Latest news

COMPETITION WINNERS! We had so many entries for the competition in September’s edition we decided we had to give more prizes! So we had 6 winners in total, receiving either a hedgehog tracker tunnel or a hedgehog igloo. We were seriously impressed with the imaginative entries! For those of you who didn’t manage to find Twiggs, he was just emerging from A. Robins Construction advert on page 56 of last month’s edition.

IN THE RED

At the time of print, many departments in France are finding themselves in the Zone Rouge, meaning that the virus is actively circulating. On a practical level, the “red” status gives the department authorities additional powers to enforce local rules. For example, a limit on gatherings and closure of places like bars, restaurants, and cinemas. Local rules regards to mask wearing can also be imposed. Make sure you keep up to date with your local

news in your region or check with your local mairie. Just because they can impose rules doesn’t mean they necessarily will.

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE

Stream opera and ballet content online from the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. to yours while their stages are closed. Opera and ballet productions cost £3 to view, and are streamed for 30 days. www.roh.org.uk

FURTHER DELAYS FOR THE ONLINE PORTAL

It didn’t come as too much of a surprise to hear of a further delay on the launch of the new residency card application website. The initial launch was due for July of this year but at the end of June it was announced that the 1st October would be the new launch date. A further delay has just been advised, although it is expected to be only another two weeks, with a planned launch date of the 15th October. It is reported that the delay has been caused by difficulties with scheduling a slot at the Conseil d’Etat, who need to validate the decree on the details of applications, for example, what documents Britons will need to provide. The British Embassy has asked the French government if it is possible to also extend the final deadline for residency card applications, which is currently set at the 30th June 2021, to compensate for the time already lost due to the delay. The new website will be accessible on the address below, click on the ‘Brexit’ option: http://invite.contacts-demarches.interieur.gouv.fr/

ARMED FORCES, VETERANS & THEIR FAMILIES

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity exists to relieve the need, suffering and distress amongst the Armed Forces, veterans and their families in order to support their independence and dignity. The support covers both regulars and reserves in the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the British Army and the Royal Air Force and their families, including anyone who has completed National Service. They are entitled to lifelong support from SSAFA, no matter how they have served. SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity was recently awarded a grant to work alongside the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to assist British nationals in countries across Europe as Britain exits the EU. To receive support or to find out more about assistance with your application to remain living in the European Union, please email them at: UKVIE.Support@ssafa.org.uk or call 0805 119 617. For more information on SSAFA France or to volunteer, contact 05 53 24 92 38 or email the French branch at France.branch@ssafa.org.uk . You can find them on Twitter and Facebook.