We are delighted to be invited once again to join with the Lafayette Association, who are a Franco/American social and cultural association in Arcachon, to celebrate the 4th July Independence Day.
Programme
The event will take place in the prestigious Tir au Vol reception hall with beautiful gardens and stunning views over the Bassin d’Arcachon.
Starting at 6 pm, there will be an aperitif in the gardens with Anthem singing followed by a ‘bring and share’ buffet in the hall.
We will be entertained by the talented singers and musicians of the Lafayette and a raffle with lots of great prizes.
Be assured of a warm welcome as most members of Lafayette speak English and always offer the warmest of welcome to this special event.
Dress Code
The dress code is bleu, blanc et rouge.
Tickets
Only twenty tickets are available at 5€ per person which includes a contribution to the aperitif and the cost of a prize to be contributed to the raffle by the BBC.
The Lafayette Association has asked that you bring a buffet sharing plate for 6-8 people, sweet or savoury and labelled if necessary
Location
The Tir au Vol is situated on the Avenue du Parc, 33120 Arcachon
Booking
As we are invitees to this event, numbers are strictly limited to 20 BBC members, so please book early to avoid disappointment,. Book directly via email to Norma B whose contact details are in the members area here
Although this is not a BBC event, we thought that BBC members would be interested as it is a repeat of a similar event held several years back with the UCLAN Choir and was enjoyed by numerous BBC members.
‘Ascension Day’ – Thursday 30th May at 11:30
11:30 – Open air Communion Service (Optional) 12 30 – Picnic lunch (please bring your own picnic) 14 00 – Concert in the garden (mix of classical, swing and popular music)
All in a beautiful garden setting in Carcans
(Please reply to this email if you would like detailed directions and GPS co-ordinates)
A very special celebration in three parts
Featuring the award winning Choir of the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN)
The Choir of the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) is under the leadership of Director Mark Goggins, Students from UCLAN won the adult category in the ‘2010 BBC Choir of the Year’
……. no charge but donations welcome for purchases of wine/soft drinks (to be divided between Church funds and Choir expenses)
…….feel free to participate in some or all of this relaxed family day.
Enjoy some of the UCLAN Choir performances on YouTube: Swing – ‘The Continental’ and Mellow – ‘The Good Side of Me’ Classical – ‘Dies Irae’ from Mozart’s Requiem,
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Please also do not forget the day before at the Cathedral St Andre:
Concert of Sacred & Classical Music
Wednesday 29th May 2019 at 16:00 ( 4pm )
Cathedral St Andre, Bordeaux
A celebration in music
Featuring the award winning Choir of the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) under the leadership of Director Mark Goggins,
All Saints Spring Party: Moustey – Saturday 27th April
‘Why celebrate only St George?’ has been the question posed by some members. So this year it will be a celebration of our other patron saints, St Andrew, St David and though we will already have celebrated, St Patrick in the time honoured way, we will let him join in too!!
The celebration starts at midday with an aperitif followed by a 3 course lunch which will include entree, fish and chips and choice of dessert. Wine is not included so please bring your own.
Marilyn will guide any ‘volunteers’ through some country dancing if your consumption of fish and chips allow it !
Remember Burns Night? there were over 50 stumbling along to Marilyn’s excellent instruction! If you’re feeling less than energetic you can sit on the side line, listen to the music, tap your toes and prepare to be amused by the efforts of others or have snooze!
Our Host
Our hosts this year are Nigel B and Sami, his beautiful home is set in the Les Landes forest and just a 35 minute drive from the Rocade.
This is a day to be enjoyed in a country garden setting for you to enjoy as you wish.
Last year we were over booked and had a waiting list. So as not to be disappointed, please book as soon as possible particularly as this event is a weekend event.
Format for the day
The day starts at 12 noon to enjoy an aperitif together before settling down to a three course lunch.
Welcome Aperitif
Starter
Freshly cooked Fish and Chips
Dessert
BRING your own wine/drinks etc
Music
Fun
We will be outside but undercover in the BBC open marquee which was kindly donated to us by Anthony and Catherine.
Booking
Adults 20 euros, children 10 euros and under fives free.
Please contact Norma B whose contact details are here
Directions
Nigel lives in the beautiful countryside near the pretty village of Moustey just 35 minutes down the A63 from the Rocade. Full directions will be supplied after booking.
Moustey is a good jumping off point for further exploration’ there are some Chambre d’Hote rooms in and around the village, the Logis Hotel Le Grandousier is 7 kms away.
If you want stay over in this beautiful area there are several B&Bs in close proximity. See the links below:
Celebrate St Patrick in style and in an Irish Pub, come along and be ready to enjoy an Irish dinner, Irish music and other plus dancing. Wear something green and bring your Irish hats or not!!
Time
Our Irish dinner will be at 8 pm
Menu and Price
The menu below will be 30€, including a quarter of wine and coffee. Choice of menu:
STARTER
Coleslaw and crab meat in whisky and refort (slightly spicy green paste) in a wrap
or
Asparagus mousse, poached egg and crisps
MAIN COURSE
Battered fish in Bearnaise sauce and homemade potato wedges.
or
Beef cheek in Guinness, wild rice and green cabbage.
MAIN COURSE
Joue de boeuf a la Guinness, ecrase de pommes de terre a la cebette (spring onion)
or
Fish and chips, cremeux de petits pois
DESERT
Raspberry Parfait
or
Apple and Pecan Cheesecake.
Music and Dance
There will be a DJ and you will be able to dance until 2am if you feel inclined!!
Location
L’Irlande sur le Bassin!
Arthur’s Pub, 3 Avenue Paul Gauguin, 33138 Lanton (close to Andernos)
Booking
Join us for an Irish night! Colette looks forward to seeing many of us as possible and having a taste of Ireland!
Please book as soon as possible, please either online or direct with Collette by phone (phone number is in the Membership Directory here) or alternatively please book online below.
The BBC uses the Helloasso online payments system.
The Helloasso system adds a voluntary ‘tip’ called a ‘Pourboire’, at the page which summarises your payment. If you do not wish to leave a tip, 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 card and mobile phone available. The number of the phone must be the one registered against your bank account and will be used by your bank to verify your payment.
Please note that the person making the booking must be recorded as a current member of the Association Bordeaux British Community
Alternatively if you prefer to pay by cheque, please send your cheque for 30€ per person for dinner, including wine and coffee, to Colette whose contact details are here.
Directions
Coming from Bordeaux:
Take the Cassy turn off on the dual carriage way (which is actually the 1st roundabout you come to). Follow the road to the end and at the traffic lights, turn left. At the Intermarche traffic lights, turn right and the Pub is directly in front of you.
For those coming from Biganos direction:
Follow the road through Audenge and turn left at the Intermarche traffic lights but to do this, as you approach the traffic lights, you veer right at Intermarche petrol station then at the traffic lights there, turn left and Arthur’s Pub is straight in front.
Burns Night at 19h00 on Saturday 26th January in Salle Gérard Philipe in Martignas
This is possibly the most popular event in the BBC calendar and it is extra special this year !
BOOKINGS CLOSE ON MONDAY 7th JANUARY
It’s that time when we celebrate the life of the great Scottish poet, Robert Burns and the BBC always celebrates in the best possible style !
Some would say he was the greatest Scottish poet ever to have lived, and measured by the number of parties held around the world every year to celebrate his anniversary, that could be true. However, it may also have something to do with the whisky, which always flows freely and helps to drown the ‘Haggis Beasty’ !
BOOKINGS FOR THIS EVENT CLOSE ON MONDAY 7th JANUARY
Our Burns Night will have the traditional menu will of smoked salmon, haggis, neeps, tatties and fruit tart together with wine and whisky at the inclusive price of 20€ for adults and 10€ for children. Entertainment will include the pipes, some Burns recitation and the traditional ‘Address to the Haggis’ ( together with its stabbing! ) followed by optional dancing for all.
Every year Burns Night is a BBC favourite but there are disappointments as it is always overbooked due to space limitations. Problem solved this year as we are delighted to be invited to join forces with the Martingas Jumellage Association. We have no space restrictions this year and the event will take place in the excellent events room in Martignas.
Martingas Jumellage
Martingas are twinned with Aboyne which is a historic village on the edge of the Highlands in Aberdeenshire, on the River Dee, midway between the Cairngorms National Park and Aberdeen.
Starter: Smoked salmon, salad, slice of lemon and vinaigrette
Main course : Haggis, fresh mashed tatties and mashed neaps
Dessert: Apple and fruit tart
Coffee
Whisky, water and wine will be available.
Booking – Online
Booking deadline: Monday 7th January 2019.
20€ for adults and 10€ for children
The BBC uses the Helloasso online payments system.
The Helloasso system adds a voluntary ‘tip’ called a ‘Pourboire’, at the page which summarises your payment. If you do not wish to leave a tip, 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 card and mobile phone available. The number of the phone must be the one registered against your bank account and will be used by your bank to verify your payment.
Please note that the person making the booking must be recorded as a current member of the Association Bordeaux British Community
Join in the festive spirit and come along with us for a visit to the Bordeaux Christmas market in Allées de Tourny on Friday, 14th December at 19:00 followed by dinner at “L’Entrecote” at 20:30 to enjoy delicious steak with their trademark delicious sauce, copious frites and, if you have room, an appetising dessert.
Have a wander around the Christmas market, packed with stalls. In previous years the men never make it past the first stall, of which there are many, selling vin chaud !
The Bordeaux Christmas market is a must see, an integral part of the magical atmosphere in the run up to Christmas !
The wooden chalets set up for the occasion make up a charming picture of a village where everything can be found: gifts, sweets, gourmet food, Christmas decorations for the home, candles, toys, fashion, accessories, designer jewellery, linen and crafts made by the local artisans ( and vin chaud! )
Indulge in a little Christmas shopping. Or maybe just enjoy a glass or three of vin chaud and chat with friends!
L’Entrecôte
Following our visit to the market we have arranged to eat dinner at the always popular restaurant L’Entrecôte to enjoy a steak smothered with sa sauce fameuse.
The price is 19€ for steak, frites and salad. Desserts are 5,50€ to 6€. Red or rose house wine from local Château Thieuley is 16€ per bottle and coffee is 1,60€. L’Entrecote is extremely popular with a fun atmosphere and never disappoints.
The Dessert à la carte list includes:
Le plateau de fromage, La coupe Côte d’or, L’ananas frais au masquarin, La coupe Jack, Les profiteroles au chocolat, Le semi-fredo au grand marnier, La coupe streza, Nos fruits melba, Le vacherin au chocolat, Les fruits rafraichis au kirsch, Le mont blanc, Nos tartes maison, Notre crème caramel, Nos glaces et sorbets, La surprise de la Jamaïque, Nos liégeois (café, chocolat, praliné), Le fondant au chocolat maison or La mousse au chocolat.
Location and Times
We meet at 7pm by the children’s carousel ride situated at the entrance to the Christmas Market at the Grand Theatre end of Allee de Tourny to then enjoy the market, followed by dinner at 8.30pm
Booking
If you would like more information then please contact Colette. Contact details for Colette are in the Membership Directory here
Alternatively please reserve online below. Closing date is Thursday 13th December.
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 !
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a buffet meal in the centre of Bordeaux chez Henley and Tommy.
This is a North American tradition that Henley has been hosting in France for the last decade and along with the classic stuffed turkey, mashed potatoes and green bean casserole
The menu includes dishes from the American South such as cheesy grits, cornbread, creamed corn, bourbon roasted ham, sweet potato casserole and macaroni and cheese.
The meal will be washed down with local wine and to finish we will enjoy some famous pumpkin pie, key lime pie from Florida and pecan pie.
It promises to me a lively afternoon!
Location
Central Bordeaux near Porte de Bourgogne. The address will be sent by email after receipt of your booking.
Booking
The last date to register for is before Monday, 19th November.
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.
It’s that time again, when we celebrate the life of the great Scottish poet, Robert Burns.
Some would say he was the greatest (Scottish) poet ever to have lived, and measured by the number of parties held around the world every year to celebrate his anniversary, that could be true. However, it may also have something to do with the whisky, which always flows freely and helps to drown the ‘Haggis Beasty’.
Whatever, this year the celebration returns to Martignas but the formula remains the same.
The traditional menu will consist of smoked salmon, haggis, neeps, tatties and trifle with wine and whisky at the inclusive price of 20€ per head. Entertainment will include the pipes, some Burns recitation and the traditional ‘Address to the Haggis’ (together with its stabbing).
Space limitations for a sit down dinner mean that only 28 people can be accommodated and places will be allocated on a strict booking order basis. So …… book early !
Booking
This event is always very popular and demand is always greater than the number of places available. If you would like to attend, then please contact John B direct or complete the online booking form as soon as possible.
Payment in advance is required for this event so please send your cheque, made out to the BBC for 20€ per person, direct to John B.
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
Comments from previous years
“It was a sell out! The full capacity of 28 members booked. Guests commenced the evening with a rather potent Scottish Sparkle, skilfully prepared and ladled out by John. There was a healthy display of tartan evident, together with knobbly knees displayed by the kilt wearing Scotsmen!”
“We were treated to animated singing led by Kit of ‘Comin’ thro’ the rye’ accompanied – as has become the custom at our Celtic events – by Jack, duly dressed in fine regalia. He then lead the magnificent procession, with several circuits, piping in the Haggis. The strident bagpipes were momentarily silenced when the key pipe came adrift, causing some amusement, but not detracting from the spectacle of Eileen proudly bearing the Haggis! Chris then treated us to an ‘Address to the Haggis’ before brutally stabbing it!”
” …….. then to the serious part – eating the haggis and it was agreed by many to be the best ever ! It was of course accompanied by the traditional, neeps and tatties (mashed potatoes). Less obvious was that the excellent whisky, served to all, was to be partially poured on the haggis (like gravy).”
” ……….. a toast to the ‘Lassies’ to which Eileen responded in song ! Then to the plentiful and rich Trifles ……”
” ….. and we concluded with coffee and excellent Shortbread. The pipes were exercised his again to accompany us singing ‘Flower of Scotland’, and finally ‘Auld Lang Syne’ (perhaps Robbie Burns’ most famous rendering)”
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This year is very special for Bordeaux-USA, they celebrate their 50th anniversary and all BBC members are invited.
Programme
‘Why celebrate only St George?’ has been the question posed by some members. So this year it will be a celebration of our other patron saints, St Andrew, St David and though we will already have celebrated, St Patrick in the time honoured way, we will let him join in too!!
Our Host
Nigel lives in the beautiful countryside near the pretty village of Moustey just 35 minutes down the A63 from the Rocade. Full directions will be supplied after booking.
NEW NEW: 
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
It’s that time again, when we celebrate the life of the great Scottish poet, Robert Burns.
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