Our Programme 2024

Bonjour et bienvenue! 

Our evenings begin at 7.30pm. Refreshments are provided giving us the opportunity to meet and chat in either French or English, as you prefer.

It is not essential to be fluent in French and you are invited to join us at any of our meetings with no prior booking necessary (unless indicated otherwise per the Programme below).

We look forward to welcoming you.

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Wednesday 8th May - AGM followed by “Music for Moliere’s Plays”.

Join us for our brief AGM followed by a presentation “Music for Moliere’s Plays" in English, by Peter Holman. 

Wednesday 22nd May - Social Event.  Basque themed lunch at "The Secret Garden" in Sudbury.

The cost is £22 for two courses or £26 for three (which includes tea/coffee) and the menu details are shown below. 

There will be an optional Aperitif (at £4.50) and optional appropriate wines to accompany each course (at £5.00 per glass). Other wines, soft drinks etc. will of course also be available.

Pre Booking is essential - please contact us to reserve a place and to arrange payment.

Wednesday 12th June - Quatre Espionnes de la Grande Guerre.  A presentation, in French, by Dr Viv Newman

2024 future programme details to follow.......

Previous Meetings 2024

Wednesday 10th April - Echappée en Normandie. A presentation, in French, by Brigitte Whiteing.

"Grâce à ses paysages d’une incroyable diversité, son patrimoine architectural, culturel, historique et gastronomique, la Normandie est une des régions les plus visitées de France. Ses falaises blanches, plages de sable du débarquement, falaises parmi les plus hautes d’Europe, méandres de la vallée de la Seine, marais du Cotentin, forêts et bocages en font une destination de loisirs, de détente où l’on peut savourer les innombrables produits du terroir et une cuisine riche et savoureuse. Prenons les routes et chemins à la découverte de cette magnifique région."

Wednesday 13th March - Mes recherches genealogiques: La suite. A presentation, in French, by Theresa Higgins.

Wednesday 14th February - The Bayeux Tapestry. A presentation, in English, by professional historian, author, and presenter Kindra Faulks.

Wednesday 10th January - (After) Christmas Lunch - The Old Siege House

Previous Meetings - 2023

Wed 6th December - A cappella singing group “Resonate” with Gwendal Moële, entertained us with Christmas Carols from Europe and Africa. Enjoy a glass of wine on arrival. Members £4.00 Visitors £8.00

Wed 8th November –"Une écrivaine, une peintre et une sculptrice : trois destins pas communs des femmes-artistes aux temps où il n'était facile d'être ni l'une ni l'autre" - A talk (in French and English) By Gosia Edwards.

Wed 11th October - Bridges of France (in English) by Chris Pertee. A fascinating look at bridges ancient and modern.

Wed 13th September – A talk (in French) on Gustave Caillebotte - probably the least known of the Impressionists, he was mainly remembered in France for being a patron and a collector. The rediscovery of his work and life is still in progress and we will explore both in this talk -by Carole Deux.

Wed 21st June – Social evening with French themed Quiz 

Wed 17th May – Prize-winning local musicologist, Peter Holman MBE - a talk in English on 17th century music for Molière.

Wed 3rd May – AGM – An opportunity to review the last twelve months and for members to contribute ideas regarding the future of the Circle - an informal occasion with the purpose of sharing ideas and thoughts as to the way forward.

Wed 19th April – A Musical Evening with Gwendal Moële. Wonderful French and Breton songs performed by Gwendal Moële, accompanied by Paul Riley on the guitar.

"Gwendal Moële & Paul Riley are an established duo who present a programme of 20th century French chansons, including songs by Edith Piaf, Charles Trenet, Jacques Brel and others. Paul’s jazzy, bluesy guitar style is the ideal accompaniment to Gwendal’s powerfully sensitive vocals."

Wed 15th March – Social Evening - “My Favourite Place in France”. Members describe, in French or in English, their favourite place in France, perhaps a region, a town, or maybe even a  restaurant!

Wed 1st March – “L’Occupation Allemande des Îles Anglo-Normandes”. An illustrated talk by Paul Rogers drawing upon his mother’s experiences on the Island of Jersey during the
occupation, and his own research. In French, but with some explanations in English.

Wed 15th February – Social Evening – A French Themed Quiz (in English) to test your knowledge of all things French and have some fun along the way!

Wed 1st February – “L’Intérieur Bourgeois”. Gosia Edwards gave a presentation in French, with some explanations in English, focusing on the second half of the 19th century, especially la Belle Epoque - a very interesting and beautiful moment in history.

Wed 18th January - Social Evening - Scrabble evening, in French, accompanied by wine to celebrate our first meeting of the New Year