vab Posted May 31, 2006 Share Posted May 31, 2006 we have been in France for seven weeks having landed not knowing anyone in this country and we are renting at present. We are moving to St Soline nr Lezay at the end of June and wondered if anyone can tell us a little about the area and anything that will be happening that we can attend to hopefully get to know some people in that area.Our french is very limited so a chat with English people now and again would be nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bastet Posted June 1, 2006 Share Posted June 1, 2006 Hi Vab, and welcome to the Forum. There are many english speakers who live in and around Lezay, including St Soline. Apart from the regular annual large Brocante which takes place there in July, I don't know much about the local events, but you may, as newbies to the area, wish to join an Association called Get Together which has a couple of hundred (mostly) British families as members. It arranges social, sporting and cultural events in the Deux Sevres department, as well as offering advice on many aspects of settling into french life. If you want more info, please send me a PM.Before I get shot down in flames by those who consider this type of organisation too cliquey or exclusively 'ex-pat', I must say in its defence that it can be enormously helpful for newcomers, and does a great deal to support local french causes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Katie Posted June 1, 2006 Share Posted June 1, 2006 [quote user="Bastet"]Before I get shot down in flames by those who consider this type of organisation too cliquey or exclusively 'ex-pat', I must say in its defence that it can be enormously helpful for newcomers, and does a great deal to support local french causes.[/quote]Bastet, I have seen many people here get shot down in flames over the ex pat thing. I think this organisation sounds wonderful and why can't those like Vab or even myself (when I decide to move over) to join these kinds of events. I fully understand the importance of intergration and socialisation with the French it would be rude not to but I think these sorts of clubs make life that little bit easier.Good luck VabFrom one who is still trying to pluck up some courage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bastet Posted June 1, 2006 Share Posted June 1, 2006 Hi Katie,Yes, you are so right, hence my pre-emptive defence! These types of associations can give newcomers valuable information about local life/customs and the confidence to get out and mix with the French. We had loads of help from GT members when we first moved here 4 years ago and are happy to carry on the custom. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Katie Posted June 1, 2006 Share Posted June 1, 2006 Bastet,And why not? You take, then you give back. They are the rules arent they? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ysatis Posted June 1, 2006 Share Posted June 1, 2006 Hello vab, To echo Bastet, welcome to the LF Forum.I have good friends who will be moving to that area very soon to enjoy their retirement, and are in a similar situation as you. He is a very keen brass band enthusiast, and are both dog lovers. I agree with the previous two posters, whilst it is important to intergrate with the French and their lifestyle they have to offer, an association like Get Together is an opportunity to make new friends and perhaps get help and support when you feel you need it. Some may call it 'clicky', but if you keep a balance between having French and English friends and activites you can't go far wrong.Moving to a new country is a hugh challenge and everyone needs a degree of assistance, whether it be from the French or the English.I wish you 'bonne chance' with your new life.Regards, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Katie Posted June 1, 2006 Share Posted June 1, 2006 Also, you will get cliques wherever you go in life. Be it the village fete with the frenchies or a knees up with the expats. As adults I would hope we are all capable for sorting the men from the boys. (Well I am anyway[:P]) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vab Posted June 1, 2006 Author Share Posted June 1, 2006 Thank you very much for replying. We would be very interested in having more info on the "Get together" association so do you have a contact number? Regards VAB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ysatis Posted June 1, 2006 Share Posted June 1, 2006 Hi vab, I have sent you a PM of a contact telephone number and name for the "Get Together" association. I'm not sure if I would be braking any Forum rules if I just posted them here.Regards, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris pp Posted June 1, 2006 Share Posted June 1, 2006 I think that there is a French / British group called Frangles, or something like that, who meet once a week in Saint Sauvent which is not too far from Lezay. I was talking to a journalist a couple of weeks ago who was covering one of our sorties and she was telling me about it, but I have to admit I wasn't that interested at the time as I don't live there. If it really is a mixture of French & Brits it could probably be quite useful for people who are new in the area. Might be worth enquiring about when you arrive.Chris. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sashabel Posted June 5, 2006 Share Posted June 5, 2006 Just sent you a PM.Sasha Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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