Monday 25 November 2013

Week 48 2013



Hello!

One month until Christmas…  that really can’t be true! 

Browsing the photos in Genissac
This weekend we headed off to the Christmas Market in Bergerac at the Orangerie.  And I surpassed myself by finding it first time (those of you who know me, know that I can easily get lost in a carpark – so this was a great result!)  We bought lots of lovely goodies, including homemade mincemeat and we met a wonderful beekeeping lady.

There was also an interesting photo exhibition held in the Cave Co-operative in Genissac.  Photo clubs from the area had all sent a mini exhibition.  I always love the river photos and there were plenty of those!

The Bordeaux Christmas Market opens this week, worth a visit if you have never been, and if not – why not!?!

Whatever you do – have a great week in the Dordogne and Gironde regions.

Best wishes,

Helen


Week 48 2013


Monday 25 November
 
Tuesday 26 November

Wednesday 27 November

27 November 11h – 16h : Coffee Morning and Table top Sale at the Salle de Fetes in Carsac de Gurson.  All funds raised will go towards the Phoenix Association which cares for and rehoming animals in need.  To find out more about this charity go to http://phoenixasso.com/

27 November 21h45 : The Immigrant is showing in VO (English and Polish) at the Grandecran in Libourne.
1920. In search of a new start and the American dream, Ewa Cybulski and her sister Magda sail to New York from their native Poland. When they reach Ellis Island, doctors discover that Magda is ill, and the two women are separated. Ewa is released onto the mean streets of Manhattan while her sister is quarantined. Alone, with nowhere to turn and desperate to reunite with Magda, she quickly falls prey to Bruno, a charming but wicked man who takes her in and forces her into prostitution. And then one day, Ewa encounters Bruno's cousin, the debonair magician Orlando. He sweeps Ewa off her feet and quickly becomes her only chance to escape the nightmare in which she finds herself.  Starring Marion Cotillard, Joaquin Phoenix and Jeremy Renner.

Thursday 28 November

28 November 19h30 : The Immigrant is showing in VO (English and Polish) at the Grandecran in Libourne.

Friday 29 November

29 November 14h30 : The Russian Army Choir will be performing Christmas Carols and other musical numbers at the Eglise Saint-Jean Place Saint-Jean
33500 LIBOURNE
Tél : 05 57 51 15 04

29 November 20h : Soiree Whiskies du Monde at Domiane des Collines in Branne.  If whiskies are your tipple of preference then this could be the event for you, including Whisky tasting and a buffet dinatoire. €15.  To reserve and find out more call 06 76 81 53 36/ collinesdelahge@gmail.com

30 November 16h : The Immigrant is showing in VO (English and Polish) at the Grandecran in Libourne.
 
29 November  - 29 December : Christmas Market in Bordeaux.  Situated in the Allees du Tourney, the Bordeaux Christmas Market is all you need to put you in the mood for seasonal festivities.  At one end Father Christmas can be found in his grotto, right next to a forest of Christmas trees.  I don’t know where else you would find a tree in the centre of the city, and as you walk through the little wooden huts there are stalls selling mulled wine and roasted chestnuts mixed in with artisanal gift stands from all over the world.  Worth a visit, if only to look and soak up the atmosphere.  Open from 10h30 – 20h throughout the week, and late night to 21h on Fridays and Saturdays.

Saturday 30 November

30 November 10h – 16h : Dordogne Ladies Club are holding their Christmas Fair at the Orangerie in Bergerac (not difficult to find – honest – it’s just off the big roundabout near the cinema)  There will be lots of lovely Christmassy things to buy.



















 
30 November 17h : Si Sainte-Terre m’était contee.  A historic tale set in Ste Terre is retold to 2 children with the help of performance and songs  at the Notre Dame Church at Ste Terre.  To see more go to http://www.saint-emilion-tourisme.com/fr/agenda.html?m=11&id=875

30 November : Week-end Africain at Cabara.  Workshops and performances with the company Tamany.  For more details call 06 87 12 17 33

Sunday 1 December

1 December : The weekly Marche des Puces is in  Rauzan - the restaurant is no longer there, but there is always something different to see on the stalls.

1 December 20h30 : The Immigrant is showing in VO (English and Polish) at the Grandecran in Libourne.

1 December : Vide Grenier at Monsegur




















1 December : Vide Tout at Branne
Coming up...













And finally…

Does anyone know where there will be some Christmas Church services held over the coming weeks?  Previously there have been carol services with the re-telling of the Christmas story in Gensac, or St Antoine, but so far this year I haven’t heard of any.  Please can you let me know if you hear of any?  Thank you.

Monday 18 November 2013

Week 47 2013



Hello!

During the month of November each year, Movember asks men across the world to grow a moustache with the aim of raising vital funds and awareness for men’s health issues. Guys then start Movember 1st with a clean-shaven face and for the remainder of the month dedicate themselves to growing a fine moustache.

Once again our boys have taken up the challenge of cultivating some facial topiary.  If you would like to find out more about the cause and how you can make a donation please go to http://fr.movember.com/team/1089497

In the meantime, wrap up warm and enjoy the events that are happening in the Gironde and 
Dordogne regions.

Best wishes,

Helen


Week 47 2013


Monday 18 November


Tuesday 19 November


Wednesday 20 November

20 November : The autumn annual fair in the Centre of Ste Foy.

20 – 23 November : Photographic Exhibition at the Salle de Cascante in Castillon on the theme of
Women in the Countryside.

Thursday 21 November


Friday 22 November

22 November : Chateau Les Vigiers hosts the Swing Berries 4tet for an evening of Swing.  For more details http://www.jazzpourpre.com/vigiers2.html

Saturday 23 November

23 November : Guitarist DAN JONES is in Concert at the Restaurant La Poutre at Beaupouyet, playing classical music from around the world. 
Please remember to reserve at the restaurant.  Beaupouyet is just South of the N89 between Montpon and Mussidan.

 

















Sat 23rd Nov  10 - 5 and Sunday 24th Nov. 10 - 4.
The 'Association Artists et Artisans Dordogne Sud' (AAADS) is a fairly new association formed to support local artisans/artists in providing an outlet for their work. It is a main objective of the association to encourage new artisans/artists who can be a little wary for many reasons to start exhibiting their products. I am pleased to say that we have some new and exciting exhibitors displaying things ideal for Xmas presents alongside some of our favourite exhibitors. Please find time to pop in and see us at l'Orangerie on  Refreshments and delicious food prepared by 'Bonnie' will be available all day. The Orangerie is in the Rue Lakanal which is the road behind the Tourist Office near to the Clinic Pasteur. Many thanks.
John Williams
President AAADS

 23 - 24 November 14h - 17h : If you are a keen knitter (or want to become one) then why not visit Joyce and have a look at the wools that she has in stock.You can pick up all the yarns you need for your winter projects. Check out her web site at http://www.albayarns.com/

23 November 16h : Inside Llewyn Davis is showing in VO at La Breche cinema in Ste Foy.
Follow a week in the life of a young folk singer as he navigates the Greenwich Village folk scene of 1961. Guitar in tow, huddled against the unforgiving New York winter, he is struggling to make it as a musician against seemingly insurmountable obstacles -- some of them of his own making.  Starring  Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan and John Goodman

Sunday 24 November – Stir up Sunday 

24 November : Weekly Marche des Puces in Rauzan

24 November : All things musical at the Vide Grenier in Branne.

24 November : Marche de Noel at St Magne de Castillon

24 November 15h30 : a choir concert in the Church at Coursac (just South of the A89, 5 minutes east of St Astier)  See the poster and the details of the charity who will benefit from the proceeds of the day.

 
















Coming up…





















And finally…

Fruit ready to soak overnight...
Stir up Sunday is traditionally the last Sunday before advent and it’s the day when families get together to make the Christmas pudding and Christmas cake.  Historically the whole family would take it in turns to stir the cake and make a wish and the recipes were often handed down through the generations.
I love a good tradition, but I never make the same recipe twice and this year I even got the date wrong… I made our cake last weekend!  It just means that it has extra time for the flavours to develop (and with any luck I shall feed it with Sherry and extra time!)
To see the recipe I chose for this year go to http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/8162/sherry-and-almond-christmas-cake  
Let's get ready to stir...



 
Finally, out of the oven.

Monday 11 November 2013

Week 46 2013



Hello!

Rauzan Winter Puces
There are plenty of signs that autumn is here... the leaves are all changing colour and blowing everywhere, the clocks have gone back an hour, mushrooms are popping up everywhere and this morning I heard the cranes flying overhead – now I’m sure winter can’t be far away!

There are good things too – the excuse to snuggle beside the fire with a glass of something warming!  And of course there’s the Winter Flea Market in Rauzan.  We braved the rain on Sunday to see what there was, and there were plenty of stalls inside.
So much to look through...

Christmas markets are starting up – if you have an event in the Gironde and Dordogne regions that you’d like me to add, just send me the information and I’ll put it into the relevant sections.  Thank you for your continuing contributions.

Have a great week,

Best wishes,

Helen


Week 46 2013

 
Monday 11 November – Remembrance Day  

11 November : Grande Foire de la Saint Martin in Duras

Tuesday 12 November

12 November 20h15 : Inside Llewyn Davis is showing at the Grandecran in English (VO). http://www.grandecran.fr/libourne/
Follow a week in the life of a young folk singer as he navigates the Greenwich Village folk scene of 1961. Guitar in tow, huddled against the unforgiving New York winter, he is struggling to make it as a musician against seemingly insurmountable obstacles -- some of them of his own making.  Starring Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan and John Goodman.
 
Wednesday 13 November

Thursday 14 November

Friday 15 November

15 November 16h : Inside Llewyn Davis is showing at the Grandecran in English (VO). http://www.grandecran.fr/libourne/

15 November 18h : Painting exhibition  at Château Grand Barrail Lamarzelle Figeac – La Cave Dorth.  The exhibition runs until 15 December.


15 November : Jazz concert in Libourne at Grand Café de l'Orient.  The concert is the 3rd Friday of each month from October through to June.

15 November 20h15 : Le Nozze di Figaro is showing at the Grandecran in Libourne.  This is the performance from the Glyndebourne Festival in 2012.  To read a review go to http://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/jun/28/le-nozze-di-figaro-review

15 – 16  - 17 November : The Salon des Createurs et des Ateliers d’Art at Hangar 14 in Bordeaux.  It's a great place to find gifts that are a little different, and a little exotic - pack your cheque book and credit card...
Entrance €6.50 but if you go to the website you can get a reduced price ticket for €4 with a voucher you present at the door. http://salon-ateliersdart.com/

Saturday 16 November

16 November : Monteton Christmas Fair.

16 November 17h -21h : Samedi jeux.  Held in the Salle des fetes in Pujols, an evening of card games and board games for everyone.

 

















16 – 17 November : Marche de Noel at Chateau de Camarsac.  It's one of the only times the chateau itself is open to the public and it’s a very nice place to start the Christmas season. http://www.camarsac.com/actualites.asp?mode=all&id=81
 
16 – 17 – 18 November : Expo Vente ‘Creations’ At the Salle Cascante in Castillon an exhibition/sale  of various arts and crafts.

16 & 17 November : Rugby
To all those interested in Rugby, whether as a player, an ex-player or just a lover of the game, there is a weekend of rugby which might entice you away from the fireside and watching England v New Zealand on the television.
On Saturday 16th November at Stade Robert Boulin in Libourne starting at 2pm, there is a tournament for Veterans – The Vinovalies.  This brings teams from around France, North Spain and England.  This year, for the 5th time, a team from my club, The Dartfordians, will be trying to uphold the honour of England. Nearly 50 players and supporters make up their party. At the finish of play there is a large beer tent where all the players and their supporters gather and enjoy the friendship which is typical of rugby supporters from wherever they come from.
Ron Marsh – ronald.marsh@wanadoo.fr for further information.

Sunday 17 November
 
17 November : Christmas Market in Libourne.

17 November : Winter Marches du Puces in Rauzan, it’s back for 5 months, every Sunday, so wrap up warm (honestly it’s the coldest place in the world with the concrete floors and no windows to let the sunlight in) and go and find that hidden treasure – don’t be afraid to ask the price and haggle!

On Sunday 17th November, the Dartfordians are being hosted by US Bergerac to watch their game against St. Junien.  The game kicks off at 3.30 pm in Stade Gaston Simounet which is in front la Salle Anatole France in  Bergerac.  Before the match at 1 pm you can enjoy a lunch, menu Perigourdin, including wine, for 30 Euros which includes entry into the match.  Reservations for this to M. Andre Nouguey, 06 26 91 14 11, before Wednesday 13 November.   At half time drinks and BBQ are available and after the match the bar will be open for drinks and snacks whilst enjoying the unique ambiance of rugby.  I hope to see you there.
Ron Marsh – ronald.marsh@wanadoo.fr for further information.

17 November 17h : Les Ronfles present Les amantes religieuses at the Salles des Fetes in Castillon la Bataille.


17 November 20h30 : Inside Llewyn Davis is showing at the Grandecran in English (VO). http://www.grandecran.fr/libourne/














Coming up…




















And finally…

I was watching the mushrooms growing on the driveway.  My friend says they're edible... hmmm... I'm not so sure, so I've left them alone!