Bonjour à tous
I never thought I would be writing a newsletter with war raging on our European continent. All our thoughts are, we are sure, with our fellow Europeans in Ukraine. With events moving so fast it’s difficult to know what will happen next or what the response of European countries will be. I’m sure we are all keeping our fingers crossed for a speedy resolution to the war.
In the meantime we keep watching the news with trepidation. Looking to the year ahead, the SHTA committee have developed an interesting and fun programme hopefully with something for everyone. There are new events and old favourites.
Starting with our next French film night on Wednesday 16th March at Sandwich’s Empire cinema. As usual doors open for a 7.30pm start. This months film is a change to previously advertised and is “Dialogue avec mon jardinier” (conversations with my gardener) a comedy/drama. A successful artist, tired of Paris life, returns to the country to live in his childhood home. His gardener is a former school friend…….
Pre-booking is essential to Jan Cooper at jannicooper@icloud.com. Payment, £7.50 per person, on the door and correct money please if possible. As usual our cash bar will be open. If you prefer to pay in advance please transfer money to account Sandwich Honfleur Twinning Association, sort code 30 90 09, account 42027168. Please reserve your place quickly as in recent months we have had a waiting list and we hate to disappoint anyone. And one plea! If you have to cancel for any reason, please let Jan know in advance wherever possible so we don’t turn people away.
The list of films planned through to July are on the SHTA web site and each will be highlighted in the monthly newsletter.
Now, below is your print out and keep SHTA 2022 events diary……..
In May, at long last after two Covid cancellations, we have the second of our sell-out Bangers & Boules evening at The Anchor pub in Wingham. This is exactly as it says on the tin, a Boules competition followed by a Bangers & Mash supper in the pub. Naturally a veggie option will be available too. Planned for Thursday 26th May, full details soon and if you would like to book your place email me, David, at davidbbty@gmail.com.
Also in May is the first of two informal “picnic on the quay” lunches on Monday 23rd May with the second on Monday 15th August. Bring your own picnic and chairs for an informal get together starting at 12.30pm.
In June we have the long-awaited visit from friends in Honfleur from Friday 3rd June to Monday 6th June. Look out for a separate email message with details of the weekend, including an update from Stuart Jones who is continuing to act as our liaison with Honfleur for this years visit.
The following weekend Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th June, SHTA will take a stall at Sandwich’s Le Weekend festival and if you can help “person” the stand for one hour during the weekend please email Steve Laslett at Steve.laslett@blgservices.co.uk
Moving into July, we have a new event suggested by Lynne Hammond, called Love Your France on Thursday 7th July at the No Name Bistro in Sandwich, starting at 7.00pm. Members can share personal experience and little known insights of a region of France they love, perhaps by living there or having a second home. A convivial French evening with charcuterie, fromage and wine. For more information contact David at davidbbty@gmail.com.
The SHTA AGM follows on Thursday 14th July in the Jury Room, Sandwich Guildhall.
Autumn see us organise a wine and cheese evening with a new twist. This time we will be able to compare and contrast English and French cheeses and wine. This idea, put forward by new member Alison Farmer, will be on Saturday 15th October in the Sandwich Guildhall.
And for those that like to plan their Christmas far in advance the 2022 SHTA Christmas dinner will be on Saturday 10th December at the Kings Arms, Sandwich.
There’s more! Another new member Cary Morrison has suggested a French book discussion group/exchange. Cary has offered to lead the first session and if you are interested in joining please contact Cary at carymorrison@hotmail.com
And finally we are pleased to welcome Steve Thomson as a co-opted member of the SHTA committee.
Written by David and Steve with input from Chris, Jan, Siobhan, Rick, Mark and Steve T.