Perth Branch Programme 2024-25
Events in 2024
Wednesday, 25th September “Pot d’Accueil – Welcome back!”
This is social event to welcome everyone back after the summer recess, a chance to catchup with friends and layout our plans for the coming season.
Members and their guests are welcome.
Wednesday, 16th October France and the Risorgimento
The Talk outlines the events leading up to unification of Italy and the shifting allegiances of France, Austria, and Italy. The 19th century was a time of group political upheaval in Europe and ended with a disastrous war which led to the collapse of the Second French Republic at the hands of Prussia.
Most people know about the revolution in 1789, but the revolution in 1848 affected the entire continent of Europe and led to the formation of the nation states we recognise today as Italy, Germany, and France. It was also a time that saw the declining influence of the Austro-Hungarian Empire on European politics.
Walter Perrie (Talk delivered in French and English)
Members and *Non-members are welcome
Wednesday, 13th November Restoring the Soul of Notre Dame
The cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris is scheduled to open its doors to the public on December 8th 2024, following the catastrophic fire which all but destroyed this cultural icon.
The journey from hollow shell to its return to French cultural life, is an achievement we can all celebrate.
Colin Browning will tell us about the skill and perseverance of the men and women who undertook this herculean task.
Colin Browning (Talk delivered in French and English)
Members and *Non-members are welcome
Thursday, 5th December Christmas Lunch
to be confirmed
Members and their guests are welcome.
Events in 2025
Wednesday, 15th January Charles Aznavour
Charles Aznavour was a French singer/songwriter of Armenian descent. Considered to be one of the greats of 20th century pop culture he had a career spanning more than 70 years and composed over 1,200 songs.
Aznavour was known for his distinctive vibrato tenor voice, clear and ringing the upper register with profound and gravelly low notes.
As Jean Cocteau once said: “Before Aznavour despair was unpopular” but maybe not in France.
Marie-Christine Graham (Talk delivered in French and English)
Members and *Non-members are welcome
Wednesday, 19th February A Tale of Two Countries
Our speaker Tom Wight has just become a French citizen, so he is well qualified to highlight the differences between the French and British sensibilities. A Scotsman married to a French woman he is the perfect guide.
Tom worked for many years in France so his talk, which is about differences in behaviour and what passes as normal in the two countries, will no doubt be peppered with amusing anecdotes.
Tom will be joined by the new Consul, Stéphane Pailler, who is a recent arrival to our shores, so it will be a pleasure to meet him, and hear how he is adapting to the natives.
Tom Wight and Stéphane Pailler (Talk delivered in French and English)
Members and *Non-members are welcome
Wednesday, 19th March Erik Satie
Emilie’s talk is about the very strange and strangely enchanting world of the composer Erik Satie.
Emilie Capulet is this year’s speaker from France visiting all branches. The talk is in French with musical illustrations.
Office Bearers 2024 – 2025
President: Margaret Rae
Vice-President: Lucyna Lindsay
Treasurer: Joëlle Fabre
Secretary: Chris Lindsay
Committee Members:
Marie-Christine Graham
Subscription Rates 2024 – 2025
*Non-members are very welcome to attend our talks.
Ordinary Membership: £20.00 per person per annum
†Patron Membership: £35.00 per person per annum (Includes membership of the Institut français)
Click here to download a printable programme for 2024/2025