Category: Past Events

Posted on

Visit to St-Sauveur-Le-Vicomte, The Château

The Chateau

Once again, our excellent guide and historian, Simon Tasset, brought another piece of Normandy stone to life and, in his inimitable style, allowed us all to imagine the reality of an earlier time.

He explained the relevance and importance of the site of this ancient château, originally of timber construction in a motte and bailey format, at this river crossing. The river itself had been diverted from its initial course to enhance the defence of the chateau. A church on the site had been recorded as early as the time of the French Duke of Normandy, Richard the Good (980 – 1026).

We learned of the ambitions and political strategies of one of its earliest documented owners, the colourful and war-hungry baron, Geoffroy d’Harcourt. His ambitions and aspirations had consequences far beyond St Sauveur and even Normandy, influencing English history and creating a link to England that materialised in its reconstruction in stone by English stone masons. In many respects it was considered locally as an English castle and remained a robust architectural statement until seriously damaged by the RAF in 1944.

Geoffroy, you see, was not a peace-loving baron and had military arguments with his close neighbours as well as further abroad (Flanders War). After a “private war” with baron Robert Bertan of Briquebec he was forced into exile, fleeing to England (1343) where he acknowledged the sovereignty of Edward III. He later assisted Edward to land in Normandy prior to the Battle of Crécy. Despite such treachery he was forgiven by the French king, Philippe de Valois, who bestowed upon him the responsibility of defending Lower Normandy. However old habits die hard with the treacherous and Geoffroy next supported a contender to the French throne, Charles of Navarre and he organised military action on behalf of Charles. He was killed in a skirmish, but not until after he had already bequeathed the castle of St Sauveur and it’s sovereignty to the English king in his will.

Geoffroy had spent much time and expense rebuilding the castle in stone and refortifying it to make it ready to receive the King of England. The French king, Philippe de Valois had confiscated the castle (1343) but after Geoffroy’s royal pardon in 1346 Philippe allowed him to continue with the rebuilding programme.

Understandably the two periods of English occupation of the castle at each end of the Hundred Years War (1357 – 1375 by Edward III and 1420 – 1450 by Henry V and Henry VI) were not popular with the French who laid siege twice.

The fortifications undertaken by Geoffroy included the perimeter stone walls with towers which replaced the timber palisades of the interior space of the chateau which was formerly referred to as the barnyard. There was also a dungeon documented and that can be seen to be the ground floor level of the large, remaining keep tower. Note the absence of windows on the ground.

Simon had a particularly large Harry Potter style ancient key in his hand and he used it to open the door of the keep. The dungeon level had no windows and was dark and inhospitable. A narrow, steep spiral staircase in the corner took us up to the first level, a large single room which had a huge fireplace and windows as well as a higher ceiling. The integral mantel of the very wide fireplace is testimony to the work of an English Master Mason since it differs from the more superficially attached French mantels of the time.

The second storey of the keep Simon described as Royal private sleeping quarters, with a somewhat more secretive and intimate nature, accessed by steps down into the room from the spiral staircase, thus allowing some soundproofing from the traffic on the staircase. The quarters also had the luxury of a loo hidden in the opposite corner to the entrance comprising of a hole in the floor. The third storey were guards quarters and we did not visit them due to the unsafeness of the floor. From an arched window on the second floor we could see the Abbey buildings in the distance behind pine trees. On exiting the keep we walked into the courtyard where we noticed the rise in the air temperature outside. One boundary of the courtyard is a fine fifteenth century stone building dating from Henry V’s occupation, with a chapel attached (photos bottom right). This large building gave access to the kitchens (first floor) which in turn had earlier connected to the adjacent Keep tower on the first level via an elevated timber walkway. The adjoining chapel building is now a visitors’ information office.

The interior of the perimeter curtain wall shows evidence of previous adjoining rooflines of ancillary buildings within the courtyard of the castle. There was obviously greater accommodation in an earlier era since Louis XIV turned it into a hospital in 1598 and it was also used as a prison during the French Revolution. Truly a chateau Polyvalente!

Another fine piece of active imaging by Simon …. Thank you.

Posted on

Annual General Meeting -Tuesday 9 April 2019

Tuesday began with an uncertain sky, the sort that encourages you to take an umbrella, which, of course, guarantees later sunshine, rendering the umbrella completely unnecessary. Our welcome at Le Poulailler was, as always, warm and friendly and the coffee and small viennoiseries were much appreciated. Before ten o’clock Anglophones had already started to gather to the bemusement of the solitary French local who had obviously anticipated a quiet few minutes for his coffee. I explained to him that we were Anglophones congregating for our annual meeting and he was surprised to learn that so many of us were residents, not tourists.

The Membership Secretary and his PA were kept busy with a continuous supply of membership renewals and cheques. Loik was kept busy with a continuous request for hot drinks. What a perfect place it is to meet! And, of course, the sky brightened, and we started to make our way in the cool April sunshine to Les Unelles for the meeting. Some thirty members attended in La Salle Jules Barbey D’Aurevilly. Who was Jules Barbey D’Aurevilly you may ask? Well, not just an obscure French name but actually a Byronesque literary figure, born in St Sauveur-le-Vicomte who was appreciated by Baudelaire and known for his dandyism and snobbery, adopting an aristocratic lifestyle and hinting at a mysterious past although his youth and childhood were actually relatively uneventful. His novels were famed for their risqué subjects. Weird Women, The She Devils and Happiness in Crime have each been translated into English if you are curious.

The President welcomed members to the meeting in an apologetic style, fearful that members might find the proceedings less than exciting. But how wrong could she be? Ahead of us was a treasurer’s report, the voting for the re-adoption of the charity, Les Sauveteurs en Mer for another year, news of three committee members who were giving notice of leaving the committee after three years of service and the cajoling of members to become new committee members.

There was a vote taken regarding whether or not the Association should apply for affiliation with the British Community Committee in France, which is an umbrella organisation of British associations in France, coordinating information on their activities and also able to represent their interests towards the British Embassy as well as the government in the UK. A strong majority of members voted in favour of making an application. The President advised members that this would be her last year so next April the Association will be looking for a new President too.

After the meeting the lunch at La Pergola was a pleasant opportunity to sit on the longest table in Coutances and shout at each other. We enjoyed good food which was efficiently served. My jambon in a cider sauce was delicious and the pizzas looked excellent. If you deserved it you got rhubarb tart and ice cream too.

Write up and photo’s courtesy of members.

Posted on

Anglophones go Bowling- March 2019

On the evening of 15 March approximately sixteen Anglophones with a few guests assembled at the Bowling Alley at Coutances. For those who’ve never been there, “Le Yeti” Bowling is next to the Ice Rink (le Patinoire) on the Rue des Carrieres Saint-Michel opposite La Foir’ Fouille. The whole set up was very similar to that which I knew from family outings in South London in the 1990s. On our night it was quite quiet and we could use three lanes, so the action was fast and furious. Fortunately for many of us, a bar was available.

Raimund had had the bright idea of reviving what had once been a regular social event for the group. I don’t know when the last event took place, but with a few obvious exceptions, most of the participants had not held a bowling bowl for at least twenty years and, perhaps, that’s what made the evening so much fun. As a result of practice, lots of mutual encouragement and top-ups from the bar, everyone’s bowling improved. That is at least to the extent that most attempts led to the ball actually going in the right direction, staying out of the gutter and even knocking a few skittles over.

There was an abundance of laughter and banter throughout the evening. Everyone agreed that it had been a very enjoyable occasion. We’re most grateful to Raimund for his initiative and the time he spent organising the evening and ensuring its success. Please do it again soon!

Write up and photo courtesy of members.

Posted on

Bring a Plate, Darts and Quiz- February 2019

I was delighted to be asked to report on the darts and quiz event at Jaques and Catherine’s beautiful house. The day was perfect, considering we are at the mid-point of February! What could be more British than sharing a few drinks, a sumptuous feed and a game of darts with good friends, to say nothing of Dave’s excellent quiz.

That was exactly what we all enjoyed this Sunday. The spread, provided by all of those present, was varied, plentiful and superbly judged, old favourites combined with exciting dishes, new to many of us. It was then on to a gut-busting selection of puddings.

I think, like many others, that our committee had chosen a perfect event in the ideal setting, providing a much-needed respite from the dreariness of winter. The joyous assembly was sadly marred by Catherine’s illness, which had forced her to remain in bed. She was most sadly missed as our “hostess with the mostest” although the redoubtable Jaques did a fine job in filling the void. We all wish her a rapid and complete recovery, but also pass our thanks to the committee who enabled the event to be another roaring success.

Thank you all, and a special thank you to Alan for his guidance through the mysteries of darts, a sport clearly new to many, but one that they will not now forget.

Write up and photos courtesy of members.

Posted on

Burns Lunch – 25th January 2019

It may, initially, seem a little incongruous for a group of English speaking people to assemble on Robbie Burns’ birthday to celebrate him and his poetry but, as you can imagine, the opportunity to use the occasion to share a haggis and a wee dram was too inviting for most of us to miss.

Needless to say it was a sharp frost that January morning but the welcome at Les Unelles was warm and the committee members had been hard at work preparing the tables which were beautifully prepared in blue and tartan, decorated with votives and sprays of heather.

Tartan drapes also festooned the rails. A portrait of a young, confident and debonair Robert Burns was displayed at the entrance, leaving no ambiguity as to why we were there. It was a pleasant opportunity to mingle and chat with a welcome drink in our hand and, with interesting aromas escaping from the distant kitchen where the haggis luncheon was being prepared, a treat was anticipated.

The presentation of the haggis was wonderfully orchestrated and, with distant bagpipes echoing around, the ceremony began. Kerry, dressed in a wonderful kilt, brought some haggis up from the kitchen on a ceremonial platter to be admired by all and then Jock gave us a real treat by addressing the haggis, reciting Burns’ Ode to a Haggis, all from memory, and in the original version too.

The haggis were then taken back to the kitchen for serving and were shortly returned to the table accompanied by tatties and neeps as well as that wee dram. The flavours were superb.
A vegetarian option had been prepared which most people needed to sample out of curiosity. It was all a very successful arrangement of flavours, beautifully cooked by Polly. I am reliably informed that no haggis suffered unnecessarily in the making of this meal, other than the indignity of being cooked and eaten by Sassenachs. Second helpings were available, in fact I think I had a third. A beautifully creamy, oats and raspberry Cranachan desert followed.

After the meal we had the pleasure of hearing John McA (note the Mc) talk about the life, issue and poetry of Robert Burns. John had done some considerable research into the subject and had produced a leaflet for us all. It was most informative. I got a little confused by the complexity of the numerous issue of Robbie Burns, and so too did Mr Burns, it would appear. John also recited a Burns poem — To a Mouse – on Turning up in Her Nest with the Plough, November 1785:
 
Wee, sleekit, cowrin, tim’rous beastie,
O what a pannic’s in thy breastie!
 
John, of course, got a very appreciative round of applause for his research and entertaining presentation. Now a few more English speaking men and women know more than they ever did about Robert Burns. The event was very nicely themed and brought to something of an exhaustive conclusion with first a demonstration of some Scottish Country dancing by the Dance Group, and then some energetic wheeling and slipping by several other members who were invited to join in.

Great fun was had by all.
A final “Thank You” was given to all responsible for this very enjoyable entertainment and feast — the members of our committee, Kerry, Jock, John and the chef. Several people remarked how nice it had been and were particularly appreciative of the themed nature of the afternoon – “ It would be nice to do another themed event in the future.” Suggestions, on a postcard please, to the committee, complete with offers of contributions.

Posted on

Christmas Lunch – Auberge de L’Abbaye d’ Hambye – 7th December

Despite having only been a local resident for 18 months, I’ve learned 2 very important things about the Association Anglophone’s annual Christmas lunch.

 

 

 

 

 

First, it’s advisable to wrap up very well for the occasion, as winter seems to feel that it has a standing invitation and always greets the day with an icy blast. Second, it’s probably the most important social event of the Association’s year from the point of view of both attendance and cumulative merriment. Indeed, it’s so important that it really deserves 2 reviewers.
The first was provided by our friend – let’s call her Mrs S – when we delivered her back from the event to her home and hubby, Ebeneezer, who’d preferred to stay at home listening to Brexit news and was in dire need of seasonal cheer.
Her responses to him went as follows. How was the restaurant? – Beautiful – and the food? – Delicious – Lots of people there? – about 80, so I need a rest! – and with that she disappeared upstairs, having said all that needed to be said.Even so, I feel the event deserves a little extra description. The venue and meal were indeed as described by Mrs S, but it should be stressed that the restaurant was especially warm, light and spacious, whilst service was efficient and friendly.

 

The general consensus seemed to be that the Committee had done well to find a venue, which added to the pleasures of the occasion. In particular, its lay-out facilitated mingling and mingling is an essential aspect of this event as everyone wants to take every opportunity to greet old friends, swap news not to mention gossip and extend festive invitations. In fact, so extensive and noisy was the mingling, that it led to Mrs S’s sole factual error, because by my count there were just under 50 guests present, not the 80 or so that she and others understandably believed.
Suffice it to say that chatter and hilarity prevailed for over 4 hours and a good time was had by all. We benefited from the stentorian tones of Jacques, who alone could call the assembly to order and establish the silence necessary for such essentials as thanks being given to the Committee and the restaurant staff and most important of all, the auction of table settings and the raffle, which was ably and impartially conducted by Jean-Christian.


Finally, I understand that the resplendent Christmas crackers, which adorned the tables, were donated by Cheryl and Sean even though they couldn’t attend. Very generous indeed, though personally it would be appreciated if in future crackers without jokes could be provided, as I’m worried that my reply to a request, from the non-English speaking lady who was sat next to me, to explain the pun involving an elephant’s trunk, which had fallen into her starter, may have irreparably set back Anglo-French relations.

Write up and photos courtesy of members.

Posted on

Belgian Lunch – 17th November 2018

Odds on that when Catherine and Jacques originally planned and proposed a date  for their‘Belgian Lunch’, they never dreamt that it would coincide with the first day of mass ‘Gilets Jaunes’protests throughout France where main roads were blocked. Nevertheless with members of theAnglophone Association having booked their places, with our ‘Gilets Jaunes’ on the dashboard, all made it to the event!

The other thing that this date coincided with was that it was the first day of extremely cold weather to hit Normandy, but a warm welcome met us as we arrived at Catherine and Jacques’ home, LeBretonnière. They not only have a lovely house but also have a huge barn that has been converted into a ‘Salle de Fetes’! Wine, canapés and nibbles were offered on arrival and this got everyone in party mood!

The meal was excellent starting with Chicory wrapped in Ham, followed by a Beef and Kidney or just Beef Stew with Mash Potatoes AND Braised Apples all washed down with wine, water or what ever anyone fancied. The dessert ‘Dame Blanche’ was well prepared and went down a treat with everyone,the chocolate sauce was excellent and we have to presume that it was Belgian Chocolate that Catherine had prepared to pour over the ice cream that was then topped with Chantilly.

During the meal the sun came out and many guests took a stroll in the land that surrounds LeBretonnière – the sun always adds the ‘well being’ factor and coupled with a most convivial afternoon,this date gets added to the list of memorable functions planned and held by the AnglophoneAssociation and its members. A BIG thank you to Catherine and Jacques for taking the time and putting in all the effort to prepare the lovely lunch AND for inviting members of the Association to their home.

Write up and photos courtesy of members.

Posted on

Le Poulailler and the AGM at Les Unelles – 24th April 2018

Some thirty members met on Tuesday morning at Le Poulailler for coffee and viennoiseries prior to the AGM.  This was a chance to renew their membership and to meet with friends old and new for a chat. Our friendly host was busy preparing
drinks for the growing number of members arriving.
The business of the day was soon under way at Les Unelles. This year, there was a short presentation from our previous charity, Parentibus, who explained the organisation
and how the charity had grown recently. Our President presented Parentibus with a cheque for 650€.


Later in the meeting, Louise reported on the activities of the
Association during the previous year.

Three new members of the Committee were voted in, a charity was selected and a raffle won. Members stayed chatting after the meeting for some time before walking to
the La Taverene du Parvis for lunch.

Write up and photos courtesy of members

Posted on

Day out to Giverny – 20th April 2018

For our trip to Giverny, near Vernon, we were blessed with perhaps the
warmest day of the year. Due to an early start we arrived in Giverny
before it became very busy and we had a wonderful opportunity to see
the garden without crowds of other visitors.  After a cold spring the tulips were still glorious and the blossom was breathtakingly beautiful throughout the village.

Monet’s house has also been re-created in its original style using many of Monet’s own furniture, fittings and artefacts.

We had an enjoyable and memorable day.

Write up and photos courtesy of members.

Posted on

New Year and our 25th Anniversary Year – 13 January 2018

More than forty members met to celebrate the New Year and our Anniversary Year at Chris R’s gîte, where a generous spread of buffet food, Galettes des Rois and an anniversary celebration cake was provided by the Committee and accompanied by Crémant d’Alsace.

Annette, our founder member, attended and was quizzed by many about the early days of the Association,before cutting the cake.

Members were able to browse a selection of earlier Newsletters, photographs and the archive of the records of the Association, which charts its activities and events from 1993.
Louise’s speech confirmed that the Association was going from strength to strength with an ever increasing variety of activities and interest groups.

Write up of the visit and photos courtesy of members.