The Quercy Local 1013

November – February 2014 Issue 12

uercy Local The

The Region’s FREE English Magazine

Inside: The First Musketeer Healthy Baking for Children Local Birds and Bees Maree Giles – Local Author Wind Turbines in Quercy Seasonal Traditions & Valentine Roman Roads

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the quercy local • 3

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The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

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W

elcome to the winter edition; the edition that sees the end of 2013 and welcomes in 2014.

During 2014 we’ll be busier still as we’re adding new editions to the publishing schedule. Hopefully this will help us keep up with the pace-of-life through the busier warmer months of the year. In the meantime we have the peace and quiet of a Quercy in winter to enjoy.

There’ll be very little rest for those with businesses in the area; the economical difficulties of the last few years have taken a real toll on the viability of many businesses, it’s a credit to all those who’ve worked hard, adapted and gone that extra mile that there’s still so much local enterprise, without this we’d all

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be worse off.

Once more this edition has drawn upon the skills and interests of many people living in the region or with strong links to it. When this magazine first started I wasn’t prepared for the depth or diversity of interest and skill amongst the people that I’d encounter. It’s a constant revelation! Got something to share?

Please do get in touch with us and be part of the 2014 editions.

Whether you are with family over the Christmas and New Year period or celebrating with new friends here in France, everyone involved with The Quercy Local wishes you every ounce of happiness and the greatest of good fortune and health for the coming New Year.

Anna

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CONTENTS p.8 Maree Giles – Born to write p.10 Healthy snacks for children p.12 The first musketeer p.14 The fair weather gardener p.18 Valentine’s day in France p.19 Lovely literature –

Melanie Jones & Samantha Brick p.21 Roman Roads V11 p.24 Feathered friends in winter p.25 Quercy beekeepers

p.26 Funeral customs and the Catacombs p.29 The festive season p.32 English Church – Cahors p.35 A search for ‘old vines’ p.37 Changes to property capital gains tax p.38 Wind turbines p.40 Pink is the new black –

a word from the vineyard p.42 Housing market update

29

Do remember, you can subscribe and get the magazine delivered to your door – see our website: www.quercylocal.com For all advertising or editorial enquiries please email – info@quercylocal.com An online version of this magazine can be read from our website – www.quercylocal.com You can keep in touch following us on twitter @QuercyLocal or befriending us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/quercy.local This magazine is entirely funded by advertising, please do try and support our advertisers whenever possible and do mention that you saw their advert in The Quercy Local.

NOTE – Copy deadlines for the March edition. Editorial - 27th January. Changes and renewal of existing adverts – 6th Feb. New Advertising deadline – 9th Feb (or sooner if lack of space dictates).

Cover picture: Charles Barrett as Porthos – www.firstmusketeer.com

ARBRESERVICES Matt Strawbridge Tree Surgeon Elagueur Arboriste

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The Quercy Local ISSN: 2116-0392. No part of this publication may be copied, used or reproduced without the written consent of the proprietors. No responsibility is accepted for any

claim made by advertisers. All content accepted and printed in good faith. Please check that all advertisers are registered businesses in France or elsewhere in their relevant home country.

The Quercy Local is published by Red Point Publishing Ltd, (reg. in Eng. and Wales, No. 761556) redpointpublishing@gmail.com. It is produced by the Magazine Production Company, West Sussex, UK. Printed by Newman Thomson (UK). Editing in France - Anna Atkinson; Distribution managers (47) – Lorraine & Pete Knowles; UK admin/accounts – Vicky Byram.

Regular contributors; Angela Clohessy, Lisa Stanton, Paola Westbeek, Angie Richards, Caroline Sweeney, John and Debbie Wilson, Jeanne McCaul and Anna Atkinson

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Maree Giles – Born to write All the way from Australia to England and now in France

By Anna Atkinson

L

ife in the Parramatta Girls’ Home in Sydney didn’t leave much room for dreaming. It was a harsh, sadistic regime that brutalised any independent thought from the minds of its cold and hungry young residents. There were many, indefensible, reasons cited for incarcerating these children; some were orphans, children of prisoners, drug addicts, those in need of ‘care and protection’ and those deemed to be exposed to moral danger.

Before finally being closed as a girls’ home in 1973, Parramatta (like many similar Australian ‘care’ homes) formed part of the State’s now shamed process of dehumanising its own vulnerable citizens; leaving generations of children to become known as The Forgotten Australians.

Following this closure it took until 2009 for the then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and later Julia Gillard to issue National apologies to all those people that had been humiliated, degraded and robbed of their childhoods.

Any amount of investigation into the lives of the girls imprisoned in Parramatta makes you wonder how anybody could survive this cruelty and go on to enjoy a happy, fulfilled life. So it may come as a surprise that a former detainee now lives close to Saint Antonin Noble Val, in the Tarn et Garonne.

Now living in her tranquil French home, author Maree Giles hasn’t only survived the home but she’s gone on to use her writing skills to defiantly confront her appalling personal experience and this shameful Australian history.

A literary defiance she started long before the subject of these homes was discussed comfortably and widely or the Australian Government had issued its first apology.

Maree’s experience of Parramatta meant surviving profound injustices, being stripped of her rights, autonomy and familial support; her personality was denied and her integrity continually attacked. Her background was different to many of the girls confined with her; she hadn’t previously suffered life-long abuse, addiction, neglect or criminality.

All of which makes the circumstances leading up to her committal even more astonishing. You can find out more about this stage of her life in her first novel, Invisible The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

Thread, published in 2001 and based on much of this early experience.

This early rub with injustice and powerlessness gave Maree a huge sensitivity for all forms of persecution, power imbalance and inhumane reactions to the different or the weak. Indeed her other novels (Under the Green Moon and The Past is a Secret Country) went on to examine other emotive issues including racism, adoption, custody, poverty and the Australian treatment of the Aboriginal peoples.

The ‘doors-of-opportunity’ that Maree went on to open for herself have helped shroud past events but haven’t removed the deeper scars. In common with other survivors she battles with feelings of guilt, sadness and damage to her self-esteem. The process of writing, whilst proving cathartic, did underline the cruel nature of many of the people she’d encountered in the home, leaving lasting concerns about the natures of some people drawn to the ‘care’ of the vulnerable.

As a young woman Maree was able to leave Australia for New Zealand and train as a journalist; a career which then took her to London where a growing career as a fiction-writer was germinated. Now with award-winning short stories and three successful novels behind her, she continues her writing from her home in France where she’s currently working on a series of writings providing an insight into some of the more humorous Australian idiosyncrasies.

These stories based in the Australian Outback feature a gloriously heroic female who takes herself, in her own modified bus, to try and bring some refinement and etiquette to the outback males!

What‘s more, Maree is now retained as Chief Researcher by the film company now making the film version of Invisible Thread. The film script is to be written by Jan Sardí whose previous scripts have included The Notebook and Shine.

(An Australian film about a pianist who suffers from a breakdown following years spent in an institution.)

Just in case she’s not busy enough, during 2014 Maree plans to return to her love of teaching creative-writing, something she has done throughout her career. Hopefully, next year, she’ll run some classes from her home, so if anyone is interested do email for details.

To discover more about Maree and her writings you can visit www.mareegiles.com and you can make contact on mareemichelgiles@hotmail.co.uk. To find out about Parramatta Girls Home and the plans to preserve its heritage see www.parragirls.org.au

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Healthy Snacks for Children It’s that time of year again. The winter is slowly setting in and soon enough the holidays will be upon us.

No better time than now to get baking with your children. These delicious treats are not only fun to make, but they are nutritious snacks that the whole family will surely love.

Even after a healthy lunch, chances are that after school, your child might need a little refuelling. Instead of offering them highly caloric snacks, why not opt for something wholesome and homemade? The following snacks are filled with fruit and healthy fibre making them the perfect treats for the whole family. And the best part? They’re easy and fun to make together with your children! So put on those aprons and get baking!

Bon Appétit !

Apple Pie Muffins with Spelt Flour and Yogurt

Banana Bread with Walnuts and Crème Fraîche

With their sweet chunks of apple and nutty taste, these muffins will remind you of a slice of homemade apple pie. The spelt flour provides protein, B vitamins and slow burning carbohydrates. Both you and your children are bound to love them!

Nothing smells quite as good as the sweet aroma of banana bread happily baking away in your oven. If stored in an airtight container, this cake will keep in your fridge for up to five days. However, I recommend that you slice it once it’s completely cooled and freeze it in individual portions.

Makes 12 muffins

Makes 10-12 slices

100 g spelt flour, 150 g all-purpose flour 1 tbsp baking powder pinch of salt, 2 tsps cinnamon, 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and diced, 150 ml full-fat yogurt, 50 ml milk, 100 ml sunflower oil, 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 50 g dark brown sugar, 100 g light brown sugar

250 g crème fraîche, 75 g soft butter, 150 g raw demerara sugar, 2 eggs, 2 ripe bananas, mashed, 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract, 175 g whole wheat flour, 75 g all-purpose flour, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, pinch of salt, 90 g walnuts, roughly chopped

Method

Method

Preheat the oven to 200°C and prepare your muffin pan, either with paper liners or by greasing it with a little butter followed by a dusting of flour.

Mix the flours, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in a bowl.

Add in the apples and stir to coat with the mixture. In a jug, whisk the yogurt, milk, oil, eggs and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients and the sugars to the dry ingredients and fold in gently. Divide the batter over the prepared muffin tin and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin (on a wire rack) for five minutes. Remove from the tin and allow to cool completely on the rack.

Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a cake pan with baking paper.

Using a hand-held or standing mixer, beat the crème fraîche, butter and sugar. Add in the eggs one by one while continuing to beat. Add in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract and give everything a final whisk.

In another bowl, combine the flours, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Add the walnuts and stir to combine. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and gently fold to combine.

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a wooden skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into slices.

The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

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Bugs Bunny Carrot Coconut Muffins

www.creancial.fr Makes 12 muffins

Do you have picky eaters who aren’t so keen on eating their vegetables? Let them sink their teeth into one of these delicious carrot-filled muffins and watch them smile! The added coconut makes these muffins unbelievably moist and very hard to resist. They’re not only the perfect snack, but they also happen to make a wonderful breakfast.

150 ml milk, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, 230 g all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, ½ tsp salt, 200 g grated carrots, 70 g desiccated coconut, 1 egg, 110 g dark brown sugar, 70 ml sunflower oil

Method Preheat the oven to 200°C and prepare your muffin pan, either with paper liners or by greasing it with a little butter followed by a dusting of flour. Pour the milk into a measuring jug and add the vinegar. Leave to stand while you get on with the rest of the recipe.

Mix the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in a bowl. Add the carrots and the desiccated coconut and stir well. Add the egg, sugar and oil to the milk and vinegar and whisk well.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry and gently fold in to combine. Divide the batter over the prepared muffin tin and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin (on a wire rack) for five minutes. Remove from the tin and allow to cool completely on the rack.

Paola Westbeek is a food, wine and travel writer with a good dose of joie de vivre. She is passionate about French cooking, old-fashioned chansons, Rembrandt and life. Paola is available for all kinds of recipe development and culinary advice. For more information visit http://inmylife-paola.blogspot.nl/ or contact Paola at pwestbeek@gmail.com.

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The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

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The First Musketeer

By Anna Atkinson

A

s projects go Harriet Sam’s is truly epic; to write and produce a film as a prequel to Alexandre Dumas’ story of The Three Musketeers; creating an original, action-adventure film. The First Musketeer follows Athos (played by Edward Mitchell) from his arrival in Paris and tells the story of how he met the other young men who went on to become France’s best-beloved, romantic and heroic musketeers – the original sword-yielding ‘boy band’.

Once the script was prepared there followed months of work to cast, rehearse, costume and of course finance this feature length film. There was also the issue of making sure the cast could fence and perform effortlessly on horseback, requiring coaching staff and many safety considerations.

With family ties to the Lot area Harriet knew of the many location possibilities in and around the area; so places including Rocamadour, Puy L’Eveque and Bonaguil were identified as suitably atmospheric backdrops for the filming.

During September 2013 the cast and crew arrived in France and a month of filming began. On Sunday 22nd I went along to see some of the filming; a sword-fighting scene in the inner courtyard at the Chateau de Bonaguil.

It was a gloriously sunny day with the brightest of blue skies and the lovely calm that happily descends in the area once the height of the summer has passed.

When I arrived the cast were rehearsing a sword-fight, between Athos and Porthos (played by Charles Barrett, a prize- winning fencer). There seemed to be so much to think about, ensuring that such complex and energetic movements were choreographed precisely whilst staying within the angle of the camera’s shot.

I don’t know why I was surprised to find that there was so much to consider when producing such scenes. Every second had to be considered and examined through the camera’s eye. Sometimes what was needed was a little scattering of straw here or there or the fixing of a little ivy in amongst the stonework. I’m not sure whether it was the shadow creeping across the courtyard or the steady flow of guided and un-guided tourists, wandering into shot, that

The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

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caused the most problems. Perhaps these issues were eclipsed by noise from the cars that were rallying along the other side of the valley; the screeching of engines must have been a real challenge for the sound department!

The Chateau exuded a comfortable dignity with its role as the setting to the costumed cast, technical crew, make-up artists, lighting and sound teams.

Somehow the worn stones, honey-coloured turrets and worn arches seemed to have been always intended to accommodate this simultaneous glimpse into history alongside all this modern and technical know-how.

After filming Harriet will be back in England to edit the film into its final version. This will then be released, hopefully in January 2014 and in common with an increasing number of film producers she is looking to release the film via the internet. Producing a film without the backing of a studio may seem incredibly adventurous, but this route does allow film-makers complete artistic-freedom and control. Releasing films via the internet is becoming increasingly popular, ‘House of Cards’ which picked up a number of awards at the 2013 Emmys had only ever been released directly via the internet!

You can follow the progress of the film and all those involved at www.firstmusketeer.com or @FirstMusketeer on Twitter or finally on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheFirstMusketeer. It would be such a shame to miss seeing the final result of what looks like being a great film. Sign up to the Quercy Local newsletter (from our website) and we will endeavour to keep everyone informed.

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14 • the quercy local

The Fair Weather Gardener

W

hile spring is the busiest season for gardening jobs, there’s actually lots to be done in the autumn too. It’s a time for enjoying gathering your harvest of fruits and vegetables, dividing perennials, pruning shrubs, trees and climbing roses, and generally tidying up your garden and preparing it for next year.

But what about those people who love gardening, and who will, if they must, endure a bit of inclement weather in order to do what’s necessary, but who, quite honestly, prefer to leave their gardening for the nice weather?

What do you do on the rainy days if you wait to do your gardening during those pleasant spells of sunshine that we still enjoy in the autumn and winter in south west France? Or if you charge ahead during the lovely late Indian summer (or l’été indien as it’s called over here) and do as many outdoor tasks as possible, so that when the cold and rain does arrive, you’re able to hold to your determination to stay all cosy and warm inside.

I can almost hear the sighs of disapproval from some readers. Proper gardeners just get on with it, in all weather! Don’t get me wrong, John goes out gardening for our customers in the cold and the rain and I’ve endured my fair share of gardening in the rain as well, but come on, be honest, wouldn’t most of you prefer to be outside when it’s nice? On those bright, crisp autumn days, rather than on those dark, wet ones?

To all of you hard-core gardeners out there, let me reassure you: for my next gardening article, I’ll tackle something far more gritty. For all of you fair-weather gardeners though, this first article is for you: a bit more light-weight and recreational, and focussing on the softer side of gardening!

What can you do on the other days, then? I love gardening. It’s a huge part of my life, both professionally and personally, and even on those days when I’d rather enjoy my garden from the comfort of my arm chair, with a nice cup of tea, looking out through the rainsplattered window, I still want to be doing something horticultural related.

So what jobs can you do?

One of my favourite tasks EVER is flicking through plant and seed catalogues. So go on, put the kettle on, gather a huge pile of catalogues, and indulge yourself in dreaming about all the lovely new varieties you can buy, ready for sowing and planting next year.

The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

While you’re flicking through catalogues, you might as well look at some new gardening equipment supplies too. After all, you can’t have too many nice pairs of gardening gloves, and an extra pair of secateurs is always useful.

While you’re at the planning stage, you can spend as much or as little time as you like devising your crop rotations for your veggie patch. For John, who’s more of a “get out there and do it” type, it’s as simple as remembering what he planted last year and moving it around a bit, but for me, a “let’s talk about it, jot down a few notes, and draw some pretty pictures” type, this task can be stretched out over a number of days, as I indulge myself in the delights of mapping out my roots, alliums, legumes and brassicas.

It makes sense, while you’re planning next year’s crop rotation, to do a quick review of this gardening year just passed. I personally like to keep a gardening note-book, listing all of the plants that we’ve grown, noting which ones have done well and which ones have struggled. Particularly when it come to our vegetable garden, I make a note of all the varieties of fruit and vegetable plants and assess the yield, flavour, texture, resistance to pests and diseases etc. so we can decide if we want to grow them again next year or see if there are other varieties we’d rather try.

Of course, on those really rainy days, you might want to light a nice big fire, make yourself a brew, and settle down with a gardening book or two. Research plant varieties, gardening techniques and garden design ideas. There are hundreds and thousands of beautiful, fascinating gardening books out there, so go on, develop your horticultural expertise and gain some inspiration! Too much choice and don’t know where

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the quercy local • 15

to start? Generally speaking, anything by the RHS is worth a read, from the general titles such as the RHS Gardening Manual and the RHS Encyclopaedia of Gardening, to the specific titles on subjects such as plant propagation, pruning and training etc. We’re also pretty partial to lots of the books we’ve picked up at HDRA (the Henry Doubleday Research Association, “Garden Organic”), where you can find books by Garden Organic authors as well as garden writers from the organic gardening world. A very informative and easily accessible text is Pauline Pears’ HDRA Encyclopaedia of Organic Gardening.

If all of this browsing and reading has left you with a desire to do something a bit more practical, there’s plenty to be done, without having to brave the elements. Windowsill herb gardens, pea shoots grown in seed trays, and mushroom-growing kits are all good fun, or grab the nearest child and draw faces on empty egg shells to sow mustard and cress seed heads. It won’t be long before the New Year is here and you can get stuck into the more serious stuff of early sowing.

Once the festive season has passed, when it’s still too cold to spend much time outdoors, you can set yourself up with a sowing station for all of the early sowing varieties (chillies, peppers, tomatoes, aubergines, first year flower perennials etc.) which you can then bring on in a small heated propagator. I don’t know about you, but I think these French wipe-down oilskin table cloths are ideal for this sort of indoor gardening.

For those who have had enough of sitting around indoors and want to venture out a bit, there are some semi-outdoors jobs you can do, where you’re outside but undercover. Thoroughly clean out and disinfect the chicken shed; clean your cold frame and greenhouse; tidy your tool shed; clean and maintain your tools; service your lawn mower, hedge trimmers, strimmer etc.

Of course, we’re not suggesting that these jobs are only done at this time of year. John sharpens his secateurs practically every day, and we pride ourselves on the welcoming environment of our chicken house!

Finally, for those who aren’t convinced by my fairweather approach, then feel free to get out there and get on with as much leaf clearing, digging, pruning and planting as you like!

Find Us Now At 3 Rue De Pelisserie Open Sunday Market hours and Thursday, Friday, Saturday afternoons SEE YOU SOON

John and Debbie (Le Jardin des Espiemonts) lejardindesespiemonts@gmail.com, 05 63 64 68 76

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The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

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The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

18 • the quercy local

Valentine’s Day

Usually February is a fairly dark and dull month and so maybe this year we should all aim to make a little more of Valentine’s Day! Spoil ourselves a little, revise an old custom or create a new one, above all make this a date to look forward to.

Valentine’s Day in France France is one of the most romantic places on Earth and French is the language of love, so there can be no better place and language in which to celebrate Valentine’s Day. By A Clohessy

F

rance is one of the most romantic places on Earth and French is the language of love, so there can be no better place and language in which to celebrate Valentine’s Day. To some it will be no surprise that a country regarded as one of the most romantic in the world should have invented Valentine’s Day. On the other hand, the history of the holiday is not clear enough to say with certainty that the holiday originated in France.

The origins of romantic St. Valentine’s Day St. Valentine’s Day and romantic France go hand in hand, though England has a role to play in establishing the connection of St. Valentine with love. There are, of course, many myths and legends swirling around the origins. In the middle Ages, the exchange of love letters and love tokens on Valentine’s Day is thought to have originated with the start of the mating season for birds. Soon it was the turn of the troubadours and poets in the 14th and 15th centuries who extolled the virtues of courtly love.

In Paris a High Court of Love was established on Valentine’s Day in 1400. The court dealt with love contracts and betrayals with judges selected by women on the basis of a poetry reading.

The earliest surviving valentine itself is a 15th-century poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife as he languished in the Tower of London. He had been captured after the Battle of Agincourt in 1415 and rather sadly and pensively wrote to her: “I am already sick of love, my very gentle Valentine.” These love letters are thought to have become cartes d’amitiés what are now known as Valentine’s Day cards.

The French also invented a particular Valentine’s Day custom called ‘drawing for’. Unmarried people gathered in houses facing each other and called the name of their chosen partner through the windows. It all seemed very The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

romantic, but the charm was spoilt when a man decided his choice didn’t come up to scratch and proceeded to desert his Valentine.

Naturally, the women retaliated and the custom developed of building a huge bonfire where they burnt the image of the now hated male while yelling abuse.

It became a rather embarrassing heated event, so was wisely banned by the French Government.

Today St. Valentine’s Day is celebrated throughout France -- a good excuse for some indulgent chocolate and gift buying and a grande bouffe of a meal.

But France has a Valentine Day event nobody else can claim. There’s a little village called St. Valentin, in Indre, in the central Val de Loire Region which makes the most of the February event, celebrating with an annual festival taking place from February 12th to 14th.

This little village has declared itself the ‘Village of Love’.

The village began the idea in the 1960s, and then an enterprising mayor in the 1980s created a Lovers Garden (Jardin des Amoureux) and an annual festival around St. Valentine’s Day. During the St. Valentin Festival, the whole place is decked out with flowers (red roses being the favorite) and the Garden is open for business. You can get married in the garden gazebo, pin your love notes on the Tree of Vows, and plant a tree that will hopefully flourish or commemorate your love on the Tree of Eternal Hearts.

Three days are given over to the festival and the population of 285 swells as the village fills up to celebrate. Apart from getting married, you can get your letters stamped from the St. Valentin post office, watch chocolate makers in full heart depiction mode, buy postcards and special gifts, and of course, this being France, have a very good meal and twirl your partner around the dance floor. There’s also a market and a special church service.

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the quercy local • 19

Loving Literature We are delighted to be highlighting 2 light-hearted books based in the Quercy that ‘lift the lid’ on ‘love’ in the region. Both Samantha’s and Melanie’s novels should be perfect reading for the darker days of winter. We are giving away a copy of each to three lucky readers. To register for the draw, please visit our website www.quercylocal.com and leave your contact details – closing date Feb 14th.

L’Amour Actually

by Melanie Jones Two years into my time living in France I started a blog about our adventures. It was intended as a momento for my children to look back on in years to come but amazingly, within months of starting it, it was getting around a thousand hits a month. There was, it seemed, an unquenchable thirst for tales about France and as disasters (of the funny kind) and mishaps seemed to follow me around, it clearly provided some entertaining reading for my followers.

L’Amour Actually is very loosely based on some of those adventures and mishaps. My publishers call it a fictionalised travel memoir – I think we probably created our very own genre! The best way to describe it is to say that some of it happened, some of it happened but not exactly as I have written it and some of it didn’t happen at all and I leave it up to the reader to decide which. Sometimes, though, truth is stranger than fiction. People who know me will, of course, be able to spot them straight away but despite that, it hasn’t seemed to spoil any of their enjoyment of the book.

The characters are all made up, some vaguely inspired by people I knew in France and elsewhere but for the most part entirely fictional so anyone who knows me, don’t go looking for yourselves in it, because you aren’t there!

I was incredibly fortunately that my publisher, Summersdale, spotted the first few chapters on a writing website and offered me a book deal based on what they had read. That was when the hard work began, not to mention a little bit of self-doubt. Would the rest of it be as good? What if I couldn’t finish it? I was contracted to write around 90,000 words. In the end, it finished at 120,000. Obviously I had far too much to say!

So far, the reviews I have received on Amazon have been unanimously positive and the book has been picked up by around twenty book reviewers who are all in the process of writing their reviews. I just need to sell it to a Hollywood producer now! My next book is well underway but this time it has nothing to do with France.

L’Amour Actually is available online from Amazon in the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, W H Smith and Play.com. You can also find it in paperback in Waterstones and other good bookshops.

About the Author: Melanie Jones I moved to a little hamlet called Le Mas, His work kept him away more each year until he was near Roquecor, with my family in 2004. spending more time away than he was in France and when My children, then aged 8 and 6, went the financial crisis virtually killed off the film and TV industry to school in Valeilles, St Amans du Pech overnight, we reluctantly decided to return to the UK. and then on to College Damira Asperti in I have fond memories of my time in France, not to mention Penne d’Agenais. all the new skills I learned; splitting logs, snake wrangling and After a brief period working for serial cat adopting. I made many new friends, both French and L’Oustal Immobilier in Montaigu de Quercy, I moved on to English, who will be friends for life and the children’s’ language helping my husband run his business. His work in the film and skills will always come in useful. My son is planning to study television industry took him all over the world so he commuted Law and French at university next year and my daughter was the back and forwards from wherever he was filming. TheMiramont plan was de proud recipient of an A level French certificate at the tender age Quercy for him to spend half of the year working and the rest of it in of fourteen.

France but as with many plans, it didn’t quite work out as we We still have our house in France though life and work seem www.aubergedemiramont.com – check opening hours had expected. to prevent us visiting as often as we would like.

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The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

20 • the quercy local

Head Over Heels In France

by Samantha Brick When Samantha Brick’s life started to unravel: her television production company in liquidation, her Kew Gardens cottage sold to pay off her debts, surviving on handouts from mum and dad, she didn’t ever expect to find herself at 36 – penniless and friendless – and on max-strength anti-depressants.

From working with the likes of the Beckhams, Russell Brand and Tess Daly – suddenly the only ‘names’ who still wanted to spend time in her company were her two Old English Sheepdogs – Barney and Ambrose.

But a chance week away in south-west France led to the most unexpected of all turnarounds and it was to change her life forever; she fell for the love of her life when she had a whirlwind holiday romance with gun-toting, stubborn and ever-so-macho Pascal.

Foolishly thinking she could leave the past behind, she (and her beloved dogs) headed to France and into the arms of carpenter Pascal Rubinat. It wasn’t until she moved in to his cottage in the beautiful Lot region in south-west France that she realised how shamefully ill-equipped she was for the country life.

France; her countryside and her inhabitants had no intention of changing for Sam. Albeit reluctantly at first, she had to transform and get to grips with a new way of living. Like Cinderella in reverse, Samantha had to learn to cook, clean, chop wood and keep house, as well as discovering how to be a step-mum to Pascal’s know-it-all ten-year-old son, finding love and happiness along the way.

Throughout the memoir of Sam’s first year in France, it’s clear that while they are head over heels in love, they rub each other up the wrong way constantly. Opposites attract? They’re living testimony…they even bickered over the signing of the wedding certificate. After less than a year of getting to grips with running a French household, Sam’s memoirs conclude with a wedding – a ‘franglais’ ceremony that her village will remember for a long time!

Samantha’s book can be found in good bookshops and easily via Amazon.

About the Author: Samantha Brick Pre la vie francaise, I worked full-time in television for sixteen years, producing TV shows in the UK & the US. I’ve created and produced award-winning documentaries and reality shows for every major channel, including ITV, BBC & Channel 4 in the UK and in the US MTV & Fox. Today I’m more well-known for being a regular contributor to the Daily Mail, Daily Express, You Magazine and Grazia. I also frequently participate in television and radio broadcasts. You can imagine then, what a change in lifestyle it was for me to live in the middle of nowhere!

You may know me for a now infamous piece I had published in the Daily Mail in April 2012, outlandishly titled (not my words I promise!) ‘There are downsides to looking this pretty: Why women hate me for being beautiful’. I naively, tentatively, started writing after I moved to France, because I could think of no other way I could earn a living. I didn’t speak French fluently and ideally, because of my stepfamily, needed to work from home.

I actually assumed no one would be interested in a washed-up telly executive. How wrong I was!

Would I have chosen to live in a department called the Lot? The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

Before I met my husband Pascal, and discovered its ruggedness and wild beauty I have to confess I’d never even heard of it before – much less fancied living in the middle of nowhere.

Pre-2007 the only places I frequented in France were Cannes and St Tropez – for work and play respectively. Yet the Lot is extremely seductive – and I didn’t just fall for Pascal I also fell for its Cahors wine, endless fields of sunflowers and enchanting buttery stone farmhouses.

I was soon to learn I wasn’t only swapping an urban lifestyle for the countryside, I had to rediscover how daily life functioned – French style, in Gindou – a teeny tiny Lotois village with just 300 inhabitants. My husband Pascal is an artisan carpenter specialising in restoring the types of properties us Brits fall in love with. It’s thanks to him I’ve got to know the Lot’s breathtakingly picturesque villages – those that run along the river La Masse, not to mention Prayssac, Puy L’Eveque and of course Cahors -all towns which have flourished along the river Lot. I now know my cèpes – and when and where to pick them.

I’m familiar with the hunting tracks of the sanglier and chevreuil with whom we also share the land around our property. Truthfully, I now adore it here – and as the Lot is in the foothills of the Massif Centrale and hilly, I no longer need a gym membership to keep myself fit!

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the quercy local • 21

ROMAN ROADS PART VII

By Angela Richards

T

his has been a rather difficult year with torrential rain during the spring and suddenly a very hot start to the summer, both of which have made walking difficult. We did several outings over the last few months mostly to try and fill in the gaps in our route in the areas north of Couloussac and north of Belmontet.

We are now fairly convinced that we have found a prime target with a very old track that appears to be medieval (though it could be Roman underneath), that works its way across our gap and ends up going straight on at the Pech Bely Crossroads on the D41. Apart from an area of 500 metres this hopefully tidies up the Couloussac gap, though we have discovered many old tracks that cross our Voie going South/North, one of which we believe is also Roman. We traced this for several kilometres to the south near Pervillac and met a local historian called Michel who showed us the site of a ruined church at Sept Albres near Pechbertie dating back to pagan times along with a high plateau that was used as a drop-zone during WW2. We will redo this area at a later date and hope that Michel and friends of Jeanne and Keith in Pervillac who gave us the use of their barn for our picnic, will be able to join us.

In the Belmontet/Caux area we believe we have found a strong contender which connects our Voie with the D656 via Rouby, Caux and Lamourie.

As our search area was right on the border of two communes this meant studying old maps, some of which were photos that we took of the Napoleonic maps in the Mairies of Belmontet and Montaigu de Quercy along with others from sites like Geoportail.

However, as nothing looked obvious, our only real way of studying the possibilities was to walk the entire area, which we did on several occasions as a group.

On one outing we decided to follow a track from Caux, passing north of Hebrard, Mascayroles and Vicary continuing along a beautiful chemin all the way to Bovila, but we decided that although old it was not Roman, though definitive proof one way or the other will only be obtained if we dig a trench across it and find datable evidence. While on this outing members of the group had some fun operating an old water pump.

As Lindsay lives very close to our search area she walked her dogs Daisy and Hettie along just about every farm track in the commune and I joined her for a session to go over the best possibilities finally making a decision on one of them.

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22 • the quercy local

Continuing on we joined up with D4, past the crossroads towards the water tower, then turned to the right, past a new build at Lamourie joining up with a track that we had already studied with the group and we eventually reached the D656.

These photos show our main possibility which starts just before the major junction where the Voie coming from Bois de Capitaine splits in several directions. The terrain here is extremely hard and stony so there is no sign of any route for about 500 metres. However, a track then continues north, going slightly downhill through a wood and crosses the possible source of the Bouydoussou, continuing on gently back uphill (all these slopes are less than those around Caux itself). We passed an old chapel which has been converted into habitable accommodation and although we called out there was no sign of the owners and we didn’t like to trespass. We hope to find out more about the site and this church later on. Our route then went past the farm of Rouby (on the right) and we ended up to the northwest of the hamlet of Caux , where there is a beautiful old stone cross and a barn made out of recycled stones – some of them very large.

The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

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the quercy local • 23

Regular van deliveries to and from the UK

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One of these photos shows the problems that we have where sections of what could be our Voie are being gradually destroyed by ploughing. We were forced to walk just about in the hedge area as so little of the Voie was left.

So we have arrived next to the D656 and our search followed the dotted lines shown on the maps. Hardly any evidence survives of the Voie for the next 8 kms as this was destroyed when the modern road was constructed and then straightened in recent times.

We were fortunate to meet up with a local farmer who believes that this section is indeed Roman and as he owns land near the hamlet of Mourgues, he gave us his contact information ready for the day that we get permission to do a test trench on a section that goes through his fields. There were other short sections visible near the turn for Fargues.

The next article will detail the area south of Sauzet where our Voie meets the more famous ‘Clermontoise’ with the source of the River Seoune right nearby.

Report by Angie Richards, angerichards@aol.com To advertise with us email info@quercylocal.com

The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

24 • birds & bees in Quercy

Feathered friends in Winter Written and illustrated by David Beddow davidmbeddow@gmail.com

S

houting ‘Tits on the table’ has finally stopped my girlfriend looking first horror struck and then relieved as I dash passed her to the window to survey what birds have landed on the bird table.

In the last few months I have enjoyed looking out for migratory birds as they head south for the winter. My personal highlight of the autumn was when working on the roof I was drawn by the rolling purr of Bee-eaters.

I was amazed to see over 30 hawking for insects right above me. Next to the Kingfishers they are the most colourful of European birds with their bright yellow throat, blue breast and red-brown crown.

The colder weather brings our winter visitors. To my mind one of the best forms of bird watching is looking out on a well-stocked bird table with binoculars and a bird identification book to hand. The bird table provides an opportunity to see some of the most beautiful and unusual birds at close quarters and to study their habits and characters.

A bird table can be anything – an upturned barrel, a few planks on top of a post or even a log on the ground.

The most important thing is to keep it well stocked with food and water – especially when snow is on the ground. The right food is also important as different birds eat different food. If you only put out sunflower seeds you will only attract the heavier beaked finches which are able to break in to the kernel. A variety of seeds and fruit is best. Most supermarkets sell bags

Linnet

The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

Hawfinch

of mixed seeds specifically for this purpose. Leave out the occasional apple or pear for the softer beaked birds such as thrushes and robins. And if you enjoy Confit de Canard you can make your own bird mix by drizzling the leftover fat over a mix of seeds, nuts, wheat, oats and other animal fat. Let it solidify before putting it out and then watch as birds come to feast on it.

The habitat in which you live will determine what birds you are likely to see over the coming months. In more open areas look out for large flocks of finches including the Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Linnets, Bramblings, Cirl Bunting, Corn Bunting and if lucky, a Rock Sparrow or two. In more wooded areas watchers can expect to see green, greater and lesser-spotted woodpeckers, Siskins, Blackbirds, Finches and cheeky Nuthatches which can dominate the bird table. One of the most exciting birds at the table is the awesome Hawfinch with its massive beak and beady eye.

It is to be expected that small feeding birds will be set upon by larger birds of prey. I’ve noticed a surprising number of Merlins over-wintering locally. If you’re lucky and live in an open area, this most dashing of our small falcons may make a pass at the birds in your garden.

If, however, you live in a wooded area Sparrowhawk surprise attacks are inevitable.

And don’t forget the tits – Blue Tits and Great Tits are the most common but I’m on the lookout for a Coal Tit this year.

Cirl Bunting

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birds & bees in quercy • 25

Quercy Beekeepers

by Jonathon Forrest

W

e always thought that it would be good to keep bees. So when we were invited to a beekeeping talk by Alan Campion we rushed off to Lauzerte to join about fifty others in the Salle de Fete. Alan was over here on holiday and is a bee expert and author of ‘Bees at the bottom of the Garden’ a great introduction to beekeeping. He told us about the basics and also some of the problems that bees now face.

With honeybees now virtually extinct in the wild in England they need all the help that they can get.

For a while we were nervous about all the problems but then last July we took the plunge and bought a hive and have been very lucky with our hive thriving and giving us honey last year and this. If you keep bees you can decide how involved you wish to be. Some people have a hive and leave them pretty much alone to do their own thing and are happy that they are surviving and do not mind if they get honey or not. If, however, you are keen to get some honey you need to be more involved and particularly to be aware of the bees’ tendency to swarm.

Swarming is the bees’ method of creating a new hive. The hive will decide that it is time to swarm and the bees that feed and look after the queen will reduce her food so that she will be thin enough to fly.

The Queen will then lay an egg for a new Queen to be born and then will fly out of the hive with half the workers. These bees will fly around in a great mass and then the queen will land, perhaps on a branch, and all the workers will create a ball around her. Over the next couple of days scout bees will fly off to look at possible places to set up the new hive and will come back and communicate with the others. Neither the queen nor all the bees will look at each site but somehow they decide on the best one and then the queen will fly off with her workers to set up the new home. Of course the chance of this new hive surviving the first winter is not high and it is best if the swarm can be found and looked after by a beekeeper. In the old hive the new queen is born and will get stated with half the workers that are left.

A hive of bees is fascinatingly complex and bees have an amazing communication and navigation system. A bee coming back to the hive is able to tell the others where the food is and the others will be able to go straight there. All the workers are female and there

might be as many as 70,000 in mid-summer. The only males are perhaps a hundred drones that cannot sting, do not make honey, and just eat and wait for a virgin queen. A worker spends three weeks in the dark in the hive as a house bee and then three weeks flying to collect food and then dies.

To start beekeeping we found it was a great help to talk with others and we now have a small informal group of beekeepers and those interested in honeybees that meet from time to time.

Members of the group are always ready to collect a swarm at no charge. If you would like to find out more about beekeeping or have a swarm that you would like collected please get in touch with us at forrestj@pobox.com or tel. 05 63 94 50 62.

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26 • the quercy local

Customs... and then there’s the Catacombs As a funeral director I’m asked many questions ranging from historical customs to modern day procedures. I thought it would be interesting for readers to find out a bit about our funeral history together with reading about some famous burial sites including the Catacombs of Paris. I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed researching and sharing them with you.

Angela Clohessy – Dip. FD MBIFD

Rituals and Traditions Funeral rites are as old as the human race itself. Every culture and civilization has attended to the care of their dead. Each custom has three common threads: * Ceremonies, funeral rites, or rituals * A place for the dead viewed as sacred * Memorials for the deceased Funeral rites are different all over the world although they’ve one common theme – reverence for the deceased. Whether they’re elaborate or just a simple grave marker all cultures celebrate death in their own unique way. As far back as 60,000 BC the dead were buried with ritual and ceremony; research shows that the Neanderthals buried their dead with flowers.

The ‘wake’ became a religious observance in early Christian England. The word ‘wake’ originated from the Middle English term wakien, to be awake or to keep watch; there’s no truth in the idea that people are waiting in case the deceased should ‘wake up’.

Whilst the term originally referred to prayer vigils it’s a term now mostly used for the social gatherings accompanying a funeral.

Death has also been feared and many early burial customs were practiced to appease the spirits that were thought to have caused the death. Such protection rituals vary extensively with time and place, but many are still in use today.

• The custom of shutting the eyes of the deceased is done in an attempt to close a ‘window’ from the living world to the spirit world.

• Covering the face of the deceased with a sheet comes from pagan beliefs that the spirit of the deceased escaped through the mouth.

• In some cultures, the home of the dead was burned or destroyed to keep his spirit from returning; in others the doors were unlocked and windows opened to ensure that the soul was able to escape.

• In 19th century Europe the dead were carried out of the house feet first, in order to prevent the spirit from looking back into the house and beckoning another member of the family to follow him.

The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

• Mirrors were also covered, usually with black crepe, so the soul would not get trapped and not be able to pass to the other side.

• Family photographs were also turned face-down to prevent close relatives and friends of the deceased from being possessed by the spirit of the dead.

Did you know?

• An old funeral rite from the Scottish Highlands is to bury the deceased with a wooden plate resting on his/her chest. On the plate were placed a small amount of earth and salt to represent the future of the deceased. The earth hinted that the body would decay and become one with the earth, while the salt represented the soul, which does not decay.

• Funeral processions don’t enjoy any privileges under traffic regulations and have no special rights of way on roundabouts or at traffic lights. The exception to the rule is when a cortege comes under police control when it’s a very long procession or moving slowly behind a horse drawn hearse.

• People rarely stand still and doff their caps when a funeral passes. There remains, however, a tradition of ‘walking’ a cortege the first or last few yards of the procession, with the funeral director walking in front.

• There used to be mourning customs in UK and these varied from area to area. Wearing black for a period of time (usually 366 days) was one of them, and you did not have a joyous family celebration such as a wedding within one year of the death of a close relative.

• Queen Victoria chose to wear mourning dress for the rest of her life after the death of her husband.

• The tradition of having a ‘sin eater’, who absorbed the sins of the deceased by accepting bread and wine and consuming them by his body before burial has completely disappeared.

• In some Northern areas in the UK neighbours still draw their curtains when funeral cars pass, as a sign of respect for the deceased and of sympathy for the grieving family.

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the quercy local • 27

• In the UK, mourning is a private affair and people don’t feel the need to demonstrate their sorrow as some other cultures do. Funeral services are a celebration of a person’s life and the emphasis is on the deceased’s qualities and good deeds, rather than a demonstration of grief by relatives.

3 famous burial sites in Paris Les Invalides In the 17thcentury, Louis XIV ordered the creation of a home, hospital and resting place for soldiers – L’Hôtel National des Invalides. By the time the project was completed in 1676, it had 15 courtyards, the largest being the Cour d’honneur, used for military parades.

Napoleon’s body was moved to the most prominent location under the dome at Les Invalides in 1861 where many of France’s prominent military generals and leaders are buried. William III of England was so impressed that in 1694 he set out to emulate it with what has since become Greenwich Hospital.

Père-Lachaise In 1804 Père-Lachaise (probably the most famous of Parisian cemeteries) was opened to the public, located on the site of a former Jesuit retreat east of the city.

Plots can be bought in perpetuity or for 50, 30 or 10 years. Unless you die in Paris, or you’re a resident, you can’t be buried there. Famous people buried in Père-Lachaise include Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, Gertrude Stein, Frederic Chopin, and George Sand.

The Catacombs of Paris From the 13th century underground quarries supplied the huge quantities of stone required to build NotreDame Cathedral, the Louvre and city ramparts. This quarrying left empty cavernous areas that were later used to create the eighteenth-century ossuary which became known as the Paris Catacombs.

The Cimetière des Innocents (close to Saint-Eustache church in the Halles district) had been in use as a burial site for almost ten centuries and had become an area of infection a health hazard for local inhabitants. After many complaints, the Council of State passed a decree on 9 Nov. 1785 announcing the closure and emptying of the Cimetière des Innocents.

Work was carried out in the old quarries including, significant masonry work, shoring up of tunnels and the excavation of a stairway adjoining the shaft into which the bones were to be tipped. This relocation of remains began after the blessing and consecration of the site on 7 April 1786, continuing until 1788, always taking place at nightfall according to a ritual involving a procession of priests wearing surplices. They sang

the Office of the Dead as they followed the route of carts loaded with bones covered by black cloths. The site subsequently housed bones from all Parisian cemeteries until 1814.

The Catacombs have aroused curiosity ever since their creation. In 1787, the Comte d’Artois, who became Charles X, went down into the Catacombs accompanied by the ladies of the Court. In 1814, Francis I, Emperor of Austria, who was living in Paris after his part in the defeat of France, was also a visitor and then in 1860, Napoleon III went down into the Catacombs with his son.

The Paris Catacombs reopened in June 2005, after several months of closure for building works.

The lighting has been upgraded, the vaults reinforced and the walls of bones re-erected. The Catacombs have become a tourist site where, in the long maze of dark galleries and narrow passages, visitors can see a tableau of death with bones arranged in displays of questionable taste. ‘Arrête, c’est ici l’empire de la mort’ [Halt, this is the realm of Death ] inscribed above the entrance to the ossuary is just one of an extensive series of maxims, poems and other sacred and profane writings found in this underground world.

Facts and Figures 20m: The depth of the Catacombs, equivalent to a 5-story building 213: The total number of steps during the tour (130 to go down and 83 to reach the exit) 2km: The distance covered by the tour 45 mins: The average duration of the tour 14°C: The constant temperature in the Catacombs 11,000m2: The surface area of the ossuary 800m: The length of the galleries in the ossuary 6-7 million: The number of Parisians whose remains lie in the Catacombs Full details at www.catacombes.paris.fr

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28 • the quercy local

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the quercy local • 29

The Festive Season Of celebrations, rituals and origins

As with so much in our present day, commerce has come to dominate many of our traditional festivities, often obliterating their religious and cultural origins.

This is true of Halloween, Saint Nicolas, Twelfth Night and even Christmas, which seems a pity. How about taking a closer look?

Jeanne McCaul, Lauzerte

A

ll Hallows Eve, commonly known as Halloween, has not only Christian origins, but also pagan, going back all the way to the Roman feast of fruits and seeds, known as Pomona. It was associated with the joy of bringing in the crops, but also with the sadness of bidding farewell to summer, with its warmth and above all, light, and preparing for the long, cold and dark winter. It is also linked to the Celtic feast of Samhain, meaning summer’s end. In short: it was a time to celebrate but also to confront change, an important rite of passage.

All Hallows Eve, celebrated on October 31st, is part of the triple Christian celebration, together with All Saints Day (Hallowmas or Toussaint in French) on November 1st and All Souls Day on November 2nd. References to All Saints Day go back to 609, while the fusion between the different origins and celebrations and determining their dates on the Catholic calendar, took place in 835 and is attributed to Pope Gregory IV. Today, while observant Catholics in some parts of the world still celebrate all three days in succession, most have combined them into one, remembering their departed loved ones in their prayers and bringing flowers, particularly chrysanthemums, to the cemetery on November 1st, while also honoring all the saints. After all, traditionally, in France at any rate, children were baptized with names of saints. No making up names whichever way the parents pleased! Meanwhile, as a result of aggressive marketing, the entire world, or so it seems, participates in Halloween, more often than not without any reference to its religious and ritualistic origins.

It is interesting to note that, as Protestants, the New England Puritans of the USA forbade the celebration of All Hallows Eve and it was not until the huge influx of Irish and Scottish settlers in the 19th Century that Halloween in its present form became popular. Indeed, while Halloween was for a long time supplanted by Guy Fawkes (November 5th) in England, it had been celebrated in Ireland and Scotland without interruption since the Middle Ages.

The central symbol of Halloween, the lantern to light the way in the dark of night and keep mishaps and evil at bay, has become the native American hollowed out and carved pumpkin, first mentioned in 1837, which supplanted both the lantern and the Northern European carved turnip. Meanwhile, black – symbolic of darkness, danger and evil – and orange as the pumpkin with its candle light inside, have become the predominant colors associated with Halloween. Needless to say, the origins of “trick or treat” are equally rooted in religion and ritual, for instance in the medieval custom of “going a-souling”.

Poor people, especially children, would go from house to house collecting “soul cakes” which were prepared and shared among Christians as a means of prayer

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30 • the quercy local

for souls in Purgatory. “Going guising”, a term used in Ireland and Scotland, referred to the tradition of wearing disguise while going from door to door to collect sweets and money. Costumes and masks were worn to make the wearer unrecognizable to the spirits of the dead, who might wish to take revenge on the living. Needless to say, people eagerly responded to the knock on their door as a precaution against misfortune!

Today, Halloween and its monstrous disguises and masks, is associated not with religion or rituals of passage, but with scary stories and horror movies. It has become an opportunity for fun and for children to don costumes and go around collecting sweets and coins, often with no idea why they are doing this.

If you are among those somewhat horrified by the commercial avalanche of Halloween, how about contributing to the UNICEF Trick-or-Treat fundraising organization for humanitarian aid to children in developing countries!

the Savior of humanity. According to some sources, the Christian Saint Nicolas replaced the Greek Poseidon, God of the Sea. Indeed, he is also the Patron Saint of Greece, its navy and of sailors in general. He is the most popular saint after the Virgin Mary and almost as many churches are dedicated to him as to Mary.

Twelfth Night, Day of Kings, Epiphany and the King Cake

Santa Claus and the exchange of gifts The Anglicized Santa Claus is derived from the Dutch “Sinterklaas”, which in turn derives from Sint Nicolaas or Saint Nicholas, who lived from 270 to 343. He was a Roman citizen and the Greek Bishop of Myra, present day Demre in Turkey. Born into a very wealthy family, but orphaned in childhood, he is said to have given his inheritance away and many legends sprung up around the story of his generosity. A favorite one is about saving three young girls from being sold into slavery or prostitution since, as they were poor, they had no dowries and therefore would not find husbands. Saint Nicolas came to their rescue by throwing bags of gold through their window.

These landed in their shoes, or stockings, drying by the fire, giving rise to… you’ve guessed it… our present day Christmas stocking!

Unsurprisingly, Saint Nicholas became the Patron Saint of the poor, the needy and the vulnerable, particularly children, and led to the very popular celebration of Sint Nicolaas/Saint Nicolas, particularly in the Netherlands, Belgium and some Scandinavian countries, on December 6th, his name day.

According to legend, Sinterklaas arrives by boat from Spain with his helpers the “zwarte Piete” – black Peters, his white stallion and a cargo of oranges as gifts to reward good children, who would welcome him by putting hay or carrots in their shoes for his horse. In many households, children receive gifts on Saint Nicholas in his name though, once again, often not knowing why. These are sometimes given instead of gifts at Christmas or, more often, in addition. Actually, it appears that it was the protestant Martin Luther, who replaced the custom of gifts at Saint Nicolas (since Protestants do not venerate the saints) with gifts at Christmas to honor the gift of Jesus as The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

The term Epiphany comes from the Greek Epiphaneia meaning apparition, manifestation, revelation. It is the term used to mark the homage paid to the new born Jesus by the Three Wise Men or Magi, who came to be known as the Three Kings in the 5th Century. Hence it is also referred to as the Day of the Kings. The agreement that this commemoration would officially be celebrated on January 6th was taken as recently as 1801 when a Concordat was signed between Napoleon and Pope Pius VII. January 6th is the 12th day after Christmas, hence Twelfth Night, while the 12 days also represent the 12 months of the year.

The three kings were Caspar, who came from Arabia with a gift of gold, Melchior from Persia, bringing frankincense and Balthazar from India with myrrh.

Significantly, they represent non-Christian peoples, thereby stressing that Jesus came as the Savior of all peoples and of course the “wise” kings understood this.

Once again, the origins of this celebration are said to be found in Roman times, in the feast of Saturnalia, which also influenced some traditional celebrations and customs around Christmas. Saturnalia festivities took place toward the end of December or early January (exact dates vary) in honor of Saturn, the God of agriculture. One of its central ideas was the reversal of roles between master and slave, creating a mock and temporary social equality, which served a number of useful purposes in society. Portions of a cake with a bean hidden in it were served out by the master of the household. A child sitting under the table, whom the master of the house would address as Phoebe and who represented the oracle of Apollo, would call out the name of the person to receive the next portion. The slave who got the portion with the bean was designated king of the day “Saturnalicius princeps” also

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the quercy local • 31

known as the “King of disorder” and gets to throw his weight around for the day, among general partying by the entire household.

Today this festivity is widely celebrated. The French “galette des rois” is shared out very much like in Roman times. It is sliced in as many pieces as there are people at the table, plus one slice, the “part du bon Dieu” or “de la Vièrge” or “du pauvre”, which is reserved for the unexpected guest (originally for the poor). A child calls out the name of the recipient of each piece, one after the other. The person who gets the bean is proclaimed king or queen and chooses a consort.

They don the paper crowns that come with the galette and are allowed whatever caprices come to mind.

Meanwhile, the bean (fève) has been replaced by a charm made of porcelain or plastic, depending on the price and quality of the galette, while still being referred to as the fève. The most handsome ones even become collector’s items and a collector is called a “favophile” During the French Revolution, the “galette des rois” was almost fated to disappear. The National Convention declared that if the day was to be celebrated at all the

cake had to be called le “gâteau de l’égalité”. Needless to say, this attempt at stamping out tradition failed.

The recipe for the cake varies in different countries. In most of France the galette is a flattish cake made of puff pastry, filled with almond paste. In Germany it consists of individual buns stuck together to form a crown and decorated with sultanas, candied lemon and other candied fruits. The Greek “vassilopita” and the Spanish and South American “Rosca de Reyes” also uses candied fruit.

Interestingly, in New Orleans the “king cake” is usually consumed at Mardi Gras as part of Carnival and some sources maintain that the traditional huge Carnival puppets of kings and queens have their origin in the Roman “Saturnalicius princeps”!

Over the centuries traditional festivities evolve and adapt to their times and local conditions and customs. For instance, it is well known that ancient pagan rituals formed the inspiration for Christian festivities as well as influencing the church calendar. Still, it is fascinating to understand something of their origins and comforting to note their historic continuity. “Plus ça change et plus c’est la même chose”.

Cats and cartoonist combine for 2014 charity calendar

M

ontaigu de Quercy based cartoonist, Georges Grammat has created twelve fun illustrations for the 2014 calendar for les amis des chats.

Georges who has worked in animation in Hollywood and Japan, has specifically designed a series of illustrations for each month of the year.

The calendar features a wily old cat with his side-kick mice friends. See him love struck in February, entering the spirit of national music day in June, returning to school in September and trying to relax in front of a fire in November.

Available now from les amis des chats shops in Roquecor and Lauzerte and online at www.les-amis-deschats.com, the calendar is one of the main fundraisers for the charity which works to improve the well-being of stray and pet cats in local villages. Money raised from the sale of calendars goes directly into improving and prolonging the life of pets and strays through a programme of sterilisation and education. Les amis des chats knows that the only way to humanely keep the stray cat population under control and to prevent unwanted kittens is through sterilisation.

Les amis des chats president, Yolande Bishop, said: “By buying this fun and charming calendar people will directly contribute to improving the lives of both stray and pet cats. It makes a great Christmas present or stocking filler and has been designed to allow room to add appointments and anniversaries so is practical and useful too.”

Georges Grammat has also donated the original illustrations to les amis des chats. These are on show and available for sale until Christmas at the Café du Centre in Roquecor.

Calendars, which are priced at just 8e each, can also be purchased by sending a euro cheque to les amis des chats, 82150 Roquecor, France.

Allow 2e for post for each calendar.

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The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

32 • the quercy local

English Church of Midi-Pyrénées & Aude

Update from the Cahors Congregation (please see our website for full contact information) Remembrance Sunday – November 10th at Terre Rouge at 10am

The Twelve Days of Christmas and Epiphany – 25th December to 6th January

At Terre Rouge we always have a traditional Remembrance Sunday service with the 2 minutes silence and the last post. For all enquiries and more information please visit our new website on www.churchinmidipa.com

The Twelve Days of Christmas mark a festival in the Christian calendar starting on Christmas Day (25th December) and ending on Twelfth Night (5th January). The festival period is usually known as Christmastide and is followed by the celebration of Epiphany on 6th January.

December announces Advent, the beginning of the Church Year and the celebration that follows with the birth of Jesus is celebrated here by the Anglican Church with four Carol Services before Christmas– throughout the area of Cahors, north, east and west – hopefully somewhere for everyone to celebrate the joy of Christmas. There is also an Ecumenical Service where all the churches get together for a carol service. Please put these dates in your diary now!

Most of the Carol Services have carols and readings in French and English, they follow the traditional 9 Lessons and Carols format and everyone is welcome – there is wine and mince pies afterwards – a delightful way to spend an afternoon or an evening. The dates and venues are as follows – Remember to wrap up warmly – church buildings can be chilly places, but the welcome will be as warm as toast.

Epiphany, which means to show, is the season when Jesus Christ is shown to be the light of the world. At the first Epiphany, the Wise Men (Magi or Kings) followed the light of the star to Bethlehem to find the Baby Jesus, as reflected in the words of the carol “We three kings of Orient are”. Apart from the church’s celebrations, Epiphany in the UK signals the time to take down all the Christmas decorations for another year but is not otherwise marked.

In France, however, it is the time to eat Galettes du Roi – a wonderfully tasty and fattening cake with almonds and a little fève (decorated bean) lodged inside. Whoever eats the fève becomes the King or Queen and wears the gold crown wrapped around the Galettes du Roi. There will be a service at Terre Rouge on the 5th January 2014 at 10am.

December 8th Ecumenical Service – Cahors – Sacré Coeur: 15.00

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – 18th to 25th January 2014

December 9th Carol Service – Bétaille – Eglise de Saint Georges: 18.00

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity involves Christian communities across the world and from almost every denomination. The Week lasts for 8 days and covers the period from the feast of St Peter to the feast of St Paul.

Many people see it as their duty to pray not just for the unity of Christians but for the unity of all people who are made in God’s image and a desire to achieve unity in a way that enriches rather than diminishes the diversity of local churches.

December 15th Carol Service – Terre Rouge, Cahors: 10.00 December 17th Carol Service* – Le Vigan/Gourdon: 19.00 Gourdon – Eglise de St Pierre December 20th Carol Service – Prayssac – Eglise de Saint Barthélémy: 19.00

*The church in Le Vigan is in the process of restoration so, by very kind permission of Abbé Jean-Pierre Delmas, the Carol Service this year will be held in the St Pierre at Gourdon. It’s at the top of the town opposite the Mairie.

There will also be a service of Holy Communion on Christmas Day at Terre Rouge at 10am For further details on all the above services please visit our website www.churchinmidipa.com

The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

On Monday 20th January 2014 there is a service at the Sacre Coeur in Cahors for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – where Andrew Hawken the Anglican Chaplain of Midi Pyrenees & Aude will be speaking.

Finally we have a new website www.churchinmidipa. org – you can contact your nearest church, see what services we have, read the church magazine, see photos of our activities and put photos to names of people you may have heard of but not met! It is reaching parts we have never reached so far!! A Very Happy Christmas and a peaceful 2014 to all our readers.

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Auberge de Miramont (Chez Bernadette) 82190

A very popular restaurant serving local specialities in lovely, cosy dining-room and in summer on the beautiful terrace.

Great atmosphere and food.

Popular for Great value lunches and special evening meals – reservations recommended Stephane & Karen look forward to welcoming you.

Miramont de Quercy

05 63 94 65 57 / 06 30 64 79 43

www.aubergedemiramont.com – check opening hours

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The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

the quercy local • 35

We need your help!

As The Quercy Local grows we need your help to keep it free and widely available. We deliver over 7000 copies of each issue to 100s of places across the region. If you enjoy the magazine and you’d like to help keep it in your area, please get in touch. Perhaps you’d be happy to deliver a few handfuls of magazines, 5 times a year, to local businesses and associations – we’d simply get a supply delivered to you.

The kind of places where we need help include – Catus, Caylus, Auvillar, Limogne en Quercy, Parisot, Septfonds, Lalbenque, Castelnau Montratier, Luzech, Monpezat de Quercy, Molières, Lafrançaise, Puylaroque – there are many more places so please do contact us, we look forward to hearing from you.

Also we’re gradually introducing display bins into a selection of supermarkets if this proves popular we’ll extend this programme further.

Do please keep an eye out for these – feedback always welcome.

Please help us improve our distribution by completing the short questionnaire on our website. www.quercylocal.com

A search for ‘old vines’

Like many Americans, I was amazed, upon my arrival in France in the early 1990s, at the vast array of wine here. During my childhood, wine only appeared on the table of our second-generation Italian immigrant family at the holidays, and that was a wicker-basket-enclosed Chianti.

by Tom Fiorina

B

efore arriving in France I had worked in journalism, including three years in Washington, DC. That Washington experience led me to a business school with a well-known international marketing program. I befriended three of the French students in the school, and they returned the favor by taking me under their wings when I went to Brussels in 1990 to report about the creation of the Common Market and the integration of health regulations in the then 12-member European Union.

My French friends lived in Paris, and they introduced me to the French woman who I later married. After working in Paris for a number of years and following the arrival of our first son, my rural, western Pennsylvania roots and Italian peasant ancestry began calling to me. I wanted something larger than a 35-square-meter Parisian flat. Somehow I convinced my wife (who had always lived in an apartment) to buy a 22-hectare walnut farm in the Dordogne. My work as a marketing consultant allowed me to play gentleman farmer, and I enjoyed being the only walnut farmer in France with an MBA. But the arrival of our second son, and my wife’s lack of enthusiasm for sending our children to the local school in Montignac, where she taught English, made me accept an offer to work with a high-profile Silicon Valley start-up. If things had gone as planned we would now be living in our villa in Tuscany among vineyards and olive trees. But life is never so simple. The Internet bubble exploded in 2000, and, then, the following year there were much more tragic events in New York City on September 11. We decided to return to Europe, and I found a job in Italy with Europe’s largest Coca-Cola bottler, creating online marketing communication strategies for the 28 countries where it bottled soft drinks.

That job was eliminated in 2007 as Coca-Cola decided to shed 1,000 employees in Europe, and I, along with my wife and our three sons, decided to move to Toulouse. Unable to find a communications position (something about being over age 50), I decided to create a wine blog, The Vine Route, Tom carrying out to begin profiling wine and a ‘sugar analysis’ winemakers in southwestern France. I also have written two wine tourism guides about Corsica (where my wife’s family is from), which received an international award for online wine journalism (which led to my editing the section on Corsican wine in the 2014 edition of Oz Clarke’s Pocket Guide to Wine), and, in June 2012, I became one of the few Americans to have obtained France’s highest wine diploma, the DNO (Diplôme National d’Œnologue).

That I knew virtually nothing about wine when I arrived in France over 20 years ago is just a footnote to my story.

And I’m anxious to continue my personal wine journey by purchasing four or five hectares of old grapevines within two-and-a-half hours of Toulouse (I was never so happy as on our Périgord farm with dirt under my nails).

Word-of-mouth, I’m convinced, is the best way to find the right property. Which is why I would hope that a loyal Quercy Local reader may know of someone who knows someone who might have some old vines that need care and attention. As compensation, you’ll be offered a case of my future wine from my first millésime and a personal milestone on the vine route.

You can contact me (Tom Fiorina) through my wine blog or at tomfiorina@thevineroute.com.

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The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

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the quercy local • 37

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Changes to Property Capital Gains Taxation After much commentary and speculation to the changes to Property Capital Gains Tax over recent months, President Hollande and his government, in early September formally announced the reforms to the taxation of property capital gains in the 2014 Finance Bill.

The reforms are designed to help alleviate the national housing shortage in France by encouraging the release of investment properties onto the main residential market.

The measures will affect both French resident and non-resident owners of French second homes. Capital gains made on the sale of a primary residence by a French-resident owner will not be affected because the main residence exemption will continue to apply.

On 1st February 2012 the previous government introduced a scale of “taper relief” reduction applied to gains in accordance with the length of property ownership. The affect of this was that 100% gain relief was given after 30 years ownership.

This scale was introduced to replace the scale which provided for full relief after 15 years of ownership, however, President Hollande has described this extension as excessive; the new rules will reduce the length of ownership to qualify for 100% relief to 22 years. The new scale for relief is as follows: • Zero relief for the first 5 years of ownership • 6% relief per year after the first 6 years of ownership up to and including year 17 • 4% relief for year 22

This gives full exemption from ‘Social Charges’ on the gain after 30 years.

These new rules come into force with effect from the 1st September 2013, whilst in advance of parliamentary approval of the Finance Bill, the new rules are unlikely to change.

The government has also introduced a limited period additional 25% reduction, on capital gains arising on sales of second homes and investment properties between 1st September 2013 and 31st August 2014. This additional reduction is applied after firstly applying the reduction for the length of ownership as detailed above and is applied against both the Capital Gains Tax and ‘Social Charges’ calculation.

Commentators have remarked that this additional “incentive” to encourage the release of second homes and investment properties onto the general residential market is somewhat at odds with the capital gains “surtax” of up to 6%, on gains exceeding e50,000, after taper relief, which was introduced at the start of 2013 by the Finance Amendment Act. The government has indicated it will “review” the operation and impact of this supplementary tax but it remains to be seen how finance ministers will reconcile their desire to expand the residential property market with their competing desire to optimise tax revenues to reduce the on-going public sector deficit!

Importantly, relief for calculating ‘Social Charges’ on the gain follows a different scale and only becomes fully exempt after 30 years, as followed:

Importantly, for UK Nationals tax resident in France with retained UK ‘secondary’ property; the above new French rules, will also apply on any future sale of the UK property. Particularly as the UK under current rules does not apply UK Capital Gains Tax on none-UK residents; provided you also do not return to become UK resident within 5 years of the sale.

• Zero relief for the first 5 years of ownership • 1.65% relief per year after the first 6 years of ownership up to and including year 21 • 1.6%% relief for year 22 • 9% relief for each year from year 23 to year 30

Peter Wakelin is Regional Manager of Siddalls France, Independent Financial Adviser, specialised in tax, inheritance, pension and investment planning for the British community.

Telephone 05 56 34 75 51, bordeaux.office@siddalls.net. www.siddalls.fr

This gives full exemption from Capital Gains Tax after 22 years.

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The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

38 • the quercy local

Wind Turbines The Quercy, and the whole of France, is threatened by huge industrial wind farms.

T

oday, the Quercy countryside is threatened by a proliferation of huge industrial wind farm projects between 150m and 200m high, with blades sweeping a vertical airspace of up to 1,5 hectares (3.7acres).

My association “Environnement Juste” is working to stop 3 such wind farm projects in the southern Quercy.

One, for an initial 6 turbines is already proposed across the communes of Castelnau Montratier, Sainte Alauzie and Sauvetterre, a second, for up to 10 turbines straddles the communes of Montaigu de Quercy, Saint Matré and Saux right on the borders of Belmontet and Valprionde, a third proposal, for between 4 to 7 turbines is being developed along the borders of Montaigu de Quercy and Valprionde, between Couloussac and Paillas. There will be more!

The deregulation already brought about by the Loi Brotte of the 15th April 2013, which removed the previously established ZDE’s ( wind farm development areas) and reduced the minimum number of turbines from five to just one, has just been greatly increased by two clauses (13 and 14) buried in the 120 pages of a new law (Loi 1341) proposed by the Minister of Economy and Finances in the name of “simplifying red tape for companies”, and passed on first reading by the “Chambre des Députés” on the 2nd October 2013. These clauses establish 6 regions as a pilot scheme giving unprecedented executive powers on wind farm development to the Prefect of each Department, fast tracking planning applications and associated industrial permits, thus bypassing most existing rules and local authority and public opinion.

The development of industrial wind farms has suddenly become much more “financially viable” for speculators/ investors, not because they can produce useful quantities of electricity in very low winded areas such as the Quercy – they can’t and they don’t – but because the guaranteed feed in tariffs, added to the tax breaks on both income and wealth taxes available for investors and the value of the sale of Carbon credits on the world market, has made it so. In France, this feed in price is funded not by the government but by an extra tax on every consumer through a “contribution”, the “CSPE” which can be found, in small print, at the foot of your electricity bill.

In return for your imposed “contribution”, current legislation allows an industrial wind turbine up to two thirds the height of the Eiffel tower or more, to be built just 500 metres from your front door, bringing with it loss of property value, noise pollution, light pollution, and potential health risks. In 2006, when wind generators were half the size, The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

the French “Academie de Medecine” recommended a minimum distance of 1500 metres from dwellings be respected. There is no provision for compensation.

You will have to go to court and fight. People have done so and won. A recent court judgement ordered the demolition of 10 turbines for “degradation of the environment, resulting from a rupture of a bucolic landscape and countryside”.

Our association is fighting to stop this unplanned proliferation which will ruin the French countryside in the name of ‘sustainable development’ but will in fact produce very little electricity and push up prices towards the levels found in Germany, where electricity is over twice as expensive as here. In 2012, industrial wind power represented under 3% of French production while over 10% was exported. Wind power can never replace nuclear or conventional power stations. It would take over 5600 2MW turbines to replace just 1 nuclear power station like Golfech. We want a different approach to renewable energy production, respecting the people and the landscape, and we want a nationwide campaign to reduce energy consumption.

Wind power is not free renewable energy; it is very expensive, very inefficient and intermittent. The latest figures (RTE first six months 2013) show an average efficiency rate of just 20%, compared to the installed power, for the entire French wind farm park. Put another way it is 80% inefficient. Is that a “sustainable development”?

Associations like ours are fighting against this complete waste of public money and erosion of democratic principles, and they need your financial and moral support, and your help. If you would like to help – join us. www.environnement-juste.org Infoline: +33 660 55 66 64 Tim Abady, vice-president, association “Environnement Juste”.

7th October 2013 The Image is 150m high REpower turbine shown next to a very high tension power line pylon. The smallest turbine we would get in the Quercy! Image credit: http://www.repower.de/en/press/media-center/ photo-archive/ Wind project Clauen Germany REpower 3.4M104

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the quercy local • 39

Charity begins at home

Charity Shop for good causes – Beauville 47470

Open: Tues/Wed/Fri 2-4pm, Fri/Sun 10-12am Enquiries: boncoeur@hotmail.co.uk

‘Living in a material world’ means most of us have things in our French homes and wardrobes that are still quite ‘new’ but that we just don’t want anymore.

Doing a spring or autumn clear out is a really great feeling. Blowing the cobwebs away and leaving room for fresh air. Then comes the thought – ‘what do I do with all these things that are definitely too good for the decheterie and good enough to recycle?’

A group of six friends saw potential in this question and got together to find a solution. They created an Association under the French law of 1901, with the minimum of fuss and a cost of 40e. The name for the new association was suggested by a Frenchman who came up with the phrase “...a votre bon coeur” which translates from French to English as ‘thank you kindly’ and this immediately struck a chord as it represented the sentiment and motivation everyone felt. The aims of Bon Coeur are simple: to raise money from the sale of goods that need to find new homes and to donate the money raised to good causes locally.

A room with a view was found in the Place de la Mairie in Beauville (47), and both the owner of the room and the Mairie consented to allowing a shop to operate. The room was painted and brightened and a few shop fittings like shelves, tables, clothes rails, and of course a money box were begged and borrowed. Shop insurance was negotiated, a bank account created and the shop was magnificently opened in June with a full range of really good items, even vintage items, on sale at low prices.

those who open the shop four days a week come rain or shine and to those who take an active part in running the association and finding new ways to source goods and sell them. In the first trimester Bon Coeur has already been able to donate 1500e equally divided between the SPA, Cancer and Alzheimer’s locally. Turning unwanted goods into hard cash that can do good is achievement indeed.

Please come and visit the shop it is open Tues, Wed & Friday 2pm – 4pm, Friday and Sunday 10am until midday, whether to donate or to browse and buy. If you want to support Bon Coeur then membership is only 5e – just pop in and see us in Beauville – we are adjacent to the Restaurant du Midi. A sale of books is also planned for 10 November in the Salle de Fete at Beauville 10 - 3 pm.

Contact boncoeur@hotmail.co.uk

Bon Coeur genuinely says ‘thank you’ to everyone who generously takes the time to donate unwanted clothes, bric-a-brac and books to the shop, to

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The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

40 • the quercy local

Pink

is the New Black!

Domaine des Sangliers is an independent, organic vineyard located in the hills of picturesque Puy-l’Evêque, one of the best terroirs of the Lot valley. We produce organic AOP Cahors, Vin de Pays du Lot and Vin de France red and rosé wines, and aperitifs. Family run, we personally undertake every step of the wine making process, from pruning to corking, all on the estate. Our aim is to achieve the highest quality product, naturally and ethically produced, at fair prices. For further information please visit our website www.domaine-dessangliers.com or find us on Facebook.

Unlucky for Some

The 2013 vintners’ year was a very difficult one in the southwest of France. An exceptionally wet, cold spring made flower set very poor (wine nerds will no-doubt have overheard the term “coulure” at some point this year). We then had a lack of sunshine, followed by a lack of water, followed by an excess of water. Top this off with three separate doses of the dreaded grêle (and it was heavy hail!), throw in some gale force winds and you can imagine the consequences to many crops – not just to the vines. Ooh là là là là là là (as the French would say! Incidentally, for the French, this expression carries no connotation of impropriety, as is often implied when it is used within an English sentence!) Anyway, suffice to say, that this year, we were never happy with the weather!

Fortunately we still had a good show of jolly visitors to keep our spirits up.

Normally, people ask me about red wine (what is organic wine, qualities of different years, grape variety, appellations, tasting, storing, choosing – the list is endless), but this year the trend seemed to be more towards rosé wines.

Rosé

Rosé wine is made from red grapes (with the odd exception, notably rosé champagne); at our property we use 100% malbec. The colour from red grapes is all from the skin; the pulp and juice inside are white. So instead of being left to macerate, as with red wine, the juice is separated from the skins early on. There are two main methods of production: Rosé Saignée The grapes are harvested and placed into the vats for the red wine. The weight of the grapes causes some of the juices to run free; these are bled off (hence the name), by a tap at the bottom of the vat. The longer the juice is in contact with the skin, the darker the colour of the wine produced (the colour also varies according to the grape variety), so the vigneron has control over the colour of the finished product. This method also results in a more concentrated red wine production (as you have lowered the ratio of juice in the must).

Rosé de Pressurage For the rosé pressée, the grapes are tipped directly into le pressoir and pressed.

This results in a much lighter “blush” colour wine being produced. The rest of the wine making process is very similar to the production of red wine (which I have waffled on about in previous editions), although the temperature must be kept lower, to keep the fruitiness at its best.

The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

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the quercy local • 41

French Events @Party in France

Events & Catering Services Planification de Mariage Évènements & Service Restauration Please contact Rosie Paddon for a bespoke service www.partyinfrance.co.uk 0565530332 / 0650554299

Drink Up!

Rosé wines can be dry, semi-dry or sweet. You can find them still, sparkling, and to fit any budget. They are (on the whole) best drunk within 3 years; so don’t buy them to lay down! Drink them chilled or with ice, straight or as a spritzer. Food pairing is as unlimited as your choice of rosé – they can be drunk in place of whites and reds, be drunk with pudding and as Champagne! Rosé contains polyphenols (although the levels are not as high as in red wine) - antioxidants with health benefits. It’s no wonder that rosé has become so popular. After years of being dismissed, by the industry and wine snobs alike, as the poor relation, rosé has finally found its rightful place in our glasses. Served best with good company, preferably with a little sunshine!

Music for your Parties & Events

Merry Christmas!

The Cahors area is famous for its red wines, lesser known for its rosés, but it also has other specialities, such as Ratafia, and Rogomme. As well as producing these, we also use other local ingredients to flavour our aperitifs, such as organic cherries, walnuts, chestnuts, violets (from Toulouse) and roasted coffee beans (I’ll tell you some of those secrets next time!).

Christmas shopping here is so easy! We are spoilt for choice, with many high quality producers to be found nearby and at the markets, what could be nicer than a hand made basket filled with jars of local honey, pâté, walnut oil and un bon bouteille de vin?

Jazz, Folk, Rock ‘n Roll, Classical, Brazilian Solo Musicians or Groups Very reasonable prices

Richard Beswick 0622524226 richard.beswick@wanadoo.fr www.richardbeswick.com

Quercy Gite & Quercy Services

Next edition: The Pleasure Of The Apero!

If we are at the property, we are open (between 2pm and 8pm).

However, as we are working across 10 hectares of land and often at markets, please call ahead if you want to be certain of a reception!

Always drink alcohol responsibly and in moderation; pregnant women are advised not to consume alcohol; don’t drink and drive.

Domaine des Sangliers – Les Sarrades – 46700 – Puy-l’Evêque Kim-Louis & Lisa Stanton – 06 04 03 34 12 info@domaine-des-sangliers.com www.organicfrenchblackwine.com

Property Management, Maintenance & Holiday Rentals around Montcuq & Lauzerte.

Project advice for renovations or rentals.

Preparing estimates & finding tradesmen Overseeing, coordinating & monitoring projects.

House, garden & pool maintenance Rental management – making income from your property.

Marianne Charpentier

www.quercygite.com Tél: 06 71 71 77 22 bosredon46@wanadoo.fr

To advertise with us email info@quercylocal.com

The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

42 • the quercy local

Don’t excuse your french anymore!

www.libertedesanes.com

Let me help you learn everyday French – the way it’s really spoken

Focus on conversational skills Treat grammar as a ‘means’ rather than an ‘end’ Develop an understanding of French expressions Specific topics can be taught on demand Individual private lessons as well as groups Contact Bob 06 62 36 12 44 (46800) mitranibob@yahoo.fr Also: Assistance with administration and tax forms

Get noticed – advertise your business in the next edition for details and costs see our website.

Housing market is on the up

By Caroline Sweeney

N

ews that President Hollande has done a U-turn on the French Capital Gains Tax (CGT) for second home owners is expected to boost the housing market. It’s something of a win/win. Buyers who were hesitating before taking the leap and finding their dream second home can now buy without fear or confusion and sellers who have struggled to sell can look forward to more potential purchasers.

in favour of making money during the busiest tourist season and enjoying the benefits of their second home out of season.

The Quercy region has not been spared the economic downturn but just as in other areas the outlook is looking good especially for those sellers who are prepared to price realistically.

The former French government moved the CGT exemption period from 15 to 30 years making new buyers nervous and thereby adding to a slow market.

The change to 22 years which came into force on September 1 will bring confidence back to the market as new EU non-French owners no longer have to wait so long to be tax exempt. All this at a time when prices in general across Europe have dropped significantly which means buyers know there are bargains to be had whether on a bijoux village home or a chateau.

Interest rates being at an historic low is also encouraging buyers who need to raise a mortgage for a second home.

In addition, the exchange rate is currently steady at e1.19 to the £ which is far better than a year ago and a further confidence factor for Brits considering a property purchase in France. Compare this to the currencies being at parity at their worst and it is easy to see the difference that this can make to a buyer’s budget.

Activity is still most keen on properties where owners can offset their costs by renting out a separate building as a gite and thereby enjoy an income. Some potential buyers want a fully renovated gite where they can be up and running with an income immediately whilst others are prepared to work on outbuildings to turn them into profitable holiday homes. Others still are prepared to forgo their July and August holiday in their new home

Here are just some of the properties available on www.beauxvillages.co.uk at the moment.

The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

caroline.sweeney@beauxvillages.com This beautifully renovated former watermill has three en-suite bedrooms set in three acres.

For someone looking for an income there are two large outbuildings that could be converted to provide gîte accommodation.

Available within ten minutes of a lively bastide village, this house is available for 424,000e Near the bastide village of Tournon this four-bedroom property comes with a readyto-let two/ three bedroom cottage. Set in four hectares it also has stables, a 40m riding school and swimming pool and is available for 599,000e

To advertise with us email info@quercylocal.com

Our fully equipped local workshop provides a full range of bespoke joinery. We can provide made to measure doors, windows, staircases, wardrobes, fitted kitchens, shutters, libraries, or even double glaze your existing windows. We can also supply flooring, skirting, architrave, mouldings and finished timber.

To make an appointment for an initial consultation and a free personalised quote call us on 06 03 88 11 95.

As a bilingual company, we can also liaise with a range of local ÂŤ artisans Âť to facilitate any size of project. (46, 47, 82).

Mail : paul.dixon0666@gmail.com

SIRET : 517 514 733 00016

Quercy Builders (82150) Stone work and all aspects of renovation Subcontractors to the trade and a professional service to the public References available No obligation quotations

info@quercybuilders.com www.quercybuilders.com 06 52 24 49 95 06 52 49 03 57

SPQR

Small Profits – Quick Returns Any job that requires ladders: roof tiles, ridge tiles, gulleys, guttering, painting, pointing, aerials, satellite dishes etc.

• Roofing – Leak finding and fixing, cleaning and moss removal, guttering, ridges, tiles, battens, beams, insulation. We can make small repairs, carry out preventative maintenance or fit a whole new roof. No job too small or too large!

• Satellite Television – Everything from new installations to servicing and adjustments for all service providers, including, Humax, Freesat, Sky, Sky+HD, TF1, Orange, SFR and many others!

• Wifi and Local Area Networking – Fault finding and repairs, installations of local area networking systems and general maintenance.

• Gite Cleaning and Maintenance – Full service for resident or absent owners, cleaning, gardening, Meet & Greet, pool cleaning, you name it!

Call to arrange a free estimate. Always top quality service at an affordable price!

Matt Piper: 06 72 56 73 77 or 06 88 88 28 62 email: mattsnipe@live.co.uk The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

To advertise with us email info@quercylocal.com

Hello and thank you for taking the time to read this, my name is Mark Wilson and I moved to France with my family ten years ago and have since then continued my profession as a tree surgeon in France.

As tree surgeons we pride ourselves on having a vast knowledge of all tree care including felling, pruning and planting.

Every job is different so every time we receive an enquiry we will visit your site and give your job an expert individual assessment it needs and give our expert advice.

Tree surgery is not only our livelihood but our passion that means we always deliver the best, professional service possible to you the client.

Health and safety is our top priority not just to ourselves but to your property. With this in mind you can have confidence that we carry full public liability insurance.

info@roots-shoots.fr www.roots-shoots.fr Tel: 05 53 75 05 48 Mobile 06 89 79 05 02

Using our own wood chipper and stump grinder – keeps our prices highly competitive!

We are happy to provide a free quote in your area.

To advertise with us email info@quercylocal.com

The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

Timber-Pro

Fencing and Decking Specialists Garden Services Grass cutting l Hedge cutting Tree work l Rubbish removal Depts. 24,33,46,47,82 Tel 06 35 96 62 21 Email: timberpro@hotmail.co.uk

mg

Carpentry & Joinery

Traditional Bespoke Joinery Decking, Pergolas & Auvent All aspect of Joinery & carpentry work Alterations & Renovations General Building work Roofing & guttering Plastering and tiling City & Guilds Qualified with 23 years Experience

M. +33 (0)6 95 01 55 56 H. +33 (0)5 53 75 05 51 E. micgorst@hotmail.com

TAC PROPERTY SERVICES ‘Think of us as part of you – working in partnership’ We are a property maintenance and cleaning company registered in France. We can provide a complete range of services to clients who either live here permanently or who own a second property in France.

TAC Property Services has had many years of experience as Property Managers; we provide a service that is competively priced, reliable and respectful of your property.

Siret No. 502 126 550 000 16

Please visit our website to see the full range of services that we provide Contact: 05 63 39 55 97 email: tacservices@orange.fr www.tacpropertyservices.com

The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

To advertise with us email info@quercylocal.com

To advertise with us email info@quercylocal.com

The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

To advertise with us email info@quercylocal.com

Sand, Gravel and Crushed Limestone – available from 3 sites (St Denis Catus, Cahors & Crayssac).

We deliver.

Also, Building Materials, Pipe Laying and Skip Hire

05 65 22 79 95 English Spoken

www.sable-quartz-mangieu.com

carpetman France

Steve Millar

Place du Carré 47470 Beauville T: 05 53 67 10 62 s.millar47470@hotmail.co.uk

Carpet and Flooring supplied and fitted

Solid wood, underlay and gripper, vinyl, laminate, artificial grass, made to measure blinds, paint, stretched fabric for your walls and ceilings Visit our 350m2 showroom for inspiration

Lot 5b, 2 rue Voltaire, 82000, Montauban or contact us on 05 63 20 51 59 –

For a home visit www.carpetman-france.com facebook/carpetmanfrance

Welder/Metalworker (30 years experience)

House Renovation & Maintenance (7 years experience with Frence Maître Artisan)

Propety/Gîte & Garden Management Siret No: 793 419 417 0019

To advertise with us email info@quercylocal.com

The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

50 • Quercy talent

Mick Bates – Monflanquin (47150) General Electrician

Certified & Registered Business in France for all Electrical Works | New & Renovation Works Plumbing | All works guaranteed | Free quotation

Tel. 05 82 95 05 73 Port. 06 27 71 94 51 mick.bates@lgtel.fr Refer to this advert to receive a 10%discount

LAND SURVEYOR GEOMETRE TOPOGRAPHIE

Planning Permissions – Setting Out – Measured Building Surveys – Topographical Surveys (all sizes)

Mob: 06 33 94 84 53 Tel: 06 33 94 84 53 barry@bgsurveyor.com www.bgsurveyor.com Siret 51788170400016

English Builder with 23 years experience

Robert Atkinson Estimates freely given Work can be seen References available Roofing l Stonework l Plastering l Tiling l Paving Blocking l Concreting l Door/Window openings Las Razes, Touffailles (82190), 05 63 94 32 80 robert@lasrazes.com, Siret: 499 560 654 00026

The Quercy Local • November-February 2014

To advertise with us email info@quercylocal.com

Our agency offers:

l l l l l l

A warm and personal service whether you are a buyer or a seller Lynn Longley and Sara Baker, your Quercy Locals on the ground Properties from under e100k to e100 million Country homes, building plots, townhouses, businesses and chateaux Office-based bi-lingual point of contact and an expert legal liaison team Help with finance, foreign exchange, moving and afterwards!

Beaux Villages Immobilier was founded at the start of the financial crisis in early 2008 by Lynn Longley.

These beginnings, in Monségur, Gironde were soon followed by offices in Verteillac and Lalinde (Dordogne).

Now we are also well established in Aubeterre-sur-Dronne (Charente) with satellite teams in many other Départements across south west France.

Since that time the team has grown to include several nationalities speaking many languages and incorporating different cultures. Our common denominator is a love of the area that we have chosen to live and work in.

Now, as we approach the end of 2013, Lynn has made her own home in the beautiful Quercy region so beloved by readers of The Quercy Local. Success breeds success and we will be opening 2 new shops in the area.

We would like to meet those of you we do not know yet, who are selling, or considering doing so.

Perhaps you wish to introduce property hunters? We pay commission for such successful introductions.

Our experience tells us that we will soon need to grow our team, so if you like people and property, believe in hard work and providing a service, speak two languages and want a job (not a hobby), please email us on opportunities@beauxvillages.com. These qualities are far more important than previous experience.

Full training and support are freely provided by us.

Beaux Villages Immobilier, Montaigu de Quercy 0033 (0)8 05 69 23 23 info@beauxvillages.com www.beauxvillages.com To advertise with us email info@quercylocal.com

The Quercy Local • November-February 2014