The Herault Times

THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE MAGAZINE FOR THE HERAULT

FREE Issue 5

OCt 2012 Monthly

www.theheraulttimes.com

MUSIC* WINE* GARDENING* NATURE* HISTORY *EXHIBITIONS* ART* FOOD 1

THT October 2012

Contents 4

THT

Never Miss An Issue: Visit www.theheraulttimes.com and subscribe now

Every Month

This Month

04 Editorial

07

05 Letters

Articles

06 My Place

07 Hunting - The rules

07 And Another Thing

08 Love Letter From America

09 Apicius Dines Out

And another thing...

14 How good is the French education system? Pt 2

10 Wine Times

15 France Profond

11 Business / Legal

15

12 Garden / Nature 13 GTBY

France Profonde

20 Take a walk on the wild side.

Ever been hiking?

22 Art - THT talks to Joan Beall 23 Art - Hervé Di Rosa - How does he do it?

16 Days Out 17 Lifestyle

24 The Lady of L’Hérault

20 Subscribe

23

21 Looking Back

25 Protecting nature. You can help

26 Recipe Times 28 DIY 28 E-Male

Hervé di Rosa Cover Photo

“Bergerie at St Pons” All rights reserved © Kiff Backhouse 2012 www.kiff-backhouse.com

31 Sport

3

It’s the hunting season...

The Herault Times 1 Grand Rue, St Thibery,34630 Publisher: Gatsby B Editor : Emma F Director : Robin Hicks Advertising Director: Chris L Art Editor: Daisy B Art: L.A. EDITORIAL EDITOR@THEHERAULTTIMES.COM SUBSCRIPTIONS www.theheraulttimes.com/subscribe or contact us on info@theheraulttimes.com ADVERTISING For display advertising, print classifieds please call 0624 63 63 77 or mail advertising@theheraulttimes.com For online advertising please visit http://classifieds.theheraulttimes.com www.theheraulttimes.com COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER ISSN: 2261-561X The Herault Times The Herault Times is owned and published by L’Herault Art L.A. Publishing (51926616300010).

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The publisher, editors, contributors and related parties shall have no responsibility for any action or omission by any other contributor, consultant, editor or related party.

END

Editorial

A

nd so we begin to say farewell to the long hot summer and ready ourselves for the colder times ahead. But all is not lost as we pull out the jackets and gloves and ready ourselves. It is an opportunity to take stock and catch your breath for this beautiful and enchanting land that we live in has much to offer at this time of year and it is never quiet for long.

As the last of the grapes are harvested the hunting season is in full swing.

Not for us the barbour dressed port swigging jolly weekend brigade but a right of passage that is ingrained in the culture of our adopted land.

There are strict rules for when to hunt and what to hunt and if you decide to ignore the rules then fines and imprisonment await. In these pages we tell you the rules and dates and Tim King looks at ‘France Profonde’ and what it means to those that do and those that don’t.

And with an American slant we hear from Alfie Wade, a man very much at home in Sète but a man with a business card showing ‘Sète and Harlem’ in the same sentence.

Continuing the American theme there is a ringing endorsement to all that is good here when we read ‘Love Letter from America’, a heartfelt and witty letter about stereotypes and reality.

No publication can ignore the privacy question after recent events with the British royals and it is interesting that our adopted country is said to have one of the strictest codes on privacy in europe.

That would be the same country that ensured that it’s people only learned of the split between defeated Socialist presidential candidate Ségolène Royal and her partner François Hollande after the electoral campaign had ended!

But then again, for every small negative there are 10 positives to living here and if you take a look around you right now I am sure that you’ll agree.

The Art pages are back in full in this issue and we look at two very different artists and styles. Jaon Beall is an engraver who wears her heart on her sleeve. And next to her is Hervé Di Rosa, one of Frances most celebrated and divisive modern artists and the recipient of one of my favourite quotes...“How does he get away with it year after year?”

And as the nights draw in I leave you with one of those wonderful laws that appear every so often just to make you smile and shake your head in wonder..... It is illegal to kiss on railways in France.

Important (Reference ‘Plume’ article , Issue 4).

It has been pointed out that the article ‘Wine, Light as a Plume’ could be construed as a wine you could drink and then drive afterwards. We would like to state categorically that this is not the case and one should only drink any alcohol in moderation. THT recommends that if driving you consume NO alcohol.

CONTRIBUTORS The writers and contributors are the stars of this magazine and without them I would have all of my hair and would not be drinking gin at 9 am every day.

Having said that, you should know more about them. All their bios can be found at www.theheraulttimes.com. Please read them, they deserve to be recognised for their fantastic contribution and for being patient and generous to me.

IMPORTANT: This magazine is intended for the use of the individual(s) who picked it up. This magazine may contain information that is helpful, opinionated and can at times be unsuitable for overly sensitive Persons with no cultural credibility. If you are not sure then may we politely suggest that you pass it onto someone else as to continue reading is not recommended and may constitute an irritating social faux pas. No animals were harmed in the making of this magazine, and believe it or not one single opinion is definitive- period.

4

Letters The Sound of Silence I wondered if your magazine had anything to say on the issue of immigration? There is an underlying current of animosity towards certain sections of our wonderful and diversified community and this allied to the current economic crisis is allowing (more than usual) a certain blame and anger to appear in certain political and non political segments of our soceity.

Claude, Sète We live in a multi-cultural world and racism has no part in it.

A Man’s Best Friend My dog is about to become pampered. Walks at set times, lavish (more than usual) attention and he’ll be sleeping indoors every night. Why? Hunting season again. Barbaric and cruel and populated by drunken men at 9am who shoot at anything.

Name withheld - email Hmm. Tough one this..read inside Food Does anyone agee that the quality of cuisine in France has fallen dramatically? From the leader of the world to a nation of pizza and fast food. Where did it go wrong?

Dee Wright (Montpellier) Euro Does anyone else wish we could have Sarkozy back?

Employment rules, healthcare, taxes. I do believe I am reminiscing the good old days.

Frederick (Lattes) And don’t forget Mick Jaggers girlfriend his lovely wife, she was

there a lot too. We should bring her back to stop her singing.

have subscribed you to a childrens magazine. Come on man, get out more!

Teaching I was reading your magazine last month (Issue 4) and it went like this...good, good....fantastic. The article (part 1) on education was marvelous. As a teacher it was good to see a fair (and liberal) piece without the radical statements so often associated with this very delicate subject. I congratulate you all on being brave enough to write and publish it and I hope everyone reads it.

Maurice, Lodeve

This is a mans world Is there anyone in a position of power in France who cares at all about womens rights?

Theresa Theresa, this is very relevant and is being discussed in a later issue A Hairdryer....

I just thought I would add my comments regarding the antidote for mosquito bites. I read an article about this which recommends using a hair dryer if you don’t have any analgesic.

You play the hot air on the bite for as long as you can stand the heat which should be on maximum,but no longer than a minute or if you feel you are burning.It counteracts the chemicals in the anticoagulant.

I use it all the time and it seems to work. A bit difficult if you are on the beach though!!!

David Morgale - Email

Praise At the risk of sounding sycophantic. Your magazine is remarkable. You even credit readers with intelligence. A rarity in todays politically correct, preach to the masses society. Thank you.

Viv, by text Pub I have been here for nearly 11 years. I speak a little French, enjoy the markets and am happy.

And now I am embarassed to be English. Why? Because of the drunken and loud behaviour of some people. Always English but the worst thing is they are all apparently over 60. It is getting ridiculous.

Withheld, Pézenas

THE REVIEW (Part 2) I am genuinely excited by The Herault Times and congratulate you on your publication.

However, I must state that Apicius is to my mind petty and juvenile. For your British readers I would say he is as annoying as Michael Winner and I think you should fire him or at the very least have a word about what he is doing this for. (And for the record I am Canadian).

Colin - Montpellier

Language Why does your columnist Abse continually use the word b*****d? And why do you print it?

Tim, email

THE REVIEW (Part 3) (...) and he obviously has it in for anyone who doesn’t do what he

Tim, I’m so sorry we offended you. Really, I am. As a gesture I

The Other Letters A selection of excerpts fom letters that we will post anonymously............. ...education is better when taught by teachers.

With you so far... ...dance has kept me young and supple and my libido is thriving...

A little too much information. .and so the point of my letter is why would anybody go to Beziers when they could go to, say New York? Good question but it does help to compare like for like don’t you think?

Why have a childrens page?

Your demographic is surely over 60s and you should make the print bigger. Yes, because Montpellier for example has the youngest average population of any city in France! And you know those people you think are short?

They’re called children. ..well done Apicius for saying what you think...

What? No lynch mob?

5

wants! Apicius is a bit too full of himself if you ask me. His opinion should be positive or don’t review it (...)

Diana H, Glastonbury THE REVIEW (Part 4) (...)it is a review! You’d think he (Apicius) had killed someone.

Keep up the good work.

Thomas, Agde Apicius was asked to write reviews on the day he went and how he personally rated a restaurant on that day. We did not want another ‘oh do another good one’ but asked for his honest opinion. You decide if you want to go somewhere, it is a review not an advertisement. I say well done Apicius. And to all of you, thank you for giving us your opinion(s). Just like Apicius, an opinion at one moment in time. Ever told a friend about a bad meal?

News Can you do the news in English?

I think this would be good for your readers and for my students Helene, Agde Danse (Issue 4) Hello Herault Times. I want to give my thanks to you for your magazine telling about danse in Montpellier. There are many danse schools and organisations and not like art no-one speaks about them. It is sad for me that a magazine in English has to talk about it unless it is the festival.

You are very good and it can maybe teach us to see more of what we have. I ask people to go to danse, it is for everyone and is very good.

Noémi, Montpellier

T

W

ade

he first time I met Alfie he suggested we go and sit in a café in Montpellier. Just as we were about to leave after a long and fascinating chat, an American lady spoke up: “I was sitting at the next table and I couldn’t help but listen to your chat. It was so interesting, thank you so much!” She was referring to Alfie’s life story. And if it was so exciting for the lady sitting at the next table, so it should be for the readers of the Herault Times.

Alfie, can you tell me about your

about music production, it was like a university.

Eventually they allowed me to use the studio during the weekend. It was a chance for me to invite some kids from the Music & Art school nearby to rehearse and record in

My Place

background? the studio. This way I created a youth jazz big I was born band. A number of the members went on to in Montreal have great careers. in 1932. My I came back to Montreal in 1965. I started to dad worked in work as a DJ. From 1965 to 1970 I managed the Canadian the most celebrated disco club “Le Vieux Pacific railway Rafiot”. I set the pace for the music played in as a sleeping the discos in Montreal at that time. car porter and I returned to NYC in 1972 and settled down my mum was a in Harlem. I worked as a DJ doing special “cigarette girl”, events for Air France, Chanel, The selling cigarettes New-Yorker and many others. The Jewish and flowers in the black nightclubs. The community would hire me for private events cabarets at that time held Sunday matinees such as Bar Mitzvahs. and kids were allowed to attend. So I could You were very much a Harlem guy and listen to a variety of music and it gave me the now you live in Séte! Alfie, can you tell me chance to see tap dancing. When I was 9, at about your life as a “Sétois”? the beginning of WW2 By the middle we would sit in front I’m happy, I work with kids. Wherever of the 80’s I of the radio and listen I am I do something. My tag line is discovered to the best bands on France. I liked it CBS: Duke Ellington, “ain’t nothin’ to it but to do it” very much. My Benny Goodman, wife, Anne de Glenn Miller to name a few.

Chabaneix, an artist, is Parisian. By 2003 we When I was 11 my dad, who travelled for had moved and settled down in Sète where his job to Boston and NYC, would bring back she had family. You asked me, “What about black music recordings such as Duke my life in Sète?” In order to keep in shape I Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Fats Waller & practice Tai chi a lot. I met another practitiorhythm & blues, … I became addicted to ner who happened to be the headmaster of music, I took piano lessons and I studied the local high school Simone de Beauvoir in music with Oscar Peterson’s sister Daisy. nearby Frontignan.

I, along with all of my friends, was crazy He told me, “I have a bunch of about the music. We attended all of the underprivileged youth in my school, Alfie, can Norman Granz concerts in Montreal. In 1947 you do something in order to help them make we started a Jazz music appreciation group, some sense of their life”. “Yes, I can”, I the ‘Emanon Jazz Society’. We would go and replied. So I created a youth program called listen to Oscar Peterson once a week. Later on Le Mouvement JEEP with some friends. we got a room at the YMCA and we featured Is it a car or something? jam sessions with local and visiting musiYou misunderstand, man! JEEP stands for cians, including Louis Armstrong who was “Jeunesse Equipe Esprit Positif”. In English one of many who came and played for free. it means “The Youth Team of Positive Spirit”.

You moved to NYC, right?

It’s a program built around the rope jumping In 1960 I wanted to make a change in my sport called “Double Dutch”. life, so I left Montreal for NYC. I found What’s that? a job at Mirasound Studios. I had a good When I started to put the youth program background in music, which was why they’re together I heard that the NYC Department of hired me.

Education encouraged skipping practice in At the beginning I cleaned the floor. schools in order to fight obesity. I wondered Nevertheless step by step I learned everything if there was anything like that in France and 6

I discovered the Fédération Française de Double Dutch (FFDD). So in 2009, after a visit to Vitry near Paris I introduced it to Sète.

It’s a mixture of acrobatic rope jumping and hip-hop and it includes competitions.

I got in touch with the city hall in Sète and I started to organize something for kids aged 6

Stan Kenton & Me mid 1950’s

A

lfie

to 18 as part of a recreational school program at île de Thau in Sète every Thursday. We have done it since 2009 and it’s quite effective. The program is active in 2 primary schools and 2 community centres.

Is JEEP just about double dutch stuff?

No. We have introduced ball juggling and street football which requires just 4 members on each team. This year we did a 3 day workshop at île de Thau with some kids of Arabic and gypsy background, it was wonderful.

JEEP includes activities that focus on personal development as a form of self-empowerment and aims to provide the youth with the personal skills so they can express themselves without the fear of criticism from their peers and adults.

Another important element in the program design is to hand it over to the communities which we serve so that they take charge and make the program their own.

In the future we intend to introduce the use of conflict resolution through sports and cultural activities, as well as speech capacity building. And as far as the sport activities are concerned, the ultimate objective is to set up teams around the Thau basin.

Your conclusion?

I’m happy, I work with kids. Wherever I am I do something. My tag line is “ain’t nothin’ to it but to do it” Interview by Patrice Victor Free-lance journalist

And another thing.......says Abse Homework

I

am quite good at helping my kids with their homework. I’m the conscientious type who likes to help (when I can’t get away with it). I used to do help my

Commun Diviseur”. Something that was known as the ”Highest Common Factor” when I was young, and certainly wasn’t anything ever considered important enough to get its own initials.

In Geography she doesn’t learn

son in England until he became too clever for me, and I help my daughter (now 15) whenever I can. In her case though, it isn’t just a matter of her becoming too clever for me, it’s also the issue of her homework being in French. And it’s not just the language issue (she overtook me in that years ago), it’s almost everything about what she is taught.

Maths, for example: terms in French are different, things are written out differently – she writes her long division out in completely incomprehensible ways, and learns about PGCDs, which turn out not to be post-graduate certificates in something beginning with “D” but the “Plus Grand

“That isn’t History – it’s News for goodness sake”. anything about oxbow lakes or ordnance survey maps, but instead about globalisation - or “la mondialisation” as I should call it. In History no one has taught her anything about Palmerston’s gunboat diplomacy, they haven’t done any lessons on the Corn Laws; instead they are studying the

effects of the 1970s oil crisis on Citroën and on immigration.

That isn’t History – it’s News for goodness sake.

Even on what ought to be my “home ground” I’m not as safe as I ought to be – In English she learns things about grammar what I never did, in Art no one is teaching her how to draw, but how to express herself. Blimey.

Who would have thought teaching teenagers how to express themselves could be a good thing? It’s hard not to imagine them producing anything other than those done by “Johnny Nice Painter” in “The Fast Show”. ‘Black! Black! You lock me in the cellar and feed me pins!’ It’s enough to make you want to hide in the wardrobe of darkness.

Hunting is a divisive topic but whatever your thoughts it is with us now.

So what are the rules and regulations?

H

Hunting

unting opening seasons vary across France, although it should be noted that hunting is allowed in certain cases with prefectural authorisation throughout the year. The period of each season is determined annually by the local prefecture according to the particular climate and ecology of the department.

Licences and carnets A hunting license is only obtainable after successfully passing a rigorous exam, the minimum age for which is 15. The license must be renewed annually. The penalty for hunting without a licence is loss of permit, a heavy fine, confiscation of the game and firearm and even of the car in which the game is being transported.

The hunting of large animals (wild boar, deer, bighorn sheep, foxes) is reserved for individuals with prefectural authorisation.

Individual licences for large animals are issued to hunters at the beginning of each season, specifying the number that may

Dress Code The wearing of fluorescent caps or gilets is only compulsory when hunting deer or wild boar.

be killed. Hunters are required to fully record dates, places and gender of every animal they kill.

Carnets are also issued to control the number of small animals killed, specifically for hares (dates for this year below) and woodcock.

Failure to return a carnet at the close of the season will lead to a suspension of further permits being granted. The sale of game is also limited and can be tracked back to the specific animal permit.

Guarde Chasse The Guarde Chasse is responsible for policing hunting. For more information on The Association des Guarde Chasse Particuliers de l’Hérault (AGCP34) see : www.agcp34.com Hérault Hunting dates Hérault Hunting Season: 9th September 2012 – 28th February 2013 Group hunts: authorised on Wednesdays, Saturday and Sundays and public holidays only Bighorn Sheep, deer, foxes: authorised group hunts only until 28th February, 2013 Wild boar: authorised until 31st January, 2013 Hares: authorised until 25th December, 2012 Pheasant: authorised until 31st January, 2013 Red-legged partridge: 7th Oct until 25th November Rabbit: until 28th February.

Hunting on Private Land Hunting licences state that it is forbidden to hunt on someone else’s property without the consent of the proprietor. In some circumstances, this right can be transferred to a communal hunting association. Territories that are excluded are: territories that are situated within 150 meters from dwellings, terrains that are fenced in a way that does not allow men and game to transit, lands whose owner is against hunting practice or which belong to the federal property.

7

However the following communes may only shoot rabbit until 31st January (unless permission has been obtained): Cers, Cournosec, Cournonterral, Espondeilhan, Pomerols, Portiragnes, Savian, Sérignan, Servian, Valros, Vias, Villeneuve-les-Beziers, and Villeneuve-les-Maguelone) Crows, Magpies, and Starlings: 1st – 28th February, 2013 only Waterfowl and other birds: authorised until 28th Feb: shooting allowed except non-public holiday Tuesdays, except for hunts permitted under a hunting plan.

Dogs may only be used to retrieve.

NB: Thrushes, Blackbirds, Woodcocks may not be hunted one hour before sunrise or one hour before sunset For more information visit the regional, official government site ‘Office de la Chasse et de la Fauna Sauvage’: www.oncfs.gouv.fr/AuvergneLanguedoc-Roussillon-region27

Mediterranean Sea. How could Paris be better?

And did I mention the friendly people?—see

“The French are cold!”

“They drive like crazy things.”

“The food is strange.”

I

’ve heard these myths all my life, but when I finally had the chance to see France for myself this year, I was prepared to enjoy it despite the myths. Enjoy it? I had no idea. France, you surprised me at every turn, and I quite simply fell in love. Herewith then, to you, you surprising, captivating Sud de France, a love

letter from an American fan.

Surprise! Your French people are friendly!

Maybe somewhere in the republic, the legend of French hostility has a basis in fact, but not in the south. How can one feel hostility from a people who are always kissing one’s cheeks? When waiters at the village cafe knew my preferred order after two days? When a railway conductor intuited my confusion and took me under his wing, even offering me chocolates to soothe the pain of going home? I found so much good will and hospitality that I wonder whether my American informants visited a different country.

Surprise! You are more than just Paris! “So you’re going to Paris?” friends asked constantly, and I constantly corrected, “No, I’m going to the south.” And what a south! My host was quite worn out with sightseeing trips. The Roman ruins at Arles and Nimes, the bullfights, the mysteries of Rennes-le-Chateau (twice!), the

above.

Surprise! No, everyone does not speak English, as I’d been led to believe, though I witnessed plenty of tourists trying to make themselves understood by speaking English

How can one feel hostility from a people who are always kissing one’s cheeks?

at the top of their voices. I wanted to say (but, politely, did not), “It doesn’t matter how loudly you say it. They’re not deaf—they’re French!” I apologize, Sud de France, for my countrymen’s beastly oblivion. Ugly Americans, indeed.

Surprise! Anglophonia!

There are so many English, Irish, Scots, and other English-speakers here that I initially wondered, “Have I come to the wrong airport?” OK, so this surprise might seem to defeat the purpose of visiting France. But not to worry—there are plenty of French people in France.

And, they speak French— see above.

Surprise! Even tiny cafes have something good to eat. Your snacks? They rival our full meals in their complexity: blanquette de veau, fried calamari, lamb tagine, and of course, the ubiquitous glace. It’s no wonder lunch can stretch out over three hours when even a snack is so monumentally gracious. I can only be embarrassed by our countrymen who go to France and eat fast food (aka McDonald’s).

Dear Sud de France, I hang my head in exasperation and shame.

But, I think you like me anyway, American that I am. After all, all that cheek-kissing….

Keep the light on for me, as we say in America, my dear, mon cher—I’ll be back soon!

Text: Judy HaleYoung

Did You Know - Vineyards: The Languedoc-Roussillon region has approximately three times the combined area of the Bordeaux vineyards 8

HIDDEN TREASURES landscape. However your day is going this view is my treasure and reminds me of the true beauty, splendour and magnificence of this beautiful place that I call home.”

34th Cinemed

Mediterranean Film Festival of Montpellier 26 October-3 November 2012 The festival is showing this year once again the best recent productions from all the shores of the Mediterranean.

It will be a unique overview from Portugal to the Black Sea. More than 250 films will be shown, including 120 new works in the official selection: previews, competitions and panoramas.

The official selection will be announced at the press conference on October 9th in Montpellier and the complete programme will be available on October 9th in the afternoon.

© John Douglas 2012

se ca” i r p ur meri S c do om A e u r g Lan etter F eL v imposing mass of the Pont du Gard, o Carcassonne, Collioure, and, ahhh—the “A L

Mary writes: “On the A750 coming from Montpellier to Clermont L’Herault one drives through a cut in the rock and as you round the corner you are met with a wondrous vista of mountains and

“Don’t worry, they’ll be so concerned about visual pollution that no-one will notice the refinery”

Restaurant Review

Apicius Eats at..... Auberge de Saugras

Out and About in the Countryside Of the many delights of France, one of the most pleasant has to be driving around in the middle of nowhere and then coming across

a wonderful place to eat where you would least expect a restaurant to be. This is the case of the Auberge de Saugras. Located in a renovated building replete with stonewalls, vaulted arches and fireplaces the sensation given off is one of cozy warmth. However, going beyond the interior salons and stepping out onto the terrace is where the oohs and aahs begin. Before one is a small valley of bucolic tranquility bathed in sunlight and a hundred shades of green. Calling it beautiful just about starts to do it justice.

My companions and I settled in and were instantly given a tray of tidbits of tapenade, sausage, cheese puffs and tielle to go along with the nice array of house aperitifs. There are several menus ranging from 16€ up to 63€ but we all took the one for 28€ consisting of 3 courses.

I started off with a salad consisting of pork cheeks, country bacon and topped by a softboiled egg. It was nicely plated and while Between Vailhauqués and Viols le Fort on D127e

I thought more dressing on the lettuce was necessary the bacon mixed with the oozing egg yolk was great. Other first plates include a goat cheese flan with honey, a salad mixed with duck and trout and foie gras of duck with apple compote.

Main dishes are also quite varied. While the guinea fowl with juniper sauce was a bit bland, the accompanying log shaped potatoes and puree of celeriac were right on target. Far more successful, however, is the casserole (daube) of bull in a rich sauce or the rouille a la Sétoise, in which the cuttlefish is tender and full of pungent aromas. This is not fancy cuisine with subtle flavors but country style cooking that looks good on the plate, tastes the way the dishes should taste and is filling. Most of the ingredients are local lending to the chefs desire to create a menu representing the “terroir” of the area.

Having said that, the desserts are not at all banal and strike a very festive note at the end of the meal. La croquignole a là orange is a bit hard to translate but is a crisp tulip biscuit filled with home made orange ice cream and orange mousse. It’s fresh, ever so slightly acidic and sweet all at the same time or should I say in waves of taste. And, no matter what language you say it in it was delicious. Another winner was the chestnut mousse full of creamy softness. They also have a millefeuille of fruits with caramel and a molleux of hot chocolate and cream sauce.

These are the type of desserts that leave guests feeling well indulged and happy.

The wine card is no slouch either. There is

Tel: 0467 55 08 71

Pork: Poitrine- Bacon.

As the French tend to slice their “poitrine” fairly thick in order to make “lardons” or bacon cubes, you might need to ask for the slices to be “fine”. Bacon is rarely injected with water in France, so you get more for your money; it tastes better and crisps easily.

Echine- Meaning shoulder, encompasses the blade bone and spare ribs.

Plat de côtes- Where the hand and belly meet, whereas…..

Côtes- Are where the carré comes from and is made up of loin chops.

Basically, rack of pork.

Filet - In France, this is the hind lion area of the pig. The English filet is from the part the French call “jambon” or ham.

Joues- cheeks.

If you want a joint with crackling, this is no problem if you ask your butcher for a joint “avec la couenne”.

9

breadth here as well as depth with a decent variety of prices, wine makers and regions.

We had a very lovely white from nearby Pic St Loup- Domaine de Cazeneuve. It’s the type of wine, which is medium- bodied, complex, well balanced and adapts nicely to a number of dishes.

As to the service, I can only be complimentary. Our hostess was knowledgeable, friendly and polite. She also gave perfect pacing to our meal. As I rose from the table I was reminded of that axiom of cooking; what is simple is not always good but what is good is always simple.

And don’t be put off by the location. It’s actually less than 20kms.from Montpellier

and is the type of restaurant that will impress visitors with your knowledge of the area.

(closed Tues. & Wed.)

Apicius

Wine

Rosemary George

T

he face of wine-making in the Languedoc has changed enormously in the last decade or so. Not so long ago wine production was dominated by the village cooperatives, but over the past few years these have tended to disappear, with several coops joining up to work together or they have simply gone out of business. And to balance the disappearance of the cooperatives, there has been a veritable proliferation of independent wine growers with a keen quality motive. Many of these are newcomers to the region.

They may come from other parts of France, or they may come from overseas, and together they bring an enormous vitality and energy to the region.

The attractions of the Languedoc are immediate.

This is the New World of France, where everything is possible, and there is so much to discover.

For Paul and Isla Gordon, an Irish Australian couple at Domaine de Sarabande, Faugères ‘ticked all the boxes.

It is close to the sea, close to the mountains; it has good soil and great wines, and nice villages and is not too busy’.

And also significantly, there are vineyards available to buy, often from retired coop members, with wonderful old vines, and they are affordable. If you could find a hectare of grand cru Burgundy available for purchase, it would cost you the same as a sizable vineyard holding in the Languedoc, with functioning cellar and acceptable house.

Rob Dougan from La Peira in the Terrasses du Larzac places great emphasis on the freedom that you are allowed in the Languedoc. He also observed that land is still affordable here. Virtually everywhere else is too expensive and has already been discovered. There are no established references in the Languedoc. In Bordeaux everyone is doing the same thing. You know what grape varieties you have to

plant and although there may be subtle differences from one château to another, essentially all the wines are made in the same way.

Not so in the Languedoc.

These are some of my favourite outsiders.

Deborah and Peter Core of Mas Gabriel in Caux are an English couple, an accountant and a solicitor in a previous life, who learnt their wine making skills in New Zealand and are now mastering the old grape varieties of the Languedoc, with a particularly fine old Carignan Noir, as well as a rarer Carignan blanc.

Verena Wyss at Domaine Verena Wyss is a Swiss German, who produces delicious Roussanne and red wines that blends of Bordeaux grape varieties.

Karen Turner of Domaine Turner-Pageot in Caux comes from Australia, and met her French husband, Emmanuel, when they were working in Alsace chez Hugel.

Simon Coulshaw of Domaine des Trinités looked at 107 estates between the Rhone and the Pyrenees before opting for Faugères.

Sébastien and Beatrice Fillon from Clos du Serres in St. Jean de la Blaquière come from St Etienne, and further up into the hills at Salses is Englishman Gavin Crisfield with La Traversée.

Jonathan and Anne James at Domaine St. Hilaire outside Montagnac – in a former life he was a barrister, and she worked for the BBC make some refreshing Vermentino.

The list could be endless, but this is just a tiny selection of the many new comers to the Languedoc who have realised its extraordinary potential and have settled there because they are attracted by the pioneering spirit of the region, where there is so much to discover and everything is possible.

THE Outsiders

Rosemary George / September 2012 www.tastelanguedoc.blogspot.com

One for the ro a

d

D

uring the 1907 Wine riots – which were the biggest civil revolts in 20th century France - a detachment of soldiers was sent from Lodève to quell rioters in Béziers, accompanied by the Sub Prefect.

The railway workers of Paulhan thought this a very bad idea and so sabotaged their arrival by removing one of the rails on the track.

A helpful chap – no doubt equipped with a red flag and a fine uniform – flagged down the train bringing the soldiers and the Sub Prefect and explained that it was, “too dangerous to proceed due to the broken line”.

Rather than squander such a good opportunity to introduce the captive passengers to the local wines, he helpfully suggested a tasting.

The soldiers considered this a fine idea, but what to do with the Sub Prefect who was accompanying them? Consequently, they 10

decided to lock him up for the day whilst they set about the important business of sampling wine.

As dusk began to fall the infantrymen’s minds were drawn to the other important religion of the South – dinner. It was, after all, too late to do anything in Béziers where 100 000 or so rioters were gathered – so they surmised that the best plan would be to return to Lodève.

Only at the last minute did they remember the incarcerated Sub Prefect – who they freed and returned to the train for their return journey. History does not record the Sub Prefect’s thoughts on the matter!

Today, as a reminder of this curious event, there is a plaque in the disused station commemorating Paulhan’s brave and thoughtful solidarity.

F

or anyone starting a business, one of the vital first steps is to put together a business plan. It is the blueprint that sets you going towards your goals. It is also the document that you will be required to provide to capital lenders, be they banks, potential shareholders, or any other type of investor.

Business plans vary greatly in format and content. There are however a few sections that ought to be included and below is a ten-point reminder of what these should be: 1.Executive Summary. This introduces your business strategy and probably is the most important section for lending institutions.

The executive summary is best written after the whole business plan is finalised and is a compact version of the whole document. The idea is to generate excitement by giving a punchy summary of what the project is about in order for readers to be keen to find out more information throughout the rest of the document. Explain what sort of company you are looking at setting up, why the products or services are special, who the people behind the project are, how much money you will need and how you are planning on using it.

2.Table of Contents. A table of contents is exactly what you would expect and covers all chapters of the business plan!

3.Company Description and Goals. Clearly explain the origins behind the company’s creation and how you and/or your business associate came up with the idea to start your business. Explain in a few paragraphs your short- and long-term goals for the company.

4.Product/Service. A key aspect of this section will be a discussion of how your product or service differs from everything else on the market and its unique selling points.

5.Market Analysis and Potential. Market analysis includes a thorough analysis of industry characteristics and trends, projected growth, customer behaviour, complementary products/services, barriers of entry, and so on. This step involves a lot of homework and research to be credible.

6.Marketing Plan and Strategy. In this section you will have to detail exactly what steps you will take to ensure that customers know about your product/service and prefer it over HERAULT TIMES ADVERT v2 23/5/12 15:16 Page 1

the competition.

7.Operations Plan. The nuts and bolts. This will allow the reader to understand precisely what is involved in running the show: from location, bricks and mortar, equipment needs, labour requirements, to industry regulations FRENCH RESIDENCY – are laid out here.

DISPELLING THE MYTHS 8.Management. The management section rench residency is a popular topic of should include the names and backgrounds of discussion for expatriates when they get lead members of the management team and together in a social setting. So many times I their respective responsibilities. If you have hear people saying that they “choose” not to somebody in the team (or at least on your be French resident and just to be sure, they board or among your advisors), who’s had make sure that they do not spend more than serious entrepreneurial success, you’ll earn 183 days a year in France. Come April/May double bonus points from investors. time, the chatter on this subject increases.

9.Financial Plan. This section is absoSo too do the differences of opinion, mostly lutely key. If you are the kind or person about whether or not someone should who doesn’t know the difference between complete a French income tax return. a spreadsheet and a tablecloth - you are not Well to dispel the first myth – residency is alone! - then you must enlist the help of a not a choice per se. Based on the facts, you specialist. Bear in mind though that you must are either French resident or not. understand the basics behind this section The rules on French residency are really which explain how your project will work quite straightforward – although admittedly financially. It should include a summary of some cases are not! Some of the questions your financial forecasts, with spreadsheets that often arise are: showing the formula you used to reach your What are the rules on French residency? projections. The summary in this section is Do I have to complete French tax returns? also where you would tell prospective lenders Do I have to pay French income tax on how much money you’d like to borrow to income from outside of France? cover your start-up costs. Details will need to be included on the following items: loan apTo find the answers to these questions and plications, capital equipment and supply list, more, please see the full article on the balance sheet, breakeven analysis, pro-forma website at www.theheraulttimes.com/#/ income projections (profit & loss statements), financial-and-business/4568179643 assumptions upon which projections were If you would like to have a confidential based, cash flow etc. discussion about your residency situaton, 10.Appendices. Add into the appendices all please contact Daphne Foulkes by telephone those necessary extra bits, such as managers’ on + 33 (0)4 68 20 30 17 or by e-mail at resumes, promotional materials, product phodaphne.foulkes@spectrum-ifa.com. tos, suppliers intent letters, lease or purchase Daphne Foulkes agreement, legal papers and so on. It is best SIRET 522 658 194 00017 to try to stick to genuinely key paperwork Numéro d’immatriculation ORIAS 10 056 800 and avoid cluttering the overall document.

I would recommend you try and read as many business plans as you can. There are free resources available from the Internet. Your Check your insurance if you have a trailer. It local CCI (La Chambre de Commerce et must be insured seperately to your car as if d’Industrie) or Chamber of Trade and Crafts stolen you cannot claim unless it was attached (Chambre de Métiers et de l’Artisanat) may to your car at the time. be able to help you too: or contact the Service ‘Creation/Transmission’, which is the depart- Business Column by Alexandra Thevenet ment that deals with setting-up businesses. www.thelinkservices.fr

F

Pulling a fast one

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Business / Legal / News

A Business Plan

Gill Pound

Colin Trickett

In The Garden A

t the time of writing we are still enjoying warm and sunny weather although we have had some welcome rain during September. Many summer

flowering perennials are still in flower but plants which come into flower in the autumn and provide new interest are particularly welcome.

Aster oblongifolius from dry climate areas of the US is an outstanding at the moment. Salvia darcyii (above) is a wonderful red splash of colour while among the grasses the Miscanthus cultivars (righy) are wonderful at this time of year. Repeat flowering shrubs such as the Mexican Orange Blossom (Choisya ternata) also make a good contribution to autumn colour in our gardens. (below) Tasks for October * if you have not already done so; planting bulbs - planting instructions will be on the packets but in general plant the bulb at it’s own depth and allowing at least 5cm between bulbs – more, of course, for

Nature Notes

Autumn

maximise the season of interest. * dividing herbaceous perennials and ornamental grasses.

T

he beginning of October really does mark a seasonal change.

The migrant birds have gone back to Africa, the grapes are safely gathered in and we look forward to the wonderful variance of colours in the vineyards. For good or bad the Chasse has started. There is not a right or wrong opinion about the Chasse simply an opinion. I would however say that believing oneselves to be above the law is not a right, and therefore being faced with hunters firing their guns within 5 metres of the road and 30 metres from houses does no favours to the Chasse.

I do find it sad that by the middle of October there are no more pheasants and partridges, neither of whom have had time to grow their tail feathers, or hares or rabbits to be seen. There are however always positives despite man’s acts: Today the flocks of Linnets are back gleaning the vineyards and the Starlings feasting on the olives, and I guess that 20 years ago they also would have been shot.

Already the vines are changing their hues and some welcome rain has arrived, but we can still enjoy warm sunshine during the day.

For some the rain is a nuisance on their holidays but for others a reminder that we could not enjoy what we have here without the vagaries of the seasons.

* once we have had some rain planting trees, shrubs, perennials and hedging plants. Do incorporate some organic material (terreau or compost etc) and some river sand or gravel to improve the clayey soils that most people in this area have and water the plants well after planting. Most plants, even if they are ultimately drought resistant will need supplementary watering during their first summer or two. When you are choosing new plants for the garden remember that this is a difficult climate; we have hot, dry summers, quite cold winters in much of the region and strong

Meet The Tasting Collection from Domaine Saint Hilaire winds. Choose plants which come from Mediterranean climate zones of the world, or from other areas with similar climates rather than tropical or temperate zone plants; they will perform better and require less watering. * sowing seeds of plants that will flower early next year such as larkspur (pied d’alouette), wallflowers (giroflé), sweet peas (pois de senteur) and hollyhocks (rose tremière)

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Good Be To Young

Listening to right

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Claim to Fame Composer Georges Auric (1899 -1983) was born in Lodeve and is most famous for composing the theme for the “Moulin Rouge”

Blog Time

W

ell here it is, your typical Sunday night: disheveled wet hair, jim jams, bare feet, in front of the computer, home work done and dusted, listening to my family (a little to) enthusiastically watching X Factor above me. Fortunately the only disadvantage that qualifies to my bedroom is the paper thin ceiling (and the creaky door), meaning that I can hear it, every time someone drags a chair across the floor, every time someone opens their mouths, and every time the tv is switched on, whilst I mockingly rolling my eyes every time Gary Barlow says with his false condescending sympathy “Thank you sooo much for being in this competition, but you will not be going to the live shows”. Boo hoo. Yet another warbling wannabee going home. Judging by my sarcastic tone, you’ve probably guessed that I’ve never been into the X Factor, degrading the music industry with their constructed, artificial ”artists”. I hope that France never gives birth to the idea of

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creating a baby french X Factor. The world can only take so many “up and rising stars, to then fall off the face of the earth in 10 minutes”, god forbid. Anyway, all this is besides the point, as its not in relation to french life.

We started sport at school last week. For the bac their are two sports categories which we can choose from. One, is swimming, volley ball, and badminton, and the other is rugby, endurance, and weight lifting. I’m sure its obvious which one most of the girls, and the effeminate boys have gone for… Yes, the first one!! I despise volley ball, I only went for it for the swimming option as the naive child in side me believes that I was a fish in my past life, so I thought I would enthusiastically partake. Its funny, the mentalities girls have when it comes to swimming, especially in the changing rooms. All locker room fantasies aside, there is no strutting around naked, whipping the towels around, and covering each other with talcum powder. Everyone does their best to retain their dignity behind their towels which proves very awkward when you’re trying to put your knickers back on. Also, I have become aware that once everyone is in their bathing suits, girls will very

discreetly (not) look at your crotch, trying to trace out any stray hairs that may have escaped, “ooh, she’s shaved, ooh she hasn’t!” Girls are always (no matter how much they deny it) subconsciously in competition with each other, so say, god forbid, that you actually wear a one piece to swimming (which isn’t low cut, shows your back, and your thighs à la Pamela Anderson in her Bay Watch days), rather than an iddy biddy two piece, then you very well may be labeled as a prude. Also, prepare to be judged if you forgot your soap for the post pool shower.

Once you’re in the water though its fine, just harmonious synchronized splish splashing, looking like morons in our latex swimming hats and tinted goggles, which are no good whilst trying to catch the eye of the cute life guard.

I must go and root around in my wardrobe for something nice to wear, that didn’t just come off the floor.

Hope none of you are having those post summer blues, I sure am!

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Europe Euro Members Agree To Bank Bailout

On publication day: 12th October 2008: Europe has followed the United States with a plan to stabilise the European Banking Industry by offering guarantee loans between banks until the end of 2009, and putting money into troubled banks by buying preference shares 13

With the rentrée already upon us, educationalist Hugh MacCamley considers the merits and demerits of the French education system in part 2 of this two part feature.

Beating the Education Drum

T

he actual idea of educational reform in France is certainly not new. From Berthoin’s programme of reforms in 1959, Le Monde reported in April 1986 on ‘the cemetery of reform projects, dead before they were even handed down to posterity, with the name of their author attached.” In December 2008, Nicholas Sarkozy and his education minister Xavier Darcos met with hostile opposition from French teachers when they were about to unveil reforms of the French High School curriculum basing it on a Finnish semester model, reducing classroom hours and reducing with it, significantly enough, the number of teachers required to manage it.

Saturday morning school disappeared in September 2008 but more radical aspects such as cutting teacher numbers by 16,000; making curricular modifications and reducing study hours of some subjects were postponed until the following year. Additionally, secondary institutions and their principals were being primed for greater managerial and financial autonomy.

However, in May 2012 the new socialist president Francois Hollande was committed to creating 60,000 new teaching posts and up to 150,000 in the future. Also, statements have been made about changing the substance of teacher training (‘masterisation’) already begun during the Sarkozy era and the significant announcement to establish an “École supérieure du professorat et de l’éducation” or Higher College of Teaching and Education.

In response to those who appeal for an education system based on a more scientific cognitivist approach this is a very complex area but, briefly, it looks at how we learn through the various mental processes involved in learning.

Without generalizing, I have actually observed French teachers using cognitive approaches to learning in the classroom such as varying visual, auditory and kinesthetic learning preferences.

Therefore, it cannot be said there is no sense of the “science” of

does not mean an individual learning programme for each student.

Consequently, any educational reform programme must give teachers the various tools helping them to vary their teaching methods; assess

teaching in French schools. There may be an inadequate knowledge of it or how to apply it but it is there already. It may require more focus when teachers are being trained during the CAPES and new Masters programme and during in-service training. Indeed, a worthy area for development in the proposed “École supérieure du professorat et de l’éducation”.

However, while education has scientific aspects, it is not a precise science as such. To believe this leads to false ideas about developmental uniformity among learners - we all learn the same things at the same stage.

French managers need to avoid the same mistakes made in UK. In addition, didactic approaches (continuous teacher talking) need to be addressed as there is much better awareness about how we learn and how to improve these processes. This is not the same for everyone. There is no objective standard one-size-fitsall teaching and learning method.

Therefore, some systems emphasise differentiating according to the individual learner. The focus is on how each student learns best but it

different learning styles and being adaptable. Awareness of Psychology and Sociology can help but these too are imprecise sciences and need to be used discerningly - not as definitive solutions.

To the accusation that French teachers are mostly negative about their charges, in Montpellier last year during my regular visits with teacher trainees to one private lycée I found good teacher-student relations with positive feedback to their students. Also, I heard some negative reinforcement vicariously used to reinforce everyone. Although our children have complained about teachers using negative comments, judging by their end-of-term reports there must be positive ones as well. Doubtless, there are teachers with a pessimistic outlook but it is unfair to put all teachers in France in the same basket. Teacher-training in France needs to address these issues.

Curriculum content is a major issue in any country’s education system not only in France. What subjects should be taught and how they are prioritized. What 14

suited the nation many years ago does need to be readjusted to meet modern standards. To do this, existing school buildings will need redesigning and a new model is required for any new schools being built in the future.

Technological progress necessitates modern science laboratories; craft and designs rooms and state-of-the-art Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

Also, in many developed countries some schools have become more focalized as community centres including improved links with parents, adult learners, employers and other educational organisations.

To meet such challenges, French teachers will have to make the changes necessary for a modernization of French education by embracing some new ideas, unfamiliar processes and sharpening up existing ones.

Of course, the planners must be clear about the objectives; be practical in how to get there and include discussions with all the parties concerned, including teachers. They may need to make some local provision to accommodate local differences.

Appropriate resources will be required to achieve this. They must take the time necessary to decide what is worth keeping: what already works well for France and is important to the unique French character.

Thoughtless pursuit of what has been done in other education systems may prove counter-productive. They will also need to consider what has to be value-added: new subjects, new teaching and assessment methods and new facilities. It will have to be the question of what works best for France.

A fuller version of this article can be found on http://www.theheraulttimes.com/

I

t was a perfect autumn day in my corner of France profonde, yet three times in my short journey to market I passed groups of men in camouflagejackets, standing on the roadside, rifles under arm, waiting for a boar, or a deer, to break cover. Their Winchesters and Remingtons are accurate up to a kilometre, but will do damage much further.

Woe betide any car happening to come between a hunter and his prey.

mocking the dead beast. The sort of scene many French people take for granted, part of life in the country. It takes an outsider looking in to be struck by its violence.

At a deeper level I know French country people are no more violent than any others, but

September is a month when many people come to holiday in France, after the crowds have left, so this is a sight familiar to many. Armed men on the side of the road, talking into their cell phones. Since such a scene is unknown in some countries it is scarcely surprising a passing tourist should see it as violent.

Later in the day the same tourist may pass a mud-spattered 4x4 with a boar’s grotesque carcass proudly strapped across the bonnet. These are memories he will take home. In the village where he has rented a house for his holidays, men hacking at the bloody corpse of a deer or parading through the streets jauntily waggling the head,

outwardly the true France profonde is different. It has none of the cosiness of, say, the Cotswolds or Dorset – cottages perfectly done up and then re-done up every few years.

The house I live in was built for war – built in fact to keep out the English marauders 650 years ago and since then has seen action at least once during the wars of religion. The room in which I write this article has known elegance, alchemy, poetry – and violent deaths.

Given the range of their rifles it is surprising that during the last 5-month season hunters killed only 4 non-hunters. 38 hunters were killed by their colleagues, 89 wounded. But the French

The “ancient” right of hunters to carry their guns on to other people’s land, and thus in public places, was granted only in 1964.

Last week the local paper ran an article/plea for more hunters – there are now too few hunters chasing too many beasts.

Having bred hybrid, hunterfriendly boars through the 1980’s

France profonde

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deplore these statistics. My neighbours are as shocked by violence as I am. 97% of French people do not hunt, yet they accept with a shrug of the shoulders the right of the other 3% to dominate with their high-powered rifles the woods and fields, vineyards and garrigue every Saturday, Sunday, Monday

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and Wednesday during the and 90’s then released them autumn and early winter. Exactly into the wild, the resulting the days when families want to semi-domesticated feral pigs walk through the woods, are now a menace. But just as exercising the dog, the boar is becoming picking mushrooms domesticated, so is the hunter. and wild fruit.

They no longer have to battle Whenever I wind and rain traipsing for hours question my hunting through the back country – as I neighbours about the saw on my way to market, possibility of a ban on propping up the 4x4 by the side hunting as there is in England, of the road is effort enough. Yet they do not hide their scorn and it seems even that is too much, derision: “It’s something we’re for despite being the “core of born with,” a hunting neighbour every Frenchman”, hunting is on told me. “An instinct, an the decline. The call of the wild inalienable right. It goes to is waning, grandpa’s Winchester the core of every Frenchman.” semi-automatic will gather dust Hunters have a powerful lobby over the chimney, tales of being and many rights: anyone who has shot at on the way to market will bought a property with a few acres in France “It’s something we’re born with, an instinct, knows that hunters may tramp across his an inalienable right. It land with their guns, killing whatever game goes to the core of every Frenchman.” they see. “A right we won during the Revolution,” I have often been pass into folklore and perhaps told. Actually that’s rubbish: even a certain cosiness will “Hunting for All” was indeed descend on France profonde. a pre-revolution promise, but Though that does not mean we when it came before the National shall find more mushrooms in Assembly 6 weeks after the fall the woods – the growing herds of of the Bastille, Robespierre’s bill insatiable ersatz-boar will have was thrown out. The aristocrat, got there before us. the Count Mirabeau, carried the © TIM KING vote and kept hunting firmly on SEPTEMBER 2012 the estates of the land-owners.

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Lifestyle Parfums & Distilleries Marty

A

fter finishing university, Monsieur Bernard Marty set out to create the distillery he had long dreamed about. Using traditional extraction techniques, he produced perfumes and aromatherapy oils from his parent’s garage in Montblanc, until finally he was able to move into larger premises just outside of St Thibéry. Now, as well as the distillery he has a museum dedicated to traditional distillation and a shop stocked with his beautifully presented hand distilled oils and perfumes as well as aromatic vinegars, syrups and aperitifs.

“My philosophy,” he says, “has always been based on creating an excellent product that remains affordable.”

His products regularly win awards from the Concour Hérault Gourmand.

Psy......

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sychiatre, psychologue, psychanalyste, psychothérapeute, psychosomatothérapeute, psychorelaxologue…

Only the first two ‘Psy’ in the above list of therapists, i.e. psychiatre (psychiatrist) and psychologue (psychologist), are regulated in France; although both psychiatrists and psychologists may also practise other therapies including psychotherapy (talking and communication therapy to increase patient’s sense of self) or psychoanalysis (in-depth, long-term analysis).

Parfum Marty Route de Montblanc, 34630 Saint Thibéry Tel 04 67 77 75 94 Fax 04 67 77 00 08 contact@parfum-marty.com www.parfums-marty.com/index.php?lang=en

Hérault born..... .....And proud of it.....

Entrance to the museum is free Out of season: Tuesday to Saturday 9h - 12h / 14h - 18h July, August, September, December: Monday to Saturday 9h -12h / 14h - 19h

In France, a psychiatrist is a doctor trained in therapeutic techniques who may also prescribe medication and whose bills are state reimbursed; there is currently no limit in the number of psychiatrist consultations covered by social security. While a psychologist, who is required to have a psychology degree and post-graduate clinical training with patients, may not prescribe medication and whose bills may not always be covered by social security, for example, if you see them in their own premises rather than in a hospital.

If in doubt you can check with the DDASS (Direction Départmentale des Affaires Sanitaires et Sociales) or ask your practitioner for their ADELI number (given by the DDASS).

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Did you know: More than 80 000 students study every year in Montpellier. (about 30 % of the population)

For an English speaking counsellor* go to www.counsellinginfrance. com/. *Please note that counsellors listed on this site may only be British trained and therefore may not conform to French regulations.

The Land Of Culture - Montpellier football club ( French Champions) president Louis Nicollin is known for his quotes and his bad language: “I’d rather my sons got involved in sport than classical music. That bores me senseless. I’ve got nothing against it, but I’d rather watch curling than listen to Mozart.”

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orn in Béziers in 1986, Alexandra Rosenfeld was raised in St Thibéry.

In 2005 she was voted Miss Languedoc and in 2006 she become the 59th Miss France and later that year Miss Europe.

A passionate sports woman, she was Hérault champion in 1000 metres, she became a sports journalist in 2007, writing for Télé7 and XV Rugby.

Fiercely proud of her origins, from 2008-2010 she accepted the role as Ambassador of the Languedoc.

She married the Italian rugby player Sergio Parisse in 2010 in St Thibéry.

They have a daughter, Ava.

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What’s On Where Friday 12 October

Saturday 13th October Dom Juan Bédarieux 21h La tuilerie, Bédarieux 04 67 95 48 27 *** Sunday 14th October Dominican Monastry’s Autumn Festival Ganges 9h mass, 10h handicraft sale and 15h30 loto. Free entry ***

*** Friday 12th to Sunday 14th, October Le Marathon de Montpellier Montpellier is putting on its 3rd Marathon.

A popular rendez-vous and lots of fun.

Montpellier 34000 MONTPELLIER www.marathondemontpellier.com *** Friday 12th to 28th October Pézenas - 6ème Festival Lyrique Pézenas Enchanté. Autour d’une Master Class de Viorica Cortez, Michèle Voisinet au piano. Tous les après midis, de 14h à 19h, vous pouvez assister gratuitement aux leçons que donne Viorica Cortez à chacun(e) des 10 jeunes solistes qui prennent part à la Master Class. Et les retrouver dans les deux Concerts de clôture Samedi 20 Octobre 2012 à 20h30 Eglise Saint-Sever d’Agde et Dimanche 21 octobre 2012 à 17h30 Eglise SainteUrsule de Pézenas. Réservation au 06 83 66 47 65 et tout le programme détaillé sur www.pezenasenchantee.fr/pgfr-programmation.html ***

Saturday, 20th October Vardar Vilar (Theatre) Colombieres-sur-Orb 2012, année Vilar. Le Théâtre Hirsute « célèbre » Vilar à sa façon, en choisissant un regard légèrement décalé, un portrait en creux : Jean Vilar vu par Agnès Varda, qui fut sa photographe en Avignon de 1948 à 1954 avant d’embrasser la carrière de cinéaste que l’on connaît. Une belle découverte.

BIBLIOTHÈQUE 34390 COLOMBIERES-SUR-ORB Téléphone filaire : 33 (0)4 67 97 59 58 *** THE WINE EVENT NOT TO BE MISSED Domaine Savary de Beauregard Montagnac (between Montagnac and Meze) 14.00 to 17.00 DEGUSTATION LIBRE Come along and taste at your leisure around 80 of the region’s best value for money red wines from some of the finest domaines. No one there to sell you anything but if you go along to the domaine(s) of your choice the following week you will receive the fantastic offer of 6 bottles for the price of 5 bottles!

Entry is just 5 euros and all tastings are FREE *** Sunday 21st October Fete D’Automne Berlou To celebrate the end of the wine harvest, the vignerons of Berlou invite you to a tasting of the new wine and roasted chestnuts (other activities also taking place).

33 (0)4 67 89 58 58 *** COURSE CAMARGUAISE A LUNEL: 29 EME TROPHEE PESCALUNE

Saturday and Sunday 13th/14th October SALON DES VEHICULES ANCIENS Béziers Parc des expositions 33 (0)4 67 809 959 Free ***

Lunel La course camarguaise à Lunel est riche d’une histoire, d’une identité et d’une culture à la gloire d’un animal unique et des hommes habillés en blanc éduqués à l’école du courage.

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A l’occasion de la saison taurine pescalune 2012, des courses camarguaises sont organisées dans les Arènes San Juan au cours desquelles les meilleurs raseteurs affronteront les taureaux d’illustres manades.

Esplanade Roger Damour 34400 LUNEL Téléphone filaire : 33 (0)4 67 71 13 27 *** Thursday 25th October Suzanne Vega.

New York singer songwriter Zinga Zanga, Beziers 2030hrs 04 67 36 82 82 *** Friday 26th, October LO GRAND BALÈTI DEL CAMÈL À BÉZIERS - 20h30 Traverse de Colombiers - Montflourès 34500 BEZIERS Téléphone filaire : 33 (0)4 67 48 13 36 *** Saturday 27th October Sortie Lichens Olargues Les lichens, organismes étonnants et curieux, résultant de la symbiose entre champignons et algues. Leur utilité n’a pas de limites : cosmétiques, pharmaceutiques, indicateurs de pollution… Robert ENGLER et Danièle LACOUX, de l’association de lichenologie de l’Hérault, vous proposent de vous immerger dans le monde des lichens, leur écologie, leur vie, leur détermination et leur utilisation ! avenue du champs des horts 34390 OLARGUES Téléphone filaire : 33 (04) 67 97 88 00 http://www.cebenna.org *** Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th October Fete de la Chataigne à St Pons Saint Pons de Thomières Marché au produit du terroir, animations, repas, spectacles Office du tourisme St Pons 04.67.97.06.65 *** Sunday 28th October to 4th November National Tennis Cup Cap d’Agde Le Cap d’Agde accueille la grande fête de la jeunesse et du sport avec les finales du plus grand tournoi de tennis amateur du monde par le nombre de ses participants.

CENTRE INTERNATIONAL DE TENNIS DU CAP D’AGDE 34300 CAP-D’AGDE Téléphone filaire : 33 (0)4 67 01 03 60 centredetennis@ville-agde.fr ***

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What’s On Where Thursday, 1st November to 4th November Foire de la Touissant avec fête foraine St Chinian All Saints Fair with a Fun Fair *** Saturday and Sunday 3rd/4th November Fete du Marron et du Nouveau Vin Olargues Organised by Olargues Animation, this traditional fete of chestnuts and new wine takes place over two days. Join in the festivities, visit the museum and discover some of our regional products 33 (0)4 67 97 71 26 ***

Dimanche 21 octobre 2012 à 17h30 Eglise Sainte-Ursule de Pézenas. Réservation au 06 83 66 47 65 et tout le programme détaillé sur http://www. pezenasenchantee.fr/pgfr-programmation. html

Thursday 8th November to 18th November Plaza Flamenca à Béziers An exceptional festival showcasing flamenco in all its forms Différents lieux de la ville Allées Paul Riquet 34500 BEZIERS Téléphone filaire : 33 (0)4 67 36 82 30 *** Du 12 au 28 octobre - Pézenas 6ème Festival Lyrique : Pézenas Enchanté.

Autour d’une Master Class de Viorica Cortez, Michèle Voisinet au piano. Tous les après midis, de 14h à 19h, vous pouvez assister gratuitement aux leçons que donne Viorica Cortez à chacun(e) des 10 jeunes solistes qui prennent part à la Master Class. Et les retrouver dans les deux Concerts de clôture Samedi 20 Octobre 2012 à 20h30 Eglise Saint-Sever d’Agde et

***

Friday 21st December

Mayan Prophecy WORLD ENDS

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TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE Patricia Ford

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s summer gives way to fall and swimsuits are exchanged for hiking boots, serious outdoor enthusiasts head for the wild: to hike the peaks, valleys, rivers and canals of the Hérault. No wonder: the entire Languedoc-Roussillon region is home to a

surprising variety of landscapes, a hiker’s paradise, criss-crossed with well-marked, well-maintained trails for ramblers and hill walkers of all levels.

The French Connection While rambles are on the calendars of some Anglophone groups such as the AGLR, the only way to fully appreciate the countryside is to connect with a local French hill walking club for a weekly randonnée or ‘rando’. Sète Escapade, a Sète-based group that meets every Sunday is one such example. Two walks are usually on offer, one a little more strenuous than the other and the leaders (normally two) will have walked the trail a month or so in advance to ensure all is in order.

And The Rest is History Sète Escapades’ in-house historian, former president and now vice-president, Dr Clément Marty, is the very cornerstone of the group.

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Clément, a retired physician, is an engaging, youthful and lively man. An expert in French history, local traditions and custom, he is no amateur when it comes to clarifying a few points of English history too. Think of a rando with Clément as a mini university course but with the countryside for a classroom. When Clément pauses, the entire group halts. Whether he is observing something as apparently simple as a rock face, or as complex as the engineering of a lock on the Canal du Midi, an interesting explanation will follow.

So Let’s Take a Hike Along the trail one is likely to find an old ruined chateau, lookout tower, perhaps an ancient Troglodyte hamlet built into a rock face, or a cave that once served as a hermit’s home. An exploration of the town usually follows the walk. But while observing the landscape and history there are a wealth of fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables growing wild – which could well be the basis of that night’s dinner. If the above serves to whet the appetite, what follows is a sampling of the main course...

Learn about La Couvertoirade, situated on the Jurassic Larzac Plateau. The Knights Templar built this commune in the 12th Century and after their dissolution it was taken over by The Knights Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem. The story is more fascinating than The Da Vinci Code as told by Clément, who talks about the architecture and decline and fall of the Knights Templar. During a walk around the Cather village of Minerve, learn how Simon de Montfort, the Fifth Earl of Leicester, besieged the town.

When the town surrendered, many of the citizens refused to give up their religious beliefs and so 140 ‘Parfaits’ perished by fire in the town square – many leaping into the flames singing hymns, according to legend.

Given its history and tranquil landscape, the Canal du Midi offers much to please any

hiker. When the Sun King demanded a shortcut between the Mediterranean and Atlantic in the 17th Century, J.P. Ricquet constructed this engineering marvel, which extends from Bordeaux to Sète. The intricate lock system, Les écluses de Fonserannes at Beziers, is a good place to begin. Nearby, past Colombiers, stands the Malpas hill, unimpressive from a distance but warranting closer inspection. Adjacent is the étang de Montady, once a stagnant sewer which caused some nasty deaths until an order of 13th Century monks drained it, channelled it through the hill and linked it to a river on the other side.

(Still in use is their system of ditches and pipes which resemble a sliced camembert cheese.) J.P. Riquet had intended to skirt around the hill but copied the monks and did likewise, as did the railway engineers later.

As a result the little hill became an important transportation hub housing two waterways and a railway. But its crowning glory is the old Roman road – the Via Domitia – that runs across the top.

At the end of the day hikers will have found the experience enjoyable and exhilarating and go home with an enhanced understanding of the region, its history and customs. Even if Clément is not available, all leaders have studied the local history and are pleased to tell you about any points of interest. Why not join a French hill walking

club and take a weekly walk on the wild side? (continued on next page)

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What’s in a a name....

Sue Hicks continues her look into the history of Street names

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n a quiet and secluded spot in the forest of Compiegne, 60 kilometres north of Paris, two trains were halted away from the gathering press and the risk of hostile demonstrations by French locals.

Marechal Ferdinand Fo3ch and the Allied representatives arrived in his private train on the 8th November 1918. At 3.45 am the same day, the German delegation, led by the Secretary of State Mathias Erzberger rather than by a military man, transferred from their car to a railway carriage with covered windows and journeyed into the forest.

The Germans thought they had come to discuss terms to end the war which had begun in 1914. The Allies insisted that the Germans request an armistice. Three days of awkward discussions, which of course

Take a walk on the wild side (continued from previous page) PRACTICAL INFORMATION How to Find Hiking Trails Many local tourist offices provide leaflets and local newspapers such as Midi Libre publishes maps and details. The following

required translation, followed. Meanwhile back in Germany, Kaiser Wilhelm II, grandson of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, abdicated and a republic was declared. On the evening of the 10th Erzberger received and decoded messages giving permission and authorisation to agree to an armistice.

At 5.30am on Monday, 11 November, Foch signed the armistice for the Allies and Erzberger signed on behalf of the German Government. A German delegate recalled the coldness with which they were treated throughout and that at the moment of signing, “We read no laughter, no triumph in their faces.” Signals were sent out - The Armistice was to take effect at 11 o’clock on the 11th day of the 11th month. The delay was to ensure that messages could be transmitted to all fighting units on the front line across the trenches of the Western Front.

Fighting seemed to continue until the last minute, whether to discharge ammunition, have a last shot at the enemy or because notification of the impending ceasefire had not arrived. Somehow especially poignant are those who died on this last day of the war.

40 year old former coal miner Private George Edwin Ellison died at 9.30 am while he was scouting on the outskirts of the Belgian town of Mons where German soldiers had been reported in a wood. At 10.45am the

Frenchman Augustin Trebuchon, aged 40, was taking a message to troops by the River Meuse to say that soup would be served later when he was killed. His grave records his deathas having taken place the day before perhaps because the French were ashamed that men would die on the final day or maybe to ensurethat his family received his pension.

Canadian Private George Price aged 25, on the trail of retreating German soldiers, was caught in street fighting and died at 10.58.

The last German death occurred at 11.01am when Lieutenant Tomas approached an allied position to inform them that his unit would be vacating nearby houses as part of the armistice only to be shot. American soldier Henry Gunther was involved in a final charge against German troops and died at 10.59am. His divisional record stated, “Almost as he fell, the gunfire died away and an appalling silence prevailed.”

Armistice Day, often now called Remembrance Day, is widely observed and in many countries is a national holiday. The street sign is a reminder throughout the year of the 11th hour of the 11th month in 1918 when the armistice for what was hoped would be the War to End All Wars came into effect.

links may be helpful: Fédération Française de la Randonnée Pédestre lists local groups http://www.ffrandonnee.fr Sète Escapade meets Sundays September through June. www.seteescapade.c.la Anglophone Group of Languedoc-Roussillon

(AGLR) offers monthly hikes September through June.

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www.anglophonegroup-languedocroussillon.com

www.l-artiste.com

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elcome to the art pages of The Herault Times.

All articles are taken from the bi-lingual Visual Arts magazine L’Artiste or the L’Hérault Art website.

Please visit us at www.l-artiste.com or www.lheraultart.com If you have an exhibition or art event and would like to see it on these pages please drop us a line at info@theheraulttimes.com. All exhibitions are online at www.lheraultart.com

Joan Beall

‘Methodical but not obsessive!’

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orn in Biarritz, Joan moved to the Hérault at the end of the 1970s when she was 21. She discovered printmaking during her art training at the École des Beaux-Arts in Montpellier through her teacher Patrick Vermeille, for whom she has great regard, particularly his gift for orientating his students towards their own individual paths.

Since graduating, Joan has committed her art practise to exploring what she describes as the infinite possibilities of print making; attracted by the diversity of materials, the richness of the inks and the tactility of the paper used.

It has always been Joan’s goal to make art.

She grew up in a creative environment, her mother a practising artist who she counts among the major artists who have influenced her along with such artists as Picasso, Pollock, Chillida and Soulage.

One of six children (her two sisters are also artists), she remembers as a child making things to sell outside the family home with her siblings. Although at school she excelled in maths and physics, she was frustrated by the teaching methods and felt restricted.

The contrast of the creative environment she experienced at art school was liberating, both at the École Supérieure d’Art et Design Grenoble where she completed a rigorous arts training foundation, and then at Montpellier where she graduated in print making (a diplôme course no longer offered).

“When I finished [art school] I wasn’t sure of myself. I found myself at a loss. I was living in Lodeve; it was a difficult transition. For a brief period I returned to fine art in order to explore possibilities. At the time engraving was too difficult because of the need for specialised equipment.”

Painting never appealed to Joan as a medium to pursue. While she loves the colours - her early influences also include the

“I look for inspiration in nature. From there, I abstraction, into the depths. The images produced impressions and cannot be defined.’ freedom and movement of abstract expressionism - she has always preferred the sombre, black/white quality of printmaking; and working with paper rather than canvas.

She began with engraving in metal (method of making prints from a metal plate, usually copper or zinc, which has been bitten with acid), then later lino (the image being engraved on linoleum); although very different techniques, they can be used in a diverse variety of ways: I experiment with many different things. Colour, position, variety, folding. There are always things to learn, that can be developed, but that is secondary.

Her first three engravings were figurative.

She cites Gustav Dore (1832-1883), Abrecht Durer (1471-1528) and the engravings of

Rembrandt (1606-1669) as print making practitioners she admires. In her more recent work there is perhaps an unconscious resonance of her respect for the sciences. The images seem to penetrate the tangible, visible world, into the complex structures that lay beneath, as if viewed through a powerful microscope. “I look,” she says, “for inspiration in nature. From there, I move into abstraction, into the depths. The images produced are fleeting impressions and cannot be defined. They are of wild plants, bare branches, horizon lines, decrepit walls….”

The constraints on maintaining her art practise that came later, more often than 22

move into are fleeting

not experienced by women, whilst raising children and managing a family (which she stresses was a positive experience for her) meant that when opportunities to pursue her art began to open again, Joan had to reengage with her creative process: “I made contacts to find a press. I found something to rent in Lodeve and I started to explore, to make work just for me. After about 2 years I started to find pleasure in what I did. I met people and started to put on exhibitions.”

During this re-immersion period Joan produced work on a small scale, mostly lino cuts, but an opportunity to exhibit at a printmaking exhibition led her to making larger works. From there she has moved on to large scale, predominantly black and white lino cuts, printing on fabrics and on folded papers, exploring volume with prints on paper and a collaborative project with a writer friend creating small, artistic books.

Joan’s studio, situated a few kilometers from Lodeve, is at Octon Village des Arts et Métiers, a purpose built complex for artists and craftspeople. Her space is immaculate. Everything beautifully organised. She laughs when I point this out, ‘I’m methodical, but not obsessive!’ The work on display is seductive, drawing the eye into rhythm of line, of fleeting marks, the artful use of materials and subtle colour- ochre, reds, sepia, blues, black and white, expressing the sensations and emotions that the natural world inspires in her.

A gently spoken, unassuming woman, who nonetheless has a clear commitment to her work and clarity of direction, describes the commercial side of being a practising artist as challenging, time in her studio taking precedence over promoting her work. The numerous exhibitions she has participated in she has found stressful but stimulating; however she enjoys exploring cross-over in the work of artists in group shows.

Joan Beall is exhibiting in Lodeve until the 25th October. See What’s On for details

Hervé

www.l-artiste.com

Di Rosa S

étois Hervé Di Rosa, a leading figure in the 1980s movement La Figuaration Libré, is one of the most recognised French artists of his generation. He is also the co-founder with Bernard Belluc of MIAM, the Musée des Arts Modestes in Sète.

Encouraged by his painter friend Robert Combas to pursue his comic-strip style art, Di Rosa was accepted at the Ecole nationale supérieure des arts décoratifs in Paris where he produced his first paintings. Through his participation in group shows, critics associated his painting with the artists Rémi Blanchard, François Boisrond and Robert Combas. Thus, ‘La Figuration Libré’ was

show) his achievements have continued to astonish. As one interviewer puts it, Di Rosa is not physically a colossus – he is a small guy from the South, rather thin, with long greying hair, eloquent with a charming accent, but how the devil has he succeeded, year after year, to continue creating such things?

Di Rosa currently has work showing at both MIAM in Sète and Yayhen in Montpellier.

At MIAM this visual and interactive retrospective baptised ‘Gromiam’, pays homage to the people behind the scenes, the costumiers and designers, of the Chanel+ cult TV show Groland. The exhibition features a panoply of improbable situations and characters, of thousands of sketches taken from the last 20 years and paintings and creations by well-known contemporary artists, such as Di Rosa, connected with the show.

And not far away, in Montpellier, a series of Di Rosa’s sculptures

Partouze, 2010 Digigraphy on paper. 2,10 x 1,52 m

Sin título.

Silkscreen print 3 colors. 50 x 35 cm

born, an art movement defined by its colourful, non-traditional, illustrative images which brought to the fore a young generation of French artists previously unheard of.

Di Rosa’s paintings are associated with cartoons. Vignettes of the type found in illustrated magazines, blown up on to canvases 2 or 3 metres high, he creates a universe rooted in science fiction, populated with grotesque characters, with monsters and mutants. Images and texts on the same canvas illustrate the fantasy adventures of professor X, Doctor Tube, de Kodo, Mique…

A veritable tornado of creative force, he has whipped his way around the world, leaving in his wake a flamboyant array of paintings, figurines, sculptures, gadgets, badges and toys… From when he was first discovered at the 1985 biennale (where he had fifty works on

inspired by African art and robots from 1960s American science-fiction films are installed at Yhayen.

GROMIAM (20 years of Groland). MIAM (Musée international des Arts modestes), 23, quai du Maréchal-de-Lattre-de-Tassigny, Sète.

Tél. : 04-99-04-76-44. Every day 9 h 30 to 19h.

Until 11 November. Entrance 5 €.

Yhayen (procession). Carré Sainte-Anne, 2, rue Philippy, à Montpellier. Tel: 04-67-34-88-21.Tuesday to Sunday, 11h to 13h and 14 h to 19h. Until 14 October. Free entry.

On the web: You will find a presentation of a recent show of Di Rosa’s paintings: www.larochelle-evenements.fr 23

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The Lady of L’Hérault Text by Jo and Barbara Bradwell

am an 85 year old lady who has been in this lovely region for the last three years. I was born in Antwerp and have mostly lived in the Low Countries. I came to France eight years ago, travelling slowly south from Dunkirk via Paris to Languedoc. Having become elderly and a bit crotchety, I was looking for a bit more warmth. I first stayed in L’Hérault in the winter of 2009-10, in Marseillan, but found it surprisingly cold and windy. When El Grec was blowing, the sea water was pushed into the Etang and fierce waves were whipped up battering the houses on the port

passers-by to stand on her bow to reduce the height).

Jo, Barbara and I were all a bit tense as we approached the bridge in June 2010. They had removed my wheelhouse and wrapped my railings with thick rope. They had contingencies to lower my height if needed an angle grinder (to remove part of my railings) and a pool liner (to be filled with three tons of water in my front hold). We inched towards the bridge and several boat owners cried out in alarm. A crowd gathered and all eyes were on me. The bridge looked

have a very strong engine and the propeller ignored it. What else could I do? It was going to have to be dramatic. Just as we came into the port, I uncoupled the gear-box from my engine! A few bolts sheared and one shot out through the back of the engine, which made a huge and very frightening noise. Jo and Barbara were horrified and called me all sorts of names, which I can’t repeat. Jo was worried that I might need a new engine, but I only needed a new back plate. The Capitain then had to offer us a mooring until I could be repaired. And you

like a North Sea gale. You wouldn’t believe it, but my outside tap froze solid! This was not the south of France I had expected, but I did love the esplanade and the lively restaurants. I moved on to Beziers in early summer, passing the false Acacias in full bloom and the towering Plane trees. It was all so pretty that I stayed there for the rest of 2009. The following years saw me go to Moissac and Bordeaux but I preferred L’Hérault, and now I am back.

Did you guess that I am a barge? I am slightly embarrassed to say that when I was bought by a nice English couple, ten years ago, I was a 30 metre sludge barge. But Jo and Barbara wanted to take me along the Canal Du Midi so I was refitted in Holland, with strict instructions that I was to be able to pass through the tiny bridge at Capastang. This is a famously small bridge

impossible, but then a most curious thing happened. The bridge seemed to grow while I began to shrink! Jo pushed my nose in and I got stuck, but only briefly. He put on some power and my bow dipped. I rubbed under the bridge arch but my front was through, closely followed by my rather fat waist and finally my large backside. There were cheers and claps from the bank; and relief and pride from me and my owners.

Sometimes I can be a bit of a Madame.

When we were near Colombiers (and the wonderful Restaurant d’Eclusier) I sprang a rivet in my hull. I am 85 years old, you know, and do get rather rheumaticky. When the bolt fell out there was a real crisis - without the bilge pump I would have sunk within hours.

It was like filling me with a huge roaring hose pipe and I had taken on a thousand litres before Jo realised what had happened. The hole was right under the fuel tanks, in the deepest part of the boat, so impossible for him to reach. I was saved by a wonderful sapeurs-pompier. He donned full diving equipment to put a large rubber plug in the hole from the outside, which was then secured from the inside. That was a close one.

I have a confession to make about the winter I stayed in Marseillan. Jo, Barbara and their children had visited the port a long time ago and wanted me to stay there for a week in 2009, but the Capitain said I was too big and could only stay for lunch. I wanted to help and came up with a plan as we crossed the Etang du Thau. I snagged an fishing net in the hope they would have to stay longer in port to untangle it. But it didn’t work as I

know what it is like in L’Hérault, it takes months to get anything done. We were stuck at the end of the harbour wall all winter.

What a shame.

I have lots more stories to tell, but the editor says there is no more room. So if you

with a penchant for frightening boat owners and damaging boats. (The Capitain du Port saw one boat dump its entire wheel house into the water, while another recruited 30

24

see me around, spare a thought for a graceful old lady. A wave is always welcome, or doff your cap; it makes me feel pretty and very welcome on your beautiful Canal du Midi.

Mme La Hoya.

Photos:

Main image: ‘This is me lounging on the quay at Marseillan by the lighthouse.’

Above: ‘This is me coming through the low bridge at Capastang. You can see Jo and Barbara who have looked after me for the last 10 years. Jo is a bit old.

I can’t see him being around when he is my age because he is too fond of Languedoc red wines.’

Left: The hole in the back plate of the engine .

Become a Protector of Nature in the Hérault by taking part in the project Sentinelles de la Biodiversité

T

he Department of Hérault is guardian to more than 120 natural spaces. These areas are crucial for their role in promoting sustainable development through the conservation of biodiversity such as limiting pollution and natural hazards, safeguarding rural activities and in the struggle against urban extension.

However, these spaces are limited in size and number and are not enough to encompass all of the dynamic aspects of ecosystems. For this reason the Conseil Generale de L’Hérault has launched a department wide project calling for residents and visitors to take note of the flora and fauna around us.

This huge project ‘Sentinelles de la Biodiversité’ is an invitation to all of us to help build upon both the expertise of Hérault residents and associated bodies in order to consolidate existing scientific research.

“To be conscious of the environment around us, to observe, are the first steps towards maintaining our biodiversity. The project is a concrete way of taking interest in your environment through observation of the 82 species of animal and plant life, protected or not. I invite you to open your eyes and your ears when you are out walking and help us enrich the information that we have on the flora and fauna on our lands. Your observations will allow scientists to monitor the movement of species and to understand their behaviour.”

Monique Pétard, conseillère générale Deputy vice president of the environment, sustainable development and Agenda 21.

that champion our resolve to act. However it is the common species that comprise the vast proportion of wild life - the corner of a garden, a city park, along the hedgerows - that are crucial for maintaining the equilibrium of our ecosystems. These species are also threatened by issues such as intensive agriculture and pollution.

In order to deal with population increases and changes in the department it is essential that the land is managed.

Under threat or not, all of the following species play a role in their environment: Umbrella species - species selected for making conservation related decisions, typically because protecting these species indirectly protects the many other species that make up the ecological community of its habitat.

Keystone species – a species that plays a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community and whose impact on the community is greater than would be expected based on its relative abundance or total biomass.

Endemic species – species that is only found in that region and nowhere else in the world.

How to Be One of Hérault’s Guardians

Step 1: On the ground, observation When you are out walking you come across plants and animals…

Scientists have selected 83 local species which require observation. By establishing the variety, number and distribution, climatic and environmental impact on them will be able to be ascertained.

•Become a guardian by identifying the selected species.

•Consult the guide for identifying the plant or animal you have seen •Take note of your findings, or photograph them to help you identify them later Go to the site: www.herault.fr/environnement/publication/guide-sentinelles-de-biodiversite and download the guide Step 2: On line or with the guide notes, verifying your observations you have seen an animal or plant of inter-

What is biodiversity?

Did You Know?

Biodiversity, short for biological diversity, is the term used to describe the The variety of sculpin fish (chabot du Lez) found variety of life found on earth and all of in the Lez River is a rare and endemic species. It the natural processes. is currently under scientific observation.

Today there are some 300 000 plant species and more than a million animal species est, taken notes, photos… Now, either on line or with recorded in the world; it is a list that gets longer the guide notes, confirm the identity of the species you every day and does not include invertebrates, have seen.

If you have any doubts you can go to the forum fungi, bacteria, the cataloguing of which “determination des plantes”: www.tela-botanica.org/ is virtually impossible as it is such a page:liste_projets?id_projet=10 or consult the site mammoth task.

Numerous initiatives have been launched in order INPN du Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle pour la faune: http://inpn.mnhn.fr/accueil/index to improve our knowledge, the project Step 3: On-line, enter your information ‘Sentinelles de la Biodiversité’ being one Once you complete the identification, enter your such example. observations by clicking on the heading ‘saisir vos Threats to biodiversity in the Hérault données’.

Step 4: Post your observation and photos on line France is number 5 in the 34 biodiversity To upload your photos of plants and animals or to share hotspots in the world. The Hérault, with its observations which are not on the list, you can use the mosaic of remarkable landscapes, from sea to on-line notebook (carnet). This tool will allow you to mountains, is directly impacted by climatic find any information you have previously shared. To changes. The rapid changes in local access this go to the site ‘Tela Botanica’ http://www. demographics are intensifying these threats. tela-botanica.org/page:liste_projets?id_projet=10 and Often, when we think about biodiversity it is the enter the email address you previously used to upload rare species or those on the brink of extinction information.

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“Seasonal and Fresh”

Recipe Times

Spinach Roulade

with Bassie Scott

Like so many, we were invited to lots of parties during the summer season. I kept trotting out this recipe which is an old favourite of my catering days. Everyone who ate it said how delicious it was and so fresh tasting. It’s easy to make and feeds lots of hungry hoards. It occurred to me that it also makes a lovely starter or main course for any time of year so here it is and I hope you enjoy it as much as the party goers in the summer did!

Pre-heat oven to 200 c, 400f, gas 6

Ingredients for sponge:

250 g frozen spinach or 500g fresh spinach 70 g butter 1 tbsp parmesan 1 shallot, finely chopped 2 tbsp plain flour 100 ml milk 4 large eggs Salt, pepper and nutmeg to season

Ingredients for filling: Tub of cream cheese (I use St. Moret) 3 tbsp cream 1 lemon, zest and juice Salt & pepper

Method - Line swiss roll tin with parchment.

- Put spinach with half the butter in pan and cook until liquid has evaporated.

- Remove from heat, season with salt, pepper and nutmeg and stir in parmesan - Saute shallot in rest of butter, stir in flour to make a roux and beat in warm milk. Add sauce to spinach and stir in egg yolks - Whisk whites to soft peaks, fold into spinach and spread in tins.

Cook for 20-25 mins or so.

- Take out of oven, drop damp tea towel over sponge and cool.

Turn sponge out on to new sheet of parchment.

- Mix all ingredients for the filling together. When sponge is completely cold, spread mixture evenly on to it.

- Roll up carefully with the parchment and store in the fridge until ready to use.

Cook’s note: If you want to do lots for a party: You can split this recipe between two trays. Spread mix the full length of tray, but only 2/3rds width. This will give 22-24 mini portions.

For a ‘ posher’ roulade, you can place smoked salmon in the middle on top of the cream cheese mixture.

26

“Seasonal and Fresh”

Ingredients 4 large field mushrooms 70g compte cheese, grated 50g brebis cheese, crumbled 70g breadcrumbs (brown or white is fine) 1 garlic clove, crushed Handful of roasted chestnuts, peeled and chopped Zest of half a lemon 80g lardons fumes (I use Eminces fumes, less fat!)

50 g butter 2 tblsp olive oil plus some for brushing and drizzling Handful of parsley, chopped Salt & pepper

Stuffed Mushrooms with Chestnuts

C

hestnuts are starting to make an appearance now and the Chestnut Fair at St Pons de Thomieres, 27-28th October, is well worth a visit.

Chestnuts come in many guises there; roasted chestnuts, chestnut honey, chestnut puree, chestnut flour and chestnut pie to name but a few. In the meantime, why not gather some mushrooms (if not in the countryside, the market will do!) and make this either as a starter or main course, depending on how hearty your appetite is.

Oven at 200 deg c, gas 5

Method - Clean mushrooms with kitchen roll (don’t wash them, they go soggy) - Take out stalks and discard - Brush olive oil inside and outside mushrooms - Place compte, brebis, breadcrumbs, chestnuts, garlic, lemon zest and parsley into a bowl and mix well - Fry lardons in 2 tbsp olive oil. When they are just crispy, turn off the heat and add the butter. Swirl the pan round until the butter is melted - Pour this onto the cheese and chestnut mixture and stir to mix it all in - Divide mixture between the mushrooms. Drizzle olive oil over, wrap in foil and bake in the oven for 15 mins. Unwrap the mushrooms and continue cooking for another 10 minutes. Serve while still piping hot

Cook’s note: If you want a vegetarian option, omit the lardons but still melt the butter as this binds the mixture together.

27

PORT - EMERGENCY - DIY - TECH SUPPORT - EMERGENCY - DIY -TECH SUPPORT - DIY - TE

The Art of the Bricoleur

Conductors and Cables

Hugh Scott

I

n the UK the cabling used in homes is almost always the familiar flat, grey cable with a live wire insulated in brown (formerly red), a neutral wire insulated in blue (formerly black) and an un-insulated, naked earth wire. This type of cable should

This is the stuff to use for socket circuits if you don’t want to be bothered with conduits.

You can also use individual conductors that you pull into ‘gaine’ to create your own cable. Although the ‘gaine’ comes with a pull wire to draw the conductors through, I

e-male

Computer Speak I’m away this month so here’s a little reality sauteed and served on a bed of humour......

We will (do) rule the world.

NERDS Rule The World

R

not be used in France because the earth wire is not insulated.

A wide range of cabling is used in France but each type fits the common standard or ‘norme’. All of the individual wires must be insulated and all must be protected by a second layer of insulation, either (i) rigid, plastic tube, or (ii) flexible, corrugated tube (‘gaine’), or (iii) a layer of insulation bonded around the individual wires to create composite cable.

There is a coding system for the different types of cables, the codes are usually displayed on the reels of wire in the DIY stores.

For example U1000 R2V 3 x 2.5 mm2 shows that the cable: 1.U = conforms to the UTE French norme 2.1000 = its voltage rating 3.R = the individual conductors have polyethylene insulation 4.2 = the thickness of the insulation 5.V = has a PVC outer insulation 6.3 = the number of conductors 7.2.5 = the thickness of each conductor.

ecently arriving in your email is this gem from Bill Gates (Microsoft) whilst talking at a school.

It’s not new but deserves to be shown here for the insanity of political correctness and as a guide for all parents (to have hope) and for children (to get real).

have not found this to be an easy task.

The sizes of the conductors that should be used are similar to those in the UK; 1.5 mm2 for lighting circuits, 2.5 mm2 for sockets, 6 mm2 for ovens and electric hobs.

Thirty years ago when I rewired our cottage in Kent I used only seven circuits; upstairs lighting, downstairs lighting, upstairs ring main (sockets), downstairs ring main, immersion heater, oven, boiler.

If you have ever wondered why your French house has so many circuits leading away from the ‘tableau électrique’, the reason is that the French norme limits the number of lights or sockets that can be in a single circuit, does not allow sockets to be connected in a ring main, and requires an individual circuit for the washing machine, the tumble dryer, the dish washer, the freezer. Planning the partial rewiring of our French house I anticipate installing something like twenty circuits.

28

Rule 1 : Life is not fair - get used to it!

Rule 2 : The world doesn’t care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

Rule 3 : You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won’t be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.

Rule 4 : If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss Rule 5 : Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: They called it opportunity.

Rule 6 : If you mess up, it’s not your parents’ fault, so don’t whine about your mistakes, learn from them.

Rule 7 : Before you were born, your parents weren’t as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were: So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent’s generation, try delousing the closet in your own room..

Rule 8 : Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they’ll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. *This doesn’t bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

Rule 9 : Life is not divided into semesters.

You don’t get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. *Do that on your own time.

Rule 10 : Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

Rule 11 : Be nice to nerds.

Chances are you’ll end up working for one..

Classified Adverts Simply Church Christian worship, prayer & teaching including children’s programme.

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Mail: info@simplychurch.fr Web: www.simplychurch.fr ** The Church of England at St. Pargoire, Holy Communion 2nd Sunday each month at 10 am.

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Women’s International Club, Languedoc- Roussilon Meets in Saint Chinian, 1st Thursday of month , 2.30pm., at Salle de L’Abbatiale.

Our meetings are conducted in French and English. info@wic-lr.com www.wic-lr.com

The Tuesday Club

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For information and support: Helpline: 04 67 44 87 06, email:csf.languedoc@gmail.com, www.csf-languedoc.com All welcome. **

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Please contact me, Pam Kay pamkay.personal@gmail.com 0642159631 **

MOVING TO The Republic of Panama Val & Linda’s Fête du déménagement 03 November – 10AM to 4PM - Florensac Sale of household items, quality antiques, objets d’art & decorators items from Le petit jardin de l’âme, Chambres d’Hôtes.

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Contact Brian Dawson 06 73 52 04 19 ** 220 used beige tiles. 300 years old.

Good condition (adhesive removing on sides).

Coverage approximately 17m2. €1.20 each. 0176 99081251 or susujoni@ web.de (Pézenas)

29

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JEWELLERY

TAXI

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See us at the CHATEAU CASSAN XMAS FAIR 24/25th Nov. New consignment of over 150 designs just arrived from India.

Excellent quality and wonderful prices. Ian Mills 04.67.29.77.14. ian.mills 41@gmail.com.

LANGUEDOCPROPERTYSERVICE.com

WELL-BEING

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Reliable. 06 31 74 45 88

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Liner Pools, Solid Pools All house renovation and construction work Email; fowlerbatiment@gmail.com Port: 0670 91 12 17 Capeb/GDF Suez grants available for loft and wall insulation

Drop in Day Last Thursday of the month (exc July/Aug/Dec) for support, fun activities and pampering hosted by CSF- Languedoc.

For information and support:: Helpline: 04 67 44 87 06, email: csf.languedoc@gmail.com, www.csf-languedoc.com All welcome.

Bespoke massage, Mobile service, Group bookings taken.

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available at the English Bookstall at the following markets: Monday- Bedarieux, Tuesday - Marseillan Ville, Wednesday Clermont l’Herault, Saturday - Lodeve.

Contact Kerith Biggs 04 67 96 68 87 **

English Books at the Bourse ,Pezenas.

The next sales are Sunday November 4th December 2nd and January 6th from 10 am to noon . The Café de la Bourse is next to the Hotel Moliere in Pezenas All books are 1Euro or less . Excellent coffee and company . Want to book a table ? Call Carole on 0467905910. **

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TRAINING Do you want to sell Online?

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Register your interest.

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Local expertise for creation and maintenance.

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Tel: 0623 463542 30

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Email Solutions@LaFranglaise.com for web marketing solutions, site design & social media support.

Call 0786141639.

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Please call Jean at 04-67-44-15-65.

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Now available from the English book stall at the following markets: Bedarieux -Monday Marseillan Ville - Tuesday Clermont L’Herault - Wednesday Lodeve - Saturday Contact: Kerith 04 67 96 68 87 **

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Tel: 04 67 96 01 85 www.opticiens-atol.com **

Stuart Turpie

W

hat a summer of sport it has been for the British! Bradley Wiggins winning the Tour de France; a huge haul of medals at the Olympics and the Para Olympics; Andy Murray winning the US Open; and Rory McIlroy dominating the USPGA golf and now ranked number one in the world. So much has happened I am sure that I have missed something! The success has generated much talk about the legacy of the games and how to move things forward. Attitudes towards the disabled have surely changed with the attendances at the Para Olympics being tremendous. In France the relative lack of achievement at both Olympics has led to a lot of reflection. Certainly it is felt that sport for the disabled is less professional in its approach than in other countries such as GB. The victory in Men’s Handball and the silver medal in women’s basketball were great results for France even if track cycling and fencing were disappointing.

One interesting outcome of the Olympics in Britain has been the enthusiasm generated for sports that get little media attention normally. It is true that cycling is on a great wave of success, but people have become fascinated with other sports such as canoeing, rowing, hockey and handball.

Indoor sports such as basketball and volleyball already have good quality leagues in GB, albeit with scant media coverage, but handball was virtually unknown. Credit to Team GB for putting out sides in both men and womens events that have attracted a lot of support in the handball arena.

Handball is a fast and furious sport which

H

andball has been shocked by a betting scandal with the finger being pointed at Montpellier. Last May the club, already champions, played

**

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Handball 7 Oct Montpellier v Leon (Spain) Champions League 14 Oct Montpellier v Hamburg 21 Oct Montpellier v Dunkerque Div 1 Check website for details.

Football 27 Oct Montpellier v Nice 20-00 20 Oct Beziers v Le Pontet CFA1 18-30 Rugby XV 27 Oct Montpellier v Grenoble 14-00 Top 14 21 Oct Beziers v Albi 15-00 Pro D2 21 Oct Pezenas v Graulhet 15-00 Fed 2 21 Oct Agde v Vaureene 15-00 Fed 1

is easy to understand. Goals are scored by throwing the ball into small goals; usually players leap into the area, unleashing a shot before touching the ground. There is a lot of contact allowed in the 7 a side game and the ability of goalkeepers to make saves is crucial. Scores of 20 or 30 for each team are normal with a lot of games going down to the last minute or two before a victor emerges.

We have the advantage in Hérault of a high standard of handball being played. In fact there are 7 times as many clubs in the Department than in GB. Montpellier has the strongest team in France and has won the championship 8 out of the last 9 seasons. Four members of the French gold medal winning team play for MAHB, including Nikola Karabatic who is a household name in France.

Matches are played at the Palais des Sports René Bougnol which has 3000 seats and the Park-Suites Arena which has a 9000 capacity. The smaller hall which is near the zoo in Montpellier is used for league matches while the Arena, near the airport is for European Ligue des Champions games.

Tickets for these big games range from 12 to 35 euros and can be bought on line at Montpellierhandball.com.

For sports enthusiasts who have not watched the game it is recommended. There are many smaller clubs playing at an amateur level that are well worth watching such as Clermont H, Agde and Pezenas.

at Cesson in Rennes. Cesson needed desperately to win to avoid relegation.

Montpellier rested some key players.

Normally betting on handball amounts to a few hundred euros but that day the FDJ closed betting when it reached 100000.

Most bets were at 3 to 1 on the half time score. Cesson led at the half and went on to win the match. FDL paid out 250,000 in winnings. Some individuals won 30,000 Montpellier President Rémy Lévy has rushed to defend the honour of his players and club. French law allows for fines of 15,000 for throwing a match and up to 3 years in prison.

This is a story that is not going to go away!

Good Times....Fun Times.....The Herault Times 31

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