This year’s annual Charity Barbecue for S/W France & Aquitaine region was hosted by Julian and Régine at their beautiful property in the Charente. We had around 35 members and friends attending and with some foresight we had erected two large gazebos to fend off the occasional showers. A big change from the weather we have been experiencing here over the last few months but, acknowledging the tinder-dry countryside, our barbecues were under cover in our hosts’ extensive hangar.

Not that the weather dampened the festivities that always accompany our club outings. An added attraction was the attendance of M. Francois Jobit and family who own a nearby winery and gave us tastings of their wine and cognac offerings and the opportunity to purchase our preferred tipple. Due to the generosity of our members who donated and brought along items for what appeared to be a never ending Raffle, the club raised over 1500 Euros which this year is to be donated to the Charity “Mind UK” as chosen by our hosts, a charity that helps those unfortunate enough to suffer from mental health problems. Our sincere thanks to all who attended and everyone else who contributed to this excellent total.