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:

Booklovers - Everything French

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

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.