An Afternoon to Remember: Bognor Regis Twinning Association’s Beaujolais Bistro Extravaganza

Raymond Hagger • November 21, 2023

An enjoyable afternoon with fellow members and guests.

Last Saturday, the Roland Rank Centre in Aldwick was abuzz with excitement as the Bognor Regis Twinning Association hosted its highly anticipated annual Beaujolais Bistro event. The soirée, which had been sold out a month in advance, lived up to its reputation as a delightful evening of camaraderie, exquisite French cuisine, and a generous spirit.
 
Behind the scenes, a team of dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the event. From preparing the delectable dishes to setting up the hall with meticulous care, their efforts showcased the true spirit of community. As the saying goes, many hands make light work, and it was evident that the collaborative efforts of the volunteers were instrumental in making the evening a resounding success.


Special recognition is due to the Vice Chairman, Heather Perrott, and Maralyn Green, whose dedication and hard work were indispensable to the event’s smooth execution. Their commitment to the cause and attention to detail played a crucial role in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all attendees.
 
Ray Hagger, the Chairman of the Bognor Regis Twinning Association, took a moment to raise a toast to this year’s Beaujolais. His toast to this year’s Beaujolais Coupled with our twin towns if Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, Weil Am Rhein & Trebbin set the tone for a night filled with laughter, good company, and the spirit of giving.
 
The culinary journey of the evening was nothing short of spectacular. Attendees were treated to a sumptuous three-course meal that began with a classic French onion soup, setting the tone for the evening’s gastronomic adventure. The main course featured slow-cooked Mediterranean chicken, a dish that transported guests to the sun-kissed landscapes of southern France. The grand finale was a delightful plum clafoutis, a sweet ending to an evening filled with culinary delights.

Beyond the joyous festivities, the event also served a noble purpose. Through the collective efforts of everyone involved, the Bognor Regis Twinning Association managed to raise at least £730. This significant sum will undoubtedly contribute to the organization’s initiatives and further strengthen the bonds of friendship between Bognor Regis and its twinned counterparts.
 
As the afternoon ended the echoes of laughter and the warmth of shared memories lingered in the air. The success of the Beaujolais Bistro was a testament to the power of community, volunteerism, and the unwavering commitment of individuals like Heather Perrott, and Maralyn Green. The Bognor Regis Twinning Association’s annual gathering not only celebrated the spirit of twinning but also showcased the remarkable generosity that thrives within the community. Here’s to another year of fostering friendship, goodwill, and more delightful Beaujolais Bistro's in Bognor Regis.

By Raymond Hagger July 26, 2025
Walter Salles’ “I’m Still Here” is not just a film—it’s a hauntingly beautiful act of remembrance. Based on the memoir Ainda Estou Aqui by Marcelo Rubens Paiva, the story chronicles the life of Eunice Paiva, a mother of five whose husband, former congressman Rubens Paiva, was abducted and murdered by Brazil’s military dictatorship in 1971. What unfolds is a deeply personal yet politically resonant portrait of grief, resilience, and quiet defiance. Fernanda Torres delivers a career-defining performance as Eunice, embodying a woman who refuses to be broken. Her portrayal is subtle yet seismic—every glance, every gesture carries the weight of a nation’s trauma and a mother’s unwavering love. The film’s emotional power is amplified by the presence of Torres’ real-life mother, Fernanda Montenegro, who plays Eunice in her later years, adding a generational echo to the story’s themes. Salles’ direction is masterful. He juxtaposes the idyllic warmth of 1970s Rio de Janeiro with the creeping dread of authoritarian violence. Super 8 footage shot by the Paiva children adds a nostalgic texture, while scenes of military helicopters and silent agents lurking in doorways remind us of the ever-present threat. The cinematography by Adrian Teijido and editing by Affonso Gonçalves create a rhythm that feels both intimate and epic. What makes I’m Still Here so powerful is its refusal to sensationalize. Instead of dramatizing torture or violence, it focuses on the psychological toll of disappearance—the limbo of not knowing, the bureaucratic cruelty of delayed justice, and the emotional labour of keeping a family whole. Eunice’s resistance is not loud; it’s found in ice cream parlour outings, in smiles for family photos, in the insistence that joy is a form of protest. The title itself is a declaration. “I’m Still Here” speaks to Eunice’s enduring presence, to Rubens’ legacy, and to the memory of all those lost to political violence. It’s also a warning: authoritarianism may fade, but its shadows linger. In a time when far-right movements are re-surging globally, this film feels tragically timely. Verdict: I’m Still Here is a breathtakingly tragic, emotionally rich, and politically urgent masterpiece. It’s a love letter to maternal strength, a reckoning with Brazil’s past, and a reminder that memory itself can be an act of resistance. One of the best Twinning International Films to date. Unmissable
By Maralyn Green July 6, 2025
A most enjoyable visit enjoyed by all
By Maralyn Green July 6, 2025
French Twin Town visitors learn about Bognor’s history