Here are the events for this year, not only those of the ESU Loire Valley, but other associations too. We have everything from quizzes to hog roasts.

Congratulations to Colin Morison for his first-placed photo “Sunrise” in the February photo competition. There were 3 entries tied for 2nd place; Colin Browning with “The Loire Poppy”, and Maureen Sargent with her photos “Rainbow” and “Murmuration”.

Hope to see you soon.

Full details will be circulated when they are available, but below are some provisional dates for your diary. 

March 2025

Regional Public Speaking Competition

Venue: Lunch at the restaurant l’Ex-Ceylon 93 Av. Pasteur, 49100 Angers

Followed by the RPSC at the Salons de la Présidence, Préfecture, Angers

Date: 15 March 

Time: 11h45 prompt

Before making their way to the Salons de la Présidence for the public speaking competition, some members are having lunch in this popular restaurant and would welcome others to join them. Numbers are restricted so please, if you wish to join the group, contact Jean-Paul Paitreault as soon as possible: paitreault.jp@orange.fr

If you would like to attend the competition amongst friends, but would prefer not to have lunch in Angers, the group plan to arrive at the Salons de la Présidence by 13h50 for a prompt 14h00 start. 

In order to arrive at the Préfecture by 13h50, time will be limited. Therefore, Jean-Paul  will provide a menu so choices can be made beforehand and more time can be given to enjoying the meal. Please let Jean-Paul have menu choices by Wednesday 12 March at the latest; also, please arrive at the restaurant at 11h45 promptly and aim to leave the restaurant by 13h20.  

The Préfecture require a list of attendees prior to the event so please register as per the invitation asap as numbers are restricted.  Please also note that proof of identity will be required in order to access the buildings.

Allegory – An entertaining talk by member Chris Taylor

Venue: L’Auberge de la Rose, 12 Place de Gennes, 49700 Doué-la-Fontaine- see Google maps

Date: 22 March 

Time: 12h00

Cost: members 29.50€, non-members 33.50€

After retiring from the legal profession in Cambridgeshire, Chris and his wife Felicity took the decision to move to France. They have been here now for over 20 years. Before their move Chris had 2 passions that took him all over England and Wales: repairing and restoring church organs as a hobby and delivering after-dinner speeches to raise money for charity.

Chris has assured us that we don’t need to do any homework prior to his talk in order to enjoy ourselves. However, it may help to know that authors and artists have used allegory throughout history to illustrate or convey complex ideas and concepts in ways that are comprehensible or striking to viewers, readers, or listeners

Allegories have been used by many well-known authors: George Orwell in ‘Animal Farm’, William Shakespeare in ‘The Tempest’, and Edgar Allan Poe in ‘The Crucible’.

One thing is guaranteed: Chris has promised that his talk will be entertaining and will bring laughter to all of us.  

Invitations have been circulated. Please email Dorothy Morison with the details requested on the form, plus menu selections for yourself and your party, and details of how you intend to pay.

If returnng the form and details by post, please do so before the deadline of 17 March 2025, remembering that mail may take over a week to arrive

April 2025

National Public Speaking Competition

Venue: Salons at the Assemblée Nationale, Paris

Date: 5 April 

Time: TBA

Final details are TBA.

Annual General Meeting

Venue: for the AGM: Maison des Associations, Saumur

Venue for the meal: le Cinq 7. 49 rue de Rouen. Saumur

Date: 12 April 

Time: 11h00 prompt, followed by lunch

The invitations, agenda. proxy voting forms, minutes of the AGM 2024 and attendance slips for the meal, have been cirsulated. You are reminded that only members may vote at the AGM.

If you are unable attend the AGM, pkease ensure that you send your proxy voting form to the secretary, Jackie Sheppard, before 5 April 2025. In addition, plesae ensure yjat you return the AGM reply slip to Jackie Sheppard before 5 April 2025, regardless of whether or not you are coming to the AGM

If you are coming to the meal, please return your attendance slip to Dorothy Morrison before MONDAY 7 April, remembering that if you post them, they may take over a week to arrive.