Post AGM News

The Annual General Meeting took place on Friday 22nd January 2010 at the Golf Club in Autun.  Some 28 members were in attendance (best turnout in the history of the Association!).  In addition several apologies for absence were received from other members who were either currently back in the UK, travelling overseas or just not able to attend this year.  Many thanks to everyone who made it to this important event in the calendar and for your support, positive participation and in particular ideas and offers of help for future events.   With your help the committee aims to build on the successes of 2009 and to hold even more events and widen the appeal of the Association to current and future members.

Plans for 2010 ..............

It is proposed that we continue to organise our regular monthly rendez-vous during 2010.  Some will follow the traditional lunch format, some a less expensive coffee morning hosted by a member and some will be "fun activity" get togethers.  Keep an eye on the home page, the forum and also the calendar for further details of events over the coming months. 

We will also continue to organise the popular book swaps.  Subject to finding sufficient hosts these will be monthly on the first Sunday of each month.  Anyone willing to host a book swap in their home should contact us on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it so that we confirm the dates asap.

New for this year ............

One of our members, Sandra Forshaw, mooted the idea of a Book Reading Group (henceforth to be affectionately known as BFBRG).  As there appeared to be some real interest in this idea at the AGM, we would like to get things moving on this so Sandra has very kindly offered to organise a get-together at her home to discuss the format, frequency and venue of meetings.  The first book will then be chosen. 

Members who might like to take part should contact us by email by 10th February at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Responses will be forwarded to Sandra who will co-ordinate things and put the necessary wheels in motion.  No literary expertise is necessary to participate, just a love of reading and a willingness to voice an opinion.  The BFBRG would be an opportunity for like-minded people to meet over a glass of wine (or cup of tea!) to chat about a book that has been read by all, and enjoyed (or not!) thus keeping the little grey cells duly occupied or social contacts going.

Another popular idea was the creation of a Walking Group with a regular series of walks around the region, to be graded according to ability and stamina!  New committee member Antje Seele together with members and keen walkers Jo and Graham Bridgeman will be co-ordinating this initiative.  Anyone interested should again contact us on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it in the first instance.  Watch out for details of walks on the forum and the calendar!

We have many more suggestions and ideas for events this year which are now in the planning stage and we hope to include in the calendar soon.  Watch out for further announcements.

Forthcoming Events

Next Book Swap - Sunday 7th February 2010 - to be hosted by Suzanne Struck and Jan Elias - details on the calendar.

February and March rendez-vous - Bowling Evening in Autun and a return visit to Chez Shao chinese restaurant in Le Creusot.  Details to be announced shortly.

Finally, many thanks to all our hosts and helpers in 2009.  Without you we couldn't possibly do it.  If you are able to help us again this year or to offer your support for the first time please don't hesitate!