Le Cercle Français

25 sept – L’âge d’or de la chanson française. 

Peter Prowse shares anecdotes about a number of singers from the period 1950–2000, such as Jacques Brel, Yves Montand, Georges Moustaki and Charles Trenet. During the talk, Peter sings songs (accompanying himself on the guitar) from that era. You are welcome to join in. 

23 oct – Un Français en Asie. 

Kate Donegan introduces “Un Français en Asie”. Jean-Pierre Poinas will tell us how he began a new life when he was 64, travelling alone in Asia.  He will share his insights as a foreign man, a stranger, in foreign countries.  He has published 6 books describing his experiences. 

27 nov – Limoges et le Limousin. 

Céline Homer talks about Limoges, a city famous for fine porcelain, and the surrounding Limousin countryside with its quiet medieval villages. 

22 jan – Nous ne sommes pas à l’école!  

Agnès Green gives us the chance to spend a fun evening, with guided discussions in French in small groups, on a variety of topics in a fun and light-hearted atmosphere! 

26 fév – Reading at the end of the 18th century. 

Joy Pibworth takes us through Reading experiencing the “Emigrés”! In the late 18th century many exiled French priests settled in Reading; why were they here and what sort of town did they see? 

23 avr – Nord–Pas-de-Calais: much more than the Ch’tis. 

Hélène Brady explores the history, culture, traditions and gastronomy to let us discover the French departments of Nord and Pas-de-Calais, now part of the Hauts-de-France region. Beyond the stereotypes popularised by the film "Welcome to the Sticks" (Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis), this presentation will explore a warm and welcoming region full of surprises. 

28 mai – Un quiz de pub. 

Test your general knowledge and have fun with a team pub quiz hosted by Carol Flett. 

25 juin – Le Canal du Midi. 

Through a series of fascinating walks along the Canal du Midi, Hélène Garçon explores the history of destinations such as Carcassonne, Castelnaudary, and the area from Sète to Toulouse. 

Last update: 20 août 2026