An Afternoon to Remember: Bognor Regis Twinning Association’s Beaujolais Bistro Extravaganza

Raymond Hagger • November 21, 2023

An enjoyable afternoon with fellow members and guests.

Last Saturday, the Roland Rank Centre in Aldwick was abuzz with excitement as the Bognor Regis Twinning Association hosted its highly anticipated annual Beaujolais Bistro event. The soirée, which had been sold out a month in advance, lived up to its reputation as a delightful evening of camaraderie, exquisite French cuisine, and a generous spirit.
 
Behind the scenes, a team of dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the event. From preparing the delectable dishes to setting up the hall with meticulous care, their efforts showcased the true spirit of community. As the saying goes, many hands make light work, and it was evident that the collaborative efforts of the volunteers were instrumental in making the evening a resounding success.


Special recognition is due to the Vice Chairman, Heather Perrott, and Maralyn Green, whose dedication and hard work were indispensable to the event’s smooth execution. Their commitment to the cause and attention to detail played a crucial role in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all attendees.
 
Ray Hagger, the Chairman of the Bognor Regis Twinning Association, took a moment to raise a toast to this year’s Beaujolais. His toast to this year’s Beaujolais Coupled with our twin towns if Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, Weil Am Rhein & Trebbin set the tone for a night filled with laughter, good company, and the spirit of giving.
 
The culinary journey of the evening was nothing short of spectacular. Attendees were treated to a sumptuous three-course meal that began with a classic French onion soup, setting the tone for the evening’s gastronomic adventure. The main course featured slow-cooked Mediterranean chicken, a dish that transported guests to the sun-kissed landscapes of southern France. The grand finale was a delightful plum clafoutis, a sweet ending to an evening filled with culinary delights.

Beyond the joyous festivities, the event also served a noble purpose. Through the collective efforts of everyone involved, the Bognor Regis Twinning Association managed to raise at least £730. This significant sum will undoubtedly contribute to the organization’s initiatives and further strengthen the bonds of friendship between Bognor Regis and its twinned counterparts.
 
As the afternoon ended the echoes of laughter and the warmth of shared memories lingered in the air. The success of the Beaujolais Bistro was a testament to the power of community, volunteerism, and the unwavering commitment of individuals like Heather Perrott, and Maralyn Green. The Bognor Regis Twinning Association’s annual gathering not only celebrated the spirit of twinning but also showcased the remarkable generosity that thrives within the community. Here’s to another year of fostering friendship, goodwill, and more delightful Beaujolais Bistro's in Bognor Regis.

By Maralyn Green March 1, 2026
At the Regis School of Music, members of the Bognor Regis Town Twinning Association gathered for their AGM and to listen to the Association’s achievements over the past year. Mrs Heather Perrott, Chairman, led the AGM and praised the success of the Town Twinning Association in 2025. The social programme had been much enjoyed comprising rambles, a boules tournament, a quiz evening, luncheons, games evenings, talks, coffee mornings, and the ever popular Beaujolais Bistro, which sold out all 52 places quickly. A second Murder Mystery Evening was as successful as the first when members dressed up as the 14 suspects, whilst the rest of the guests tried to figure out who was the dastardly Murderer. At the Morning of Christmas Cheer, Father Christmas arrived with two rather adult-sized elves and quizzed guests as to the names of all his reindeer. Members were amused by his stories whilst partaking of the mulled wine, spiced apple punch and generous buffet available In May, visitors from our French twin town of St-Maur-des-Fossés, located near Paris, came to Bognor for several days, staying with members of the Twinning Association. A guided walking tour of Bognor, finishing in the Bognor museum, was arranged as well as visits to Petworth House, West Dean and Chichester. In June members of the Association visited Weil am Rhein, in the vineyard region of Southern Germany, and were treated to several days of visits to Switzerland and France, as well as the Black Forest. Members stayed with friends, old and new, and enjoyed evening receptions laid on by the Town Hall and also by the Weil am Rhein Association. Mrs Perrott was unanimously approved by the AGM as the new Chairman for 2026. Mr Patrick Hastings was welcomed as the new President of the Association. Mr Hastings has been a long-term active member, who was Chairman back in 1987 when Bognor initially twinned with Weil am Rhein.
By Raymond Hagger September 22, 2025
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By Maralyn Green September 1, 2025
And the winners are....