BACO British Association
Côte d'Opale
Our Mission
Formed just after the Referendum in 2016 which led to the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union, BACO’s mission was and remains to inform and advise Britons living in the Côte d’Opale area of France and their French friends on the consequences of Brexit and how to survive in the new situation. We also hold events designed to socialise in an Anglo-French way, entertain each another and be entertained, and learn more about the region where we live. Our appeal is to anyone with a real interest in local and cross-channel life and culture.
BACO is registered in Calais as a socio-cultural association. At the request of our members we remain strictly non-political. Our membership is roughly 50:50 British-French, though friends from other European countries are welcome.
What we do
- Information and advice on cross-channel issues post-Brexit
- Regular newsletters and bulletins
- Concerts and other musical events
- Walks and guided tours of historical, cultural and other sites of interest
- Annual Aummer Barbecue or Picnic
- Monthly English Book Club in Calais
- Anglo-French Quizzes
British in France
BACO is a member of the British Community Committee (BCC)
(www.britishinfrance.com) which is the third leg of the tripod which forms British presence in France along with the British Embassy and the Consular service. The BCC groups together about 120 leading clubs, associations, professional institutions, educational establishments and others with British interests in France. All member organisations are listed ini the annual Directory, which is available on-line. We are represented at the Quarterly meetings of the BCC and at the Annual General Meeting which usually takes place in April at the Ambassador’s Residence. This link gives BACO privileged access to information and developments affecting British citizens living in France as a whole.
Upcoming events
GRAND VICTORY FETE
BACO will be holding this major event on May 8th to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day in 1945. Attractions will include a Barbecue, 1940s music (including live songs and a singalong), and a tombola. BACO will be joined by the Café Polyglotte of Calais - conversations in foreign languages – which meets every Tuesday evening in Calais.
Venue : Café l’Andrésienne 1
Rue des Ecoles, 62340 ANDRES. (please don’t confuse with Ardres).
Andres is about 3 kms east of Guines.
Time : 11.30 am to 5 pm. Entry by reservation only.
Tickets 5€ to cover costs.
Bring your own food, meat to BBQ if you like. Tables and chairs available on site.
For BACO and Polyglotte members, families and friends.
Toreserve: email George at assobaco@gmail.com
or Muriel at muriel.bercez@gmail.com
by April 30th at latest.
Our Book Club meets at the Médiathèque Louis Aragon, 16 rue du Pont Lottin in Calais, usually on the last Saturday in each month. Check updates on BACO’s Facebook page. On March 22nd we will discuss “Orbital” by Samantha Harvey. Winner of the 2024 Booker Prize, the book covers 24 hours in the lives of six astronauts from different countries while orbiting the earth on the nternational Space Station. All are welcome. No charge.
BACO is pleased to be associated with two classical concerts at St.
Pol-en-Ternoise in April and May 2025, conducted by our Musical and
Cultural Director Ian Ward. For details see our Facebook page.
Some past events
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Join Us
Membership information
Annual membership costs only 10 € (15€ for a couple or family) and runs from 1st September to 31st August. Just fill in the form opposite and email it back to us at assobaco@gmail.com and we'll get back to you.
Our partners
