Previous Monthly Tea Events
Thursday 2ndApril 2026 – Monthly Tea and Activities
It was a pleasure to welcome 18 people to our latest Monthly Tea session.
After helping themselves to tea and cakes — with a special thank-you to Susan and Fee for the delicious selection — people quickly settled in at opposite ends of the room. One group was keen to replay, or learn for the first time, the card game Wizard, with Graham guiding a lively mix of three French and three Anglophone participants.
At the other end of the room, a competitive game of Anagram was underway, played simultaneously in French, English and even American variants, with several keen observers following the action closely.
Later in the session, those whose brains were not too frazzled went on to explore the game Continuo.
Conversation and fact cards were available on the tables, giving early arrivals something to browse while waiting for others, while some members chose simply to chat, catch up, and enjoy each other’s company.
There were several positive comments during the afternoon. Two people mentioned how much they appreciated the extended format, while another admitted they usually dislike games and had initially come just for the tea, cake and company — but found themselves pleasantly surprised by the laughter, learning and humour the activities brought.
Indeed, the challenges of explaining the rules of a game in a foreign language led to some amusing misunderstandings, especially as different cultures bring different references and habits. At one point, this even sparked a mini “history lesson” on hand gestures — comparing the victory sign in France with the rather less polite version in the UK!
A big thank-you to everyone who helped on the day, and to those who have already signed up on the rota to support future sessions.
There was also strong interest expressed in playing Scrabble and Rummikub at a future session, so if you enjoy these games, do come along next time!
Thursday, 5th March 2026 – Our New-Style Monthly Tea Event
It was wonderful to see more than 20 people come along to our March Monthly Tea. This longer, relaxed “activities and refreshments” event centred around discussions on the theme of Easter traditions from around the world, alongside a variety of games.
Upon arrival, people were naturally drawn towards the refreshments table, where they were greeted by a lovely array of biscuits, home-baked cakes, tea, coffee and fruit juice.
Members continued to greet one another while browsing the discussion cards laid out on the tables. These provided easy conversation starters when introducing ourselves to new faces, and we discovered the origins of many different traditions.
It was also great to see our new member Graham introducing a group to a card game called Wizard at one end of the hall. There were plenty of players and observers keen to join in. It was interesting to see the confusion between belote, which some had learnt the previous month, and this new game. This also created plenty of opportunities for comparing the language used to describe the cards. One member was overheard to say “I don’t usually like card games, but that was fun!”
At the other end of the hall, another group were learning a different game called Anagram under the careful scrutiny of Linda, who made sure everyone followed the rules. The game became quite heated, with hands grabbing words that other participants had made, and concentration levels were high as the group had chosen to try to create both French and English words at the same time!
Others chose simply to sit together, developing new friendships or catching up with old ones.
There was also the opportunity to browse the selection of books, DVDs and jigsaw puzzles that members are free to borrow.
The Monthly Tea naturally encouraged a lively mix of French and English conversation, friendly banter and good-natured rivalry. A good time was clearly had by all.
A big thank-you to everyone who helped with the organisation behind the scenes, which contributed to the afternoon’s success.
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Thursday, 5th February 2026 – First New-style Monthly Tea event
Thursday 5th February saw the launch of our first new-style Monthly Tea, and what a success it was. A total of 21 people came along to enjoy this longer, more relaxed ‘activity with a cuppa’ session, centred around games and discussions on the theme of pancake traditions from around the world.
On arrival, people naturally gravitated towards the tea and coffee table, where they were greeted by beautiful (and very moreish!) heart-shaped biscuits — after all, it is February — along with brioche and fruit loaves served with homemade jam.
As people arrived, there was a lovely buzz of conversation, with members greeting one another, browsing the discussion cards laid out on the tables, and sharing memories and traditions. Georges recalled the custom of tossing a pancake with one hand while holding a coin in the other to bring good fortune
Many thanks to Susan and Michael for providing the delicious biscuits, cakes and jam, and it was especially nice to see new members Lauren and Dianne pitching in to help serve drinks and keep things running smoothly.
A wide selection of games was available — some familiar favourites and some new discoveries. Georges did a sterling job introducing complete beginners to the basics of Belote, while Gérard helped others refresh their memories, ensuring everyone felt included and confident enough to join in.
The occasion also provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the 75th birthday of new member Graham, who was clearly taken by surprise and visibly touched by the warm welcome and good wishes.
By the end of the first hour, it was striking to see that everyone was engaged — either playing a game or actively chatting around the tables. The games naturally encouraged a lively mix of French and English conversation, friendly banter and good-natured rivalry. A good time was clearly had by all.
Finally, a big thank-you to everyone who helped behind the scenes — moving furniture, clearing up, washing up — all of which contributed to making this first new-style Monthly Tea such a success.
Thursday, 8th January 2026 – Galette des Rois event
A very convivial January monthly tea, with lots of new faces and a great mix of French and English members.
Guests enjoyed a choice of three different cakes, plenty of tea and coffee, and some informal conversation cards around Epiphany and New Year cake traditions in France and the UK, which sparked some interesting discussions.
It was lovely to welcome newcomers, people brought along by friends, and several who came following our Christmas sing-along.
Many thanks to Eileen Climance for organising the tea and for the nicely presented tables!
