.... boogie nights........

Those of you who have been followers of Les Soeurs Anglaises for some time and have either been receiving our newsletters or following our blog, might be a little intrigued to learn that we are adding a string to our bow this year -  a musical fête!.  In the past we have held the occasional concert in our wonderful studio barn with its superb acoustics, but as we recently became sponsors of Women for Women International UK, a charity which supports women facing violence, marginalisation, and poverty as a result of war and conflict, it is with great pleasure that we have decided to host a Fête de Boogie Woogie in July of this year, to raise funds for them.

The highlight of the weekend will be an exclusive Gala Evening featuring renowned American and European pianist/saxophonist, Deanna Bogart, and sensational 20 year old German pianist, Luca Sestek, (both recording artists) at a gourmet dinner created and cooked by Sven-Hanson Britt, 2014 MasterChef: the Professionals finalist.  To quote Jonathan McAloon of The Telegraph newspaper, "When London chef Sven-Hanson Britt filled a glass teapot with consommé, you knew he deserved the Masterchef title. He has been by far the best throughout the competition, but in this moment he became the chef he was always destined to be."  

Accommodation, meals including the Gourmet Dinner and Buffet Sunday Lunch prepared by Sven-Britt, accompanied by great wines, vintage Champagne and Dessert Wine tastings, continental breakfasts and other meals, plus local transport is included in the price (fares to and from France not included); as well, of course, as all the wonderful, live Boogie Woogie music both at the Gourmet Dinner and at the public concert by the musicians the following evening at the nearby town of Riberac..  

Meanwhile, we are currently sponsoring a year-long WfWI training course in South Sudan, where two of the Les Soeurs team were born. As a business run by women, we are delighted to be supporting such a worthwhile charity as Women for Women International, which offers women survivors of war the training and skills to ensure a sustainable future, and our aim with the Fête de Boogie Woogie is to raise £20,000 for them to continue their work helping  women survivors of war to rebuild their lives.  We would particularly welcome any of our past participants, newsletter and blog readers who might enjoy an exceptional combination of great music, food and vintage wines, and it could be the perfect opportunity to introduce a partner or friend to our celebrated venue and hospitality whilst supporting such a worthy cause.  But be warned:  We can only accommodate a limited number of residential guests so don't leave it too late to book if you want to be sure of being a part of this special weekend.

There is more information about the Fête de Boogie Woogie, the artists, and incredible food and vintage wines that we will be serving, on our website but do contact us directly if you have any questions.  (Tickets for the Saturday night concert only will soon be available on Eventbrite.)

Katie

...linen treasure...

With the better weather on its way, we are moving into the Brocante and Vide Grenier season down here in South West France.  Whilst the French are steadily becoming a little more savvy regarding prices (sometimes in a obdurate and silly way), it's still possible to find mouth watering treasures..  Last weekend's event sent me scurrying to a house closure sale  where I picked up several rolls of this beautiful hand-woven, pure linen that had apparently been sitting in a local old lady's armoire for decades.    After all the hard work involved in planting, harvesting, spinning and weaving, it had lain unused and uncared for until the family had decided to sell up.   The consensus was that it had been there since the early  20thC.

After giving it a good washing, this robust fabric has proven to be not only beautiful and easy to work with, but utilitarian in the true sense of the word.  As there is patently far too much for me to ever use in two life times,  I have decided to sell it by the meter on our Etsy site.  It's the sort of stuff that Italian interior decorators' dreams are made of - not too light and not too heavy - just perfect for furnishing, trousers and embroidery; and I know, from past experience, that it takes dyes like a dream.   

Hurry whilst stocks last.

... other things.....

For those of you in and around London and/or the UK here are some places to visit over the next couple of months which we guarantee you will love:

Catch one of our favorite websites for all things vintage antique, at one of their numerous fairs coming up:

 

...and the not to be missed Vintage Fashion, Textiles and Accessories Fair

at Hammersmith Town Hall!  Print the ticket below for your get-into-fair-free-card......

We'll definitely be swinging our handbags there....

....

This is the New Year!  You can pass through it coasting on cruise control; or you can step out of your comfort zone, trying things you have never done before, or fine-tuning skills you already have;  make this the year that you elevate from where you are & soar high....   Join us and make it happen!

with Les Soeurs Anglaises' very best wishes to all our past and future participants!

... let the festivities begin...

Well, our Christmas Countdown Competition has come to an end and all prize-winners notified.  We'd like to thank the dozens of you who wrote in with answers (mostly correct) and congratulate all those clever winner.  We enjoyed every minute of the Countdown, but receiving your festive and often very funny messages alongside the answers was a great plus for us.  We very much hope that everyone enjoyed looking for the answers and the winners will be receiving through the post their little prizes very soon. 

The winners were  - in Question/Day order:

Chris Legee

Janet Beardshaw

Judy Griffiths

Maggie Le May

Susan Clarke

Beverley Peach

Isabella simpson

Sally Cross

Georgina Favel

Julia Bond

Eva Polizzi

Robyn Phelps

Pennie Killingsworth

and Sara Miller