The latest news on 11/17/2011

Our Chapters have always been presided by men and women whose personalities have always transcended their duties of high office.
We have decided that to mark the 60th anniversary of the Company it is fitting that we pay homage to its founders and those who have worked so hard in its development : General Baston, Pierre de Montesquieu, Jean Arnaud and someone who has from the very beginning been our Secretary General, Georges Bru, who has always steered us safely through some rather stormy seas.
60 years. What is that compared to the thousands of years during which Man has always sought to emulate his heroes, real or imaginary, and who have shown him what it is possible to achieve?
60 years. During which time a man has devoted himself to his family, his business, his community, his country.
60 years existence throughout which time our modern Musketeers have been leaving their beloved Gascony for Paris, charming France, and leaving its shores to conquer all five continents.
Let us ask ourselves :
Why do we meet every year within the magnificent cloisters of Condom?
Why are we always so many?
Why is the first Saturday of September such an incontrovertibly attractive date?
The miracle of a book which, once read, can never be forgotten.

Not because of its mixed success, but because we have been the victim of fraudulent messages and other unwanted emails.

Our apologies to those who used to visit this page on our website, but it would have needed a great deal of work to reconstruct it, and your voluntary webmaster just hasn’t got the time to spend on it. Thank you for your understanding.

The programme hereunder:

All the photos here!Downloading will be slow (160 images)

Our heartiest congratulations!

1.45pm : All Musketeers and Gascony members met outside the Amadeus Brasserie for a walk in the town.

3.30pm : A stroll to the Timmerfabriek Boschstraat for the opening of the “Out of Storage” exhibition by the Mayor of Maastricht, Mr. Onno Hoes. An exhibition of contemporary art from the Nord Pas de Calais.

4.45pm : The laying of a wreath before the d’Artagnan Statue.

6.30pm : Induction in the magnificent Domaine Apostelhoeve Vineyard, at 8 hectares, the largest in the Maastricht Region.

8.00pm : We went to the “L’Escriteau” restaurant in the Chateau de Neercane, where an excellent meal was accompanied by some remarkable Gascony wines.

Sunday, June the 26th :

9.15am : Wolder. Departure from the Cathedral for a procession lasting 2h45 marking the “Fete of The Blessed Sacrament”.

1.00pm : Haccourt. Visit to the Farm of D’Artagnan. Unveiling of the statue of d’Artagnan in the inner courtyard of the Farm by Lieutenant-Captain Camille Oostwegel. The statue is the work of the sculptor TARATYNOV.

It took place in the delightful t’RoodKasteel at GuigovenKortessem.

Photos here !

Our thanks to all those who took part

At the end of the afternoon, just as the final arrangements had been made, a couple approached me to ask me what we were preparing for.

I immediately recognized the gentleman, and replied quite simply, knowing how he would react, that it was for an evening of the Company of Musketeers, during which a lady would be inducted. The man then said; “Do you know who I am?”

And so, at 7.15 pm, to the total surprise of everyone else present, Mister Alain Decaux, for it was he, arrived with his wife and family to share with us the early part of the evening,

Various tables, laid out with a hot and cold buffet, had been arranged both outside on the terrace and inside, so that the guests could mingle and get to know one another better in an very convivial atmosphere, serenaded by a clarinetist playing jazz classics.

Around 9.30 pm everyone took their places in the dining room for the opening ceremony, the dinner and the evening.

After the traditional welcoming speech, the induction of Madame Pascale Bertin was held.

The evening continued most agreeably, and while the cheeseboard was brought round a lucky draw was held for the traditional Musketeer plate.

Following the dessert, a tombola was held, resulting in a bottle of Armagnac, an album commemorating the first ten years of our Squadron, and a charcoal drawing by a local artist of the Three Musketeers being presented to three lucky winners.

The dinner ended with champagne, followed by coffee accompanied by a selection of Armagnacs for the guests to savour. Then, as in previous years, the members of the overseas Squadrons each gave a rendering of their respective National Anthems.

The evening drew to a close around two o’clock in the morning, when everyone agreed to meet again at another Chapter, in another place, in another country.

I am certain that everyone went home happy having, once again, shared moments that would be long remembered, and looking forward to the next time we would all meet.

All for One, One for All

Gérard Bréon
Capitaine-Lieutenant de l'Escadron Anglo-Normand

Photos here!

Saturday, June 25th, 2011
at The Château de Neercane

A great moment to look forward to, which will celebrated, to the day, on the 338th anniversary of the death of d’Artagnan!

Details of the programme are available in the “Squadron News” link above.

This document is available in the Adobe Acrobat (or PDF) format. It can be completed on line, then printed out and sent to the Secretariat. The red boxes MUST be filled in, otherwise your candidature will not be considered.

Do not forget to attach a recent photograph, as this is also mandatory.

The Pittsburgh Platoon held its initial meeting on March 23rd, 2011, in the Brasserie 33 restaurant.

25 guests, including 15 members were present. During the course of the dinner, the following Officers of the Platoon were elected:

Edward Friedman, Head of Platoon
Kenneth McCrory, Treasurer
Jean-Pierre Collet, Secretary
Damian Soffer, Mess Officer

It was also decided that their mandates would expire on October 5th, 2012, the date, in principle, of the 2012 Annual Chapter. They will be eligible for re-election.

The 2011 Annual Chapter will be held on:

October 6th, 2011, at the Duquesne Club.

Two or three new Musketeers will be inducted during the Chapter.

The Head of Platoon has contacted Mr. Jean-Bernard Souques, who was present at the inaugural Chapter of the Platoon, to request his presence at the second Chapter.

The Mess Officer will organize a get-together during the summer.

Photos here!

André, always helpful, and great company, had rendered many services to the Company of Musketeers since 1969, although he had to limit his attendances during the last few years.

Claude Cherubin has lost a second member of his Staff Officers.

A Grand Armagnac Tasting

Saturday, March 12th, at 5 PM

‘t RoodKasteel
Kasteelstraat16 3723 GuigovenKortessem

Click on the photo on the left to bring up the invitation

Entry for Musketeers is free. Participation for guests is 40€

To be taken in moderation

at 7pm on May 14th, 2011
at Dormy House in Etretat, Normandy

For all information concerning this Chapter please contact Gérard BREON at :

+33 (0)2 35 55 95 61 / +33 (0)6 82 91 68 30.
Places are limited. Subscription closes March 30th.

Squadrons are invited to send me as much information as possible, including an organization chart if they have one. To get an idea of what I mean, go to the Anglo-Normandy Squadron link (them again….!))

Thanks for all your support.

Venice on March 26th, 2011,

but a little bird has told me that things will be happening from the 24th……. Further information from the Italian Squadron.

Many of the great photos are the work of the highly talented Musketeer David PARKER. Click HERE !

Squadron news (sorry, some are in French...)

Chers Mousquetaires,

Cette année notre chapitre célèbrera au jour près le 338ième anniversaire du décès de d’Artagnan. Nous espérons que cela soit une raison supplémentaire de participer en grand nombre à notre chapitre. Une grande délégation des Gascons de Belgique, une association des français du Sud-Ouest qui vivent en Belgique (des vrais Gascons alors) "mais aussi tous ceux qui pensent que le Sud-Ouest est un endroit sympathique", nous accompagnera pendant une partie du programme. Les Gascons seront présents pendant le dépôt de gerbe à la statue de d’Artagnan.

Avec plaisir nous vous envoyons le programme provisoire pour le 25 et 26 juin. Votre conjoint est également sincèrement invité!

Programme provisoire samedi 25 juin 2011

• 13:00  Réunion de l’état-major de l’escadron Néerlandais (uniquement pour les membres) Kruisherenhotel Maastricht
• 14:00  Promenade guidée des fortifications de Maastricht au Nieuwenhofpark
• 14:30  Dépôt de gerbe à la statue de d’Artagnan
• 15:00  Promenade à la “Fort Sint-Pieter”
• 15:30  Visite guidée à la “Fort Sint Pieter”
• 16:30  Fin du programme de l’après-midi
• 18:30  Apéritif, Apostelhoeve (à regler directement sur place), Susserweg 201, 6213 NE Maastricht
• 19:00  Intronisations
Les aspirant-mousquetaires:
• Monsieur Adriaan Himmelreich  Parrain: Camille Oostwegel
• Monsieur Mathieu Hulst            Parrain: Camille Oostwegel
• Monsieur Amin Mansour           Parrrain: Camille Oostwegel
• Monsieur Lennard van Vloten    Parrain: Alexander Taratynov / Dirk Jansen
• 19:30  Départ vers Château Neercanne, Château Neercanne, Cannerweg 800, 6213 ND Maastricht
• 20:00  Dîner au Château Neercanne

Note: Les frais pour le dîner, inclus l’apéritif, les vins etc.  sera €95,- par personne,  à regler directement avec le restaurant.

Programme provisoire dimanche 26 juin 2011

• 9:30   Peut-être participation à la procession annuelle à partir de l’eglise “St. Petrus en Pauluskerk” , Monseigneur Vranckenplein 1, 6213 Maastricht (pas encore sûr)
• 11:00  Promenade “Hoge Fronten” / visite “Linie van Dumoulin”
• 13:00  Déjeuner informel alentours de “de Markt” / “Boschstraatkwartier” / “Bassin” ?
  (à vos propres frais)

Nous vous prions de bien vouloir nous communiquer votre présence pour le 25 et/ou 26 juin (combien de personnes etc.) avant le 3 juin par l’envoi d’un e-mail à secretariaat@chateauhotels.nl avec sujet « Inscription Chapitre néerlandais 2011 »

Pour vous comme mousquetaire nous pouvons offrir un tarif de chambre spécial pour une nuitée au Kruisherenhotel à Maastricht ou au Château St. Gerlach à Valkenburg aan de Geul ( pour plusieurs d’information sur nos hôtels, visitez notre site www.chateauhotels.nl ).

Chambre à 1 personne : € 157,50 (par chambre)
Chambre à 2 personnes : € 189,- (par chambre)
Petit-déjeuner : € 27,50 (par personne)

Si vous voulez profiter de ce tarif, vous pouvez également envoyer un e-mail à secretariaat@chateauhotels.nl avec vos données, quel hôtel (Kruisherenhotel ou Château St. Gerlach) nombre de personnes et la date de séjour.

Tous pour Un, Un pour tous!

Nous espérons avoir le plaisir de vous accueillir le 25 juin à Maastricht,

Camille Oostwegel                       Dirk Jacob Jansen
Capitaine-Lieutenant                    Lieutenant aide de camp

N’hésitez pas à nous contacter pour toutes questions:

Camille Oostwegel, Capitaine-Lieutenant
Villa Casa Blanca, St. Gerlach 70, 6301 JD Valkenburg a.d. Geul
Tel.: +31 (0)43 608 89 00 | e-mail: co@chateauhotels.nl  | www.chateauhotels.nl

Dirk Jacob Jansen, Lieutenant aide de camp
Trichtervoogdenstraat 62, 6223 CT Maastricht
Tel: +31 (0)43-321 04 84 | e-mail: dirk.jansen@inter.nl.net

The main event for the Squadron in 2010 was its Chapter, held on June 26th and as always as near as possible to the anniversary of the heroic death of d’Artagnan. The evening began in the Waldeck Bastion, in the vicinity where he met his death on the 25th June, 1673. Speeches were made by the Deputy Mayor of Maastricht, Responsible for Culture, and our Lieutenant-Captain, Camille Oostwegel, following which they placed a wreath at the foot of the monument dedicated to the memory of d’Artagnan. A scene representing our hero was then enacted by the Fencing Masters of the Royal Circle of Fencing of the Sauvenière de Liège, followed by a demonstration of this chivalrous and military art in one of the courts of the Bastion, which was watched by great interest by members of the Squadron and the public who had gathered in the courtyard. This demonstration, under the direction of Masters at Arms, André Fridenbergs and Guy Goffin, was organized by our Musketeer, Guy Jouhannet, a one-time Fencing Champion of France and a member of the Royal Circle.

Following the ceremonies, we gathered in the vineyard of the Château St. Gerlach, at Houthem, Valkenburg, for the inductions, in the presence of the representative of the Company General Staff, Serge Liberge, of the following new Musketeers :

M. Kees Kleinrensink                   Sponsor: M. Jan Vlug
Mme Marianne Kuttschrütter  Sponsor: M. Ed Neven
M. Hans Schmidt                            Sponsor: M. Adriaan Norenburg
M. Wouter Verboon                      Sponsor: M. Adriaan Norenburg
M. Volkert Batelaan                      Sponsor: M. Adriaan Norenburg
M. Jan Westerveld                        Sponsor: M. Rob Lagro
M. Camiel Eurlings                        Sponsor: M. Jo Cortenraedt

Following the aperitifs - the pousse-rapière - enjoyed in the wonderful atmosphere of the vineyard, the festivities ended in great conviviality with a banquet in the Great Hall of the Château.

Musketeer Father Piet van der Aart, our Squadron Chaplain. During the Mass a bronze statue of D’Artagnan, the work of the sculptor Alexandre Taratynov, a member of the Squadron and creator of the large statue of d’Artagnan that stands in the Aldenhofpark in Maastricht, was consecrated. The statue was offered by Mme Gertrude Januszewski, and will have a permanent place in the church, the place where d’Artagnan and so many of his comrades who fell during the siege of 1673, are probably buried. The celebration was accompanied by the splendid music of the Orchestra of Saint Peter and Saint Paul of Wolder, which held its annual festival on the same day. This happy coincidence has already given rise to many ideas as to our future collaboration. Following Mass, a guided tour along the ancient ramparts of the town of Maastricht by M. Thei Provaas, President of the Stichting Maastricht Vestingstad (The Maastricht Fortified Town Foundation) enabled us all to fully appreciate the physical context of the Siege of Maastricht. The morning concluded with an informal lunch in the La Bonne Femme restaurant, on the banks of the Meuse.

Secrets of history: Anne of Austria - and d'Artagnan !

At the beginning of the year, three members of our Squadron took part in the television programme about Anne of Austria, Queen of France and Regent to her son, Louis XIV, broadcast as an episode in the France 2 documentary series, “Secrets of History”, presented by Stéphane Bern. In France, the historian, Mme Odile Bordaz, biographer of d’Artagnan and an Honorary Member of our Squadron, contributed her specialist knowledge on the career of the famous Musketeer, loyal servant of the Queen, her Minister, Cardinal Mazarin and above all her son, The Sun King. In Maastricht our Lieutenant-Captain Camille Oostwegel and his Aide-de-Camp, the historian Dirk Jansen, commented on and illustrated the last days of our hero. The documentary was broadcast on the 25th of August, 2010, and shown again on TV5 at the beginning of 2011. It is now available on DVD (See http://www.secretsdhistoire.com/annedautriche.html ).

The Great Chapter in Condom, September 4th, 2010.

Last year ten of the members of our Squadron went to Condom to participate in the General Chapter of the Musketeers, including our Lieutenant-Captain, Camille Oostwegel, and the sculptor, Alexandre Taratynov, compatriot, colleague et friend of Zurab Tsereteli, whose great statue of the Four Musketeers was officially unveiled immediately prior to the opening of the Chapter. During our visit we took the opportunity to visit many of the town’s monuments and attractions, and naturally found the time to stock up on Armagnac.

Events in 2011

The 2011 Chapter of our Squadron will take place on Saturday, June 25thThis is an important date as it is the anniversary of the date of the heroic death of d’Artagnan. Details of the programme will be available as from next April. Preparations for the visit of a delegation to the General Chapter in Condom on the 3rd of September will be initiated at this time.

22nd January, 2011

It was the inaugural Chapter of this Belgian Platoon, and for the first time in the history of the Company, it will be commanded by a woman, Judith VANCOILLIE, who was named Lieutenant, Head of Platoon.

To mark the occasion a terrific programme had been arranged by our Belgian friends, which began on the Friday by a Reception at the Brussels City Hall hosted by Judith VANCOILLIE and her Officers.

The reception was also the occasion for the guests to watch the magnificent spectacle of a « Son and Lumiere » projected onto the facade of this historic and emblematic building in the Capital of Europe.

The programme continued by a special showing of the play “The Three Musketeers” by the famous Théâtre des Marionnettes Toone, greatly appreciated by a very knowledgeable public.

The evening ended with a buffet “Breughelien” accompanied by an assortment of regionally brewed beers.

Then, on Saturday, the high point of the programme, with the Inaugural Chapter in the Waerboom Salons, the property of a new Musketeer, who welcomed us into this magnificent building and provided a table of the highest quality where the pousse-rapiere of the Château Monluc and Armagnac Magnol flowed freely.

Needless to say, the 203 Musketeers and their guests were in great form to watch the induction of 16 new Musketeers (from Austria, Switzerland, France and Belgium) including the evening’s President, Minister of State Armand de Decker, Past President of the Senate, Ex Minister for Cooperation and Development.

The Captain and the Lieutenants-Captain of the Anglo-Normandy and Italian Squadrons hadn’t been mistaken. Judith VANCOILLIE and the Officers of this young Platoon had done the impossible in the shortest possible time. We will certainly be welcoming new participants to the Great Chapter in Condom.

by Michel Auzié
In charge of relations with Foreign Squadrons

As in Condom, the reception to the Chapter was enhanced by the presence of 4 mounted Musketeers. Following the sampling of the indispensible “Pousse –Rapier de Montluc” aperitif in the famous marriage salon in the company of the Brussels Burgomaster, a Musketeer since 2009, the 95 specially invited guests gave a standing ovation on the arrival, heralded by a fanfare, of the General Staff of the Company preceded by Company Standard. Following an emotional opening address by Lieutenant-Captain Louis Schmitz, during which he presented the excuses of Count Alain de Taillac, unavoidably absent due to illness, the Lieutenant-Captain inducted 17 new Musketeers, each one being introduced by a brief, and often humorous, presentation.

After an initial visit to the splendid cold buffet – as befits an historical monument – and accompanied by fine Gascony wines, an unexpected induction threw into disarray the meticulously arranged programme organized by Musketeer Antoine Bru. To his great astonishment he found himself promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, Aide-de-Camp of the Europe Squadron, with which he had been involved with from the beginning.

It was then the turn of Deputy Prime Minister Reynders to receive the Cross and to give a spirited and humorous speech. He was followed by Melchior Wathelet, Belgian Minister of State, a noted orator, who gave a remarkable and talented response. The whole room erupted in gales of laughter, with everyone regretting not having a filmed record of the proceedings.

The lovely face of Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandre of Belgium showed great emotion when her friend, Musketeer Christine Beckers, spoke of her kindness and courage and evoked memories of her beloved late husband. Louis Schmitz then cited a phrase from Franz Lizt; “The height of understanding is kindness”.

After the Solemn Oath, our three inductees raised their glasses of Armagnac together before the evening ended with delicious desserts and conversation which went on into the small hours, thanks to Burgomaster Freddy Thielmans having extended the usual midnight closing time so that he and all those present might enjoy the moment to the full.
It was decided to hold a friendly get together of the Europe Squadron at the Brussels Motor Show on the 23rd of January, 2011.

Also see the site of Musketeer Didier REYNDERS, Vice-Premier Minstre : www.didier-reynders.be

Photographies : Foto Brouwers - contact@fotobrouwers.be - Tél.: 02 267 26 90

Diaporama here !

Aux escadrons de la Compagnie
Des Mousquetaires d’Armagnac

Chers Amis Mousquetaires,

Le 26 juin prochain l’escadron néerlandais de la Compagnie des Mousquetaires d’Armagnac tiendra son chapitre annuel, lié par tradition à la commémoration de la mort héroique  de Charles de Batz de Castelmore, comte d’Artagnan, capitaine-lieutenant des Mousquetaires du Roi, pendant le siège de Maastricht par Louis XIV de  juin 1673.

Pendant la cérémonie on espère inaugurer une replique de la petite statue de de’Artagnan par Mme Gertrud Januszewski, érigée en 1977  - et inaugurée en la présence de l’état major de la Compagnie des Mousquetaires - à l’endroit exact de la mort du héros, mais dont l’original à été vandalisé il y a quelques ans.

Le programme provisionel prévoit une demonstration d’escrime par le Cercle d’Escrime Sauvenière de Liège, présentée par son président, le Maitre d’armes Guy Goffin, le Maitre d’armes André Fridenbergs et son équipe d’escrimeurs et escrimeuses, ainsi que le Maitre d’armes et mousquetaire Guy Jouhannet, ancien champion d’escrime de France.

Le chapitre se deroulera au Château St. Gerlach, avec les intronisations suivi par  le diner.

Le dimanche la messe dans l’eglise de Wolder sera suivi par un programme informel dans la ville.

Si vous désiriez nous joindre -en personne ou avec votre epoux/se ou introducé/e - nous vous invitons de bien vouloir remplir la formulaire ci-jointe et de nous le faire parvenir le plus tôt possible. Si vous le désirez, le hôtel Château St.Gerlach vous offre un tarif réduit - mousquetaire pour votre séjour.

En l’espérance de pouvoir vous acceuilir chez nous le 26 juin,

Camille Oostwegel                             Dirk Jacob Jansen
Capitaine-Lieutenant                        Lieutenant aide de camp

Villa Casa Blanca, St. Gerlach 70, 6301 JD Valkenburg a.d. Geul
Tel.: 043 608 89 00 | e-mail: co@chateauhotels.nl  | www.chateauhotels.nl

PROGRAMME PROVISOIRE

Samedi, 26 juin 2010

13.30 uur    Réunion de l’état-major de l’escadron Néerlandais
Locatie: Kruisherenhotel Maastricht
Kruisherengang 19-23
6211 NW Maastricht
www.chateauhotels.nl

15.00 uur    Cérémonie de commemoration de la 337e anniversaire de la mort de d’Artagnan. On espère de pouvoir restituer la  (replique de la ) petite statue de D’Artagnan, victime d’une acte de vandalisme en 2006.
On posera la gerbe au pied du monument.
Maastricht, Waldeck Bastion (au Tongerseplein)

16.00 uur    Demonstration d’escrime par le Cercle d’Escrime Sauvenière de Liège,
Maastricht, caponnière du Bastion Waldeck, entrée des casemates

17.00 uur    Fin de la démonstration - temps libre

18.30 uur    Pousse rapière - Château St. Gerlach
Joseph Corneli Allée 1
6301 KK VALKENBURG AAN DE GEUL
www.chateauhotels.nl

19.00 uur    Intronisations des aspirant-mousquetaires:
- Dhr. Kees Kleinrensink          - Sponsor: Dhr. Jan Vlug
- Mevr. Marianne Kuttschrütter         - Sponsor: Dhr. Ed Neven
- Dhr. Hans Schmidt                - Sponsor: Dhr. Adriaan Norenburg
- Dhr. Wouter Verboon             - Sponsor: Dhr. Adriaan Norenburg
- Dhr. Volkert Batelaan            - Sponsor: Dhr. Adriaan Norenburg
- Dhr. Camiel Eurlings             - Sponsor: Dhr. Jo Cortenraedt
- Dhr. Jan Westerveld              - Sponsor: Dhr. Rob Lagro

20.00 uur    Diner (les frais de  € 95,- p.p. tout inclus, à regler au restaurant)

Dimanche, 27 Juin 2010

9.30 uur      Messe dans l’église de St Pierre et St Paul de Wolder
Monseigneur Vranckenplein 1
6213 HL Maastricht-Wolder
www.parochie-sansalvator-petrus-paulus.nl

10.45 uur    Promenade guidée des fortifications de Maastricht, partant de la grande statue de d’Artagnan au Aldenhofpark vers la Helpoort. Dejeuner simple au Café d’Artagnan ou Café La Bonne Femme.

Compte-rendu du Capitaine-Lieutenant

Le Samedi 30 janvier 2010 a eu lieu à Dakar dans les salons de l’Hôtel Le Méridien, le XVIIème grand chapitre de l’Escadron du Sénégal de la Compagnie des Mousquetaires d’Armagnac.

Les invités furent accueillis devant le parterre de l’Hôtel par le Capitaine Lieutenant Claude CHERUBIN accompagné des Officiers et Cavaliers vêtus de leurs plus beaux atours. Une allée au garde à vous accueillit les Représentants de l’Escadron de Belgique.

S’en suivit, la présentation des impétrants, devant un magnifique auditoire de notables du Sénégal réunis en grand nombre pour assister à leur adoubement, en présence de l’Officier Supérieur Michel AUZIE, commis par l’Etat Major de Auch.

Ce grand chapitre a ainsi permis à la très belle assemblée d’assister à l’élévation, au grade de Lieutenant, de deux mousquetaires de l’Escadron du Sénégal, Mrs. AZAR Joseph et COTTRANT Serge, ainsi qu’à l’élévation au grade de Lieutenant d’Honneur du Mousquetaire Olivier PAULUS (Général Commandant les Forces Françaises du Cap Vert).

Cette soirée somptueuse a aussi vu l’intronisation de onze Mousquetaires portant ainsi les effectifs de l’Escadron du Sénégal à 76 jeunes et fringants Mousquetaires. 250 convives se sont ensuite retrouvés dans la salle de réception où des agapes succulentes préparées par le Maitre Cuisinier Intendant de la Compagnie, Joseph SAMPIETRO dit PEPITO, très connu des Mousquetaires du monde entier, les attendaient. Entre ces mets divins et ces verres de vins gouteux, les invités ont pu satisfaire leur esprit avec un spectacle digne de Versailles autrefois, mais plus endiablé que la « gigue » ou le « menuet », en fait, version « french-cancan ».

La soirée dansante se termina à l’aube accompagnée d’une soupe à l’oignon arrosée d’Armagnac ! Les invités furent dignement raccompagnés à leurs carrosses ailés et nous quittèrent ravis de leur séjour en notre terre, si lointaine que même les producteurs d’Armagnac n’osent s’y risquer, bien que l’Escadron du Sénégal ait converti bon nombre à la consommation de notre « eau de vie merveilleuse qui a pour nom Armagnac, source de toutes les vertus viriles et tous les enthousiasmes féminins ».

TOUS POUR UN, UN POUR TOUS !

Le discours du Capitaine-Lieutenant

LONGLEAT HOUSE, 24 Avril 2010

Lord Bath,
Madame & Messieurs les représentants  de l’Escadron Belge
Monsieur le représentant de la Compagnie des Mousquetaires d’Armagnac
Chers Mousquetaires, Chers amis,

Je déclare ouvert le 10ème chapitre de l’Escadron Anglo-Normand de la compagnie des Mousquetaires d’Armagnac.

Le chapitre de ce soir est dédié à la mémoire de Jean-Pierre GIMET, disparu en septembre dernier. Jean-Pierre,  producteur d’Armagnac et ami, nous manque beaucoup. Toujours disponible, il avait l’esprit et le panache du Mousquetaire. Et il est là, ce soir, présent dans notre cœur.

C’est en 2000, que l’escadron Anglo-Normand, prend naissance en Normandie, à Fontaine la Mallet, où le Secrétaire général de la compagnie des Mousquetaires d’Armagnac, Georges Bru, me remettait les statuts, en me demandant de créer un Escadron Anglo-Normand.

J’ai relevé ce défi et bâti peu à peu notre Escadron, qui fête ce soir ses dix ans. J’ai été, dans cette tache, bien secondé par Keith, dès le début,  puis l’année suivante, par Mike.

Pour fêter l’anniversaire de notre Escadron, 10 années déjà, plusieurs amis Mousquetaires et voisins européens, devaient partager notre soirée.

Le volcan de L’Islande, qui n’était pas invité à notre fête, a décidé de la perturber, provocant ainsi un changement profond dans notre organisation.

Mais il n’est nul défit qu’un Mousquetaire ne puisse relever, et c’est ce  qui m’amène à remercier Mike et Keith, qui avec la pugnacité qui les caractérise, ont su, comme à l’accoutumée faire face.

En cette année 2010, il y a un autre anniversaire, celui des 700 ans de l’Armagnac. Plus vieilles eau de vie de France, (et peut-être du monde), elle a des racines historiques.

D’abord, si l’on remonte un peu dans le temps, il aura fallu que les Romains plantent les vignes, puis que les Arabes inventent l’alambic et enfin que les Celtes fabriquent les fûts.

En 1310 Maître Vital Dufour, homme d’église, Prieur d’Eauze, féru de médecine, vantait les 40 vertus de l’Aygue Ardente, l’ancêtre de l’Armagnac, son histoire est relatée dans un ouvrage imprimé en 1531.

Ouvrage qui depuis lors, est conservé aux archives du Vatican.

Je pense que la Compagnie des Mousquetaires d’Armagnac, nous fera vivre cet évènement au grand chapitre de Condom, en septembre prochain, puisqu’elle a, en mars dernier, récupéré à Rome, une copie de ce document.

Je vous donne rendez-vous en 2011, le 30 avril, à Etretat pour le chapitre annuel, et un probable changement d’organisation de l’Escadron. Nous pourrions rendre ainsi hommage à l’engagement de mes amis Mike Williams M.B.E & Keith Martin, qui sauront, j’en suis sur, se montrer dignes de servir la Compagnie et l’Escadron comme il se doit. Je crois que l’Escadron ne pourrait pas être  dans de meilleures mains.

Aussi, en attendant, honorons ce soir, Jean-Pierre, fêtons l’Armagnac et souhaitons-nous, un bon anniversaire.

Merci et bonne soirée à tous.

Maître Vital DuFour

London, April 12, 2010

"Very useful book for conserving ones health and staying on top form [...]"

by Maître Vital DuFour, Prior of Eauze in Gascony, dated in 1310 and printed in 1531

by Sébastien Lacroix. Pphotos here !

This most successful event was held in the splendid rooms of the highly regarded  Connaught Hotel, established 110 years ago in what was once a London palace.
An  ambiance very « British » ;old world charm, class, elegance, and remarkable service  in sumptuous surroundings … In other words, the ideal setting both for holding  this exceptional Charter and for celebrating 700 years of Armagnac.
This prestigious evening was organized within the framework of events  marking  “2010, 700 years of Armagnac”. The Chapter was held during a Dinner that followed an afternoon dedicated to Armagnac, including a master class and professional exhibition at which 120 guests met the 11 partner Houses of Armagnac. Each House had invited its importers, distributors, restaurants, and bar owners…. The BNIA also invited a number of guests, including journalists, importers and “Armagnac ambassadors”….
Hélène DARROZE was present at the beginning of the Dinner, but was unfortunately unable to stay longer.
Those inducted were:
- Neil MATHISON, Vanessa PEARSON and Laki CHRISTOFOROU, who are either importers, buyers or distributors of Armagnac and well-known to the highly enthusiastic Musketeer James RAKHAM, who represents the Armagnacs  “Marquis de Montesquiou” and “Comte de Lauvia”.  Importer Neil Mathison, a passionate defender of Armagnac for many years, had no idea that he was to be inducted, and was delighted to join the Company.
- Delia SMITH, who was inducted yesterday, is a television and press personality famous for her cookery  books and programmes. Everyone in the British Isles knows Delia and her television shows and books. It was a great honour for us that she accepted our invitation to our Dinner. Delia is quite simply a delightful person and very approachable.. She told us that she was very, very honoured to become a Musketeer of Armagnac.

In his medical opus dated 1310 and preserved since its edition in 1531 in the Archives of the Vatican library, Domini Vitalis de Furno, or Maître Vital Dufour, vaunted the « 40 virtues » of the Aygue Ardente, eau-de-vie produced locally that took the name from the land of its birth, Armagnac.

Extract of the « forty virtues » from the oeuvre by Maître Vital Dufour :

• « If one adds herbs, it extracts their virtues,
• it makes redness disappear
• and heat in the eyes,
• it stop tears from running,
• it heals hepatitis if one drinks it soberly,
• it heals gout,
• cankers,
• and fistula by ingestion,
• it heals wounds by application.
• Frequent anointment of a paralysed member will render it to its normal state.
• It enlivens the spirit, partaken in moderation,
• recalls the past to memory,
• renders men joyous above all.
• It makes disappear pain in the ears
• and deafness,
• It makes disappear stones in the bladder
• and the kidneys.
• If one anoints the head, it removes headaches, particularly those coming from a cold.
• and when retained in the mouth, it loosens the tongue,
• emboldens the wit, if someone timid from time to time himself permits. »

Great Tourist Sites in Midi-Pyrénées - Auch

The Musketeers at the Vatican!

A delegation from Armagnac has left for Rome at the beginning of March to receive a facsimile of Vital Dufour's famous text from the Vatican authorities.

The delegation has been received at the Vatican Library by Mgr Cesare Pasini, Prefect of the Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, and Mgr Duval-Arnould, Scriptor.

An official ceremony has then taken place at the Holy Trinity on Pincio Hill, French territory where the delegation has been invited by His Excellence Stanislas de Laboulaye, French Ambassador to Saint-Siège, in the presence of Mgr Duval-Arnould, Scriptor of the Vatican.

This place is also full of history and sumptuous to say the least : "Non est in tota laetior urbe locus" [In the whole of Rome there is not a more pleasing place] : this motto affixed to the door of the Holy Trinity library emphasizes its magnificence.

The refectory in which the ceremony will take place is one of the most beautiful dining rooms in Rome : Brother Andrea Pozzo, a master of trompe l'oeil, has painted the walls and the vaulted ceiling depicting the Wedding at Cana.

An induction cerenomy has taken place with the presence of the Italian Squadron conducted by Capitaine Sandro Predieri, and a delegation of French Musketeers Tabarin, Lacroix, Campa and Samalens.

Once obtained, this facsimile will travel with us and will be given pride of place at each of our 2010 celebrations in all the countries that we visit.

The festivities conducted throughout its journey will invite respect for the text and for Armagnac.

At the end of the year, it will come back to the region to inaugurate the distillation period, known as the Flamme de l'Armagnac. Hence, we will close this immutable cycle of Armagnac and the preceding 700 years and symbolically launch, with the arrival of the newly distilled Armagnac, the next seven centuries ...

We would sincerely like to thank : His Excellence Stanislas de Laboulaye, French Ambassador to Saint-Siège, his Conseiller Ecclésiastique, Monsieur l'Abbé Xavier d'Arodes de Peyriague, and Monseigneur Duval-Arnould, Scriptor and previous Archivist to the Vatican, for their precious help.

Le 19/20 dated 03/25/2010

News: archives

Following Casale di Montferrato and Rome, the Italian Squadron brought us to Palermo, headquarters of the Sicilian Platoon, and another event of the highest order.

On the 16th of October, 2010, 150 guests gathered for the 4th Chapter at the Chateau d’Utveggio, situated 346 metres up on a hillside overlooking Palermo, and home of the Centre for Advanced Socio-Economic Studies.

The evening began with a magnificent concert organized by the Académie Lyrique de Méditerranée, with a programme that included Puccini and Verdi. This was followed by an induction of distinction, which included oenologists and doctors, before the assembly was treated to a magnificent spread comprising many wonderful examples of the highest quality Sicilian gastronomic art.

Michel Auzié, Company foreign relations representative.

The members of the Europe Squadron met in Brussels on January 23rd for an informal dinner offered by the organizers of the Brussels Motor Show, where the event was held.

The dinner was very well attended, and among the guests were Her Royal Highness Alexandre of Belgium and M. Didier Reynders, Deputy Prime Minister.

A short photo-article HERE !

LThe Senegal Squadron regrets to announce that it has had to cancel its forthcoming Chapter that was to have taken place on the 29th January..
The next Chapter will now take place on January 28th, 2012.

A photo-report here ! An article by Michel Auzié in “News from the Squadrons” !

That we were able to add ten new members to our membership list wasn’t down to chance. Our Squadron is a great one, and we are proud to welcome our new Musketeers who will bring new blood to the development of the Squadron. Our success is due to the enthusiasm of our members who have never hesitated to involve themselves, whatever the circumstances. Without the full and unreserved support of our General Staff and our members none of this would have been possible.

When I saw how the evening of November 27th was going so wonderfully well, I was the happiest of Lieutenant-Captains. A big “Thank You” to everyone.

All of which gives us more than enough reason to look forward with confidence to our 31st Chapter, to be held on November 26th, 2011. Make a note in your diaries now.

• March 12th - An Armagnac tasting evening at the Rood Kasteel, Kasteelstraat 16 – 3723 Guigoven. Further info to follow, or go to :www.roodkasteel.be
• June 11th – A friendly get-together at the Château de Horst, Horststraat 28 – 3220 Sint-Pieters-Rode (more info to follow)

A photo-reporthere !

The evening began at 7 PM with the traditional “pousse rapiere”, with appetizers, then towards 8 PM the guests gathered for the induction of Trevor HEEKS, a very colourful personality, who came dressed for the occasion in his uniform of “Town Crier”. Other than his “professional” duties, Trevor has a passion for the tales and legends of Wiltshire, and it is in his capacity as story teller that he visits schools in the region to regale the appreciative students with the stories of their county. He also supports similar events organized for the families of sick children.

Gérard Bréon
Lieutenant-Captain

Photo-article here!

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of Lieutenant-Captain Edmond Devarieux. Edmond was Head of the Senegal Squadron, a lawyer, and past President of the Dakar Bar, a man of firm conviction and courage, and a Captain greatly esteemed by all who knew him.

Belgium!

Our Lieutenant-Captain of the Italian Squadron, Sandro Predieri, was awarded a Special Prize which was presented to him during the Expo Luxe in Rome on the 18th of September last.

The Prize was in recognition of his work in the protection of the values and historic traditions of chivalry. It is therefore fitting that he is the honorable representative of foreign Squadrons on the General Staff of the Company.

The Captain, General Staff, and all Musketeers present their heartiest congratulations for this thoroughly deserved honour, which we know will be borne with dignity.

The first Chapter of the European Squadron took place on the 16th of October in the famous Gothic Room of the Brussels Town Hall, located in the wonderful and legendary Great Square, a World Mankind Heritage site. The event was presided by Her Royal Highness, Princess Alexandre of Belgium.

Read more in the Europe Squadron link above.

Also see the site of Musketeer Didier REYNDERS, Vice-Premier Minstre : www.didier-reynders.be

Photographies : Foto Brouwers - contact@fotobrouwers.be - Tél.: 02 267 26 90

Diaporama here!

The 1st Chapter of the Europe Squadron of the Company took place on the 16th of October, presided by
Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandre of Belgium.

Thanks to the enthusiasm of the dynamic Louis Schmitz, Lieutenant-Captain of the New Squadron, and his wife, Musketeer Christine Beckers, and not forgetting Philippe Pirson, Mimi Renier and all the founding Musketeers, 100 guests were present at the official inauguration.

Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandre of Belgium did us the great honour of presiding over this first Chapter.

From October the 17th, see the photo-article !

The Chapter celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Belgian Squadron took place on Saturday, November the 27th, 2010 in the Chateau de Saffelaere, under the Captaincy of Achilles Somers.

More information to follow !

The inaugural Chapter took place on the 4th of December, 2010 in the Salons Waerboom in Groot-Bijgaarden.

It’s not possible to talk about Anne of Austria without mentioning d’Artagnan and the Musketeers. That is why Stéphane Bern and his team dedicated much of his programme to our illustrious heros.

It highlighted 5 gallant modern day Musketeers :

Our Captain, Aymeri de Montesquiou

The historian, Odile Bordaz, whose loyalty goes without saying

The Captain of the Dutch Squadron, Camille OIostwegel, always outstanding

Our great friend, Dirk Jansen, who must forgive us for not being able to show a clip of the TV programme opposite, which was not available when this article was being written.

Last but not least, Hugues Aufray demonstrated his affection for his roots and the Company (as if we didn’t know already) by wearing the Cross of the Musketeers close to his heart.

The link to extracts of the programme are here !

Aymeri de Montesquiou, Capitaine de la Compagnie

Odile Bordaz, Mousquetaire

Camille Oostwegel, Capitaine d'Escadron

- The inauguration of the statues by Musketeer Serge Liberge

- Same event by our official reporter, Pierre Réalle

- The inductions

- The tables, here and there...

To order the photos, please contact Pierre Réalle, by Email: nakoyu@yahoo.fr

The funerals will be at Cathédrale Sainte Marie in Auch

Since the announce of his death, numerous messages have arrived at the Company Secretariat witnessing the unanimous sadness. Louis, or rather Loulou for those who were close, particularly within the Comapny, was a loyal, reliable and trusty man. He was in charge, along with Jean Chalot who left us 8 months ago, of the Company accounting. He accomplished his task with rigor, availability and efficiency.

The Musketeers hereby present their condoleances to his wife, children, grandchildren as well as his family.

Preparations are under way for the Annual Grand Chapter, that will be held, as usual, in the magnificent Cloisters of Condom on Saturday, the 4th of September, 2010.

Don’t hesitate to go to the link shown above to be kept abreast of the latest developments.

The President of the Event will be Madame Irina BOKOVA, the Director General of UNESCO.

You had for sure already noted the considerable changes concerning the contents and the presentation of the site of the Company of the Musketeers since March, 2010. The difficulties met by our Company (death of the Treasurer Jean Chalot, long and concommitant disease of his assistant Louis "Loulou" Mailhac, retirement of our faithful Secretary Marcelle - who joined the Secretariat in 1968 - difficulties of his replacement did not prevent us from always progressing.

So, you will have been able to note at the upper left of this page of a button " Secure Web Space ".

This space is dedicated to you. It contains the state of your membership's situation. It also allows to settle by Credit Card directly to the secure part, the payment of your annual fee, the inscription and the payment of places in the annual chapter. For that purpose, a contract was signed with Paypal, the world leader of the on-line payment, among whom the reputation and the seriousness are not to be any more praised. For those of you who know Paypal, it will be useless to specify that the opening of an account is NOT compulsory, by no means. A direct Credit Card payment is privileged.

To reach this space, an identifier and a password were sent to you with the invitations in the chapter. They are strictly personal. In case of loss, we can send them back to you on simple request.

Let us specify that the Company has, in no way, access to the confidential information of payment, Paypal simply sending us an information e-mail of payment.

The photos of the Maastricht Chapter held on June 26th are now available.

Click here or find the link on Chapters page, Photos tab.

Condom received on Saturday, June 19th the visit of Zugan Tsereteli (the Georgian artist who created the statue offered to our Captain and that he had donated to the city of Condom) accompanied with the former Georgian ambassador in France.

Welcomed by Bernard Gallardo, Mayor, in the presence of Aymeri de Montesquiou, they together decided on the setting-up of the work: in front of the church, thus very close to the entrance of Convents, place of Chapters.

It will be inaugurated on the occasion of the 59th Chapter on September 4th of this year.

Read it here: La Dépêche.

Our Captain received in present a monumental work: a set of 4 statues on base representing 4 musketeers realized by the Russian-Georgian artist Zurab Tsereteli.

Characteristics:

- 14 ft wide,

- 8 ft high,

- 5,5 metric tons...

The city of Bernard Gallardo (Mayor) is the happy beneficiary, A. de Montesquiou having donated it to Condom.

We still have no place where to install this work which, by its dimensions, would not pass unnoticed!

To see on September 4th!

Credit photo: Artcorusse Artcorusse/N. Tikhobrazoff
To see also: La Dépêche du Midi (Ed. Gers)

Congratulations to the Italian Squadron. Sandro Predieri and his team have opened this 18th of June, 2010 an autonomous version of the website of the Company of Musketeers.

You can have a look at it, it is not only for English speaking Musketeers: lots of photographs are displayed. Please click on the logo link below (or on the Italian flag on the welcome page of our site and ... enjoy!

A private Chapter was organized in Pimbat (Vic-Fezensac) on July, 13th, 2010. In addition to Frédéric Pietruszka, Jean-Claude Magnan et Jean Cottard - , already announced (Read below), another great French fencing Champion has been inducted: Marie-Chantal Demaille, 1971 World Champion.

Le reportage photo ici !

She quickly learns about pending topics and wil be first row for the next Chapter in Condom.

Chicago, June the 11th. Within the events framework of the 700th anniversary of Armagnac, the BNIA will introduce 4 new Musketeers.

Vic-Fezensac, June the 13th. Two great fencing champions, Frédéric Pietruska and Jean-Claude Magnan, who between them hold no less than 7 Olympic medals (including 2 gold), will be inducted, together with the celebrated trainer, Jean Cottard.

Casale Monferrato, June the 19th. Already announced on this page (see below), this Chapter is organized by the dynamic Italian Squadron.

- Maastricht le 26 juin : lire ci-dessous.

Under the leadership of Captain Camille Oostwegel, Musketeers are invited to an alluring programme. Read more in News from the Squadrons.

His discretion will suffer from it but his kindness equals his availability to have translated into good English the whole site and therefore having relieved both your servant and the General Secretary, this last one having at least a high workload!

Read it here!

A technical incident on CDs and DVDs provided by the Senagal Squadron has delayed the release of the very nive report of the Dakar Chapter held late JAnuary. It is now available here. A video is also available there ! Loading could take time, depending on your Internet connection speed... Previous events are under conversion process and will be available very soon!

- Photos of the outstanding Chapter in the Vatican here together with the Report of the Captain Lieutenant of the Italian Squadron present…. As a bonus, 4 pages of the Vital-Dufour book.
- Details of the private Chapter held in London on April the 12th, 2010 here. The speech of Sébastien Lacroix, the Director of BNIA.
- The photos of New York 2010 have arrived!

The film shot by Musketeer Serge Liberge during the Condom Grand Chapter 2007 is now on line (see Chapters / Photos / Videos)!

A private Chapter was organized in London by the B.N.I.A. (National Interprofessional Bureau of Armagnac) on the 12th of April, 2010 within the framework of the events marking “2010 – 700 years of Armagnac. Five personalities were inducted by Sébastien Lacroix, a member of the Musketeer’s General Staff. This was the first opportunity to show the writings of Maître Vital-Dufour, a copy of which was presented to the B.N.I.A., during its recent visit to the Vatican.

The Chapter of the Anglo-Normandy Squadron of the Company of Musketeers of Armagnac has beenheld on the 24th of April, at 7.30 PM in the Great Hall of Longleat House, the ancestral seat of Lord Bath. Photos here!

An exceptional Chapter was held in Rome on the occasion of the presentation by the Vatican Library of the texts of Maître Vital Dufour to the B.N.I.A.

Click on to "Special Vatican" to learn more !

Article Sud Ouest by Musketeer Philippe CAMPA - 25 mars 2010

all' Hotel Candiani - Ristorante La Torre (del Moschettiere Patrizia Grossi) a Casale Monferrato.

The previous record, dating from September the 8th, 2009, of 150 visits to our site was well beaten on March 26th, 2010, when:

277 visits were recorded.

An exceptional Chapter was held in New York on the 18th of February to mark the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the d’Artagnan Society, founded by Ariane Daguin.

At this event, Christophe Jankowiak and Sébastien Lacroix, representing the Company, inducted the following 8 new Musketeers :
- Philippe Lalliot, Consul General of France,
- Eric Ripert,
- Anthony Bourdain,
- George Gellert
- Denis Lesgourgues
- Baron Francois
- Henry Preiss
and
-Stanley Tucci, American actor, producer, director and scriptwriter who most notably appeared in « The Devil dressed in Prada » for which he was nominated for the best supporting role at the 2010 Oscars.

t. Photos here...

Musketeer Paul Pigman is a successful racing driver from Pittsburgh (USA). When he noticed our « badge » on the vehicle of our friend Dr. Paul Liefeld he asked if he could show the colours of the Company on his race car.
We were delighted, but suggested that he refrained from toasting each of his wins with Armagnac until he’d crossed the finishing line.

In the presence of His Excellency, Alexander Orlov, The Russian Federation Ambassador to France.

Photos Larrieu Condom

Presentation of  The Company of Musketeers