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
We use 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.
Tuesday, January 15th 2019 BBC Châteaux and Vineyards Walk-and-lunch at Mérignac with Alain
Mérignac hosts a number of pleasant 18th and 19th century houses, some of which were or still are surrounded by vineyards producing fine Pessac-Léognan. The day is organised in a flexible way, you are free to come to one, two or all activities.
Meeting Point
Meeting point and time: between 10 and 10.30 at the “Mérignac-centre” tram stop on the A tram line. There is a brasserie and café across rhe road.
Morning Walk
The morning walk will take us to the Mairie de Mérignac and its grounds, on to Parc Féau. If there is time, we’ll amble on to the Meltin’potes Caffé by the “Peychotte” A tram stop. If not we’ll hop onto tram A for 3 stops.
Lunch
Meltin’potes Caffé, 8 Allée des Conviviales, 33700 MERIGNAC
Aperitif, 3-course, wine and coffee 26€. This restaurant serves fresh cuisine du marché.
Punch maison.
Entrée:
Oeuf parfait, émulsion de parmesan et pétales de jambon fume
OU Velouté de butternut et copeaux de foie gras
Plat:
Magret de canard cuisson basse température, pommes grenaille et jus au thym
OU Pavé de saumon, purée de petits pois et frites de patates douces, crème de basilic
Dessert:
Entremet au chocolat lacté et croustillant de noix de pécan
OU Tartelette au citron meringuée
Vin: Bordeaux rouge ou rosé
Café.
Afternoon Walk
The afternoon walk will take us to Châteaux Pique-Caillou, Chêne Vert, Fantaisie, Tour de Veyrines, chartreuse de Marbotin, back to a stop on the A tram line.
Booking – Online
We use 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, menu selections 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.
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.
There is ample on street parking nearby. The cemetery is a 5 minute walk from tram stop Roustaing on Ligne B
This moving and sombre annual ceremony is different this year, as it commemorates exactly 100 years since the cessation of WW1 hostilities.
The event will commence at 9.15am with the impressive and colourful procession.
The service will start at 9.30. Wreaths will be laid, including our BBC wreath which will be laid by Norma, our President. The service will last approximately 30 minutes, concluding with shots from a 1918 rifle as a salute to those who gave their lives in this and the following dreadful conflict.
We shall then walk to the adjacent French Cemetery, for a service starting at 10.30, before moving for a ‘Vin d’honneur’ at:
The chateau is situated in a large historic public parc which is maintained to respect the ecosystem and biodiversity. The chateau and parc are approximately 5 minutes by car or a 15 minute walk from the cemetery. Please click here for information about the chateau and parc
As is customary, our members will mingle with members of the British Legion and join them for lunch.
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.
Visit to the Moon Harbour Distillery Bordeaux Wednesday 7th November 2018
Did you know that there is a whisky distillery in Bordeaux? Yes there is! The Moon Harbour Distillery owes it’s name to the famous crescent moon outlined by the Garonne River in the heart of Bordeaux. The distillery is the innovation of two entrepreneurs and whisky enthusiasts Phillippe Balanger and Yves Medina. They joined forces with experienced whisky blender, Scotsman, John McDougall.
Situated in the Bacalan district of Bordeaux, the distillery currently produces several different whiskys and also gin. The site is impressive as the cellars are in a large WWII bunker next to the modern distillery
Moon Harbour has 250 hectares of barley planted in the region for it’s production of a single malt.
The tour will last between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes and includes a presentation of Moon Harbour, visit to the raw material storage (explanations of malting and whisky production), visit to the cuverie, visit to the still room, visit to the cellar for ageing (a second world war bunker), tasting of 3 whiskys and 1 gin.
The guided tour is in English has been organised for Wednesday 7th November in two groups of 12, the first at 11am and the second at 3 pm. The cost of the tour including the four tasting is 10 euros per person.
Lunch
If would like lunch before or after the distillery visit we are proposing the Grill Courtpaille, 2 Rue du Professor Darget, 33300 Bordeaux. The grill is no more than 10 minutes walk from the distillery.
As it is an informal lunch each person will pay for themselves. Please let Norma B know before 1st November if you wish her to make a reservation on your behalf.
Booking
The last date to register for this tour is by 12 noon on Saturday 3rd 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.
Book and pay via the Helloasso system for the afternoon tour at 15:00 here
The morning tour is fully booked.
Alternatively please book by:
Post your cheque for 10€ per person payable to ‘BBC’, direct to Norma B
Please indicate that you are booking for the afternoon tour at 15:00
Please indicate if you would like to go to the informal lunch. Norma’s contact details are here
Please note that all attendees must be recorded as members of the Association Bordeaux British Community.
British Embassy Citizens Outreach Meeting – BORDEAUX
Description
The British Embassy in Paris will be holding an event in Bordeaux on 19th October for British nationals in the area to update on Brexit negotiations with regards to citizens’ rights and to answer questions.
(Please note that the Association Bordeaux British Community are not involved in the booking arrangements or content of the meeting)
Date and Time
Friday, 19th October 2018
12:30 – 14:30 CEST
Registration
To register for this event, please use the Eventbrite booking system by clicking here
Note: after signing up, you should receive a confirmation email from Eventbrite
Location
Closer to the date of the event, the embassy will email the location of the meeting to all attendees.
If you do not see the email, please check your spam folder.
Come and join us for an evening of authentic Indian cuisine ably prepared by Ameer from Hydrabad, India.
Ameer will prepare a number of spicy dishes for our delight (menu to follow). Wine and drinks are included in the price of 25 euros per person.
Members (and their dogs) and guests may arrive earlier (from 5 pm) to enjoy a stroll in the beautiful Les Landes forest.
When and Where?
The meal will take place chez Nigel Bond on Monday 17th September.
Nigel lives in the pretty village of Moustey just 35 minutes down the A63 from the Rocade. If you’re not up to the drive home there are some chamber d’hote rooms in and around the village, the Logis Hotel Le Grandousier is 7 kms away.
If you love spicy Indian cuisine we do hope that you will join us for this unique opportunity, Ameer is a fantastic cook!
Booking and Payment
FULLY BOOKED !
The last date to register is Thursday 13th September.
Reserve early as there are only 18 places available.
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
Book and pay online via the Helloasso system
Please note that the person making the booking must be recorded as a 2018 member of the Association Bordeaux British Community.
Diet
Please note, as the food is home prepared we cannot take into account any special dietary requirements.
This is a morning of presentations and discussion designed to assist BBC members to understand the recent changes in the French tax system.
In summary the subject is basically “Changes to tax and inheritance rules”
Topics to be covered include:
Taxation at source (affects those who are resident in France and either working or receiving a French or UK retirement pension)
Taxe d’Habitation
Inheritance rules and taxes
The event is will be informative with presentations, questions and a chance to talk informally. Numbers will be limited by space to 32 people..
We are very pleased to be hosted by Blevins Franks but this is not a sales presentation exercise. If there is any follow up activity with the presenters or others, that is up to individual members.
The BBC Statutes specify the aims of the association to also assist the integration of English speaking people who come to settle in Bordeaux. One way of doing this is by helping to understand how the French system works for new arrivals and keeping up, as far as possible, with major French tax and legislation changes.
Seminar Leader
Long term BBC member Rupert Holderness will lead the seminar. Rupert has over 35 years’ experience in the financial services industry, 30 of them working in France. Before moving to France, Rupert worked for NatWest Bank who transferred him to France in 1986, where he worked in Bordeaux, Toulouse and Paris.
In 1996, Rupert decided to specialise in advising the British community in France and started the French operation of Siddalls in Bordeaux. Siddalls France became part of the Blevins Franks Group in 2014 to become Blevins Franks France, where Rupert continues to head up the Bordeaux office.
Rupert holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Kedge Business School in Marseille, specialised in financial planning. As to be expected after a language degree and 30 years of living in France, Rupert is bi-lingual and bi-cultural.
Where?
The seminar will be held at the offices of Blevins Franks at 1 rue Pablo Neruda, 33140 Villenave d’Ornon.
The office is beside exit 17 ( Talence Thouars) on the Rocade. If you get off the ring road, you can’t miss a large blue and grey office building with “Compagnie Fiduciaire” written all over it.
There is some visitors car parking available but the office car park is often full. If full, there is parking across the road in one of the restaurant or hotel car parks if necessary
Booking
FULLY BOOKED – No more places available
BBC events like this are always popular and oversubscribed. We are limited to 32 places so bookings were registered on a’ first come first served basis’ for this event.
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Remembrance Service at the Allied Forces Cemetery in Talence.
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
Long term BBC member Rupert Holderness will lead the seminar. Rupert has over 35 years’ experience in the financial services industry, 30 of them working in France. Before moving to France, Rupert worked for NatWest Bank who transferred him to France in 1986, where he worked in Bordeaux, Toulouse and Paris.
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