Alliance Française Coupe d’Antibes 2011

 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

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

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

A. G. M.

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

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!

Cadel Evans wins the Tour de France - magnifique!

The Bastille Day event 2011

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

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

Bastille Day Tickets

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

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

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

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

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: