Brittany Pages - November 2011

BRITTANY PAGES November 2011 - Issue 4

What’s on A feast of fun activities p6-7

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Get away

‘I only do haute couture’

Why not rent an island? p5

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Island clean up FULL STORY PAGE 4

FULL STORY PAGES 2-3

Torrey Canyon oil spill waste to be removed after 44 years Family chapel was used as Nazi torture centre, says Breton baron

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Brittany Pages

November 2011

Lord of the manor reveals château’s dark wartime history A Breton baron has for the first time shown the press photos of a dark period for his ancestral home - when the Nazis tortured resistance members.

TIM FINAN tells the grim tale.

THE pictures have faded with the years but for those who lived through those times the memories will never do so.

The war was far from over but the days of Hitler’s Third Reich were numbered.

Montgomery and Eisenhower had pushed eastwards towards Germany and General Patton and his Third Army had freed Brittany.

Five months after D day - in the late autumn of 1944 - the Americans had liberated the Armorican peninsula but a hardcore of Wehrmacht (Nazi armed forces) were holding out south of the Vilaine river in what the historians have named the “poche de SaintNazaire”.

The bridges had been demolished and the heavy artillery sited. After four years of occupation the civilian population south of the

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Vilaine were ready to see the backs of the uninvited guests in jackboots.

On the German side of the river the Breton maquis (resistance), noted for their bravery and loyalty, were carrying out sabotage and reconnaissance on a routine nightly basis, harrying German infantry, liaising with allied agents and most importantly, gathering intelligence about Nazi strength and artillery; and engaging the enemy hand to hand.

Many young German sentries were to be found lying lifeless at dawn, victims of blades of the resistance. Killing enemy soldiers silently and in cold blood was a strategy intended to sap enemy morale.

On November 21, 1944 eight young Frenchmen, members of the 8th Limerzel battalion of the legendary FFI or Forces Francaises de l’Interieur had crossed the river, captured 30 German soldiers alive and were holding them in an isolated barn.

Their orders were to ferry them back across the Vilaine and deliver them to the Allies where they would be questioned. Two German soldiers who refused to surrender had been killed during the operation.

By today’s ultra swift communication standards it seems primitive in retrospect.

Shadowy figures in berets and leather coats loitered in hedgerows.

A telephone cable link across the Vilaine had been set up and a white flag was to be waved at a window to signal that the surviving prisoners were ready to be moved.

However the maquisards were to be betrayed. A traitor had spoken and the volunteers were captured and taken to the château of Cadouzan close to the village of SaintDolay, which had been requisitioned by the Nazis . The owner of the property had been taken prisoner and imprisoned in Austria.

The floors above ground at Cadouzan were being used as staff quarters for officers of the Saint-Nazaire Ortskommandantur (local headquarters).

The officers were relishing their final days and weeks in France.

They strutted through the castle grounds and warmed themselves with plundered oak firewood in front of Cadouzan’s chimneys and enjoyed the fine wines and fare of their absent host. However in an outbuilding which was formerly a chapel something much more sinister was happening.

Teams of trained interrogators regularly questioned captured French and Allied agents and soldiers.

The German interrogators were not ashamed of their brutality. They wanted the rest of France to know about it.

They summoned a photographer with a Leica and tripod who took a series of photographs of their interrogation sessions. The pictures were developed and hundreds of prints distributed to the local population as a stark warning.

The photos said it all; or at least related what the Nazis wanted the world to see.

They had strapped the maquisards to a wooden pole between low tables and bound their hands in front of them below the knees.

They were left suffering excruciating agony for hours and from time to time their tormentors beat them with sticks.

The Nazis tortured captured Resistance men If they failed to answer then, they were beaten again; and again.

On their backs, buttocks and private parts.

Until they talked.

Or in the case of the eight from Limerzel.. did not talk. They were all country lads who knew little of military strategy. They had little to divulge.

The Germans had other ways of forcing their captives to tell what they knew. Some were tortured more than others.

One man, Pierre Le Pocreau, a primary school teacher at St Dolay, suffered terrible injuries. Another was Auguste Mahé, a farmer on land at Cadouzan.

They were to live with pain, both physical and mental for the rest of their days.

The eight men were eventually transferred from Cadouzan to a prison in Saint-Nazaire .

On December 6 a German military court sentenced them to death. However the imminent plight of the eight heroes of the Resistance became known to the Allies.

During the cruelest times of the German occupation of France the German rule had been “For every German soldier killed by civilians, ten French civilians will die”.

It was no idle threat.

The Nazis had been only too ready to make that plain on dozens of occasions throughout France, enforcing the rule with ropes, machine guns and grenades (on at least one occasion, inside a church - at Oradour) dealing death to young and old on cords tied to telegraph poles or with bullets against walls in front of weeping wives and children.

The Allies made it known to the Wehrmacht high command that, should any captured French civilian resistance fighter be shot, ten German officers would share their fate once Saint-Nazaire had yielded.

On December 16 the death sentences were commuted to ten years’ hard labour by a Colonel Rittmayer, a non-Nazi .

Six months later the war was over and the nightmare was over for the eight maquisards.

They returned to their farms, their families and their friends.

Twenty- five years later in 1969 seven of them returned to Cadouzan and attended a ceremony in the cellars of the château where they had been tortured.

The owner of the château, Michel Marion de Procé told them he was proud that their courage and sacrifice were forever engraved in the history of his family property.

Brittany Pages

News 3

November 2011

in an old chapel at the château (pictured at the bottom, below)

TODAY the propaganda photos which were taken at his family’s château belong to Baron Denis Marion de Procé, 55, who inherited the property - and the heavy burden of maintaining it - from his late father.

He showed the old black and white prints to Brittany Pages and spoke of his teenage memories.

One of the images is printed, left; some of the others, showing resistance men tied and beaten, were not suitable to be shown.

The baron said: “Auguste Mahé was 22 when he was arrested. He came home to Cadouzan and became the gardener here at the château for the rest of his life. He was picked up by a German patrol. He and another man had a German Mauser rifle they had taken from a soldier.

“The Germans accused him of killing him and dumping his body in a pond.

“They drained all the ponds at Cadouzan and never found the body.

“Later it emerged that the soldier had deserted. Or so the story goes.

“He never recovered really.

He had pain in his back, his buttocks and his testicles. I remember he had difficulty sitting down.

“He hated the Germans for the rest of his life. He could never forgive. He liked to drink, I remember.

Survivors bore their scars for life “I don’t think he ever went back into the old chapel where he had been tortured.

He is dead now.”

The baron added: “When my father returned from Germany after the war he was faced with the immense task of restoring the château to its former glory.

“The Germans had left it in an awful mess.

“I found the photos in the bedroom where I now sleep.

“Some of them were taken in the cellars below and some of them were actually done in the bedroom as the original door of the room is visible.”

He said that early in the Second World War there was a threat of the château being blown up, as the Germans were destroying all notable buildings in the area.

It may have been spared because bombers did not see it as at the time it was heavily surrounded by trees.

Baron Marion de Procé said: “Cadouzan was saved by

its trees. Later in the war, of course, as we now know, the Germans used it as their headquarters and it was also an interrogation centre.

“In the 1960s the German officer, Colonel Rittmayer, who ordered the reprieve of the eight maquisards sentenced to death sent a card to the Mayor of Saint- Dolay, asking after their health.

“He was a gentleman, a member of the old German military school. He was not an evil Nazi.”

Apart from his role as Lord of the Manor at Cadouzan, Baron Marion de Procé is also a passionate historian.

He has documented a detailed history of his property, a history which goes back to the 11th century through the dark days of the Hundred Years’ War right through to the Revolution to the 19th century and the twentieth with its bloody wars and the “recent” occupation by and liberation from the Nazis.

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4 News

NEW figures show organic farming in Brittany has increased 63% over ten years, while a third of traditional farms have shut down.

Relatively unknown in France’s top agricultural region a decade ago, it is now practiced on 1,529 farms, 500 more than two years ago, by 3,030 farmers. Three per cent of agricultural land is under organic production, which was also the national average as of the end of last year.

Out of 1,270 Breton communes, 700 have at least one organic farm, 60 more than at

the start of last year. This has been spurred by increasing demand for organic food in France, which imports 35% of organic produce it consumes.

The Côtes d’Armor has the most organic farms. Vegetables, animal forage and cider apples are among popular organic choices.

There is however little organic farming of pigs, for which Brittany is responsible for 60% of French production - only about 0.5%.

Intensive conventional pig farming has been blamed for contributing to pollution of

rivers with nitrates, leading to a proliferation of toxic seaweed on the Breton coasts.

INERIS, an advisory body to the Environment Ministry says studies show it is “highly probable” the death of 36 wild boars on the beach of Morieux (22) this summer was caused by gases released by rotting seaweed. Air analyses at several spots found lethal levels of hydrogen sulfide when mud or algae were trampled. Environmentalists plan to file a complaint for “endangering human life.”

Island clean-up planned AN ISLAND on the Côtes d’Armor blighted by oil dumped after the 1967 Torrey Canyon tanker disaster is to be cleaned - 44 years later.

The Ile d’Er, home to seabirds and once a major producer of guano fertiliser made from seagull droppings, became an unwilling host to between 400 and 600 tonnes of oil. Pits were dug and filled with oil recovered after clean-up operations on the north coast of Brittany.

The island has been polluted ever since.

Environmental activists Robin des Bois, who have campaigned for a clean-up, say the oil is a danger to both walkers and wildlife. They have

applauded a decision by the state to bring the island back to its wild, pristine state.

An operation, which may cost up to €1 million, has begun, using helicopters to carry oil to the mainland. The remains of the tanker cargo which killed tens of thousands of birds in Brittany and the Channel Islands will be incinerated at a toxic waste plant near Le Havre.

A Robin des Bois spokesman said: “If the operation is carried out properly, this is spectacular progress and shows the commitment of the ministry to making up for the errors of the past and cleaning up post-disaster waste”.

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Dolphins found dead A FORMAL complaint has been made to a Quimper prosecutor following repeated discoveries this year of abused bodies of dolphins washed up on beaches.

Several had their tails cut off and another was found at Pouldreuzic, Finistère with two holes in its head. One dolphin was attached to a dead weight and another had its fins tied to its tail.

Sea Shepherd - an environmental activist group created by one of the founders of Greenpeace - has called on residents to break what it called an “omertà”.

Spotlight on safety following fatal crash

November 2011

SAFETY, signals and the use of the level crossing by heavy goods vehicles are to be reviewed after a fatal collision between a train and truck at Saint-Médard-surIlle, north of Rennes. The crossing, which is not classified as dangerous, is on a slope and offers poor visibility for trains and vehicles, says the commune’s

Hospital modernises THE Saint-Malo hospital has spent €1.7 million to modernise its dialysis centre.

The premises, completely refitted over 515m2, now meet the latest standards of comfort and hygiene.

Dr Gérard Cam, in charge of the unit, said the new layout has replaced a common ward with five individual and two double cubicles, making it possible to isolate patients with infectious diseases and carry out medical procedures in better conditions.

Giant solar panel park A PHOTOVOLTAIC panel park is being installed in Lannion along the N12.

With 11,160 panels, it will be one of the largest solar facilities in Brittany. It covers 5.5 hectares and the panels have a capacity of 2.62MW. According to owners Cegelec, the electricity generated could supply 2,000 people, excluding electric heating.

The project is scheduled for completion early this month.

Anti-suicide team ready NINE “watchmen” trained to listen to people who feel suicidal are starting work in the Pays du Trégor-Goëlo.

This is an initiative of the Pays Rochois intercommunal body and comes in response to concerns about the high suicide rate in Côtes d’Armor: in the first half of 2011, 147 were registered, including 28 in Trégor-Goëlo and 15 around Guingamp.

Farmers in Paimpol are among the most vulnerable.

New zoo for the region A NEW zoo is to open in Finistère in June 2012.

The director of the Océafaunia zoo in Aquitaine, has bought 15 hectares in Hanvec. The zoo will be populated by 400 animals in nine different environments, from the taiga (northern forests) to the oceans and Madagascar.

Councils turning to horse power work in parks.

LOCAL authorities are Spurred by this phenomeincreasingly using horses to non, the region is discussing perform tasks previously and voting on a “horse plan” assigned to motor vehicles. this month.

Every day in La-ChapelleIt includes elements such as Gaceline, children from the primary school go to the canteen by a horse-drawn carriage.

The horse, Nayak, is also used for watering communal flowers and other uses, such as street sweeping, are being considered.

The horse has become an emblem for the town, which has implemented a horse celebration day.

More than 70 French towns use horses in a similar way. In Landivisiau (Finistère), a Horses are being put to work horse is used for support and maintenance of watering flowers. In the Breton draft horse, develQuestembert (Morbihan), opment of equestrian tourism waste collection and cleaning and better organisation of the of the market are done on equine industry and educahorseback. In Rennes, Nantes tion of its professionals. and Lorient, horses even Photo: © CDT 56

Organic farming up 63% in Brittany over 10 years

Photo: PHOTOPQR/OUEST FRANCE/Jérôme Fouquet/SAINT MEDARD/Le 12/10/2011

Brittany Pages

Better public transport NEW features have been added to Qub, the network of public transport in Quimper.

Fifty electric and 25 normal bicycles are available for rental to Quimper residents at €55 or €120 a year.

Also new: night buses are running on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 9.40pm and 10.40pm. Finally, two bus services now run to and from Locronan.

Brittany Pages

News 5

November 2011

injuries. The train was travelling at 110km/h, with a stopping distance of around 500m.

Mayor Lionel Van Aertrych said: "We are working to put the crossing back to the way it was. Then discussions will be held to review the safety classifi-

cation of the crossing, signals system and use of the crossing by heavy goods vehicles. The crossing is on a slope and visibility is difficult for trains and vehicles due to a bend in the track. Train drivers therefore see an obstacle on the track too late."

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Rent your own island for a weekend break

Photo: © OT Caranted

mayor. Two passengers were killed and 48 injured, nine seriously, when the regional train struck the lorry at 17.17 on October 12. The mayor of Hirel (35) was among those seriously hurt. The driver of the lorry, which was severed in two, escaped with minor

Get away from it all on an island holiday in the Bay of Morlaix LOOKING to book a break with a difference next year?

Why not rent an island to get away from it all - the Ile Louët can be rented from Carantec council between April and October.

This bijou destination is at the entrance of the Baie de Morlaix, 350m from the shore. You can stay in the old keeper’s house, which overlooks the bay.

The lighthouse was built in

‘Ripper’ has been caught A SO-CALLED “Morbihan ripper” has been arrested for a spate of attacks with a razor sharp cutter - on plastic swimming pools.

The man struck 62 times in a few months.

A resident of Pluneret was instrumental in finally bringing him to bay.

At around midnight he heard water gushing out of his pool and saw a dark shape fleeing his garden. Alerted immediately, the mobile gendarmes moved in and discovered a man hiding in a neighbouring garden with a Stanley knife.

The Auray man, 39 , said to be psychologically fragile admitted causing €25,000 damage to pools.

Sometimes he used his own knife and sometimes axes or garden tools he found at his victims’ homes.

The man has been warned to appear in court in February. Gendarme commandant Laurent Le Coq said: “Owners who were worried about their pools can now be reassured.”

Rennes uni among best THE University of Rennes has been placed - again - in the world’s top 500 universities in the Shanghai Listings.

It was ranked among the best 400 as opposed to best 500 last time, putting it alongside several of the best French universities and grandes écoles, such as the Ecole Polytechnique.

Terrorists arrested in Carnac jailed TERRORISTS who were arrested in Carnac two years ago have been jailed for three years by a Paris court.

The man and woman are said to be members of the Basque terrorist group ETA, whose members have allegedly used covert addresses in Brittany as safe houses and caches for arms and explosives for nearly two decades.

Oihana de Seran, 34, were arrested in the street, armed with automatic weapons, following the tracing by police of an Audi A3 which had been stolen a few days before.

In a flat rented by the couple they found ammunition and false Italian , Spanish and Portuguese papers.

The defendants were said in court to have lived openly in Carnac frequenting bars and restaurants during an offpeak tourism season.

In recent years the Spanish government has accused members of the Breton independence movement Armée Revolutionnaire de Bretagne of sheltering Basque refugees.

They claim Basque terrorists are still using Brittany as a base for explosives caches.

Biscuit firm wins award from top accountants A BRETON biscuit firm has won an entrepreneurship award organised by “Big Four” accountants Ernst&Young.

The Prix de l’Entrepreneur de l’Année 2011 has gone to Galapagos, a company owning several factories, such as Les Gavottes, Galettes de Pleyben, Gaillard and Armor Délices.

Boss Christian Tacquard, 59, and his wife Marie are now leading a group ranked among the most important manufacturers of French pastry; an adventure which started more than two decades ago in the region of Besançon. He said: “In 1990, we visited Les Gavottes in Dinan. My wife and I got hooked. We convinced the English group Food Trends, its owner, to sell us their crêpes dentelle [a small crunchy rolled pancake] factory.”

The firm exports about 18% but has ambitious plans to increase this to 60% by 2015 for the Les Gavottes brand.

With this number in mind, Mr Tacquard plans to build a new crêpes dentelle factory on the outskirts of Dinan in 2012-2013 with a budget exceeding €10 million.

1860 to secure access for ships to the Morlaix harbour.

Keepers came and went until the 1960s when the lighthouse was automated.

The council decided to restore the abandoned keeper’s house in 2004 because of its historical interest.

It is advisable to book well in advance to take advantage of the isolation and the fantastic view.

You can book for two days

and two nights and there is a kitchen but no hot water or heating. It sleeps up to 10.

Despite the minimal comfort it has become trendy in the last year or two.

Registration is at the tourist office, at around €275 for two nights for ten people maximum, with a supplement if you do not have a boat to get there.

Bookings open in January for 2012.

6 What’s On

Brittany Pages

Côtes d’Armor

Saint-Brieuc

November 2011

FOOD

Photo: © Aod International

notice board

November 25-27 Salon Breton du Livre et du Gourmet - This show is all about Breton gastronomy: 50 exhibitors and Breton chefs will be at hand for cooking demonstrations and exceptional dining.The show is also about cookbooks: there will be book signings, a Culinary Book Award, conferences and round tables. Adults €4, FREE for under 16.

Call 06 21 48 11 60 or visit www.salonbretonlivregourmet.com

Côtes d’Armor Photo: Oberennou-brenda-sheila

COLOUR AND SMILES: Brenda Hayes and Sheila Wright at an exhibition of their art and craft group’s work

Hillion OUT AND ABOUT

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.co

olia Fot

Côtes d’Armor

Plestin-les-Grèves MUSIC November 5-13 Festival Dañs Treger For a full week, the association Dañs Treger offers a varied programme that attracts more than 3,000 visitors. Join in one of the music workshops and fest-noz, muse around exhibitions and the book fair or listen to a lecture about Breton culture. FREE and paying events.

Call 02 96 35 65 44 www.plestinlesgreves.fr

Ille-et-Vilaine MUSIC

Photo: © PHOTOPQR-OUEST FRANCE

Rennes

Inside the Rennes store

Promote your community event, send details to: brittany@connexionfrance.com

Photo: © iMAGINE - Fotolia.com

ARTISANS du Monde, which has a fair trade shop in Rennes, is committed to providing a decent income for small producers in developing countries.

It pays for orders in advance and sets a fair price for the work done at all levels of the production line.

In Rennes, the store offers 1,000 crafts products and 120 foods such as coffee, rice, chocolate, spices and jams. Fifty volunteers take turns to serve customers and place orders.

The public can find out about fair trade and support one of the association’s campaigns, for example for changes in international trade rules and practices.

The shop opens 10am-7pm at 16 rue Hoche, Tuesday to Saturday, 2-7pm on Monday.

For more details call 02 99 63 27 65 or visit www.boutique-artisans-du-monde.com To make a donation see www.artisansdumonde. org/faire-un-don-en-ligne

d-

Do your bit for fair trade

ylan

increased so professional instruction can take place. “It is difficult to get a teacher to come in when numbers start to dwindle,” she said, adding that the past year has been difficult for the group due to renovations in the hall where it meets.

However from September it will be able to accommodate reasonable numbers and host the group’s activities at regular times.

“At the moment we are just helping each other out - we can encourage people to paint and teach them spinning until we increase in size and Sheila Wright will continue with her patchwork groups.”

Beginners and those more experienced are welcome.

Contact Brenda Hayes for more information at brenda.hayes @aliceadsl.fr or on 02 96 45 73 96

ve B Ste

THE Oberennou Bulad association is looking for people who want to do arts and crafts, including painting, patchwork, crocheting or spinning, to join their club in Bulat-Pestivien, between Callac and Guingamp.

Set up by artist Brenda Hayes, who moved to the village nine years ago, the association hopes to attract new members so more varieties of craft work can be covered during the sessions. It also hopes to run exhibitions and open days.

Ms Hayes wants to involve both French and English speakers. “It is important to integrate with people around you and to become part of the community,” she said.

A passionate artist with an exhibition of her own in nearby Belle-enTerre opening shortly, she hopes that from September numbers will have

© to: Pho

Make friends through crafts

November 6 Sortie nature: sur la route des migrateurs Migratory birds which travel thousands of miles day and night need high quality places to stop. The Anse d'Yffiniac, located on a main migration route, is one of them. During this outing you will observe migratory species, understand the value of protected areas and the important role played by nature reserves.You can borrow spotting scopes and binoculars. Advance booking required. €3-€6.

Call 02 96 32 27 98 www.saintbrieuc-agglo.fr

Ille-et-Vilaine Saint-Malo FOOD

November 11-13 Salon Gourmets et Vins -The Gourmet and Wine show is a “high end” show dedicated to gastronomy, traditional products and new trends.You will find a great selection of wine and cooking products for the home, free sessions with chefs on the theme of “creative and delicious recipes” as well as restaurants and tasting areas.Tickets €6. www.gourmetsetvins.com

November 2-19 Festival Yaouank - Yaouank has been recognised as the largest fest-noz (traditional “night-time festival”) in Brittany and the key event of modern Breton music for more than 10 years. Music and dance are on the programme of course, but there is also cinema and various other entertainment. Free and paying events.

Call 02 99 30 06 87 www.yaouank.com

Photo: © Sandra VISONNEAU - David LEFORESTIER

Brittany Pages

What’s On 7

November 2011

Morbihan

Morbihan

Sarzeau

FAMILY

Lorient SPORT

November 6 PAV Fun Board: planche à voile - Do you want to see feats of coordination, balance and flexibility on the water? Don't miss the windsurfing competition organised by the Centre Nautique de Lorient. Breton winds will surely spice up the event.

Call 02 97 84 81 30 www.cnlorient.org

November 1-30 Châteaux imaginaires - Discover the world of fantasy castles at Suscinio through playful, inventive and interactive staging. Share the delights of the fairy Mélusine, discover Jules Verne's office or cross paths with Dracula in a haunted castle… Imagination and fun for the whole family. Adult €7, student €6, €2 for children aged 8 to 17, FREE entry for children under 8 Call 02 97 41 91 91 www.suscinio.info

November

Morbihan Photo: © Y. Le Gal

GARDENS

Douarnenez

ART

ADVERTISE

Photos: © Georges Bertré, private collection

IN THIS

SPACE

Finistère

Plougasnou SPORT

Reach local English speakers in the Brittany area by advertising with us.

November 6 Grand Cyclo-Cross National de Primel - A national cyclo-cross race set in the magnificent panorama of the Pointe de Primel in Plougasnou.The day will start with a race for cadets, juniors and ladies at 13.30 followed by a race against the clock for the champions at 14.15.The big race sets off at 15.00 with top French pros and the best regional professionals, including Steve Chainel, Francis Mourey, John Gadret, Sébastien Hinault. FREE entry.

Call 06 26 26 87 88 or visit www.cyclocross-primel.org

Photo: © Petit Brun - flickr.com

FAMILY

November 26 Marché de Noël - Stroll around the Christmas market in the port of La Trinité-sur-Mer.You can buy items made by local artisans or by children and parents of the local school. Food, mulled wine and pony rides are on the programme.The highlight of the day is the arrival of Santa Claus by boat. sophie.lecanuet@wanadoo.fr

November 1-30 Exposition Douarnenez à l'Aube de la Grande Guerre - photographies inédites de Georges Bertré - Rediscover Douarnenez as it was a century ago.This exhibition has been put together from a unique and totally ignored collection by a talented amateur, Georges Bertré (1883-1972). It shows scenes of daily life in Douarnenez, mainly between 1910 and 1913: landscapes, portraits and various scenes can be seen on 300 glass plates. Adult €7.50, €4.50 for children aged six to 16, students and unemployed, €20 for a family with two adults and two children Call 02 98 92 65 20 or visit www.port-musee.org

Finistère Brest

Morbihan

Vannes Photo: © Fiona Mark - Fotolia.com

Finistère

Photo: © tsach - Fotolia.com

November 26 Bourse aux Plantes - Every year, the group Fleurs des Marais organises a free plant fair.You can bring your own plants and leave with new ones.There will be lots of expert guidance make your own compost, fight insects with green repellents, and much more.You can also share your own advice.

Call 02 97 67 34 01

Photo: © Jean-Patrick Gratien

Le Tour-du-Parc

MUSIC

CALL US ON Photo: © Monsoleiiil

November 5 Thomas Fersen - Thomas Fersen is an accomplished musician and poet who loves to play with words, using symbols drawn from the natural world to tell original tales, depict moments from everyday life or relate the dreams of ordinary people. His deep, raspy smoker's voice gives his songs their distinctive tone. His musical style - rock, folk-rock, jazz or blues - varies from one album to the next.Tickets €26-€30 Call 02 98 44 24 96 www.finisteretourisme.com/thomas-fersen

0800 91 77 56

Useful Websites

www.ameli.fr (Online guide to healthcare insurance in French)

www.platines.sante.gouv.fr (In French; has hospital details allowing you to find specialists)

www.cancersupportfrance.info (In English; a network of support groups for cancer sufferers)

We do not yet know the percentage increase for next year, but it will be at least this. France is different from other countries in that you don’t have to pay higher contributions if you have health problems. But the older you are, the more you spend because you tend to need to see specialists more often and so you are charged more by your insurance.”

There is no obligation to have top-up insurance, but 94% of French people have a policy.

“It is highly recommended that you take out additional health cover,” says Mr Escot.

“If you don’t, you risk having very high bills each time you seek medical assistance. People who don’t take out top-up health cover are usually the people who could not afford to pay medical bills.”

Most mutuelles have an annual renewal date and can be cancelled at the end of the year, in line with the notice period set by the company. Even where the policy is taken out mid-year, the renewal date is often subsequently fixed at the beginning of January.

However, a handful of contracts started mid-year 2011 may not be terminated until the same time next year, so it is worth checking on your renewal notice.

When you receive your renewal letter, which will inform you of any rise, you are able, should you wish, to cancel and change to a different policy or firm. This must be done by recorded delivery letter, within 20 days of the postmark of the renewal letter.

It is important to make sure that your top-up covers the elements of healthcare you are most likely to need, and at suitable percentages. Ask French friends, or your pharmacist or doctor,

SWITCH: Consider changing your mutuelle to avoid rising top-up healthcare costs in 2012

Your local options for top-up health policies WITH nearly 302 mutuelles and nearly 87 healthcare insurance companies, Brittany offers a wide variety of health insurance options to top-up reimbursements from the state. Here we look at some of them.

Mutuelles are not-for-profit organisations in the healthcare sector (despite the fact the term is colloquially often used for any top-up health insurance). www.bretagne. mutualite.fr lists them, searchable by town or department, or call 02 99 67 88 15 Some operate at departmental level, such as: Mutuelle Familiale de France (aimed at the Morbihan) - 02 97 64 17 99 or www.mutuelle-familiale-56.com; or Mutualia Grand Ouest - 0 800 33 33 85 or www.mutualia.fr/ presentation-grand-ouest; or Radiance BretagneCharentes - www.radiance.fr Student mutuelle The SMEBA (Société Mutualiste des Etudiants de Bretagne-Atlantique) manages social security for nearly 90,000 students and also offers appropriate insurance for their needs. Call 02 97 54 92 86 or visit www.smeba.fr

to €100 a year for people under16 and up to €500 for the over-60s. You only need to make one application per household.

When choosing a mutuelle, look carefully at what is on offer for dental and eye care costs because these are poorly reimbursed by the state.

Cheaper mutuelles may focus mainly on hospital stays. You can take them out, for exam-

Private healthcare insurers: Dedicated English-speaking teams: Philippe Schreinemachers Exclusive Healthcare See contact details in adverts at bottom of these pages.

Bml angloagence.com See Page 12 for contact details Non-dedicated English-speaking teams: Crédit Agricole Morbihan. Call 09 74 75 56 56 or visit www.ca-morbihan.fr (see simulation assurances) Groupama Loire Bretagne (324 agencies in the region).

Call 0800 034 033 or visit www.groupama.fr/ groupama-dans-ma-region/loire-bretagne April Santé (Rennes). Call 02 22 06 71 02 or visit www.april-sante.fr MMA For a list of local branches see http://assurance. mma.fr/assurance-sante-bretagne MFBCO. There are agencies in Brest (02 98 44 36 60), Rennes (02 99 05 69 71) and Morlaix (02 98 15 10 50).

Visit www.mfbco.fr

ple, with dedicated health insurance firms, some catering especially for expats, or highstreet insurance companies. If you are married or have children, check whether dependants (personnes à charge) can be included in the policy.

Companies offer cards to be handed to the doctor or pharmacist along with the state’s carte vitale, to organise their part of the payment.

Healthcare helpguide The Connexion newspaper has a 20-page helpguide which explains a range of French healthcare issues, including top-up insurance, obtaining a carte vitale, how reimbursements work, hospital stays, pharmacies, dentists, eye and ear care, mental health and cancer care.

Download a copy for €7.50 at www.connexionfrance.com or call 0800 91 77 56 for a printed version to be sent to you

Photo: © jamstockfoto - Fotolia.com

THE vast majority of people in France have private health insurance policies, or mutuelles, to cover them for the proportion of medical bills not reimbursed by the state. But the levels of reimbursement have been falling as the government tries to cut public expenditure and this has led to steeply rising fees for top-up policies.

Those charges are expected to rise even more next year as taxes are increased for mutuelle providers, so if you have a policy, now is the time to check that it covers everything you need and offers value for money. If you are not convinced, shop around for a better deal.

The consumer group UFC Que Choisir says that state reimbursement of healthcare costs last year reached its lowest level since 1973 and has attacked what it calls the government’s “abandonment of solidarity”. At the same time, the group points out that Prime Minister François Fillon’s announcement that the tax rate on health insurance companies is likely to reach 7% before 2012 will mean that providers will have to increase client contributions.

UFC Que Choisir health affairs expert Mathieu Escot says: “There are a number of factors affecting the rising cost of insurance.

We saw in 2010 and 2011 that these increases hit hardest those people aged 60 and over, with their monthly payments rising by 11.8%.

ia.com

Government austerity measures mean that the price of top-up health insurance is likely to rise even further in 2012 and this could be especially hard on older people.

Most health contracts expire at the end of the year, so now is the time to consider switching policies for the best and most cost-effective cover. ESTELLE PHILLIPS explains

meel - Fotol Photo: © ka

Is your health cover right?

if they can recommend a mutuelle that might suit your requirements and ask firms to give you a quote (devis) showing the breakdown of what they can offer, at what cost. These are based on the set state tariff for a given procedure. For example, a GP visit costs €23, of which the state reimburses 70% (€15.10). A 100% mutuelle will reimburse you up to 100% of the set tariff.

However, many doctors work in what is known as “Sector 2” of the health system, which means they can charge fees much higher that the set tariff, but the difference is not covered by state reimbursements, so you could be faced with a hefty bill.

It is possible to take out a 150% or 200% mutuelle, which will topup as much as twice the so-called tarif conventionnel. Such policies may be for you if you often visit specialists, many of whom charge high fees, or live in Paris or the PACA region, where the majority of doctors and specialists fall into “Sector 2”. Be aware, though, that the set tariff is so low for some things – eye care and spectacles, for example – that even such an enhanced policy would not result in your getting all your money back. And you never receive back more than you have paid.

The choice of mutuelle providers ranges from the larger insurance companies such as AXA, Allianz and Swiss Life, to non-profit organisations that include Harmony Mutuelle, Mutuelle Générale and Malakoff Médéric. There is no real price difference between the two, but the non-profit groups tend to favour the allocation of funds to support people in financial and social difficulty. See also below on these pages and our directory pages for dedicated Englishspeaking companies.

If you are on a low income (2011 figures are €7,611 for a single person and €11,417 for a couple, for all income), the state can also provide a top-up cover and this is known as the CMU Complémentaire. You should note that if you have no rent or mortgage to pay, this will be taken into account when assessing your income against the ceiling.

Those with incomes no more than 26% higher than the ceiling for the CMUC may be eligible for a benefit that helps towards paying for a private mutuelle, the Aide Complémentaire Santé.

The amount varies according to your age (mutuelles cost more the older you are): up

Healthcare 9

November 2011

Photo: © pressmaster - Fotolia.com

Brittany Pages

Photo: © Alexander Raths - Fotolia.com

8 Healthcare

10 Food and culture

Brittany Pages

November 2011

Mince pies – a French connection

NOVEMBER is here already and it’s time for Christmas food preparations, starting with mincemeat. I find Christmas without mince pies unthinkable.

All my French friends like them, but they are astonished when I tell them that this traditional British delicacy has a French connection: the original recipe came from a small corner of France.

The ingredients for Christmas pies, as mince pies were called, can be traced back to the 13th century when Crusaders returned home with recipes containing meat, fruits and spices.

Served at Christmas, the pies became associated with Catholicism and during the English Civil War they were banned by the Puritans.

Nevertheless, the tradition of eating mince pies in December continued, although their shape altered from rectangular to round and the meat content gradually disappeared, leaving only the suet as the recipe became sweeter.

Over the years, the original mince pie recipe

largely vanished in France, but thanks to an English lord, Robert Clive, a French version of it is still flourishing in the small town of Pézenas in Languedoc.

Clive, later known as Clive of India, arrived in the town with his wife in 1768 to convalesce following his avenging of the Black Hole of Calcutta. Rich with loot from India, the Clives rented a château in a sea of vines, and joined a colony of ailing, wealthy nobility drawn to the area by the climate. These incomers had to provide their own entertainment — and food.

The Clives hated what they described as the “nasty garlicky” French food, so they started The Picnic Club, to which members would contribute their favourite dishes. The Clives had an English cook who commissioned pies from a local baker. This man was astute enough to realise that the exoticism of the pies, shaped like cotton reels and filled with minced mutton, sugar, dried fruit and spices, would be a winner – and 243 years on they still are. Traditionally served all year as an aperitif with Picpoul de Pinet, the local dry white wine, petites pâtés de Pézenas are indeed a blast from the British past.

Home-made mincemeat is easy to make, even in France, and once you have done it you will never buy ready-made again. Shredded suet is available in larger supermarkets with a “British” section. If you don’t have one nearby, order graisse de rognon from your butcher, freeze it, then flour and grate it.

I have discovered that the best soft brown sugar is to be found in the Fair Trade (commerce équitable) section.

Tried and tested by us

Photo: Château de Kerjean © Martin SCHULTE-KELLINGHAUS /Crtbo

A Brittany Pages team member has put this recipe to the test to pass on some handy hints for your recipe trial at home.

“This recipe was actually more tasty than I expected.

The orange and lemon peel, nutmeg and cinnamon, combined with the sweet raisins, created a nice contrast of sugar and spice. I couldn’t find suet in my supermarket so I recommend heading straight to your local butcher. Don’t forget to make the mincemeat at least three weeks before you want to serve it in homemade pastry pies, so there is time for the flavours to infuse before Christmas.”

Save money with a culture passport

Granny’s Mincemeat

INGREDIENTS 350g currants – raisins de corinthe 250g sultanas – raisins golden 350g seedless raisins – raisins secs 100g chopped candied peel – écorce de citron et orange 350g tart apple, peeled and chopped 100g almonds, peeled and shredded 450g dark soft brown sugar 450g shredded suet Half a nutmeg, finely grated – muscade Half a teaspoon ground cinnamon – canelle Grated rind and juice of a lemon and an orange 250ml rum or brandy

METHOD Mix together all the ingredients, stir thoroughly. Cover and leave in a cool place for at least 24 hours.

Stir again and bottle into clean jars.

Seal and store in a cool dry place for at least three weeks before using.

Photo: © Monkey Business - Fotolia.com

After she was chosen as the first BBC Masterchef in 1990 JOAN BUNTING was soon writing a food column and doing BBC local radio. Now the former advisory teacher has retired and moved permanently to her home in France, but she is still keen to tell readers about good food.

Making your own mincemeat is easier than you think, so start preparations now on these little pies that mean Christmas

Photo: © Joan Bunting

Which wine should I drink with this?

Caline Montfort, of Julien de Savignac wine merchants (www.julien-de-savignac.com), says: Pacherenc cuvée Vendémiaire 2006 from the prestigious producer Alain Brumont.

Retail price at Julien de Savignac, 50cl bottle, €10.80. This lovely late harvested sweet wine from the south-west by Madiran is made from 100% old vines of Petit Manseng white grapes. Harvested by hand, grapes are selected carefully and softly pressed. With its extremely concentrated flavours of raisins, orange peel, ginger, but still with a wonderful and refreshing acidity, this wine will marry beautifully with these delicacies.

MAKE the most of culture in Finistère by taking advantage of the council’s passeport culturel. This annual guide allows the public to access 23 museums and heritage sites at a discount. It is available during the first visit to a site and describes the sites and has space to be stamped on each visit.

This year, you benefit from reduced prices from the second visit and each fourth one, up to the 20th, is free. The current “passport” can be used until the 2012 one is published.

Last year, more than 500,000 people used it. It opens the doors to museums, manors, abbeys, castles, parks, lighthouses and more; chosen to shed light on Finistérien society at all levels. Sites include, for example, the Château de Kerjean (pictured) or, new this year, the Château de Roc’h Morvan in La Roche-Maurice and the Ecomuseum of Niou on the island of Ouessant.

Business 11

November 2011

FINANCE Photo: Yuri Arcurs - Fotolia.com

Joining forces

My husband has been a self-employed artisan in Rennes for the last year. I have two children, and now that they are at school, I have been advised to become a conjoint collaborateur. What would this mean financially and could I start up a part-time business alongside being a conjoint collaborateur?

Joanna Reintjes, from AFA Expertise, responds: As a conjoint collaborateur it is assumed that you will be working full time (and it is a requirement that you are “available” full time). You may benefit from maternity rights, should you decide to have more children.

The status of conjoint collaborateur for a husband-andwife business (Pacs included) recognises the partner working in the business, allowing them: a) social cover to work in the business; b) provision of their own pension rights.

If your husband is running an enterprise individuelle you can either be a conjoint collaborateur or be “employed” with a salary. The social charges payable for either choice can be deducted from your husband’s declarable income, provided that he is on the réel regime rather than the micro one.

There are various choices available which affect how much you pay in extra cotisations (social charges): Option 1 – Standard basis – equivalent to one third of the social security limit (€11,784 currently). The cost of a full year’s charges will be €3,022 for an artisan’s conjoint.

Option 2 – One third or half of the business owner’s net income, without a profit share. So if your husband earns €30,000 per annum and you opt for a third, you pay your cotisations on €10,000 – €2,565 for the year. Your husband’s social charges will not change.

Option 3 – One third or half the business owner’s income with profit share. So if your husband earns €30,000 per annum and you opt for a third with profit share, you pay your cotisations on €10,000 profit share, so €2,565 for the year; but your husband’s charges will be worked out on €20,000 profits, so he will pay less in cotisations.

What will I be entitled to?

With these social contributions, you will each build up your own pension rights. But please note that the retirement rights and the validation of “quarters” under the French retirement system are calculated according to the amount of income on which you pay your charges: so to be able to validate four quarters annually, the incomes for both of you should not be lower than 800 times the hourly rate of the Smic minimum wage (ie. €7,200 for 2011).

Your own self-employment If you chose to run your own business it can only be on a very limited basis if you are a conjoint collaborateur. You should not provide the same services nor work for the same clients, otherwise your businesses could be amalgamated by the tax office, and that could take you over the VAT threshold (if you are not currently in a VAT regime). If you are employed part-time, there are fewer restrictions.

You will need to work the figures through with your accountant to make the choice that is right for you.

JIM ADCOCK moved to France in 2007 after many years’ experience in corporate and small businesses, including practical freelance support. He runs Stairs2measure.com, providing made-to-measure wooden staircases, and is a founder member of The Brittany Business Network. He will be writing regularly for the Brittany Pages on local business issues and welcomes your feedback, comments and input.

Survival of the fittest ?

The financial turmoil across Europe over the past few months has left many businesses concerned about their future and here in Brittany it is no exception.

Unfortunately at the local level one can easily feel powerless to control one’s own destiny.

THERE is good evidence from previous recessionary times that good businesses can survive and become stronger. The challenge is how you make sure you are one of those businesses and not one of the casualties.

Business expenditure should always be under review and now is a good time to check you are not spending money unnecessarily and that you are getting value for money.

This does not mean cutting all expenditure - wise investment during difficult times can have significant impact later, the key word being investment not just spending. A good business needs to actively market its product or service, but ensure you target your potential customer and know what return you get on advertising - think of the quote that says “I know 50% of my advertising works but I don’t know which 50%”.

This is a good time to stay focused, understand where your profit is generated and concentrate on those areas - it should be easy when times become a little tougher to think of additional ways to increase income. Some degree of diversification and lateral thinking is a good thing, but do not take your eye off the ball to such an extent that your core business suffers.

Now is the time to be more diligent in getting quotes or responses to enquiries

Photo © Jakub Krechowicz - Fotolia.com

Brittany Pages

In recessionary times good business can survive and grow stronger out on time and following them up. Try always to understand why you have not been successful - there is also no harm in asking the lost prospect for referrals to any of their contacts who may also need your service or product; it may be that client’s budget was always smaller than the offer you made . Do not assume you are too expensive.

Rather than widening your portfolio of products or services, look at how you can sell the existing ones more widely.

For example if you run holiday accommodation do you just target the UK market? If so, why not aim at other European markets?

Are you maximising the revenue from existing clients - the cheapest new sale is to an existing customer.

Networking is an excellent way of growing your business, both formally and informally, if you think networking is not

“

Working for yourself is never easy, but stay positive and motivated

for you ask yourself if you talk about what you do to acquaintances at your friend’s barbecue - that is networking.

Bear in mind the person you are talking to may not be a potential client but they might have a good friend or colleague who will be. People buy from people; the more contacts who know you and have formed a favourable impression the more likely you are to receive enquiries.

Working for yourself is never easy even in good times, but stay positive and motivated - if you have a bad day, make your “to do” list at the end of the day, switch off and come back the next morning with the attitude “this is the first day of the rest of my life”.

Remember good businesses are the ones that weather the storms - make sure you are one of them.

Useful Websites The Brittany Business Network www.synergienet.com Agence pour la Création d'Entreprises www.apce.com Chambre de Métiers Brittany www.crma-bretagne.fr Chambre de Commerce et de L'Industrie (CCI) Brittany www.bretagne.cci.fr

To contact Jim Adcock directly, email brittany@outsourced-org.com

Looking to buy a house?

See page 15 for a range of properties

12 Directory

Brittany Pages

November 2011

BRITTANY DIRECTORY

BRITTANY PAGES

English-speaking firms near you For your security, we check that the French businesses in this section are officially registered with the authorities

Find registered tradespeople quickly and easily Advertise here ALL YEAR from just €165HT Call free on 0800 91 77 56 or email directory@connexionfrance.com Directory adverts are available in 3 sizes and in colour or black and white.

ANIMALS

Canine Behaviourist

Solving your dog and puppy problems using calm, assertive and positive reinforcement methods Tel: 02 96 36 65 61 Mob: 06 45 79 01 67 Email: locarn1@yahoo.co.uk Siret. 481 238 483 00012

BUILDERS & RENOVATION

St Malo, Dinard, Dinan

SARL BCBP Stonework, Renovation Groundwork, Gardening

Full and Part Renovations & Conversions Connection to Main Drain and Septic Tank From Mini-Diggers to 20t Diggers Paving & Decking Perfect English Spoken

Bruno Bonnier Tel: 06 71 05 60 82

Email: bonnier.cleran@orange.fr

B&W Colour

€396HT €555HT

BRETON BUILD Carpenter, roofer and general builder specialising in the renovation of traditional Breton Properties.

Covering all Brittany.

info@bretonbuild.com 02 97 38 57 61 www.bretonbuild.com Siret: 489 314 278 00032

BUSINESS & WEBSITES

A BUSINESS TO PROMOTE A PROPERTY TO SELL ADVERTISE FOR FREE www.brittanyforeveryone.com COMPUTERS, TV & INTERNET

English TV in your French Home EVERYTHING SATELLITE! Professional installations in Brittany & Normandy Mail-order throughout France Free, friendly, helpful advice

TVBrittany & TVNormandy Ring Trevor on

02 97 74 24 56

www.tvbrittany.com

Siret : 47942748600010

ESTATE AGENTS

56 MORBIHAN 56

All types of work, Exterior-Interior, New - Renovation-Repair.

Entreprise Brown Robert

Tel/Fax: 02 97 51 10 11 Siret: 424 531 069 00013

Bilingual English Electrician/Plumber Registered and insured in France

Mike and Pam Derby

Tel: +33 (0)2 96 84 86 28 Email: catch22services@aol.com Web: www.electricianbrittany.com Siret: 480 938 083 00015

English and Fluent French speaking agent, always needing more houses for sale, 8 years experience info@normandyandbrittanyhousesforsale.com TEL FR: +33 (0) 6 19 17 34 61 TEL UK: +44 (0) 7880 501 116 www.NormandyandBrittanyhousesforsale.com Siret: 519 751 465

bml angloagence.com

English registered cars House insurance - Health cover 1700 British clients trust us 02 96 87 21 21 contact@angloagence.com Dinan, Brittany

Yellow

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call 0800 91 77 56

Red

47mm x 50mm

€285 €399HT HT

Light Purple

Double

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Rounded

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Dark Green

} }

€165HT €231HT

Light Blue

B&W

Standard

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47mm x 25mm

(1-15 words)

Choose from these colours:

Single

HOW TO BOOK AN ADVERT Choose the size of your advert from the examples on the left. You can have a black and white advert; or you can choose a colour from the list below. Finally, you can choose to have rounded corners to the box to help make your advert stand out (See right). Then, when you have made your choice,

DB

LB

DG

LG

DP

LP

R

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HOUSES ON INTERNET Do you want to sell your house quickly?

Our fee is only 2.5% Find out how on:

Exclusive Healthcare Your Helping Hand to the French Health System

+33 (0) 4 94 40 31 45

Tel: 05 55 65 12 19

www.exclusivehealthcare.com

Les Bocages

David Robins Royal Forestry Society trained Arborist www.lesbocages.com Felling, pruning, planting all aspects of tree care.

Tel: 02.97.39.99.82 56160 LOCMALO

Email: info@theholidayexchange.com Tel: 02 97 93 91 56 Web: www.theholidayexchange.com Siret: 53015743700019

WWW. HOUSESONINTERNET.COM

GARDENS & POOLS

The Holiday Exchange Home Exchange without the need to find a direct exchange partner.

MOTORING

Ian Torode

Servicing and repairs for most makes of vehicle and garden machinery.

Car Help - Advice - Parts Sourcing.

Web: www.mowermaninbrittany.net e-mail: admin@partsbroker.net Tel: 02 97 39 95 52

RETAIL

WOODBURNERS Ash Grove Stoves Supplier of Hunter - Villager -

Clean Burn - Fire Visible Boiler versions available Deliveries all over France Prices on our website Lowest Prices Guaranteed Tel: 00 44 (0) 1392 861579 www.ashgrovestoves.com sales@ashgrovestoves.com

Siret No. 480 997 584 00028

Le Jardinier Anglais.com

PLUMBERS All Plumbing and Heating requirements

Tree surgery services

Oil Boiler Breakdowns & Servicing - Chimney Sweeping.

Prompt /reliable service

All tree work undertaken within 150km of Rennes. Specialists in dismantling difficult & dangerous trees, wood chipper, stump grinder, extreme hedge cutting.

Tel: +33 (0) 2 96 24 78 11 or Mobile +33 (0) 6 42 72 39 00 Email: vince@vbplombier.fr - Web: www.vbplombier.fr

FREE CONSULTATION enquiries@lejardinieranglais.com www.lejardinieranglais.com +33 (0) 7 86 53 67 26 Siret: 483 859 203

GENERAL

Anna Pathfinder Your life coach in Brittany www.annapathfinder.com

Tel. 02 99 44 38 09

Contact: Vince or Mandy Boon

PROPERTY SERVICES

BRETON COUNTRY COTTAGES

Property Management and Holiday Letting Services We will take care of your second home or holiday property leaving you free to enjoy it.

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wilkinson.bcc@wanadoo.fr

Villager, Hunter, Aarrow & Stratford Stoves Esse Cooking Ranges Quality Stoves Delivered throughout France

www.woodburningstovesandcookers.com

Tel: 02 97 74 73 48 Based in Josselin 56

CLASSIFIEDS Moving from Brittany? + Removal boxes, wrap, covers. + Removal planning service. + Disposal of surplus items. + Packers, porters and more! enquiries@move-aid.com 02 99 98 31 81 move-AID.com

Book now for the December issue - copy deadline 5th November call freephone in France 0800 91 77 56 / from UK 0844 256 9881 (4p/min)

Brittany Pages

Directory 13

November 2011

ADVERTISING FEATURES

English TV in your French home Trevor Dallas of TV Brittany explains some of the popular choices available and latest innovations EVEN the most integrated of expats finds watching English language television in France a good way to relax and keep in touch with the news and their favourite UK programmes.

However recent changes in technology, designed to improve that viewing experience, can also seem to be a bit of a minefield.

According to Trevor Dallas of TV Brittany, since the digital changeover in the UK people often get confused between Freeview, Freesat and Sky. “Essentially, Freeview is digital viewing from a TV aerial and is broadcast from your local transmitter,” he explains. “In France the transmitter only broadcasts in French so Freeview will give you your French channels. Anyone wanting English television will need

a satellite dish and a digibox."

So, what is the latest technology?

“Most people today opt for Freesat, which is a BBC/ITV consortium broadcasting more than 100 TV channels and 40 radio channels - all of which are free,” said Trevor.

“There are several models available starting with a Standard Definition receiver, popular with gîte and holiday homeowners because of the lower start-up price. However, more people are now selecting the High Definition digiboxes to take advantage of HD Ready televisions, with BBC1, BBCHD, ITV1 and Channel 4 all broadcasting in HD.” Recording favourite programmes is another issue. Imagine wanting to watch the latest TV drama series, scheduled to be shown between 9pm and 11pm in the UK. With the one hour difference, you would

TV Brittany & Normandy also covers the Loire-Atlantique, Vendée and the Mayenne need to stay up until midnight or remember to set your video recorder to the right channel and time to be sure of seeing it - and then to do the same for the rest of the series.

Is there an easy solution? “Yes, the latest digibox on the market, and our most popular seller, is the

Humax Foxsat High Definition Recorder (HDR). This is a Freesat digibox with many great features.

“With an eight-day TV guide, you can choose what you want to watch later in the week. Just one press of a button will pop it into your recording schedule; you can even add a series link so you don’t miss future

episodes - it’s simple. You can be watching another channel while your recording is taking place or even record two channels while watching a previous recording.”

Another benefit is that when the phone rings, right at a crucial moment, you just press the “pause” button, take your call then continue where you left off. You can even rewind live TV to watch that special goal again. If you already have a satellite dish then you just need a new LNB on the dish and a second cable running to the new receiver. If not, TV Brittany offers a full installation service. They will even install your old digibox into another room for you, so it is not wasted.

Sky+HD is similar, with more channels, but requires a subscription for all the features to work. www.tvbrittany.com 02 97 74 24 56

A helping hand to getting the right healthcare policy Exclusive Heathcare is devoted to helping expatriates access quality healthcare in France at an affordable price. With a team of experienced advisers on hand, the company can help you to pick the right policy for you and your family EXCLUSIVE Healthcare is concerned exclusively with health insurance, which may extend to dependency. It is geared exclusively towards advising the English speaking population in France.

The key personnel in SaintRaphaël, who pick up the telephone to customers’ calls, are Pam, Polly and Johanna. These three ladies have now several years of experience and should be able to solve most of the problems that expatriates find themselves confronted with.

The company can also lean on Ron Wright, formerly a senior civil servant for the Department of

Health, who monitors the constantly evolving insurance legislation, particularly in relation to UK-French agreements.

The chairman, Charles Wilson, is a Scottish chartered accountant, who has spent many years in the French insurance industry.

The electronic claims service (tiers payant), has been subcontracted to a French firm, Ascore, but should a problem arise then the SaintRaphaël team will step in to put things right. Johanna is the expert in this field.

For those who want a local service, the company has an agency network. The principal agencies are on

the Riviera (Bagnols-en-Forêt and Marseille), in the Languedoc (Narbonne) and in the Dordogne (Villeréal).

“One of France’s many advantages is the availability of first class medicine,” said Charles. “Our aim is to ensure customers can find an appropriate insurance policy that will finance their access to this service and the proof is in the pudding, as the saying goes.”

If you are finding health insurance complex or would like to see whether your current conditions are fair, then call Exclusive Healthcare.

For more information, go to the website, which shows prices clearly

The Exclusive Healthcare team on a recent trip to England and carries a large amount of general information.

Charles added: “At Christmas time we receive a number of cards from our clients.

We believe this is rare in our line

of business and perhaps a sign that the helping hand is working?”

04 94 40 31 45 www.exclusivehealthcare.com

Achieve your goals through life coaching Life coaching is extremely popular in England, but until recently it was almost unheard of in France.

Anna Page explains how this kind of support can help clients to achieve their goals and dreams LIFE coaching closes the gap between thinking and doing, and by working with a personal life coach you can discover your true goals and the best way to achieve them.

“It is all about how to do what you really want to do, and being who you want to be,” said life coach Anna Page. “For example, there’s something you always wanted to do, and haven’t done. You’re willing, yet still lack motivation and inspiration.

By making a commitment to yourself and being accountable to your coach, you’ll have a bigger chance of success, than doing it alone.”

Life coaching is not regulated yet, which makes it hard to find the right training. Anna, who is based in Martigné-Ferchaud in Brittany, qualified by taking a distance learning course with Oxford College, and then complemented it with

her own life coach mentor, Jackie Fletcher.

“Personally I think the most important quality in a coach is empathy, a keen interest in people, good listening skills and a curious mind,” said Anna.

Living abroad since 1994 and in four different countries, her focus is on the unique and particular situations and circumstances that are faced by expats. “Having your identity in transition can rock your foundations - you may feel lost, which causes a lot of unhappiness,” she said.

“Understanding this and working towards a solution for your personal situation can improve your whole outlook on life.”

Life coaching does not replace counselling or psychiatric treatment.

In each session, which generally lasts around 45 minutes, 80% of the

talking should be by the client with the rest being the coach’s questions.

“It’s not about giving advice, it’s all about the client and what would suit their circumstances best,” said Anna. “I listen without agenda for myself and ask questions that will unlock a client’s own answers.”

According to Anna, even those who do not know what they want can benefit from working with a life coach. “Simply dressing your thoughts in words can bring about a solution, and you’ll get a better feel for what you want in life. I call it ‘pathfinding’, pre-life coaching if you like. It’s more like talking to a supportive friend, and before we set the goals and time frames. When the client is ready to commit, we move on to ‘proper’ life coaching,” said Anna.

Sessions can be held by phone,

Skype, email and face to face which works particularly well for Brittany-based clients - or a combination of all.

Anna always offers a free initial chat and will travel outside of Brittany if there are several clients to coach in the same area.

Anna added: “For the client it is an opportunity Brittany-based life coach Anna Page helps clients to to change someimprove their quality of life thing that doesn’t work or to realise a lifelong dream. I 02 99 44 38 09 love knowing that I am part of a anna.pathfinder@gmail.com process that can improve a person’s www.annapathfinder.com life forever.”

14 Property

Brittany Pages

November 2011

That touch of France D I Y t i p s With shabby chic interiors and timeless pieces, giving a French feel to your home can be an effortless way of adding some style and matching the original features of the house.

REBECCA LAWN reports.

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Restoring wrought-iron and metal furniture

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INTERIOR designer Paula Mitchell, who runs DesignWorks France in the Gironde, believes that once you’ve sorted out the structure of your French house – exposed the best features and opened up rooms – you can start to play.

“The basic houses are beautiful, with their stones and beams, and lend themselves to very sympathetic interiors,” she says. “Most people want a look that’s soft, gentle, elegant, comfortable, and pretty. The aspirational French country home has a rustic charm, faded shabby look, embroidered old linens, simple checks and whitewashed walls.”

Each room in your home can be given an authentic French touch. If all-out traditional is what you’re after,

Colours, fabrics, furniture, wall finishes – even an ultra-modern touch – give your house the look it needs

think toile patterns and calico fabrics. Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns.

In kitchens, it isn’t unusual, though not to everyone’s taste, to see motifs of farm scenes. Hanging copper pots and pans can also make for a nice feature, and look out for wrought iron pieces such as end tables, stools and candle holders at home centres or

brocantes. As for the dining room, give it a French twist, with distressed furniture. A rustic solid table with high-backed chairs works well and decorative chandeliers on high ceilings can make a big impact.

For the master bedroom, a modern style with a few older pieces, such as an armoire or hand-carved mirror, can cre-

ate a relaxing and romantic atmosphere, while in the bathroom, a free-standing bath and bare, stained boards work well.

As well as patterns, French country homes also work well with colour, especially rich warm tones. A stucco finish is good for walls – use plaster to create the look or try faux wall treatments bought from craft stores. Exposed stone walls are also popular.

If you’d rather try a different look but choosing a theme or style is proving difficult, find inspiration in favourite places and be bold: you could even try a different one for each room.

What about a Venetianinspired dining room or a bedroom that reminds you of your travels? “It’s something that’s great fun to do if you’re interested in it,” says Paula Mitchell.

However, she points out that you must take account of the style of the house and the overall impression you create.

“You have to be consistent in the treatment of the building. One way to do this is through flooring. You could have the same tiling throughout, something neutral that will blend, and then within the rooms you can play with colours, textures and light to create different moods.”

Also, keep in mind that not all houses suit all styles. “A farmhouse with big beams is not going to lend itself well to a chic Art Deco look,” Paula says. However, if some styles don’t fit, you can still change the feel or character of a room through clever use of colours and fabrics.

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It takes time and effort, but the results are worth it THE AUTUMN is a great time for restoring wrought-iron and metal garden furniture. It might take you time and a little elbow grease, but the results will give your furniture a new lease of life for the summers to come. The techniques used can also be applied to any indoor metal furniture and objects you might have.

The most important and tedious step is to get rid of all existing finish and rust on wrought iron. Start by scrubbing off as much rust as possible with a wire brush. If there is a lot of finish or the rust is quite deep, continue with a coarse sandpaper then finish off with a medium grain sandpaper.

If you have a large piece of furniture to restore, it might be worth investing in some chemical remover, available from DIY stores (look for décapant fer.)

Once rust and old finish have been removed, brush away all existing dust, rinse the furniture and dry it thoroughly.

The next step is to apply a rust resistant primer, antirouille pour fer. When you are sure you have covered the whole piece of furniture with the primer, and it has had time to dry, then paint it with paint specifically for iron, peinture fer. It is important to use the correct paint as not only will it last longer once on but it also contains chemicals that will help preserve the iron against the elements. To assure a greater protection it is advisable to apply two layers of acrylic water-based top coat.

When it comes to other metal furniture, use a wire brush to remove loose paint and rust then scrub the metal with a non abrasive scouring pad that has been dipped in kerosene. Once all metal has been treated like this rinse with warm water and dry.

To repaint, lightly sand down so that the paint can adhere to the metal. Apply a primer, sous couche, and then finish with an adapted metal paint, peinture pour métaux. Apply as many coats as you need to obtain a uniform colour, especially if using bright colours.

For both wrought iron and metal furniture, either aerosol or normal paint can be used.

To maintain the furniture once you have restored it, follow these simple steps: Don’t leave the furniture outside over winter.

Try to keep it as dry as possible, so don’t place it near a swimming pool or a sprinkler system.

It’s better to place the furniture on a stone patio or decking rather than on grass.

If you’re expecting a lot of rain, cover the furniture.

In autumn, make sure you don’t allow wet leaves to accumulate on furniture.

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Brittany Pages

Property 15

November 2011

Gardening Facts

Matt Gilks

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Pick the last pears, prune and plant for next year

Mists, fruitfulness ... and work to do

by STAFF REPORTER NOVEMBER offers cooler days and a slower pace for the gardener, but there are still garden chores calling and you need to to schedule some time outside before the start of bad weather and the holiday season.

Now is the time to plant deciduous shrubs, fruit trees and roses. If you live in a frost area, protect roses by heaping soil around the crown and covering the central bud. Tie climbing flowers and plants to prevent wind damage. Take time to dig and rake your vegetable patch and prepare the garden for its winter rest. Force bulbs such as hyacinth and amaryllis so they can be enjoyed over the festive season.

If you’re thinking of planting a live Christmas tree this winter, dig the hole now, before the soil freezes. Cover over the ground removed from the hole, so that it can be replaced unfrozen.

In the fruit garden, November is the month to collect the last remaining pears and chestnuts and plant next year’s apples, pears, quinces and medlars. Prune apple and pear trees which are trained along wires. If you are in a frost area, water trees and bushes until the ground freezes.

In the vegetable patch, harvest cabbages, lettuces and root vegetables such as celery, carrots, beetroot, pumpkins and radishes. The herb garden will also give up its treasures this month and you will be able to enjoy salads spiced with chives, parsley and mint. Carrot seeds can be sown in a polytunnel and asparagus, shallots, garlic and spinach can be planted in the garden. Broad bean seeds can be sown in warmer climates. White onions, Batavia lettuce, endives and chicory can be transplanted and manure and compost can be dug into the soil.

You will probably have stopped mowing your lawn by now.

Keep weeding and continue to rake up dead leaves, especially if they have collected around tree roots, as they may carry diseases. If you suspect this, you should burn them, otherwise add them to your compost heap. Once you have prepared your lawn, you could cover with a layer of turf. Clean sprinklers and tidy away pipes. Protect your water meter if it is outside and you are in a colder region. Clean, sharpen and lubricate garden tools. Cover your compost heap to avoid flooding and leaching of nutrients with winter rain.

In the flower garden, sow wild flower seeds in frost-free areas. Plant azaleas, camellias and the tropical fruit trees which grow in your area, as these become available to buy.

Keep an eye out out for insect pests, which may be hardy enough to survive any cold snap.

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Corlay, Côtes-d'Armor Pretty house comprising on the ground floor of spacious kitchen/diner, lounge with beams and wood burner and on the first floor there are 3 good size bedrooms and a shower room.

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Saint Thois, Finistère This nice house is set in 1.48 acres of land in the countryside.

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Châteauneuf Du Faou, Finistère This is an immaculate 4 bedroom cottage bordering the edge of a small river. An ideal permanent or holiday home where you can relax, or fish from your own island.

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Juillé, Charente Pretty stone house with fitted kitchen, lounge and 3 bedrooms; adjoining annexe/gite with 1 bedroom, kitchen, lounge. Large stone barn, courtyard and small garden with above ground pool.

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Castelnau-d'Auzan, Gers Gascon village house, built in 1800, extended in the 50’s and 60’s, built over 2 floors offering 200m² of accommodation, set on 500m² of grounds, with views over the village and the lake.

1h30 from Toulouse.

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Agay, Var Each apartment is equipped with an air heating and cooling system, bathroom towel heaters, PVC double glazed windows, electric PVC roller shutters, a videophone, a digital lock and a 5 point entrance door.

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Saint-Nicolas-de-la-Grave, Tarn-et-Garonne There are 3 bedrooms, one is ensuite with shower, lavabo and toilets, also a separate bathroom with bath, shower, lavabo and wc.

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Fontenay-le-Comte,Vendée It has a fully equipped American style kitchen/dining with wood burning stove, ideal for entertaining. 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The swimming pool and terrace are perfect for those long summer days.

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16 News

Brittany Pages

November 2011

The fine art of gourmet butter JEAN-YVES Bordier, 56, left Paris for Paimpol to enter the merchant navy at the age of 18 - but eventually became a cheesemaker.

He was quickly noticed by big names such as the Gault&Millau gastronomic guides.

One day, however he discovered a butter kneader which was no longer of use in a

Saint-Malo crémerie. He decided to start making butter like his grandfather used to, despite hearing conflicting arguments, because he “likes to do the opposite of what he’s told.

Just to check.”

And it worked: his butter became famous through word of mouth and he now exports it in 16 countries.

Butter making à la Jean-Yves Bordier is slow… four days for a slab of butter.

He explains each step passionately, starting with the collection of organic milk which is then taken to a dairy and skimmed of cream.

The cream matures for about 36 hours so that its flavour can develop and its quality and acidity be stabilised.

The cream is then churned for 50 minutes at

14°C. At that point, the butter has separated from the lait ribot (buttermilk), which is drained from the churn and replaced with icy water.

The butter is churned for another 50 minutes and is almost ready to be kneaded. Even then, there is another 24-hour wait so the butter can mature to develop aromatic complexity and go through sanitary tests.

After all that waiting, the butter is slowly kneaded for 15 to 30 minutes by a malaxeur plateau (a wooden cylinder) while fine sea salt is sprinkled. Mr Bordier revived this tradition which “develops the butter’s flavour, depth and incredible complexity of aromas, as well as a silky and magical texture.”

Finally, the butter is turned into different shapes by small, ridged wooden paddles.

He said: “Don’t forget that butter was born 8,000 years ago. In those days it was literally made by hand, then with spoons and paddles until the 17th century, and finally these tools were replaced by moulds which churn out the rectangular butter you find in supermarkets.

However these machines are very aggressive for the but-

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ter - they mess up the quality of the churning.”

Each slab of butter looks different and is customised for restaurant chefs. “I only do haute couture,” he joked.

Mr Bordier already has 70 shapes of “mini butters” in his catalogue.

He also invented flavoured butters: seaweed, smoked salts, Espelette pepper and yuzu (citrus fruit of Tibetan origin which is turned into a powder or pepper).

Mr Bordier is a busy man but he has made all these discoveries himself: “My research and development department is inside my head,” he said.

Jean-Yves Bordier prepares butter slabs He is also the sponrant in one of his shops. sor of the Gourmets & Vins show in One last tip: “Don’t spread butter Saint-Malo and has two stores in on bread, it’s not Nutella. Dab it on Ille-et-Vilaine. His La Maison du your bread and eat. Everything we Beurre in Saint-Malo even comes took from the animal and that was with a gallery tracing the history of turned into butter is lovingly the butter from the Neolithic to the restored on your tongue.” present day. Next on the list: a plan www.lebeurrebordier.com to open a “butter-themed” restauPhotos: © Alain Meyre

Making top quality butter is Jean-Yves Bordier’s bread and butter, says TIM FINAN. He creates it to order, including 70 “mini butter” shapes and flavours from seaweed to Tibetan citrus fruit.