Well, you know how it is – you’re walking along a quiet woodland track and you hear the sound of a golden oriole. Squinting up into the trees you try and spot him but, like the nightingale, he always plays hard to get.

On the sandy paths, lines of ants bring me up short and… talking of ants, sitting in the crook of my favourite oak tree, these industrious powerhouses belt up and down the tree trunk, hell bent on something – finishing before the clock strikes twelve maybe!

A vast red rash of poppies caught my eye the other day. Where’s a box of paints and a canvas on an easel when you need them. I’m no Monet but I bet I could take a stab at it.

We are still searching the P-O for two people to fill our vacancies.

At the CSF Sud P-O AGM January 2023, in accordance with CSF statutes, Maggie Longworth will be standing down as P-O Representative. She has had 10 enjoyable and satisfactory years on the Sud CSF Conseil.

We are therefore looking for two people to share the role of Representative. Briefly the role involves co-ordinating events and activities across the P-O and participating in the general organisation of CSF Sud.

Perhaps you know someone outside CSF who might be interested in applying?

If you do or if you would like more information about the vacancies or about the existing teamwork in the P-O please give Maggie a ring or email her. Her number is 06 80 38 65 96 or email sud-maggie@cancersupportfrance.org.

Two Success Stories

Our Vide Grenier took place on Sunday 15 May in St Cyprien

A huge thank you to everyone who helped us on our stall – you were all amazing, great fun, master sales people and superb organisers!
The grand total taken was €202.76.

At our Quiz Night in Eus on Wednesday 18 May there were 50 of us! It was a great success. A lot of people said they had enjoyed the evening and would come back next year.

Jan West was the quiz master and Lizzie Smith prepared the cold buffet. We made €260 on the tombola, which we share with the Croix Rouge, plus €235 made in profit for CSF Sud. A big thank you to all involved, not only on the day but also during the preparation in the months beforehand.

Drop Ins

Wednesday 1 June, Pablo’s Bar – Céret, 10.30

Come along for coffee and chat. There will also be books. Céret is a great place to meet up with friends.

Monday 20 June, Café des Artistes – Laroque des Albères, 10.30

Do come along, browse the books and have a coffee. Bring your paperbacks to exchange, French and English. Children’s books too.

Other events this month

Thursday 9 June, Les Printemps de la Cancérologie, 1pm

This conference used to be called Vaincre le cancer. The name may have changed but the objective remains the same. It aims to present to the general public the various preventive measures, the latest therapeutic advances and the support offered to patients and their relatives throughout the course of care.

CSF have a stand again this year, as do many others, so why not come along and have a good look round.

The conference itself starts with an introduction at 2pm after which you are invited to attend talks given by specialist professionals and after each talk, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. You can attend one or several of these but you’re under no obligation to do so or to stay the whole afternoon.

The conference is completely free of charge. Below is a pdf giving more details (click the image for full document). Contact Penny if you would like more information (sud-penny@cancersupportfrance.org).

Tuesday 14th June, Awareness Day, 10 – 3.30

Get to Know Us – this is a day when we open up about CSF – its history and its functions.

We are holding the meeting in the Monastère de Prouilhe which is in Fanjeaux, a small, medieval town in the Aude, not far from Carcassonne. Between 1206 and 1215, Fanjeaux was the home of St Dominic, the founder of the Dominican Order.

Below is the a poster which tells you all you need to know about the day. The main information session will be in the morning, followed by a light lunch.

In the afternoon we’ll be talking about the role of an Active Listener and we are calling it an optional session but everyone is very welcome to attend.

Please email Ian Salvage sud-comms@cancersupportfrance.org or phone him 04 68 21 04 83 if you would like to join us.

Wednesday 15 June, Fuilla, 10.15 – 12

The village of Fuilla is a small village situated south of Villefranche de Conflent. Come and visit Greg Jamison’s garden and buy some plants. He is opening up his garden to members and all profits will go to CSF. The address is 18 Ancien chemin de Viilefranch, Milieu, Fuilla 66820.