THE first of our most recent meetings was an in-house event organised by our chairman, Robin Hargreaves, entitled Dialogues, based on CD recordings in which the French character Robert discusses with his English neighbour Ann (who has the most impeccable command of French) a wide range of topics of current interest.

Their lively interchanges often illustrate the differing ways in which the two nationalities view events and, of course, the basic similarity of our concerns as two advanced Western democracies.

Members found the conversations stimulating and their opinions on the subjects sparked off our own discussions.

Just as with Robert and Ann, these reached amicable conclusions - accompanied by a glass of wine.

Mme Elizabeth le Doze gave a presentation on the life of Edouard Manet, delivered in her usual enthusiastic and enthusing manner.

Unlike his contemporaries in the Impressionist movement, Manet did not care for the countryside and mostly created his beautiful pictures entirely in studio conditions at Argenteuil, found on the Left Bank in Paris.

He never wanted to display his work with that of the Impressionists or to be associated with the movement, so held his own exhibitions, causing a sensation with Le Déjeuner sur l’Herbe and Olympia, among others.

His paintings are so well known and familiar, but Elizabeth’s gift for enhancing her subject brought a freshness and delight to her presentation, and we look forward to her next visit.