Anglo-French Association

The twinning association will hold their 46th AGM at Netherton on 16 February and hope for a good attendance. Like many other clubs and associations there hasn’t been much to report since March 2020.

Jackie Robinson, Treasurer PAFA

With the exception of a couple of outdoor picnics at Burghley Park and two indoor meetings, the Anglo-French members (on both sides of the Channel) have been very quiet. Our 2020 and 2021 twinning visits had to be cancelled which was disappointing for all. Whilst getting ready for the 2022 AGM, I looked through some past articles in the Trib and some brochures and photos of visits, both here and in France. I have to say it was a good feeling to see what life was like before all the restrictions. A programme of future events is being put together by the PAFA committee as we speak and the FGB-Bourges who were disappointed to have to cancel their Burns Night celebration, did at least, enjoy their traditional crêpes for La Chandeleur (Candlemas) on 2 February.

This tradition in France to make and eat pancakes on 2 February is said to have its origins linked to the fact that it was also the time when the winter seed began to come in and there was unlikely to be shortage of flour. This allowed for pancakes to be made and eaten as a symbol of prosperity for the coming year. Le perce-neige – snowdrop, also appears at this time and an old proverb, according to projectbritain.com says, ‘The snowdrop in purest white array, first rears her head on Candlemas Day.’ PLEASE NOTE: June, July and August meeting are held outside of the normal meeting venue of St Andrew’s Hall Netherton, (weather permitting) Fee free to contact us for details.

If you would like any details of the twinning group please feel free to contact our Chairman Tony Elliott on buckuk@btinternet.com or me, Jackie Robinson (Helpston) on steiffyok@btinternet.com or check out our Facebook page by searching the site for Peterborough Anglo-French Association (facebook-square/ groups/697608323628779) and maybe come along as a guest to one of our monthly meetings on the 3rd Wednesday of every month, we usually have a speaker or in-house talk on something connected to France.