'the FRENCH CONNECTION'

Tthe French Connection's next event is a Plough Quiz night on Sunday 14 April. The Quiz night takes on a mild French theme to marry in with the normal style of a Plough Quiz Night. A night not to be missed, a good fun evening, prizes etc. Normal Plough Burger night for those who want it, a true gourmet evening. Group visit to Villeneuve We are planning a visit to our twin village of Villeneuve-lès-Béziers, scheduled for 6-9 September. The organised part of the visit would run Friday - Monday, to fit with the Ryanair Bristol-Béziers schedule. A declaration of interest now does not involve a final commitment and detailed arrangements will remain flexible, but we need to finalise the date by mid-May. Please contact John Adams to register an interest (contact details below). The draft programme will be something like this: Friday: 12.30pm informal lunch for those already in Villeneuve 6.30pm a wine reception with the Mayor, councillors and residents with a special interest in the twinning project. This will also provide an opportunity for face-to-face meetings with people with whom pre-arranged contact has been made to discuss and develop common interests and ideas. Evening free to enjoy a summer evening in the village with English and French friends. Saturday: 9.30am- 2pm organised inland visit to see the surrounding countryside, historic attractions, river activities, and the vineyards... 4.30pm Boules competition; 8pm A meal with our hosts… the French are well used to catering for large parties. Sunday: 10am - 1pm organised tour of nearby coastal village: fishing ports, sailing, resorts and beaches. Afternoon and evening (to be confirmed) Monday: 10am Meeting with representatives of Villeneuve council and others to consolidate contacts and take forward ideas for further contact and projects. Transport: Ryanair return fare Bristol - Béziers is at present is around £125, but there is heavy demand for seats across the summer (out Friday 6: dep 11.40 arr 14.35; return Monday 9: dep.16.40, arr 17.45). The airport is about 6 kilometres from the village. Villeneuve has good bus links and car hire is readily available but should be booked well in advance. Béziers, with its mainline railway, is a few kilometres distant. Accommodation: There is a range of accommodation (gites, B&B/chambres d'hôte, hotels) in and around the village but, again, this should be booked well in advance. Home-stay may be available - please indicate as soon as possible if you would like to explore this option. Further information This first group visit, outside the school holiday period, is intended as an exploratory trip. Villeneuve is a great centre for family holidays and it is hoped that those who go this time will act as links for those who may wish to take children at a later date. We are also actively encouraging contacts between the schools and local youth groups. For further information on Villeneuve and the regions, pick up a leaflet from one of our outlets (Amors, The Garage, The Surgery, Kingcott's Gallery, the Memorial Hall), or see the twinning page on this website. Otherwise contact John Adams (07796950346) or send an email <jrjadams@gmail.com>