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Newsletters from the President’s Parlour |
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VIAC Var International Aperitif Club |
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English speaking group running activities in the Var region of France |
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Help us make VIAC the club of your choice
We’re now coming to the end of our 23rd year as the Var International Aperitif Club and are looking forward to a new year when we can enjoy the friendliness and social interaction of our favourite club. Obviously we everyone is different and, therefore, enjoy different activities but, despite this, the committee do try to accommodate every taste and all interests. But, when all’s said and done, it’s by sharing the interests of others and getting involved in an enthusiastic and practical way that we get the most out of any activity. So, we’re asking you all to have a good think to see if there are any constructive comments or suggestions you can offer which will enable us to provide the type of events and sub-groups which will make VIAC a club par excellence. You could also offer to start your own sub-group.
There are several opportunities open to you to do this. You can attend the forthcoming AGM and give constructive comments on the issues discussed. You can complete any questionnaires which are provided. You can email us with comments and discuss your ideas at events. However, do remember that before you offer words of criticism, a little encouragement for all the hard work is much appreciated.
The committee and other active organisers wish everyone a happy 21st year in VIAC and look forward to meeting you at our forthcoming events. October 2011 |
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April 2011
At last we have warm sunshine, new leaves on the trees, tall grass and plenty of weeding. It seems that Winter is behind us and Summer days ahead. That should cheer us all up and fill us with enthusiasm and the joys of living! So, how about enthusiastically volunteering to support VIAC in some way or another? We always ask for contributions to the newsletter- goods for sale, jokes, events occurring, etc. Our regular supporter is Tom- many thanks to you. We also encourage you to make suggestions for new events and venues, especially if you live in the Western Var. Another request is to consider sharing your interest and talents with the membership through leading a subgroup. Maybe Winter put everything on hold, and maybe we will have some input from you now Summer is on the way . . . So now for the big request; that of volunteers for next year’s Committee. This is the last year in office for a couple of us, and we need enthusiastic people to keep the wheels turning. We would welcome hearing from anyone interested, so please contact a member of the Committee if you’d like to talk things over.
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March 2011
We have had some interesting events alongside some very good restaurants so far this year. This month’s Event was no exception, and we have noticed that the number of members coming along to join us has been on the increase. Good news! The Committee have tried to choose places that are more centrally placed in the Var, but as there is a higher proportion of us living in the East Var we have less experience of suitable venues for events and restaurants in the West! So, if you are a western varois and have some suggestions you would like to make, then please contact one of the committee shown on the Contact page.
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February 2011
Those of you who read the Newsletter, and I hope that’s everyone, may see that we have included the date of our next Committee Meeting in May. We would like you to have some input, by letting the Secretary know if you have an item that you would like discussed or defined at the Meeting. Following the AGM in November, new Sub-group Rules and Guidelines are being finalised, which should be to the benefit of all VIAC members. We have drawn from your opinions voiced during the AGM discussions, from Sub-group ideas that are working well, and of course, from the main body of VIAC. |
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January 2011 The later part of 2010 brought much sadness with VIAC losing three of its members in as many months. But like Jason, we look both ways, and now turn our faces to the new year of 2011, and hope for better things. Some of us still make New Year resolutions - full of good intentions!
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December 2010 Once more we are approaching the end of another year in the life of our Club. I would like to thank the membership who have given their strong support, through their interest, presence at functions, and their words of thanks, in what has been a difficult year. It has been very encouraging to me. It was always going to be impossible to organise lunches and events to please everyone all the time, especially with so many other clubs, commitments and events to entice you these days! So thanks go to my Committee who have worked so tirelessly to organise something each month for you to enjoy. Thanks also go to my new Committee members, Bob and Isobel, for their hard work and commitment to the Club. We do appreciate that many events have taken place further east of the Var, and we are making positive efforts to centralise our monthly events whenever possible. Our January luncheon is an example of our efforts, and should be more accessible. So do read your newsletter please, and keep a note in your diaries. We have had some fun, and the year has ended on a high note for all those who joined us for the event of the year- the Dinner Dance! |
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November 2010 Our 22nd AGM was held on November 7th, another warm, sunny day and seemingly the pattern for early November. It was attended by 40 members at the L’Oustelet, Le Cannet des Maures. The Meeting proceeded smoothly, becoming animated with member participation. “Enjoyable”, “exciting” and “lively” were words used in feedback to me! Three members of the Committee retired this year: Anne Burnett after six years giving her time to Committee work, Jean Harper who found it difficult and frustrating with so little time in France, and Jim Whittaker who stepped in to give much support over the last five months as a very able Vice President. A gift of flowers was given to Anne to thank her for her excellent work, and a mystery gift bottle was given to Jim for his valuable assistance. We have put out regular pleas for volunteers to come forward, and happily for us Bob and Isobel Pritchatt were prepared to join the Committee. The new Committee elected are shown on the Contact page. We heard reports from the Subgroups. All have been very active with the exception of the Walking Group. There followed a lively discussion about subgroups and how they function. Last year’s Charity Collection will go to the following groups: the Bereavement Support Network of the Var, Cogolin Maison de Retraite Peirin, and Var Disaster Fund. It was agreed that VIAC will cease charity collections. Membership subscriptions remain the same at 20€ per person, but the cost of a posted paper copy of the newsletter will increase to 15€ per annum, to reflect the true cost of postage. The extra cost for guest attendance at events will increase by 1€ to 5€. Our thanks to Peter Clarke for organising the AGM so efficiently.
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October 2010 The coming big landmark on our VIAC agenda is the AGM in November, in just two weeks, and we would like to welcome as many members as possible. In order to proceed, we need a quorum, and those who attend will be able to hear the latest news from the Club, from the Subgroups, hear and vote on the motions to be put forward. It will be good to see many of you again - besides which, the meal which follows has always been a friendly and relaxed occasion. Do come.
On Thursday 14th October, a lovely sunny day, twenty-two members and guests drove up through the beautiful countryside of the Haute Var to meet at the 11th century Eglise St. Denis on the South East approach to Tourtour, “Le Village dans le Ciel”. Already we knew that we were in for something special as at our meeting point we found the Table Panoramique from where there are spectacular views as far as the Maures, the Ste-Victoire, the Ste Baume, and on to the Luberon on one side and the sea on the other. It was a pity that the mist which covered the Var meant that we had only ghostly impressions of the vast panorama before us. Just inside the village we met our knowledgeable guide who, in little over 1.5hrs gave us a feeling for its history, life and culture. Our group walked through the open Places and narrow ruelles seeing remains of ancient ramparts alongside recently-constructed apartments which are finished in a similar style so that without being told, this observer at least would not have realized that they are modern.
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September 2010 How quickly the summer has passed! For those who spend the year here, it has been busy and full of events and fun. I always rather dread the start of the tourist season, but when it comes, there is so much entertainment, and such liveliness about the streets. The late-night restaurants and street markets, the music lighting up the villages, all make me feel in holiday mood too. It’s another world when the tourists have returned home- quiet, orderly, and once more the friendliness of your local villagers. And to be able to drive along the coast road without the car wheels slowing down is a real pleasure. Now we also have VIAC members returning from foreign fields! We hope to see you all again at one of our events soon….. Now that you are all refreshed, and ready for a new year, perhaps someone could give serious consideration to my usual monthly requests? We will be looking for another Committee member to volunteer some time and skills- perhaps even patience- from November. Ideally a person willing to practice secretarial skills, or competent in keeping financial accounts, and preferably a member who spends most of their time in France. At the AGM in November we will be making a decision on the choice of VIAC charity. We have received two researched reports during the year, and we are very pleased to have had their suggestions. Now there is just one month to go for any further requests. If you can offer your help, please get in touch with any Committee member, or president@viac.fr
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July 2010
The Var has been hit again by terrible flooding and devastation, and by now we have all been made aware of the scale of the disaster. Not only have some people been made homeless, losing everything, but main bridges have been washed away, as at Taradeau. Electricity cuts have lasted 3 days. New apartments in Ste Maxime, dependent on electricity for cooking, doors, windows, gates, were in the dark. Petrol pumps and cash machines were unusable. Notices went out that the water was polluted, and undrinkable. Some beaches were off-limit, and the sea was roped off as polluted also. Many animals, including sheep and horses, have drowned.
The need for help and assistance is immediate- food, clothing, hygiene. Exceptionally, we have made our Charity Collection at the Beach Party Event for the Solidarite aux Sinistres du Var, to go towards giving help to people most in need. If you would like to donate, cheques should be made payable to: Tresor Public- Solidarite aux Sinistres du Var and posted to: Conseil General du Var, Solidarite aux Sinistres du Var, 390 avenue des Lices, 83076 TOULON Cedex
Jim Whittaker has addresses for gifts which are most in demand, and a phone number for help information. Please contact Jim at jimberwhit@aol.com or 04 94 59 87 26.
Changes are taking place within the VIAC Committee…. After several months taking over the function of Secretary for our Club, Peter Finch has withdrawn from the Committee. We owe him thanks for stepping into a vacant position, and spending hours of his own time on VIAC matters. Until the AGM, Jim Whittaker has been co-opted as Vice President, and Inez will be our Secretary.
As we discover each year, it is difficult to find members who are willing to help the Club and Committee with their expertise, and to give some of their time voluntarily. From November, we will have need of someone with secretarial skills, and another competent with handling money and keeping accounts, preferably members who spend most of their time here in France. Can you help? |
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June 2010
The May weekend has come and gone- reputedly one of the busiest of the year on the roads, and I can well believe it. Summer is here, and in full swing, with beautiful weather, and enough entertainment just people-watching! The bays are filling up with boats of all sizes, bringing visitors to strut their stuff at St Tropez- perhaps one of the best places to people-watch!
However, I am always thinking a few months ahead of myself, with many thoughts on the coming AGM, and membership input. We will all be making a decision on a Var-based charity for VIAC to support, so keep sending in your suggestions, but please do the research first before contacting the Committee.
We also hope that there is someone out there who would consider giving some of their time to the Club, as a volunteer for next year’s Committee. |
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May 2010
In mid-April, myself, Anne (publicity) and 3 other VIAC members were invited to Cannes by the International Club of the Riviera. We were able to sample their hospitality and “network”- as the expression goes. It’s always good to make new friends, see how other associations are run, and hear of new ideas, and we were made very welcome.
The International Club was founded two years ago by George Kasiliyake, and currently has over 100 members from a wide range of countries, from Peru to New Zealand to France. George is now a new member of VIAC- welcome!
Sunny Bank’s Retirement Home, Victoria, was officially opened on 19 April. Small groups are invited to view, by appointment and two members have already contacted me who wish to visit late May/June. If there is another couple who would like to join us to make up a group, please contact me- Janet.
April 2010
Since last month's newsletter, we have been pleased to receive some suggestions of Var-based clubs and institutions which would benefit, to a greater or less degree, from our charity funding. Keep the ideas coming in, along with research that has been made, for consideration at the AGM in November!
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