The annual Beaujolais Bistro luncheon, run by the Bognor Twinning Association, was once again a resounding success.  One of the highlights of the busy social Twinning calendar, the event also includes a popular sampling of the new Beaujolais, together with a substantial three course luncheon with a French flavour.  All held in the spacious Rowland Rank Centre with its 50 places sold out, well before the date.

Mrs Heather Perrott, Honorary Life Vice-President, welcomed members and their guests and mentioned that although all power had gone off in the Rowland Rank Centre some days before the Bistro, no doubt due electrical problems occurring during the heavy storms we’d been having, fortunately it had been restarted in time for the luncheon!  Sigh of relief from all involved that heating and cooking facilities were once again working well!  Mr Ray Hagger, Twinning Chairman, then followed this good news by leading everyone in a toast to the new Beaujolais of 2022. 

The Beaujolais Bistro is held to welcome the arrival of this year’s new Beaujolais wine.  In France, the release of the new young wine, on the third Thursday in November, is celebrated with music and festivals.  The Bognor Twinning Association decided to have their own festivities and has now been celebrating annually for nearly 30 years.  Not surprisingly, places at the luncheon have become hot tickets.

The menu offered this year comprised of a French onion soup, followed by a main course of Poulet au miel et à la moutarde (Honey Mustard Chicken) and a dessert of Clafoutis with plum sauce and cream.  All varied dietary requirements are catered for, with a vegetarian alternative also being available.  The Bistro finished with tea, coffee and mints, while those lucky enough to win in the raffle, collected their prizes.

The next event on the busy social calendar will be a Morning of Christmas Cheer before a whole new programme starts in January.