Photo Competition
Entries for the 2010 competition can be viewed here.Click on the linkClick Here
2009 Competition Winners
The winners have been placed on the Hall of Fame, which is located below the current entries for the 2010 competition.
GT Projector
GT has just acquired a BenQ projector. If you are planning to give a presentation this is available for your use. Technical support, advice and operation are all available on request. You can set up a powerpoint presentation, show photo's and even show films (subject to copyright and performing rights restrictions) or your own digital movies.
If you wish to take advantage of this equipment please use the contact us page heading your message GT projector.
Get Together Annual General Meeting
Notice is given of the AGM to be held on the 26 February 2010. Full details can be found (for members only) by clicking on the link
Click here
Following the AGM details of your new committee can be found on the Who We Are page.
How to reclaim tax paid in the UK
Information on reclaiming UK Bank and Building Society Interest can be found on the Links & Information Page
European Health Insurance Card
Important information can be found on the Links and Information page, regarding changes taking place from 1st May 2010
PLEASE NOT THESE ARE NOW AVAILABLE
A copy of the minutes of the meeting held on the 7th July 2009 are available on the forum.
Please note this is a members only section, and you need to either log in or register to be able to view these items.
Click here to access these Minutes
The Southern Regional Meeting minutes held on 13 October are now available on the Forum.
Click here to access these Minutes
Annual Accounts
A Copy of the annual accounts for the year ended 31 December 2008 is now available on the forum under "Members Information".
Click for 2008 Accounts Note these are only available if you are a fully paid up member and have registered for the forum
Future accounts will be available here 21 days before the next AGM.
Membership Renewal
A Note for your diary, in December next. GT Membership runs from the 1st January each year. To avoid missing any issues of the newsletter please renew promptly
You can use and download the membership application form to renew membership. If you have difficulty in printing it from the newsletter. See the contact us page.
News
With the ever increasing cost of petrol and diesel the Government has created the 'Le site du prix des carburants'. Prices are updated at least once a week. You can see a list of petrol stations in your area and the current prices.
click here
Now if you are planning a trip to the UK you can see (if you dare) the current prices of fuel there.
Click here
New Speed Radar Cameras.
You can see locations of all speed radar cameras in Poitou-Charentes at the following French Government website. If planning a trip you can also look at other areas.
click here for Poitiou-Charentes
click here for all France
Help with French
Living in France it is important that you have a good grasp in French. To this effect the attached page gives information on where you can find help in learning French. A data base of information will be built up with your help. If you know of any lessons, teachers or self help programmes please let us know.
More Information
Events
Full details can be found on the GT Forum or in the monthly newsletter.
If you have booked in for any event and for some reason are unable to attend - please have the courtesy to contact the organiser as soon as possible
Sales, Wants and Giveaways
SALES WANTS AND GIVEAWAYS
With the introduction of the forum this section is now obsolete, and any items should be advertised on the forum under the section- Sales, Wants and Give-aways. You need to register on the forum beforehand.
There are new rules applicable to this section.See main section of Home page.
Metric to Imperial and US Conversions, just click on logo
Summer Party
Many thanks to Margaret and Frank for hosting this very enjoyable day out.
Photos will be downloaded as soon as possible. If you have any that are suitable please let us have them.
BBQ July 2010
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Pictures of some of the members either cooking or enjoying the day. Steve looked the part - very professional
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Grant took charge of the parking and his drink.
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The pool was certainly inviting and a few people enjoyed it after the meal.
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The GT Jockey Club proudly present 1st Race Meeting
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Golf Competition 2009 Mens Prize
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Congratulations to Clive Ross who won the men’s trophy with 35 points and Pauline Mackie who won the new ladies trophy with 37 points.
34 people enjoyed lunch in the clubhouse followed by the presentation of prizes.
Thanks to Peter and Lynne Chard and Clive Ross for once again organising the competition and to GT
President Kate Sangster who presented the prizes.
Golf Competition 2009 Ladies Prize
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G T Members taking part in various events and activities
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Café and Restaurant at the Aquarium La Rochelle
Located above the Aquarium this light and airy place is ideal for families with young children as they are especially catered for. You can look down on the tank with the sharks and have a panoramic view of the port, the two towers and the town. There is good disabled access by a lift. A good choice of meat, poultry and fish dishes are available. There are also the usual light meals such as filled bagettes, pizzas and toasted snacks. Members of our party chose the Coq au Vin or Merlu in a white wine sauce. There is a special menu for children which, as well as a main course, includes a soft drink and an icecream. The service was efficient and friendly, the food and plates hot well prepared and presented. The wine list had a good selection including some that are inexpensive from the Charente Maritime. There is a choice of starters and deserts which not all of our party took and the bill for 4 adults and 1 child including a bottle of local Rosé came to a reasonable 85€.The café is open the same hours as the Aquarium, for more information on opening hours etc., look at the website www.aquarium-larochelle.com.
The Piano Restaurant -Vernoux-en-Gatine
The Piano is located on the main street in Vernoux-en-Gatine. From the outside it looks uninviting but as you enter by the side door and walk in you are immediately aware of beautiful co-ordinated tableware with exquisite flower arrangements and a special sort of ambience.
The food is excellent, varied, and of such a high quality it never ceases to amaze us. It has such style and artistic panache. The lunch time menu is approx 14 euros and in the evening there are two menus approx 23 euros and 30 euros with choices. There is a children’s menu. In the evenings it is better to book a table and the restaurant we think might be closed all day on a Wednesday.
The restaurant is run by a French couple Michel and Francoise. Francoise waits attentively on the tables and Michel cooks up delicious French cuisine. After Michel has cooked his last order he then comes into the Restaurant and plays the piano beautifully.
The restaurant seats approx 30 people and sometimes has theme nights.
We have never heard of a bad report or had a bad meal at ‘The Piano’.
We have holiday cottages and often recommend ‘The Piano’ to our guests. They are always delighted, as we are, when we go out and eat there.
Le Sporting at St. Romans Les Melle
Le Sporting at St. Romans Les Melle, Place du Champ de Foire.
Tele. 05 49 27 04 16 Prop. Mr. Quintard (speaks a little English).
This is an unpretensious little place, but the food is great - G.T. have had 3 good meals there. The establishment offers a good choice of meals at lunch time and in the evenings.Please 'phone and check the actual opening times as they are on holiday as I write this.
Lunch time (except for weekends and festival days) has a meal for 11.90 euros - buffet (a good one) plat du jour fromage dessert and 25 cls. of wine. For 8.50 euros one can have the buffet and plat du jour.
During the evenings there are set meals for 14 euros or 19 euros, or a la carte (a good choice) - particually enjoyed the king prawns in brandy starter.
Why not visit and see what you think for yourselves?
A Little History:-Route des Rois d’Angleterre
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Poitou Charentes was originally part of the duchy of Aquitaine ruled by Geoffrey, Count of Anjou, who wore a piece of broom (Latin name genista) in his cap which earned him the nickname Plante-geneste. The region came into Angevin hands in 1152 when the English king Henry II became the second husband of Eleanor of Aquitaine. A Plantagenet society was established, with its own currency, and charters were awarded to encourage the development of towns, trade and culture.
There were rebellions aplenty in Poitou so Henry decided to reduce the power of the local barons. La Rochelle became the port of entry for the English to reach Poitou, sailing up-river to Niort, and a network of fortifications was established, mainly placed to defend a river-crossing or bridge, or to control a route from which to launch expeditions and raids. Thus the Route des Rois d’Angleterre was established.