Deux-Sèvres Life

Tempo at Mauleon, Friday, 20th January 2012

One of the reasons I don't post a lot of What's Ons here is because, after several years of writing for newspapers in France, I have got very frustrated at the French attitude that they don't need to advertise events more than a week ahead - apart from the big annual concerts etc. The above is an example; this arrived in my Inbox half an hour ago!

Association Parthenay 2012 - Millescenie, July - volunteers needed

Driving round Parthenay recently, I've noticed posters in pink announcing 'En 2012,on y sera! If, like me, you've wondered what it is all about, well, here's the answer.

This year, the Association Parthenay 2012 intends to celebrate 1,000 years of the capital of the Gatine and the communes it encompasses - Millescenie will take place on 6, 7 & 8th July in the town. The Association plans to organise a grand 'spectacle' and on the evening of 13th January they held a meeting for anyone interested in taking part or helping. A friend and I popped along, intending to offer our services to help 'behind the scenes'.

Coreades d'automne - 21 Sept - 16 October - Deux-Sevres

Coream is presenting its 17th Festival Coreades this year, with the theme of Nature and its Seasons. Artistes include the Russian Symphony Orchestra, the Col Canto ensemble of 12 voices, and the voice of Paula Wilder-Gaubert (soprano) accompanied by Elodie Le droucpeet, piano. Music includes works by Turina, Debussy and Chopin; Beethoven, Haydn, Wagner.

For details of the full programme, plus venues and ticket prices, visit the website; the tourist offices in Niort and Celles-sur-Belle; the Mairies at La Chapelle St Laurent and Saint Maixent l'Ecole; Carrefour and Hyper U, and through FNAC

Reaction Theatre - Can't Sing, Won't Sing Workshop - join now

Hi All, This is a general invitation to all our members, friends and supporters..........

Can’t Sing, Won’t Sing
As some of you may know, a singing workshop ‘Can’t Sing, Won’t Sing’ was started up earlier this year and we have been meeting on a regular basis until the summer break. We will be relaunching the sessions in September and are looking for new recruits to swell the numbers.

Modern and Jazz Dance course, Mazieres-en-Gatine

If you fancy learning modern and jazz dance, a course begins at the Familles Rurales in Mazieres-en-Gatine on Tuesday 20th September and Friday 23rd September. You need to book beforehand.

Send your contact details to Remi Charge, 15 rue de la Fontaine, 79310 Mazieres-en-Gatine as soon as possible.

Jazz Festivals in Parthenay and Melle - July 2011

21-23 July - Melle Boulevard du Jazz

This year is the 10th year of the Boulevard du Jazz in Melle, which proves its popularity. This year the occasion will honour artistes such as Geraldine Laurent and Jean-Luc Coppozzo, the latter whose effigy is suspended from the ceiling of the Cafe du Boulevard during the duration of the festival!

Contributors include Jazz et Elle, Akale Wube, Sonora Trinitaria, Lilimarche Quartet, Jean-Luc Cappozzo - and carte blanche to Geraldine Laurent on saxophone

All concerts are free, food available in the Cafe du Boulevard. ~The event runs parallel with the Festival du Melle.

Festivals in Deux-Sevres in July Part 2 - Thouars, Melle and Haut Val de Sevre

The second part of my guide to festivals in Deux-Sevres during July ranges circus to singers, classical music to jazz.

You'll find basic details here, with links to the appropriate websites. Also, don't forget that you can pick up the brochure Terre de Festivals from your nearest Tourist Office, as well as details on individual concerts.

12-16 July - Thouars - Atout Arts

This is described as a veritable melting-pot uniting music, colours, ideas and cultures - countries include Senegal, Italy, Niger and Balkan jazz. All the concerts are at the Theatre in the centre of Thouars - next to the Tourist Office - and start at 7.30pm. For prices, telephone the theatre on 05 49 66 24 24, email silvousplait@theaatre-thouars.com. I won't give you a web address as it is ....not very good!

Festivals in Deux-Sevres in July Part 1 - Parthenay, Airvault, Saint Maixent

France is well into the swing of summer festivals now, so many to choose from; games for children to dancing, classical music and jazz, there is something for everyone.

Here's a potted list, you'll find them all in more details on the Terre de Festivals website, or get a copy from your local Tourist Office.

6-17 July - Parthenay FLIP, the Festival ludique international de Parthenay

This is the 13th games festival where the Place de Drapeau in the centre of town becomes tent city and the side streets are taken over by stalls with over 3,000 games and amusements of all description - all for free. There are scrabble and poker tournaments and trophies galore.

Music Festivals in Deux-Sevres in July

1-9 July is the Festival au Village in the Pays Mellois - circus,choir, theatre - all at Brioux-sur-Boutonne. Mor information at the Melle and Saint Maixent tourist offices and on the website.

2-3 July is Buillez, street entertainment at Bouille-Saint-Paul in the Pays Thouarsais.
More information from the Thouars tourist office and the website.

July 3rd - Rock 'n Roll at Maille English restaurant 3rd July 2011

BRITISH DAY-JOURNÉE BRITANNIQUE - DIMANCHE 3 JUILLET

MAILLÉ- English market from 10.30 am with Red White and Blue English groceries and Paperback Jan books, plus lots more. Full English breakfast served all day! Rock 'n Roll 12-3pm, Fish and Chips, burger, English dessert, English beer, Pimm's cocktail.

Sounds like a great day out! More info from paperbackjan@gmail.com

And don't forget the English films showing at Parthenay Cinema this weekend!