NEW NEW: We are pleased to announce that this year we have Nadège, an excellent female singer/guitarist with a repertoire covering British and American Soul, Pop, Country, Folk, Rock, old classics, songs of romance and songs that are fun. Nadège will be singing during the welcome apero and afterwards before the disco. Nadege’s native language is English and she performs in English.
We are returning to the stunning Château La Chèze in Floirac for our annual Christmas Party and Dinner on Friday, 7th December.
The price for members is unbeatable value for at 45€ per BBC member for a fantastic evening. The price for member’s guests is 55€ per person. Very much an evening to suit everyone. Enjoy good food and wine. Be calm or to be energetic. The choice is yours. Oh ……. and also to enjoy great company in a beautiful environment!
Your evening commences at 7pm with a glass or two of kir petillant and canapes – an opportunity to meet up with friends and to welcome new members.
This year the drama group are taking a break. Many (Ed: at least one!) asked why? The answer is: “…. to preserve our artistic integrity and keep our air of mystery” !!! (We are planning something special as a replacement which will be announced soon)
Please order your choice of each of the three courses in advance.
After dinner there will be dancing to a selection of oldies and goodies and some up to date music into the wee hours of the morning. All those memories will come flooding back! The energetic can enjoy a boogie; maybe a smooch or two for the romantically inclined and we may be sure that some of the old faithfuls (music that is!) will make an appearance.
Or if you are not feeling energetic, just sit and chat with friends and do not worry as the drinks from the ‘Night Bar’ will not run out!
Be calm and chat, relax or be energetic and dance. The choice is totally yours !
* Venue
Château La Chèze – 27 Avenue Pierre Semirot, 33270 FLOIRAC.
The château was built in the late 19th century on the grounds of a former small fortified castle by a wealthy market gardener.
The art nouveau style mansion has been modernized to high standards whilst retaining many of the original charming features. The staff are always very helpful and friendly and they create a great ambience for us to enjoy.
Our food will be prepared and cooked by resident chef Jean-Baptiste Lévy and his team who served us well last time.
For directions and a map, please see the ‘Directions and Map‘ section at the very bottom of this page.
* Program for the Evening and Menu – fantastic value for only 45€ !
7:00 – Nadège performing a mix of well-known songs in English
7:30: Please take your seats for dinner
Dinner choices:
Entrée (to be chosen in advance):
Gâteau de lapin confit, pommes Granny Smith et tuiles parmesan
OR Velouté de châtaignes et pépites de lard
Main Course (to be chosen in advance):
Merlu, tagliatelles de légumes et crème citron
OR Sourie d’agneau confite au ras-el-hanout et caviar d’aubergines
Dessert (to be chosen in advance):
Pavlova aux fruits du moment
OR Travail autour du chocolat
Wines and water
Coffee accompanied by songs performed by Nadège
After Dinner
Optional dancing
Optional chatting
Optional ….. !
‘Night Bar’ – Crémant and wine ( Digestifs such as whisky and gin are available for purchase at the bar )
Unbeatable value for BBC Member’s price of 45€ !!
* Dress Code
Completely optional. Come dressed to enjoy yourself !
* Booking
If you require further information then please contact Avril or Ian whose contact details are here
We use the Helloasso online booking and payments system and they add a suggested ‘tip’ called a Pouboire, at the page which summarises your payment.
If you do not wish to leave a tip, please click ‘Modifier‘ and then click the feint box to the left of ‘Je ne souhaite pas laisser de pourboire‘. There is no obligation for you to add a tip.
Please have your bank or credit card available and also your mobile phone for payment verification.
There are are a number of good lower price local hotels available nearby. Some of these hotels are listed below. Prices will increase as we get closer to Christmas, so book early!
Recommend that you book your taxi in advance rather than waiting until you need it. When booking your taxi, please make sure that you have the château address to hand which is: Château la Chèze, 27 Avenue Pierre Semirot, 33270 FLOIRAC
The château reception will book your taxi but do not wait until the last minute !
A tour of various fountains, some well-known, others off the beaten tracks and a history of the
supply of water to the Bordelais over the centuries, une histoire qui n’a pas toujours coulé de source.
CONTACT FOR THE DAY: Alain MOUNOLOU, 06.44.80.43.22
Meeting place and time: between 10.30 and 11 a.m. at Café Brasserie Le Terminus opposite Gare St Jean, access via Tram C, buses 1, 9, 10, 11… arrêt Gare St Jean.
We start at 11:00 at fontaine des Beaux-Arts, de la Grave, de la Bourse, du Parlement, St Projet.
Lunch at Le Chaudron, 41-43 rue St Rémi close to Place de la Bourse.
See menu choices below, 21€ with wine and coffee.
In the afternoon: Fontaine Amédée Larrieu, Font d’Audeige (the hidden one and the visible one),fontaines du Monument aux Girondins place des Quinconces,
close to trams B and C and buses 2, 3, 6, 26, 29, 47
The BBC will supply you with a day-pass (5€) as we will be hopping on and off trams and buses. I’ll forward them to you so you can use them on your journeys in and out that day.
Menu Choices.
Entrées : 1) Rillettes de saumon or 2) Salade de gésiers or 3) Mesclun de Serrano. Plat : 1) Cuisse de poulet sauce diable or 2) Merlu or 3) Bavette sauce poivre. Dessert : 1) Tarte aux pommes or 2) Ile flottante or 3) Brownie au chocolat. 1⁄4 de vin, café
Booking and Payment
Please book before Monday 3rd September
Payment for 27€ (day pass + postage stamp + 21€ for lunch) per person
Book Online
We use the free Helloasso booking system and they add a suggested ‘tip’ called a Pouboire, at the page which summarises your payment.
If you do not wish to leave a tip, please click ‘Modifier‘ and then click the feint box to the left of ‘Je ne souhaite pas laisser de pourboire‘. There is no obligation for you to add a tip.
Come and enjoy a lovely afternoon next to the lake in Hourtin Port.
Bring your picnic and round up your friends and family.
There’s fun stuff for kids to do, a great wooden fort and playground, perfect for hide and seek, and we can organise cricket, badminton and other games or, for the less energetic, just relax in the sunshine.
Don’t forget to bring your own picnic and deck chairs!
Last year we all had a great time, so if you’re looking for something fun to do on a Sunday afternoon, and you’ve got family visiting for the holidays, come along and enjoy yourselves!
Meeting time and Place
The plan is to meet around 14h on the île aux enfants at Hourtin Port, parking is easy and there are some nice places for a gentle stroll if the fancy takes you.
Booking
Please reserve online below or direct with Sarah P.
We use the free Helloasso event booking system and and they add a suggested ‘tip’ called a Pouboire, at the final stage of your booking.
If you do not wish to leave a tip, click ‘Modifier‘ and click the feint box to the left of ‘Je ne souhaite pas laisser de pourboire‘. There is no obligation for you to add a tip.
What a surprise, an island in the beautiful Lac d’Aureilhan near Mimizan with an astonishing display of nearly 400 varieties of trees, bushes and especially varieties of flowers, mainly labelled and all lovingly tended, and also free to visit.
Even more surprising, a stone’s throw away is the lakeside Tudor hunting lodge frequently visited by Winston Churchill in the inter-war years, to which 20 of his paintings attest. Other visitors included the elite of the British Government, famous artists and designers as well as Royalty of this period.
After exploring the gardens and lakeside, and having lunch nearby, we shall also optionally drive 5km and explore Mimizan beach and harbour.
Agenda for the day
10:45 – We should embark promptly on our tour of the island to allow time for the ‘Oohing and Aahing’ en route !
Our meeting point is in the car park at end of Avenue du Lac, 40200 MIMIZAN. The car park is next to the short bridge onto the island. Please click for a map showing meeting point
There are also loos in the car park
Early arrivals may take a coffee in the adjacent ‘Hotel du Lac’.
When we reach the end of the island on our walk, we can see Chateau Woolsack (Churchill’s Retreat).
Optionally we can cross another bridge and take a lovely 40 minute return walk along the lakeside footpath to the Chateau.
OR keen gardeners/less keen walkers may prefer to stay on the island. Their return walk turns right at the ‘bug hotel’ and then you can take in the aquatic plants, whilst completing the island circuit.
13:00 – Lunch in the Hotel du Lac, next to our parking, beautifully situated, and Janet, the English owner will be catering specially for us.
A delicious 3-course lunch with choice of starter, main course and desert for 18.50€ (please select your choices on the booking form below) For more information please see www.hoteldulacmimizan.com
14:30 – For those who would like to venture further after lunch, we shall drive a further 5km to walk at Mimizan Plage, which boasts one of the few harbours on this coast.
Further Information
Garden and Walk:
For more information on the beautiful garden island and walk please click here
Chateau Woolsack:
The chateau was built for Hugh Grosvenor, 2nd Duke of Westminster, in 1911. It was based on the Capetown ‘Tudor’ lodge where Rudyard Kipling lived. The Duke was among Britain’s richest people, and gave lavish hunting parties at Woolsack, his many guests included Charlie Chaplin, Coco Chanel, King Alfonso of Spain, Lloyd George, Anthony Eden, Salvador Dali, and frequently Winston Churchill.
The Chateau is currently privately owned, there is a prominent classic red English postbox on the approach road!
To register, please contact Phil direct or book online before the 17th May. Phil’s contact details are here
When using the on-line booking form, please note the following:
Click ‘Submit’ only once and then wait for your booking details to be re-displayed on your screen.
This may take a little time while your details are being noted and registered.
If you do not receive a confirmation from the organiser within 48 hours then your booking has not been recorded and we ask you to contact the organiser direct for your booking confirmation.
Directions
For those not using GPS:
Take A63 from Bordeaux, take exit west at Labouheyre on D626 through Lue, Pontenx les Forges, and St Paul en Born to Aureilhan.
Skirt the town going west on Route des Lacs, branching right at traffic lights, on Avenue de Vignon, signed to le Lac.
Continue north on Avenue de Woolsack, following signs for Promenade Fleurie.
Shortly after crossing the river bridge, turn right at the mini roundabout into Avenue du Lac and park in the car park at the end of the road which is next to the short bridge onto the island. Please click for a map showing meeting point
As in previous years the Rankins are hosting a pig roast, at their home, with sports and fund raising activities for all the family.
This event is the BBC’s primary fund raising event. There will be a book stall and “a hat” passed around during the afternoon. All money raised will go to Médicines Sans Frontièrs. The record is 1502€, to be beaten this year ?!!
Please bring your friends, family, children, grandchildren and well controlled dogs for a day of fun, games and relaxation. Also please bring some goodies for the raffle, large or small !
Book and DVD Stall
There will be a book and DVD stall this year in aid of Medecins sans Frontiers
Please bring your unwanted books, DVDs etc childrens books, books in French or English
If you are unable to attend maybe you could give them to a fellow member who can bring them on the day
Helpers would be most welcome !
Agenda and Format
The format will be as in the past with the pig and its crackling, a starter, cheese and dessert.
Please bring your own picnic table and chairs, parasols, eating and drinking equipment and whatever you would like to drink.
To start the proceedings, from 12:30, there will be a courtesy apero for adults and soft drinks for children.
The swimming pool will be available for use under strict parental control of children. Don’t forget your mailot de bain and towel.
There will be sports and a couple of other fund raising activities. As we may have several dogs it is hoped to have some doggie events also !
Tickets
This is very much a fundraising event for Médicines Sans Frontièrs. Tickets are very reasonably priced as follows:
Adults – 20€,
Children aged 4 to 12 years – 10€
Children under 4 – Free.
Families: Two adults and two children – 50€
The price will cover the cost of the food with any surplus monies going to Médicines Sans Frontièrs.
Booking
Bookings close on Monday 13th August so that the appropriate sized pig can be ordered !
To register, please book online below or direct with Deirdre whose contact details are here
Book online
We use the free Helloasso booking system and they add a suggested ‘tip’ called a Pouboire, at the page which summarises your payment.
If you do not wish to leave a tip, please click ‘Modifier‘ and then click the feint box to the left of ‘Je ne souhaite pas laisser de pourboire‘. There is no obligation for you to add a tip.
Andernos is a bustling resort town on the Arcachon Bassin which has a very picturesque water-front onto the bassin. Come and join us for a stroll around Andernos’ market.
The general market has many different and interesting stalls to browse. Also there is a large indoor food market with many vendors selling a wide range of goods including meat, cheese, fruit, veg and tapas. In the centre of the indoor market is a friendly café/bar where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or, if the mood takes you, a beer!
Meeting Time
Due to the nature of visiting a market we will not be having a set meeting time, though you will find Colette strolling around the market trying to bag a bargain from 10.30 am. Along side of Ave General de Gaulle, which is the pedestrian only street, many coffee shops can be found and also at the waterside.
Lunch
A reservation for lunch has been made at restaurant L’ Eden, 15 Avenue Pasteur, 33510 Andernos-les-Bains. For a map, please click here
Avenue Pasteur is parallel to the main pedestrian only street and L’Eden is about half way down on a corner opposite the large Maison Louis David exhibition house.
The restaurant L’Eden is very good value with large servings!. Each person will be responsible for noting what they order.
Lunch:
2 courses – 12€
3 courses – 14€
Wine:
Bordeaux rouge:
25cl – 4€
50cl – 7.50€
Rose or blanc:
25cl – 3€
50cl – 5.80€
Coffee – 1.50€
Market Location and Parking
The market is situated just off the D3, Boulevard de la Republique, on the right hand side as you enter Andernos from the Lanton direction. A pharmacy is on the corner. Avenue General de Gaulle is opposite the pharmacy on the left hand side.
As ever parking on market days is not always easy. The main parking is first turn on the right after the pharmacy.
Alternative parking is available at Place Louis David on the left hand side of Boulevard de la Republique, also parking is allowed along most of the side roads close to the town centre.
I advise you look at a map beforehand and become familiar with the town centre.
Booking
We have to confirm the number for lunch, so please book before Saturday 5th May
If you would like to join us please book on-line below. Colette’s contact details are here
When using the on-line booking form, please note the following:
Do not forget to press ‘Submit’
If you do not receive a confirmation from the organiser within 48 hours then your booking has not been recorded and we ask you to contact Colette or Norma direct for your booking confirmation.
A day in three optional parts to discover or re-discover Bordeaux from the right bank. Our walk takes us over the Garonne and then from the “Eiffel” railway bridge to Pont Chaban-Delmas.
Bordeaux is at It’s best seen from the right bank, with a panoramic vista covering 1,000 years of development from Romanesque Abbaye de Sainte Croix, the still developing Parc aux Angéliques, modern Bordeaux Bastide, the Jardin Botanique and much more.
The first part starts with a walk from our meeting point near the Conservatoire, crossing over the river to have a look at the railway bridges. The walk progresses along the right bank through the delightful riverside gardens of the Parc aux Angéliques to Place Stalingrad. Along the way Alain will point out places of interest to us.
The walk is about 2.5 kms to our lunch at La Maison Brasserie in Place Stalingrad.
Comfortable walking shoes or boots are advised.
Lunch
The second part is a lunch of three courses with coffee for 17€ (wine is extra) at the restaurant:
Le Maison Brasserie. 15 Place de Stalingrad, 33100 BORDEAUX.
After lunch we walk towards Pont Chaban-Delmas with great views over the grand river front, Place de la Bourse, the various steeples and towers that grace the skyline of old Bordeaux and also with a look at contemporary Bordeaux-Bastide, the Espace Darwin (site of an old military barracks) and the new precinct of the Sud-Ouest.
The walk ends at Pont Chaban-Delmas with convenient cafes and Tram B. (Walk approx. 5 kms)
Comfortable walking shoes or boots are advised.
Meeting Place and Time
Meeting place: Tram C stop Sainte-Croix on the left bank. Map here Recommend arriving by tram.
Tram C line has relay car parks at both ends of the line, at Blanquefort and at Bègles lycée Vaclav Havel.
Tram C connects with tram A line at Porte de Bourgogne (the 2 stops are alongside)
Tram C connects with tram B line at Quinconces where the 2 stops are 100m away from each other.
Meeting Time: 10.45
Booking
Join us for the whole day or just morning or afternoon as you prefer. ( or just lunch! )
To register, please contact Norma B direct or book online. Norma”s contact details are here
When using the on-line booking form, please note the following:
Click ‘Submit’ only once and then wait for your booking details to be re-displayed on your screen.
This will take a little time while your details are being noted and registered.
If you do not receive a confirmation from the organiser within 48 hours then your booking has not been recorded and we ask you to contact the organiser direct for your booking confirmation.
Please note the start time is 11:00 and also the updated lunch arrangements.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?
I think not! So do plan on joining us for the 2nd Annual Piet De Bie Walk which, like last year, will take place on Piet’s birthday.
The date for the walk is Thursday February 8, 2018. We will meet at the church in Vendays-Montalivet (there is parking on both sides of the church).
Our meeting time has been moved up to 11:00 am to give people time to say hello and to change into their walking regalia.
This walk should be about 5-6 km long. Our route will take us by the park bench where last year we scattered some of Piet’s ashes. The walk is mostly on paved road, grassy track, and a short sandy wooded stretch.
Afterwards, we will drive over to Montalivet for lunch at « LeMarin » restaurant. When I have numbers, I’ll send around the menu choices for our fixed menu lunch. The price will be 18€ with coffee. All walkers are welcome, even those who didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Piet.
What is important is the legacy he left us, of getting us together, of getting some fresh air, of enjoying the outdoors in every season.
In the meantime, book online and save the date on your calendars so that together we’ll tak’ a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne.
Booking
To register, please contact Elizabeth M direct or book online.
For more information etc Elizabeth’s contact details are here
When using the on-line booking form, please note the following:
Do not forget to press ‘Submit’
If you do not receive a confirmation from the organiser within 48 hours then your booking has not been recorded and we ask you to contact the organiser direct for your booking confirmation.
The Lycee Condorcet in Arcachon is a school where young people aspiring to be chefs and restaurateurs, receive tuition in this field alongside their traditional education. The students cook and serve as part of their school curriculum. The school has two dining options a restaurant and a brasserie. We have eaten here several times over the years and have always enjoyed delicious food, well cooked and well presented.
We have made a provisional reservation for 12:0 on Thursday 8th March at le Restaurant at Lycée Condorcet, 1 avenue Roland Dorgelès, 33120 Arcachon. This is a school for 15 to 18 year olds who are learning the restaurant trade, and practicing on real life customers! The reservation is for a maximum of 20 guests, and Sarah must confirm numbers to them by Thursday 4th February.
Menu
As a guide, we previously paid 12€ for the menu and from 1€50 per glass of wine, which we feel represents excellent value for money.
After Lunch
After lunch we propose a walk in Arcachon, either along the promenade or around the Ville d’Hiver.
Booking
Please book before Monday 26 February at the latest. Either book online below or contact Sarah whose contact details are here
When using the on-line booking form, please note the following:
Do not forget to press ‘Submit’
If you do not receive a confirmation from the organiser within 48 hours then your booking has not been recorded and we ask you to contact the Brian direct (contact details here)for your booking confirmation
Directions
Directions, arriving from Bordeaux: follow the signs to Arcachon and you will arrive at a roundabout with a tall, pointed, metal structure.
Carry on towards Arcachon and at the FOLLOWING round about, take the 4th exit – last one before you come back on yourself, after the turn-off into the flats, marked ‘no through road’. (also marked for the Lycées if you look in the right place)!
At the top of this road, you need to go to the left, BUT will be fed round to the right – you have no choice. So, go right, do the loop at the end and come back on yourself, pass where you entered this whole strange place in the first place, go up the hill and park. .
The Lycée will be over on your right – you’ll see the flags, it’s the end building on that side of the road. I don’t recommend you use GPS, it will take you a different, unnecessarily complicated way.
Please arrive at 11h50, we can meet at the front gate of the school, and go into la Brasserie for 12h
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NEW NEW: We are pleased to announce that this year we have Nadège, an excellent female singer/guitarist with a repertoire covering British and American Soul, Pop, Country, Folk, Rock, old classics, songs of romance and songs that are fun. Nadège will be singing during the welcome apero and afterwards before the disco. Nadege’s native language is English and she performs in English.
Château La Chèze – 27 Avenue Pierre Semirot, 33270 FLOIRAC.
Recommend that you book your taxi in advance rather than waiting until you need it. When booking your taxi, please make sure that you have the château address to hand which is: Château la Chèze, 27 Avenue Pierre Semirot, 33270 FLOIRAC
Come and enjoy a lovely afternoon next to the lake in Hourtin Port.
What a surprise, an island in the beautiful Lac d’Aureilhan near Mimizan with an astonishing display of nearly 400 varieties of trees, bushes and especially varieties of flowers, mainly labelled and all lovingly tended, and also free to visit.
Tickets
Andernos is a bustling resort town on the Arcachon Bassin which has a very picturesque water-front onto the bassin. Come and join us for a stroll around Andernos’ market.
The market is situated just off the D3, Boulevard de la Republique, on the right hand side as you enter Andernos from the Lanton direction. A pharmacy is on the corner. Avenue General de Gaulle is opposite the pharmacy on the left hand side.
A day in three optional parts to discover or re-discover Bordeaux from the right bank. Our walk takes us over the Garonne and then from the “Eiffel” railway bridge to Pont Chaban-Delmas.
The Lycee Condorcet in Arcachon is a school where young people aspiring to be chefs and restaurateurs, receive tuition in this field alongside their traditional education. The students cook and serve as part of their school curriculum. The school has two dining options a restaurant and a brasserie. We have eaten here several times over the years and have always enjoyed delicious food, well cooked and well presented.
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