Our Next Event

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!

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Nathalie Natiembe at the Candelo Village Festival

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

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

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

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”

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

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.