> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://en.df-sfb.org.uk/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # News from the Dispensaire Français – Elisabeth Chermette – October 2026 - URL: https://en.df-sfb.org.uk/newsletter-october-2026/ - Published: 2026-10-02T12:00:17.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-02T11:20:03.000Z - Author: Admin - Tags: Newsletter, News & Events *Your regular update for (almost) everything about life at the Dispensaire* **Dear readers,** As at the start of every month since last June, here is your eagerly awaited new newsletter from the [**Dispensaire Français – French Benevolent Society**](https://en.df-sfb.org.uk/)**\*.** After the profiles of [Audrey](https://en.df-sfb.org.uk/newsletter-june-2026/), [Nathalie ](https://en.df-sfb.org.uk/newsletter-july-2026/)and [Dylan, ](https://en.df-sfb.org.uk/newsletter-august-2026/)who brilliantly run the Dispensaire day to day, followed by that of Dr [Laura Muñoz](https://en.df-sfb.org.uk/newsletter-september-2026/), Head of the Medical Area, here is the profile of another “gem” of our institution, at the helm of our much-loved Club Sénior. 🌐 And some big news we are very proud of: **our website has (finally) had a makeover! Discover it** [**HERE**](https://en.df-sfb.org.uk/). We would like to thank [Elisabeth Fontanille](https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisabethdesarnezfontanille/?ref=en.df-sfb.org.uk) and [Jérémie Raude-Leroy](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremie-raude-leroy-0797b932/?ref=en.df-sfb.org.uk) for their outstanding work on the new website. *\* For the sake of editorial clarity, the term ‘Dispensaire’ will be used throughout our newsletters.* --- ## **SPOTLIGHT on Elisabeth Chermette** ### **Head of the Club Sénior and Trustee at the Dispensaire** ![](https://en.df-sfb.org.uk/content/images/2026/11/Portrait-Elisabeth-Chermette-2-1.jpg) If you were looking for the one word that best describes Elisabeth Chermette, “free” is the word that comes to mind. So let’s go and meet her! Originally from Lyon, Elisabeth studied dentistry there before flying off, degree in hand, to Australia with the man who would become her husband. After two years of civilian service, they then set off for Japan. Alongside this, Elisabeth completed a master’s degree in orthodontics in Lyon, travelling back and forth whenever possible, before settling full-time for three years in the land of the rising sun. She made the most of this rare and rich international experience. When the couple and their first child moved to London in 1998, it was quite a shock. Elisabeth realised just how different France and the United Kingdom are. But her character and adaptability won through, and she began her career as a dentist-orthodontist as a partner in a practice, where she stayed for 15 years. Then the closure of the practice and the arrival of a third son marked a new turning point. Elisabeth gave it all up and took up… sculpture! Naturally good with her hands and passionate about art, Elisabeth discovered a creative talent, working inspired with wax, a little plaster (only natural for a dentist!), but above all clay, her favourite material. It was in 2019, through a volunteer friend who helped organise lunches for older people, that she discovered the Dispensaire. Won over by the cause, she joined the adventure. After a start disrupted by Covid, Elisabeth threw herself into it, especially when she was asked to become **head** **of the Club Sénior and a *trustee*** (a member of the board). > ***“I quickly sensed, and came to love, the very family-like and caring spirit of the Dispensaire. For someone as independent as me, it is a wonderful way to experience the precious and rewarding experience of teamwork!”*** ### **The Club Sénior** This club, part of the social area, now accounts for a considerable share of the Dispensaire’s activity. An ageing population and Brexit are among the main reasons for the growing need: older French speakers who were in the United Kingdom before Brexit are still here, whereas young people can no longer come over to work as waiters or au pairs, for example. **The aim of the club is simple and essential: to create social connection and conviviality, “the French way”!** And there is no means test to join the club: you just need to be a French speaker over 70. > ***“For these people, the need to reconnect with France is enormous: through the language, shared memories, the culture of conviviality, honouring our roots…”*** Around fifteen [volunteers](https://en.df-sfb.org.uk/our-social-volunteers/) offer around 70 beneficiaries, with an average age of over 80, a wide range of monthly activities at the Dispensaire, with ever-growing success: - **Lunches**, twice a month, organised, provided and served by the volunteers, and run by Elisabeth - **The Ealing games café**: one afternoon a month, Catherine brings together 8 to 10 people over coffee for lively games of dominoes, Qwirkle and other board games - **The book club**: led by Eléonore, this club brings together around ten keen readers who discuss the themes raised by the book chosen together the month before - **Gentle exercise**: gentle exercises to build strength and tone, with the sparkling Marion (certified coach) - **The drama workshop**: the talented actress Edith takes participants through very playful exercises, often improvised and unfiltered! - **Chair yoga**: yoga that really is for everyone, safely loosening and stretching the joints, led by Caroline (certified coach) - **One-off workshops** whose success speaks for itself: cooking and nutrition (with Cécile), gardening (with Blandine), cinema outings at the Institut Français, guided museum tours (with Léa), not forgetting the annual restaurant outing… On top of all this, depending on their needs, beneficiaries may also receive medical follow-up, home visits, help with paperwork or assistance with getting to the Dispensaire. What they value above all is **the chance to speak French and rediscover that distinctive social conviviality!** Elisabeth says her organisational skills are a real asset in fulfilling her dual role. What’s more, this commitment has strengthened her convictions and her support for the cause, while changing the way she sees older people: > ***“Our elders are terribly neglected in our societies. They are often seen as a burden, when they have so much to offer us!”*** Elisabeth also admits that, on a personal level, this role is very rewarding. She recalls one woman who was so moved because we celebrated her birthday, or the 98-year-old eldest member who reads one of her favourite poems at every lunch… To conclude, when asked to sum up the Dispensaire in three words, Elisabeth replies without hesitation: **generosity, kindness and a family atmosphere!** > ***“Thank you to the volunteers for all their hard work and energy, which help build this joyful community!”*** ![](https://en.df-sfb.org.uk/content/images/2026/11/Best-Of-Elisabeth-en.jpg) 🔗 **Did you enjoy this newsletter?** Forward it to your friends and family and invite them to: [SIGN UP TO THE NEWSLETTER](https://df-sfb.us19.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=7fb574bdd22035619214d0017&id=f4920e5766&ref=en.df-sfb.org.uk) ![The Dispensaire Français, 184 Hammersmith Road](https://en.df-sfb.org.uk/content/images/2026/11/dispensaire-batiment-hammersmith.jpg) ## To find out more about the Dispensaire, click [here](https://en.df-sfb.org.uk/about-us/) 📍 ****+44 020 8222 8822** 184 Hammersmith Road, London W6 7DJ Monday – Thursday 9am-5pm / Friday 9am-4pm Flat rate: £10/consultation + membership: £10/year [en.df-sfb.org.uk](https://en.df-sfb.org.uk/) [BECOME A VOLUNTEER](mailto:info@df-sfb.org.uk?subject=Becoming%20a%20volunteer%20at%20the%20Dispensaire) [DONATE](https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/dispensairefrancais?ref=en.df-sfb.org.uk) *✍🏻 Many thanks to* [*Delphine Gourgues*](https://www.wordsbydelf.com/?ref=en.df-sfb.org.uk)*, volunteer copywriter, for creating this series of profiles!*