2011 Event Reports

La belle France

1. Rosemary Latham
2. Janet Wilson
3. Anna Perry

Travail, Repos ou Jeu

1. Jacques Brault
2. Liz Silvester
3. Jacques Brault

Humoristique

1. Oliver Jores
2. Rosemary Latham
3. Carolyn Miskin

Photos prises par enfants

1. Leslie Martin
2. = Lea Driscoll and Catherine Thoimson

Chats

1. Liz Silvester
2. Charles Miskin
3. Rosemary Latham

Carolyn Miskin

LADC Summer Fete, Beauville, July 10th

After a storm and torrential rain, we decided to move the Fete to the Place du Mairie in Beauville from last year's Place du Carré. It worked very well because we had the stalls under the arches so we were out of the rain. The bbq and bar were in the middle with tarpaulins so attracted more passers by and looked good when the sun came out. Lots of people came, french, english, belgians and holidaymakers and all spent money and enjoyed themselves.

The raffle did very well, huge thanks go to Val Stanley who made another beautiful patchwork quilt and two patchwork bags to be raffled and sold the tickets before and at the event raising nearly 300 euros!

Maria Bird did a sterling job manning the Barbeque with fantastic hotdogs and her special onions plus salads and quiches for the vegetarians. Steve Finn was the barman and the bar was, as last year, a very popular place to while away some time. Charles Miskin did a super job setting it all up, tables, tarps, chairs, signs etc etc and then taking it all down again!

The LADC stalls of bric & brac, clothes, books, information, cakes (thanks to everyone who baked for us) and tombola (thanks to all who donated gifts, bottles etc for that) were very popular and all raised good amounts for the LADC. We also had gift stalls, knitting, cards, Karen with her spinning wheel and two potters so there were demonstrations of crafts as well.

So after a rather dodgy start, the sun came out and it was a very enjoyable and profitable day for Les Amis des Chats. We could not have done it without the fantastic band of LADC volunteers. I would like to thank everyone who attended and to the following people who helped on the day: Maria Bird, Steve Finn, Charles and Carolyn Miskin, Marian Clarke, Patricia Debuf, Ros & Tim Blackburn, Marie & Bob Holmes, Yolande Bishop, Joan Reeves, Val Stanley, Dons & Herman Overweel, Judy Middleditch, Sue Meikle, Vicky Newton, Eira Jones, Chris Haskell, Brian Gauntlett, Philippe from the bar in Beauville and anyone else who provided cakes, jams or tombola prizes. The final figures are not in yet but we have raised around 800 €, so well done everyone!

Unlike the title, this was very much a team effort. With Pam in charge of the kitchen and keeping a close watch on the staff, (so hard to get good staff these days!), Judith, Anna and Liz did a great job in serving tea and cakes quickly and efficiently to all our many visitors, much in need of refreshments due to the intense heat that day.

In the orchard, where there was a little shade, were set out a variety of stands. There was Dot with her lovely wicker baskets, Pascale from the beautiful new Savonnerie in Roquecor, Sue selling cakes, jams and pickles, Mel and her wide selection of greetings cards, Christine and Jill promoting the new Cookery club in Roquecor, Carolyn representing the “Les amis des chats” shop in Beauville, Gary and his enormous selection of books, and last but not least, Jon and Kate selling plants and cacti, the latter being very kindly donated by Jan Paul Betlem, a specialist grower.

Parking duties were shared by Alan and Doug, the latter doubling as "official photographer " and all the while, our worthy treasurer Chris was keeping a watchful eye on how much money was being spent.

Despite the very hot day, there were lots of people and the general mood was happy and light-hearted, folk enjoying afternoon tea under shady umbrellas on the large terrace overlooking the valley of Roquecor, chit-chatting with friends and acquaintances.

Spring Trivia Quiz

On Sunday 3 April, LADC held a Spring General Knowledge and Trivia Quiz in the Salle des Fêtes at Roquecor.  Twelve four-person teams entered this very successful event – the first English-language event “Les amis des chats” has ever held.

The winning team was Tom’s Mix (see photo) with an amazing score of 77. The Firm came second with 72, Josh’s Team were third, followed by the Jocular Swedes and Cardusius

We’d like to thank everyone who attended the quiz, plus of course Anne Cole who suggested it, and ran it with Chris and Derek Lomas. Chris and Derek also donated the Champagne prize for the winning team.

Liz Silvester and Pam Revell did the catering, Charles Miskin was our jovial compere, and Gary Jores and Ron Cole also helped.

The event made just over 300 € for the association’s funds.

Vente aux Enchères, Grenier aux Artistes,
Roquecor, Saturday 23rd April

Aperitifs and the nibbles were served by helpers from "Les Amis Des Chats" while those attending viewed the lots for sale. The auctioneer was Trevor de Vere Green (immaculate in a gold jacket, a spectacular wig, smart bow tie and sparkling face) and the auction raised a substantial amount for the association.

Around 75 poeple bid for the 25 lots, including chairs, oranaments, a crystal vase, paintings, a hammock etc., as well as promises of services like a portait session with a photographer and and a pet health insurance policy.

One lot was an unusual wall clock - "Rugby France - Angleterre" - well known from its many years displayed in the Café du Centre at Roquecor.

The first prize in the raffle was a handsome basket of treats for Easter (including a simnel cake) which ensured that the tickets sold very well.

The gross profit for the association was over 1,600 €. We give particular thanks to all those who gave items for sale.

Always very attractive, Le Grenier Aux Artistes was an ideal venue, kindly leant to us by the proprietors, who have now opened a "Salon de Thé, pâtisseries et glace" at the gallery, open daily from 9am till 5 pm.

Eira Jones