The Herault Times June 2012 by Gatsby L'Herault

English Language FREE

June 2012 FREE

THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE MAGAZINE FOR THE HERAULT

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

THT June 2012

Contents THT

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Every Month

This Month

04 Letters

07 A French Affair Jerremy Josephs launches his new book in THT

05 Editorial 06 My Place 07 And Anotherr Thing 09 Apicius Dines Out

14 Tim King asks if Hollande can fulfil the French dream

10 Simon Caulshaw tells us why he won’t be by the swimming pool this summer.

10 Wine Times 11 Business / Legal 12 Nature Notes

08 ‘I swore I’d Never Do This Again. John Holmes takes to the road for a cause close to home

13 GTBY 16 Days Out 17 Lifestyle

Juliette Gréco won overr Hollywood but always stayed true to her roots

21 Looking Back

WIN

26 Recipe Times 28 DIY

28 E-Male

07 Win a copy of Jeremy Josephs new book ‘A French Affair 16 Win tickets to see the stunning Forteresse de Salses

31 Sport Robert Combas - A modern day art legend, and he’s from here!

Columnists

Letters Gill Pound - Gardening Gill has lived in the region since 1998. Set up a small plant nursery (La Petite Pépinière de Caunes), as well as establishing a garden on a hectare of ground in Caunes-Minervois. Her activities include running gardening courses, lecturing, garden consultancy and project management. Rosemary George - Wine Rosemary was one of the first women to become a Master of Wine 1979. She has been a freelance wine writer since 1981 and is the author of eleven books. She contributes to magazines such as Decanter, India Sommelier, www.zesterdaily.com and writes a blog on the Languedoc: wwwtastelanguedoc.blogspot.com Apicius - Restaurant Review Born and educated in New York City, he has spent most of his life traveling and living abroad, the last six in this lovely region of France. He has sampled restaurants throughout the world. For Apicius the journey is often more important than the destination. Bassie Scott - Food Bassie started ‘Book the Cooks’ in London, caterring to PR companies such as Lynne Franks. She started ‘Go Bananas’, producing 9,000 sandwiches a day to clients such as the BBC. She and her husband ran a 10 bedroomed hotel. Now living in Gabian, Bassie delights in discovering local produce and runs Bon Appetit. Stuart Turpie - Sport Retired to Herault 6 years ago. Taught in London secondary schools; Interests, art and sport; Played basketball for GB and for 12 years in first division.

Robin Hicks - Director Robin has been a Radio 4 producer, a senior manager at the BBC, ran two of the Uk’s biggest farming exhibitions and a farm in Devon before settling in l’Herault over 10 years ago. An ex editor of Blablablah, he runs the Cassan Christmas Cracker Fair and joins the Herault Times whilst running – WoW (www.heraultwhatson.info)

If you have a story, an event or even an idea that you feel may be for The Herault Times or its associated publications please contact us at: info@theheraulttimes or visit the site at www.theheraulttimes.com

“We are very happy to welcome The Herault Times and looking forward to work together”. Laurence BOXALL Directrice de la publication

LANGUEDOC & PROVENCE SUN

Good news. May you have happiness and success and good times with the Herault Times’. Franco Maldina, Milan.

Wishing you good luck and much success for your new venture. I look forward to keeping up with all that is happening in the Herault through your publication.Shirley

Exciting times for the Hérault Times. We live in Portsmouth and holiday in Montpellier every year so look forward to it. Good luck.

Please please please tell me that I can get this in Beziers. There is a great opportunity here so grab it and I wish you every success.

Having moved here in March from Malta we are excited for you and for us. We need to know where all the english speakers. meet up. Best of luck.

Maggie Smith. (not that one)

Morgan Andabre.

M. B.

John Hands

Dear Herault Times What good news to hear you are to publish an English Language paper As residents from Germany we hope this will not just be for the British.Good luck.

Dear Publisher and team My wife and I have been visiting this region for years and have recently moved near Herepian. We miss the ads we used to find in the Blabblah – so helpful. D & S Houston

Thank Heavens! We do miss old Blablah as it had many interesting small ads which we used. I hope it will be an interesting read and not too alternative! Good luck to you. S

Bravo and good show – we need a “proper” magazine We do hope you will remember to cover Lodeve – it is a really interesting town David and Trudy

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.

Editorial The Herault Times 65-67 Avenue des Champs Elysées, Paris Publisher: Gatsby B Director : Robin Hicks Editor : Emma Foulger Advertising Director: M.F. Art Editor: Daisy B EDITORIAL EDITOR@THEHERAULTTIMES.COM ROBIN@THEHERAULTTIMES.COM SUBSCRIPTIONS For all enquiries please visit www.theheraulttimes.com/subscribe or contact us on info@theheraulttimes.com ADVERTISING For display advertising and Classifieds please contact Kevin on 0624 63 63 77 or mail advertising@theheraulttimes.com For web advertising please contact Gatsby on 0624 63 63 77 or mail gatsby@theheraulttimes.com The Herault Times www.theheraulttimes.com COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER The Herault Times The Herault Times is owned and published by L’Herault Art L.A. Publishing (51926616300010). The publisher, authors and contributors reserve their rights in regards to copyright of their work. No part of this work covered by the copyright may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means without the written consent of the publisher.

A new beginning.... got it right – The time for Hollande change is now! We don’t think he was talking about this – the first edition of the Herault Times – but on the other hand................. Welcome to our first edition – we hope you will like it. In a sentence – we aim to produce a quality monthly paper which will become a valued and trusted companion as you explore and enjoy the department of Hérault and what it has to offer. Written in English, the HT is not just for the English. We cater for the 30,000 + English speakers who live here – whether from Northern Europe or America, New Zealand or Zambia – and the 3,500 000 visitors who come to the Hérault each year.

The publisher, contributors, editors and related parties are not responsible in any way for the actions or results taken by any person, organisation or any party on basis of reading information, stories or contributions in this publication, website or related product. The publisher, contributors and related parties are not engaged in providing legal, financial or professional advice or services. The publisher, contributors, editors and consultants disclaim any and all liability and responsibility to any person or party, be they a purchaser, reader, advertiser or consumer of this publication or not in regards to the consequences and outcomes of anything done or omitted being in reliance whether partly or solely on the contents of this publication and related website and products. 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

Our mission, quite simply, is to serve you, our readers. We mean it when we say: “We care about your views, thoughts and opinions.” If you have an item, an event or a project you would like to get in touch with us about; or perhaps you would like to promote your new business or association, or would be interested in joining our team, we look forward to hearing from you. For further information please go to our website: www.theheraulttimes.com

Robin

No person, organization or party should rely or on any way act upon any part of the contents of this publication whether that information is sourced from the website, magazine or related product without first obtaining the advice of a fully qualified person. This magazine and its related website and products are sold and distributed on the terms and condition that:

We are thrilled to welcome respected writers as contributors – people who know their subject and who will help, guide and inform. We have a wide range as you can see from the contents column.

Hérault

few facts about Hérault

•Named after the Hérault river, Hérault is one of the original departments created during the French Revolution on 4 March 1790. •There are 343 communes •The main rivers are: Orb, Hérault, Vidourle •Population: 1 031 974 hab. (2009) •Main towns: Monpellier, Beziers, Lodève, Sete •Lodève is an antipode point with Chatham Island, off the east coast of New Zealand. •The average daytime temperature is around 25-30 degrees Celsius in July and August and 8-10 degrees Celsius in December and January •The President of the General Council is André Vezinhet of the Socialist Party

Famous, infamous or just like you and me. H.T. looks at people who are associated with the Hérault

JG uliette

réco

Born in Montpellier in 1927, Juliette Gréco’s brilliant career as an internationally known singer and actress continues.

My Place I

n a culturally vibrant Paris, when Satre and Camus would meet up in the Café de Flore and when ideas and poetry filled the pages of new publications and the cabarets of rue Dauphine, where else could a new, young singer have at her disposal some of the most beautiful poetry of the era.

Juliette Gréco seldom saw her Corsican father who was a policeman in the Cote d’Azur. Both she and her sister Charlotte were sent to Bordeaux to be raised by their maternal grand-parents. A solitary child, Juliette spent her educational years in a strict religious establishment. In 1933 their mother took them both to live with her in Paris. Shortly after the Second World War was declared the family returned to the South of France, where her mother became an active part of the French resistance. She was

arrested four years later by the Gestapo, who deported her and her older daughter Charlotte. Juliette escaped their fate because of her young age. After a period in prison in France, she was sent to a temporary home organised by a teacher and found herself at the end of the war in the heart of the lively bohemian Paris scene where intellectuals and artists, including the likes of Jean-Paul Satre, Simone de Beauvoir and Raymond Queneau, would gather in the cafés and bars around SaintGermain-des-Près and the Latin Quarter. All those she met remarked on the serious and insolent nature of the young Gréco. Thanks to these numerous encounters, she landed several roles in the theatre and worked on a radio show dedicated to poetry; her rebellious, free spirit marking her as a quintessential character of Parisian life in the early years after the war. But it was in the legendary club The Tabou, where artists like Jean Cocteau and Miles Davis frequented, that Gréco was persuaded to launch a singing career in 1949. From the very beginning of her career Gréco possessed a rich repertoire. Her intense, sensual style appealed to her audience. In spite of her immediate success she remained little known by the larger public. The intellectual and literary quality of her singing was far from that of popular singers like Edith Piaf. It wasn’t until the release of her first album in 1951 “Je suis comme Je suis” and an extended tour around France that audiences were finally seduced by this mysterious personality. Theatre, cinema, singing - Juliette Gréco was everywhere. She left for New York and

her renditions of works by French literary icons were enthusiastically received. Hollywood courted this beautiful young woman. She appeared in films by Henri King, John Huston and Orson Welles. However, not wishing to become enmeshed in Hollywood society, coupled with her unquenchable need for freedom, meant that she did not stay long in this environment. Although she continued to sing, her film career took greater precedent throughout much of the 50s. Upon her return to France, after meeting the talented young musician Serge Gainsbourg, she shifted her focus back to her singing, recording albums and touring internationally. The world public appreciated the French singer for her power, beauty and her elegance. Standing in front of a red curtain, Gréco appeared on the stage in a black dress which highlighted her pale complexion and the intensity of her expressions. Politically Gréco was sensitive to all forms of oppression. She utilised her repertoire and her popularity to react whenever an opportunity presented itself. During a concert in Santiago, Chilli, under the regime of General Pinochet, standing alone on the stage she sang anti-military songs to a predominantly military audience. Loyal to the past, Gréco was also very youth orientated. New performers and writers interested her greatly and she was always ready to listen and work alongside them. In the same way, she touched the young with her music as much as her own generation. Her universal style never bowing to the pressure of music trends hovered gracefully above them. In 1998, after a successful tour in Japan, a country in which she fell in love with, an unforgettable performance at the Arles Festival of Photography and a new album, she was awarded the Insignes d’Officier de l’Ordre national du Mérite by the French Ministry of Culture. Shortly after, she gave two triumphant recitals in New York. At the beginning of this year, in celebration of her 85th birthday, this grand dame of music released a new album of original songs, inspired by the bridges of Paris, entitled, “Ça se traverse et c’est beau”, which won her a record deal with the German classical label Deutsche Grammophon.

Juliette Gréco will be performing on 23rd August in Narbonne in the Parc du Chateau du Montplaisir.

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

19 JUNE 2012

& THE E STREET BAND

MONTPELLIER

And another thing.......says Abse Bicycles

’ve got a bike (you can ride it if you like). I use it occasionally for a leisurely bit of exercise. The dog likes to run alongside. When I ride I like to stick to really quiet lanes. I get ridiculously scared of carsridiculous because for a number of years I used to cycle around London. But then again I was a younger man then, less aware of my mortality. Now I cycle along carefully, wearing a helmet. Sartorially that’s the only cycling gear I wear: I usually wear trainers, jeans and a t-shirt – or whatever else I happen to be wearing: for example, if it’s hot, I’m likely to be wearing shorts. Not cycling shorts, I should add, just an ordinary pair of shorts. Generally this is pretty much what I wore when I cycled in London, too, as did most of the other cyclists I’d see. Occasionally you would notice the odd pair of cycling shorts – normally worn by those clearly seriously into cycling, whizzing along on some £5,000 racing bike. Here in France, though it’s all different. Everyone cycling here thinks they are in the Tour de France, and dress up appropriately in some of the most garish cycling gear you can imagine. I have no idea where they get most of this gear - looking at the shelves of Decathlon, despite the presence of some pretty horrible stuff, none of it is as eye-stabbing as the stuff one generally sees on French roads.

“A French Affair” by Jeremy Josephs A FRENCH AFFAIR Jeremy Josephs

he Herault Times met up with author Jeremy Joseph recently in Montpellier. We talked about living in France, families and life. And then, as if in a Parisian bistro in the 1960s, we lowered our voices and began to talk of… A French Affair! But it soon became apparent that lowered voices were not required, for here is a book that is informative, funny and eye opening. Over 60 features offer Gloss

And these aren’t necessarily serious cyclists: some are members of cycling clubs and you can tell these a mile off because their frightening shirts carry written evidence of which club they are members of, and because they travel in packs. Mostly people wearing this gear (which often advertises some steroid manufacturing companies - or something) only get in this gear at weekends, and only for a few weekends in the spring

and autumn, when the weather is neither too hot nor too cold. A woman we know locally cycles about three times a year, and yet she wears some of the loudest most fashionable cycling gear seen on the road, whilst someone else we know cycles regularly, dressed up in their full Tour de France gear, on a cycling machine in their living room. I have only bought a trendy cycling outfit once: it was for my son when he was a baby and was the cutest yellow and black baby outfit. Ironically, he didn’t actually learn to ride a bike until he was 20 years old. Having

something for everyone, whatever age, gender or interests you may have. From Provence to Carcassonne, Le Canal du Midi to Roquefort cheese and Foie Gras to Spiderman, this is a book that invites you into the vast amalgam that is Hérault and France. Beautifully written you are led on a journey of discovery and wit; even the ‘coals to Newcastle’ stories of Brits success at some of the French ‘specialities’. I read it in three days, can I say more! HT readers can purchase this book (RRP €15) for the reduced price of €11.95 (inc. p&p). Offer until 12th August, 2012. .

WIN

To win a copy of “A French Affair” by Jeremy Josephs send us an email with the subject title ‘A French Affair’ and you could be the winner!

learned from me, he cycles very safely wearing loads of safety gear. Despite being very slim, when he goes cycling he kind of looks like the Michelin man. But I wish cyclists here in France were more aware of their own safety, and I wish they would remember that they aren’t ACTUALLY in the Tour de France, and therefore the road isn’t cut off for their benefit, and when I am behind them I’m not actually driving a camera car – I bloody well want to get past them! They don’t need to ride like policemen on bicycles (two by two), or even (as in one recent occasion) three by three. They don’t actually own the road for the six weekends a year they get their flaming bikes out! Of course this is slightly tongue in cheek, and totally based on jealousy. Most French people look bloody fantastic in their cycle gear whilst I look like a partially deflated penguin balloon. Most of the French people on bicycles are ten times fitter than I am, even if they are ten (or even 20) years older than me. And of course they know it, which is why they are so happy to ride two by two showing off their fit tight asses while I try and overtake. B******s.

A retired accountant does the numbers. 2,800 km on a bike in three weeks

he HT talks to John Holmes before he embarks on his 2,800 kilometre cycle ride across France to raise money for ovarian cancer research. To describe John Holmes as a 73 year old retired Chartered Accountant might suggest a careful, sensible and a not altogether reckless man. But on the 17th of June he sets out on a 2,800 km ride around France to raise money for research into Ovarian Cancer. Although John kept his roots in the UK throughout his working life, he worked in many countries including Johannesburg in South Africa, Nigeria and Ghana. He later lived in Switzerland for seven years, before moving back to the UK. John and his wife came to the

Hérault twelve years ago; and since 2005 he has been working for a UK based cycling holiday’s company, taking tours out around the region when called upon.

John has been cycling since he was 16, a sport he chose out of a choice that included rowing and swimming, reasoning with the practical mind of a teenage boy that since he couldn’t afford a car and he had to do something, he may as well kill two birds with one stone. Since then he has undertaken long distance rides, including a ride from London to Lausanne, originally as a fundraiser for the British Legion, a tour which although fell through, he nonetheless undertook with a number of other participants (still for The British Legion). When a friend’s wife died from cancer he cycled the Pyrenees to raise money, promising himself at the end that he would never do it again! However, this latest undertaking is motivated by deeply personal circumstances and an extraordinary drive and determination to support his daughter-in-law’s battle with ovarian cancer. He has clocked up 4750 kms in training for the 2,800 km marathon ride since 2011, with numerous trips of over 120 kms. When asked if he has any fears about the forthcoming ride, he describes his worst nightmare as being his bike’s front tyre blowing out during speeds of 60 kph; fortunately something that to this day has never happened to him. He then adds, “But being stung on the face by a wasp at speed, you dare not let go of the handlebars in case you come off so you have to endure the pain

until you can stop.” The exaltation however of this, his longest and highest three week route, is not only the exceptional sense of achievement that awaits him at the end, but also the “smells of the countryside, the stunning views that a cyclist uniquely enjoys and of course the adventure”. John will be cycling with around 140 others. Apart from the many challenges he and his fellow cyclists face, he looks forward to the joy and the companionship of the tour, as well as the chance to visit new places.

a personally challenging endurance test, but more importantly it is about taking positive action in the face of the needless suffering of others. If you would like to sponsor John Holmes and help raise funds in the UK for cancer Research and Ovacome, or in France for the Ligue Contre Cancer, please use the details below: If you are UK tax payer:

Cancer Research ww.justgiving.com/JohnHolmes5

14th Tour Cyclotouriste International This tour starts on 17 June at St Die des Vosges in the Vosges region of France and finishes there 21 days later. By then John will have ridden 2800 kms, 1,750miles) and will have climbed over 34000 metres (110,000ft) including 26 Cols (passes). The response to his endeavour is heartening. So far he has received donations and pledges for £6000 based on him completing the tour, some of which will go to the French Ligue Contre Cancer as well as the two UK based charities. For John, this is not a race. It is

or Ovacome www.justgiving.com/JohnCycloTDF If you are a French tax payer: Ligue Contre Cancer URL: http:// liguecancer.alvarum.net/johnholmes

The Rules of the Road (For Cyclists)

hy, HT asked, are the French so cycle mad? It is a combination of history, the climate and cycle friendly laws. Circuit races all over the country produced an enthusiasm for the riders locally, which now is epitomised with the Tour de France. Friendly laws such as the one which states cars must leave

cyclists in town a 1 metre margin and in the country a 1.5 metre margin. Only the Brits it seems drive dangerously close – perhaps they do not read the French Highway code. Lastly the roads here, there are so many ways to get to a place and they are so quiet compared to the UK. Paradise for cyclists.

The Official French Cycling Federation

www.ffc.fr

Restaurant Review

The H.T. restaurant reviewer Apicius eats

Eating on the right side of the tracks

acing Béziers station with easy parking, L’Ambassade gives little clue to what lies behind its nondescript exterior. Upon entering, however, one encounters a modern and attractive salon in blond wood and light

leather chairs with well-spaced tables that allow for good conversation. Over the years I have eaten here many times and the meals have run the gauntlet from good to excellent and on some occasions have even allowed me to reach that level of gastronomic nirvana where the scorecard couldn’t keep up. As they had recently changed their menu for the spring (menus are changed with the seasons) it was with curiosity that some friends and I settled in for lunch. We were presented with a tray of 6 small appetizers to get us going ranging from petit chicken livers on a skewer to country ham to a tiny asparagus soup. These were full of flavor and let us know we were in for an interesting meal. Our amuse bouche was a light and frothy pea foam with some courgette. Delightfully fresh on the palate was

Restaurant: L’Ambassade

Show erault T im ac and r eceiv opy of Th es Offer e e a fr ee Ki Herault T r or h ouse imes at..... Cock tail

the verdict. We had all chosen for the menu “Approche” 29€ which meant in addition to what had been served there would be a starter, a main course and either cheese or dessert. My first dish consisted of young vegetables accompanied by fresh peas encased in a bar of gelatinous tomatoes; along the rim were pieces of smoked duck filled with small chunks of chestnut. This was a plate that looked like the setting for a Monet and tasted as if spring had come alive. The duck, I found, was somewhat superfluous in that the vegetables didn’t need anything else and the smokiness took a bit away from the delicate refinement of its neighbors. My main dish was veal from the Aveyron along with some cannellonis filled with wild mushrooms. It was cooked perfectly with just a bit of pink in the middle. The cannellonnis were absolutely delicious and melted in my mouth. In fact, I could have eaten a whole plate of them. Some other interesting mains were a grilled perch with green asparagus, peas and stuffed veal kidneys with mustard grains. Passing up the cheese tolley, which I know from experience is copious we moved onto the dessert. I had an ensemble of strawberries and black olives on a sable (a type of French shortbread) partnered by a gazpacho of strawberries and olive oil and a strawberry sorbet. Now I agree that the thought of having olives in a dessert might, at first glance, seem a taste sensation too far but let me assure you it was a cracker jack of a dish combining the visual wow factor with a fantastic combination of tastes and textures

22, Boulevard de Verdun,

Beziers

that made this the winning dish; pure magic. The wine list shows a wonderful variety and depth. Not only are the best domains in the Languedoc represented, but there is also a large selection from the other regions of France. There are good choices for below 20 € and, of course, bottles for those special occasions. We had a moderately bodied white from Chateau Cazeneuve 35 € from the Pic St. Loup. It combined excellently with the different dishes we all had chosen and the well-balanced flavors came across perfectly in its long finish. Mr. Patrick Olry the chef/ owner is responsible for the kitchen wizardry and Mr. Karim Rabatel is in charge of front of house. When asked what they see as their objective, the response was to see that their guests are happy. And this is not merely wishful thinking. My wife, for example, is lacto adverse and in most places the idea of adaptation is to show her what they have on the menu that she can have. At L’ Ambassade, they change their dishes for her so she has as broad a variety as everyone else. It’s an attitude of adapting to the customer instead of having the customer adapt to the restaurant. This is cooking at another level and all the more so because my experience has shown me that not many Michelin starred restaurants are so willing to put in that extra mile. No, I do not have a financial interest in the restaurant. And no, the chef is not my cousin. It’s just that when a restaurant can cook so creatively and offer such a charming and friendly atmosphere it deserves to be applauded. Menus: 29€, 45€, 65€, and a la carte.

Tel.0467 760624

Le Cubanos

We invite you to come and try our traditional French cuisine. All of our ingredients are purchased fresh daily. Open Monday to Sunday, 10 30h to 23h00 . Lunch time and evening formulas 12 euros. Reservations: 06 48 59 00 49

Apicius

(Closed: Sun. & Mon)

Wine

Our cup runneth over “Those of us who live in the Languedoc, or visit it regularly, may not realise just how lucky we are.” AN INTRODUCTION TO THE LANGUEDOC

hose of us who live in the Languedoc, or visit it regularly, may not realise just how lucky we are. We live in the largest vineyard in the world, and we have some of France’s most exciting vineyards on our doorstep. They may not have the prestige of Bordeaux or Burgundy, but they offer some fabulous drinking at accessible prices. I have been visiting the Languedoc pretty regularly for over thirty years, and it never ceases to surprise me – and delight me. There is always some new discovery or development, a new estate, or an old estate under new ownership, or benefitting from a generation change;a new grape variety or a new look at an old grape variety. There is a wonderful sense that nothing is impossible, for unlike the more established wine regions of France, the Languedoc remains relatively unhampered by tradition, and that is very much part of its appeal. If I had to choose to drink the wines from just one region of France, it would have to be Languedoc-Roussillon. The vineyards stretch from the mouth of the Rhône to the mountains of the Pyrenees and the Spanish border, and within that large region there is the most incredible variety of wines. For sparkling wine, you can go to Limoux for Blanquette or Crémant. White wines have improved out of all recognition in recent years; Picpoul de Pinet offers fresh salty flavours to accompany seafood; more substantial whites come from intriguing blends of grape varieties like Roussanne, Marsanne, Vermentino, Chenin Blanc, not to mention the more international varieties like Chardonnay and Sauvignon.

There is an amazing choice for red wines. Pinot Noir is produced in the cooler reaches of the Aude and Orb valleys. Varieties that thrive in warm sunshine, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Cinsaut and Grenache Noir produce wonderfully spicy flavours, in appellations like St. Chinian, Pic St. Loup and la Clape. And for those who prefer their reds more structured, there are some elegant examples of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Rosé should not be forgotten either, for those long sunny Midi afternoons. And sweet wines have their place, either from one of the various appellations based on Muscat, or from late harvested grapes. And for lovers of port, a most acceptable alternative comes from the cask aged wines of Maury, Banyuls and Rivesaltes. The appellation regulations of the Languedoc are in a state of flux. However, for me, whether a wine is Pézenas, or Faugères or Pays d’Oc or even a supposedly more humble Vin de France. is pretty irrelevant. What matters is who made the wine and whose name is on the label. So my aim in this column is to guide you through the maze of exciting wines from the growing number of talented wine growers in the Languedoc.

Rosemary George MW / May 2012

A Wine Makers Diary - March/April/May

Simon Caulshaw of Domaine Des Trinités explains how our favourite tipple arrives at our table

have been asked by the good folk at the Herault Times to give a seasonal account of what a winemaker/Vigneron actually does throughout the year when he’s not clogging up the traffic bumping along on his tractor at 15km/h on busy roads. March sees the race to finish the pruning which has been on-going since mid November of the previous year. At Domaine des Trinités we have approximately 25 hectares of vine, with in total about 100,000 vines to prune in about 4 months. A colossal, repetitive but probably the single most important task of the year. The way in which the vine is pruned will have a profound effect on not only the yield, but also on the timing of bud burst, the shape of the leaf canopy, bunch position and the overall macro-climate within the canopy itself. These factors alone along with the years weather have a huge impact on the quantity and most importantly the quality of the fruit we will harvest that year.

By the end of March, before the arrival of the delicate buds that can easily be damaged whilst pruning, this marathon should be over. So having made perhaps 1 or 2 million cuts with your lethally sharp electronic secateurs, you’d think that it was perhaps time to kick back and celebrate that the pruning is over for the year and that you have again emerged with all 10 digits intact. Well no, the race is now really on as silly season is truly underway.

to the soil, fertilizer, in our case, manure must be spread, ploughing to integrate the manure and control the weeds must then follow. All this time of course, the vine shoots will be growing fast and at the mercy of the Vigneron’s 2 greatest nemeses, powdery (oidium) and downy mildew. As a natural wine domaine that means the organic treatments of sulphur and copper (bouille bordelais) must be sprayed before any primary infection can take hold. So on the few still, fine

By April the sap is rising fast, the buds are swelling if not already opening and nature throughout the vineyard is waking up with the vigour and enthusiasm of my eight year old on Christmas day. Time to service your tractor and contemplate the tasks that need to be done and the order they must be addressed. The vine cuttings lying between the rows will need to be collected and burnt or mulched in

days at this time of year you will see the vineyards full of tractors racing to protect the vines before the next rains or windy days arrive. April rolls inexorably into May, when the ploughing, spraying and perhaps mowing continue to try and check the voracious growing season and keep a modicum of control in the vineyard. Add to that the need to shape the ever expanding canopy by making

sure the wires are dropped in the trellised vineyards to later lift to gather in the shoots. Also the removal of unwanted shoots and buds in order to thin the canopy, to further control the yield and allow light penetration is vital and most agonisingly of all, the complete removal of the water shoots that tend to sprout from the trunk at ground level. Ouch! If your friendly local Vigneron asks you if you may like to help out with a bit of the charmingly labeled “ bud-rubbing” or “debourgeonner”, don’t say you haven’t been warned. Next time I’ll discuss what we get up to in the summer months in the run up to the harvest, which does not include relaxing by the pool I regret to say! www.domainedestrinites.net Domaine des Trinités 6 chemin de l’Aire, 34320 Roquessels Tél : 04.67.90.23.25 Fax : 04 67 90 11 05

Business / Legal / News The Good Samiratan? The Good Samaritan Law (La Loi du Bon Samaritan)

he law in France creates a legal obligation upon onlookers or passersby to help someone in danger. You have an obligation France to stop and call for if you see an accident. If you can do so without endangering yourself, you must assist someone in danger or distress. (Code pénal 223-6) Martyn Turner ©2012

New Law for drivers Compulsory breathalysers to be carried in cars

breathalysers, or rom the 1st of July éthylotests as they are you have to carry a known in France is as Breathalyser in your follows: car in France. It is the Chemical breathalyser latest in a series of laws kits for use when driving to cut the huge death in France toll on French roads. •Contralco Oddly there does not •Red Line Products seem to be an obligation •Electronic kits for use to use the equipment. when driving in France To comply with the •Alcohol Countermeanew French breathalyser sure Systems – “Drive rules, the car kit must be Safe” certified as complying with the French standard •Drager Safety France SAS – “Alcoo Bar” (for Normes Françaises, professionals) & “Alusually abbreviated to cotest” (sales to public) “NF”. The current list of •Ethylo SAS – approved NF manufacturers of “Alcoborne” HERAULT TIMES ADVERT v2 23/5/12 15:16 Page 1

•Intoximeters – “Alcool Alco-Sensor FST” •Lion Laboratories Ltd.the only approved UK manufacturer on current list – “SD 400 F” •Objectif Prevention – “Ethylec” •Pelimex SA – “PX8s, Ca 2000 PX Pro, ABI PX Pro”

Listen Carefully

t’s official.....or not.!

If you hear something “officiellement” you hear it officially. If you hear something “officieusement” you hear it unofficially It’s worth noting the difference.

Breathalysers can be purchased from local pharmacies. Amazon also sells an approved kit for 2.99€. Bobbie Trickett

Who wears the Trousers

omen wearing trousers in France are still technically breaking the law, although few of them are aware of the fact. A 19th-century law stipulating that any woman “wishing to dress as a man” must obtain permission from the local préfecture has never been repealed, although later exceptions were made for women holding a horse’s reins or a bicycyle’s handelbars. When right-wing MP Jean-Yves Hugon suggested that the law be scrapped in 2003, he was told that it was not worth the bother.

Send international transfers premium class at economy cost Everyday we help hundreds of French property owners manage their dream home by offering great rates and a service the high street bank finds hard to beat. International payments and foreign exchange is all we do, so we do it better. Our friendly and efficient staff of FX specialists make the whole process simple and hassle-free. So if you are purchasing or selling a property, sending mortgage payments cross border, have a pension that needs transferring to France or have bills in the UK to pay from your French bank account we can make it easy and cost effective! To get the best rate, quote The Herault Times: French freephone 0800 907 568 Local contact: fiona.w@currenciesdirect.com UK: 0845 389 3000 +44 (0) 20 7847 9400 heraulttimes@currenciesdirect.com www.currenciesdirect.net/THE HERAULT TIMES

• FREE transfers* • Access to your own London dealer via freephone • Flexible products to suit your needs • Local representation in France • Rate Watch • Online international payment system iPayFX *Free transfers on all regular payments and all transfers over t5,000

In The Garden

Gill Pound

fter a relatively chilly April, May has brought plenty of warm, sunny weather and we start to think about the heat of the summer months. Most people water their gardens to some extent at least and do remember that recently planted items will

Verbenaperuviana

need additional water during their first summer. Be aware that a thorough water every few days is much more effective than frequent light watering, which is often counter-productive since it doesn’t reach the roots at depth and encourages surface roots which are then at risk of drying out. Try to water in the evening when evaporation rates are lower. Think about water conserva-

tion strategies; mulching using chipped bark, shredded garden waste or compost helps to reduce evaporation and helps to keep weeds down and adds organic material to the soil. You can also use mineral mulches such as gravel or Pouzzoulane. If you don’t already have a system for composting your own vegetable and garden waste think about setting one up – it’s a great source of organic material to improve your soil. During June think about the following: •Continue to keep an eye out for damage by slugs, snails, insects etc and take appropriate action •If you are still planting remember to improve the soil in the planting hole with some terreau but also some river sand or gravel to improve drainage. It is also a good idea to fill the planting hole with water and let it drain away – repeat this several times and make sure the plant has a good

soak before planting as well •If you have any plants with variegated or golden foliage keep an eye out for any wholly green shoots and prune these out immediately •Deadheading perennials after flowering will often encourage a second flowering spell •Vigorous climbers such as wisteria and trumpet vines (Campsis) may need some pruning from time to time over the summer •Cut back dead bulb foliage •Continue to cut back spring flowering shrubs after flowering The verbena family has some lovely garden plants. Two popular favourites are the tall Verbena bonariense (a magnet for bees and butterflies, shown in the photo with a yellow gaillardia) and the vivid red ground cover Verbena peruviana. Both are perennial and winter hardy here.

For further information contact Gill

Pound at La Petite

Pépinière de Caunes (shrubs and perennials, ornamental grasses, unusual plants and plants for dry climates), 21, Avenue de la Montagne Noire, 11160, Caunes-Minervois. Tel: 04 68 78 43 81, e: Gill@lapetitepepiniere.com www.lapetitepepiniere.com Open March to November 10h – 18h Fridays and Saturdays, 10h – 12h Sundays, or by appointment – just phone or email to fix another time.

Nature Note June Colin Trickett

excess of 15% of the total Languedoc vine area has disappeared, replaced primarily by pasta corn (durum wheat) and olives.

A decade ago , with the exception of a few olive groves, it was a sea of vines.

CHANGING LANDSCAPE

or anyone who has either lived in or regularly visited Languedoc over the last 10 years, the changes in our landscape must be very noticable. A decade ago , with the exception of a few olive groves, it was a sea of vines.

Poppies, Aphillantes, Orchids, Wild Gladioli, Wild Roquette, Aspidelles and numerous grasses. These same waste lands also provide wonderful habitat for, in

The reduction in French consumption of wine impacted on Languedoc more than any other region, resulting in massive over production. The solution, with EEC help, was to incentivise the grubbing up of vineyards. In this period in

There has been one other significant replacement, waste land! Whilst it carries always the risk of summer fires, it has impacted positively on nature. Grubbed up vineyards left to waste are quickly colonised, evidenced particularly this year by the fantastic carpets of

The chain of nature..........Simply wonderful!

particular, small mammals, reptiles and ground and low shrub nesting birds. Voles, shrews, lizards, snakes and rabbits plus the skylarks, partridges and the fantastic Hen harriers all to be seen in our new waste areas. All of this of course provides food for the predators.

Good

To Be

Young

Listening to right now:

-Somebody that I used to know (feat Kimbra) Gotye -We are young Fun -Patience Guns ‘n’ Roses -The End The Doors

Yeah, it’s a blog - I’m 17 So what?

fter this rather uneventful day of mooching around with my head bent low in a mode signaling “leave me alone”, it has all boiled down to this. I have taken up my usual spot on the floor between the bed (a mattress on the floor which would make anyone think I’m a crack head) and my computer (which is so battered it looks like it’s taken some hits against the wall), and I thought I’d recount my weeks. Although, I’m not sure how interesting the content will be. My iPod is on shuffle right next to me going through my usual druggy/ gangster/ “what were you thinking” music. Right now the song playing is “Tomorrow Never Knows”, The Beatles. Anyway this is just drivel. I should get to the interesting stuff. So yes, I’m a teenager in France, and have been for three, pushing four years (bored yet?). Considering I can’t precisely say in one word where I actually come from, for me three and a half years in one place is not bad going (song change “Karma Police”, Radiohead). What makes a small piece of me die inside however is the fact that I still can’t pronounce French words like “feuille”, “grenouille”, and “frite” (Eh, t’as dis quoi là?). And with my tendency of talking quickly, my friends sometimes look at me with utter bewilderment at the dirge that comes out my mouth, and then give me a patronising smile and nod (“Breaking the girl”, Red Hot Chili Peppers) as if to say, “That’s okay, let’s pretend like you don’t look like a complete and utter prat right now”. I mean don’t get me wrong,

Reading for Children

my friends put up with me; I just don’t like my one and only identifier being the English kid. (“Home”, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros). In the past I have pushed to be different in a non-conventional kind of way, but this doesn’t really count. During my first two years in France, whenever English exchange students came to our school, I would always jump at the first opportunity to go and talk to them (“Not For all the Love in the World”, The Thrills) and get my friendly on, like, “Oh my god, oh my god, you’re English!! I’m English too!! Let’s be friends!!!” I stopped doing that after a while though, it felt pretentious and dorky (“Brother”, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros), and thus I stuck with people who were actually gonna stick around, and not be on a plane a week later taking their skinny jeans-wearing, indie selves back to the rainy country (yes, the rainy country is my identifier for my beloved little country). So, hey, hi, bonjour, salut, what’s up? This is me: My level of spelling has long deteriorated since I’ve been here, so vive spell check! And I always have lots to say, just at times, not enough words to say them in. I can swear a lot, however in these circumstances, it’s not permitted. Damn! My goals for this week: 1) Do not think about future with X, 2) Delete Facebook account, 3) Study my tush off, 4) Make sure I have enough underwear to last me for the week rather than ending up with just a pair bikini pants on Sunday night.

Every Wednesday it is possible to reserve a reading session for children with an English speaking reader. From 16h to 17h your child can listen to stories and learn English while having fun. This activity is uniquely by reservation by the latest the Monday before the reading session. Contact Le Bookshop on 04.67.66.22.90 or by email contact@lebookshop.com

A Good Read... Mai (11)

love books. They are the most wonderful thing to get into. Not many people read any more, which is a tragedy, I think. Most of the people I know, will pick up a book, read the first few pages, and then give up because nothing interesting happened at chapter 3. Sometimes it’s like that for me, but then I realise what might happen and stick with it until I’m hooked. When the book is really good, I’ll get into it by the first sentence. So please, don’t give up after only the first page. This is the point of what I’m writing in this magazine, to show all the great kids books to read either while you’re on vacation or just in general. Airman I only write about books I’ve read and loved and this definitely without a shadow of doubt one of my favorites. It’s written by Eoin Colfer, a great writer who’s also written ‘And another thing’ and ‘Artemis Fowl’. It’s set in the late 1800’s where a 14 yr old boy scientist Connor, who’s trying to build a heavierthen-air flying machine, gets himself framed for the murder of the King and is sent to prison for three years. He stays sane thanks to the help of his new companion, who has no

eyes. He has to change who he is entirely in order to stay tough and not give up, so that he can escape to go back to his family and Isabella, the princess. It’s also really good because it’s for both boys and girls, as there’s a bit of romance in it, but not too much to gross guy’s out. Percy Jackson There is now a movie based on Percy Jackson, but even though I have to admit I enjoyed it, it did not follow the story AT ALL, just in case you’re planning on watching it instead of reading it. If you know Greek mythology, you’ll really enjoy this; if you don’t, you’ll be happy to learn about it after this, trust me. At first I didn’t know Greek mythology existed, but now I’m slightly obsessed. It’s all about a boy in modern times who goes to a summer camp that’s not like other camps at all. Greek gods exist, Titans exists, but Rick Riordan, the writer, found a way not to make it sound like a lecture in history, rather he made it really funny. The Gods all have their own characters. There are 5 books in the whole series, but then you can go on to read ‘The heroes of Olympus’, the sequel.

Movie to see: The Avengers

C’EST MAINTENANT Tim King looks at what it means for France now that Hollande and the socialists are in power.....and if the hopes of a nation are attainable?

t was so tempting to see the dawn of a new era in that explosion of euphoria on the evening of May 6th – five years of ostentatious “Look at me!” hyper-activity and nouveauwealth swept away as the first Socialist president was elected in 24 years. In France, Socialism is pure emotion, almost a religion, a direct descendant of the French Revolution. Watching the waving banners in la Place de la Bastille it was easy to believe President Hollande would transform our lives. Perhaps, but not yet. First we have to endure another bout of electioneering, this time parliamentary, and wait until mid-June, to know our future. The French presidency is the most powerful job in the world – General de Gaulle made sure of

that when he created the post for himself in 1958. For him a government minister was simply the cipher to convert his wishes into reality, parliament a rubber stamp, giving a veneer of democracy to an otherwise autocratic process. Parliament is still weak, presidents still make laws by decree, avoiding debate, but nevertheless things have changed a bit since the General’s day. A president now needs a majority

in the Assemblée Nationale. In the outgoing parliament the UMP had a hefty majority of 120 while in the first round of the presidential elections more French people voted right than left. François Hollande’s personal victory on May 6th was not the tsunami forecast – the Socialists don’t have a shoe-in for June’s

since Hollande’s people claim the idea to stimulate growth was Made in France. For politicians, it has the added advantage that no one expects results until long after the elections. But it is also somewhat disingenuous: candidates know that while we’re all out there willing France to grow, austerity will dominate

Watching the waving banners in la Place de la Bastille it was easy to believe President Hollande would transform our lives. parliamentary elections. Having to share power with a right-wing government would be a catastrophe for Hollande, even worse for France. Co-habitation was a concept the General never imagined, but in the past 25 years it has happened 3 times. A president of one persuasion and a government of the other. The result is a US-style stalemate: everything the president puts forward, parliament knee-jerk vetoes. To prevent France stagnating for 5 years, Jean-Marc Ayrault’s provisional government is going to have to persuade voters that life under them will be better. How? 60,000 jobs in education to replace the 80,000 cut by Sarkozy. Lowering retirement age from 62 back to 60 for those few who have worked since the age of 18. Increasing the primary school week to 4 ½ days. Key elments in the domestic campaign maybe, but are they are up to the battle facing France? Attacking Brussels’-imposed austerity and pushing growth should be more fertile ground for tub-thumping candidates. Promising growth creates two “feel good factors”: it breeds optimism for the future and it hits the nationalist nerve

our lives. How else can France honour its commitments to reduce its deficit and pay interest on its debt? Our cost of living here will rise with higher taxes. More jobs will be lost – unemployment is forecast to rise over 10% – already among the under25’s it’s a staggering 22.4%. The press marvels that government ministers have cut their salaries by 30% – but if that is supposed to be an example, what exactly is the message? That the rest of us must expect our salaries to be cut too? Will, for example, primary school teachers be expected to work that extra ½ day at the blackboard on the same wage? The one certainty about growth

Nicolas Sarkozy

is that you cannot summon it by government decree. While “growth” is the new mantra, politicians are coy about how it will be achieved in real terms. Tax-cuts, increased public

More jobs will be lost – unemployment is forecast to rise over 10% – already among the under-25’s it’s a staggering 22.4%.

Marie Le Pen

spending and lowering interest rates are the stock answers, yet technically France has signed away to Brussels its independence on all three. Two other ways to stimulate growth are persuading people to spend more and making industry competitive to boost exports. Unfortunately neither is likely in the near future.

The euro group is set for up to two years’ recession, and since France depends on those countries to buy its products, boosting exports will not be easy. As a whole, France’s share

of world export markets has fallen 20% in 5 years. French companies are not competitive on cost – non-wage costs are too high (to pay for the generous welfare system), labour laws too restrictive. Since Hollande has said he is against structural reforms and labour market flexibility the only way for French companies to be competitive is by better technical know-how. On that score French companies do well, but many of the best brains migrate to the multi-nationals, highly prestigious but paying little tax in France. There is no short-term fix, and the sad truth is that any steps towards real as oppose to hyperbolic growth will almost certainly be overtaken and overwhelmed by the deepening crisis in our single currency, affecting France badly. But if in June the French right wins its way to a cohabitation, our problems will only be prolonged. ©TIM KING May 2012

Days Out

The Herault Times recommends some of the wonderful options that are available in the Hérault and occasionally beyond.........

Forteresse de Salses

c e e 5 ti us an em rite Sals d w n ox Se ject b b u s n the

av We h and i

IfoNr this attraction W kets ail s

MARE NOSTRUM AQUARIUM

Near PERPIGNAN

MONTPELLIER

Getting There

From Béziers: motorway A 9 Perpignan, exit 40, then secondary road D 627 and main road N 9 towards Perpignan From Perpignan: main road N 9 towards Narbonne

Car; South-A9, Exit 29 Tram: Blue line 1 station Place de France Parking Free for 2 hours

Prices

Adult rate : 7,50 € Reduced rate : 4,50 € Free admission : Minors under 18 (family visit)

Adult rate : 15.50 € Children 5 to 12: 10.50 € Family ticket: 48.00€

Address and Contact

he Salses Fortress is a fascinating example of military architecture incorporating aspects from medieval castles to modern bastions. Built by the Spanish in the late 15th Century on a site with its own spring water source, it guarded the old border between France and Spain. There are 3 main parts all connected by a labyrinth of passages in which it is easy to get lost in. It is said that these passages are so confusing that when garrisons were deployed it took 3 weeks for them to learn the layout. A wonderful day out and this 15th century backdrop has been home to some striking contemporary art exhibitions.

Forteresse de Salses, 66600 Salses-le-Château T 33 / (0)4 68 38 60 13 www. salses.monuments-nationaux.fr/en/

lose to 400 species from every ocean in the world are in this fantastic aquarium. Opened on 2007 and extended in 2011, in 4 years it has become the second most visited attraction in the Languedoc. To enjoy all the excitement of this superb family and adult attraction be prepared to spend at least twxo hours here...as a MINIMUM! The aquarium Mare Nostrum promises you a fabulous journey into the heat of the marine world. Don’t miss the ‘Storm at sea simulation’ or the divers who collect shark teeth from the central basin every week.

Allée Ulysse - Odysseum 34000 Montpellier Cedex 2 France www.aquariummarenostrum.fr

Have you visited these attractions? If so, please let us and others know by visiting us at: www.theheraulttimes.com

Lifestyle Trish Walker

talks about Cancer Support France

ancer Support France is a French registered charity which offers support to English -speaking people whose lives are affected by cancer. This includes the patients themselves and also their friends and family. It was set up in the Charente in 2002 by a British former cancer patient who understood the difficulties of being seriously ill in a foreign country-and it has now been rolled out in most regions of France. CSF’s clients face a wide variety of anxieties. Many need emotional support from someone who is prepared to listen in a non-judgemental way; some need help in establishing their entitlement to French healthcare; many need help to navigate an unfamiliar system in a language they do not speak. CSF’s trained volunteers are there to help with all these problems and many more. The volunteers come from a wide variety of backgrounds and no particular type of previous experience is required. A few have a previous medical background but volunteers undergo an ongoing programme of rigorous training to prepare them for their range of roles with clients. A very important element of all CSF’s work is what they call the “sociability factor”-this is a strong commitment to the importance of bringing opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment into the lives of those they are helping and equally into the lives of the volunteers. How many people know about the full range of support offered by Cancer Support France –Languedoc region and how to access it? Here are some of the questions which are frequently asked-along with the answers which enable you, your friends and family to feel confident about seeking this help if it is ever needed. Q: How do people get in touch with CSF? A: They ring the helpline on 04 67 44 87 06 or email csf. languedoc@gmail.com A

message left on the helpline or by email will be answered within 24 hours and you will then be contacted and invited to talk about your situation and particular concerns. Q: What services do you offer? A: There is a wide range of support available and each client receives a “package” designed to meet their own varying needs. This can include emotional support over the telephone or face-to-face; the provision of sources of further information; translation of telephone calls, of documents or at medical consultations. All support volunteers are subject to stringent confidentiality requirements. Let’s not forget the monthly Dropin-Days in Montagnac, to which all clients and families and friends are welcome. A range of relaxation, pampering and practical activities are regularly on offer. These days are particularly helpful in helping to combat the sense of isolation which frequently follows a diagnosis of cancer. Further details can be obtained by going to the website www.csf-languedoc.com and follow the links. Q: Is there anything volunteers won’t do? A: First and foremost they will never give advice, on either a personal or medical level. They have been carefully trained to discuss your situation with you in a way which encourages you to reflect on what is most worrying you and then to identify for yourself the way forward which suits you best. Most of the volunteers are not medically trained and do not offer medical care or assistance, even at a very basic level. Q: All this sounds quite expensive. How much is it going to cost me? A: All services are free-ofcharge to the client. CSF is a charity which if funded only by donations and fund-raising activities. Trish Walker

Marquise de Roc - HT visits the specialist spa gite at Roquebrun and comes back glowing

Roquebrun - View from the house

rue wellbeing often comes from being able to take a little space, ideally in a beautiful, tranquil location surrounded by people you love. So, to find yourself in an airy, light house with bedrooms and private terraces that command views over the Rive Orb that makes your heart catch in your throat, is a positive step towards true relaxation. But what makes this lovely gite, with its 18th century features and well-finished, uncluttered rooms so unique are the spa facilities that have been incorporated into the design of the house. An indoor pool with Jacuzzi jets, a sauna and treatment room. And if that doesn’t send a quiet shiver of anticipation through you, then let me add the benefits of a highlyskilled personal massage therapist, whose repertoire includes full body aromatherapy massage, Thai massage and reflexology. Afterwards, you

can return to your room and fall into a deep, dreamless sleep, with nothing to disturb you but the distant sounds of birds, perhaps a breeze whispering through the curtains in your room; or sit on the terrace with a favourite book or finally catch up with partners, friends and family who are sharing this experience with you. The Marquise de Roc comfortably sleeps 12, with room for up to 15 people. The house has been thoughtfully and well-equipped, with a modern kitchen and large dining table, wifi throughout, a living-room with an enormous open fireplace if you stay there during the colder months; and if you do feel like doing something energetic that involves more than soaking up the views over a glass of local red or white, there are bicycles available to explore the village of Roquebrun and its stunning surrounds. To find out more or to book please contact Larissa at marquisederoc@gmail.com

ith

nW O s ’ t a

www.heraultwhatson.com

In association with WoW The HT is pleased to offer you a listing of whats on in the region this month. Wednesday, 13th June

Monday, 18th June

Saturday 23rd June

Béziers 3 ème ALLEES EN SCENE de 14h à 16h SHOW GIRLS de 16h à 18h CHORALE ISOARDA de 18h à 20h CHARM’S COUNTRY de 20h à 22h Groupe de 65 amateurs danseurs et percussionnistes sur des thèmes Brésiliens ****** 14th 15th 16th June

Guns N’Roses Park & Suites Arena, Montpellier

Bédarieux Salle de la Tuilerie 21.00 Concert Human Rights Sunday, 24th June 20h30 Concert de la chorale “Chante Palavas” – Nautilus Palavas les Flots Sunday, 24th June

Electric/Acoustic Blues, Jazz and Beyond… Thursday, 14th June – O’Sullivan’s, Beziers Friday, 15th June – Pub MaryJohn, Lamalou Saturday, 16th June – Bar des Sports, Graissessac

Friday, 22nd June – Thursday, July 12th

Thursday, 21st June, 2012

Against the backdrop of the Canal du Midi, a fete will be taking place >all afternoon and into the evening alongside the port at Capestang. Free Entry Wednesday, 27th June

Béziers Music Festival

www.heraultwhatson.com for programme GIGNAC Fête de la Musique, scène ouverte. Gratuit, sur l’Esplanade de Gignac. Contact : 04 67 56 10 32 Fête de la Musique au cœur du village à partir de 19h : apéritif musical offert par le Comité des Fêtes, sur la place et à 21h30 : « Les Barbiches Tourneurs » (standards de rock revisités), sur la

place et « Electric Such » (rock acoustique), au square Aussel. Contact : 04 67 57 00 60

Béziers ALLEES EN SCENE 18h à 20h EL SOL Un spectacle de Sévillanes, Rumbas et Flamenco mis en scène et chorégraphie, par Cristel Guiu « La Jaleita », avec des danseurs de tous âges et plus de tous niveaux. Friday, 29th June Joan Baez 20.30 hr Zenith Sud, Montpellier

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www.heraultwhatson.com

In association with WoW Wow Updates these listings daily at www.heraultwhatson.com Saturday 30th June to 08 July SAINT GUILHEM LE DESERT 41ème Saison musicale des Amis de Saint Guilhem en l’Abbaye de Gellone : « Grande Voix et jeunes Talents ». Programme détaillé sur : www.amisdestguilhem.fr Contact : 04 99 61 73 01

Sunday, 1 July

Thursday 5 July

Palavas les Flots Dimanche 1er Juillet

Sunday 01 July Saturday 7th July

Création musicale - danse

Cantique des Cantiques Cant dels Cants

Dimanche 1er juillet 2012 à 18h00 Eglise Saint Pierre Rue de Lergue, Lodève

Musique Originale : Guy Cornut Chef de l’Ensemble Vocal de Lyon

Chorégraphie et Danse : Karen Shaw Soprano : Lise Moyne Orgue : Guy Debrock Violon : Sophie Meunier Flûte : Nathalie Dovis

Texte Occitan : Joan Larzac (Père Jean Rouquette) Lecteurs : Micaëla Roques et Jacques Fuzier du Cercle Occitan du Lodévois

Tout public : 10 € gratuit moins de 12 ans Apéritif convivial offert en fin de spectacle

• 10h/19h 9ème Festival du dessin de presse et d’humour – Quai Paul Cunq, FREE Entry www.festival-dessin-presse-et-humour.net

Thursday 5 July

HUGH LAURIE - Festival Cognac Blues Passions Jeudi 5 juillet 21 h VILLEVEYRAC - Abbaye de Valmagne Balkanes Voix bulgares

Sunday 8th July Palavas les Flots • ‘‘Fête de la Mer’’ – Tournoi de Joutes à 20h30 sur le canal (Trophée Emile Guiral), Grand Feu d’Artifice et Bal – Rens : 04 67 07 73 34

Tuesday 10th July RADIOHEAD Nimes Arenes

Monday, 9th – Friday, 27 July The Festival de Radio France and Montpellier Languedoc-Roussillon Festival Edition 2012 takes place from July 9 to 27 – centred on Montpellier but with a wide range of concerts throughout the region This bumper bundle of wonderful top class music is a little like the Proms in London. The Festival Radio France Montpellier is a huge musical event which includes a range of music and also offers free concerts for master classes for young musicians in the Corum. Montpellier is the venue for the 17 “grand” concerts and opera but there are countless smaller concerts from 9 – 27 July. In addition there are also 40 concerts throughout the region and 29 free concerts for Montpellier Agglo The cost of mounting this festival is just shy of €4 million – two thirds from the regions budget. It is an event enjoyed by over 130,000 and ranges from Classical, Modern, Jazz and Electro music

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nW O s â&#x20AC;&#x2122; t a

www.heraultwhatson.com

In association with WoW The HT is pleased to offer you a listing of whats on in the region this month.

Festivals

In association with WoW Details on ALL festivals are available at www.heraultwhatson.com

This month,

Sue Hicks asks..... ‘What’s in a name?”

hat’s in a street name? The history of France - which can be approached piecemeal through the names of the political greats, the celebrated martyrs, the writers and thinkers, the successful generals, the local worthies and the sites of services and workshops essential to the running of communities. The name of Jules Ferry adorns streets throughout France and many Lycee and Colleges too. This late 19th century politician, twice Prime Minister (president du Conseil), is remembered and celebrated for his educational reforms as well as reviled and denounced for his policy of French colonial expansion. His reputation as an educational reformer sits uncomfortably with that of being racist. The newly elected President Hollande chose to honour the memory of Jules Ferry on his inauguration day as a symbol of his confidence that the schools system could play a key role in the future of the nation and to emphasise his election pledge to appoint 60,000 more teachers. Surely, he was prepared for the protests against Jules Ferry’s colonial policies. Who was this man who is praised and condemned to this day? Jules Francois Camille Ferry was born into a well-off family in Saint-Die in the Vosges in 1832. He trained as a lawyer, developed his political ideas through journalism and was elected as a Republican Deputy in 1869. During the Franco- Prussian War he was Prefect of the Seine and during the 1870 Paris siege he had to take measures for the administration of the besieged and hungry capital which earned him the nickname Ferry of the Famine. With defeat in the war, the Second Empire of Louis Napoleon collapsed and the Third Republic was declared on 4 September 1870. In 1876, Jules Ferry was a founding member of a moderate republican parliamentary group called La Gauche Republican. In power from 1879, there was little surprise but much agitation at the priority the new Minister for Education Jules Ferry gave to educational reform. There were lively scenes at the Assembly as laws relating to who could direct educational establishments, seen to be particularly aimed at Jesuit schools, were argued over. Ferry then focussed on establishing teacher training - no longer would a simple letter of obedience written by the bishop be enough to qualify as a

have a right because they have a duty: it is their duty to civilise the inferior races”. This civilising ideology was not peculiar to France, but these are the words recalled and chanted at protests during Francois Hollande’s inauguration. When France suffered setbacks in Indochina, (the Tonkin affair) Jules Ferry was accused of ruining the country with faraway expeditions instead of rearming the French against Prussia and the cabinet was overturned. Jules Ferry survived, though badly injured, an assassination attempt in 1887. He felt strongly the ingratitude of a republic for which he had done so much. He was defeated in his bid to be a Presidential candidate, lost his seat as deputy for the Vosges and only survived being elected president of the Senate by 3 weeks. He died in 1893 aged 60 and was given a state funeral. Next time you cross a Rue Jules Ferry, give a thought to this fierce republican who sought through education and colonial expansion to stabilise the shaky Third Republic.

teacher - and free education in 1881. He bided his time until the following year, March 1882, to introduce obligatory primary schooling for boys and girls aged between 6-13 and, most controversially, secular ie laique education. The exclusion of any religious teaching or influence in public schools was resented by a Church almost unanimously opposed to the republican regime so to mollify the clerical storm, Thursdays (nowadays Wednesdays) became a free day from school when religious instruction could be provided elsewhere. Jules Ferry turned his attention to overseas affairs and supported efforts to extend the power and influence of France through colonisation, as other European powers had done and were continuing to do. In 1885 addressing the Chamber of Deputies he said that “the superior races

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www.l-artiste.com

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

Exhibitions Until September

Mirondela dels Arts Pézenas Now until July 29

Until June 30

Galerie Ancien Courrier Montpellier www.galerieancienncourrierr.com Until June 24

Galerie Plurielle Sete www.galerieplurielle.fr Now Until September Ancienne Gare de Lamalou Lamalou Until June 23

Musée Fabre Montpellier www.museefabre.fr

L’Arpac: Michel POIRISSE Castelnau le Lez

Robert Combas

“Me, I’m really trying to do something new.”

orn in Lyon in 1957, Robert Combas moved to Sete with his parents and five siblings in 1961. His parents were working class, ascribing to communist values. Both encouraged him to pursue his passion for making art and enrolled him when he was nine into the fine arts programme for children in Sète, marking the beginning of his career as an artist. He describes his need to paint; a need which has never left him and which continues to drive him to seek new ways of expression. It was during his last three years at the Beaux Arts school in Montpellier, a time when conceptual art dominated the art scene in France, that he first began to create works which would lead to the establishment of new art movement later called ‘La Figuration Libre’. In hindsight, it is perhaps thanks to the limits of how and what to paint that many of his art professors tried to impose on him that spurred the young Combas to freeing himself from them through his attempts to redefine the use of space, colour and figurative art: “J’étais libre, je faisais ce qui me plaisait” (“I was free, I did what I liked”). These early canvases, their black humour and sometimes violence, were colourful, full of energetic characters fighting one another or playing pranks. He would often depict battles, inspired from the doodles he had scribbled on his desk and in his school books as a distraction for him and his friends from the tedium of lessons. Assuming that “all things, anyway, had already been done” Combas adopted the great clichés of art, opening up new possibilities for representation. There is a raw vitality in this period of his early works, his haphazard arrangement of images, the use of recurrent characters such as Mickey Mouse and a kind of nostalgia for childhood, for the illustrations in primary school history text books and his doodles of battles, a style which shares an affinity with l’Art Brut (a term invented by the painter Jean Dubuffet in 1945 to describe the production of those without artistic culture). Combas was invited by Bernard Ceysson, director of the Museum of Art and Industry in Saint-Etienne, to exhibit in a show entitled ‘After Classicism’. He was struck by the uniqueness of Combas’ work, elements of which reminded him of the ‘ Transavantgarde’, an Italian version of Neo-classicism which emerged in the late 70s and the German ‘Nouveaux Fauves’ of early

www.lheraultart.com

80s Germany. His participation in the exhibition brought him into contact with artists and attendees of the show who recognised a freshness in the work. With cash in his pocket, Combas left for Paris to live with his childhood friend and co-instigator of the ‘Liberation Libre’, Hervé Di Rosa and another artist friend Louis Jammes. In Paris, Combas discovered the vibrant immigrant quartiers which stirred in him a connection with his own southern roots and the notion of coming from the South. His creative response was a collection of works in a style Combas calls the “Pop Arab” (le “Pop Arabe”), a sort of impecunious pop art which portrays an image of the South, of developing and Mediterranean countries; and of distorted accounts of the South, art works which aspire to create a language without frontiers. It was during this period of artistic activity, following an invitation to Combas and Di Rosa by a Dadaïste artist called Ben to exhibit in his gallery in Nice (“2 Setois à Nice”), that the notion “La Figuration Libre” came into being; giving birth to a new generation of painters - Rémi Blanchard, François Boisrond, Robert Combas, Hervé Di Rosa, and the solitary Ludovic Marchand - who were animated by enthusiasm and a lack of self-consciousness, in marked contrast to the severity of 70s minimalism and conceptualism. However, these painters, unlike their transavantgarde and néo-expressionist contemporaries, did not seek refuge in nostalgia. Rather they unashamedly sought to reflect the actuality of their time, using bold colour and a graphic, simple style, inspired by cartoon strips, science fiction, children’s illustrations and the culture of the suburbs. The world of evolving Combas moves ever

Robert Combas www.combas.com

onward, to one of sophistication and elaboration, in which there is a kind of convergence of earlier styles: colour takes on more importance, filling the canvas, leaving no space empty. He uses black to systematically outline the colourful forms, giving the work a real life force. Later he explores a spiritual dimension, the background of the canvas painted black like ‘the obscure night’; the colours seeming to come out of the cosmos. His explorations of this former period culminated in exhibitions from as far afield as San Francisco in ‘89 and the Museum of Toulouse-Lautrec in Albi in 1990. During the ‘90s Combas expands his practise by revisiting earlier drafts and reworking them. He creates sculptures, such as ‘Les Pinceaux Peints’ (‘Paint Brushes’), in which discarded waste is transformed into works of art, exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art, Paris and ‘Les sculptures assises brut’, also shown at the Paris Museum of Modern Art. ‘La Sanguine’ (exhibited in Paris and Lisbon in ’96 and ’97) demonstrated another side of his creativity in a series of more classically inspired works. His artistic freedom continues to express itself through a diverse range of subjects. For Combas, everything can trigger the imagination, a woman, a historical subject or event, a scene, an animal or something ‘unclassifiable’ that pours from the subconscious. There is a clarity and intelligence to the work. His paintings are not supported by long discourses or obscure justifications; neither does he communicate his message with over seriousness, instead he uses a raw and ferocious humour, offering

multiple readings. Overall the message is abstract; it is a mixture of images and colours representing multifarious cultures. He is interested in the interpretation of subjects. In his paintings he is obsessed with detail, for example of costume and ornament. I am, he says, like a creator of clothes and I’m not aware of any other painters who treat their subjects in this way. In the broader sense, Combas sees his work as only a ‘link in the chain’, believing that diversity is essential in art. However, he defends the medium of painting as key in the context of ‘visual arts’ and is incensed when it is denigrated by certain elements of the art world, who embrace new trends for the sake of novelty, quickly forgetting those artists who have gone before. Combas is passionate about the need to keep making work, and with that the need to continue fighting for spaces in which to exhibit, particularly as he sees those opportunities becoming more restricted for painters. “Me, I’m really trying to do something new, I am trying to bring something out from me and not preoccupy myself with being like anyone else. I try to be as honest as possible; in art it is thought impossible to do anything that can’t be explained.”

All images © Robert Combas

Exhibitions Musée Fabre :

Musée de Lodève

June to 2 September, 2012 Jean Cocteau, unique et multiple

9 June to 21 October, 2012

June to 23 September, 2012 Montpellier, terre de faïences 39 Boulevard Bonne Nouvelle, 34000 Montpellier 04 67 14 83 00 **** Musée Internationale des Arts Modestes 3 June to 11 November, 2012 GROMIAM – Les 20 ans de Groland 23 Quai Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny Sète 04 99 04 76 44 **** Centre Régional D’Art Contemporain Languedoc-Roussillon 29 juin au 30 septembre 2012 PIÈCES À CONVICTION - MICHEL FRANÇOIS 26, Quai Aspirant Herber 34200 SÈTE 04 67 74 94 37 ****

Théo VAN RYSSELBERGHE, l’instant sublimé Square Georges Auric, 34700 Lodève 04 67 88 86 10 **** A.N.P.Q. 9 June to 14 July 2012 Joel Picard “Néonlogisme” 4 Avenue Marcellin Albert 34800 Péret T: 04 67 44 79 86 **** Musée d’Art Régional Contemporain, 1 July to 28 October, 2012 MARCHER DANS LA COULEUR Daniel Buren, Ann Veronica Janssens, MaiThu Perret, Veit Stratmann, James Turrell, Felice Varini, Jessica Warboys 146 Avenue de la Plage Sérignan 04 67 32 32 05 ****

Puppy by Jeff Koons

Big is better? …… ...........not always!

he Argument For: Have you seen the Hockney exhibition in London with the large canvases that envelop you? Or visited the Artparks with the 9m high sculptures that seem to inhabit the entire space? Or marveled (?) at Jeff Koons and his 12m+ “Puppy”? I have and I think they are amazing, enthralling and powerful creations that deserve examination, awe and response. And they are created by artists who have worked hard to master their skills, so that when they ‘upscale’ and attempt to create gigantic pieces, whether on canvas, sculptor or installation, they are exploring the unknown, exposing themselves - craft and often, reputation - to achieve a very difficult medium; large pieces of art that open up a new realm of possibilities, difficulties and interpretation. The Argument Against. Going ‘large’ does not make you a better artist. Just because your canvas is the size of a barn door does not make it a quality piece of work. Advertising banners are inspiring because they cover a building and are eye catching but they do not make the art better because they are big. They are there as a lure into something else. A 50 meter high Kate Moss

David Hockney goes ‘large’ Inspired? Or Lazy? This writer is still unsure.

draped across the Musée D’Orsay is not art. Lots of fun for pubescent boys, but just advertising. Period! Abstract is in the dock here, along with contemporary and installation art. Anish Kapoor recently filled the Grand Palais in Paris with a monster installation ‘Leviathon’ which was magnificent. To quote: “A single object, a single form, a single colour.” My ambition is to create a space within a space that responds to the height and luminosity of the Nave at the Grand Palais. Visitors will be invited to walk inside the work, to immerse themselves in colour, and it will, I hope, be a contemplative and poetic experience.” It worked on many levels; it melded within the original building, and then transformed it. It was interactive and yet at the same time stood alone as an installation, like a parasite that chose to be there and became symbiotic with its host. The other side of the fence. An artist I met and liked has created a 6m x 4m abstract canvas with a Rothko red background and a black line that didn’t work as a ‘normal’ size canvas, so the artist trebled its size and then proclaimed, “It’s where I see myself and my art combining in a true sense of

belonging and meaning”. If you say so……… When it was a normal canvas it was called ‘Unknown red’. And that is where it should have stayed…….unknown. So why do it? ,,Does a painting (in this case) improve because it is 3 times bigger? (Very occasionally I admit). I am disappointed, no, jaded by my needs and wants being dictated by so called media savvy messengers and artists who will not consider their own worth and ‘upscale’ just because it is the ‘new way’. It stifles the artist and ridicules me the spectator. What will be ‘cool’ next? Someone is bound to tell me soon. ,,As a viewer of art I like to decide for myself what I feel or like; and at times I will go and see something that I don’t (think I) like. This is the quality of being open minded, coupled with a willingness to learn. ,,Show me an artist who is pushing personal boundaries, exploring their own feelings and drag-netting those shadowy depths and trying (not always successfully) to express that outwardly; it shows an ability to keep learning, to keep trying things, to endeavor, to grow as an artist, a person, a creative soul. For my part, I will actively seek an experience in the work.

And if this is the case, if an artist’s creative path is taking he/ she towards grander vistas, then excellent. But should one go down this route because it is ‘the latest thing’? The Risk Artists who create vast pieces are often moving away from a comfort zone into unchartered territory. It requires skill and vision, and for some, considerable courage. But the rewards for artist and spectator can be greater interaction, heightened experiences, with the creative presence packing a more powerful punch. ,,But Artists, are you going BIG because it is what YOU want to do? Or is it that the constant white noise of media everywhere is telling you that you will fail unless you conform to the latest craze? What is the driving force here? Drawing attention to you or being inspired by a genuine notion that finally translated into the tower-block hugging piece? I would ask both creators and spectators to reflect on whether you are simply buying into the ‘bigger is better’ and the ‘shocking is sellable’ line that is shouted out by the lazy, bored or oft talentless media and moneyed minority who have nothing but their own interests at heart, in order to stay with the crowd.

“Seasonal and Fresh” Recipe Times EK

OLIVE K

oon after our arrival in the Languedoc, we were invited to our first apero evening where I experienced olive cake (pronounced “kek” here) made by our friend Alex. I had never heard of it, and the savoury, moist loaf - a cross between bread

and cake - was a revelation. Whilst I’m sure lots of you may have tried it, there are those who will be olive cake virgins, hence sharing my version of this delectable local dish.

OLIVE K

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

200 g flour I use half &half, plain flour and farine au gateaux)

1. Grease a 2lb loaf tin and line the bottom with silicone paper. Heat oven to 180° c gas mark 4

………………………….....................

1 sachet dried yeast

………………………….....................

4 eggs

………………………….....................

150 ml warm milk

………………………….....................

150 ml olive oil

………………………….....................

2tsp dried herbes de provence (or a mix of fresh herbs if you have them)

………………………….....................

100 gr stoned green olives, sliced ………………………….....................

4 sun dried tomatoes, chopped (I use the ones in oil)

………………………….....................

70 g comte cheese

………………………….....................

100 gr hard sheep’s cheese, chopped (brebis or feta works well)

2. In a bowl put the flour, yeast, eggs, pepper, herbs and oil. Mix well. Add the warm milk and mix again until a batter like consistency. 3. Add all the other ingredients and stir to mix well. Cover and leave to stand for 30 minutes for the yeast to work its magic and for a lighter cake. 4. Pour into greased loaf tin and cook for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. Cover with foil half way through the cooking if the cake browns too quickly.

………………………….....................

15 gr parmesan, grated

Cook’s tip: Some bakers sell bread in lovely wooden baskets - I keep these for cooking olive kek in as you can get two 1lb cakes out of the above mixture.

Seasonal note

Cherries abound in the markets and shops now. It’s a short season so make the most of them make cherry brandy for Christmas

(I know it seems early but bear with me) or just stone and freeze them ready to make clafoutis or cherry and dark chocolate ice cream later in the summer to impress your summer visitors.

“Seasonal and Fresh” Recipe Times T

here is an abundance of asparagus in the markets and what a wonderfully versatile vegetable it is!

It can be steamed, sautee’d, simmered and served with almost anything. Here’s a simple dish for supper or a yummy starter for friends coming round to dinner.

Asparagus and smoked salmon salad with quail’s eggs 500 g ratte potatoes, sliced

………………………….....................

500 g asparagus

………………………….....................

100 g rocket

………………………….....................

100 g butter

………………………….....................

100 ml olive oil

………………………….....................

2 tbsp dill, chopped (Aneth - found in chillers in supermarkets)

1. Place quail’s eggs in boiling water and cook for 2 minutes. Plunge into iced water to stop them cooking, peel and slice lengthways. Put aside. 2. Steam the potatoes for 5 minutes, then add the asparagus and steam for a further 7 minutes. Keep asparagus warm. 3. Tip the potatoes into the drained saucepan with the rocket, add the olive oil and butter, until the butter melts with the oil and coats the vegetables. Add the dill, lemon zest and juice and stir well. Season to taste and remove from the heat.

………………………….....................

1 lemon, zested and juiced

………………………….....................

6 radishes, sliced thinly lengthways, leaves reserved and chopped ………………………….....................

250 g smoked salmon, cut into strips ………………………….....................

12 quails eggs

………………………….....................

This dish can be made with fresh salmon. Poach the salmon fillets in a little wine and water with a bayleaf. Flake over potatoes etc.

4. Divide the potatoes, rocket, asparagus and radish leaves between the plates and top with the strips of smoked salmon, quail’s eggs and sliced radish. Spoon over the dressing from the bottom of the pan and grind some cracked black pepper on the top. 5. Serve with a crisp green salad and plenty of crusty bread on the side.

Cook’s tip: Peel quail’s eggs in water to avoid committing eggicide!

Seasonal note

-An asparagus spear can grow 10 inches in a 24hr period.

--Asparagus needs harvesting every day, because if you don’t cut the spears they become a plant.

-There are less than 4 calories in each asparagus spear.

-The world’s leading exporter of asparagus is Peru.

-Asparagus was first cultivated by the Ancient Greeks 2,500 years ago, and used as a medicine.

-An asparagus crown has an active life of approximately 15 years.

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

The Art of the Bricoleur Hugh Scott

chool holidays during a previous life as a teacher allowed me to accumulate plenty of DIY experience. This was put to the test whilst running and maintaining a large bed and breakfast in Whitstable. You would not believe how much damage apparently civilised guests can do, especially to toilet seats and showers. We never did work out how the girls in room 10 managed to pull the shower off the wall! And now, more or less retired, with a very limited budget, but vaguely competent to tackle most things, we have a house in France. Our new (that’s definitely ‘nouvelle’ rather than ‘neuve’) house, ‘une maison trés solide’, was built in 1956, the plumbing and wiring are almost entirely original; all in working order according to the vendor. But the house has not been occupied for 5 years, what surprises lie in store for us? I plan, in this series of articles, to share some of the challenges that we meet as we restore and renovate the house and hope that some of the practical bits will prove to be useful.

Fig 2

Fig 3

remlin number 1 appeared when we first turned on the bath taps. The washer from the hot tap disintegrated and disappeared down the plug hole in a black slurry. Hot water ran in an unstoppable full flow. Not wanting to waste all of that expensively heated hot water, Lynda put the plug in and let the bath fill. How long do I have to turn the water off before it overflows? Our hot water tank (chauffeeau) is downstairs easily accessible in the utility room.

All I have to do is shut off the hot water by closing the gate valve, a valve with a red hand wheel (fig 1) on one of water pipes connected to the water tank -

Fig 4

Fig 5

almost every airing cupboard in the UK has one. To my dismay, there is not a gate valve in sight. Plan B, I turn the water off at the mains; that stops the hot water running. (I have now discovered that at the base of the chauffe-eau is a ‘groupe de sécurité including a valve to shut off the entry of cold water. If cold can’t run in, hot can’t run out; simple!) Now to fix the tap. This, fortunately, is straightforward. (Tip: partially open the tap and put the plug in the bath or sink to avoid losing little bits down the drain.) Undo the top of the tap, (fig 2) in this case the red disk to reveal the retaining screw below. Undo the retaining screw (fig3) and remove the tap handle and chrome cover exposing the tap barrel. (fig 4) Undo the tap barrel from the body of the tap, in this case the larger of the two nuts. (fig 5) The worn, or in our case, disintegrated washer, can then be replaced.

E-male

Computer Speak

I once asked a tech savvy computer ‘bod’ what was the best cure for all of my computer ailments. His reply: An aspirin! Those charming people at The Herault Times approached me and asked if I would write a few words on computing. But that is a very large remit. Apple, Google, Microsoft. Desktop, tablets, smartphones, the Internet, security....the list is endless so I thought I would throw it open to you. Mail your question to the Herault Times and I’ll do my best to answer it. Why are there no viruses on a Mac? Everyone is worried about viruses and hardly a day goes by when the newspapers don’t tell us of one of these dastardly yet cowardly things that have come to steal your bank accounts, wipe your data and steal your wife. And you should worry, but in truth not as much as you think. I will write about viruses in a later posting but the question is about the myth that Apple machines don’t get viruses. Well I am sorry to disappoint you but they do. Did you get that? THEY DO. As of 2011 300 million Microsoft computers had been sold and over 95% of schools and businesses ran Microsoft. In the same period 11.0 million Apples had been sold and they had less than 5% of the business market. This doesn’t worry Apple as they only target high end (machines that cost over 1000€) and in that market their share is 90% . But viruses work on a numbers game and if I am a naughty kind of guy and want to cause havoc which do I choose? Microsoft and their 90%. But that is changing. As the Apple brand grows (on balance sheets if not sales volume) Hackers and ne’er do wells are beginning to turn their attention to Apple. In late 2010 there were blog rrumours of attacks on Mac and recently Dr Web alerted the world to a trojan attack that infected 600,000 Macs allowing bad people to steal personal data. So put simply, whatever system you run, use anti virus. Macs are good, Pc’s are good but they all have vulnerabilities.... sound almost human don’t they?

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15 and 16 June

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Group bookings taken. Thai massages, Reflexology, Neck and face massage, Reiki, Oil massage. Susannah 0652752445 / 0467243142

with a photo or logo for as little as 25€

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Stuart Turpie

ts been an astonishing end of season for football in Herault. With a low budget and a young team, Montpellier defied the predictions of the pundits and were crowned champions of France for the first time. Everyone had to wait for the last match of the season . Montpellier won 2-1 away to Auxerre to clinch the title ahead of Paris SG by 3 points. 20,000 people packed into the Place de La Comédie to watch the game on a giant screen. Possibly more than attended a number of home games at the Mosson! The next day the team toured the city with the trophy and again many thousands were there to applaud. Club President Louis Nicolin with his hair dyed in the team colours of blue and orange was a focus of attention.

It has been a well deserved success for Montpellier. Essentially a young attacking team with far less financial resources than the other big clubs, coach René Girard has shown what can be done with solid junior teams and astute recruitmant. Other clubs have not disappointed either. Agde and Beziers finished mid table in the CFA, Nimes were promoted to the ligue 2 and Sete won the Languedoc division Honneur. In rugby XV Beziers were relegated and may face Agde in the Federal 1 next season after their most successful season. Both Agde and Pezenas are still involved in play off action. In June the focus always turns to the greatest of annual sports events, cyclings Tour de France. Slightly disapointing for Herault this year as only one stage crosses our boundaries. Mind you that is on July 14th, when all of France hopes for a French stage

Markets

n every village and every town the Hérault has a chance for you to visit and explore the magnificent produce and wares that it offers. Below is a selection, please visit www.theheraulttimes.com for a complete listing

Numbers Service

Finally.....

Number

Police

Fire - Pompiers

BEZIERS - Friday morning: Flower market in the Allèes Paul Riquet Saturday morning: vegetables in the Allèes Paul Riquet; organic produce by Les Halles/ Sunday morning:large general market

Medical - SAMU

Sea Rescue (From Land)

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CESSENON-SUR-ORB – Tuesday morning Produce/Saturday morning: various

Sea Rescue (From Sea)

AGDE – Thursday morning. Covered market every morning, except Monday

LODEVE – Saturday morning MEZE – Thursday and Sunday morning

Channel 16

SOS Europe

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Child Abuse

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MONS-LA-TRIVALLE – Thursday morning MONTPELLIER – Historic centre, Monday to Thursday 7h to 13h30, Friday and Saturday from 7h to 1800h (full list of Montpellier markets on HT PEZENAS – Saturday morning SAINT-CHINIAN – Thursday and Sunday SETE – Monday morning: regional produce/ Wednesday morning: various/Thursday morning: organic and regional produce/Friday morning: regional produce.

win.The race starts on June 30 in Liege in Belgium. It then moves through Normandy and down to the Alps and eastern France. Our stage on July 14 starts in the Drome and races 215 kms to the stage finish at Cap d’Agde. A relatively flat intermediate stage, where traditionally the main contenders ease up before the torture of more mountains to come, the stage could provide opportunities for other riders to make their name. Cross winds can cause problems too. The British have plenty of interest this year. Can Marc Cavendish repeat his fantastic sprinting of last year? Can Bradley Wiggins go for the overall leaders yellow jersey? Exact times and details of the stage route are not announced until mid June.Keep your eyes out for these essential details in the local press.

Cinema VO

France is in love with the movie industry and often movies are available in France before anywhere else. For listings on all current VO movies please visit our website at www.theheraulttimes.com/cinema

Beziers Flower Market Every Friday, brightening the long avenue of Allées Paul Riquet which is bordered with hundred-year-old plane trees, is the traditional flower market of Béziers. The market is like a vast garden through which to wander at leisure. Along the promenade, under the shade of the trees, the flowers are spread by the by the local vendors like an enormous coloured carpet. The perfumes of lavender, roses and rhododendrons pervade the senses as you pass the stalls. The sellers come from nearby villages, the suburbs of Bézier or from Roquebrun “the little Nice of Hérault”. The choices and colours are striking; and as one approaches the Plateau des Poètes there are stalls selling vegetables and aromatic herbs like thyme, rosemary, parsley and tarragon. In the centre of this flower strewn avenue stands the statue of Pierre-Paul Riquet (1609-1689), the ingenious creator of the Canal du Midi. The market is open from 6h to 18h.

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

July juillet €6.99

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Jasper Johns “I assumed that everything would lead to complete failure, but I decided that didn’t matter – that would be my life” Oliver Bevan The Journey so far

+ Exhibitions Features + Expositions Actualités

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