The story of play & Learn

BEGINNINGS - ROSEMARY 

Play and Learn first came to life in 1985, thanks to the vision and energy of Rosemary Dessert.

Many people in Franqueville-Saint-Pierre know Rosemary— some would argue that if you don’t, you’re not a true Franquevillais !

Originally a radiographer from Newcastle in the north of England, Rosemary arrived in France in the 1970’s drawn by her love of languages. Having already lived and worked in Germany and Switzerland - and speaking German fluently - she decided to come to Paris to study French at the Alliance Française. 

One fateful afternoon, while sitting by the Seine and contemplating the sweetness of French life, she met her future husband, Philippe. One thing led to another, and they eventually settled in the Rouen area, where they started a family.

Rosemary began teaching English in local schools and universities. She was very much appreciated due to her fun and engaging style of teaching. Before long, colleagues and friends were asking her to teach their children too. And thus were born the first children’s groups.

FIRST TEACHING LOCATIONS 

At the very beginning, lessons took place in Rosemary’s own garage. However, being a victim of her own success, the garage quickly began to feel rather crowded. 

In 1985, Rosemary decided to set up the association Play & Learn, and to ask the town council for a local room to host the lessons. Thankfully, they agreed.

Soon after, adult classes were added, and before long, over 200 students were attending lessons each week. Rosemary began to bring in other teachers to help, and Play and Learn was officially up and running.

Over the years, generations of children, teenagers, and adults from the eastern plateau of Rouen have passed through the doors of Play and Learn. Many still speak fondly of their very first  English words - and of the the warm, welcoming atmosphere created by Rosemary and her team.

INTENSIVE DAYS & TRIPS 

As enthusiasm grew, students began asking for more more English - and more immersion. 

Together with Philippe, Rosemary launched the now-legendary Intensive Days. 

Rosemary would lead lively groups in the main teaching room, while Philippe guided students in the computer room, using early learning software to support learning— which, at the time, was nothing short of revolutionary!

Not long after, Philippe began organising trips to England each year:

• a summer day-trip, and

• a festive ‘Christmas shopping’ outing to Canterbury

For many students and families, these trips became cherished annual traditions.

A New Chapter: Jan’s Era

In 2005, after 20 years of tireless dedication, Rosemary passed the torch to Jan Wikramaratna—an Oxford-educated maths whiz turned IT manager, and finally, English teacher. 

During the final decade of his career, Jan devoted himself wholeheartedly to running of Play and Learn. Under his stewardship, the much-loved Play & Learn & Sing choir was created, thanks to the enthusiasm of a talented student-musician named Guy.

An outstanding teacher, communicator, and also passionate nature lover, Jan kept the fire burning for another 10 years or so - well past the usual retirement age (as Rosemary herself had done bore him). Eventually, Jan’s wife gently suggested it might be time to slow down.

Many long-time members recount fond memories of Jan, including drinking Pimm’s at the summer parties, making cucumber sandwiches, and playing cricket outside in the garden.

A New Generation

In 2015, a young Londoner named Joel Rickards walked through the doors of Play and Learn shortly after settling in France. He was soon invited to take over from Jan, who moved to a seaside town in La Manche to enjoy a well-earned retirement filled with bird watching and fresh sea air.

Play and Learn Today

Now, in 2025, a full 40 years after its creation, Play and Learn is still as vibrant as ever.

The association continues to offer:

  • dynamic learning groups for kids, teens, and adults

  • the legendary intensive days

  • an annual trip to England

Alongside newer additions such as :

  • individual lessons

  • a book club

  • Holiday workshops for kids

  • partnerships with schools and local associations

All of this is proudly carried forward by our team of dedicated volunteers and our 9 native-speaking teachers, who continue to bring Rosemary’s original vision to life:

learning English through enthusiasm, interaction, and community.