Deux Matelots en Bretagne

Wednesday, 12 November 2014

2 cups for the summer pool league.

One for winning division 1, and the other

for cup semi finalists.

These cups were mainly won by Robert, Cedric, and Claude, although I do win the odd game.

A very large turnout for the Remembrance day parade.

Fully dressed up, with a wreath to lay on behalf of the Royal Navy Association.

I was allowed for the first time to be part of the front parade which marched from the Mayor's office to the church memorial.

A service was held with a couple of hymns, children singing, and the dedication of wreaths.

Also a short story on the history of the poppy which went down well with the locals.

Afterwards, it's the short walk back for a vin d'honneur to toast

the fallen, and a collection for the bluey sticker which is the French equal of the poppy.

Marie's efforts this year.

Homegrown pumpkins as well.

We have a hell of a lot of pumpkin soup in the freezer!

The curry event of the year was in Plancoet last Saturday, tied in with a halloween fancy dress party.

48 people turned up from far and wide for a curry cooked by the ex RN Chef with the degree in cookery from the University of Bangalore.

Chicken Passanda, Pumpkin and lentil dhansak, home made

garlic and corriander naan breads, along with butter tri-colour rice made for a great evening.

As you can see from above, John and Mo found the dhansak a bit hot!

Nearly 250 euros made for charity, which funds a nurse for a whole month at the "Hospice for Africa"

Well done to all who attended.

Another curry event will be announced soon.

There has been a rustling in the rafters at night in the Gard manoir.

Not just scratching, but also the sound of large boulders being moved around and the odd squeak.

Out with the humane trap it was, baited with a slice of apple coated with peanut butter.

It never fails.

Next morning we had a double catch.

They were promptly released at a derelict house about a mile away, where they were probably eaten alive by the many buzzards hanging around.

Those who have visited our house will be aware of the 6 leylandii trees to the left of the Manoir.

Well, they are now gone, letting in oodles more light.

The 3 guys did the job in one day, including chopping the logs, removing the roots, and also removing the damaged fir tree at the front.

The plan is now to let the soil settle and plant bushes down the side that will attract the birds.

Thursday 23rd October we were at the Trafalgar Lunch at the 13 Assiettes restaurant near Mount St Michel

50 members and guests turned up and had a great meal, with of course, a tot of rum.

Yours truly playing "Rum Bosun" in the background.

After lunch there was a play based on the life of the crew on the Victory in which members played various roles.

Of course the port was passed around a few times.

This really was the best "do" yet that the Royal Navy Association has put on.