A FRENCH woman hopes to start a Gallic revolution in Blackburn.

Lory Barreau, 41, originally from Nantes, “loves” living in Blackburn after moving to the Mellor area 20 years ago, but has tired of having to travel for continental culture.

Now she has set up CineSaturn, a club for people to exchange stories about France, speak French to natives and learn by watching films.

Lory said: “There are a few French people living in the Blackburn area, but in Lancashire there is nothing for us, or for people interested in France. So, my idea is to bring to Blackburn the type of worldwide cultural activities that you normally only find in large cities.”

As well as the social aspect, Lori wants to use CineSaturn to help teach youngsters.

She said: “There’s a lot of French being taught in the schools and I want young people to see what it’s really like, not just from a textbook. Blackburn used to be a great cultural place, so lets get it to be that again.”

Through her international business development company, Business Vector Ltd, which also helps with language training, Lory has been inviting French graduates to the town to take up roles within local firms.

She said: “They all love it here. They say they like the atmosphere, and that the town centre is compact and easy to get around in. I’ve got to say I agree with the them, I think Blackburn is really cool. When I first arrived 20 years ago, I thought it was grotty and Preston was much better, but I think it’s the other way round now. There is something that vibrates in Blackburn, and maybe that’s to do with all the renewal taking place.”

The next CineSaturn meeting and film screening is at 7pm on Tuesday at the Saturn Centre, Challenge Way, Blackburn. Admission £15, refreshments provided.

How Lory's two home towns compare

NANTES:

  • Described as “the most liveable city in Europe”, It has over 800,000 inhabitants.
  • On the Atlantic coast, the river Loire passes through.
  • It was home to author Jules Verne.

BLACKBURN:

  • Blackburn has a population of around 105,000.
  • The Leeds and Liverpool Canal runs through.
  • The railway arrived in 1810 and was a focus for industrial growth.
  • Carl Fogarty, World Superbike champion, is from Blackburn.