categorised. Natiembé draws upon multiple influences and crossbred sounds, from jazz, reggae and rock. Into this mix she weaves the "maloya", a Reunion local blues long banned by the authorities.

The Candelo Arts Society brings you The Candelo Village Festival on March 19 2011, a one day event celebrating music, arts, and local culture.
The village of Candelo lies in the hills of the Bega Valley on the far south coast of New South Wales, Australia, and is home to a community of Artists, Musicians, and Farmers.

2011 French Film Festival

2011-02-23T16:46:00.000-08:00

Approaching its 22nd sensational year, the Alliance Française French Film Festival offers an ambitious national program over 4 weeks traditionally including 40+ films which have been commercially released in France the previous year. The best of contemporary French cinema includes action, romance, comedy, thrillers, children’s films, animation and documentaries.

The Alliance Française French Film Festival (AFFFF) is the main French cultural event in Australia and is one of the most important film events in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane. The festival continues to grow from strength to strength, encapsulating a growing international interest in French cinema. French cinema has an appeal that reaches far beyond France’s local community. As one of Australia’s only national film events it has great appeal to national media and sponsors. It is the largest foreign film festival in Australia.

The 2011 AFFFF dates:

Sydney: 8 - 27 March
Melbourne: 9 - 27 March
Brisbane: 16 March - 3 April
Canberra: 16 March - 3 April
Perth: 23 March - 10 April
Adelaide: 23 March - 10 April

Click on the picture at the top of the post for the AFFFF website.

Welcome Party

2011-02-18T02:15:00.000-08:00

It was great to see so many old and new members at our welcome party. Thanks to Brigitte and Simon for opening their house to us all., and thanks also to everyone who brought a plate.

French teachers Brigitte and Jan.

Bruce and Bruce.

Julie's parents, Donald and Mary from London with Gary and Jill.

Carmen (filling in for President Rex) welcoming everyone in French - well done Carmen!

Margaret and Regine.

Thanks Brigitte and Simon!

Bénédicte would like to comment.

A good roll-up to a very enjoyable event!

Alliance membership renewals are now due

2011-01-25T15:35:00.000-08:00

It is now time to renew your membership! It’s also the best time to recruit your friends to Alliance membership!

Please complete this form in clear print and mail it together with your payment (cheque not cash) to: The Membership Officer, Alliance Française de la Côte de Saphir, P. O. Box 3, MERIMBULA 2548

Alliance Française RENEWAL/ NEW (Please circle one) MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION for 2011

NAME/S………………………………………………………………

ADDRESS ……………………………………………………

POSTCODE ………….

TELEPHONE ……………........…………

E-MAIL ……………………………………….............…

SUBSCRIPTION (Please circle one) FAMILY $40 SINGLE $ 25 SCHOOL $ 25

I WILL BE ATTENDINGCLASSES YES / NO(Please circle one)

Please note that, unless otherwise requested, "La Mouette", our monthly newsletter, will be delivered by email in order to reduce costs. Please be sure that your email address is printed CLEARLY and that it is current.

Thanks,

Neil Porter

“Welcome Party”

2011-01-17T18:34:00.000-08:00

Soirée de Février 6-8pm Friday 18^th February 2011

As already foreshadowed, the year begins with a “Welcome Party”, as an opportunity for members, old and new, to catch up with one another after the Christmas break. Please feel free to bring along friends and acquaintances interested in our local Alliance Française.

It will take place at the home of Brigitte Leroy and Simon Arlidge beginning at 6pm.

People are asked to “bring a plate” as well as BYO drinks.

Please RSVP, to give an indication of numbers, preferably by February 11^th to Simon or Brigitte by phone or email.

Address and contact details:

19 James Cook Court (off Headland Drive)

Tura Beach

Ph: 6495-0781

Email: sbarlidge@aapt.net.au

From Merimbula, take the Tura Beach shops turning on the right.

Then, take the first on the left (called Golf Circuit).

Then, the first on the right (called Pacific Way).

Then, the first on the right (called Headland Drive).

Then, the first on the left (still called Headland Drive).

Finally, the first on the right ( 19 James Cook Court).

From Tathra or the Bega back way, follow the Merimbula direction until Tura Beach.

After the "Woodbine Park Cabins on the left, take the 1st road on the left called Pacific Way (Dolphin Cove).

Go straight on for each of the 2 mini round about.

Then, take the first on the left (called Headland Drive).

Take the first on the left (still called Headland Drive).

Finally, take the first on the right.

You are now on James Cook Court. We are at number 19.

French language and cooking

2011-01-05T12:26:00.000-08:00

The Alliance Française de Rouen have just been in touch regarding a 3 week combined French language and French cooking course. Here is the information:

"Have you dreamed of learning French cooking in France?

Do you want to entertain like the French?

Realise your dream whilst you improve your French with the Alliance Française de Rouen
28 February to 18 March 2011

The all-inclusive price of 2050 €uros includes:
- Hands-on lessons in French cooking with a professional chef in a specially equiped kitchen;
- French lessons according to level with qualified, experience native French speaking teachers;
- Accommodation, breakfast and dinner with a host family; and
- Visits according to the programme.

Details of the programme: http://www.alliancefr-rouen.org/ANG/docs/cuisine_3_sem.v1.ang.pdf
Onine registration: http://www.alliancefr-rouen.org/ANG/inscription1.htm

Do not hesitate to contact us should you require further information."

This appears to be quite good value considering that it lasts for 3 weeks and comprises cooking and food presentation classes as well as 3 hours of French language lessons each week day. Not to mention full board with a French family.

If you are interested, please read the course information on the link provided above. While application for the course should be done direct to the AF de Rouen, we would be very interested to hear if you are attending.

Visitors to our blog

2010-12-11T18:18:00.000-08:00

This map shows the locations of visitors to our blog in 2010:

Coupe d'Antibes a great success

2010-12-08T16:44:00.000-08:00

What a great day for the Alliance's annual Coup d'Antibes petanque competition and Christmas celebration! We had enthusiastic participants and observers (some new faces and first-time players, as well as some long-term members), first class food and the odd thirst-quenching glass of wine/ale, and a beautiful location. To top it all off, the clouds stayed away and everyone enjoyed the mild summer weather.

Our 2010 champions and Coupe d'Antibes winners are Mary Brady and Graeme Gerard, who defeated Glenys and Derek Lambert in the final. Making the win even more special is the fact that it was Mary's first game of pétanque, and to top Mary's day off, she also won first prize in the raffle. Although the games were played on grass rather than the usual gravel pistes at Mandeni, the change in surface made for a much more even competition. Thanks to Dorothea for organising the event and to Danielle for organising the draw!

The Seahorse Inn at Boydtown is congratulated for the very well cooked turkey lunch (and the best crème brûlée imaginable for the price), and the attentive and capable serving staff. All in all a terrific day out.

The Seahorse Inn is a beautiful location, and we had great luck with the weather too.

Mary (a complete beginner) and Graeme (with very little playing experience) managed to outplay some much more experienced players to win the 2010 Coupe d'Antibes.

Many positive comments went around the room regarding the great food, relaxed staff and attention to detail over lunch - a great location for functions!

Beaujolais Nouveau

2010-11-14T01:01:00.001-08:00

Sorry, this event has been cancelled.

Le Beaujolais Nouveau, encore une fois!

It’s on again! Le Beaujolais Nouveau is on its way! Let’s all cheer the occasion with a

party in town! Building on last year’s successful event we have again ordered the real

article, the freshly made wine from the Beaujolais hills, north-west of Lyon. In France,

this is a much-trumpeted annual occasion, always in November – perhaps they need

some cheering up as the colder autumn weather settles in. For us it’s a good excuse to

welcome spring.

The cost covers not only the wine, but also its ideal accompaniment: hot and cold

finger-food. So, spread the word amongst your friends or visitors and come along!

When: Thursday 18 November 2010

Where: Supper Room at Twyford Hall, Merimbula, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm

Cost: $ 25 for members, $ 30 for guests

Bookings: Please mail your booking slip (below) with your cheque no later than Friday 12 November.

Enquiries: Please ring Margaret on 6495 3515 with any enquiry

2011 Membership Flyer

2010-10-02T14:23:00.000-07:00

Now that the new committee is settled in, we are hoping to encourage a wider membership. You can click on the flyer above to get a full sized copy you can print for your friends.

Our new committee

2010-09-20T22:13:00.000-07:00

Alliance Française A.G.M.

The Alliance Française de la Côte de Saphir held it’s 22nd A.G.M. on Monday 13th September in order to review the past 12 months and to elect it’s new committee for it’s 23rd year.

There was a touch of sadness as we remembered the contribution of past president Peggy Hamilton who passed away earlier in the year.

Outgoing president, Danielle Watkins commented on the various activities of our Alliance over the past 12 months: our successful French language classes; enjoyable social activities; our monthly friendly petanque games; Danielle’s attendance at the Asian-Pacific French speakers’ forum in New Caledonia; and our annual donation to Médecins Sans Frontières. Special mention was made of the work done by Regine Kasper in producing our monthly newsletter “la Mouette”, and the outgoing committee’s ongoing assistance and valuable contributions.

Danielle was recognised for her energetic contributions to our Alliance over her 3 years as president, and will certainly be missed.

The committee for 2010/2011 is:

President: Rex Speller
Vice President: Carmen Coutts-Smith
Secretary: Margaret Gaunson
Treasurer: Neil Porter
General committee members: Brigitte Leroy, Dorothea Polonyi, Gérard Decottignies, Graeme Gerrard and Peter Alexander.

We look forward to a rejuvenated Alliance year ahead with some new ideas already generated – members have been invited to contribute suggestions for our social calendar for 2011.

A.G.M.

2010-09-04T00:37:00.000-07:00

DINNER and ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – MONDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER 2010

Venue:
Garden Room at the Pambula-Merimbula Golf Club

Time:
Monday, 13th September at 6pm sharp

Cost:
$25.00 per person for the 2 course dinner

Bookings:
Please mail the booking slip to Danielle Watkins (6495 0859) to arrive no later than Wednesday 8th September as Danielle must have final numbers by Friday 10th September.

All Alliance Française de la Côte de Saphir members are cordially invited to celebrate our 22nd anniversary at the AGM and dinner being held in the Garden Room at the Pambula-Merimbula Golf Club. Any item of business must be given to the Secretary, Margaret Gaunson, in writing, either by posting to the Secretary at PO Box 3 Merimbula NSW 2548 or by email to afsaphir@gmail.com

Thanks to Carolyn Dewaegeneire, we will raffle some very nice French wine to raise much needed funds for Médecins sans Frontières.

Bastille Day

2010-06-14T21:38:00.000-07:00

Our Alliance is celebrating Bastille Day

Come and join the fun!

When? Saturday 17th July 2010 at 6:30pm

Where? Pambula/Merimbula Golf Club

Music/cabaret/dancing

2 course dinner/apéritif and canapés on arrival

Prizes

Members $44, non-members $50

All booking enquiries to Danielle (6495 0859) before 10th July

Canadian lunch

2010-04-10T01:31:00.000-07:00

May: Sunday 23rd, Canadian themed lunch, venue The Wharf in Merimbula.

Welcome to the Alliance Française de la Côte de Saphir Pages

2009-10-31T01:24:00.000-07:00

Centred on Merimbula but encompassing the entire Sapphire Coast from Bermagui to the Victorian border in the somewhat remote corner of south-eastern Australia, (250 km from Canberra, 500 km from Sydney and 600 km from Melbourne), we provide a range of monthly social activities including soirees and lunches with guest speakers and French films, picnics and outings and French conversation coffee mornings, with our Bastille Day gala dinner and cabaret being the highlight of the year.
Our regular monthly petanque contests culminate in a Break-up Lunch/Grand Petanque contest for 'La Coupe d'Antibes' in December each year, the winners' names being inscribed on a plaque held permanently, with the cup on display in our office.
For members' home use, we maintain a library of 150 sub-titled French films on video, as well as a large collection of art and travel books, and reference material on study and travel in France. A detailed newsletter, featuring photographs of past events and full information on events to come, is posted or e-mailed monthly to all members.

The map below indicates how widely we are read.