Burns Supper Visit 2014
This years Burns Supper took place in Maule on Saturday 1st February. A small group travelled from Carnoustie for the event. The journey was made from Glasgow to Paris (Charles De Gaulle Airport) on the afternoon of Thursday 30th January. Once in Paris they were met and transported to Maule. The rest of that day was spent catching up and relaxing after the journey.
Bright and early the following morning the party assembled at the railway station in Maule from where they took the train into Paris for the Day. A number of French hosts and others also made the journey which boosted the numbers to about 12. About an hour later the party was in the heart of Paris and raring to go.
Bright and early the following morning the party assembled at the railway station in Maule from where they took the train into Paris for the Day. A number of French hosts and others also made the journey which boosted the numbers to about 12. About an hour later the party was in the heart of Paris and raring to go.
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Paris is a great city and positively buzzes at any time of the year. Walking from the start point the party headed along the side of the river Seine to the first point of call which was Notre Dame Cathedral. This never fails to impress and even in January it was thronging with visitors.
On entering this building it can only be described as impressive as can be seen from the view of the alter (on the right). While not quite in the 'dead centre' of Paris there is a bronze plate in the pavement outside the cathedral from which all mileage to and from Paris is measured on all maps. After Notre Dame the party moved on to the Sacre Coeur which is also impressive but as much so for the view of the city - once you get your breath back after climbing the steps to get there. Lunch was taken at Monetmatre where you can also see the square where the local artists ply their trade. |
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After lunch the group moved on to the Arc de Triomphe which sits at one end of the Champs Elysees. Once there some of the more energetic (more steps, - many more steps) climbed to the top to get the best view of the city apart from the Eiffel Tower (on the left).
Looking down the Champs Elysees the 'Roue de Paris' which is a 60 metre ferris wheel situated the the Place de la Concorde (at the opposite end) can clearly be seen. Following that the party returned to Maule for an evening meal with hosts at the end of a very busy but enjoyable day. |
On Saturday following a day with hosts the Burns Supper took place in the Salle de Fetes in Maule. As usual the organisation was excellent and a lot of effort had gone into this by the Maule committee. There were about 120 people there and a great time had by all. The evening kicked off with the haggis being piped in by Gregory Jumeau where after the address by Roger Jeffrey it was suitably dispatched and returned to the kitchen. The Selkirk Grace was given by Christian Mottet and the meal was served. The Immortal Memory was given - in French - by Max Fordyce and the 'Toast to the Lassies' made by Patrice Rouhault. Both were well received and the the toast which was suitably chauvinistic was well rebutted by Dominique Le Flahec who in her reply had the ladies in good form. The entertainment was provided by La Choral du Val de Maudlre who gave a wonderful rendition of traditional English songs along with three of those written by the bard himself. The singer, Hugues Futo, also entertained as did Pierre Vauzelle who played the accordion and treated the party to both French and Scottish tunes.
The evening was concluded with both French and Scottish dancing and as they say went on into the "wee sma' hours".
The evening was concluded with both French and Scottish dancing and as they say went on into the "wee sma' hours".
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Roger Jeffrey addresses the Haggis
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Max Fordyce giving the Immortal Memory
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On Sunday the day was spent with hosts and some of the party were taken by their hosts to Versailles to view the grounds and some of the amazing sights there. On Monday morning a visit to the 'Colas' chocolate factory in Maule was made. Here there was a chance to see how chocolate was made and how almost anything can be made from it. This is not restricted to simply sweets as we know then but everything from Musical instruments to shoes, all made from chocolate - check out the video on our Facebook page. There was of course a chance to sample and quiet a few bags made the trip back to Scotland.
In the afternoon it was back to the airport for the flight home. A busy weekend but very much enjoyed by all who went and hopefully by our hosts in France as well. Next year we are in Carnoustie for the Burns Supper.
In the afternoon it was back to the airport for the flight home. A busy weekend but very much enjoyed by all who went and hopefully by our hosts in France as well. Next year we are in Carnoustie for the Burns Supper.
