Pangbourne Twinning Association magazine article March /April

Fête des Rois

In early January we enjoyed our “Fête des Rois” annual celebration of The Three Kings  or Twelfth Night dinner at The George Hotel.

Congratulations to Marilyn Grundrill who was the lucky winner of the” Fève”, a miniature statue hidden inside the specially made “Galette des Rois”- ‘Cake of the Kings’, made for us by the chef at The George. Thank you for the Galette, it was delicious. In France this would have meant that Marilyn was crowned Queen for the evening, but at our dinner she was just rewarded with a bottle of fizz.

Picture of Marilyn

French film night at Pangbourne Village Hall.

On the last Sunday of each month we have enjoyed the winter French Film season at the Village Hall. In January and February, we watched the hugely popular “Jean de Florette” and its sequel “Manon des Sources”, two fabulous films starring Gérard Depardieu and Daniel Auteuil, two of the most well-known and famous French stars.

We now look forward to the March film. Please note that it is not on the final Sunday of the month because that is the Easter weekend. Our film for March will be shown on Sunday 23rd when we will enjoy “Un beau soleil intérieur” (Let the Sunshine In), a 2017 French romantic drama directed by Claire Denis and starring Juliette Binoche.

In April on Sunday 28th the film will be “Paris” a 2008 French comedy drama written and directed by Cédric Klapich. Starring an ensemble cast, the film depicts the stories of a diverse group of people living in Paris. Over the course of several months, various stories are intertwined, with different characters and plot threads intersecting.

Why not join us for these last two films of the season. Doors open at 6.45. There will be a chance to buy a glass of wine or a beer before the film starts at 7.30.

 

Exchange visit to Houdan, a beautiful small town near Paris.

We are also making plans for our visit to France for the Early May Bank Holiday (Friday 3rd to Monday 6th). We are welcoming some tennis players from the club in Pangbourne who will be joining us for the first time to play in a fun mixed tournament organised by the Houdan Tennis Club during the weekend.  If you are a tennis player from any of the local clubs around Pangbourne and you think you might like to join us we are particularly in need of male players. Contact us by email on infopangbournetwinning@gmail.com  Likewise for bowls players. A small number from  Pangbourne Bowls Club will be joining us for an informal competition, but more would be very welcome

If you would just like to come to meet some wonderful people and experience the French way of life for a weekend in the home of a French family, do contact us. There is no requirement to speak French and all accommodation and food will be provided. You just need to pay for your seat on the coach (approximately £150 return per person,  depending on the number on the coach) and consider the possibility of returning the favour by hosting an adult or a family in May 2025. Families and young children are very welcome.

Pangbourne Twinning Association