Alliance Francaise, the international society dedicated to "propagating French language, culture and way of life'', and originally formed here some 30 years ago, has recently been revamped.

French-born Jackie Bacon, for whom Bermuda has been home for the past 37 years, is president of the group, formed anew by Honorary French Consul William de V. Frith.

"The group had been dormant for a couple of years but Mr. Frith decided we should start up again, so he called up as many French-speaking people as he could find, to try and get it going again. Besides France, this includes French-speaking Switzerland, Luxembourg, French Canada, and so on. All are welcome!'' said Mr. Bacon, one of the original founding members.

Anxious to re-establish this venerable institution in Bermuda, the group emphasises that the two main missions, in practical terms, are to provide a central point for Francophiles to meet, and to also provide a link for French-speaking people -- as well as those non-speakers who would like to learn the language -- to get together for social and cultural occasions which will promote that aim.

"This Sunday,'' reveals Mr. Bacon, "we are holding a Golf Tournament at the Belmont Manor Hotel in an effort to raise funds to send a student to France this summer to study at the Alliance Francaise in Paris.'' The trip, with all expenses paid for a one-month French language course, will be the prize for the winner (minimum entry age 16) of a schools essay competition.

"All the schools who teach French are eligible,'' says Mr. Bacon. "We are also giving a prize to the best student in each class to encourage them to start French. This is all part of our education plan and the ongoing part of that will be to donate these prizes to various schools.'' Noting that Alliance Francaise is an international association with headquarters in Paris, Mr. Bacon explains its college teaches French to varying standards, with special business courses and advanced studies.

"In Bermuda,'' says vice president Noemie Rattray, "we have a good mix of people from all over the world who have some French connection or interest in French. Alliance is a wonderful melting pot which makes it an interesting group of people. And,'' she adds, "if your French is rusty, don't let that deter you from joining! People will find it is very friendly and relaxing and it really is an ideal way to brush up on your French.'' Mrs. Rattray, who is Swiss, emphasises there is plenty of social activity, with dinners and wine tastings being held and a cine club that screens French films.

"These are shown on the first Tuesday of the month,'' she explains. "We also have tapes available for people to borrow, containing media information of current events with an accompanying text so that people can improve their French by listening and reading. It is called `Champs Elysees' and it's very lively and interesting.'' They hope to revive the evenings of French conversation but, in the meantime, a "French'' coffee morning (Cafe Francais) is held once a month at various homes under the International American Women's Club.

Alliance Francaise revamped From Page 21 "We also have something for tiny French speakers,'' says Luxembourg-born Caroline Collis "a puppet theatre which is also a play group. French-speaking mothers can get together with their children and it's really geared toward ages from around three to nine.'' Mr. Bacon says plans for Bastille Day (July 14, and France's National Day) are already underway.

"Last year we had a dinner at the Belmont Hotel and this year, it will be a big affair at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club.'' Even Christmas, he reflects, takes on a Gallic touch when the annual Sing-Along is in French.

"Last year we had a traditional French accordion, which really added to the atmosphere, wonderfully played by Jimmy Chamberlain!'' Mrs. Collis, who has been in Bermuda for five years now, says she has noticed a bigger cultural gap between the Americans and the French than between other Europeans.

"I am very pleased that we have Alliance Francaise here as I feel it is very beneficial to Bermuda to have this infusion of different cultures -- it enriches the entire community. I was quite surprised,'' she admits, "to find that there are quite a few Bermudians who are married to Europeans.'' Former president Riquette Smith has recently open a French language school for adults and children and the Alliance is planning to assist her as much as possible with her new venture.

"We are hoping,'' says Mrs. Rattray, "that there will be more Bermudian students who will join our group. We have special rates for students and we would love to welcome them as members of Alliance Francaise.'' Anyone who is interested in becoming a member is urged to attend the Annual General Meeting which takes place on Wednesday, March 19 at 7.30 p.m. at the Dinghy Club.

For further information on Alliance Francaise, please telephone 291-4758 (Voice Mail).

FRENCH SPEAKERS UNITE -- Committee members of the Bermuda branch of Alliance Francaise include (left to right):- Nicky Gurret, Caroline Collis, president Jackie Bacon, Mariette Savoie, vice presidents Noemie Rattray and Pierre Rouja, Stephanie Chomette, Kurt Birrer and Barbara Elkin. (Photo: Tony Cordeiro)