FRANCOPHILES are gathering in Mount Isa at a surprising rate to share their knowledge and passion of France.
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The brainchild of the gathering is Rhiannon Walker - who has created the Mount Isa French Club, calling themselves the "Frenchies."
"I have always had an interest in France, after studying the language through school, a bit of self-study, and when I travelled to France a few years ago, it really cemented my love for the country," Ms Walker said.
It seems as though Ms Walker is not the only Mount Isa resident who appreciated a bit of French culture.
Since her initial post on a Mount Isa community Facebook site to gauge interest in a French Club, Ms Walker was surprised to see more than 40 people become members in less than two weeks.
"I'm really happy that members kept joining up so quickly, and I think once a few people start other people are willing to give it ago," she said.
"At our first meeting last week, we had 23 people turn up and everyone had a great time.
"One of the members thanked me for starting a class that was something different from the often male dominated clubs like fishing and four-wheel-driving."
Ms Walker said her aim is to create a social group where people can learn to speak French with the assistance of ex-pats and other French-speakers in a fun environment.
She hopes to extend the meetings into having French-themed dinners at local restaurants, and is hoping to offer some French cooking classes to make items including croissants and cheeses.
The first meeting of the Frenchies involved a wide range of people, from mothers and fathers with children to mature couples and young adults, and Ms Walker said it made for an exciting blend of people and cultures.
Ms Walker has previously been a member of the Gold Coast French Club and said she learned enough from her involvement with the club that she became confident enough to start the Mount Isa Frenchies.
When she is not busy planning for her Frenchie meetings and administration, Ms Walker runs her own online business called Jetsettr.
When I started travelling I was frustrated at not being able to buy all my travel items in the one place, so I started a business which supplies a concise range of travel accessories, everything from locks to luggage and it ties in with my love of travel perfectly," she said.
Ms Walker said the group is still seeking members who are French or can speak French, or anyone who would like to learn the language to join up for meetings.
"If you can provide a service relating to France or travel, we want you," Ms Walker said.
"We would particularly like French teachers, French speakers and ex-pats to teach French people or businesses that could provide a service to our group such as travel agents with extensive knowledge of travelling and of France, and businesses that sell French or French-inspired products to come and show off their products."
The meetings are held at Healy State School Library every Saturday morning from 9am to 10am and the cost is $3, to cover tea and coffee and the general running costs of the club.
