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.
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.
The magnificent Stade Matmut Atlantique was inaugurated on 18th May 2015 and is situated in the Bordeaux Lac area. The cost of construction was 183,000,000 Euros and took 3 years to complete. The unusual design of this imposing stadium was by the innovation of Swiss architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron.
The stade is home to Bordeaux’s football team, Les Girondins de Bordeaux, and also host to other sporting events and concerts. The UBB rugby club, which has the largest spectator attendance of all the top 14 rugby clubs, will play several of their ‘gala’ games at the stadium in the 2017-18 season.
The stade has 42,115 seats in the soccer and rugby configurations. The arena is multi-functional and has in addition to the sports configurations, three concert configurations. One configuration with the stage at the north, a second with the stage facing west and a third configuration with a central stage. There is a maximum capacity of 44,683 seats for concerts and was recently the venue for a concert by Celine Dion.
The stadium has a comprehensive app available for both Android and iOS called Stade Matmut ATLANTIQUE
Guided Tour at 14:00
The guided tour will be in English, the stadium is fully accessible for people with mobility problems. The tour will take us to all levels and to the private function areas. It is a very interesting and informative tour and one not to be missed.
The charge for the tour is 11€ per person payable to the BBC in advance..
Lunch at 12:00
Before the tour you may wish to join us for lunch. Mid-day at St Once Brasserie, the Stade’s restaurant.
The three course lunch (24€ payable at the restaurant):
Entrée, Plat chaud (choice of meat or fish), dessert, glass of wine or soda and coffee is 24 Euros.
Booking
If you would like to join us then please contact Norma B or Colette. Contact details for Norma and Colette are in the Membership Directory here or alternatively book online.
When booking, please indicate if you want to have lunch followed by the or if you only want to book the tour without lunch.
Payment for the tour is required in advance, so please send your cheque direct to Norma. Cheques should be made payable to the BBC for 11€ per person.
The closing date for bookings is Friday 29th September.
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
Directions
By car:
Depending on the direction you are travelling take either exit 4A or 4C and the stade is clearly signed. There are ample places to park around the stadium. If you are coming for lunch you can turn alongside the stadium and park next to the St Once restaurant.
By tram:
Take line C the stop is ‘Stade Matmut Atlantique/Parc Expositions. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes from Place Quinconces.
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 hat” passed around and also a raffle during the afternoon for donations to Médicines Sans Frontièrs. Last year we raised 1502€ which was a record. (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 !
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
In spite of Brexit, the ticket prices are unchanged!
Adults – 18€,
Children aged 4 to 12 years – 9€
Children under 4 – Free.
Families: Two adults and as many children as you can muster!! – 50€
The price will cover the cost of the food with any surplus monies going to Médicines Sans Frontièrs.
Inscription cut off date is 6th August to allow time to order the pig.
Please send cheques, made out to the BBC, direct to Deirdre as soon as you receive confirmation of your booking.
Please state the age and number of children coming. Your cheque and enrolment will be acknowledged
Booking
Please book direct with Deirdre or book online below before the 6th August.
Payment is needed before the event. Please send cheques, made out to the BBC, direct to Deirdre as soon as you receive confirmation of your booking.
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 Deirdre within 48 hours then your booking has not been recorded and we ask you to please contact the organiser direct for your booking confirmation
Closing date for booking is 6th August so that total numbers are known to order the correct sized pig!
This is a chance to taste wines, cheeses, various meats and music in a festive atmosphere.
Having paid your 2€ admission (7€ after 18:00), you will be given a glass which entitles you to a free glass of INAO wine, a taste of a wine in most stands and bread, meats and cheeses on the others.
INAO is the French organization charged with regulating French agricultural products with Protected Designations of Origin (PDOs). Controlled by the French government, it forms part of the Ministry of Agriculture.
There are workshops for children and adults, competitions, musical entertainment all day and at 21.30, you have the opportunity of watching a live show if you can manage to keep awake after all the wine intake!!
Lunch
Lunch can be bought at one of the several mobile restaurants on site. Choices range from seafood through to duck and steak and the quality has always been excellent. Equally, there are stands selling aperitifs if your hunger is not that great! If you fancy dinner, it is advisable to book at lunch time as this festival is very popular.
Evening Concert
This year, the evening concert at 21:30 is given by Michael Jones, a Welsh-French rock and blues singer, guitarist and song writer who lives in France. He has made several hit albums and toured with Jean-Jacques Goldman, the American singer Carole Fredericks and even better Status Quo!
There is a large car park but even if full, one can find parking within walking distance.
We shall meet at the entrance in Allee Marines at 10.30 and everyone can then discover the numerous attractions the park has to offer at their own leisure. Alternatively, if you prefer to come later in the day, please remember that after 6pm, the entrance fee is 7 euros.
The GPS co-ordinates of the entrance are N 44.555791, W 0.243393 Please click here for a map.
Please reserve direct with Colette or book online.
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
I am calling all past and present member of Giscours cricket Club out of retirement next Sunday, 21st August for a friendly game against a fun loving touring side, who call themselves the “Mad Hatters”, but I believe are a group of cricket loving friends enjoying a holiday in the region with their families.
Since our “1st XI” will be busy in Damazan with the final four of the 20/20 competition, we desperately need ten more jovial souls to join me in almost white clothing to ensure that we can meet our obligation to the touring side. The ability to hold a bat and catch a ball is a definite advantage, but is not necessary, since an appreciation of beer, wine and sunshine are the most important qualities. The Club’s reputation depends on it!
Since this is a friendly match, no “licence” is needed, so this is the ideal occasion for the “old pros” to get together and reminisce on old times. It would even be the ideal time for a family afternoon at Giscours.
Can you let me know by return whether you are a “yes”, “no” or “maybe”, or if you have any cricketers staying with you?!
Here’s hoping for a selection problem!
Kind regards, Rupert
To register your interest
Please contact Rupert direct. (Rupert’s contact details are in the Members Area here ) or send your details online:
As in previous years the Rankins are hosting a pig roast, with sports and fund raising activities, at their home, for adults and children.
Please bring your friends, family, children, grandchildren and well controlled dogs for a day of fun, games and relaxation.
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.
Tickets
In spite of Brexit, the ticket prices are unchanged!
Adults: 18€,
Children aged 4 to 12 years: 9€
Children under 4: Free.
Families
Mum 0r Granny, Dad or Grandpa and 2 children under 12 – 45€
Mum or Granny, Dad or Grandpa and as many children as you can muster!! – 50€
Heard of “rent a child for an afternoon”!!?? Well, now is your chance to try the system!
The price will cover the cost of the food with any surplus monies going to Médicines Sans Frontièrs.
As this is the BBC’s primary fund raising event there will also be “a hat” passed around and a raffle during the afternoon for donations to MSF.
Inscription cut off date is 6th August to allow time to order the pig.
Please send cheques, made out to the BBC, direct to Deirdre as soon as you receive confirmation of your booking.
Booking
Please book direct with Deirdre or book online before the 6th August.
Payment is needed before the event. Please send cheques, made out to the BBC, direct to Deirdre as soon as you receive confirmation of your booking.
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 Deirdre within 48 hours then your booking has not been recorded and we ask you to please contact the organiser direct for your booking confirmation
Closing date for booking is 6th August so that total numbers are known to order the correct sized pig!
We’ll meet up at 13:00 at the île aux enfants at Hourtin Port, ready for a fun afternoon.
There is a bouncy castle for little kids, and a large bouncy structure on the water and a zip wire for wake boarding (extra cost for these activities) as well as a large wooden fort and playground available for everyone to have a fun time.
We shall also organise some ball games and badminton for those who are interested. .
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!
Booking
Please reserve direct with Sarah or book online.
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 picnic starts at 12.30. Please bring your picnic, cutlery and plates, glasses and your choice of beverage. We will supply tables, chairs, coffee and tea.
Games
After lunch we will set up the games, Boules, Croquet and Table Tennis and you can either join in or just enjoy yourselves as spectators.
Location
Location and directions will be notified after your booking is received.
For those from *the other side* who wish to join us, we can arrange a pick up from the ferry at Lamarque. The ferry leaves Blaye at 10.30 and 1200, it returns at 17.15 and 18.45
A flavour from last year
This event is always very popular and to give you a flavour, this is what happened last year:
The day’s picnic was organized by Jenny. A very well attended event. Everyone brought a dish, which created a delicious spread that was shared alfresco. Plenty of liquid refreshments too. Tables swapped around to make life interesting. Desserts followed. Some of the recipes are attached, together with this newsletter, because they tasted so good lots of people requested this (thanks to Elizabeth, Norma and Deirdre).
Next came the competitions – croquet on Ted’s manicured lawn…. Great attention to detail (like Monsieur Magrez’s chateau) to create a lawn worthy of this mighty game. Liz started off slowly and after warming up, out-croqueted a lot of us. The petanque teams were getting very competitive as well. There was a gazebo for shade and those that wanted to cheer on their team. Deirdre and Chris have played this before and their underarm boules got mighty close, and they ended up winning by a tight margin. We all had a go at most ball games including ping pong.
Upstairs, some enjoyed Wimbledon – cheering on Murray. Sadly Murray fought hard later in the week to be beaten by Federer. Then out came the teapot, blue willow china and biscuits. Jenny and Ted had thought of everything!
Booking
Please reserve direct with Ted or Jenny or book online.
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
A great fun day for all and 1000€ raised for charity!
The annual fund-raising pig roast chez les Rankins got off to a drizzly start as the rain settled over our region for the weekend. That did nothing to deter the 80-odd crowd who turned up armed with tenting and umbrellas to ward off the rain.
Events started off with an aperitif served up by young Elliot whilst raffle tickets were sold for a prize draw later on. Then we settled down to bread and pâté, various salads (a big thank you to all those who helped in preparations) and of course Mr Pig, who had been going round and around on his spit since early morning, thanks to Master pig roaster Roland.
A break in the rain allowed Gary aided by Sarah to start some children’s games, including an egg and spoon race (with a golf ball), some limbo dancing and a skipping race. All participants were rewarded with sweets so we soon had our little darlings running even faster on a sugar-high. No wonder Léa said the best part of the day was the games!
Not to be outdone the adults gallantly took up the challenge of the three- legged race, the winners of which, Carol and Colin, whizzed round the course like veritable greyhounds. They must have done many a three-legged pub crawl in their time to get THAT fast…
Then just as we thought it couldn’t get any better, Colette called out those immortal words « Does anyone want to get inside my knickers? When the dust settled from the ensuing stampede, all became clear (see picture!).
As the raffle was drawn, our president John proudly announced that we had raised an unprecedented amount for Médecins Sans Frontières – some 1000€! We were then treated to a beautiful French song, Michel Sardou’s ‘Je vole’, from one of the children, Marie, who had recently sung it on French TV no less! Despite the rain, the children then all dived into the swimming pool, which was actually warmer than standing out in the rain!
Well done everyone, especially the Rankin family, and see you next year (maybe with a little more sunshine?)
Report by Lorraine and Fabrice, Léa and Meven Photos by Phil (‘click’ here to see the photo album)
Original Invitation
As in previous years the Rankins are hosting their ever popular pig roast with the addition of a fun sports event for adults and children. Funds raised will go to Médicines Sans Frontièrs.
Please bring your friends, family, children, grand-children and well controlled dogs for a fun day of sports, good food and relaxation.
The format will be much as in the past with food provided in the shape of paté, roast pork and trimmings, cheese and dessert. Please bring your own picnic table and chairs, parasols, eating and drinking equipment and whatever your favourite tipple of the moment is.
To start the proceedings 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 any children. Please bring your own maillot de bain and towel.
The tickets are:
Adults: 18€,
Children aged 4 to 12 years: 9€
Children under 4: Free.
Families
Mum 0r Granny, Dad or Grandpa and 2 children under 12 – 45€
Mum or Granny, Dad or Grandpa and as many children as you can muster!! – 50€
Heard of “rent a child for an afternoon”!!?? Well, now is your chance to try the system!
The price will cover the cost of the food with any surplus monies going to Médicines Sans Frontièrs.
As this is the BBC’s primary fund raising event there will also be “a hat” passed around and a raffle during the afternoon for donations to MSF. Inscription cut off date is 30th July to allow time to order the pig. Please send cheques, made out to the BBC, at enrolment to Deirdre.
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use. To find out more, please 'click' here:
BBC Cookie Policy
Come and enjoy a lovely afternoon next to the lake in Hourtin Port.
Tickets
The magnificent Stade Matmut Atlantique was inaugurated on 18th May 2015 and is situated in the Bordeaux Lac area. The cost of construction was 183,000,000 Euros and took 3 years to complete. The unusual design of this imposing stadium was by the innovation of Swiss architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron.
This is a chance to taste wines, cheeses, various meats and music in a festive atmosphere.
Evening Concert
We’ll meet up at 13:00 at the île aux enfants at Hourtin Port, ready for a fun afternoon.
Picnic
Next came the competitions – croquet on Ted’s manicured lawn…. Great attention to detail (like Monsieur Magrez’s chateau) to create a lawn worthy of this mighty game. Liz started off slowly and after warming up, out-croqueted a lot of us. The petanque teams were getting very competitive as well. There was a gazebo for shade and those that wanted to cheer on their team. Deirdre and Chris have played this before and their underarm boules got mighty close, and they ended up winning by a tight margin. We all had a go at most ball games including ping pong.
The annual fund-raising pig roast chez les Rankins got off to a drizzly start as the rain settled over our region for the weekend. That did nothing to deter the 80-odd crowd who turned up armed with tenting and umbrellas to ward off the rain.
Then just as we thought it couldn’t get any better, Colette called out those immortal words « Does anyone want to get inside my knickers? When the dust settled from the ensuing stampede, all became clear (see picture!).
British Pound Exchange Rate