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