November 22

MEDIA RELEASE

Festive Fête at Pompallier Mission

Watch out for a cracker of a Christmas party coming up at Pompallier Mission in Russell, Bay of Islands.

Pompallier Mission, which is cared for by the NZ Historic Places Trust, will celebrate its French heritage in style by holding the first-ever Fête de Noël (Christmas party) in its beautiful colonial garden, on Saturday 7 December.

The party will feature music and dance with – appropriately enough – accordion music played by Whangarei musician, Haggis Henderson. Folk group Rosewood will also perform traditional Breton music using authentic instruments.

Party-goers are invited to bring along their own picnic, while crêpes, coffee, ice cream and other delicacies will be available.

Organised by Alliance Française de Whangarei and Pompallier Mission, the Fête will be a celebration of all things French.

“Initially we wanted to organise an appropriate venue for our traditional end of year function for our Alliance members in Whangarei and the wider Northland area,” says Liz Boutet, Secretary of Alliance Française de Whangarei.

“Kate Martin, the Manager of Pompallier Mission, suggested that the Mission might be the perfect venue. Once we started talking about it we thought it would be good to open the Fête up to the rest of the community and enjoy a real celebration of all things French at the ‘French Place in the Bay of Islands’.”

French festive fun will be the order of the day according to Kate Martin.

“There will be a prize for the best ‘French-dressed’ person attending the Fête – though dressing up is certainly not mandatory,” she says.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun, and we are delighted to be working with Alliance Française in organising the event. It will be a great opportunity for people to relax and enjoy a most pleasant Saturday afternoon before the Christmas rush kicks in.”

The Pompallier Mission Fête de Noël takes place 1-4pm Saturday 7 December. Entry by gold coin donation. People wanting more information – or who might be interested in performing at the Fête – can phone 09 403-9015.

ENDS

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