June Highlights 2026
June was another vibrant and enjoyable month for the Nottingham Anglo-French Society, with a varied programme of activities combining local history, art and architecture, wellbeing and a little friendly competition
TOUR DE LENTON
Our month began on Saturday 6 June with an excellent walking tour of
Lenton, expertly led by Jonathan Wickens, instantly recognisable in his
unmissable EU beret.
Jonathan guided us through the old and new of this fascinating part of Nottingham, including a visit to a family florist
that has been in business since the 1950s.
Along the way, we stopped at a war memorial bearing, among others, the name of Albert Ball, whom many members remembered from Phil’s recent talk on the Western Front during the First World War; a pleasing connection between two of our Society’s events.
ART NOUVEAU – ART DECO TALK
On Friday 12 June, members enjoyed a beautifully illustrated Zoom
presentation by Germaine Jones, Art Nouveau – Art Deco.
Far from confining the subject to France, Germaine showed how these artistic movements flourished across Europe and beyond, influencing not only architecture but also jewellery, furniture and everyday objects. It was a fascinating journey through two remarkable design styles.
YOGA IN FRENCH
A change of pace followed on Saturday 20 June with Yoga in French, led by Clare St Lawrence and ably assisted by Laurence Gobbo-Walster.
Held in the peaceful surroundings of a tastefully refurbished old barn, now
Fortis Gym, the session provided a wonderfully relaxing opportunity to
practise both our stretching and our French.
APRÈS-MIDI PÉTANQUE
We rounded off the month on Saturday 27 June with a thoroughly enjoyable pétanque afternoon.
After demonstrations and expert coaching from club members, everyone had the chance to put their new skills into practice in friendly matches.
Refreshments and conversation ended the afternoon. We were delighted that everyone learnt something new and nobody dropped a boule on their foot!
Now, when invited to a game in our summer holidays in
France, we won’t say « C’est quoi, ce machin-là ? » but proudly reply « Mais bien sûr, j’étais champion au Club de Pétanque de
Nottingham ! »
We are now exhausted and taking our summer holidays.
Do come and join us again in September, when we will be super-refreshed and diving into an exciting new year of French talks and fringe events.
On vous attend!