NEWSLETTER
MARCH 2017
Email:
Web: www.vermeille-internationale.com
English version – version francaise va suivre
Hello,
We had a wet and windy first half of February, followed by much milder, sunny conditions later on. The main activity this month was the Winter Walk at Madeloc. 14 members took part in the walk and several more joined them for a memorable lunch at Refuge Madeloc. The sun shone, the wind was gentle and the views were wonderful. Many thanks to those who prepared and served the meal. We also had our usual “Last Wednesday” aperos (this time at the Tramontane” in PV), a good turnout for the film “La-La Land” and a small group took the yellow train into the snowy Pyrennees, organised by Michiel. All in all, a successful month, with over 200€ added to our funds.
I hope you can all read this. We are struggling with a change of computer, Windows 10 and Open Office. It's a nightmare coping with all the changes.
Maison St Joseph
Many thanks to those of you who have donated children's toys and furniture for the proposed children's room at this family hostel in Banyuls. The room was being prepared over February (checking electrical safety etc) and I hope we will be able to organise a working party in March to decorate and equip the new room using funds we have allocated from last year. Let us know if you want to help.
International Women's Day
This takes place on Wednesday 8th March and Linda is arranging a lunch for women at the Port de Venus in Port Vendres (near the Mairie) at 12.30. Aurore is opening up especially on her day off, and offering a three course lunch with wine at 19€. There will be a collection to support the St Joseph hostel, which helps many women and their families in difficult times. Please contact Linda as soon as possible if you want to join in (by Monday 6th). Seven people are already on the list and the restaurant can accommodate about twenty.
Cinema Vauban
We do not yet know the programme for March, except that “Manchester by the Sea “will be shown on Thursday 2nd March at 20.30. Further details will follow. Will we get to see “Moonlight”?
Bird Migration
Spring is really here now. Linda and I spent a couple of hours at the local migration spot in St Nazaire this morning (1st March) and saw a large flight of cranes (150), white storks (120 in several groups), black kites (30), buzzards, short toed eagles (the first of the year in the PO), marsh harriers, kestrels, great white egrets, flamingoes, great spotted cuckoos, crag martins among others. The best of the action usually happens between 9h30 and 12h30, so the show ends in time for a spot of lunch. I will be going down in March when the weather is right, and would be happy to show interested birders and photographers where to go. Let me know by email if you are interested and I will contact you.
Last Wednesday
Linda and I are away on the 29th, so we will probably reschedule to Wednesday 22nd unless anybody offers to organize it. Venue to be announced.
Members Page
The members page on the web site has great potential for exchanging information and recommendations. Here is a message from Stephanie:
Did you know that you can...
Check to see upcoming events...reserve places on line....send your photos for inclusion on our gallery page (we'd love to see them!)...download copies of our monthly newsletters...make suggestions for future events or charities to support...visit our Members Page?
New for 2017 – MEMBERS PAGE. This is your own space where you can....
Share useful information with fellow members...ask questions...recommend something – people, places, restaurants, etc...buy or sell items in our 50/50 sale....tell us what you would like to see on the Members Page. Post your announcements! Share your knowledge!
Paulina Markovic has entered details on the information section about her new business activity which may be of interest to second home owners and those who let property in season. Take a look on the Members Page of the web site www.vermeille-internationale.com
A Few Days Away
A return of this feature highlighting local spots to visit. We spent a few sunny days in Cadaques last week. We stayed in the Hostalet Cadaques – which was clean, comfortable and very central at the low price of 110€ for two nights. Out of season this is a bargain, though be warned, it is surrounded by night spots that would make it extremely noisy in the season and at weekends. We had three excellent walks, the GR11 to the bitter end at Cap Creus, the GR92 from Cadaques to the beautiful and deserted Cala Joncols, and an exploration of the dramatic Platja Teluda area on the North of Cap Creus.
David