Monday, January 2, 2012

Far flung French get vote and a voice in homeland

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.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

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



















Sunday, November 27, 2011

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.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

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.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Allez Cadel!



Cadel Evans wins the Tour de France - magnifique!