etcetera magazine June 2024

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etcetera magazine @etceterafrance

Welcome to the June edition of etcetera magazine.

At last, summer has arrived. We can put our waders away (hopefully) and look forward to the next water shortage!

Come rain or shine, we’re happy to bring you another edition packed with articles, advice and hundreds of advertisers.

Wishing you all a fantastic month ahead, and thank you for your support.

15 SAMU (Medical)

17 Gendarmes (Police)

18 Pompiers (Fire and also trained in medical emergency)

112 European emergency not always English 114 Text-message emergency number for deaf/hard of hearing

119 Child abuse

115 Homeless

113 Drugs and alcohol 1616 Emergency- Sea & Lake 3131 Last incoming call, key ‘5’ to connect Orange English speaking helpline 0033 (0)9 69 36 39 00

Website in English: www.orange.com/en/home Technical assistance for landlines (French): 3900 (+33 9 69 39 39 00 from abroad)

SFR 1023 or 00336 1000 1023 (Not English) EDF 8am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday. +33 (0)9 69 36 63 83 EDF Helpline in English 0033 562164908 (From UK)

E-mail: simpleenergywithedf@edf.fr

CPAM - 09 74 75 36 46

Veolia Water Emergency No: 24h/24 et 7j/7

05 61 80 09 02 (press 1 for urgent problems or 2 for a technician)

S.E.P Du Confolens (Water)

05 87 23 10 08 Emergency 24/7

Aéroport Int’l Limoges 05 55 43 30 30

SNCF (train times, buying tickets etc) 36 35

Credit Agricole English Speaking Helpline

Charente (residents only) 05 45 20 49 60

Alcoholics Anonymous

For contact details of meetings in your area including those conducted in English, visit www.aafrance.net

SSAFA France 05 53 24 92 38 email france@ssafa.org.uk

Please download

HOSPITALS

05 55 05 55 55 Limoges (CHU)

05 55 43 50 00 St Junien

05 55 47 20 20 Bellac

05 49 44 44 44 Poitiers

05 45 24 40 40 Angoulême

05 49 32 79 79 Niort

05 45 84 40 00 Confolens

Bereavement Support Network

English speaking support group for guidance on coping with bereavement in France. Personal and practical advice. www.bsnvar.org

Women for Women in France offering support to foreign-born (non-French speaking) women dealing with domestic abuse www.womenforwomenfrance.org

Counselling In France Counsellors, psychotherapists, NLP, CBT etc offering therapy in English to expatriates all over France on www.counsellinginfrance.com

French Health Insurance Advice line

CPAM English speaking Advice line: 09 74 75 36 46 (from France) 0033 974 75 36 46 (from other countries). The line is open from Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

NHS website : www.nhs.uk/using-thenhs/healthcare-abroad www.ameli.fr

No Panic France Helpline: No Panic UK helpline: 0044 1 952 590 545 11h - 23h (French time) 7/7 www.nopanic.org.uk /nopanicfrance@orange.fr English-speaking Mental Health Line

SOS- HELP 01 46 21 46 46 3pm-11pm 7/7

British Consulate in Paris 01 44 51 31 00

British Consulate in Bordeaux 05 57 22 21 10 www.ukinfrance.fco.gov.uk/en/

Gayle and Sam

La Vieille Ecole Brocante & Tearooms

Set in the rolling hills of the Haute Charente, based in a former school you will find La Vieille Ecole Brocante. Alongside the wide selection of vintage French furniture, you will also find Autentico chalk and lime paints and an English tearoom.

Jo Booth and her husband Tony moved to France in 2018, starting their business a year later. The brocante grew in size when they moved to the former school in 2021. In 2023 the couple extended the business to include Autentico paint and the tearoom. The couple welcome regular and new customers each week. They will help you

They will help you find the right piece of furniture, or source pieces if not already in the showroom

find the right piece of furniture, or source pieces if not already in the showroom. They are on hand to offer advice for your paint project; be that a piece of furniture to update or interior/exterior of your home. Not forgetting the tearoom where you can choose from a selection of handmade cakes, sandwiches and Afternoon Tea in the summer months.

If you are yet to visit, then take a ride over. Browse the brocante, learn about the extensive range of paint and decorative products Autentico have to offer, then enjoy refreshments while enjoying the view of the Lac du Mas Chaban.

La Vieille Ecole Brocante & Salon de Thé

du Mas Chaban

Sheet Music Wreath Tutorial

THIS CRAFT IS EASY TO MAKE AND THE RESULT IS A STUNNING DECORATIVE WREATH FIT FOR ANY ROOM!

You can make this wreath any size, make it bigger by using three rows of music sheet cones or smaller by cutting the sheet music smaller

Materials

50-60 pages sheet music, vintage, copies, or new

1 piece cardboard, desired size

1 meter ribbon, twine, or wool, (or desired length)

Pair of scissors

Glue gun and glue sticks

1. Cutting the sheets - Larger cones: Cut the music sheets into squares to roll even cones. Mark the longer edge at the same spot of the width of the paper and

cut across (so you’re making a square of your desired size).

2. Smaller cones: Cut the paper into smaller squares for the smaller cones, though you should cut one and see how you like it, adjusting the size square as you'd like.

3. Cut the cardboard - Determine the size you want for your base and use a large plate (or protractor) to draw a circle on the cardboard for the wreath base. Cut around the line. Notes - The cones will hang over the cardboard base so you don't need to make the base as large as your finished wreath.

4. Draw the inner circle using a small bowl - again, the size will depend on your chosen sheet size you’re using.

Cut along this circle and for your wreath base. You’ll be left with a doughnut shape of cardboard.

5. Create the music sheet rolls - Roll the larger squares into cones. Make sure there is a point at the largest open end and that it has the best part of the sheet (be sure it's not blank, but that there is music showing) and make the smaller end as tight as you can.

6. Unroll a bit of the bottom of the cone and use hot glue to glue them closed so they won't unroll. (You may need an added a piece of tape if the hot glue needs time to dry.)

7. Attach cones to the base - Once the cone is glued closed, use more hot glue to attach it to the cardboard base. Make sure both ends of these larger cones hang over the base on each sideyou don't want any of the base showing.

8. Glue your first cone to the base and then use it as a guide for placing the cones next to it and then all around the base, making one cone at a time (making one at a time lets you roll the cone bigger or smaller as needed to fit them evenly around the base).

9. After the first row is complete, use the same method to attach the smaller cones of the second row to the first row. Again making them one at a time and placing where they look best to make the inner row.

10.Attach hanging ribbon - Use ribbon, twine, or yard to make a holder for the wreath by one of two methods: 1) For wider ribbons like my wreath, you can simply staple the ribbon ends to the cardboard base. 2) For thinner ribbon or twine, you can make a hole in the cardboard and thread it through to create a holder.

Cartwheel Coins

ONE OF THE ODDEST COINS EVER MINTED IN BRITAIN WAS HUGE. HERE IS ITS STORY

Coins have been around for centuries. The first were issued in the ancient realm of Lydia, in the Middle East, in about 600 BC. These had been little more than lumps of a natural gold-silver alloy called Electrum, stamped with a design of a bull’s head to make them recognisable as coins. The first pure gold coins were issued about 50 years later, under the legendary Lydian king Croesus.

Gold has continued to be used to strike high-value coins ever since – Britain still issues sovereigns to this day. However, as inflation has weakened currencies, there has been a need for coins of lower value.

What Metals Are Acceptable for Coins?

Originally, silver was used. This, of course, had a much lower intrinsic value than gold, so smaller denominations could be minted. It was always the aim that the intrinsic value of each coin should reflect its purchasing power, i.e. a silver coin of value one shilling would contain a shilling’s worth of silver. This seems selfevident, and can work as long as metal prices don’t fluctuate too much. However, as prices of precious metals rise, the value of a coin can become something much higher than its face value. Don’t forget, a currently-minted gold sovereign can be purchased from the Royal Mint (May

2024) for roughly £460 (540 €) – well above its face value of £1!

This is why gold coinage, while legal tender, is no longer used as such. It is a way of hoarding readily-negotiable bullion, or for wealthy coin collectors, but everyone has to agree on the value of each coin. In historical coins there are also rarity considerations.

Thus, for the last two millennia, silver has been the currency metal of choice for everyday transactions. It was malleable, like gold, which meant it could be struck with a design. The amount of metal could be varied more easily, and the size of the appropriate quantity of silver was more manageable. The Greeks, the Celts, the Romans, all dealt in silver coins. Few of us alive today have, though, as the last British pure silver coin for normal monetary circulation was minted in 1920, when bullion prices became unstable. For a few years (until 1946) an alloy of 50% silver was used, but then Cupro-Nickel took over and became the “silver” coinage. In 1971, decimalisation put paid to any “old” silver that was still circulating, so if you are under 50 years old it is unlikely that you

ByMikeGeorge

Mike George is our regular contributor on wildlife and the countryside in France. He is a geologist and naturalist, living in the Jurassic area of the Charente

will have paid for anything with a silver coin.

Meanwhile, there was another coinage metal available which had the malleability to be struck, and this was copper (or certain of its alloys). This was a lot lower in value, but a penny’s worth could be roughly coin-sized.

“Striking” a Coin

It didn’t always have to be an accurate portrait of the king – nobody apart from nobles knew what he looked like anyway

A word should be said about coin-striking at this point. The whole point of striking coins was to show those passing the coin (1) that this was a coin and (2) who had issued it, usually the king. It didn’t always have to be an accurate portrait of the king –nobody apart from nobles knew what he looked like anywaybut his name was usually written on the coin as well. Designs on the coin were increasingly complex to discourage forgery and large enough to cover the whole area of the coin to prevent “clipping” or the removal of tiny shavings of precious metal for re-use elsewhere (not usually a problem with copper!).

Some coins were cast, but this was a timeconsuming and wasteful process. The

A hammered silver sixpence of Elizabeth1. Obverse and reverse

A hammered silver two-penny piece of Edward lll Obverse and reverse

method of choice was to have an engraver cut the designs for the two faces of the coin into hard metal dies and then place between them a suitably-sized disc of the coin-metal and give the whole thing a sharp clout with a largish hammer. That is why this type of money is usually described as “hammered” coinage. Of course, you enclosed the whole thing in a collar and put a punch-anvil on the upper die, thus stopping the precious metal disc from flying all over the workshop after you had struck it. Usually, if you were good at this, you ended up with a useable coin. However, the system had its limitations. The strike was always uneven in pressure over the disc, and the two faces were randomly oriented. Eventually the screw-press was invented, which could cure these faults, but this slowed the process down considerably, and hand-striking was preferred.

This system produced a far crisper strike, and the obverse and reverse could be oriented to each other

It wasn’t until the end of the 18th century that steam power became linked to coinstriking. This happened at about the same time as it became possible to supply standard-sized discs of metal in quantity. The first people to produce a steam-driven coining machine were James Watt (of course) and his business associate Matthew Boulton. They installed the first one at their Soho workshops in Birmingham in the late 1790s.

This system produced a far crisper strike, and the obverse and reverse could be oriented to each other. Furthermore, it could handle discs of any size (within reason) and operated a lot faster than any of the previous systems. You could even arrange for a pattern or a statement to be impressed on the periphery of the disc (that’s how milled coinage began). On many of the large silver coins of the 18th

Post-medieval hoard of coin clippings

and 19th century you will find the regnal year of the monarch or a motto such as “Decus et tutamen” (“A decoration and a safeguard”) stamped into the edge of the metal disc to discourage clipping.

Copper coinage had been produced for reigns before George III, but now there became a shortage of such lowdenomination coins, and a lot of companies and organisations began to strike their own “tokens”, usually for local

A very poor counterfeit copper halfpenny of the early 1770s. It would not have fooled a blind man, but was useful for day-to-day transactions while real coins were scarce

A cast silver stater from Southern England. Date between 50 and 10 BC

Clockwise: Anvil die and hammer die used to make English silver pennies dating from the 14th century, 17th century coin-clipping shears

circulation, to relieve the problem. Note, these were never referred to as coins, didn’t even look like coins, and thus currency forgery could not be alleged. However, things were starting to get out of hand. Criminal groups were beginning to produce forgeries of currency coins and passing them off as genuine. They were often a pretty poor apology for the genuine coins, but with the admitted lack of available low-denomination coins and the consequent need for value to pass from hand to hand, the Government’s options were low. A complete currency re-think was needed.

Enter the Cartwheel Coins

In 1797, the government authorised Matthew Boulton to strike copper pennies and twopences at his Soho Mint, in Birmingham, on his lovely new steampress. The law still at that time was that the face value of a coin should

correspond to the value of the material it was made from, so each twopence coin was made from twopence’s worth of copper (2 ounces), and a penny from one ounce. This requirement means that the coins were many times larger than the silver pennies minted previously. The large size of the coins, combined with the thick rim where the inscription was punched into the metal, led to the coins being nicknamed "cartwheels". All "cartwheel" twopences are marked with the date 1797. In total, around 720,000 twopences were minted.

The large size of the coins, combined with the thick rim where the inscription was punched into the metal, led to the coins being nicknamed "cartwheels"

The twopence was minted in copper, with a weight of 2 oz (56.7 g) and a diameter of 1.6 in (41 mm). The obverse features a right-facing portrait of George III, and

incused (sunk into, not in relief) on the surface of the wide rim are the words GEORGIUS III·D·G·REX. The initial K appears on the lowest fold of the drapery at the base of the effigy, indicating that the design is the work of the German engraver Conrad Heinrich Kuchler. The reverse shows the left-facing seated figure of Britannia, with a trident held loosely in her left hand, and an olive branch in her outstretched right. There are waves about her feet, with a small ship to the left and a Union Jack shield below and to the right. Above, on the rim, is incused the word BRITANNIA, and on the rim below the image is incused the date 1797. The reverse was also designed by Kuchler. The word SOHO appears next to the shield, indicating that

The great copper cartwheel two-penny piece of George lll, produced by steam-striking

Left: Matthew Boulton, inventor, mechanical engineer and silversmith. Right: Boulton created the Soho Mint in his Soho manufactory in Birmingham 1788

the coin came from the Soho Mint. Strangely, no attempt seems to have been made to put any motto or decoration onto the lovely wide edge of the coin.

The penny is identical apart from being about 2/3 of the size. No value appears on either coin.

The coins were struck probably over 1797 and 1798, but only ever bear the date 1797. They were not popular. If you handle one you will understand why; they are heavy and a bit unwieldy. The number that still turn up in good condition suggests that most folk kept them in a safe place at home. However, they also had a tendency to get lost. Many folks’ only experience of them is digging up a nondescript disc of copper in their garden or finding it with their expensive metal detector. After a couple of hundred years in the soil and rain, the design is sadly defaced!

The final indignity was that the value of copper began to rise. People realised that their unwieldy coins were worth more as metal than as coins, and a good number were (illegally) melted down for their scrap value. In mid-2024, 2 oz of copper is worth nearly £1 (though a good-condition 1797 twopence is worth a good deal more!)

What happened next?

By about 1810, tokens were on the rise again. The government introduced a complete re-monetarisation program, with bronze replacing copper in smaller coins, and in 1817 issued stringent legislation to outlaw the minting of tokens, which

People realised that their unwieldy coins were worth more as metal than as coins, and a good number were (illegally) melted down

promptly became worthless, which is why there are quite a lot still available in good condition for moderate prices.

Pennies and tuppences were minted in silver for a while, but copper was never used again. Eventually bronze was used for low-value coinage, since by 1860 the requirement for the coin’s intrinsic value to equal its monetary value had been scrapped. Coinage at last began to work as we understand it, each coin’s denomination relying on government agreement, not on face value.

These days of course we find ourselves hearing talk of cashless societies. Financial transactions being conducted digitally, using credit cards, mobile apps, and electronic transfers. This shift could allow convenience, enhanced security and improved financial transparency, while also raising concerns about privacy, accessibility, and technological dependence. However, I have to admit that the prospect of not having any cash terrifies me!

Up until relatively recently, British coinage had nothing much to do with the decimal system that we know now. In fact, quite a lot of folks still alive (including yours truly) spent their childhood and young adulthood learning the threefold system and using it. The pound was the major unit of currency. This was divided into 20 shillings. Each shilling was divided into 12 pennies (or pence, as was the more popular plural form). Thus there were 240 pence in a pound.

This did have several advantages over a decimal system. Mainly because dividing the currency up into lots was easier. You could divide 240 by 2, 3, 4, 5 and most of their multiples (you could divide 100 by 2 and 5 and their multiples only). However, admittedly multiplying by 240 was rather tricky.

Also the symbols needed to be explained. The pound sign was £. This was an ‘L’ differentiated with a crossbar to show it stood for currency. L was short for Librum, or a pound in Latin, which was the old (very old) definition of a pound as being worth that weight of silver. A shilling was ‘s’, which stood for solidus, another Roman coin, while the penny was ‘d’, which represented denarius, yet another Roman coin.

The use of these terms was very variable. A penny coin was no problem, but a two-

penny coin could be referred to as a twopenny, a tuppenny or a tuppence. Threepenny coins were usually thruppence or a thruppenny-bit. The same went for coins of higher value. Some values had their own names. Fourpence was a groat; a shilling was a bob, two shillings (24 pence) was a florin, the next highest was the halfcrown (2 shillings and sixpence or 30 pence) and of course 5 shillings (60 pence) was a crown. Ten shillings was a bank-note (known as a ten-bob note). Then came the pound, also a bank-note, often referred to as a quid.

Through history there were other named coins: the noble (later the angel) (80 pence or 6 shillings and 8 pence), the mark (160 pence or 13 shillings and 4 pence), plus a host of others that leave the mind bewildered, but which have not been used for several centuries. The only others you may hear, mainly from the 19th century, are the sovereign (one pound, coined in gold) and the guinea (one pound and one shilling, also a gold coin).

On February 15th 1971, Britain and Northern Ireland abandoned their old system of pounds, shillings and pence in favour of a new decimal system; the pound and the penny. The pound became the pound, and rarely the quid; the penny became, to everyone’s horror, the pee!

The Old System of Coins

A steam-engine under construction at the Boulton and Watt Soho Works, Birmingham

Parlez Français

French conversation, vocabulary & traditions

Chez le vétérinaire

Il y a plus d’animaux domestiques que d’habitants en France !

There are more pets than people in France!

En effet, la moitié des foyers héberge un animal domestique. Cela représente 74 millions d’animaux de compagnie en 2022. Les poissons sont les animaux les plus nombreux (29,1 millions).

In fact, half of all households have a pet. This represents 74 million pets in 2022. Fish are the most numerous animals (29.1 million).

insurance, the annual amount of expenses for our pet has risen to an average of 950 Euros in 2022, according to Ifop. Nous aimons nos chiens et nos chats. Nous leur achetons leurs croquettes préférées, des paniers confortables, des accessoires et même pour certains, des vêtements ! Quand ils sont malades, nous les emmenons au cabinet vétérinaire. Cela coûte, mais nos amis de compagnie ne nous le rendent bien : ils nous font des câlins et nous jouons avec eux.

Presque 6 Français sur 10 possèdent un chien ou un chat

Presque 6 Français sur 10 possèdent un chien ou un chat. Depuis la crise sanitaire de la COVID-19, ce chiffre augmente tous les ans.

Almost 6 out of 10 French people own a dog or cat. Since the COVID-19 health crisis, this figure has increased every year.

97% des possesseurs d’animaux domestiques ressentent un attachement profond envers leur animal, allant jusqu’à le considérer comme un membre à part entière de leur famille. Et oui, notre petit chat et notre petit chien sont chéris comme des enfants !

97% of pet owners feel a deep attachment to their pet, going so far as to consider it a full member of their family. And yes, our little cat and dog are cherished like children!

Nos animaux domestiques nous coûtent cher aussi ! Entre l’alimentation (qui a fortement augmentée ces derniers mois…), les frais de vétérinaire, de toilettage ou d’assurance, le montant annuel des dépenses pour son animal de compagnie monte à une moyenne de 950 Euros en 2022, selon l’ifop.

Our pets are expensive too! Between food (which has risen sharply in recent months…), veterinary fees, grooming or

We love our dogs and cats. We buy them their favorite biscuits, comfortable baskets, accessories and for some, even clothes! When they are sick, we take them to the veterinary practice. It’s pricey, but our pet friends give us back lots of cuddles and we play with them.

Mon chat a l’air triste aujourd’hui. Je ne sais pas ce qu’il a. Il reste assis dans un coin et il ne bouge plus. Il ne joue plus et il n’a pas mangé ce matin. Je pense qu’il est malade, donc je vais au Cabinet vétérinaire.

Isa : Bonjour, je viens avec mon chat. Je crois qu’il est malade.

La réceptionniste : Bonjour. Comment s’appelle votre chat ?

Isa : Il s’appelle Lio.

La réceptionniste : Qu’est-ce qu’il a ?

Isa : Je ne sais pas. Il ne joue plus et il reste assis toute la journée. Il n’est pas comme d’habitude.

La réceptionniste : Je vais appeler le vétérinaire. Vous pouvez aller dans la salle d’attente.

(Quelques minutes plus tard.)

Le vétérinaire : Bonjour. Suivez-moi, par ici !

Isa : bonjour. Oui, merci.

Le vétérinaire : Alors, qu’est-ce qu’il a, Lio ?

Isa : Il a l’air triste. Il ne bouge pas. Il ne mange pas. Il ne joue plus.

Le vétérinaire : Quand a-t-il mangé la dernière fois ?

Isa : Hier matin, il a mangé normalement. Hier soir, il n’a presque pas touché à sa Nourriture, et ce matin, il n’a rien mangé.

Le vétérinaire : Est-ce qu’il boit bien ?

Isa : Oui, je l’ai vu boire.

Le vétérinaire : Je vais l’ausculter. … Il n’a pas de fièvre. Ses yeux et ses oreilles vont bien. Tout va bien dans sa gueule. Son cœur est en pleine forme.

Le vétérinaire : Est-ce qu’il est allé dans sa litière ?

Isa : Oui, et c’est normal.

Le vétérinaire : Alors, je vais palper son ventre.

Lio, le chat : Miaou, miaou.

Le vétérinaire : Ah, je crois que le problème vient de son ventre. Il a mal quand je touche là.

Isa : Ne bouge pas, Lio !

Le vétérinaire : Je pense que Lio a une boule de poils dans son ventre. Il n’arrive pas à l’évacuer, ni en vomissant, ni en allant aux toilettes. Je vais prendre une radiographie pour écarter tout autre problème possible. … Viens avec moi, Lio.

Isa : À tout à l’heure !

(Quelques minutes plus tard)

Le vétérinaire : Nous revoilà ! Oui, rien de grave. Lio a une grosse boule de poils dans ses intestins. Je vais lui donner une crème à avaler, c’est de la paraffine. Cela l’aidera. Il faudra lui donner cette crème avant chaque repas pendant dix jours. Aussi, je

lui prescris des médicaments pour une cure de trente jours, pour éviter que cela ne recommence. Je vous suggère aussi de brosser votre chat régulièrement.

Isa : Merci beaucoup Docteur.

Lio, le chat : Miaou, miaou.

Isa : Je pense que Lio vous dit merci aussi.

Le vétérinaire : Merci. N’hésitez pas à m’appeler si Lio ne va pas mieux dans trois jours. Au revoir et bonne journée !

Au revoir Lio !

Isa : Oui, d’accord. Merci. Au revoir et bonne journée à vous aussi !

Le cabinet vétérinaire

The veterinary surgery

Un vétérinaire / un « véto »

A veterinary surgeon / a « vet »

Avoir l’air triste

To look sad

Ne … plus

Not any more, no longer

Je crois

I believe

Croire

To believe

Qu’est-ce qu’il a ?

What has he got? / What’s wrong with him?

Comme d’habitude

As usual

Suivez-moi !

Follow me!

Par ici

This way / around here

Il boit

He / it drinks

Boire

To drink

Je l’ai vu boire

I saw him drinking

Ausculter

To examine (for a doctor to a patient / animal)

La fièvre

A fever

Un œil / des yeux

An eye / eyes

Une oreille / des oreilles

An ear / ears

La gueule

The mouth (of an animal or fish)

Un cœur

A heart

Être en pleine forme

To be fit and well

Prenez soin de vous et de vos animaux ! Take care of yourself and your animals!

Bon courage ! Et à bientôt ! Isabelle

Élargissez vos horizons avec CONTINENTAL HORIZONS ! Broaden your horizons with CONTINENTAL HORIZONS! Isabelle works for CONTINENTAL HORIZONS Language Centre in L’Isle Jourdain 86. She is a specialist Teacher of French as a Foreign Language with more than 26 years’ experience. Do not hesitate to contact her on 06 20 10 34 49 or 05 49 84 17 73

Learn French with Continental Horizons! Contact us by email : continentalhorizons@free.fr

language/assistance

La litière

The litter

La litière du chat

The cat’s litter

Palper

To palpate / to feel with one’s hands

Le ventre

The stomach / tummy

Une boule de poils

A hairball

Évacuer

To evacuate

En vomissant

By vomiting

Vomir

To vomit / to be sick

Écarter

To turn down / to spread out

Pour écarter tout autre problème possible to rule out any other possible problem

Rien de grave

Nothing serious

Cela l’aidera

(Future of “aider”)

This will help him / her

Il faudra

(Future of “falloir”) It will be necessary / it will be needed

Prescrire

To prescribe

Éviter

To avoid

Docteur

Doctor – You must say « Docteur » when addressing a veterinary surgeon

Il ne va pas mieux

He’s not any better

Aller mieux

To get better

Certified

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FRENCH LESSONS

CERTAIN PEOPLE

Many years ago a neighbour of my father’s asked him if he would look over a house the chap was considering buying. Dad was happy to oblige and went around the property pointing out the pros and cons while his neighbour gratefully took notes. I smile at this recollection because the man who had turned to my father for advice was a university lecturer and author of a widely distributed schools’ textbook on economics. My father, in contrast, left school at 13, became a plumber, and taught himself to build, dismantle or fix just about everything from houses to cars to washing machines. Both men could thus properly be described as “clever” although in wildly different ways.

These terms we employ –intelligence/cleverness/knowledge etcrepresent an endlessly overlapping Venn diagram in which each element seems to both support yet qualify the others. Can wisdom be taught? Does knowledge = cleverness? How can someone be expensively educated at Eton College yet still be . . . (insert your own joke). I recently came across this: “Knowledge is knowing that Frankenstein is the scientist not the monster. Wisdom is knowing that the scientist IS the monster.” I think that captures it rather well.

However, in any form and by whatever name, I always applaud expertise. Being able to interpret and comprehend complex information is extraordinary to me since my own capability is that of a wombat. (Mind you, ask me the line-up on a 1959 Art Pepper album and I’m your man). Every society evolves around, and builds upon, its accumulated knowledge. But, counterintuitively, the engine of this progress is not what we know, it is our ignorance. The tantalising unknown.

This is why scientists rarely talk about anything being a “fact”, referring only to something which, given what we currently understand, appears to be true but which would be reassessed if new information comes to light. It’s the eternal seduction of discovery. This magazine’s nature guru, Mike George (to whom my chapeau is permanently tipped), exemplifies the scientific approach, imparting extensive knowledge but always ready to highlight where certain animal or plant behaviours are not yet fully understood.

So kudos to rational thinking and free enquiry. I like such uncertainty, I admire the acknowledgement of doubt. Obviously, we all have things in our life upon whose predictability we rely and about which we are sure. The turning of the seasons, for instance, or the Annual General Meeting of the moles in our garden or the fact that, in any given supermarket, Mrs W will hold up some tomatoes and ask, “Do we weigh them ourselves here?”. This type of certainty is comforting, it gives stability in a chaotic world. But, good grief, save us from the others – Those Who Are Always Certain.

Brian White lives in south Indre with his wife, too many moles and not enough guitars

which these individuals march their idiocy round and round with all flags flying. The ones who spent the pandemic claiming sudden expertise in immunology and virus transmission to warn that the vaccine contained a tracking microchip or would turn us all gay. Or something. Soon afterwards, pausing only to straighten his tinfoil hat, the same guy is announcing his secret military strategy that will Guarantee Victory For Ukraine before revealing What They Don’t Want You To Know About Climate Change. Utterly bonkers, convinced of their own unique insight while ridiculing everyone else’s gullibility. Such acute self-delusion hovers close to a condition psychologists call the DunningKruger effect. This relates to people who falsely believe themselves to be unusually intelligent, capable or talented while remaining oblivious to their very real limitations. As dangerous personality traits go, it trumps most others.

This is why scientists rarely talk about anything being a “fact”, referring only to something which, given what we currently understand

But such certainty, when misplaced, rarely notices the trapdoor. A favourite example: If you are of sufficient vintage to remember Margaret Thatcher’s term as UK Prime Minister (I still have the nervous tic), the story goes that Sir Keith Joseph, then her Industry Secretary, was touring the provinces giving his blunt “pullyour-socks-up” speech to the various regions of the UK which laboured under the dreadful burden of not being London. Speaking at Aberystwyth University he casually mocked the audience, “Does the Welsh language even have a word for ‘entrepreneur?’”, he asked. A moment passed before a student responded, “I don’t know. Does English?”

I find people with bullet-proof confidence tiresome. I’m always struck by the fact that those who have amassed a great deal of knowledge find only more questions, while the ones with only a toddler’s grasp of a topic seem to hold a cast-iron conviction.

Social media heaves with them. Of course it does. To glance at “X” (formerly Twitter) is to peer into a parade ground upon

The renowned philosopher Bertrand Russell once wrote that the problem with the world is that “fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts.” Or, in the words of the great bar-room balladeer Tom Waits: “The folks who know the truth aren’t talking. . . the ones who don’t have a clue, you can’t shut them up.”

Now that’s wisdom.

Southern Cooking

IN THE SOUTHERN STATES OF AMERICA, THE CUISINE IS A TRUE MELTING POT

Known for its comfort food appeal, Southern cuisine is characterised by its use of fresh, local ingredients and timehonoured cooking methods. Indigenous people laid the groundwork with their use of corn, beans, and squash. European colonists brought their own traditions, introducing wheat, dairy, and new cooking methods. Latin America and the Caribbean are also large influencers.

This distinctive culinary style continues to evolve while remaining a comforting and cherished part of American cuisine

Some of the regional cuisines are; Appalachia, Creole, Cajun, Soul Food, Low Country, Gullah, and Floribbean.

This distinctive culinary style continues to evolve while remaining a comforting and cherished part of American cuisine. It’s not just about the food; it's also about the experience—family gatherings, community events, and a deep sense of hospitality that brings people together.

Think – Flavour, Soul, and more Flavour!

Shrimp and Grits

Plump shrimp and smoky sausage are smothered in a savoury sauce and served over creamy, cheesy grits. This gives off a lot of love, comfort, and flavour. It is good all year round; a small bowl in the summer and a larger bowl for winter. There are two things that are true about southern cooking. We perfectly season our food and we overdo it on the butter, cheese, and all things comforting and decadent.

INGREDIENTS (Serves 4)

Lemon juice

2 medium yellow onions

2 jalapeños

2 red bell peppers

2 Montbéliard sausage

16-20 shrimp (size 16/20 or 20/24)

260 grams of grits (French: gruau de maïs) or you van use polenta précuite as a substitute

500 ml chicken stock, unsalted

ByEricLeClere

Eric, a chef de cuisine of 20 years. Originally from Florida he is now based in the Limousin & caters all of France

www.chefericleclere.com

Instagram.com/chef_eric_leclere

500-700 ml water

250 grams unsalted butter

150 grams pecorino - or can sub with a nice parmesan

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

GRITS - METHOD

1. Warm water and chicken stock with butter together over medium heat starting with just the 500ml of water (we can always add more if needed)

2. When broth comes to a strong simmer, add grits, and whisk thoroughly. Reduce heat to low as it will splatter as it thickens and you don’t want to scorch the bottom of the pan.

Grits need time to absorb the liquid. Once desired consistency (no liquid remaining) turn off heat and shave the pecorino into the grits.

SAUSAGE, SHRIMP, AND VEGGIESMETHOD

3. Slice sausages lengthwise. Place flat on cutting board and turn it so the space between it and your knife forms a V. Make consistent slices producing almost half moon julienne cuts.

4. Place these in a heavy bottom pan over low-medium heat with oil. Move things around until sausages begin rendering fat.

5. Add in all veggies at this point until they are almost fully cooked.

6. Toss the *butterflied shrimp in lemon juice and add to the mix. Don’t overcook the shrimp as once heated it will continue to cook.

Serve the mix over the prepared grits and top with hot sauce.

* HOW TO BUTTERFLY SHRIMP

Place freshly peeled raw shrimp flat on cutting board and make a cut from head to tail horizontally along the back. Do not cut all the way through. Rinse thoroughly under cold water and discard the vein. Open a little to “butterfly”.

Baked Macaroni Cheese

There are so many ways to prepare traditional, home-style, baked, soul food mac and cheese (however you want to describe baked mac and cheese). I am not a fan of mac and cheese that is watery and has too much liquid. I do not like mac and cheese that is dry and does not have a cheesy texture. My preferred dish has a crunchy crust on top and cheesy goodness within. Simple is better.

INGREDIENTS (Serves 8 as a side dish)

500 grams elbow macaroni pasta

½ tsp onion powder

1 tbsp salt

1 tbsp pepper

4 tbsp butter

500 grams shredded sharp cheddar cheese

250 grams shredded mozzarella cheese

250 grams shredded Gouda cheese

250 grams Munster cheese

METHOD

1. Boil pasta until just done (par boil). Add salt to water to help boil. You don’t want the pasta too soft as it will

continue cooking during the bake time.

2. While waiting on the boil, butter your bake pan or casserole dish.

3. Grate all cheeses and toss together with seasonings.

4. Once the pasta is ready, drain thoroughly and add your 4 tbsp butter to it and stir.

5. Layer a thin amount of pasta in your dish and then layer with cheese.

6. Do this again until you have only enough cheese left for a top layer.

7. Bake at 175°C for 20 minutes, then cover with aluminium foil and bake for a remaining 15 minutes or until golden brown (not burnt)

* When boiling pasta, you can place a wooden spoon across the top of the pot to prevent the water from boiling out of the pot.

Pork Chops with Applesauce

These pork chops are a classic Southern dish made so simply. Tender and juicy pork chops are seared until browned, which is the key. You can use a pan sauce, but here we will make an “appleseauce” to accompany them.

APPLESAUCE INGREDIENTS (2 servings)

12 Pink Lady apples

100 grams cassonade sugar

40 grams butter

Pinch of salt

Pinch of cinnamon

Pinch of nutmeg

APPLE SAUCE - METHOD

1. Peel and core apples. Cut in half from top to bottom. Place flat sides on the

cutting board, cut in half again lengthwise, then into strips and then into squares.

2. Place apples, sugar, and spices into medium sauce pot over low heat. Add just enough water to cover apples. Simmer 20 minutes or until almost dry.

3. Add butter and use a potato masher until a smooth desired consistency.

PORK CHOPS INGREDIENTS (2 servings)

2 decent sized bone-in pork chops

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

PORK CHOPS - METHOD

4. Place 2 layers of sturdy paper towels onto your cutting board. Then place your pork chops on top and cover with 2 more layers.

5. Allow them to rest for 2 minutes to allow the paper towels to absorb as much liquid as possible. Push the towel with your palm all the way around to ensure the chops are as dry as possible.

6. With a large sauté pan add the olive oil over a medium high heat. Swirl oil around pan occasionally to coat the pan so as to not scorch. When small wisps of smoke rise from the oil you are ready to cook.

7. Salt and pepper one side of each chop generously and place in oil gently, spice side down. Repeat process with next chop. While that side is cooking season the opposite side. Once the first side is seared (not burnt) flip to the other side and cook until medium. *internal temperature should be between 54-71°C. Let rest for 5 minutes*

Serve with the applesauce and seasonal vegetables.

Banana Pudding

With just a handful of ingredients, banana pudding proves that sometimes less is more. Its simplicity is part of its charm, allowing the flavours of the bananas, custard, and cookies to shine through. Every spoonful is an adventure in layers. The combination creates a symphony of textures that keeps you coming back for more. While the classic dessert recipe is beloved, there's no shortage of creative variations to explore. From adding chocolate or caramel to experimenting with different *cookie types, the possibilities are endless.

*Note - Vanilla wafers n the US are different from the ones you get here in France, in the US they resemble vanilla cookies, or you can substitute with the French langue de chat biscuits to recreate this dessert.

INGREDIENTS (Serves 8)

8 tbsp all-purpose flour

200 grams sugar

dash of salt

975 ml of milk

4 egg yolks

1 tsp vanilla extract

3-4 ripe sliced bananas

Vanilla wafers/cookies (approximately 1 box which is 300 grams) or French langue de chat biscuits to recreate this dessert.

METHOD:

1. Begin by mixing your flour, sugar, salt, milk, egg yolks, and vanilla in a

saucepan to create the homemade custard.

2. Cook on medium heat until thick, continuing to stir so that it doesn't stick to your pan. This will take approximately 15-20 minutes to thicken.

3. Layer the cookies and banana slices on the bottom of the dish and pour ½ of the pudding mixture over the top.

4. Repeat with the second layering of cookies, bananas, and the remaining pudding.

Let chill covered in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

The last step before serving is to crunch up a few additional vanilla wafers and sprinkle them on the top of the pudding.

British Market Stall

Importing a Vehicle from Inside the EU to France

For those planning to relocate, navigating the process of importing a vehicle from within the European Union (EU) can be a crucial step. In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through the steps and considerations involved in bringing your car into France from another EU member state.

Understanding the Regulations

As a member of the European Union, France adheres to specific regulations governing the importation of vehicles from within the EU. While importing a vehicle from an EU country to France is generally easier than importing from outside the EU, there are still important rules and procedures to follow.

One of the primary considerations is ensuring that your vehicle meets French safety and environmental standards. This includes verifying that your car complies with French emissions regulations and that it is equipped with the necessary safety features required by French law.

Documentation and Paperwork

Before you embark on the importation process, it's crucial to gather all the necessary documentation. This typically includes:

Vehicle Registration Document (V5C): This document proves ownership of the vehicle and contains essential information about the car, such as its make, model, and registration details.

Certificate of Conformity (CoC): A CoC is issued by the vehicle manufacturer and

certifies that the vehicle meets EU safety and environmental standards.

Proof of Purchase: You'll need to provide documentation to prove the transaction, such as a sales invoice or receipt.

Valid Identification: Make sure to carry a valid form of identification, such as a passport or national identity card.

Proof of Address: You may be required to provide proof of your address in France, such as a utility bill.

Quitus Fiscal

Once you've gathered all the necessary documentation, the next step is to contact your local SIE (Service des Impôts des Entreprises) and request a Quitus Fiscal. The Quitus Fiscal serves as a crucial document in the process of importing your vehicle into France from another EU country. It determines whether any tax is due on the vehicle and ensures compliance with French tax regulations.

SUPPORT LAUREN DODDS

ANGLO FRENCH HELP contact@anglofrenchhelp.com

paid or waived, allowing you to proceed with the registration process.

ANTS

With your Quitus Fiscal in hand, you can now move on to the next step: registering your vehicle on the ANTS (Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés) website. ANTS is the government agency responsible for vehicle registrations and driver licensing in France. Registering your vehicle on the ANTS website is a straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to detail to ensure a smooth transaction.

Importing a vehicle from an EU country to France is generally easier than importing from outside the EU

When contacting your local SIE, be sure to provide them with all the required information and documentation related to your vehicle. The SIE will review your documents and assess whether any taxes or duties apply to your vehicle based on its value, age, and other factors.

Once the SIE has processed your request and determined the tax status of your vehicle, they will issue you a filled-in Quitus Fiscal. This document serves as proof that the necessary taxes have been

To register your vehicle on the ANTS website, you'll need to create an account and provide the necessary information about your vehicle, including its make, model, and registration details. You'll also need to upload copies of your documentation, including the Quitus Fiscal, proof of purchase, and any other relevant paperwork.

It's important to note that the registration process on the ANTS website may take some time, so it's advisable to start the process as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Importing a vehicle from another EU country to France may seem like a daunting task, but with careful planning and attention to detail, it can be a relatively straightforward process.

HELP AROUND THE HOME

IF YOU NEED HELP AROUND THE HOME IN THE FORM OF A CLEANER, GARDENER OR HANDYMAN, OR ARE LOOKING FOR SUPPORT FOR ELDERLY RELATIVES OR CHILD-CARE, BUT ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE COST, THERE IS A SOLUTION!

This little-known (and generous) French tax credit system – crédit d’impôt – is a fabulous incentive, and can potentially see you getting reimbursed up to 50% of the cost of many home help services. I even know of a hardworking farming couple that use a meals-on-wheels catering service that effectively costs them 50% less under this tax credit system.

What’s not to love about this! You just need to get your head around it. One of the simplest ways to benefit from this is to use the CESU system as explained below.

the amount of tax you owe, with a tax credit, if you pay little or no tax, you will get a refund of money from the tax office (which is rather like a ‘grant’ – a lovely surprise in the cold months of January after the credit card gets a little ‘warm’ after Christmas!).

You must be tax resident in France, and the services you buy can only be on a casual basis for less than 8 hours per week

Just so you know: tax credits are not the same as tax reductions. While tax reductions and tax credits can both reduce

Eligibility

To be eligible for the ‘home help’ tax credit - called crédit d’impôt emploi domicile / services à la personne - you must be tax resident in France, and the services you buy can only be on a casual basis for less than 8 hours per week (beyond this and you would need to enter into a formal employment contract). Keep in mind that the maximum tax credit or ‘grant’ you can get is €6,000 for home

help services per household, per year, which equates to a total expenditure (the gross services cost) per annum of €12,000. There are also maximum expenditure limits p.a for the following:

€5,000 for gardening

€500 for property repairs and maintenance (unskilled minor repairs undertaken in under 2 hours only)

€3,000 for IT support.

An example

Mr and Mrs Smith both work full time and have a combined income of just under the income tax threshold so don't pay any income tax. They use CESU online for the casual employment of a cleaner (around 8 hours a month) and for a gardener / handyman now and again. The total cost

to them for the year was €2000 (the combined cost of the net salaries they paid plus their URSSAF social charges). They receive a tax credit for 50% - €1000 into their bank account - in September of the following year. Their total cost for using these services is therefore reduced to €1000. The following year the tax office will assume they are continuing to use the same services so the couple will receive €400 in January and the remaining tax credit ‘grant’ in September (which will be adjusted up or down depending on if their income and costs etc remained the same).

How to “sign up” within the rules

There are two ways in which you benefit from this type of tax credit without falling foul of the regulations: one is via the ‘cheque emploi” (CESU) system and the other by using an “accredited” service provider.

Accredited service providers may be either private, public or not-for-profit bodies such as the well-known ADMR - a national network of services à la personne usually focused on providing home help services to the elderly, parents, and the disabled using volunteers. Have a read up on this on the government websitewww.servicesalapersonne.gouv.fr

However, many English-speakers want to use private individuals aka microentrepreneurs (ME) and most are not accredited (for reasons too complex to mention here). You can find out by asking them (they should know if they are) and they will be listed on the website www.servicesalapersonne.gouv.fr If this is the case, you can however use MEs via the CESU system.

How to use the cheque emploi (CESU) alternative

This is a wonderful, and fairly easy-to-use system (once you know how!) called CESU (“Le Chèque Emploi Service Universel”) whereby you become the private individual

employer, and the service-provider your private individual employee, resulting in you getting a tax credit for up to 50% of your total costs – in effect halving your bill. And the person does not need to be an ‘accredited’ provider.

And the good news is that the online CESU system www.cesu.urssaf.fr/info/accueil.html does all the calculations and administration side for you. Once set up, you can then opt for CESU Plus (CESU +) whereby you don’t even need to write out a cheque as your salaried employee is automatically paid from your bank account, along with your payment on their behalf of the social charges to URSSAF. Later on, you can even opt for “CESU avance immédiate” –getting the 50% tax credit back in real time: in other words you then only pay 50% in total on the day payments are made.

ADVICE

JENNY SMITH

FRENCH WORDSMITH

Jenny Smith EI, French Wordsmith, offers comprehensive administrative, translation and support services for English-speaking people in France on just about anything you can think of – from business and building to health, home, residence and schooling – and if she doesn’t know the answer she will find someone who does. Contact her via email: jenny@frenchwordsmith.fr or phone 06 79 85 58 84 www.frenchwordsmith.fr

See main advert on page 16

terms such as the rate of pay (minimum wage is around €10 / hour), how long you are engaging them for, etc. A fixed-term contract CDD is often the way to go and Legal Place www.legalplace.fr/contrat-detravail has some excellent – and simple –resources including fillable time-saving contract templates.

You’ll find more information on the CESU system on the French government public service website - www.servicepublic.fr/particuliers/v osdroits/F2912

There are two ways in which you benefit from this type of tax credit without falling foul of the regulations

Do be aware that, if you engage, and pay for, non-accredited home help services and claim back tax credit you are doing so in error, and, in the event of a tax inspection (‘contrôle’), you may have to repay the tax office for any tax credits received (ouch!) – another good reason to use CESU instead!

For step-by-step guidance on creating a CESU account, making the declarations, and getting the tax credit back, take a look at the French Wordsmith resource How to use CESU online to get back 50% of costs for home help serviceswww.frenchwordsmith.fr/resourcesfor-diy

And don’t worry, you are not required to establish an employment contract, and most people don’t, provided it is for casual services under 8 hours per week, and not for more than 3 weeks in a row, or on an ad hoc basis, but you can do so if you wish. Employing someone above this minimum and you do need to set up an employment contract.

CESU, however, do recommend doing a really basic contract for this ‘casual’ employment, which can make sense: getting something in writing helps to ensure all parties understand and agree to

Note to the reader: As ever, I’ve done my utmost to give you the facts and clear explanations prior to publication, but you’ll need to keep an eye on updates as they become available by checking the links provided.

WEALINS LIFE

(Assurance vie investment account in British Pounds and other currencies)

M

ost of you by now know about the savings account called ‘Assurance Vie’ which is an investment with tax advantages (revenue and inheritance tax) and many of you have asked me in the past if you could do an assurance vie in British Pounds so you did not have to suffer from the Liz Truss effect! Well, I have finally found one for you but it is not for all.

Who can invest in it: Anybody who is a French resident or non-French resident and above 18 years old. Preferably below 80 but we can make exceptions!

Who is it invested with: Wealins Wealth Insurer is a company based in Luxembourg. It is part of Groupe Foyer founded in 1922 and has a solvability ratio of 309.6%. In comparison, Allianz has a solvability ratio of 212%. Plus, this assurance vie is based in Luxembourg which guarantees the total value of your investment (in France, the government only guarantees up to 100K per person per establishment).

N° Orias 07021727/16005974

Contact me to negotiate! Obviously the bigger the amount, the lower the entry fee. If very big, I even take 0%! Management fee per year is 1%.

Switching funds: You can switch funds for free once per year. If you do more than one switch, there is a 0.5% fee of the value of the shares/fund (maximum fee is 500€). Adding money to it: You can add money to it at any time but a minimum of 25 000€. Entry fee every time you add of course.

DONNA STOKES

FREELANCE PA & ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT donnastokespaservices@gmail.com

The Importance of Time off for the Self-employed

“The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it” Sydney J Harris

The minimum is 250 000€ or the equivalent in British Sterling

Availability: The present amount on your assurance vie is always available. So, the money is never blocked. There are some penalties for taking your money out in the first 5 years but only if you take more than 15% of the amount. So, for the first 5 years, you can withdraw 15% of the amount invested per year at no cost. If you withdraw more than 15% the first year, there is a fee of 0.5% on the amount above the 15% on year one, then 0.4% on year 2, 0.3% on year 3, 0.2% on year 4 and 0.1% on year 5. No fees after that. Note that the 15% that you can take out is per year and not cumulative so if you do not withdraw 15% of the amount on year 2, it will still be 15% on year 3, not 30%.

The sun has finally started to make an appearance, and with schools breaking up again soon, it’s the perfect time to be thinking about taking a break. But when was the last time you took a holiday? A proper break from work (and I mean one where you’re not taking work calls or checking emails regularly)?

Many people think those who are selfemployed are living the dream – you can choose your own hours, take time off when you want, and in some cases work from anywhere in the world. What’s not to love? Sadly, the reality is somewhat different with self-employed people often working longer hours and taking less time off than their salaried counterparts. You’re your own boss, but are you a good one?

How much can you invest in it: The minimum is 250 000€ or the equivalent in British Sterling (other currencies are also available). No maximum. That is why I stated that it is not for all of us unfortunately!

How is it invested: This is an investment in stocks and shares. This assurance vie has more than 500 funds/shares available so loads of choices on investments. The minimum invested per fund is 10 000€. You can choose low, medium or high-risk funds or a mixture of each.

Fees: Well, yes, I don’t work for free all the time! Entry fee is normally 2.50% but I always negotiate and never take that.

Cooling period: When you open a new assurance vie, there is always a 30 day cooling period before your money is invested.

Money laundering: because of the amount invested, I need proof of where the money comes from so if you got this money illegally, do not contact me to invest it!

Conclusion: The advantages of the assurance vie savings account are well known and it is the preferred investment for French people not only because of its advantages regarding income and inheritance tax but also for its flexibility. But you might not want to transfer your money into Euros and suffer the burden of losing on the exchange rate so here is the solution for you.

Isabelle Want 06 17 30 39 11 Email: isabelle.want @bh-assurances.fr

22 rue Jean Jaures.

16700 Ruffec

Tél:+33 (0)5 45 31 01 61

10 Bd du 8 mai 1945

16110 La Rochefoucauld

Tél:+33 (0)5 45 63 54 31

102 Avenue de la République

16260 Chasseneuil sur Bonnieure

Tél:+33(0)5 45 39 51 47

2 Avenue de la Gare

16270 Roumazieres-Loubert

Tél:+33(0)5 45 71 17 79

Self-employed people often working longer hours and taking less time off than their salaried counterparts

When you’re busy (and busy is good, right?), the thought of taking time off can feel like a luxury, and often one we can’t afford. It’s a completely different notion to being employed, where holiday is structured and, in many cases, work is covered whilst you’re not there. In the world of self-employment, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you are indispensable, that if we take time off our customers will automatically go elsewhere and ultimately we will lose business/money.

A recent IPSE study found that one in ten freelancers did not take any days off in the last year, and one in seven took less than 5 days. However, of those who did take a break, an overwhelming 92% reported positive effects of doing so.

We know that self-employment is a tough gig – running the business on a day-today basis, trouble-shooting, often doing both the day job and then all the other

‘stuff’ (admin, finances, marketing etc.) alongside planning and working on growing and developing your business. With that as the backdrop, of course the thought of taking time off can be scary, but so are the potential consequences of not doing so:

Burnout – constantly working without breaks increases the risk of burnout considerably. This can lead to physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion, alongside decreased productivity, creativity, and an increase in mistakes / poor decision-making –ultimately this is likely to force time off for recovery

Health issues (mental and physical) – neglecting health (due to work commitments, poor lifestyle/diet choices etc) can result in stress-related ailments (eg. hypertension, insomnia, anxiety, depression to name but a few)

Decreased efficiency – continuous work is proven to diminish cognitive function and impair decision-making abilities, which ultimately means that the overall efficiency and quality of your work is significantly reduced.

Conversely, there are many benefits to taking time away from work, not least:

▪ Restored energy

▪ Improved focus

▪ Enhanced creativity

Continuous work is proven to diminish cognitive function and impair decisionmaking abilities

Strained relationships – over-working often means sacrificing time spent with family and friends, particularly when it comes to taking holidays. The impact of strained relationships may then impact on mental health (see above!)

Stagnation – quite simply, without taking proper breaks, you can become stuck in a rut, disillusioned and unable to be creative, innovative or excited about developing your business and seeking opportunities

▪ Strengthened relationships

▪ Increased productivity

If that’s got you thinking, here are some practical steps you can take to help you organise some quality time off:

Firstly, give yourself permission –you’ve worked hard and you deserve a break. Don’t succumb to an attack of guilt. Your customers will understand, and even expect you to take a holiday at some point. Provided it is planned, organised, and communicated, it is unlikely to cause a problem (and is far preferable to you having to take time off at short notice and for indefinite periods due to ill health).

Think about the best time to take your break, both in terms of your business and family life. If your business is seasonal or cyclical, it makes sense to take time off

during the quiet times. If you’re planning a break with the family (and children), then you’ll need to work around school holidays.

Communicate your plans to your customers and any other relevant partners or colleagues with plenty of notice. Depending on the nature of your business, consider putting up notices, mention it in relevant business correspondence (eg. newsletter, or as a footer on your email signature). Make use of your social media platforms (and website if you have one) to support your communication, with regular reminders as the date approaches.

Consider cover – again, depending on the nature of your business, you may wish to think about outsourcing for somebody to take calls, answer emails etc. during your absence. An arrangement like this can be useful for future absences too, so it may be worth investing in developing a relationship to provide backup support when needed.

Make use of technology – ‘out of office’ automated responses to emails, change your voicemail message etc. Let people know when they can expect a response and, if necessary, what to do in case of an emergency. Social media posts can be scheduled ahead of time to keep your profiles busy and fresh even whilst you are away.

And finally, relax and enjoy! Taking the time to recharge your batteries will be beneficial in so many ways.

HELEN BOOTH

INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISER

deVere France

Long-term diversified portfolios that earn compound interest are the foundation of building wealth over time. Overweighting investing could be considered a supplemental source of income for the everyday investor wishing to dabble in the stock market.

What is Overweighting?

Overweighting is when a portfolio has a higher percentage of a particular sector than average. This occurs when a specific stock or sector performs well, and the investor increases the percentage of this stock in their portfolio - for example, increasing the percentage of tech stock currently producing high returns or investing in more stable bonds to protect against volatility.

While overweighting a portfolio could benefit the bottom line, it is difficult to time the markets and could go the other way. Always consider the impact that

subheader

overweighting will have on a portfolio and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Each person’s financial needs, goals, and risk tolerance are different, which should be considered when deciding on overweighting.

Recent financial reports by big tech companies show huge profits. These results bolster the importance of AI and cloud computing in today's modern world. Investors are drawn to big tech companies of the future and are eager to add the tech sector to their investment portfolios. But this leads us to ponder if there is such a thing as overweighting an investment portfolio with a particular sector that is delivering high returns.

Can you overweight a portfolio with a particular stock?

Dangers of Overweighting an Investment Portfolio

While overweighting on a well-performing stock over the short term could potentially boost the earnings of a portfolio, it could reduce the overall diversification of a portfolio, making it more vulnerable to market risk.

Inconsistency. Even the most experienced experts cannot accurately predict or time the markets. It is easy to make mistakes and potentially cost the client a fortune. Overweighting could benefit over the short term, but it is risky and could cause losses.

Reduces Diversification. Increasing the percentage of a particular sector or stock in a portfolio reduces the overall diversification and increases risk.

Investors are drawn to big tech companies of the future

We all have a particular stock that we favour, and the potential for high returns is promising. It is easy to want to add a higher percentage of this stock to a portfolio. This could, however, have the adverse effect if this stock suddenly plummets. Unless we are experienced traders buying and selling stock, it is best to stick with diversified funds that grow over the long term.

Rather use a financial advisor who actively manages a portfolio to keep track of sectors and stocks doing well.

Based on Opinion. Analysts or wealth experts have opinions on which stock is a good investment. Investors should consider the views of experts as well as market data, earnings reports, past price performance, profit margin, and company management before making any investment decisions.

Please note, the above is for educational purposes only and does not constitute advice. You should always contact your advisor for a personal consultation. * No liability can be accepted for any actions taken, or refrained from being taken, as a result of reading the above.

deVere France S.a.r.l. are regulated by ANACOFI-CIF and ORIAS which will only

Helen Booth works as a financial adviser for deVere France S.a.r.l and has lived as well as owned property in the Deux-Sèvres region. Having worked in the financial services in the UK for over 15 years, Helen prides herself in being fully diploma-qualified for the services that she provides. Helen has lived and worked in France for over 8 years and enjoys being part of deVere France S.a.r.l., a division of one of the world’s leading independent financial consultancies, deVere Group.

With over $10 billion of funds under its advice and administration and with more than 80,000 clients around the world, deVere Group truly offers a myriad of unique products and notes that are not available anywhere else in the market.

If you

The lump sum payment can cover the loss of income for your family

deVere France can advise you on ways to help safeguard and increase your wealth, as well as helping with HMRC-recognised pension transfers to a Qualified Recognised Overseas Pensions scheme (QROPS) to give you potentially more flexibility in your

Helen Booth DipPFS , EFA : +33 (0) 77 171 2879 : helen.booth@devere-france.fr

Dénomination sociale: deVere France S.a.r.l, RCS B 528949837, 29 Rue Taitbout, 75009, Paris, France. Gérant: Mr. Jason Trowles. Registre avec ANACOFI-CIF (Association Nationale des Conseils Financiers). Nombre enregistré: E008176, association agréée par l’Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Courtier d’assurances ou de réassurance, Catégorie B, inscrit à l’Organisme pour le Registre des Intermédiaires en Assurance (ORIAS) numéro enregistré 12064640. Garantie Financière et Assurance de Responsabilité Civile Professionnelle conformes aux articles L 541-3 du Code Monétaire et Financier et L 512-6 et 512-7 du Code des Assurances. Registered name: deVere France S.a.r.l, registered company number RCS B 528949837, 29 Rue Taitbout, 75009, Paris, France. Gérant: Mr. Jason Trowles. Registered with ANACOFI-CIF (National Association of Financial Advisers). Registered number: E008176, association approved by the

and

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conforms to article L 541-3 of the Monetary and Fiscal Code and L 512-6 and 512-7 of

Nutritious Nourishment

Foods That Will Boost Your Brainpower!

WHY IS IT THAT SOME OF US HAVE THAT NIGGLING FEELING THAT OUR MEMORY ISN’T WHAT IT WAS?

Is memory decline an inevitable part of getting old? Is developing dementia a legitimate worry or do you just have too much going on?

Could it be your diet?

The ‘tip of the tongue’ syndrome is that feeling where you know what you want to say, you just can’t find the right word. Losing the car keys or your card, over and over. Not remembering place names, events, people or procedures. Being told that you don’t pay attention or you don’t listen when you are sure that you are really trying, it’s just so hard to remember.

In our brains we form memories using a substance called acetylcholine. We need to have the right ingredients in the body for acetylcholine to be made. Choline is used to do this and we get it mostly from egg yolks. Choline is also present in liver, animal protein, and fish. There is also some choline in tofu.

Amanda is a registered Naturopath and Nutritional Therapist, specialising in Nutrigenomics, the science of how your DNA is affected by your lifestyle and diet. She works with clients around the world from her Private Online Clinical Practice.

www.amandakingnd.com

Email:nutrition@amanda kingnd.com

Not remembering place names, events, people or procedures

It is very difficult to get enough choline on a vegetarian diet, let alone a vegan diet, but you can and I think definitely should supplement if eating choline-rich foods isn’t possible.

If you are deficient in choline, you will experience memory and concentration issues, brain fog, fatigue, anxiety, and ADHD-like symptoms. I have worked with many children who were, or were about to be, diagnosed with ADHD, who experienced a ‘remission’ when they started supplementing choline. Perhaps it was just a choline deficiency after all.

Some people have what we call SNPs (singular nucleotide polymorphisms) which are genetic mutations on their genes, in particular the gene called PEMT,

du Champ de Foire aux Moutons 86150 L'ISLE JOURDAIN

British Psychological Society Nicholas SEAGRAVE M.B.P.s.S. Psychologue / Psychologist www.psychologist-seagrave.com Maison de Santé

which we can easily test you for with a methylation DNA test. Many people have a need for extra choline and aren’t aware of this, so they more easily develop symptoms when their dietary supply falls short.

Another substance that helps with memory is something called DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) which is something that your body makes from omega-3 fish oils. You can get some omega-3 from plant sources but far and away the best source is oily fish like mackerel, salmon, and sardines. The added bonus with tinned mackerel and sardines is that they are small, portable, and make a great lunch or snack, as do boiled eggs.

converts into sugar, has growing evidence of being a contributor to the development and progression of Alzheimer’s.

(Alzheimer's disease is influenced by a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. While diet is a significant factor, it is one of many.).

It’s not just about what you do eat, it’s also about what you don’t eat.

Ideally children and smaller framed people would eat at least 1 egg a day but larger frames would eat 2-4 eggs a day, especially if active.

Regular exercise, being a part of a community, and spending time with friends and loved ones are also associated with better working memory

“A study published in Nutrients (journal) found that levels of DHA in red blood cells was related to Alzheimer’s risk. Those with the highest levels of DHA had a staggering 49% lower risk of Alzheimer’s related to the lowest DHA group”Mark Hyman

The brain is made of DHA and DHA is also anti-inflammatory. Sugar and empty carbohydrates from bread/wheat/grains contribute to inflammation which could lead to the progression of dementia. Alzheimer’s is now known as type 3 diabetes. Sugar in its many forms (granulated sugar, syrup, glucose or fructose, or in the form of empty carbohydrates like bread, wheat flour, and pasta) which the body easily and readily

Eat liver once a week . Some animal protein every day, we need around 0.8g of protein for each kilo we weigh and if we are active, following a ketogenic diet or weightlifting, we will need more (take professional advice).

I recommend at least 8 vegetables a day with two leafy greens so that you have enough of the right antioxidants that you need to use the choline properly (like PQQ from green peppers) and of course good quality animal fats and olive oil.

Remember also that there are lifestyle factors at play as well as diet. Regular exercise, being a part of a community, and spending time with friends and loved ones are also associated with better working memory and better physical and mental health. So why not join or even start a walking group in your local community and cover all these bases at once.

FOODS THAT DAMAGE MEMORY

Sugar

Wheat

Vegetable oils including sunflower/rapeseed (tournesol/colza) and margarine including ‘cholesterol lowering spreads’

Alcohol

FOODS THAT ENHANCE MEMORY

Eggs in particular the uncooked yolks - cooked is also fine

Liver

Animal protein, ideally organic and/or grass fed.

Fish

Oily fish in particular

Getting out of the Rut

FEELING STUCK IN A RUT IS A COMMON EXPERIENCE THAT MANY PEOPLE FACE AT DIFFERENT POINTS IN THEIR LIVES. THAT UNSETTLING SENSATION OF BEING CAUGHT IN A CYCLE OF MONOTONY, WHERE DAILY ROUTINES FEEL REPETITIVE AND UNFULFILLING… SO HOW DO WE GET OUT OF IT?

This state of stagnation can affect various aspects of life, including career, relationships, and personal growth. Often, it’s accompanied by a sense of frustration and a longing for change, yet finding the motivation or direction to break free can be challenging.

I can’t seem to get out of this rut’

‘My mood has been low for a while now and it doesn’t seem to lift’

‘I feel unmotivated and don’t seem to get around to doing anything’

Sound familiar?

It does to me. These are remarks I hear on a regular basis in the practice room when working with people with dysthymia, the mild chronic form of depression or anhedonia which is the loss of pleasure. There are myriad reasons why one can feel this way and they are worth exploring. We want to understand and create awareness of underlying patterns and for people to change those unhelpful thoughts or patterns so they are able to move forward. Then they can feel generally lighter and more content again. That’s what we do in therapy. There is seldom a quick fix and it can take some time to reset and create more helpful thought patterns or behaviours. Little tricks or shortcuts to cope better in the meantime can come in handy. We still need to have a look at the root of this situation of course, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start moving forward in the meantime.

lighter and more motivated, but also on the many things you have achieved in this relatively short period of time.

ByRafaëlDupré

Originally from Belgium, Rafaël has run private practices in the UK and France, working with individuals or couples on a huge range of issues

rafael@a-therapy.com t. 07 83 23 77 23

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walk then maybe try out a new route or ask a friend to join you. It all adds to the level of success that you experience and thus to the level of contentment.

There is seldom a quick fix and it can take some time to reset and create more helpful thought patterns or behaviours

A critical task can be any task you set for yourself that adds to your quality of life. We don’t need to look too far for this, it can be simply going for a walk, cooking a healthy meal, finally tidying up that room or making a phone call to an old friend. Get yourself a notebook and every morning write down 5 simple tasks you want to accomplish that day. Using pen and paper can seem a bit old-fashioned, but it is actually proven that handwriting feeds into our creativity and generates up to 4 times more ideas. You are also 3 times less likely to be distracted than when you are working on a screen. On top of that, we have a much better retention rate when we write things down than when we work on a screen. You also get to physically cross things off as you complete each critical task. Every time you cross something off, you experience a sense of achievement or success, which in turn gives you a little dopamine hit, one of your feel-good hormones that make you feel lighter and happier.

Making the list in the morning is a form of visualisation. You are literally visualising what your day will look like, what you will achieve and even how content you might feel at the end of the day having crossed off all five critical tasks. It gives you more purpose and direction. It gives you something to look forward to rather than getting lost in the rabbit hole of unhelpful thoughts or worries. You might also surprise yourself and complete your tasks a lot faster than you imagined, which in itself is a success and ensures some extra dopamine to enjoy. When you look at your list at night, you will be able to see what you achieved which may bring a smile. There might have been some difficulties that day and your general situation probably won’t have changed, but you did something well.

One way to break the general apathy and listlessness that many people feel in a fairly short period of time is creating the habit of setting and doing 5 critical tasks every day. Now, it takes time to form a new habit, it doesn’t happen overnight, so it is important to stick to this for at least a month. After this month you can evaluate and look back on not only how you feel

It is important of course that the tasks you set for yourself are achievable, and that they don’t take too much time or energy so you can complete all five by the end of the day. So be kind to yourself and don’t set the bar too high to start with. You can always challenge yourself a bit more once you have made a start and you feel you are on a roll. Also be mindful that you don’t repeat the same task too often, and that elements of your daily routine don’t end up on the list. Try to be a little creative and maybe even adventurous. If one of your tasks is cooking a healthy meal for instance, then maybe choose something to cook you never tried before. If you go for a

What if you don’t complete the list and you have a task left over at the end of the day? There is no need to be hard on yourself and beat yourself up over it. That would undo the feeling of success you worked for, so try to be proud of what you did achieve rather than focussing on what you didn’t. Just move the unaccomplished task to the next day and carry on, one day at the time.

Not only will this little trick benefit your mental health in the immediate future, you might also get on top of some long overdue chores or admin because you are generally more productive. It could very well benefit relationships with your partner, kids, relatives, and friends. As with most things mental health related, small, positive, incremental changes have a ripple effect on your wider well-being and on the people around you. So give it a go and make a start to get on track again to feel more in control of how you feel and definitely feel more content.

Summer Gardens

SUMMER IS OFFICIALLY HERE! SUN AND HEAT ARE THE ORDER OF THE DAY IN MOST AREAS, BUT I WONDER HOW LONG IT WILL BE BEFORE WE ALL RECEIVE DROUGHT WARNINGS!

The start of summer, synonymous with simple outdoor pleasures, has been long-awaited this year, especially following the cold spring which seemed to last forever with strong winds and periods of heavy rain. Now it’s time to enjoy the flavours, textures, colours, and scents that burst out at this time of year, so try to make time to appreciate them.

As we go into summer, watering the garden will become increasingly important to keep our plants healthy, but there is also the imperative to safeguard the planet’s decreasing stored supply of water.

We need to ensure we give our plants the water they really need in a way and at a time best for the plants and the planet. It can be difficult to work out whether to water or not. The easiest way to see if water is really needed is to put your hands into the soil to check how deep water has percolated. Often we think that a rain shower is enough but when we scrape the surface of the soil, it is only wet for a few

ByRonnieOgier

Ronnie is a passionate gardener and now loves sharing her years of experience of success and failures in her own garden and sharing it with you. Also a keen runner, having been bitten by the ‘Couch to 5K’ bug!

millimetres. This is when water is needed, even if it has rained. The other thing to remember is that when the sun shines through a cloudless sky, or even when there is cloud cover, evaporation is strong.

Often we think that a rain shower is enough but when we scrape the surface of the soil, it is only wet for a few millimetres

In order to balance this difficult conundrum –water or no water –there are useful guidelines about watering to reduce wastage and to give best value to the plants:

1. Always water directly at the base of the plants as this cools the base of the plant and gives a better chance to supply the plants’ roots with the water they need.

2. Water in the evening to replenish water lost during the day through evaporation.

3. Save water that has been used in the house for rinsing vegetables, from the shower or from cooking vegetables. Be cautious about using washing-up water as it could be greasy.

4. And, as I regularly advocate, put a thick organic mulch at the base of the plants to help limit evaporation and reduce the frequency of watering.

5. Setting up an automatic drip irrigation system is an efficient, lowcost, and economical way to irrigate, provided that you use a timer and water overnight. This also reduces the chance of plants drying out if you are away from home for a period of time. If watering really isn't your thing then opt for plants with lower water needs such as cactus or succulents. There are some plants which are more drought resistant than others. These include shrubs such as perovskia, ceanothus, buddlhia, and escallonia. These, along with droughtresistant perennials such as euphorbia, sedum, salvias, oesteospernum, lavander, and cineraria, could make your gardening a lot easier. But don't forget that all newly planted plants will need watering to settle in, but then they should last you for many years.

At this time of year our focus needs to be on keeping our flowers going for as long as possible, and so pinching out is important to do in June as it encourages plants to branch out, produce more stems, and therefore more flowers. To pinch out, nip off the stem tip between the thumbnails and index fingernails just above a young pair of leaves. Pinching out the young stems of climbing plants will give them a more compact habit, thicken the base, and force them to branch. Pinching out annuals such as petunias, marigolds, cosmos, nasturtiums, and pelargoniums helps to avoid too much seed production as when seeds are produced the plant thinks that its job is done and no more flowers are needed. Removing faded flowers from perennials, including roses,

will prolong flowering through late summer and into autumn.

From mid-June, secateurs come back into their own as a key tool in the garden, so much so that they will almost become an extension of your hand! Prune all suckers growing at the base of trees and shrubs and remember to remove new growth that appears from the grafting point of roses. Finally, prune shrubs that bloomed in the spring such as spirea, forsythia, and lilac.

Early in the month it’s still not too late to do the ‘Chelsea Chop’. This is the English gardener’s miracle cure! It makes many herbaceous plants grow bushier and it extends their flowering period for as much as four to six weeks, depending on the plant. Plants that receive the Chelsea Chop are not as tall or leggy, so that they may not need supporting. Flowers are smaller but are more numerous, the removal of top shoots encourages branching of laterals.

Then, when the first flowering period is almost over on the shoots you haven’t cut, the buds will start to open on the newly sprouted stems. Many summer and autumn flowering perennials are good candidates for the chop. These plants include Phlox paniculata, Achillea, Campanula, Echinacea, Rudbeckia, and Penstemon.

Early in the month it’s still not too late to do the ‘Chelsea Chop’

It is hard to be this severe with your beloved, freshly-sprouted plant babies, especially when they’ve already grown nice and tall, but it’s worth it. The Chelsea Chop will even stop sedum from getting too heavy and falling apart, as it often tends to do. Once you’ve ‘chopped’ your plants, give them a good drink and throw on a little fertiliser. Oh, and one more thing: you can always try growing new plants from the cuttings. This works particularly well with sedum. Just place the cut shoots in water, and you won't have to wait long for new roots to start growing.

It’s a pruning method carried out at the end of May/beginning of June – around the time of the legendary Chelsea Flower Show in London. For plants like catmint and sedum, which will usually have fallen apart by the end of summer, it will encourage them to stay upright into the autumn. This pruning should be done before the onset of our hotter, drier weather so that it does not overly stress the plant, on average by mid-June. The Chelsea Chop – so how does it work? Using phlox as an example, don’t cut the whole phlox. It would be possible and would make the plant much more compact, but you’d lose out on that long flowering period, which – for me – is the primary benefit. The chop is done in two ways depending on the effect you want. In the first method, clumps of perennials are cut back by one third to one half. This will delay flowering and keep plants shorter and more compact. The second method involves cutting back around a quarter to a half of the stems on a plant - this has the effect of extending the flowering season over a longer period. I prefer to use the second method on my phlox, keeping the plants in bloom for a longer time. Where you’ve cut the phlox it will develop new shoots, and on these new buds will form. That means that not only will your plant become bushier and more sturdy, but you’ll also get a delayed second bloom.

It should be noted that you can’t chop all summer blooming plants. Woody subshrubs do not respond well, and it doesn’t work with all flowers – some examples of that are peonies, columbine, and hydrangeas. And yet again don’t confuse the Chelsea Chop with “normal” pruning, which takes place AFTER the flowering period has finished and will promote a second flush of flowering. Plants which will regularly send up a second flush of flowers if the flower stems are cut back to the ground after flowering include delphiniums, foxgloves, hollyhocks, astrantia, and lupins.

But even in a well stocked and well maintained garden, most of us will find ‘chores’ to get on with - removing side shoots from tomato and aubergine plants, and pinching out courgettes, cucumbers, squash, and melons. By pinching out these plants when they have at least 4 true leaves, just above the first 2 leaves, the plants will branch well. New stems will form - these can also be pinched out, but this time above the third leaf. Repeat the operation once more on the new stems and then let the fruit appear. When they are the size of a marble, prune above the second leaf just after the fruit.

Even though I suggest we should relax and enjoy our gardens now there is still such a lot to do! Happy Gardening!

~ Hedgecutting and paddock mowing

~ Flail mowing for rough/long grass areas

~ All excavations and groundworks undertaken

~ Woodchipper and operator for hire

~ All fencing carried out

~ Patio's, driveways and excavations

Container Gardening

I AM OFTEN ASKED BY NURSERY CUSTOMERS, ‘CAN I GROW THIS PLANT IN A POT’, AND I USUALLY SAY IT IS POSSIBLE TO GROW ANY PLANT IN A POT, BUT SOME ARE MORE SUITABLE THAN OTHERS

Some do not thrive in the restricted root environment, and some are just not decorative enough - for example they may only flower for 3 weeks of the year and then die back, or the foliage is simply not very attractive. To create a display with impact you need to pack your containers with interest for as long as possible. Summer is the time of year when the streets are adorned with pots of flowers, the roundabouts are bright with colour, and the municipal displays are packed with vibrancy. This type of display

is generally made up of annuals and tender perennials because they flower for a very long season and therefore give longlasting colour.

Pack your containers with interest for as long as possible

Tender perennials are plants that live for many years but they do not withstand the frost and the wet weather of the winter outside so they need protection. If you have somewhere frostfree to keep them over winter then it is possible to keep them going for the following year, but they are often leggy

Caroline has been a lecturer in horticulture for 20 years and now runs a nursery and ‘garden craft’ courses in the Haute-Vienne at Le jardin créatif

and less vigorous. Hence why commercially they are produced fresh each year from either seed or cuttings so that the young plants perform well all summer. These types of plants are often referred to as ‘bedding plants’ and include the popular Pelargoniums (commonly referred to as geraniums – although they are related, they are not true geraniums), Petunia, Begonia etc. They originate from warmer climates where they can grow all year round and flower for most of the year. When making up a container of summer bedding plants, the traditional ‘thriller,

Caroline Wright Le jardin créatif

spiller and filler’ arrangement works well for a display full of interest. This refers to choosing three different plants: one that is more upright and striking (thriller), one that trails (spiller), and one that is more spreading and frothy (filler). Common examples of these are:

Thrillers: Aeonium, Cordyline, Nicotiana, Snapdragons, Curly Kale, Dahlia

Spillers: Fuchsia, Petunia, Surfinia, Nasturtium

Fillers: Pelargonium, Begonia, Nemesia & Diascia, Cuphea

For more permanent container displays you need to choose plants that have a long season of interest and think more about the foliage than the flowers. Herbaceous perennials are not a good choice for planting singularly in containers because their flowering season is often short lived, and they are best grown in borders with other perennials that will give a succession of interest over the growing season.

Evergreen variegated shrubs, Salvia, ornamental grasses, succulents, and palms are a better choice because they will be more decorative over a long period of time.

Herbs are good in containers because you can have them by the front door so that they are handy to gather for cooking. Vegetables generally need good root space and can be short-lived and most are not really suitable for containers, but curly kale has colourful, frilly foliage and can be grown for its decorative appearance mixed with summer bedding plants - I have found that this is also a good way to avoid

flea beetle so you can harvest the leaves when the display is over.

Some fruits are suitable in containers, particularly citrus fruits and olives that need winter protection.

The choice of container will be down to the size of the plant and your budget. Plastic containers are a cheaper option and they are lightweight and much easier to move around, while ceramic containers are more decorative but tend to be more expensive and can be very heavy so if you are planting them up with something that needs to be brought in for protection for the winter they may not be the best choice. Wooden planters are somewhere in between, price and weight wise, but they tend to rot after a few years as they are constantly wet. You can use upcycled or ‘repurposed’ containers such as pots and pans and old cauldrons, but they will need adequate drainage holes drilling in the bottom and metal containers can get very hot if they are out in the sun which can kill the roots of the plants, so metal containers are best where they do not get the extreme heat of the afternoon sun on them. To drill holes in the base of repurposed ceramic pots you will need to use a special drill bit for ceramics and glass. I love to have fun planting up old tea pots and jugs with succulents that can cope with a very limited root zone and tolerate being dry. Always use a good quality potting compost and, if possible, add some slow-release fertiliser; plants growing in limited root zones will quickly run out of nutrients. If

this happens they will become stunted, the leaves will go pale, and they will not flower or fruit well. Alternatively, you can use a liquid feed such as a tomato feed once a week during the growing season. If possible they will need to go into a bigger pot each year at the start of the growing season with some fresh compost, but if you are unable to pot them on, they will need top dressing with a fresh layer of compost and fertiliser. If possible, remove the top couple of inches of the old compost before doing this.

Never use garden soil or manure in a container

Never use garden soil or manure in a container. Manure is too harsh. You can use sterilised soil mixed into the potting compost which is beneficial for permanent planters because the clay in the soil helps to stabilise the medium and holds onto nutrients and water, but no more than 30% of the overall volume. Fresh garden soil will contain weed seeds, pests, and diseases, and should be avoided. Soil is sterilised traditionally by steaming it to make the ‘John Innes’ type compost blends. It is possible to do this in an oven at home by putting damp soil into an old oven dish, cover with tin foil, and ‘bake’ for 20 minutes at 80 degrees! Watering is often the main issue. The compost will dry out very quickly in summer and you may need to water the containers every day. Use collected rainwater whenever possible, or use grey water such as dishwater. We also have a bucket under the bathroom outlet that collects water from the shower.

nursery and garden are open every Saturday 10h00-16h00 until late October.

The Night Sky

THIS MONTH, WE CELEBRATE THE SUMMER SOLSTICE ON THE 20TH OF JUNE AND VIEW SOME BEAUTIFUL SUMMERTIME CELESTIAL SIGHTS

At 22h50 the Sun will be positioned at its farthest north point in the stars and in astronomical terms it marks the start of summer. This lasts until the autumnal equinox in September. We can enjoy the beautiful asterism 'The Summer Triangle' all month. It is an easy triangular pattern formed by the bright stars Denab (in Cygnus), Vega (in Lyra), and Altair (in Aquila). This triangular pattern can help to point the way towards many other summer constellations. We can enjoy the return of the planets Mercury, Mars, and Jupiter this month. Read on for more details of when and where to try to spot them. There will also be a conjunction of Jupiter and Mercury to look for on the 4th of the month. June is the time to look out for the very special annual event 'On The Moon Again'. You can search online or follow the group on Facebook www.facebook.com/onthemoonagain to find out if there is an event being hosted in your location. This international astronomy event is planned during the weekend which falls closest to the anniversary of the first Moon landing date. This year the event will run from 14th to 16th June. It is a fun way to share a little astronomy with others and learn while observing. I have hosted a number of these events in our own village during the last few years.

Moon Phases and Observing ideas

New Moon Phase: 6th June at around 13h40

First Quarter Phase: 14th 6h20

Full Moon Phase: 22nd just after 2h00

Last Quarter Phase: 28th just before 23h00.

We could have the chance to observe an interesting conjunction between the planets Jupiter and Mercury this month. This could be visible in the morning of the 4th, after 11h00, and only 12 degrees away from the Sun. As this is a daylight conjunction it will be necessary to use good binoculars or a small telescope to observe. Both Mercury and Jupiter are bright so if you can, find them as they rise in the early hours and follow them during the morning as they seem to move closer together. Do not look directly at the sun with your eyes or any type of observing equipment.

Planets this Month

ClaireWardlaw

14-16

June

2024

Claire Wardlaw, originally from Edinburgh, lives in the Charente with her husband. Since their move to France, Claire has become passionate about astronomy

Mercury will be best viewed in the evening sky at the end of June.

Mars will rise almost three hours before sunrise so, if you are up and about, look for it on the eastern horizon towards the end of the month.

Jupiter is getting better every month now and may be seen close to Mars on the 4th, as mentioned above, looking southeast.

Astronomy Jargon Buster : Solstice

This triangular pattern can help to point the way towards many other summer constellations

The solstice (combining the Latin words sol for “Sun” and sistere for “To Stand Still”) is the point where the Sun appears to reach either its highest or lowest point in the sky for the year and thus ancient astronomers came to know the day as one where the Sun appeared to stand still. The two solstices happen in June (20th or 21st) and December (21st or 22nd). These are the days when the Sun's path in the sky is the farthest north or south from the equator. A hemisphere's winter solstice is the shortest day of the year and its summer solstice the year's longest day.

A few of the planets are improving for observation this month:

Happy Star Gazing!

Geminiano Montanari (1st June 1633 – 13th October 1687) was an Italian astronomer, lens-maker, and proponent of the experimental approach to science. He was a member of various learned academies, notably the Accademia dei Gelati. Montanari's famous students include Domenico Guglielmini, Francesco Bianchini, Gianantonio Davia, and Luigi Ferdinando Marsili.

He is best known for his observation, made around 1667, that the second-brightest star (called Algol as derived

from its name in Arabic) in the constellation of Perseus varied in brightness. It is likely that others had observed this effect before, but Montanari was the first named astronomer to record it. The star's names in Arabic, Hebrew, and other languages, all of which have a meaning of "ghoul" or "demon", imply that its unusual behaviour had long been recognised.

HISTORY

Les Amis des Animaux

THIS YEAR SEES THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF ASSOCIATION - OUR MISSION IS TO HELP ABANDONED, UNWANTED AND “DIFFICULT TO HELP” DOGS AND CATS FIND A NEW HOME

We are dedicated to helping reduce the animal abandonment problem in France by providing a compassionate and complete service for dogs and cats that are abandoned, unwanted, and in greatest need. We are also committed to providing animal welfare education.

At the heart of all of this is our community of fosterers who are our lifeblood. We do not have a refuge, kennels or a large home which can house several animals all at the same time. We rely utterly and absolutely on the kindheartedness of our selfless fosterers who will take in neonate puppies and kittens, older puppies and kittens, and adult cats and dogs with chronic conditions or who are simply in their twilight years.

are 11 cats in lifetime foster care and 94 were adopted into their new lives. Les Amis will rehome anywhere in France to suitable homes.

By Anne Grose

If you are looking for a dog or cat to join your family either as a fosterling or as a permanent member, we would love to hear from you

Last year 300 dogs were taken into foster care. 221 were found new homes and 79 have stayed in lifetime foster care. There

So, if you are looking for a dog or cat to join your family either as a fosterling or as a permanent member, we would love to hear from you. All dogs arriving under the Les Amis care spend some time in foster care, regardless of age or history. This allows us to deal with any immediate medical issues –including vaccinations, clearing parasites, and sterilisation - assess what they know and start the training process, and better understand each dog and their needs. We then prepare a profile for each dog covering what they are like and the type of environment that would best suit them, which is then shown on our website. This will help you choose the right dog for your situation.

Join our “Be My Friend” scheme to support lifetime foster dogs and cats, for as little as 5€ a month

All this, of course, costs money, and whilst we do ask for an adoption contribution to help cover the basic costs of preparing them for their new home, these do not cover all of our expenses, which last year amounted to €170,000. Obviously without funds we cannot continue with our work so we have a variety of ways in which people can help us. The “Be My Friend” scheme was launched last year to support the lifetime foster dogs and cats in our care. For a monthly donation of as little as 5€ you can become a friend and help with the costs. We also run a weekly auction on Facebook which started back in 2020. Every week, fantastic quality items are auctioned that range from gold, silver, and costume jewellery, household items, and clothes, up to artwork and dog and cat items. Donations of new or nearly-new quality items are always welcomed. Please visit our website to find out all about us, see the animals, and what you can do to help.

www.lesamisdesanimaux.com

Visit our Les Amis des Animaux Auction Page on Facebook and join our weekly fundraising auctions!

Nocturnal Navigators

WE USUALLY ARE AWARE OF THESE BEAUTIFUL MAMMALS ONLY WHEN THEY FLY AROUND OUR EVENING PICNIC AT THE END OF A WARM SUMMER’S DAY

They confuse us with their different sizes, and they move so fast and are no more than silhouettes that to most of us they remain a mystery, even though we can clearly see them, so what more can we know?

But I’m frightened of bats

An awful lot of fallacies surround bats. They are blind (in fact, all bats can see very well); they hunt by radar (many use sonar echo-location to pursue their prey, but others hunt by eye); they easily get tangled in ladies’ hair (no bat worth its salt would ever get into that situation); they drink human blood (there are three bat species that drink blood, all tropical, and they prefer animal blood anyway); they spread rabies (there is only one known proven case of anyone so infected by a bat); they are harbingers of evil and bring a curse on any house they enter (oh, come on!). Be assured, if a bat gets into the living-part of your house, it will be very keen to leave. Open a window for it and it will fly straight out!

They do like churches, though. In the church where I was churchwarden a longeared bat would regularly enliven the service by flying up and down the aisle during the sermon. The vicar was most put out when I told him that the Wildlife and Countryside Act prevented him from doing anything about it. My suggestion that he emulate St Francis and preach to the bat did not improve his temper.

Bats are the only mammals that can truly fly, although one or two others can glide. They are not related to mice but occupy their own order Chiroptera (hand-wing), so named as their delicate and extraordinary wings are formed by membranes stretched across the fingers of the forelimbs.

Where do they live, and for how long?

ByMikeGeorge

Mike George is our regular contributor on wildlife and the countryside in France. He is a geologist and naturalist, living in the Jurassic area of the Charente

Some live for up to 30 years. They only bear one pup every mating, however, and this is very vulnerable until it has matured, so the rate of increase in any bat colony is relatively slow even under ideal conditions.

It is by no means impossible to house a robust bat colony in your home and not even know it

They live a surprisingly long time. The tiny Pipistrelle can live for 12 years, and the average lifespan is 20 for larger bats.

Bats roost in any suitable shelter they can find. It is by no means impossible to house a robust bat colony in your home and not even know it, especially if you have an undeveloped grenier. They can foul buildings, but only slightly. Their droppings are dry and odourless, but their urine can be a problem. In St Paul’s Cathedral, there was one spot on a side-aisle where a dark, wet stain kept appearing on the reputed site of a martyrdom – the martyr’s phantom blood, of course! Dr Buckland, the eccentric 19th

The Grey Long-eared Bat Plecotus austriacus hunting in a forest, one of our largest bats, and feeds mainly on moths

century naturalist, was shown the spot. He knelt down, applied his tongue to the stain, and pronounced that it was bats’ urine!

Incidentally, if you find droppings and you cannot tell whether they are from mice or bats (they do look very similar), the way to tell is to take the dry droppings, place them in the palm of your hand with the sun shining over your shoulder, and rub the droppings to powder with the finger of your other hand. Bat droppings will sparkle because of the fragments of chitin from the bodies of the insects they have eaten; mouse droppings will not. It sounds far-fetched, but I have done it and it works.

Bats destroy an enormous amount of pest insects – they have to consume their bodyweight in insects every night. A largish insectivorous bat can eat 1,200

mosquitoes in an hour. These bats tend to use echo-location to pinpoint their prey –ultrasonic pulses are emitted whose echo the bat can detect. However, this is by no means infallible. Some moths can emit their own sound pulses to interfere with the system. In Cyprus I watched bats, spot-lit by sodium lights, pursuing large, succulent-looking moths but swerving aside at the last moment, evidently confused by the moth’s sonar defence.

The Greater Horseshoe bat Rhinolophus ferrumequinum is the largest of the European horseshoe bats, the curious face configuration is an adaptation to improve echo-location

Arctic and Antarctic regions. Which are we likely to see in our corner of France? I list below the likeliest bats that you may encounter in Northern Aquitaine.

Bats destroy an enormous amount of pest insects –they have to consume their body-weight in insects every night

So what bats might we see?

Bats account for almost one quarter of the 1,100 mammal species on earth. They are found in all parts of the world except the

Horseshoe Bats (Greater and Lesser) are the largest, but are sadly in decline and becoming scarce. The Greater Horseshoe Bat is described as having a butterfly-like flight and is said to glide frequently. It can have a wingspan up to 35 cm (that’s about 14 inches in old money) making it quite a large animal. If you see the face up close, you will not mistake the horseshoe-like fold around the nose, which is an adaptation to improve the bat’s echo-location signal.

Long-eared Bats (Grey and Brown) are also large bats, comparable with the

Daubenton's Bat Myotis daubentonii and Brown Long-eared Bat Plecotus auritus overwintering in a military fort

Flying Pipistrelle bat Pipistrellus pipistrellus hunting in the wooden attic of a city church

Horseshoe Bats in size. Their distinguishing characteristic, not surprisingly, is that they have unusually long ears (the Brown Long-eared Bat can have 4cm long ears), with a prominent tragus (a vertical spike) sticking up in the aperture. Again, this is all an aid to their echo-location. The larger Grey Long-eared Bat is somewhat in decline.

The Noctule is a largish bat, up to 40 cm wingspan (but usually much smaller). It is distinctive in that it comes out to hunt an hour earlier than other bats, often with quite a lot of daylight left, and tends to fly high (50 metres or more). It is noticeably reddish. It also produces a loud metallic chirp, separate from its echo-location signal, which many humans can hear.

The Serotine is a moderately large bat, often seen flying at dusk with Swifts. It flies fairly low (lower than a Noctule). It is in some decline in parts of Europe, but in other places can be the dominant bat.

The Common Pipistrelle is the commonest bat throughout Europe, but is showing signs of declining. It is also the smallest bat, not exceeding 24 cm in wingspan. It can continue hunting later into the year than other bats, and is occasionally seen in mid-winter. Its flight is rather jerky, and rarely exceeds 10 metres above ground.

It tends to frequent wetter areas, and has the unusual ability to swim and take-off from water

Daubenton’s Bat is a small bat, slightly larger than the Pipstrelle. It tends to frequent wetter areas, and has the unusual ability to swim and take-off from water. It is also to be found with other bats in hunting groups. It seems, unlike most other bats, to be on the increase.

Wasp nest in a tree. Constructed entirely of chewed wood-fibre, forming a sort of paper. Note the typical grey-striped texture

I have seen specimens of the Brown Longeared Bat and Daubenton’s Bat in my garden (dead, sadly, so I had the leisure to identify them). The Serotine and the Common Pipistrelle are also likely candidates to be part of the evening bat display. There are of course many other species, but these are rare, declining and/or threatened, and only a bat expert would be able to spot them. And indeed, the size and the flightpattern are the only visual clues. The larger ones are likely to be Longeared Bats, but the smaller ones, to the non-expert, just flit around anonymously. The information I have given above is only really useful if you have the bat in your hand and, as a non-licensed person, you shouldn’t be doing that!

To be able to tell them apart reliably requires a clever box of electronics that can render their ultrasonic murmurings audible, and this must be supplemented by the expertise to identify those sounds. It helps to add a computer to display the graphs of the soundwaves and also to analyse them.

Bats can only fly when the temperature is above 8°C. In winter they either mass together for warmth and reduce their activity to a minimum, or hibernate. Some species can even survive being encased in ice for a limited time.

There are few things more relaxing than sitting out on a warm evening in summer, perhaps fortified with some refreshment, and watching the bats flying around you as night approaches. Just think of all the mosquitoes from which they are saving you, and the flying pests they are destroying, and quietly applaud them.

Pipistrelle Bat Pipistrellus pipistrellus held in a human hand to give an indication of size

Natterer's bat Myotis nattereri in flight in a church tower. Note the bat's distinctive white belly

getting connected

STUART WALLACE

THE FRENCH HOUSE

June already? It was only a month ago I was writing a column for May. As you can guess, a work of this quality is written well in advance, so in a way, I’m bringing this to you from the past. Have I invented time travel? It’s not for me to say. But maybe? Anyway dear reader, I hope the future finds you well, Brexit reversed, the world a nicer place than it is now and that someone has please shut down GB News. I’m going to be disappointed aren’t I? Oh well, c’est la vie as they say in these parts.

Don’t forget that if your TV has a threaded connector on the back, usually located next to the traditional aerial socket, then you don’t need/have to purchase a satellite

receiver like a Sky or Freesat box. Having such a connection on your TV means that the cable from the satellite dish can connect directly to your TV. This can be good. However, in many cases the TV will not offer a decent EPG allowing you to see what is on or coming up. This can be bad. It really all boils down to how fussed you are about the channel guide. What is good though is that if you have a decoder built into your TV, it cuts down on the clutter and cabling. This can be especially useful if wall mounting the TV. It also means one less remote control to lose…

Freesat is not the same as Freeview. There really should be no mistake. Yet there often is. If you’re not sure what you are looking at, then if it doesn’t have the threaded connector mentioned above, it’s not able to connect to a satellite dish. So don’t buy it.

What is good though is that if you have a decoder built into your TV

the two bare ends together and covering them in tape. Then to hide the work, it had been placed under a roof tile. Unsurprisingly, the joint didn’t last and caused a loss of signal. If you need to join cables then use proper satellite connectors. A female fitting on each end, a male/male join in the middle and a bit of selfamalgamating tape to keep it dry.

A fellow installer recently sent me a photo of the work of a, er, professional who had extended a TV cable by simply wrapping

Please remember that I no longer cover the same areas as I used to. I cover a 90 mins radius of 79240. Google Maps will help you with this.

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