The Association’s Year
Throughout the year, the Association arranges a number of events to mark the British and French cultural and social calendars and to ensure the proper organisation of the Association. In addition, the Association offers other activities to maintain and develop friendly relations between its members.
The Association’s year runs from September to the end of June.
In September, the Association holds an Open Day which gives the opportunity for existing and new members to meet and discuss the activities for the year ahead. This is an important moment as it allows the Committee to organise the various language groups and other events in line with the membership applications and renewals received during the Open Day.
If time allows between the Open Day and the start of the regular activities, there may be a social evening to bring new and existing members together in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
November brings two important dates for the Association. On 1st November, the Association is proud to participate in the ceremony at the La Gaudinière cemetery to commemorate British and Commonwealth soldiers who lost their lives during the Second World War by laying a traditional poppy wreath at their graves
The second date in November can never be forgotten, as all British people know the 5th November as Guy Fawkes’ or Bonfire Night. On this day in 1605, Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators attempted and failed to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London and assassinate King James I. Every year since then, Great Britain has celebrated the failure of this ‘Gunpowder Plot’ with bonfires and fireworks. The Association marks the occasion with an evening’s entertainment, on the weekend closest to 5th November which members and their families are welcome to attend.
The Association also celebrates Christmas musically with Christmas Carols. These traditional songs begin a festive evening which continues with mulled wine, mince pies and presents for members’ children to put everyone in a holiday mood.
The Association’s Annual General Meeting usually takes place during February and it is a time for all members to understand and take part in the operation of the Association.
In April, there is the Association’s annual dinner to look forward to. This takes place in a local restaurant with a guest speaker who informs and entertains members with a subject that concerns France and Great Britain.
The Association’s year comes to a close in June with a Garden Party complete with games and refreshments including cucumber sandwiches and strawberries and cream on the lawn.
Other activities are arranged during the year as appropriate. These include :
- Afternoon teas
- Days out
- Theatre visits
- Sing-songs
The Committee is always keen to receive suggestions from members regarding new activities that would interest all members of the Association.