Andrew’s Thoughts
Finally it’s here! Our annual Cinders challenge is on this Thursday where we battle it out with our friends from Moruya Rotary over all things trivial. The prize is the much coveted Cinders Shield, currently in our good hands.
Many thanks to our quiz whizz Chris O’Brien for all the work she has put into the questions which had to be put on hold; this was after Cinders was postponed because of ‘Covid in the Kitchen’ at the Golfie. With Chris’ merry band of helpers, our wonderful organising crew and the assembled troupe , it promises to be a fun night.
Unfortunately last week an unexpected business commitment prevented me from being at the Club Assembly, but from all accounts it was a good and productive meeting under Ange’s very capable chairmanship. Discussion focussed on many points raised by the new Board at the previous week’s planning meeting. We will no doubt formalise some of those plans at the Board meeting this Friday.
See you on Thursday. As always, it’s onwards and upwards mes amis!
THIS WEEK
This Thursday: Our much anticipated Cinders challenge with Moruya Rotarians, with a slightly Christmas in July theme with a slight French twist. You are encouraged to get into the theme in whatever way ‘moves you’, but ‘dress-up’ is not compulsory. It’s 6 for 6.30pm. Cost $25 pp, meals off the board. Cash only.
This Friday: Board meeting 4pm Narooma Golf Club
A few French Christmas Traditions
A French Christmas really is about the food, particularly oysters, and less about decorations and gifts. Needless to say, none of this food is on tonight’s Cinders’ menu unfortunately(!).
Christmas Eve Dinner: In France, the main celebratory Christmas meal is enjoyed on Christmas Eve (December 24th), not Christmas Day, called “Le Réveillon”. It translates to the idea of staying up all night for the arrival of the “Père Noël” (Santa Claus). The meal usually begins around 8pm and stretches until after midnight. The menu varies according to the region but it is the perfect occasion for everyone to blow their food budget and savour snails, frog’s legs, scallops (Coquilles Saint Jacques) and truffles.
Christmas Dinner: Dishes might include roast turkey with chestnuts or roast goose, oysters, foie gras, lobster, venison and cheeses. For dessert, a chocolate sponge cake log called a bûche de Noël is normally eaten. Another celebration, in some parts of France, is that 13 different desserts are eaten!
Advent calendars: Advent Calendars (calendriers de l’Avent) are a common treat for eager French children in anticipation of Christmas.
Real Christmas Trees: French families tend to get real Christmas trees. A fir tree is preferred because they don’t lose their leaves during winter, which doubles as a symbol of hope and eternal life.
The Nativity scene: In French this is known as the “crèche” and French families who have a nativity scene often include all kinds of figures not just Baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph. On 25 December, a figurine representing Jesus is placed in the nativity scene (some nativities have it already present, though it is positioned upside down until Christmas Day). They are displayed until 2 February.
Shoes by the Fire: French children leave their shoes by the fireplace in the hope that Father Christmas will fill them with presents.
The French Christmas markets: All French Christmas markets (marchés de Noël) find their origins in Alsace. Its proximity to Germany gives Alsatian and French Christmas markets a distinctly Germanic touch in the structure of market stalls. The oldest Christmas market in Europe is in Strasbourg, dating from 1570.
The Week that Was
Last week’s Club Assembly
Our Club Assembly last week included some serious discussion over several proposed projects and revisited some previous projects. More on these in next week’s Beacon, once the results of this discussion is considered at this week’s Board meeting.
Our Business Breakfasts impress
Moruya President Shirl Hayes-Cornish made special mention in her column in Moruya’s bulletin this week of our Business Breakfasts, describing them as “a great programme”. She quoted from our Changeover bulletin; ‘These breakfasts are now well established as part of the business fabric of the town. Bringing the Club and businesses closer together and showcasing what Narooma Rotary can achieve.’
Out and About
Bega Rotarians and Killer whales
The Rotary Club of Bega is a proud sponsor of the under 16s Rugby team the Yuin Killer Whales in the PCYC (Police Citizens Youth Clubs) NSW Nations of Origin. PCYC (Police Citizens Youth Clubs) NSW Nations of Origin. Nations of Origin is a cultural reconciliation, education, leadership and sporting program that brings together nearly 1,500 young people from all around New South Wales. It culminates in an annual tournament this week in Nelson’s Bay.
The Yuin Killer Whales’ jerseys this year feature beautiful artwork by Shaquille Aldridge. Woolworths Merimbula is also a sponsor of the local Bega Valley teams.
NEXT WEEK
No Rotary Breakfast – Business Breakfasts resume in August.
No scheduled dinner meeting instead. Great speaker the following week (28 July) – Sol Ramana-Clarke on Medicinal Cannabis. Please bring partners and friends.