There is no great enthusiasm in the group for the study of grammar, but nevertheless on 26^th July we tackled the formation and use of the conditional tense (or conditional mood). The formation is straightforward, but use can be difficult, particularly if a subjunctive might be appropriate. More study is needed if we can find the enthusiasm.

At the next meeting we read and translated an interesting article about small areas of Paris that have a rural aspect, such as La Mouzaïa, with roads or lanes bordered by former workers’ houses, now adopted by the middle class like some of the mews in London, and decorated by flowers and small gardens. The word “bobo” describes the residents, short for bourgeois bohème, or middle class bohemian.

At the following meeting re-read and translated an article about French emigration in the 19^th century including perhaps surprisingly to Argentine and Uruguay. Apparently nowadays some emigres, or their descendants, are returning to France.

Some while ago I read of an adventurous Frenchman establishing his own kingdom of Patagonia & Araucaria within Argentina. If you would like to know more about this amazing adventurer look in Wikipedia at “Orélie-Antoine de Tounens”.

Next we read French reports of the recent Genoa bridge collapse – much the same news as we had in our UK papers and TV. We followed this with a test on our knowledge of phrases commonly used in French.

As always our meetings are a cheerful and friendly affair, each of us learning a little from the others.

There is a vacancy for one or two new members – contact our leader Pam on 01621 783453 if you are interested. Look at some of my earlier reports to see the range of subjects we have covered.

Brian Caulkett