End of Year Picnic

Me in Last Year's Coif

Every Summer we have a picnic to celebrate the end of year Breton Dance Class.
We all make 'coifs' which is a traditional head dress made in lace or cotton. Each commune had their own design in the past but we find our local one a bit plain so we go to town and design fantastic creations.

Isabel's coif which wouldn't look amiss on a wedding cake

We begin in the morning with a visit to the local 'Maison de la Retraite'. After dancing for the residents we take aperitifs and a chat with them. Then we leave for the picnic location. This is right in the middle of the country next to an old chapel. There is a newly built three-sided wooden structure which has a kitchen and toilets and a store-room with tables and chairs. The latter are quickly set up and out come more aperitifs provided this time by the club.
       Then everybody finds a place to unpack their picnic baskets. The first time I attended one of these gatherings I took a packet of tuna sandwiches and a cake. I was so embarrassed. My French friends unloaded their usual 5 courses - starter - main course - cheese - dessert and coffee, with wine of course. During the meal there was a continual prossession of extras circulating from people who had generously brought either enough salad, fruit or wine for everyone.

Jono one of our musicans

Me in this Year's Coif
Which looked better off than on.

A Circle Dance

When appetites were sated the music began and we danced until we could barely stand. This year it happened to fall on National Music day so there was an event in the local town which some people attended. i was too tired.

The Whole Group