Hastings Anglo-French Club is a popular and long established local group that aims to promote the French language, French culture and further Anglo-French friendship, all in a light hearted and informal way. The members include French, English and bilingual speakers; we suggest a reasonable understanding of French in order to gain maximum benefit of the club’s activities and events, but explanations are also given freely in English, as and when required.
The club meets between September and May every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at the Holy Redeemer Church Hall, Upper Church Road, St Leonards, from 2:30pm to 4:15pm. The meetings include talks on French culture, members’ visits to places of specific interest, recounting personal experiences, singing and quizzes. The 22/23 season included illustrated talks in French on the artist Jacques Majorelle, the Sierra Leone link, French music from the 50s and 60s, living and working in Paris as a member of the British Embassy and the author Marcel Pagnol, with a particular focus on his book ‘La gloire de mon pere’. The talks are either given by club members or occasionally by visiting speakers. When the occasion calls for it, we also rustle up some traditional French cuisine.
The first meeting for the 2023/2024 season will be on Tuesday, September 12. This meeting will be an opportunity for small groups to share stories of their summer holidays. The forthcoming programme includes an illustrated talk about Franche-Comte, its history, scenery and dairy produce, a 45-year odyssey from Dieppe to the Aude, and people who made a difference in the 20th century, including Violetta Szabo.
Full annual price is £25 (for 17 meetings) or a visitor fee of £3. There is ample free off-road and nearby street parking and the hall offers easy wheelchair access if required. The programme can be found on Facebook (Hastings Anglo French Club) or on the website: www.hastingsanglofrenchclub.com. Alternatively, come and join at one of the meetings and see if it is for you.
Image Credits: Heidi Foster Permission given by people and club secretary .