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BCA news… Languedoc living with a touch of British |
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Welcome to BCA news with a warm hello to old and new friends alike. It’s been a good summer all round, thanks to a cooler August after the sweltering shock of July. It was great to explore and enjoy this region. We live in a wonderful part of the world for wine-lovers, families and anyone with a penchant for life, love and everything! The BCA starts the year afresh with a new committee full of ideas for us to enjoy association life. Vive le BCA! |
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Coming events… Most important of all - the monthly pub night. Meet from 7.30pm at O’Carolans, Place St Anne, every FIRST Thursday of the month. Free to all comers and a great way to meet people in welcoming surroundings. Next pub meetings, 5 th October and 2 nd |
In case you didn’t know… the BCA was created in 1991 by a group of English people living and working in Montpellier who recognised a need for English speaking people of all nationalities who lived in the area to meet together in a social context and speak English. The main objective remains to provide a social programme for members in English. The programme reflects the varied membership – young, older families, students, retired, professional … - especially through traditionally British events such as Guy Fawkes night, Burns Night, Easter Egg Hunts and so on. But then events relating to the region are also popular such as wine tasting and walks. |
Anyone for culture? Join a group!
As well as events which the BCA has traditionally organised – walks, picnics, visits, wine-tasting and feasts – this year we want to organise group activities. Of course, this is providing there are enthusiastic members to run and attend the activities planned. Why not try…
Play reading group - to meet once or twice a month. A play reading group works well with five or six regular members, who can take turns to read different parts.
Book reading group - to meet once a month to talk about a selected book. Sharing views with others, can provide insights and surprises, which contribute to the initial pleasure (or pain) of the book. At least five regular “contributors” are needed to ensure a rewarding experience.
Language exchange group – For many years this has been suggested and finally the BCA have decided to bend the ‘English only’ rule for events. The group could meet once or twice a month, depending on demand. The group could spend half the time speaking only in French and the rest only in English. It works best with an equal number of French-speaking and English-speaking participants and with two moderators, who suggest discussion topics. Step forward the enthusiasts! – contact the committee to sign up.
Other suggestions for starting a “specific interest” group are welcome. Think of your hobbies – gardening, DIY, creative writing, painting… most hobbies can benefit from sharing experiences and enthusiasms. The possibilities are endless!
The BCA in September - what have you missed so far… The Foire des Associations was yet again well attended, with plenty of enthusiasm for the BCA. This is great news and bodes well for a very successful year ahead. After the pleasant Welcome Evening/AGM Peter started the new season with a informative and jolly walk in the beautiful Botanic Gardens. It sounds like there was a small but enthusiastic band of walkers. There are sure to be plenty more happy moments like this to come. |
The BCA Committee These are the people who work voluntarily to organise events. They need your support; so contribute ideas, join in and help if you can. Peter Schafer– President 04.99.23.21.82 (work) Philip Marchand – Secretary/Acting 04.67.72.55.29 Tony & Claudine Black – Treasurers 04.67.79.60.75 Cecile Haudricourt cecile.haudricourt@numericable.fr 04.30.10.18.81 Philippe Bourcier phbourcier@aol.com 04.67.72.55.29 Helen Bevis newsletter info@bca-montpellier.com Correspondence address as always: BRITISH CULTURAL ASSOCIATION The Bookshop 6 rue de l’Université 34000 Montpellier Website - www.bca-montpellier.com
Join up now! Send your completed membership form (enclosed)and cheque to the Bookshop. Feel free to add a note with your thoughts about the BCA, your opinion on the directory or just a cheery hello! |
A BCA Directory The BCA will publish a directory of members. This will make it easier for members to contact one another, to meet up for BCA events and even discover new ‘near neighbours’. The directory will be exclusive to members, will not be published on the BCA website and will not carry trade advertisements (unless by members). The use of the directory for commercial purposes by direct mail will at all times be barred. Members will shortly receive examples of typical directory entries together with a reply form to provide their addresses and other details.
Rugby Fans wanted! As you know Montpellier will be hosting the Australian rugby team during the 2007 World Cup. The city needs 500 bilingual (English speaking) volunteers qualified in finance, human resources, marketing etc. BCA members are invited to apply. The closing date for recruitment is 31 October 2006. Please contact Laurène ou Sandrine for more details: |
Back passage… |
Adverts… (free to members, just drop us a line to advertise) Be ecological- it works! Large capacity compostor free to a good home. Put your vegetable waste and garden rubbish in the top an shovel out free wholesome compost at the bottom! Unfortunately I don’t need it anymore. Phone 06.16.99.39.28 – soon. It must go! *** English Artisan available for the finishing touch: Fitted Kitchens, Painting and Decorating and other aspects of interior refurbishment. Careful, Clean and Conscientious! David Montgomery 04 99 64 08 91 or 06 87 25 46 13 Binary Suduko…
(with thanks to xkcd.com!) |
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Did you know… IEAM – OUTBOUND are lobbying for an international section where Lycee students can take the International Baccalaureat with English. Currently the nearest section is Aix-en Provence. Even the mayor of Montpellier, Hélène Mandroux, has signed their petition. They also offer a range of workshops for bilingual children. Look at www.ieam.info for more details. |
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This year the BCA is on a mission to change. To start with here’s a ‘new look’ newsletter, nothing fancy (my computer has a very limited scope) but every little helps. To be an effective, active association, the BCA needs strong support from members. Philip suggest we think of it as an orchestra; “if everybody plays we make fine music together. If we rely on a singly harpist we’ll have less music… or perhaps none.” So, send in your ideas, come along to events, offer to organise something. Every little helps. Montpellier needs the BCA and the BCA needs you! Contact one of the committee, or come to a meeting to join in. |