Celebrate Mardi Gras in French
By SueTyon
Hastings Anglo-French Club is a popular and long-established local group that aims to promote the French language, French culture and further Anglo-French friendship, all in a light-hearted and informal way. Our members include French, English and bilingual speakers; we suggest a reasonable understanding of French in order to gain maximum benefit of the club’s activities and events, but explanations are freely given as and when required.
We meet every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at Holy Redeemer Church Hall, just off Sedlescombe Road North, from 2.00 pm to 3.45 pm. Our meetings include talks on French culture, visits to places of specific interest, recounting personal experiences, singing and quizzes. When the occasion calls for it, we also rustle up some traditional French cuisine, such as la Gallette des Rois for Epiphany and wine for la fête Saint Vincent – although wine also goes well with the gallette!
Our meeting on 22 February will celebrate Mardi Gras, when members are invited to wear carnival costumes including masks and decorated hats, as well as hear about some of the many and unusual customs that the carnival offers, both in France and beyond. In addition, we shall be talking about one of France’s most famous writers, Moliére, and looking at one of his best-known works, Le Malade Imaginaire – particularly fitting to celebrate the 400th anniversary of his birth.
We shall, of course, be offering samples of traditional Mardi Gras fare as well as wine! Future events include Souvenirs de Bretagne, My memories of the Tower of London, Poisson d’avril (April Fool), Mon Potager and the intriguingly entitled Le destin ou la coincidence?
• Full membership is £15.00 (up to our last meeting on 17 May 2022), visitor fee is £3.00 per session attended. There is ample free off-road and street parking nearby and the hall offers
easy access for wheelchairs.
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