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EVENT REPORTS

A small but select band of Amicale members had the benefit of a wonderful early summers day for the visit to the cider/calvados farm l’Hermitière at St Jean des Champs on the morning of Tuesday 6th May followed in the afternoon by a visit to the Bell Foundry at Villedieu les Pôeles.

The cider farm is a small family run business supplying all of its annual production to restaurants and small shops within a radius of 40 kilometers or so. The visit began with a very informative 10 minute film followed by the production areas and museum. As always, the final stop was at the farm shop for a tasting of the apple juice, cider and calvados (all delicious) and the opportunity to buy products not available through the usual large supermarkets. A peaceful picnic lunch in the grounds rounded off a lovely start to the day.

The much better known and more commercialised bell foundry at Villedieu was the setting for the second visit of the day. The guided tour really brought home the degree of expertise and craftsmanship needed to produce these wonderful creations.

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Le Mont Saint Michel, Sunday 25th May

Meeting at 9.00 in the morning, we enoyed an excellent 2 hour visit thanks to the expertise of Christine Bisson whose knowledge really brought the history of the Mont to life - many, many thanks to Christine.

The visit ended with our attendance at the morning mass in the Abbey. Even the non-catholics were inspired by this celebration, due in no small part to the superb music.

An excellent lunch at l’Auberge St Pierre was a perfect ending to a lovely morning.

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10th July

The morning of the 10th July arrived wet and cold , so much so that the walk around the Lac de la Dattee had to be cancelled. Nevertheless, some of us were to be found at the "P'tit Breton" at Mesnil Clinchamps for lunch. The weather improved to such an extent that we decided to do the walk after lunch. We all benefited from this 6km stroll in a superb setting - our thanks to Lin Fry for all the organisation.

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27th July

We were lucky enoughto have a sunny and warm day for the 'Bring a Plate Party' at La Baleine on the 27th July. The apperatifs were served outside under the trees before those in attendance cheerfully attacked the mountains of food and wine available. The delicious food and lovely atmosphere made for a highly enjoyable evening with the last of the party not leaving till gone 9 o'clock.

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24th August

Fourteen pilgrims met at Mont St Michel for the son et lumière on the 24th August.

Beginning with another good meal at the Auberge St Pierre, the evening was darkening as we made our way up to the abbey. A wonderful evening began with the glorious view across the bay at low tide, the water channels shining like silver in the moonlight. As we entered the abbey we were met first by a harpist in the abbey itself - the somewhat strange music she was playing turned out to be her tuning up exercises which eventually sequed into a lovely piece accentuated by the excellent accoustic.

Moving from room to room, we were greeted by first a cello then a harpsichord then a flute. A magical experience quite unlike a 'normal' visit to the Mont. By now approaching midnight, the evening was crowned by the amazing sight of two shadows of the abbey spire projected onto the clouds by the powerful lights below.

Many thanks again to Christine, without whom this memorable event would not have taken place.

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20th September

The annual heritage day - la journée du patrimoine - was blessed by glorious weather and began, for the association, at the Chateau de Pirou by the coast to the south west of Lessay. As usual, Christine treated us to a fascinating account of the history of the chateau and the coastline which it was built to protect. The highlight of the tour, certainly for me, was the magnificent tapestry, created in the style of the Bayeux Tapestry, depicting the story of the family and the part they played in the Norman occuption of Southern Italy and Sicily. All in all, a visit to be thoroughly recommended.

Lunch followed, literally on the beach, at an interesting little restaurant with great moules frites. We then visited, after a slight detour, the Cabane Vauban; situated in the dunes, this formed part of the coastal defense system. The remainder of the afternoon was spent at the Chateau de Gratot, another glorious little chateau with an interesting history.

By the end of the day we all felt, I am sure, much better informed with regard to our local heritage and also, I am equally sure, ready to put our feet up to recover and reflect with the aid of our favourite tipple. Roll on next years Journée du Patrimoine.

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