Café Langres & the Christmas Quiz
Thank you to everyone who came to Café Langres on December 21st, braving the weather, to enjoy coffee and palmiers and enter our quiz. The correct answers are below.
The two winners with all the answers correct had been at Café Langres earlier but were not there to hear the results. Well done everyone for taking part!
Thank you to everyone who came to Café Langres on December 21st, braving the weather, to enjoy coffee and palmiers and enter our quiz. The correct answers are below.
The two winners with all the answers correct had been at Café Langres earlier but were not there to hear the results. Well done everyone for taking part!
| 2013_christmas_quiz.pdf |
Café Langres Christmas Quiz Answers!
Christmas is mainly celebrated in France on the 25th of December. However, in some places in eastern and northern France, the Christmas season begins on 6th December. What is the name of this day?
Fête de Saint Nicolas
In Lyon, the 8th December is called “la Fete des Lumières”. What do the Lyonnais do to mark this?
Put candles in their windows
French children don’t usually hang up stockings for Father Christmas. What do they often put out instead?
A pair of shoes
What is the French name for Father Christmas?
Père Noël
What is the name of the traditional Christmas Eve meal?
Le Réveillon
What is a “Bûche de Noel”?
Yule log
Provence has some of its own traditions. How many desserts do they have at the Christmas meal?
Thirteen
What do these desserts represent?
Jesus and the 12 Apostles
The Nativity Scene is recreated in churches throughout France. What is it called?
La Crèche
What do we call “La Fête des Rois”?
Epiphany
Christmas is mainly celebrated in France on the 25th of December. However, in some places in eastern and northern France, the Christmas season begins on 6th December. What is the name of this day?
Fête de Saint Nicolas
In Lyon, the 8th December is called “la Fete des Lumières”. What do the Lyonnais do to mark this?
Put candles in their windows
French children don’t usually hang up stockings for Father Christmas. What do they often put out instead?
A pair of shoes
What is the French name for Father Christmas?
Père Noël
What is the name of the traditional Christmas Eve meal?
Le Réveillon
What is a “Bûche de Noel”?
Yule log
Provence has some of its own traditions. How many desserts do they have at the Christmas meal?
Thirteen
What do these desserts represent?
Jesus and the 12 Apostles
The Nativity Scene is recreated in churches throughout France. What is it called?
La Crèche
What do we call “La Fête des Rois”?
Epiphany
At their final committee meeting of the year, the Twinning Association Committee raised a glass and wished all members and supporters « Meilleurs Vœux » for Christmas and the New Year, to thak them for their support during 2013.
Friday 15th November - Annual Twinning Dinner and AGM at the Fizwilliams Centre
Oyez! Oyez! A night to remember as Dick Smith gave us fascinating glimpses into his unique role as one of the longest-serving Town Criers in Britain.
A delicious 3-course dinner, a fun quiz, Dick's "Confessions of a Town Crier", a short but entertaining AGM followed by the weighing of the Town Crier in all his regalia and the presentation of the prizes! Lots of photos below.
The AGM Minutes and the Receipts and Payments report can be downloaded here:
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Remembrance 2013 in Beaconsfield and Langres
As is the custom, the Mayor of Langres sent a floral tribute to remember those from both our communities who gave their lives in the cause of peace.
The flowers were on display in St Mary's Church Beaconsfield over the Remembrance weekend.
During World War II, Beaconsfield provided hospital and sanatorium care for Free French submariners who had escaped occupied France to fight with the Allies. The 39 submariners who died in Beaconsfield durng the war years were buried in Shepherds Lane cemetery in Beaconsfield's Old Town.
On Monday 11th November the floral tribute was placed on the memorial by the Mayor of Beaconsfield, Cllr Sandy Saunders, accompanied by Twinning Association Chairman Phillip Sheahan, Treasurer Marlen Lihou and members of the committee.
On Monday 11th November the floral tribute was placed on the memorial by the Mayor of Beaconsfield, Cllr Sandy Saunders, accompanied by Twinning Association Chairman Phillip Sheahan, Treasurer Marlen Lihou and members of the committee.
The poppy wreath from Langres was laid at the War Memorial in Beaconsfield by the BTA Chairman Phillip Sheahan.
Our wreath was laid in Langres at the Monument aux Morts by Claire and Chloé, the two young daughters of the Langres Président du Jumelage, Brigitte Siméon.
Our wreath was laid in Langres at the Monument aux Morts by Claire and Chloé, the two young daughters of the Langres Président du Jumelage, Brigitte Siméon.
The French Film Evening on the 18th October at the Fitzwilliams Centre, Beaconsfield, was a great success. Thank you to everyone who came and to all those who helped with the catering, the setting up and the clearing up! If you missed the film, or missed a few bits, here is the synopsis. Well worth seeing again!
This impressively inventive French animated feature from comic-book artist Sylvain Chomet is a richly detailed and often playfully macabre adventure. Its plot involves the diminutive, club-footed Madame Souza preparing her orphaned grandson, Champion, to be a world-beating cyclist by personally supervising his arduous training regime. During the mountain stage of the Tour de France, Champion is kidnapped by black-suited men from the French mafia and whisked across the Atlantic to the city of Belleville. (Belleville is an amalgam of New York, Quebec and Montreal, and is stunningly designed by art director Evgeni Tomov.) It's up to granny and Champion's beloved dog Bruno to perform a daring rescue, although they can rely on assistance from the elderly Belleville Sisters, a song-and-dance trio who once performed with Fred Astaire...Sending up the eating habits of North Americans (whose Statue of Liberty brandishes a hamburger) as well as the French predilection for frog-related dishes, the director manages to pay homage to such cultural icons as the guitarist Django Reinhardt and French comic Jacques Tati. There's so much to relish here: Bruno's black and white dream sequences, the unconventional use of hand grenades to catch frogs, and particularly the operatic ocean crossing on a pedalo.
This impressively inventive French animated feature from comic-book artist Sylvain Chomet is a richly detailed and often playfully macabre adventure. Its plot involves the diminutive, club-footed Madame Souza preparing her orphaned grandson, Champion, to be a world-beating cyclist by personally supervising his arduous training regime. During the mountain stage of the Tour de France, Champion is kidnapped by black-suited men from the French mafia and whisked across the Atlantic to the city of Belleville. (Belleville is an amalgam of New York, Quebec and Montreal, and is stunningly designed by art director Evgeni Tomov.) It's up to granny and Champion's beloved dog Bruno to perform a daring rescue, although they can rely on assistance from the elderly Belleville Sisters, a song-and-dance trio who once performed with Fred Astaire...Sending up the eating habits of North Americans (whose Statue of Liberty brandishes a hamburger) as well as the French predilection for frog-related dishes, the director manages to pay homage to such cultural icons as the guitarist Django Reinhardt and French comic Jacques Tati. There's so much to relish here: Bruno's black and white dream sequences, the unconventional use of hand grenades to catch frogs, and particularly the operatic ocean crossing on a pedalo.
Thank you for supporting us with WAITROSE GREEN TOKENS in Beaconsfield! We have received a cheque for £133 as a result of the initiative. This financial support means a lot to us as we do not receive any funding and rely solely on our own fundraising efforts. Thank you!
Boules under the trees to celebrate Le quatorze juillet!
This wonderful summer weather allowed us to to hold a lovely Boules afternoon at the pitch next to the tennis club in Grenfell Road, Beaconsfield. The shade of the trees was very welcome as matches took place between beginners as well as experienced players. Spectators chatted, refreshments were served and a great time was had by all. Thank you to all who supported the event and well done to all who played!
Beaconsfield Now! Saturday 15th June 2013
May 24th - 27th, the Diderot weekend visit
Fourteen of our members spent the May Bank holiday weekend in Langres as a part of a cultural visit to witness the tercentenary celebrations held in honour of the Langres-born philosopher, Denis Diderot. Highlights of a busy weekend included a spectacular procession through the streets of the town led by a 30 foot wicker puppet in a dramatic scenario depicting aspects of Diderot’s vision and ideas. Fireworks provided a climax to the evening in one of the town’s many parks.
Twinning members stayed with Langres families and were able to experience, with their hosts, a full weekend of street theatre, exhibitions and a choral concert in the Cathedral with the combined choirs of Langres and Witney, in Oxfordshire, who have a special relationship with the town. “It was a truly unique weekend”, said our Chairman, Phillip Sheahan. “An inspiring visit that brought together the formal and informal elements of our friendship with Langres in a dynamic way. It was a great privilege for us to be there.”
See the Diderot 2013 page for dramatic photos and videos of the trip!
Denis Diderot was born in Langres in 1713 and his statue stands in the main square. A website with all the details of the events of 'LD Treize' - L'Année Diderot 13 - is at www.diderot2013-Langres.fr
April 2013: Langres Cheese a great hit at the third annual Beaconsfield Cheese Makers' Market!
Crowds turned out despite the cool and windy weather to see the Mayor and Town Crier open the Cheese Maker's Market on Saturday 13th April - and to taste the Langres cheese brought specially for the event by the Chevaliers de Cape, the green-caped promoters of all things Langres. Thank you everyone for your support of this great event, which gets better every year!
Crowds turned out despite the cool and windy weather to see the Mayor and Town Crier open the Cheese Maker's Market on Saturday 13th April - and to taste the Langres cheese brought specially for the event by the Chevaliers de Cape, the green-caped promoters of all things Langres. Thank you everyone for your support of this great event, which gets better every year!
Twinning Fund Raiser Saturday April 13th - Posh Picnic Race Night!
To coincide with the visit of the Langres 'Chevaliers de Cape' and to give them a chance to meet you all, we held a 'Posh Picnic Race Night' and had a great time. Thank you for your support!
The Beaconsfield Advertiser visits Café Langres in February 2013
Our friends at the Beaconsfield Advertiser kindly came along to the February Café Langres to take some photos of our regulars and give us a nice write up in the newspaper. Thank you to them and to all our supporters who braved the weather to be there. Here's part of the article:
"Reading Room's French Accent"
A taste of France was on offer in an old English town on Saturday. Members of the Beaconsfield Twinning Association held a pop-in café called Café Langres in the Reading Room in Old Town Beaconsfield. The group offered French coffee and handmade pastries on the town's Farmers' Market Day, as well as providing information on upcoming events with the town's twin Langres. Chairman Phillip Sheahan said, '"here was a good crowd of people that came along and we told them about upcoming events. The association is set to visit Langres in May to coincide with the 300th anniversary of the birth of philosopher and writer Dedis Diderot. The programme will include parades, giant sculptures, fireworks and music."
"Reading Room's French Accent"
A taste of France was on offer in an old English town on Saturday. Members of the Beaconsfield Twinning Association held a pop-in café called Café Langres in the Reading Room in Old Town Beaconsfield. The group offered French coffee and handmade pastries on the town's Farmers' Market Day, as well as providing information on upcoming events with the town's twin Langres. Chairman Phillip Sheahan said, '"here was a good crowd of people that came along and we told them about upcoming events. The association is set to visit Langres in May to coincide with the 300th anniversary of the birth of philosopher and writer Dedis Diderot. The programme will include parades, giant sculptures, fireworks and music."
Café Langres for the Christmas Farmers' Market 2012!
The Twinning Association's Café Langres was a haven of warmth and shelter from the persistent rain that did not deter a hardy crowd from turning out to see the Mayor of Beaconsfield and the Town Crier open the Christmas Farmers' Market. French coffee and patisseries along with warm home-made mince pies were served in the Reading Room and an interesting leaflet all about French Christmas and New Year traditions was available to read and take away.
Thank you to everyone who came and a special thanks to our Mayor, Cllr Graham Corney. for his tremendous support of the Twinning Association all year.
Thank you to everyone who came and a special thanks to our Mayor, Cllr Graham Corney. for his tremendous support of the Twinning Association all year.
The Annual Twinning Dinner and AGM Saturday 24th November 2012
Following an excellent dinner provided by Ann Tennant, and a very interesting and informative illustrated talk by Dr Claire Trevien on Diderot, the philosopher, art critic and author born in Langres in 1713 and probably best known for his work as co-founder and editor of the 'Encyclopédie', the 2012 Annual General Meeting of the Beaconsfield Twinning Association was held in the Fitzwilliams Centre, Beaconsfield. 32 members and guests of the Twinning Association, including the Mayor of Beaconsfield, Cllr Graham Corney, were present.
The BTA Chairman, Phillip Sheahan, presented his report on the Twinning Association's activities during 2012. The Treasurer, Dr. Peter Sanders, gave his report, followed by the election and re-election of Officers and Committee Members of the Association, and the appointment of the Auditor. The Chairman then outlined future events and closed the meeting by re-stating the aims of twinning and inviting all members to contribute ideas and become more involved.
You can download his full report using the link below.
| bta_chairmans_report_2012.doc |
| agm_agenda_nov_2012.pdf |
Beaconsfield Twinning honours the Fighting French
Beaconsfield Twinning Chairman, Phillip Sheahan, and Twinning President elect, Juliet Gorton, laid a floral tribute at the Free French memorial in Shepherds Lane in the Old Town on Monday 12th November 2012. The flowers are an annual gift to the people of Beaconsfield from the Mayor of our twin town Langres, Didier Loiseau, and the Langres Twinning Association. The flowers were previously on display on in St Mary's Church for the civic Service of Remembrance and will now remain on the Free French memorial, which honours a little known chapter in Beaconsfield's history when the town provided hospital and nursing care during World War 11 for French sailors and submariners.
Beaconsfield Twinning Chairman, Phillip Sheahan, and Twinning President elect, Juliet Gorton, laid a floral tribute at the Free French memorial in Shepherds Lane in the Old Town on Monday 12th November 2012. The flowers are an annual gift to the people of Beaconsfield from the Mayor of our twin town Langres, Didier Loiseau, and the Langres Twinning Association. The flowers were previously on display on in St Mary's Church for the civic Service of Remembrance and will now remain on the Free French memorial, which honours a little known chapter in Beaconsfield's history when the town provided hospital and nursing care during World War 11 for French sailors and submariners.
Phillip Sheahan said, "The laying of wreaths here and in Langres is a poignant reminder not only of the sacrifices made but also of the lasting legacy of connections and friendship links between our two towns."
The 'Celebration 2012' weekend has been a resounding success!
We have now said goodbye to the group of people of all ages who travelled to Beaconsfield from Langres to be with us over the weekend of the 2nd to the 5th November. The visit was a fantastic success, with an exciting programme of events including a reception at the Town Hall, hosted by the Mayor of Beaconsfield, a guided visit to Windsor and Eton, the Beaconsfield Fireworks Display, where the bonfire was lit by our Mayor and the Mayor of Langres, and a hugely popular coach trip to London to see the major sights including views of the Olympic Park, and a visit to the new and fantastic Cutty Sark exhibition at Greenwich.
We have created a special page on the website to share all our photos of this wonderful Twinning event, 'CELEBRATION 2012' VISIT. If you have never taken part in a Twinning event before, this will give you a great idea of what it is all about.
We have now said goodbye to the group of people of all ages who travelled to Beaconsfield from Langres to be with us over the weekend of the 2nd to the 5th November. The visit was a fantastic success, with an exciting programme of events including a reception at the Town Hall, hosted by the Mayor of Beaconsfield, a guided visit to Windsor and Eton, the Beaconsfield Fireworks Display, where the bonfire was lit by our Mayor and the Mayor of Langres, and a hugely popular coach trip to London to see the major sights including views of the Olympic Park, and a visit to the new and fantastic Cutty Sark exhibition at Greenwich.
We have created a special page on the website to share all our photos of this wonderful Twinning event, 'CELEBRATION 2012' VISIT. If you have never taken part in a Twinning event before, this will give you a great idea of what it is all about.
| bonjour_autumn_2012.pdf |
The Mayor attended the 14th July 2012 celebrations in Langres
The Mayor of Beaconsfield,
Graham Corney, accompanied by Alan Walters, our Honorary Vice President and
Leader of the Town Touncil, with his wife Mrs Sharon Walters, travelled to Langres
on Friday 13th July.
On the morning of the famous 14th, the Mayor and Alan attended a working breakfast meeting with the Mayor of Langres, Didier Loiseau, Brigitte Siméon, the President of Twinning in Langres, various town council officials ,and the Mayors of the other twinned towns, Abbiategrasso in Italy and Ellwangen in Germany. They discussed an exciting variety of future events to which we will be invited, including the 2013 Fête de la Musique, when Langres are looking to extend the involvement of all the twinned towns in a joint musical event, and also for 2013, the 300th anniversary of the birth of Denis Diderot, when events are being planned from February (‘conception’) to September (‘birth’).
The programme for the rest of the ‘quatorze juillet’ included the town parade, followed by speeches, lunch at the lake, a ride on the ‘petit train’, visits to an art exhibition and to the new Diderot museum. In the evening there was a buffet in the old barracks followed by the traditional fireworks.
The Mayor of Beaconsfield gave a speech in French and English and presented the Mayor of Langres with a framed photograph of Beaconsfield Town Hall. Photographs of Beaconsfield were also presented to the Mayors of Ellwangen and Abbiategrasso, and commemorative Diamond Jubilee gifts were given to Brigitte Siméon for all her help, with a formal vote of thanks from Alan Walters. The Twinning Association is delighted that the Mayor gave his time in such a busy year to further consolidate our civic links with Langres. Photos can be seen below and at the following link: http://img.gg/nNNywX0
On the morning of the famous 14th, the Mayor and Alan attended a working breakfast meeting with the Mayor of Langres, Didier Loiseau, Brigitte Siméon, the President of Twinning in Langres, various town council officials ,and the Mayors of the other twinned towns, Abbiategrasso in Italy and Ellwangen in Germany. They discussed an exciting variety of future events to which we will be invited, including the 2013 Fête de la Musique, when Langres are looking to extend the involvement of all the twinned towns in a joint musical event, and also for 2013, the 300th anniversary of the birth of Denis Diderot, when events are being planned from February (‘conception’) to September (‘birth’).
The programme for the rest of the ‘quatorze juillet’ included the town parade, followed by speeches, lunch at the lake, a ride on the ‘petit train’, visits to an art exhibition and to the new Diderot museum. In the evening there was a buffet in the old barracks followed by the traditional fireworks.
The Mayor of Beaconsfield gave a speech in French and English and presented the Mayor of Langres with a framed photograph of Beaconsfield Town Hall. Photographs of Beaconsfield were also presented to the Mayors of Ellwangen and Abbiategrasso, and commemorative Diamond Jubilee gifts were given to Brigitte Siméon for all her help, with a formal vote of thanks from Alan Walters. The Twinning Association is delighted that the Mayor gave his time in such a busy year to further consolidate our civic links with Langres. Photos can be seen below and at the following link: http://img.gg/nNNywX0
Success at the Langres Fête de la Musique! - Thursday 21st June 2012
We are delighted that members of the Jackie Palmer Stage School represented Beaconsfield in the annual Fête de la Musique in Langres. Despite contrary weather, they performed two sets in the town, drawing large and appreciative crowds who called for encores. They also performed on Friday in the local retirement home where the delighted residents also sang for them!
On stage from left to right in the photo below are:
Luke Quincey, singer-songwriter, on guitar. One of Luke's songs was performed at the Fête de la Musique
William Beckerleg and Simon Phipps, both currently auditioning for drama school
Imogen Patterson, currently auditioning for dance college
Johanna Brown, who has just successfully made it through the first stage of The Voice on television!
The Twinning Association would like to congratulate them on their success and thank them for being such great ambassadors for our town.
We are delighted that members of the Jackie Palmer Stage School represented Beaconsfield in the annual Fête de la Musique in Langres. Despite contrary weather, they performed two sets in the town, drawing large and appreciative crowds who called for encores. They also performed on Friday in the local retirement home where the delighted residents also sang for them!
On stage from left to right in the photo below are:
Luke Quincey, singer-songwriter, on guitar. One of Luke's songs was performed at the Fête de la Musique
William Beckerleg and Simon Phipps, both currently auditioning for drama school
Imogen Patterson, currently auditioning for dance college
Johanna Brown, who has just successfully made it through the first stage of The Voice on television!
The Twinning Association would like to congratulate them on their success and thank them for being such great ambassadors for our town.
Beaconsfield Now! A great day was had by all on Saturday 26th May. The weather was perfect and the Town Green was the showcase for everything that happens around Beaconsfield...
The very charming Dr Michael Mosley, BBC Science Programmes presenter, award winning journalist and executive producer as well as Beaconsfield resident, opened the event, together with our newly appointed Mayor of Beaconsfield, Graham Corney and the indomitable Dick Smith, our Town Crier.
Thank you to everyone who visited our stand! The lucky winners of our Treasure Hunt were:
First Prize: Harry Cartledge - Bottle of wine, Langres Chocolates and one year's membership of the Beaconsfield Twinning Association.
Second prize: Sarah Kirkpatrick - Langres Chocolates and one year's membership of the Beaconsfield Twinning Association.
Third Prize: John Folkard - Langres Chocolates and one year's membership of the Beaconsfield Twinning Association.
First Prize: Harry Cartledge - Bottle of wine, Langres Chocolates and one year's membership of the Beaconsfield Twinning Association.
Second prize: Sarah Kirkpatrick - Langres Chocolates and one year's membership of the Beaconsfield Twinning Association.
Third Prize: John Folkard - Langres Chocolates and one year's membership of the Beaconsfield Twinning Association.
Art Exhibition: The REMP-ARTS Association's 'Art et Balade en Pays de Langres'
5th to 20th May 2012 in Langres and surrounding villages
Beaconsfield Twinning Association is proud to announce that local artist and member of the Association, Marlen Lihou, exhibited four of her works at this prestigious exhibition in Langres. For more details of Marlen and her work, see www.uk-art.com and the Photo Gallery page
For more details of REMP-ARTS and the exhibitions in Langres and surrounding villages, see www.remp-arts.net
For more details of REMP-ARTS and the exhibitions in Langres and surrounding villages, see www.remp-arts.net
SMASH HIT!: Je ne sais quoi! It's Show Time! - Friday 23rd March, 8pm, The Beacon Centre
The Twinning Association sponsored a talented team of young people from the Jackie Palmer Stage School to perform in Langres at the Fête de la Musique in June 2012. You supported us magnificently by coming to their special show full of music, songs and dance to raise money for the trip - what a great show it was! A great Thank You to all involved.
Our Twinning Dinner and 2011 AGM took place on Saturday 12th November in the Owen Room at the Curzon Centre, Beaconsfield. Our speaker was Peter Gawne, a former local Vet and Life Member of the Twinning Association, who gave us a wonderfully amusing insight into retirement life in France, and indeed brought us some wonderful tastes to try! We thanked our outgoing Chairman, Deborah Sanders, for all her hard work, and welcomed Phillip Sheahan as our new Chairman, along with Robin Pedler as Deputy Chairman.
Here are the minutes of the 2011 AGM:
| minutes_bta_agm_nov_2011.pdf |
Our October 2011 visit to Langres was a tremendous success... We were received with warm hospitality as usual by our hosts, despite arriving much later than expected! The reason for our visit, the concert in Langres Cathedral on Saturday evening to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of a great musician from Langres, Nicolas Couturier, was a tremendous success and we had marvellous evening. Earlier in the day, we had a wine tasting at a local vineyard, Le Muid Monsaugeonnais, followed by lunch in the village of Monsaugeon at 'Chez Mamysabelle' - well worth a visit if you are in the area. Mass on Sunday was in honour of John Gorton, our late Honorary President and
co-founder of the Beaconsfield Twinning Association. This was followed by a civic reception in the Town Hall where speeches were made by Didier Loiseau, the Mayor of Langres, and Deborah Sanders, our Chairman. They both paid tribute to the success of Beaconsfield twinning initiatives over the past 15 years and the strong bonds of friendship which now connect the two towns and their residents. Later on Sunday, the little tourist land train was laid on specially for us and we had a most interesting, if slightly damp, tour of parts of the town and the ramparts, culminating in a visit to the spectacular Tour Navarre, where there happened to be an exhibition of wood carving.
All in all, it was a very successful visit in the true spirit of friendship and mutual understanding which is the essence of twinning. Here are two articles from local Langres newspapers:
| muid_monsaugeonnais_article.pdf |
| couturier_concert_article.pdf |
