british association of the var 2014.pdf · and the proposal that "the british association of...
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British Association of the Var Putting people and social needs together since 1998 Association Loi 1901 No: W831001750
www.baofthevar.com
May 2014 Newsletter No 144
Chairman's Report
The AGM You should all have received the AGM papers and so should be aware of the topics for discussion. This year there were no elections for the Committee and no
questions were received prior to the meeting. As a result, the meeting was brief in dealing with the formal orders of the day until a lengthy discussion ensued
regarding the proposed donation to the Royal British Legion. This was to be on 'Poppy Day' and reflecting this special year, being the centenary of the start of the
Great War. After considerable debate a vote was held and it was agreed to donate the monies, subject to it being
confirmed that such a donation could be made lawfully.
There was a lively discussion on the committee's proposal which was later put to a ballot and the proposal that "The British Association of the Var donate 5000 euro to The Royal
British Legion Poppy Appeal in accordance with the laws governing Association loi 1901"
was narrowly carried. The main objections seemed to be that donations should only be given to British people in the Var and the poppy appeal money would be sent to the poppy
appeal fund HQ in the UK. The secretary considers that BAV will be in accord with the law as RBL is a registered association in the Var and has
welfare officers here holding a fund provided by the RBL HQ for
emergency use in the Var and can obtain money back from HQ when the local fund needs it. Over the years this one-off donation is likely to be spent in the Var. It was however
encouraging, and healthy, to debate the issue and it was as a result of this that we received a number of very useful suggestions as to how welfare monies could be
spent. The best received of these suggestions was from Shirley Rowson who proposed a similar publication to the Children's Activity Booklet but for adults. This is to be
followed up by a number of members around the area.
Committee What does the Committee actually do? The Committee, at the present time, comprises 6 members and meets every month excluding August, usually on a Monday afternoon mid-month. At each month's meeting we discuss the matters arising from the previous meeting followed by reports from the Chairman, the Treasurer, Secretary and the Welfare Coordinator.
In respect of the Treasurer we cover the changes in income and expenditure over the last month relating to events held, general expenses and welfare expenditures.
The Welfare Coordinator then discusses the progress made with existing welfare cases and any new cases. Arrangements are made in the event that a second Committee member is required for a welfare visit. We also review the loans as to the prospect of repayment and whether or not they should be written off. Detailed discussion takes place if there is a need for assistance of more than 300€ and a very detailed financial assessment is carried out in each case. Each month there is a discussion as to how to use the monies held in order to give welfare assistance. A considerable amount of time is spent reviewing events and organising new events, particularly in regard to the Vendange Lunch and the AGM. We strive to find new venues of interest and to repeat the most popular ones. Generally these meetings conclude after about 2.5 hours.
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Forthcoming Events
Committee Meeting 12 May
Talk & Lunch – Cotignac 13 May
Summer Soiree – La Motte 11 June
Lunch at Trout Lake, Entrecasteaux 26 June
Lunch at Fayence July
Vendange Lunch 13 September
Commemoration lunch for WWI October
10 pin bowling and Asian buffet lunch, Fréjus - November
Christmas lunch at St Aygulf December
_______________________________________________________
Committee Members
Chairman - Rob Flanagan [email protected]
Secretary - Michael Wharton [email protected]
Treasurer - Lesley Honeywell [email protected]
Welfare Coordinator - Ann Mitchem [email protected]
Events Secretary - Kevin Bell [email protected]
Publicity - [email protected]
[email protected] John Lloyd
[email protected] Important non-Committee Members
Membership Secretary - Peter Rowson [email protected] 04 94 ********
Newsletter Editor - Shirley Rowson [email protected] 04 94 ********
www.baofthevar.com See the Latest News and
Forthcoming Events on our BA website
More information and the menu for the
Lunch at Trout Lake, Entrecasteaux 26 June can be found on page 6
A new event for May
On May 13 we propose a lunch with a speaker – a local historian. This will be something of an experiment to see if Members would appreciate this type of event. The topic for the first event is the British in the Var. We plan something similar to remember the centenary of the First World War. On 13 May we will hold the event in Cotignac in the conference room of Notre Dame de Grâces where we shall also eat. There will be a 3 course buffet with a glass of wine for €25 at 12 noon followed by the talk. In the afternoon there will be a tour of Cotignac. Directions: Entering Cotignac from Carcès or Brignoles make a U-turn immediately after the petrol station and before the bridge. From Sillans-la-Cascade or Entrecasteaux turn right 45 degrees after passing over the bridge. Keep going to the top of the hill on Chemin des Verdares. GPS: 43510526N 6220761 E
Peter and Shirley Rowson invite you to join
them for a
Summer Soiree & “Finger” Buffet with Boules Tournament
(beginners welcome)
18h00 - Wednesday 11 June 10€
If possible, bring along your own boules if
playing.
Books on sale weather permitting.
Directions will be given on request. Please bring a plate of “finger” food, savoury or
sweet. Numbers limited to 60 – no exceptions!
*********************************
83920 La Motte. 04 94 *********peterandshirley.rowson@****
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“What’s On” Guide
Zenith Oméga, Toulon: 0892 700 840 www.zenith-omega-toulon.com Opera House, Toulon: 04 94 93 03 76 www.operadetoulon.fr Draguignan Theatre: 04 94 50 59 59 www.theatresendracenie.com Forum Theatre, Fréjus and Centre Culturel, St Raphaël: 04 94 95 55 55 www.aggloscenes.com
May 2014 1-12 May Fayence, Le Grand Jardin. Salon des Antiquaires. 8h00-17h00. €6. 04 94 76 11 11 4 May Carcès, town centre. Fête de Printemps. 9h00-18h00. 04 94 04 59 76 8-11 May Grimaud, village centre. Harley Davidson Festival. 04 94 55 43 83 10 May La Motte. Spanish guitar concert. €15. 06 44 35 55 40 10 May Fréjus, cinema. La Cerenterola, Rossini – opera film. 18h55. €23.10. 10 May Draguignan, Eglise St Michel. Requiem Allemand – Brahms. 20h30. €15. 06 09 14 18 53 10-11 May Monaco. Historic Grand Prix. www.grand-prix-monaco.com 11 May Ste Maxime, cinema. Le Conte d’Hiver, Wheeldon – ballet film. 14h30. €19.80 14-15 May Cannes, Palais des Festivals. Film Festival. www.festival-cannes.com 16 May Grimaud, Eglise St Michel. Les Soirées Musicales de Grimaud – Bach. 12h00. €20. 04 94 55 43 83 16-18 May Fréjus, Villa Aurelienne. Salon Arts Décoration. Fri: 18h30-22h00. Sat/Sun: 10h00-19h00. €2. 06 11 97 05 10 16-18 May St Tropez, town centre. Bravades. 08 92 68 48 28 17 May Cogolin, Chapelle St Roch. Classical Guitar Festival. 20h00. Free. 04 94 55 01 10 17 May Les Issambres, Salle Robert Manuel. Adventi Voce – concert. 06 66 92 25 78 17 May St Maximin la Ste Baume, Le Croisée des Arts. Luz Casal – Spanish singer. 20h30. €25. 04 94 59 84 59 17 May Draguignan, Eglise St Michel. Concert Classique Lyrique – in aid of Army wounded. 20h00. Donations. 17 May St Raphaël, Espace Félix Martin. Big Daddy Wilson – blues. 20h30. €10. 17 May Fréjus (and other towns). Nuit Européenne des Musées – museums open at night. 18 May Plan de la Tour, village centre. Donkey Fair. All day. 04 94 55 20 57 18 May Fréjus, Cathedral. Organ recital. 16h00.
18 May Vidauban, Salle Polyculturelle. Misa Tango (Little Jazz Mass) – L’Ensemble CAD Vocal. 16h30. 06 80 32 10 73 22-25 May Monaco. Grand Prix. www.grand-prix-monaco.com 23 May Montauroux, Salle de Cinéma. The Merry Widow. 20h30. €22. 04 94 50 40 30 23 May Draguignan (and many other areas). Fête des Voisins. 18h00. 04 94 60 31 59 23-25 May Cavalaire, Maison de la Mer. Salon des Vignerons et de la Gastronomie. Free. 04 94 00 11 45 24 May Fayence, Espace Culturel. Concert et Bal Folk. 21h00. €12. 04 94 76 58 15 24-25 May Fréjus, Base Nature. Classic car rally. 9h00-18h00. €5. 29 May-1 Jun Fayence, Eglise. Festival Choralliance – choir festival. 30 May St Maximin la Ste Baume, Basilica Ste Marie Madeleine. Mozart Requiem. 21h00. €20. 06 81 17 73 33 30 May Les Arcs, Café de la Tour. Fish and chips lunch. 12h00. €11. Booking essential, by preceding Tuesday. 04 94 73 30 56 31 May Pierrefeu, Chateau de la Gordonne. Balades Gourmandes – 6km walk through vineyards with wine-tasting and gourmet food. Various start times. €50. 06 64 71 25 26. www.terroir-pierrefeu.fr 31 May-1 Jun Fréjus, Base Nature. Donkey Fair. Sat: afternoon and evening, Sun: all day. Free.
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AUTHORS IN PROVENCE Marcel Pagnol Pagnol was born in 1895 in Aubagne, near Marseille, the eldest son of school teacher Joseph Pagnol and seamstress Augustine Lansot. He grew up in Marseille but the family spent their summer holidays in a house in La Treille in the hills near Aubagne, providing the basis for his later writing. He graduated in English from Aix University in 1916 and became an English teacher. In 1927, having moved to Paris, he decided to become a playwright and his most famous play, “Marius”, was made into a film in 1931. He founded his own film production studios in the countryside near Marseille in 1932, making many films over the next ten years, and was elected to the Académie française in 1947. In the 1950s he returned to Paris and after the failure of his later films, he decided to write autobiographical novels based on his childhood experiences. In 1957 “La Gloire de mon père” and
Le château de ma mère” were published to great acclaim, and these were made into films in 1990, showcasing the beauty of the area around La Treille. He then wrote two novels based on Provençal peasant life at the turn of the twentieth century, called “Jean de Florette” and “Manon des
Sources” and these were also made into successful films in 1986. There were two further autobiographical books: “Le temps des secrets” (1959) and “Le Temps des amours” published in 1977 after his death. Pagnol died in Paris in 1974. He is buried in the cemetery of La Treille, along with his mother and father, brothers, and wife. His boyhood friend, David Magnan (Lili des Bellons in the autographies), died at the Second Battle of the Marne in July 1918, and is buried nearby.
Desperate to Stop? call Alcoholics Anonymous
24 hour helpline – 08 20 20 02 57 aa-riviere.org
Picturesque rail journey in St Raphaël area
We tend to take our beautiful surroundings for granted here in the Var, apart from the times we accompany our visitors to various tourist attractions. However, a trip to be savoured any time of the year, but especially on a sunny day, is the fantastic coastline between St Raphaël and Cannes and the best way to do this is by train. There are five stations between the two towns, so if you choose a stopping train you can combine it with a visit to any of these areas with their creeks and beaches: Boulouris, Le Dramont, Agay, Anthéor and Le Trayas, or the many walks to be found in the Esterel mountains.
This feat of
engineering was built in 1863, with thousands of
workers coming to
augment the population of 1500 in St Raphaël to carve out a track from the red rocks, blast tunnels and build the amazing viaduct at Anthéor. The railway soon opened up the way for the first villas to be built on the steep hillsides which plunge towards the sea, and many of these were English-owned. In fact, the railway made it far easier for foreign visitors to reach the easterly resorts such as Cannes, Nice and Menton and these were made fashionable by none other than Queen Victoria, closely followed by other European royalty. The railway was followed in 1903 by the Corniche d’Or, the road commissioned by the Touring Club of France, which also takes full advantage of the views, but it is far easier to “let the train take the strain”, especially in high season. Several of the small stations are unmanned but it is possible to buy a ticket on the train, or book in advance on-line at www.voyages-sncf.com. Even without a Senior Rail Card there are still reductions for those over 60.
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MEMBERS’ GROUPS
The Azur Photography Group
At its last meeting, the group was fortunate to have the welcome presence of John Wyatt, who opened a new era for many members, by introducing them to Aperture and Shutter controls. John is a cinematographer of many years’ experience and has the facility to make complex questions
appear simple. We started in a café in the square at Montauroux where John explained the different uses of the main controls of our cameras and then gave examples of how we could use these to best advantage.
Duly fortified by coffee, we set out to photograph the fountain in the square in different lights and, by using the shutter speed control, trying to achieve photos which showed the water clear with each drop in sharp focus and again with the water flowing as a continuous stream. We then moved into the old part of the town around the church, where we experimented with aperture control to try and isolate the subject from its background. Then, into the church for further practice with the old statues. Our various efforts gave all the members food for thought on how the controls worked and we hope to make greater use of these for the future.
We finished the morning in Callian with lunch at the Belle Vue restaurant. We look forward to John’s next visit, hopefully in the Autumn.
Mike Harper mikeharper6@**********
_______________________________________________________
Painting Group
This Tuesday the art group were at the home of Pam and Ian Mackintosh in Entrecasteaux. Where we were met with a wonderful warm welcome and coffee, tea and home-made
cake!!!! The artistic talents of Pam and Ian were plain to see in every corner of their beautiful home and it proved to be an inspiration to all of us enthusiastic artists. We all thank them for their hospitality and I hope we can go again soon.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday 13th May in Montauroux at the home of Hilary Rost. Please call me for directions and details.
Stella 04 94 ********
Happy Boules
The boules group meets every week on Mondays at central Var locations and has lunch at 12.00 followed by boules. Whilst not
formally being a BAV event, the lunches are extremely friendly and informal, typically with 10-16 people and at modest prices of 14-16€ plus wine. If you would like to join us or find out where we are meeting (announced at the beginning of the week) please contact [email protected] You will be assured of a friendly welcome and you may even want to try playing boules, spare boules are always
available. Rob Flanagan
robertflanagan@**********
Benefits for BAV members (Please show your membership card) Cigalon, Grand Rue, Flayosc 04 94 70 45 85. Offer: complementary espresso coffee at this fine dining restaurant. Flayosc Co-operative - 5% discount available with the special BAV fidelity card. Full range of wines and sparkling wine available together with fresh cheeses, wine accessories etc. Le Petit Romain, opposite Casino, Salernes 04 94 67 54 11. Offer: complementary espresso coffee at this popular restaurant with a menu de jour at 14.50€. Lei Cigales, Route de Draguignan, Villecroze 04 98 53 02 88. Offer: complementary espresso coffee in this restaurant specialising in galettes and crepes with a separate menu du jour at 13.50€. Nathalie and Fabrice Alric Antiquities, Place de l'eglise, Villecroze - Offer 10% discount on a range of antique style household furnishings and a larger discount on antiques. La Provençal, Place Martin Bidoure, Aups. 04 94 70 00 24. Free espresso coffee with meal. Le Grand Hotel, Place du Général Duchatel, Aups. 04 94 70 10 82. Free coffee or digestif with meal. Les Trois Marches, 11 Cours Gambetta, Cotignac. 04 94 04 65 99. Pretty provençal restaurant. Free espresso coffee with meal. Hotel and restaurant L’Orée du Bois, Quartier Ste Roseline, Le Muy. 04 98 11 12 40. Free coffee or tea with meal. New York Break, 19 rue Picot, close to Place de la Liberté, Toulon. 04 94 98 69 14 or 06 42 65 08 21. Free drink with every meal. Aviva Insurance, Vidauban. Luc de Bardonnèche offers various insurance discounts for BAV members – see his advert in the Newsletter.
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New members
We welcome to membership of the British Association of the Var: John and Susan Robertson from Vidauban and Antony, Dominic and Alasdair Topham from Le Muy. _______________________________________________________
Bargain Basement
‘Multidrawer’ by www.Bisley.co.uk. Ideal storage for office A4 documents. Grey metal with chrome handles and label holder on each of the 15 drawers. Stands 94cm high. Nearly new. €80. Ron Alldridge, Varages. 04 94 ********.
alldridge@********* _______________________________________________________
Information booklet for older people
At the AGM it was agreed to produce a booklet listing services and activities in the Var for older people, similar to the Children’s Activities booklet. We will be including detailed information about medical and social services, with contact numbers, but would also like details of local clubs, etc. So if you are involved in something like this, please send details to: [email protected] or to the Editor at the address listed elsewhere in the Newsletter.
Lakeside Gourmet Lunch
On Thursday 26 June at 12.00 we will be returning to an unusual venue for lunch at the Trout Lake about 3km west of Entrecasteaux towards Carcès. Members who have been before were impressed with the
gourmet standard of the food served and the peaceful surroundings overlooking the trout lake. You can even pay to go fishing for the afternoon. Places are limited to 60 so please book as early as possible and not later than 12 June. The
booking form is in this newsletter.
Menu – 32€ members, 34€ non-members
Gambas à l'ail et aux persil flambées aux cognac
Entrecôte aux cèpes à la crème avec ses legumes
Assortiments de 3 fromages et son miel d'acacia
Profiteroles au chocolat et ses fruits frais
Vin et café compris Directions On the road towards Carces to the south of the village. After 3 km there is a pronounced bend in the road to the left and a sign on the left saying “Etang du Peche”, about 200m from Domaine Campagnaud. Follow this track for several hundred metres until the road opens out into a car park with the trout lake on the right.
British Association of the Var Welfare Coordinator
Ann Mitchem
04 94 ******** or 06 43 86 49 01
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Roger Smith
We are sorry to report the death of BAV member Roger Smith of Cotignac and send our condolences to his family. _______________________________________________________
Interesting people series
I am planning a new series of articles for the Newsletter about people in the Var who are “famous” or have done something unusual in their life, either here or in the UK. If you know someone who fits this description please ask them if I can contact them, then send me their contact details via [email protected] or to my address quoted elsewhere in the Newsletter.
Editor _______________________________________________________
Emergency contacts: Medical help/SAMU 15 Police/Police Nationale 17 Fire and accident/Sapeurs Pompiers 18 SOS – all services (calling from a mobile) 112 BAV Welfare phone 06 42 86 49 01 EDF English speaking number 05 62 16 49 08 Orange English speaking No. 09 69 36 39 00 _______________________________________________________
Mobile speed cameras
Mobile speed cameras mounted on unmarked police cars picked up 300,000 speeding motorists on the streets of France in their first year of operation and 180,000 violation notices were issued as a result of evidence supplied from the new generation mobile cameras. The others could not be prosecuted as photographic evidence was unclear. In total, 99 unmarked police cars - Renault Meganes and Peugeot 208s - are currently equipped with the two-way cameras, hidden behind the vehicles' registration plates. By the end of the year, the fleet of equipped vehicles is set to increase to 200, with a further 100 added next year. Renault Berlingos will also be fitted with the mobile cameras. Speeding drivers may not be aware that they have been caught out, as the “flash” from these new generation mobile cameras is infra-red. The permitted margin of error of these cameras is 10kph where speed limits are lower than 100kph and 10% for speed limits above 100kph. That means the cameras will operate when motorists are driving in excess of 146kph on autoroutes, 124kph on express ways, 102kph on national or provincial routes, and 61kph in built-up areas.
Gardening Tips
The month of May is here and this is the moment to plant your vegetables – tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, courgettes, basil etc - the tastes of Provence. We can stop worrying about frosts as the soil is warm and allows the sowing of French beans. It is also the period for planting in your flower garden Potinas, Pelargonium, Gazania, Pourpriers etc. These can be placed in pots or in the soil and will provide you with flowers all summer. Don’t forget to select your Caryoptéris Inoveris Grand Bleu, a beautiful blue flowering bushy shrub, which will provide you with flowers during the month of August. This is also the period for planting Laurier Rose ‘Nérium Oléander’. The most interesting varieties are:-
Géant des Batailles – red and perfumed flowers Album Maximum – single white and perfumed flowers Père Serafin – Single white flowers Maurin des Maures – Single pink flowers Professeur Granel – Double red and perfumed flowers Madame Allen – Double red and perfumed flowers
All of these varieties, and many others, are available (by appointment please) at Le Savoir Vert, Traverse Du Moulin, Villecroze 06 84 42 84 84. [email protected] _______________________________________________________ Please let us have your Advertisements, Articles
and Reports for the June issue by
Tuesday 15 May
All contributions to: [email protected]
or to Shirley Rowson, ***************************, 83920 La Motte
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Research Centre for Provençal Rosé
To keep their leading position in a market where competition is fierce, Provencal winemakers have created a unique tool in Vidauban: the research centre for rosé wine. Here technicians are working to improve the quality of the wines and to market other products such as sparkling wines, which are already available in most Caves Coopératives. There are over 800 members representing the vineyards of Provence. Rosé wine used to be associated only with holidays in the sun, but now 200 million bottles are sold each year worldwide. Once discounted by other wine regions, it has now become a major economic force : €1.14 billion revenue in 2013 for appellations Côtes de Provence, Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence and Coteaux Varois. Winemaking is a demanding science and at Vidauban the researchers focus on soils and grape varieties, and the scientific approach to winemaking and innovation. A good Provencal rosé keeps its pale and aromatic fruity dominant line with a balance between freshness and roundness. It is a versatile wine that enhances every part of life, especially when entertaining.
www.vinsdeprovence.com _______________________________________________________
Wine awards for La Motte
La Motte, a village of 3000 inhabitants, is fortunate in that its soil is ideal for growing vines so there are twelve domaines within the boundaries of the commune, some of which produce Cru Classé wines. The village is proud of this heritage, and also of the successful results achieved at the recent International Exhibition of Agriculture in Paris. This contest is organized under the control of the State, guaranteeing its rigor and impartiality, and rewarding the best of French terroir.
Five domaines in the village received awards, with a grand total of fourteen medals won. The record is remarkable because all the twelve domaines did not compete in Paris. The highest number of awards was won by Canta Rainette and Jas d’Esclans which totalled between them ten medals. The De Wulf family from Jas d’Esclans welcomes these results because of eight wines entered, all produced organically, six won awards. The domaines of Jas d’Esclans, Canta Rainette, La Maurette, Château Rêva and Valbourgès all have a common point: advice from the same winemaker. Oenologist Emmanuel Baugnet from Les Arcs is never mentioned in the contest, but he managed to achieve 39 medals in Paris for wine from 20 domaines.
Corks versus Stoppers
The cork industry has come up with a new-style stopper to halt the wine industry’s search for alternatives. Called the Helix and made in Portugal, it ‘twists to open’ and uses a special glass bottle with an internal threaded neck with a corresponding cork – so no corkscrew needed. These should reach France by next year and are aimed at wines in the €5-€10 range, to be drunk within three years of production. Plastic stoppers and screw tops were produced to stop ‘corked’ wine but some say they do not allow enough oxygen into the bottle. Some older wine chateaux are interested in the new corks, such as Château Margaux in Bordeaux, but say it will take several years to prove their success in avoiding damaged wine. British wine expert Oz Clarke says: “Don’t be a cork snob. The only requirements are that the seal on a bottle of wine be hygienic, airtight, long-lasting and removable.” He points to a big increase in the use of screw caps and says they are now appearing on some very classy Australian, New Zealand and South American wines. Nonetheless, cork-makers feel compelled to find new ideas. The standard cork seems certain to remain in most prestigious European wines for some time to come, but in the lower price range, consumers will be able to choose for themselves.
The Bereavement Support Network of the Var (BSN)
This organisation exists to support not only the bereaved but also those who are terminally ill,
and their families and friends. If you, or someone you know, could benefit from our
confidential, free support, then please contact: Sandra - 04 94 84 64 89 or 06 32 35 31 24
[email protected] or www.bsnvar.org for further information.
“Quotes”
My grandchildren think I’m the oldest thing in the world. After two or three hours with them, I believe it too. Gene Perret
I was always taught to respect my elders and now I’ve reached the age when I don’t have anybody to respect. George F Burns
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Peter Rost was a Conservative Member of Parliament and won a Labour seat in Derbyshire in 1970. He is married to Hilary and has four grown-up children and five grandchildren. In Parliament where he served under Ted Heath, Harold Wilson and, of course, Margaret Thatcher, his main interest was in the Energy field. He was years ahead of his time in promoting energy conservation and alternative sources. He watches the Parliamentary program now to see his ideas at last being taken up, muttering “I suggested that twenty years ago”! His autobiography “Weimar to Westminster” was published by Dynasty Press in 2010.
Who’s Who in the Var – Peter Rost Read on – unless you are an ‘ex V.I.P.’ now retired in the Var, forgotten, unknown and unrecognised. For two decades I enjoyed and indulged in the shameful luxury of 1st class travel at the taxpayers’ expense of course. Now I queue at Nice Airport to get a place on the overcrowded Easyjet. Champagne on the flight? A distant memory. A plastic cup of coffee it is now and I even have to pay for it. Yes, you say the trouble with our politicians is that they are spoilt, self-important and in retirement won’t accept that their glamorous life is over. For some loyal party members a peerage is the reward. But for those with a record of speaking out of line with party policy and voting according to their principles the reward is a modest pension. The nearest I came to inclusion in Her Majesty’s Honours’ list was an annual invite to the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace for myself and wife Hilary and our two “unmarried daughters”. The life of a conscientious MP is demanding with long hours at Westminster and busy weekends and recesses doing your duties in the constituency. But there are pleasurable diversions. I played Chess and Bridge and there was an annual match against the French Parliament. The French not only played tennis but they played skilful “one-upmanship”. In Deauville we were accommodated in the top hotel and after a late dinner invited to the casino there. We were presented with chips and it seemed that we could not lose. I noticed that the croupiers were paying out on losing numbers and the alcohol was flowing. It seemed too good to be true and the hours slipped by until 2.00am when it was time to get some sleep. The next morning when we staggered on to the court expecting the French team to be equally below par, we were confronted by an unrecognisable second team, just arrived from Paris. We were humiliated. One year we were invited to play in Reims, the home of the Taittinger brothers. One was a Member of the French Parliament the other ran the family Champagne production. In the match we did quite well and were ahead at the lunch break. Unfortunately our team could not resist the quantities of top quality bubbly. We failed to notice that our French opponents were barely sipping. The afternoon session was a British disaster. We schemed to get our own back the following year. As our captain and my partner, John Hannan, was a member of the Wimbledon Club, they agreed to host the match against the French. We were allowed to practice a week beforehand to get used to the powerful atmosphere, with all the trimmings including ball boys. Only when the French mini-bus drove in did they realise where they were to play. It was just after the big tournament, the courts were “still warm” and the changing rooms echoed with the names of the world’s famous professionals. We were already familiar and out-played the overwhelmed French.
I have tried to show that there is a human side to political life. The social contacts with MPs abroad are informal but important, helping us to understand one another and establish good international relations. Voters need to know that there is more depth to the legislature than the noisy childish “yah boos” in the Chamber. As an escape from the demanding life of an MP and to have time with our children, we bought our first house in France in the old town of Antibes in 1973. This was little short of a slum - we were one of the two houses in the road with proper “sit-down” loos. We had some very happy holidays there, but changes came as the old houses were “done up” and Antibes became crowded and “fashionable”. We looked for a quieter life where we could retire with some real countryside and miraculously found our haven in
Montauroux: a converted Bergerie on the edge of a wooded valley where I tend my vegetables and flowers and we walk our Irish Terrier.
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NEIGHBOURHOOD NETWORKS
Cabasse, Carces, Correns, Cotignac, and Le Val
We will be meeting again at the Cafe de Cour in Cotignac at 10.30 on 30 May.
Michael Wharton
07 *********** mjw57@*********
Draguignan, Le Cannet des Maures, Les
Arcs, Le Luc, Taradeau and Vidauban We meet on the second Friday of the month at the Café de la Tour, Les Arcs at 10h30. You will find a warm welcome and interesting discussions if you care to attend. We make available a limited selection of popular English paperback novels.
Pauline and Jim North
04 94 ******** jim.north@*********
Entrecasteaux, Salernes, Tourtour
and Villecroze The Villecroze,Tourtour etc coffee morning will be on the 4th Tuesday of the month, place to be announced later.
Ann & Maurice Mitchem 04 94 ******** mamitchem@**********
La Motte and Le Muy
We met at the Bar des Cascades in La Motte on an almost summery morning and enjoyed coffee and conversational topics ranging from satellite dishes to French classes. If you would like to join us, our next meeting is Tuesday 6 May at 10 am at the same cafe/bar.
Alexandra Lewis-Smith 04 94 ******** andrew.lewis-smith@******
Les Issambres
We meet every other Tuesday at 11h00 at L'Arpillon café next to Casino.
Richard Tolaini 04 94 ********or 06 *********** tolaini83@******
St Maximin la Ste Baume, Brignoles, Brue
Auriac, Mazaugues, Meounes, Neoules, Ollieres, Pourcieux, Pourrieres, Seillon
Source d’Argens and Tourves We shall meet on Thursday, 15 May from 10.30 onwards at the Cercle Philharmonique in the main square of St. Maximin la Ste. Baume. We have become a friendly group of regulars, but there is always room for more.
Diana Andre de la Porte
04 94 ******** adlp.diana@*********
L'Oasis Christian fellowship LORGUES part of the Anglican Church of Lorgues with
Fayence in the Var Every 2nd Sunday at 11h30 at
Arc-en-Provence, 1801 Chemin des Pailles and every 4th Sunday at 11h30 at
Notre Dames des Anges Maison de Retraite
We have a Bring and Share lunch afterwards. For details or directions please contact
Rev Peter or Shirley Massey 04 94 73 93 37 or 06 87 94 04 83
~~~
Le Pradon Congregation of the Ascension CALLIAN
part of the Anglican Church of Lorgues with
Fayence in the Var
You are very welcome to join us at Le Pradon Maison de Retraite Callian.
We meet on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at 11h00 for Family Communion
We also have a Bring and Share lunch afterwards.
Please ring Hilary Rost at 04 94 47 70 67 or Rev Peter Massey at 04 94 73 93 37 for details
~~~
St John’s for the Var St John the Evangelist
Ave Paul Doumer, St Raphaël
Rev Keith Bretel
Holy Communion is held every Sunday at 10h30
followed by refreshments and a monthly lunch.
~~~
Grimaud Village Church Ecumenical service at Grimaud village church
on first Thursday of the month at 11h00
Please ring 04 94 60 87 05 for details www.sjevar.com
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“Quotes”
You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream. C S Lewis
Page 11
When booking multiple Events at the same time, please attach separate cheques for each booking in order to facilitate the banking procedures.
British Association of the Var Reservation Slip
LUNCH, TALK AND TOUR AT COTIGNAC €25.00. 13 May 2014
Venue: Sanctuaire Notre Dame de Grâces, Chemin des Verdares, 83570 Cotignac. 12h00
Names of those attending Member Y/N
Value €
Donation to BAV Welfare Fund Total value of cheque enclosed
Additional names overleaf Please add contact details below as an acknowledgement will be issued.
Email address: Phone No:
Please return this slip with your cheque made payable to BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF THE VAR
To: Kevin Bell, *************************************, 83570 COTIGNAC by 7 May.
British Association of the Var Reservation Slip
SUMMER SOIREE AND BOULES IN LA MOTTE €10.00. 11 June 2014
Venue: 262 Chemin des Bastides du Mitan, 83920 La Motte. 18h00. Limit: 60 people
Names of those attending Boules Y/N
Member Y/N
Value €
Donation to BAV Welfare Fund Total value of cheque enclosed
Additional names overleaf Please add contact details below as an acknowledgement will be issued.
Email address: Phone No:
Please return this slip with your cheque made payable to BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF THE VAR
To: Kevin Bell, *************************************, 83570 COTIGNAC by 4 June.
British Association of the Var Reservation Slip
LAKESIDE GOURMET LUNCH IN ENTRECASTEAUX
€32.00 members, €34 non-members. 26 June 2014
Venue: Etang du Peche, 83570 Entrecasteaux. 12h00. Limit: 60 people
Names of those attending Member Y/N
Value €
Donation to BAV Welfare Fund Total value of cheque enclosed
Additional names overleaf Please add contact details below as an acknowledgement will be issued.
Email address: Phone No:
Please return this slip with your cheque made payable to BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF THE VAR
To: Kevin Bell, *************************************, 83570 COTIGNAC by 12 June.
Page 12