Dear SHTA Members & Friends,
I hope that all’s well with you and that, now the school holidays are here, you’re enjoying traditional activities such as looking for crabs, making sandcastles and bike rides. Or am I just being nostalgic?!
To start this newsletter here’s Vice-Chair Mark Moorhouse’s customary introduction:
In Honfleur, Normandy and France:
August 2025 is an unusually quiet month in Honfleur with no August Regatta or significant anniversary with respect to World War II. So, an ideal opportunityto delve into the background of those renowned long holidays that define summer in France.
Every August, an interesting phenomenon occurs in France known as “les grandes vacances” – as a mass exodus of French people vacate urban life and flock to the coastlines, countryside, and other holiday destinations.
Even in years when global events draw international attention (for example the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris) the tradition persists.The origins of the August break reflect a unique approach to work-life balance, family, and leisure that remains a cornerstone of French culture, regardless of global events.
The tradition of taking a full month off has historical roots that date back all the way to the Middle Ages when Pope Gregory IX granted a one-month holiday to children who attended school to help out with agricultural work. This tradition lasted centuries and was in addition to religious holidays taken throughout the year. Then, during the reign of Napoleon, a summer holiday was extended to six weeks, simply so that the children of the privileged class could get more integrated into the sociable networks.
Over the years, the summer holidays gradually grew longer, but only those who had the means and ability to travel or stop working could afford to take it. This changed in 1936, when The Popular Front, a left-wing coalition of the French government, introduced two weeks of paid annual leave for workers, which many took during the month of August. This legislative change for the working class laid the foundation for the French to embrace the idea of a prolonged summer break,allowing them to escape the daily grind and enjoy quality time with family and friends.
The French value their leisure time and prioritise quality of life over work. This cultural inclination is reflected in their generous annual leave policies and the emphasis on savouring life’s pleasures. The concept of “joie de vivre” or the joy of living, is a fundamental aspect of French culture. Taking time off in August allows people to reconnect with this philosophy, indulging in good food, beautiful landscapes, and meaningful relationships.
The mass departure during August has a significant impact on the French economy and society. Many businesses, particularly smaller ones, close their doors for the entire month, as owners and employees take their holidays. This temporary shutdown can be inconvenient for tourists and locals alike, as they may find themselves navigating empty streets and shuttered stores. However, this break also highlights the importance of rest and work-life balance, a concept that is often overshadowed in more work-centric cultures.
Tourism, on the other hand, thrives during this period. Coastal regions, mountain resorts, and popular tourist destinations see a surge in visitors, both domestic and international. The influx of holidaymakers boosts the hospitality industry, with hotels, restaurants, and local attractions experiencing a busy season. The French government and businesses often prepare for this annual migration, ensuring that the tourism infrastructure can accommodate the seasonal demand.
In recent years, the tradition of taking the entire month of August as holiday has seen some changes. With the rise of flexible work arrangements and digital nomadism, some French people are opting for shorter, more frequent holidays spread throughout the year. However, August remains a symbol of rest and rejuvenation, a time when the nation collectively pauses to recharge.
Moreover, global trends and economic pressures have influenced the way French people approach their holidays. While the tradition of taking August off remains strong, there’s a growing awareness of the importance of sustainable tourism and mindful travel. Many now choose eco-friendly destinations and activities, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards environmental consciousness.
The French tradition of taking the whole month of August as annual leave is more than just a holiday; it’s a cultural statement. It embodies the French commitment to enjoying life, valuing relationships, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. As the population temporarily shifts from the cities, the French August exodus serves as a reminder that sometimes, the best way to appreciate life is to slow down and savour each moment. No matter where the destination may be, the French have perfected the art of living well — and August is their time to celebrate it.
Many thanks, as usual, to Mark for the intro above.
What’s happening in the Sandwich Honfleur Twinning Association?
Last month saw the SHTA Annual General Meeting on Thursday 17th July at Sandwich Guildhall. After the Annual Report and Summary of Accounts for 2024-2025, elections for the new Committee were held with the following results:
- Chair : Stuart Jones
- Vice-Chair: Mark Moorhouse
- Secretary: Steve Thomson
- Treasurer: Steve Laslett
- Committee Member: Carly Cooper
- Committee Member: Siobhan Matthews
- Committee Member: Christine Ratcliffe
- Committee Member: Rick Ratcliffe
As usual, it’s the job of the new Committee now to organise a new programme of events for the coming 12 months, with all of the familiar favourites and possibly a few new ones in for good measure.
Most of you will know that a major part of the programme is the monthly film nights at the Empire Cinema. Apart from arranging the attendance list, drinks and nibbles for these nights, the selection and sourcing of DVDs also need to be ticked off. As for the past couple of years, we have a sub-committee of five whose task is to choose a variety of French films to be shown from September to June. A good number of members, as well as friends in Honfleur, have given us film suggestions for which we’re very grateful. The job of making this selection starts very soon and includes finding a range of genres and, importantly, DVDs with English subtitles.
One film that we’ve already purchased and can tell you about is the first of the season which will be ‘L’Homme du Train’ (English title: ‘The Man on the Train), a 2002 drama directed by Patrice Leconte starring Jean Rochefort and Johnny Hallyday. This will be shown on Wednesday 17th September, so please make every effort to put this in your diary so that we can kick things off with a bumper audience. Here’s a synopsis from Rotten Tomatoes:
“Milan (Hallyday) is a beleaguered old thief who rolls into a small French town with the aim of robbing its bank. However, a chance meeting with a local professor, Monsieur Manesquier (Rochefort), delays his scheme and leads to an unexpected friendship. Milan has grown tired of his adventurous life on the run and wishes to retire in peace; Manesquier craves the danger he’s never known in his bookish existence. Their shared admiration and envy inspires each to follow his dream.”
Before the occasion of our first film, our New Members’ Eveningwill be on Thursday 28th August. Thanks to all of you who have signed up for this already; if you’ve haven’t yet but have joined SHTA within the past 12-18 months, please do reply to this to say that you’d like to join us at The Waiting Room opposite Sandwich Guildhall. We’ll be there from 7.00 pm until around 8.30 pm and there will be a free buffet, a complimentary glass of fizz and a relaxing chat.
New members and long-standing members are all invited to the Jury Room at the Guildhall for a Cheese & Wine Evening on Tuesday 23rd September. There will be samples of 6 different French wines and 6 cheeses, accompanied by a Richard Osman-type quiz (the answer being in the question) and another, a general knowledge one on cheese & wine. All this for a mere £15 per head! We’ve been promoting this event for a couple of months and some people have signed up, but there are still plenty of places available, so do get in touch to secure your spot. You’re guaranteed to have an enjoyable evening with friends.
At this stage of the new SHTA year there are only 2 further dates to give you: Firstly, a reminder that the 2025 Christmas Dinner & Party is at The Bell Hotelin Sandwich on Thursday 11th December with your fizz on arrival at 6.30 pm and the meal starting at 7.00 pm. Please let me know asap if you’d like to attend. We shall be using the upstairs function room with tables of 8; if you would like to get together with friends to arrange a group of 8, that can be arranged.
Secondly, The Group Visit to Sandwich in 2026 by our friends from Honfleurwill be from Thursday 14th – Sunday 17th May. If you feel that you would like to or be able to host a single person, a couple or even more, please do get in touch to help with essential early planning towards making next year’s exchange visit another success.
To get you in the mood, above is a photo of the joint function in June at the Salle des Fêtes showing Sandwich guests with their Honfleur hosts enjoying the music from local band, ‘Les Fauss’airs’.
That’s all the news for now. We look forward to giving you a full programme of events for 2025-2026 in next month’s newsletter.
The Subscription for the coming year remains at £12.50, as agreed by members at the recent AGM; this will be due by the end of September and then you’ll receive your Member’s Card with dates and contact details. Looking forward to seeing you sometime soon,
Best wishes, Stuart, Mark and the Committee.
