The Deux-Sèvres Monthly magazine, April 2013 by The Deux-Sèvres Monthly

THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY

Welcome! to Issue 26 of

‘The DeuxSèvres Monthly’ magazine.

Well I don’t know about you.....but...I’m tired of all this rain! Last month it felt as if the weather had turned to Spring, but since then it’s taken a definite turn for the worse -‐ although thankfully we haven’t had the ‘white stuff’ that other countries have seen! I do hope it will settle soon, so we can start to venture out a little more and see this beautiful country we call ‘home’. Due to our expansion, we’ll be exploring into the Vendée a lot more now and welcome any ideas or events happening in the coming months for us to research for inclusion in our new magazine, ‘The Vendée Monthly’. Thanks to all for your continued support and let’s keep our fingers crossed for some drier, sunnier weather soon!

à plus, Sarah. Email: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr or Tel: 05 49 70 26 21.

Emergency Numbers: 15 SAMU, Medical 17 Gendarmes, Police 18 Pompiers, Fire

112 European emergency 113 Drugs and alcohol

CONTENTS

What’s On.....................................................................................4 Hobbies, Clubs & Associations.....................................................6 Getting Out & About....................................................................7 Take a Break...............................................................................16 A-‐Z of the Communes in the Deux-‐Sèvres.................................17 Health, Beauty & Fitness............................................................18 Our Furry Friends.......................................................................19 The Great Outdoors...................................................................21 French Life, Food & Drink...........................................................25 French Adventures.....................................................................27 Motoring....................................................................................28 Communications........................................................................30 Building & Renovation...............................................................32 Business, Finance & Property.....................................................37

THIS MONTH’S ADVERTISERS

79 Renovations.....................................................................................................36 A La Bonne Vie (Restaurant)................................................................................ 25 Ace Pneus (Tyre Supplier & Fitter)...................................................................... 27 Affordable UK Designs (Kitchens & UPVC D/Glazing)......................................... 2 AKE Petits Travaux (Builder)................................................................................ 33 Alan Pearce (Plumbing & Heating)..................................................................... 35 Andrew Longman (Plumber)............................................................................... 35 An English Nursery in France (Garden Centre).................................................... 23 A.P.S. Automobiles (FORD Garage)...................................................................... 21 ARB French Property............................................................................................ 40 Arbrecadabra.com (Tree surgery)........................................................................ 23 Art & Design Courses........................................................................................... 11 Assurances Maucourt / GAN............................................................................... 37 Blevins Franks Financial Management Ltd.......................................................... 37 Blue Bicycle B&B / Chambre d’Hôtes.................................................................. 37 British Mobile Mechanic (John Purchase)........................................................... 29 Café des Belles Fleurs.......................................................................................... 26 Caniclôture (Hidden fencing)............................................................................... 19 Chris Bassett Construction.................................................................................. 33 Christies (English Book Shop and Tea Room)...................................................... 7

...continued. Cottage Services (Garden Maintenance)............................................................ 23 CSB Construction................................................................................................. 33 Currencies Direct (Money Transfers)................................................................... 38 Cut 46 (Hair Salon).............................................................................................. 18 Cyane Electric Water Conditioners..................................................................... 11 Dave Bowring (Electrician).................................................................................. 36 Dave Rosenberg (Carpenter & Joiner)................................................................ 33 David Watkins (Chimney Sweep)......................................................................... 32 DJ Jeff (Professional DJ)....................................................................................... 8 D J Maintenance (Handyman)............................................................................ 36 Electricien Anglais en France.............................................................................. 36 Energie-‐79........................................................................................................... 35 Fresco Interiors ................................................................................................... 9 Garage Planchet (Renault)................................................................................... 29 Gardening & Cleaning Services (Dean Smalley).................................................. 39 George Rayner Computers.................................................................................. 31 Glass 2 France...................................................................................................... 32 Hallmark Electronique (Electricians & Sat. Engineers)........................................ 36 Homes In France (Tony Murdoch)....................................................................... 43 35 Insink Plumbing................................................................................................. .. 33 James Harris (Plasterer)....................................................................................... 23 John Etherington (Home and Garden)................................................................ 34 John Snee (Groundworks & Septic Tanks)........................................................... 36 John Spray Maçonnerie (Stonemason)............................................................... 42 Julie’s Cleaning Services....................................................................................... 12 La Deuxieme Chance (Annie Sloan chalk paint supplier).................................... 42 Leggett Immobilier.............................................................................................. 22 Le Logis (Rare Breed Pigs).................................................................................... 7 Le Petit Cadeau.................................................................................................... 37 Le Petit Logis (B&B and Chambre d’Hotes)......................................................... 38 Le Tour de Finance............................................................................................... 19 Les Deux Chênes Cattery..................................................................................... 41 L’Immobilier de l’Autize....................................................................................... 28 Man & Van........................................................................................................... 25 Mad Hatter’s Kitchen.......................................................................................... 32 Mark Sabestini Renovation & Construction........................................................ 35 MB Plumbing & Building Services....................................................................... 33 Michael Glover (Plasterer, Renderer & Tiler)...................................................... 31 ML Computers..................................................................................................... 28 Mutuelle de Poitiers Assurances......................................................................... 32 Nathan Foster Building Services.......................................................................... 36 Needa Hand Services........................................................................................... 18 Pamela Irving (Massage & Reflexology).............................................................. 13 Pascale Matéo (French Lessons)......................................................................... 34 Philip Irving (Mini Digger hire)............................................................................. 34 Phil Savage (General House Repairs).................................................................. 42 Poitou Property Services..................................................................................... 25 Polar Express (Frozen Foods).............................................................................. 29 Premier Autos (Mechanic).................................................................................. 33 R&A Services........................................................................................................ 10 Reflets de campagne........................................................................................... 26 Restaurant des Canards....................................................................................... 2 Rob Berry (Plasterer)........................................................................................... 30 Ross Hendry (Interface Consulting & Engineering)............................................. 18 Sandy G (Hairdresser).......................................................................................... 31 Satellite TV (Nigel Gubb)...................................................................................... 34 sarl Down to Earth (Groundwork & Construction)............................................. 39 Siddalls (Financial Advisors)................................................................................. 36 Simon The Tiler.................................................................................................... 38 Spectrum IFA Group (Amanda Johnson)............................................................. 35 Steve Enderby...................................................................................................... 30 Sue Burgess (French Courses & Translation)....................................................... 35 Taylor Electricté................................................................................................... 29 The English Mechanic & Son -‐ Tony Eyre............................................................ 7 The Market.......................................................................................................... 34 Total Renovation Services (Michael Dominey)................................................... 18 Tracey Bowring (Hairdressing & Nails)................................................................ 13 Val Assist (Translation Services)........................................................................... 2 Steve Reid (Building & Renovation)..................................................................... 12 Vendée Houses.................................................................................................... 44 Vendée Pools.......................................................................................................

© Sarah Berry 2013. All rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced without permission. While care is taken to ensure that articles and features are accurate, Sarah Berry accepts no liability for reader dissatisfaction. The opinions expressed and experiences shared are given by individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the publisher. Please ensure you verify that the company you are dealing with is a registered trading company in France and/or elsewhere. <<The Deux-‐Sèvres Monthly>> est édité par Sarah Berry, La Bartière, 79130, Secondigny. Tél: 05 49 70 26 21. Directeur de la publication et rédacteur en chef: Sarah Berry. Crédits photos: Sarah Berry, Clkr et morgeufile.com. Impression: Raynaud Imprimeurs, zone industrielle, BP13, 79160, Coulonges-‐sur-‐l’Autize. Dépôt légal: avril 2013 -‐ Tirage: 5000 exemplaires. Siret: 515 249 738 00011 ISSN: 2115-‐4848

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What’s On... April 2013 1st April -‐ Top Hat Quiz & Curry at Limalonges See www.tophatquizzes.com for more information. 3rd April -‐ Top Hat Quiz & Curry at Chef Boutonne See www.tophatquizzes.com for more information. 4th April -‐ English Books, Quiz + Fish & Chips At Bar la Cabane de Vouhé, Vouhé. From 6.30pm. See Paperback Jan’s dates on P.5 for details. 5th -‐ 21st April -‐ Group’Art Exhibition At the Temple de Chauray. Mon-‐Fri 15h-‐19h, Weekends 11am-‐ 7pm 5th April -‐ Phoenix Cards & Gifts. New Spring brochure available, 4-‐6pm at the Tipsy Bar, Coulonges-‐ sur-‐l'Autize. For a catalogue or info about joining the Phoenix team, contact Della James 05 49 05 78 61 6th & 7th April -‐ Fils en Folie. Exhibition and Sale. Créatrices de Broderie. Cross stitch, patchwork, Hardinger, Swiss Embroidery and more. Place Socio-‐culturelle, Place des Halles, Sauzé-‐ Vaussais 79190. Open: 10am-‐6pm. Over 30 contributors. FREE ENTRY, Workshops, Demonstrations, Raffle. Snacks & lunch available. Info: Sylvie.creation79@gmail.com (Fr)/ annettedavid@wanadoo.fr (En) 9th April -‐ Le Tour de Finance, Niort. See advert on P.38 for more details. 10th April -‐ Top Hat Quiz & Curry at Aigre See www.tophatquizzes.com for more information. 10th April -‐ Finding Work in the Gatîne Presentation by Pays de Gatine, 9.30am-‐12pm, See poster on P.12 11th April -‐ Top Hat Quiz & Curry at Champniers See www.tophatquizzes.com for more information. 12th April -‐ Spring Dance in aid of All Saints Vendée At the Salle municipale, St Maurice le Girard, starting at 7.30pm. Call Jenny on 02 51 51 23 62 for tickets. (10€ each). 12th April -‐ Quiz Night At Camping le Moulin, Chef Boutonne. Food available. Please see advert on P.26 for information. 13th April -‐ The Market Re-‐opens At Luché sur Brioux. See advert on P.7 13th April -‐ Live Music with ‘KADER’ At Café des Belles Fleurs, Fenioux at 8pm. See advert on P.26 17th April -‐ Mind, Body & Soul Pause! Cafe L’Absie will be hosting the first of a regular ‘Mind, Body & Soul‘ afternoons from 2pm-‐5pm. Come and join expert therapists for what is sure to be a popular event. For more information e-‐mail mail@pause-‐cafe-‐labsie.com. 19th April -‐ Mexican Themed Evening At A La Bonne Vie, Le Beugnon. With entertainment from Memory Lane. Please see advert on P.25. 24th April -‐ PC Course “Free Stuff from the Internet" At Pause! Café, L’Absie. Please contact Ross on: rs.hendry@gmail.com 25th April -‐ Reaction Theatre performs ‘Calendar Girls’ At Le Petit Theatre, Secondigny at 8pm. Please see more info on P.14 26th April -‐ Reaction Theatre performs ‘Calendar Girls’ At Le Petit Theatre, Secondigny at 8pm. Please see more info on P.14 28th April to 5th May -‐ Music in the Gatîne Music Festival 28th April, Bruno Cocset, 5pm at St Loup Church. For information & reservations please call: 05 49 70 81 92

Monthly services at the English speaking Church in Deux-‐Sèvres Jassay The Chaplaincy of Christ the Good Shepherd, Poitou-‐Charentes, has a Home Group Service at Jassay commencing at 11.00am on every 2nd Sunday in the month. It is held at the home of Ann White, where a warm welcome awaits everyone for a time of worship and fellowship. Chef Boutonne The Chaplaincy of Christ the Good Shepherd, Poitou-‐Charentes, also holds services on the 1st Sunday of each month at 10.30am during the winter in the Little Stone Church at Chef Boutonne. After each service, tea or coffee is served and there is an opportunity to meet other people in the area. Parthenay The Chaplaincy of Christ the Good Shepherd, Poitou-‐Charentes, also holds services on the 4th Sunday of each month at 10.30am in the Presbytery Rooms, rue de la Citadelle, Parthenay, opposite St Croix Church. After each service, tea or coffee is served and everyone is invited to a 'bring and share' lunch. For further informabon about locabon of churches and about what else is happening near you, please take a look at our website www.church-‐in-‐france.com or contact us at office.goodshepherd@orange.fr Monthly services in the English speaking Anglican Church in the Vendée: Puy de Serre All Saints, Vendée holds two services each month, on the 2nd and 4th Sundays at the church of St. Marthe, Puy de Serre, at 11am. After each service, tea and coffee is served in the parish room and everyone is invited to a ‘bring and share’ lunch. Other services are held in the west of the Vendée, in La Chapelle Achard and La Chapelle Palluau. For details of these, please check the website: www.allsaintsvendee.fr A VERY WARM WELCOME awaits you at ESCOVAL (The English Speaking Church of the Valley of the Loire). Communion Services are held on the 3rd Sunday of each month at La Chapelle de la Bonne Dame de Ranton at 11.30am followed by a Bring and Share lunch. Full details of how to find us may be found on our website at: www.escoval.org or please telephone us on: 05 49 66 79 14. Our GPS address is 46˚59'25.30 N 0˚02'06.22 W.

Mondays:

What’s Coming Up... 28th April to 5th May -‐ Music in the Gatîne Music Festival 4th May, 6.30pm and 8.30pm in Airvault Museum: Schubertiades 1 & 2 5th May, Collégiale de St Marc la Lande at 17h:Damien Guillon and the Banquet Céleste. 2nd May -‐ Fresco Interiors Shop Opening At 9 rue du duc D’Aquitaine, Vouvant. See advert on P.9 5th May -‐ Canal Creepers New Orleans Jazz Band Apero Concert In Coulonges-‐sur-‐l’autize at 6pm. More details P.8 5th May -‐ Cerizay Male Voice Choir Concert At the Church St Maurice des Noues, La Chataigneraie at 3pm. See P9 12th May -‐ Clear Your Clutter for Charity At Paperback Jan’s, La Ferriere-‐sur-‐Parthenay. See more details on P.5

• • Tuesdays: • • • Wednesdays: • Thursdays: • • Fridays: • • Saturdays: • • • • • • Sundays: •

Benet (dept.85) Lencloitre (1st Monday in month)(dept.86) Lezay Coulonges-sur-l’Autize Thouars Parthenay Sauzé Vaussais Niort Thouars Melle Chef Boutonne Airvault Niort Coulon St. Maixent l’École Fontenay le Comte Neuville (dept.86)

Photo: Lisa Roberts

Local Markets

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THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY

Mr T’s Friterie

Open 6.30

-9pm

• Rouillac Foire (27th month) H ilaire de Villefranche • Aulnay (Open from 6pm) • St • St Jean d’Angély • Gourville • Loulay + Bar le Saint Martin BRUX, 3 & 17 April • Matha Reserve with Bar 05 49 53 62 84 With regular venues at:

See www.frying2nite.com for details or call 06 02 22 44 74

Reel Fish & Chips Traditional English style Fish & Chips

Weds 3rd April - The Canteen, Etusson Friday 5th April - Bar Tabac, Bouille-Loretz Weds 24th April - The Canteen, Etusson Thurs 25th April - St Martin de Sanzay Friday 26th April - Bar Tabac, Genneton

18H30 - 21H00 18H30 - 21H00 18H30 - 21H00 18H30 - 21H00 18H30 - 21H00

Tel: 06 04 14 23 94, or visit: www.reelfishandchips.net

Paperback Jan Books in English

3rd Apr: Café Cour du Miracle, Vouvant. 2.30pm-‐4.30pm 4th Apr: Bar le Palais, St Aubin le Cloud. 2pm -‐ 5pm 4th Apr: Bar La Cabane de Vouhé, Vouhé. 6.30pm -‐ 8pm* 5th Apr: Bar de la Paix, Thouars. 12pm -‐ 2pm 5th Apr: Le Tipsy Bar, Coulonges-‐sur-‐l’Autize. 4pm -‐ 6pm 7th Apr: Café des Belles Fleurs, Fenioux. 2pm -‐ 4pm 11th Apr: Pause! Cafe, L’Absie. 2pm-‐ 5pm 12th Apr: Jan’s home, La Ferrière-‐en-‐Parthenay. 11am -‐ 4pm 13th Apr: Cafe Le Chauray, St Maixent l’Ecole. 10am -‐ 1pm 25th Apr: La Joie de Vivre, Moncoutant. 2pm -‐ 5pm 26th Apr: Le P’tit Bar Boucard, Ménigoute. 4pm -‐ 6pm *+ Quiz & Fish and Chips

For more info contact Jan on: 06 08 30 73 29 or email: paperbackjan@gmail.com

‘A Great Big Bring & Buy Sale’

La Ferriére-‐en-‐Parthenay 12th May 2013

More news from Clear Your Clutter for Charity ... 12th May!

• Wednesdays (Apr 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th) Bar ‘Auberge le St Vincent’, St Vincent Sterlanges • Thursdays (Apr 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th) Bar ‘La Rando’, Mervent.

The list of stall holders is growing and the people offering to donate things to sell are very happy to help. The British Legion are providing a tombola, a stall of goodies to sell, plus refreshments and cakes. Hope Animal association have agreed to come along, and the day wouldn’t be the same without Haley and Andy’s Reel Fish & Chips, or Gaereth’s British Beers. Lots of folk are coming to sell their own clutter and will be happy to donate a percentage of the day’s takings to a charity of their choice.

• Fridays (Apr 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th) Bar ‘Au Bon Coin’, Thoursais Bouildroux

For more info please see visit website: www.lavendeechippy.com

Open 6-8p

Fish 4 Chip Fish, Chips & mushy peas!

Clear Your Clutter For Charity

La Vendée Chippy Traditional Fish & Chips in France!

Mondays: Bar Tilleuls, Champniers (near Civray) Tuesdays: Sauzé-Vaussais (Main square & can be eaten in local bar) Wednesdays: Chef Boutonne (near Chateau) Thursdays: Sauzé-Vaussais - Lunch times. (Main square & can be eaten in local bar) Fridays: Mansle (Car park of Simply Supermarket) Tel: 06 37 53 56 20, or visit: www.mobilefishandchipsfrance.com

Now is the time to enrol your charity into this fun day of fund raising, or book a place for yourself, you can join in with the fun in lots of ways so please contact me. My local infant school has shown an interest in the event and are rehearsing a little song or dance (they haven’t decided which yet) to be performed on 12th May. We are also looking for other folks who would like to perform a bit of an ‘exhibition’ piece, if you play an instrument, can sing, dance or something else to inspire us, and would like to showcase your talents please get in touch. Paperback Jan email: paperbackjan@gmail.com or telephone 06 08 30 73 29

The National Holidays, Religious and Feast Days 2013 Monday 1st April.............. Wednesday 1st May.......... Wednesday 8th May......... Thursday 9th May............. Sunday 19th May.............. Monday 20th May............. Sunday 14th July............... Thursday 15th August....... Friday 1st November......... Monday 11th November... Wednesday 25th December.

Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques) Labour Day (Fête du travail) Victory in Europe Day (Fête de la Victoire) Ascension Day (Ascension) Pentacost (Pentecôte) Pentacost (Lundi de Pentecôte) Nabonal Day (Fête Na<onale de France) Assumpbon of Mary (Assomp<on) All Saint’s Day (Toussaint) Armisbce Day (Armistace 1918) Christmas Day (Noël)

Classes at ‘Maison pour tous’, L’Absie. 7pm - 8.30pm on Thursdays & Salle de millenaire, rue saint roch, Largeasse. 7pm - 8,30pm on Wednesdays. Contact Rysz for more info: 06 42 35 97 11

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THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY

Hobbies, Clubs & Associations... Book Club Thouars. Do you enjoy reading a cracking good story? And talking to others about it? Do you live in north 79, south 49 or north 86? Come along to our book club..... Contact Alison Morton at info@bookclubthouars.fr for more details.

Cycling Group Do you enjoy cycling? I am a keen cyclist and looking for others to meet up with me for outings once or twice a week. Purely for leisure and very informal with a coffee stop en route. I live at Pamplie, near Secondigny. Contact: steve.coupland@hotmail.com / 05 49 28 24 06

Cancer Support in Deux-Sèvres

Cancer support aims to improve the lives Of people affected by cancer. Don’t worry alone, pick up the phone. For Further information contact: June Searchfield: Tel: 05 49 64 59 96 or email: junesearchfield@gmail.com We are here for you and your Family

Open Door Lending Library Over 7000 fiction and non-fiction books and DVDs Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 10h00 to midday at 18 rue Pierre Pestureau, Civray (86400) Individual membership 6€, family membership 10€ www.opendoor-civray.com

Book Group....meeting 2nd Thursday of the Alone in France? We are a group of people living alone in the L'Absie area who meet regularly for coffee and lunches. We meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 11am for coffee at the Pause cafe in L'Absie. Our lunches are at different venues each month. There's a warm welcome if you'd like to join us. More details from Frank 05 49 69 80 47.

Franglais Thouars The Thouars ‘Franglais’ group meets every Wednesday from 19.30h to 21.00h, in the Association’s centre at 7 rue Anne Desrays, Thouars, for conversation in English and French. We welcome those of all nationalities who would like to participate. Either come along to see us one evening, or contact us at: Mobile: 06 52 21 92 34 ~ Email: jcbed@orange.fr

Association Meridien Green We are an Anglo-‐French group which was founded in 2001 for mutual understanding of each other's language and culture. We meet twice weekly in the Salle des Associations in St Coutant, 79120. The best way to find out more is to visit our website -‐ www.meridiengreen.asso.fr or contact Maureen Dalby: 05 49 29 94 50. The name of our group comes from the fact that St Coutant is on the Greenwich Meridian! Le Tallud Boules en bois are oﬀering sessions every Wednesday from 16h to 18h from April through to September 2013 at the parc de Loisirs, Le Tallud. Everyone is welcome to come and play or learn the game of boules en bois. We have all the equipment, just turn up for half an hour or more for a bit of exercise and socialising. Details from Rosemary Williamson rw.williamson@orange.fr

The Harmonics Singing Group. Based in the Salle

d'Annexe behind the mairie in Civray. We meet each Wednesday from 2.00pm to 4.00pm. No experience necessary just a willingness and commitment to learn. We sing all sorts of music and in several languages, whatever the music dictates. We are a small and friendly group who would love to meet you. Contact: Dolly Ait Boualou: 05 45 22 89 32 or sylvia.murray@wanadoo.fr or Margaret Gomersall on 05 49 48 09 02 or margaretgomersall@sfr.fr Through the Lens Group Local photography group meets on the last Monday in each month to chat about all things photography! New members welcome. For further information contact: Ian Gawn: 02 51 00 84 52 or Brian Preece: 05 49 72 09 94

month from 3pm at Christies Tea Room & Bookshop, Gençay, 86160. Take a look at the Book Group page on the website: www.chezchristies.com for more information. The Filling Station ~ Poitou-Charentes and Vendée The Filling Station is a network of local Christians of all denominations who meet together regularly for spiritual renewal & evangelism purposes. ALL WELCOME. Please see our website for details of meetings and spring programmes www.the@illingstation.org.uk or locally contact 05 45 29 58 91 or email:jackie.james46@yahoo.com. Next Meeting: 11th April, Chef Boutonne 79110.

2nd Sunday Motorcycle Club www.2ndsundayclub.fr If you would like to attend our coffee mornings please contact us via the website........New members always welcome! Rubber Bridge:would any of you bridge players out there in the Deux-Sèvres, be interested in making up an occasional 4? Email David Rowe: djfrowe@hotmail.com or' phone 05 49 63 26 57.

Les Amis Solitaires We are a group of people living alone in France. We meet up for coffee mornings from 11am. 1st Tuesday: The Gallery, Civray (coinciding with market day). Every 2nd & 4th Thursday, The Lemon Tree, Sauzé Vaussais. Every 3rd Thursday, Le Bistrot Centrale in Ruffec. More details from Gwen Shepherd 05 49 87 91 79 or email gwanshep@gmail.com A R E Y O U A M O D E L R A I L W A Y ENTHUSIAST? If so, join a group of likeminded modellers who meet on a monthly basis to visit members' layouts and swap information. We are based on the DeuxSevres/Vendee border but also have members in the Vienne and Charente. If you are interested please contact Gerry Riley for more information on 05 49 63 34 01. Secondigny Running Club... Put the bounce back in your step. Join our friendly and supportive running group. All abilities welcome. Email Kelly for more details: kellyencezelle@hotmail.co.uk

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THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY

Getting Out & About... Le Petit Cadeau

If you're looking for a special gift for a birthday, wedding, new baby or even if you like to treat yourself every now and then, come along to 'Le Petit Cadeau'. It may have just what you're looking for! Gifts for all occasions and ages, quality gift wrap and a selection of English cards at reasonable prices. My name is Carol, I am originally from Manchester in the North of England but have lived in Parthenay for almost 2 years. Before that I lived in Brittany for 7 years with my husband and 3 daughters, where we ran two gites. After finishing a renovation project and when my youngest daughter started at primary school this year, I decided it was high time for me to return to work. But what to do? Although I can speak some French, it isn't perfect, so paid employment is difficult to find. So I had an idea for a small gift shop, something that I thought was missing from the area. After 5 months of planning, 'Le Petit Cadeau' has now come to fruition. It stocks a wide variety of gifts from jewellery to designer handbags, bath and beauty products and unique gift ideas, all beautifully gift wrapped if required. Please come along to take a look and say hello...you can find us next to Cap Pizza at 39 rue Jean-‐Jaurés, Parthenay (close to the parking at place de la Saunerie).

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THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY

Canal Creepers New

Orleans Jazz Band in Coulonges-‐sur-‐l’Autize

Lovers of New Orleans jazz have a treat in store for them on Sunday 5 May when the Canal Creepers New Orleans Jazz Band comes to Coulonges-‐sur-‐l’Autize as part of the La Rochelle Dixie Jazz Festival. There will be a New Orleans style parade from the church to the château between 11h and midday; and it will be followed by an apero concert at l’Espace Colonica starting at 6pm. Entrée for the concert is 8€. Reservations are advisable for this Concert Exceptionnel and can be made by telephone: 05 49 64 24 24. The Canal Creepers will be on their way back to Sweden having been in La Rochelle from 30 April to 4 May, and before that in the annual ‘French Quarter Festival’ in New Orleans at the beginning of April to which they have been specially invited these last ten years. We let them tell you about themselves in their own words. “The Canal Creepers New Orleans Jazz Band was formed near Stockholm twenty years ago by some of us who enjoyed and played this lovely music when we were young (or younger!) and have never ceased to adore – it is really true that love does not tarnish! A witty member of the band once jokingly renamed an old nearby waterway the ‘Mississippi of the region’ and this canal inspired the first part of the band’s name (also and with more than one glance at the ‘Canal Street Blues’ composed by the great King Oliver). But you may ask why ‘Creepers’? Well we simply needed another word beginning with ‘C’. We play the original jazz from the good old days, music which makes you really happy, swinging so hard you simply have to move your feet! We know, because we have performed in lots of places; at festivals, restaurants, pubs and parties in Sweden and in the USA, Italy and France. Our greatest source of pride and joy is the invitation we have received annually for more than ten years to participate in the ‘French Quarter Festival’ in New Orleans, Louisiana, the ‘Birthplace of Jazz’. During the festival we perform in the big Kick-‐Off Parade, on the international stage, and also daily at Fritzel’s Jazz Club on Bourbon Street. We were even once invited, as the first foreign band ever, to participate in the ‘Battle of Bands’. Moreover, the old city itself, its magic atmosphere, its skillful and friendly musicians and ‘all that jazz’ constitute a wonderful experience, not least when the inhabitants of New Orleans dance and prance in the street to our music! We are happy beyond words to go there every spring and intend to continue these trips as long as possible” And so that you know what a treat there is in store, jazz lovers can visit their site www.canalcreepers.se and listen to them play and see photos of their participation in previous festivals in New Orleans and La Rochelle. Prepared by: Barrie HILL, 4 rue de la Garmitrie, Fougères, 79160 BECELEUF 05 49 04 33 02 / 06 31 12 46 61 / email: barrie.hill@orange.fr Painting: Canal Creepers à côte du marché à La Rochelle pendant un parade by Barrie Hill

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THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY

Come and Sing the Hymns you love across South West France Cast your mind back to all those glorious traditional hymns you enjoyed in the past. Gems such as ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’ or ‘Guide me O thou Great Redeemer’ a favourite of Welsh rugby fans. How would you like to come and immerse yourselves into the British choral tradition and have a really good sing! The many Anglican churches from the Poitou-‐Charentes in the west to Pau in the south and from the Atlantic to Cahors in the Tarn will reverberate to the glorious sounds of those traditional hymns during the week of 8th April. Not formal services but simply a selection of hymns interspersed by lighthearted readings or poems. Some will feature choirs, others musicians and others well known personalities who will make it all happen. Good opportunities to meet new people and to find out about the local social and church community events. In the Poitou-‐Charentes: La Rochefoucauld (16) and Jarnac (16) will both be participating on Thursday 11th April at 6pm. Come and have fun singing the hymns you love! For further details of the Songs of Praise evening nearest to you, please visit the Chaplaincy web site: www.church-‐in-‐ france.com or contact Kate at katetwoplus@yahoo.co.uk

Cérizay Male Voice Choir to perform joint concert with Choraline in the Vendée. New choristers of any nationality are always welcomed by Céridièse. Céridièse is a mixed choir which was founded in 1999 in Cérizay and currently consists of 61 choristers. The quality of the male voices in the group inspired the creation of the male voice choir five years ago. Under the professional directorship of Gérald Martin, this choir has gone from strength to strength. The group is composed of 11 tenors, 3 baritones and 5 bass. The programmes they perform are varied, ranging from Gregorian chants and sacred music through to extracts from operatic songs, Russian folk songs and negro spirituals in English. The male voice choir meets on a Monday evening at 6.30pm in the salle Pérochon, avenue du Gal. Marigny, in Cérizay for a 2 hour practice. The choir has the sound of a traditional British male voice choir about it. So far there is just one English bass, with many choristers speaking welsh. At their next concert, on 5th May, starting at 3pm the male voice choir will be performing with Choraline, a mixed choir from la Châtaigneraie, in the church of St Maurice des Noues over the border in the Vendée. All proceeds from the concert will go to the Parkinson’s Association. For further information contact Bernie Salter on 05 49 80 19 72

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THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY

Coulonges-sur-l’Autize has its own Aladdin’s Cave!

Are you looking for that special gift for any occasion; Easter, Birthday, Christmas, or perhaps some unusual decoration or piece of furniture to make your home more alluring? Then look no further...and please step inside our Aladdin's Cave -‐ Reflets de Campagne, in Coulonges-‐sur-‐ L’Autize. Here we have a warm friendly relaxed atmosphere, the boutique displaying a huge range of original homeware, scented products, and beautiful furniture. The shop has been open for just over 7 years and was born out of a passion of the owner, Mme Nathalie Guinyard. Its popularity has spread far and wide through word of mouth, with customers visiting from Paris, Bordeaux, the Vendée, the Deux-‐Sèvres, and beyond. We exhibit over 5000 different articles, our main suppliers being ‘Comptoir de Famille’, ‘Jardin D’Ulysse’, and ‘Country Corner’. We also have a huge selection of tea available in 100gm and 50gm sachets, all natural and free from additives, supplied by ‘Comptoir Francais du Thé’. Last year we extended our premises and we now have a very attractive showroom on the first floor displaying a large selection of furniture and soft furnishings. Our emphasis is on browsing and taking time to choose. We don’t offer pressure, just help and ideas, and if you choose not to buy we look forward to seeing you in the future. Our service is important to us and therefore we want you to be happy, so browse to your heart’s content! We are French and English speaking.

COLOUR with Rupert & Leo !

busy designing more pictures to Rupert & Leo Roxburgh-Abbs have been A selection of pictures can be er. East colour! This time something for www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr downloaded and printed from our website:

Have Fun!

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THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY

Shaping the Unbounded by Josie Bounds

“Shut your eyes and see,” as James Joyce puts it in the first chapter of Ulysses. There are various ways of seeing, we can see in the light, or in the dark, with our eyes open or with them shut. Artists who decide to use abstraction, all demand a special kind of seeing from the viewer. Art has constantly moved the boundaries, challenging religion, politics, society and culture, going beyond the limits of ordinary experience, obscuring meanings, bringing new ways of looking, feeling, experiencing and understanding to the viewer. Aesthetics for artists underpin principles behind their work, what is exciting is the way in which branches of philosophy, religion, culture and politics are stripped and represented, questioning our belief systems. We the viewers become part of the artist’s journey, bridging the gap between process and product. The artist’s intention through realisation is a creative act, creating a gap, which leaves the artist unable to express fully their intention, a gap that is filled by the viewer. Art resides not in the mind of the artist or in the object, but in the mind of the viewer. For example, just as the taste of wine or bread exists not in the vintner or baker or in the bottle of wine or the bread, but in the one who drinks the wine and eats the bread. The shift between artistic processes has had a profound effect on the relationship between not only the artist and their work but on the artist’s relationship with their audience. Piet Mondrian’s manifesto was born of an alliance of aesthetics, mysticism and spirituality. A basic component to Mondrian’s vision was the metaphysical maps he used. Mondrian developed his plastic language through his abstraction, depicting what he described as true nature. He used abstraction as a vessel to carry the viewer to their destination. We could argue that Mondrian was reminding us, the viewers, of what we have forgotten, like a call for action, offering us a transient experience of intensity, wakening thoughts and feelings, old longings and remorse. Lipsey describes these thoughts and feelings as “a blend of hope and remorse -‐ a sign that one has encountered the spiritual in art”. To illustrate this point we can trace Mondrian’s journey from representation to what he described as “the true divinity in nature” through his tree series 1908 to 1913. Mondrian’s path rejects the use of depiction and realism through his tree series; he starts with a tree then proceeds to eliminate the tree outline and contours, ending up with a composition of lines and colour.

Piet Mondrian, Red Tree 1908.

Piet Mondrian, The tree 1911-1913.

Piet Mondrian, Grey tree 1911

Piet Mondrian, Composition 1913

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THE DEUX-SĂ&#x2C6;VRES MONTHLY

Comings and Goings!

by Sue & Rik Newell

La Â DeuxiĂ¨me Â Chance, Â stockists Â of Â Annie Â Sloan Â Chalk Â Paintâ&#x201E;˘ Â can Â now Â be Â found Â at Â Le Â Â Bois Â Â de Â MessĂŠ, Â 79120 Â MessĂŠ. After Â searching Â for Â a Â more Â prominent Â spot Â from Â which Â to Â run Â our Â business, Â a Â shop Â front Â on Â a Â high Â street, Â Le Â bois Â de Â MessĂŠ Â found Â us! Â Â Sometimes Â that Â is Â how Â it Â is. Â Â House Â hunting Â can Â be Â so Â difficult, Â so Â in Â a Â fit Â of Â madness, Â Sue Â made Â offers Â on Â all Â the Â properties Â on Â our Â shortlist. So Â -Ââ&#x20AC;? Â a Â quiet Â hamlet Â setting Â it Â is, Â a Â full Â scale Â renovation Â (see Â photo Â left), Â we Â will Â be Â busy, Â but Â we Â will Â continue Â to Â be Â available Â for Â paint Â sales, Â and Â courier Â service Â deliveries, Â and Â one Â day Â we Â will Â have Â a Â fabulous Â new Â shop Â and Â workshop. We Â are Â also Â excited Â to Â announce Â we Â will Â have Â a Â Paint Â Depot Â in Â Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Absie, Â 79240. Â â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;La Â DeuxiĂ¨me Â Vieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Â opening Â April Â 2nd Â by Â our Â good Â friend Â Linda Â Philips, Â will Â have Â a Â basic Â stock Â of Â colours Â and Â waxes. Â Â We Â will Â replenish Â stocks Â monthly Â and Â also Â drop Â off Â pre-Ââ&#x20AC;?booked Â paint Â orders. Â Visit Â her Â for Â furniture Â to Â upcycle Â or Â ready Â painted. Â Watch Â out Â for Â full Â details Â of Â opening Â hours Â or Â ring Â us Â for Â details. Painted Â furniture Â workshops Â will Â also Â continue, Â either Â at Â your Â home Â or Â at Â venues Â around Â the Â Deux Â Sevres Â and Â Vienne. Â Â Check Â out Â our Â website Â at Â www.ladeuxiemechance.com Â for Â more Â details. Â Â We Â have Â to Â keep Â you Â painting!

! " #$%&'%(" ) * " +, " ! - ! .

! " # So Â with Â thanks Â to Â all Â our Â customers, Â for Â their Â brilliant Â support, Â we Â venture Â into Â our Â new Â project. Â Drop Â by Â and Â see Â us Â soon, Â wear Â a Â hard Â hat Â and Â bring Â your Â working Â clothes, Â flask Â and Â sandwiches!

/ "

For Â the Â faint Â hearted, Â follow Â us Â on Â facebook Â or Â via Â our Â blog! Â Watch Â our Â progress Â and Â choice Â of Â colours Â as Â the Â whole Â house Â gets Â a Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;DeuxiĂ¨me Â Chanceâ&#x20AC;?!

- 1 23 45 %4 '3 45

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With Â holes Â in Â every Â roof, Â hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Â hoping Â April Â has Â no Â showers! Â

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THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY

Take It or Leave It

by Sue Burgess

There are five French verbs that mean to leave: partir, s'en aller, sortir, quitter, and laisser. These all have different meanings, so how do we know which one to use?

Vocabulary / Vocabulaire : Expressions with prendre passer prendre quelqu'un

to go pick someone up

prendre l'air

to get a breath of fresh air

prendre bien la chose

to take something well

prendre une décision

to make a decision

prendre feu

to catch ﬁre

prendre ﬁn

to come to an end

prendre le frais

to get a breath of fresh air

S'en aller is more or less interchangeable with partir, but it has a slightly informal use: to go away/off. It can also mean to retire or to die. «Je m'en vais, salut!» (I'm off, bye!) «Va t'en!» (Go away!)

prendre froid

to catch a cold

prendre garde

to be careful, watch out

Sortir means to go out, to get out of something, to get out of an enclosed space or to get something out -‐ it is the opposite of entrer (to enter). «Je sors ce soir» (I'm going out tonight), «Il doit sortir la voiture du garage» (He has to get the car out of the garage).

prendre à gauche/droit

to turn le€/right

prendre goût à quelqu'un

to take a liking to something

prendre mal la chose

to take something poorly

prendre la mer

to set sail, to put out to sea

Partir means to leave in a general sense -‐ it is the opposite of arriver (to arrive). Partir cannot be followed by a direct object; however, it may be followed by a preposition : So you can't say «Je pars la maison» but you can say «je pars de la maison». Partir conveys an intention of going somewhere. It is often followed by «pour». «Je pars pour l'école» (I'm off to school) In addition partir can be a euphemism for death: «Mon mari est part» (my husband passed away).

Quitter means to leave someone or something -‐ it must be followed by a direct object. It often indicates a prolonged separation. «Ils quittent la France» (They're leaving France), «Il quitte sa femme» (He's leaving his wife). The only exception to the rule that quitter must be followed by an object is when on the phone : «Ne quittez pas» (Don't hang up). Laisser means to leave something in the sense of not taking it with/for oneself : «J'ai laissé mon sac chez Luc» (I left my bag at Luc's house), «Laissez-‐moi du gâteau!» (Leave me some cake!). Laisser can also mean to leave someone alone: «Laissez-‐moi tranquille!» (Leave me alone!). The English verb to take has several French equivalents. Prendre is the general all purpose French equivalent of to take. It is used to talk about taking something from a place or from someone, taking (having) something to eat or taking a certain size (of clothes / shoes) : «J'ai pris le livre sur la table» (I took the book from the table), «je prends un sandwich, s'il vous plaît» (I'll have a sandwich, please), «il prend une taille 14» (he takes size 14). Amener means to take someone or something with you. « J'ai amené mon frère à la fête» (I took my brother to the party).

End

Small Colour advert only 34€ Page 13

THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY

News from the Pays de Gâtine! by Julia Salvat presents ‘CALENDAR GIRLS’ by Tim Firth at Secondigny & La Châtaigneraie 2013. I must start with an apology because I submitted the wrong production dates in the last issue of ‘The Deux-‐Sèvres Monthly’, all my fault and I am very sorry if this has caused any inconvenience. The dates and times below are accurate. Due to the high demand for tickets we have now opened the bookings facility so that you can order your tickets either online or by telephone with immediate effect. Due to holiday planning we have had to change the telephone number, but the online booking remains the same. You can be sure that if you want to come and see ‘Calendar Girls’ we will make every effort to ensure you get a seat. Dates, times and places of the performances are as follows:-‐ • Secondigny Le Petit Theatre Performances on Thursday 25th & Friday 26th April at 8pm and a matinee performance on Saturday 27th April at 2.30pm. • La Chataigneraie Theatre Performances on Friday 3rd & Saturday 4th May at 8pm. Tickets can be booked via email on reaction.tickets@yahoo.fr or by telephone, please ring Maureen Murdoch on 05 49 77 23 54. L’Ecu restaurant in Secondigny is providing a Theatre Special dinner for 12€ for a choice of plat and dessert on Thursday 25th and Friday 26th before the evening performances, but you will need to book and quote “Theatre Special” on 05 49 63 29 94. The Calendar Girls Calendar By the time this magazine hits the shelves, the Calendar Girls calendar should be printed and ready for its launch in early April 2013. A great deal of hard work has been completed by many people; the ladies in the calendar have been extremely enthusiastic, the photographs are excellent -‐ all we need now to make our calendar a major success is for you to buy as many copies as possible. They will make a great present for your family and friends. Thanks once again to our many sponsors and remember ALL proceeds from the sale of the calendar will go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Research Foundation in the UK and La Fondation de France: La Recherche contre Leucemie et Lymphome here in France.

Sesng Up or Running Tourist Accommodauon. If you have set up or are thinking of setting up tourist accommodation you might like a bit of expert advice and the office to contact would be ‘Tourisme en Gâtine’. Based in Parthenay and also manning the tourist offices in the area are a competent team of experts. They will help, free of charge, by explaining what you need to take into consideration and their services include: visits to help on the technical side before starting, an explanation of the administrative procedures, the possible public grants and quality charters. Whether you are thinking of Gîtes or B&B (Chambre d’hôtes), you would need to declare them at your local town hall. Gîtes can be star graded and to do this you would have to get in touch with ‘Tourisme en Gâtine’ or ‘Gîtes de France’ in Niort. However, you will be charged for this service. When thinking of campsites, it would be best to talk through the possibilities with the experts to see which sort you would like to set up and run. They can be for: tents, caravans, leisure residential parks, mobile homes and light holiday homes. However in today’s market, original ideas seem to attract more people. Even if you are already set up you might like to know how to promote your business to the French market and what kind of promotional events the tourist department go to. The Tourism en Gâtine’s office has just reprinted its annual brochure and copies can be found at the Office de Tourisme, rue Vau St-‐Jacques, Parthenay. For those of you who are already up and running you might like to know that you can pick up any new brochures for the coming season on : 2nd April 2013 from 14h00 – 17h30 at L’Acclameur, 50 rue Charles Darwin, 79000 Niort. Tourisme de Gâtine : 05.49.64.98.60.

Julia SALVAT, Pays de Gâtine. Tel: 05 49 64 25 49 ~ Email: julia.salvat@gatine.org Website: www.gatine.org

The Art Scene The art group has been heavily involved in assisting with the Calendar Girls production and we have been joined by many of the theatre group members, who do not normally join us on a Friday morning, all sharing the workload. That is what the Theatre group is all about -‐ well done everyone. Finally a personal thank you from me to the art group for managing so well while I am stuck in this hospital bed recovering from a major knee operation – AH, I hope they don’t manage too well they might not want me back!! PS. I don’t like grapes, unless they’re crushed and I don’t like flowers, you can’t eat them but I love Cadburys whole nut chocolate, just in case you were wondering....

For any further information, please contact John Blair by email: johnblair@btopenworld.com

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THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY More from local writer Alison Morton... Please see back issues of ‘The DSM’ if you would like to see previous articles.

How to Launch Your Book

In the last two articles, I outlined how to sell your book, both printed and electronic versions. But the milestone event is your book launch, especially if it’s your first. “But I’m not famous”, “It’s only my little family memoir” or “Nobody will want to buy it” are some excuses I’ve heard for not having a launch. The newest one is “It’s only an ebook”. Sorry, not good enough. You’ve slaved away, often over years, dedicating all your spare hours, thinking about the book when not writing it and you’ve finally got there. Of course, you need to celebrate! A launch doesn’t have to be a Foyles Literary Lunch, nor does it have to be in a bookshop, nor need hundreds of attendees. It can be a simple drinks evening at home with a few informal words and a nod to a pile of your books. Make sure you line up a friend who can take the cash. A writer friend of mine booked a double table at his local pub, invited a few friends and ended up speaking to the whole pub and selling over a hundred books. Plus it was reported in the local paper which prompted more sales. Other possibles, especially if your book relates to the place, are tourist bookshops, hotels, boats, club venue, museum, friend’s garden, art gallery, community centre – in short, anywhere where potential buyers might gather. Refreshments? Soft drinks or tea/coffee should be laid on, but most launches feature wine or fizz. We’re lucky being near the Loire Valley with both almost on tap. Crisps and nuts (or trays of hors d’oeuvres if you can run to that) are always welcome. So what happens at a launch? Some are like standard parties – milling, lurking, laughing, but centred around the author and the book. The emphasis is on celebration and relaxation. A five to ten minute pause will allow the author to thank everybody, and the publisher and agent to say a few words. Then attendees can buy copies and queue for the author to sign them. A more structured launch, sometimes called ‘An evening with (name of author)’ is ticketed – usually at a modest amount redeemable against the cost of the book. Attendees are offered a glass of wine, fizz or soft drink on arrival. After five or ten minutes’ mingling, they sit down to listen to the author give a talk for 25-‐30 minutes which will probably include an excerpt or two from their book. A question and answer session follows, then buying and signing and a little more mingling. “But what if I publish ebook only?” Both types of launch can be adapted, but make sure you have something for people to take away with them such as bookmarks with buying links. If you print them with uncoated paper on the reverse, you can sign the back. An alternative is the digital signature service Authorgraph (www.authorgraph.com). Make sure your bookmark mentions this. And, finally, get somebody else to take plenty of photographs especially of you holding your book, or high resolution printed image if an ebook. You can then use these photos to publicise your book further! Next month, the real secret to selling more books... Alison Morton writes alternate history thrillers, blogs about wri^ng and Romans at h_p://alison-‐morton.com/blog/

SUMMER MARKET SUNDAY JUNE 9th

Organised by Aidez Association (Terves)

Salles des Fetes St Germain-de-Longue-Champs Open from 13:00 -18:00 Good variety of 30 plus stalls Red White and Blue, Plants, Honey, Iceland Frozen foods, Books, Curry experience, RBL with Tombola, Ceramic Pots, Avon, Jewellery, Bags, Cake Stall and Refreshment area. Money raised will benefit local French Charities

Entrance Free of Charge

Combined Services Support Group (CSSG)

by Terri Laverick

A few former members of the Northern Section of the Linazay Branch of the Poitou-‐Charentes RBL met on Saturday 16th March in the Café des Belles Fleurs in Fenioux to inaugurate and rename their new group. Several people were unable to attend and were sadly missed, but hopefully they will be with us on 18th May 2013 for our second formal meeting. The name chosen for the new group is the Combined Services Support Group, or CSSG to make is easier on the tongue. The aim of the Group is to hold social events and to raise monies for Service Charities and to help ex-‐service people and/or their families, however we can. The group is chaired by Mr. Will Rowe ably assisted by a committee which will be elected annually from within members of the group. The first event on our agenda is at Le Ferriere-‐en-‐Parthenay on 12th May, where we will be selling tea, coffee and cakes. We shall also have a tombola stall. Paperback Jan is holding an ‘Open Day’ again which is always a fun and entertaining day, so please do come along and have a “Cuppa” and a slice of cake. There are usually lots of interesting stalls, and hopefully this year, some entertainment as well. As I have mentioned above, we aim to help not only personnel but other charities, and Mr Will Rowe and his wife have recently aided Help For Heroes by accommodating lady walkers and their support team doing a 100km walk from Bressuire to Lezay via Parthenay. The route takes in the obsolete rail track to Parthenay, and then by green ways, fields and lanes the rest of the way. Although not giving directly to the charity, this has helped to keep their costs to a minimum. If anyone wishes to join our group, attend our meetings, or help at events, please contact me by email at laverick_83@hotmail.com Page 15

THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY

Take a Break... DSM Easy Crossword Across: Down: 8. Run away to marry. (5) 1. Posted. (4) 9. Slanting or inclined in direction or 2. A party of people assembled in the course. (7) evening. (6) 10. Small pastry of various filling used 3. Fit and well. (7) as a canape. (7) 4. Medical practitioner. (6) 11. Republic in West Africa. (5) 5. Beats with a whip. (5) 12. Extreme excess. (8) 6. Racket sport. (6) 13. Commercial outlet. (4) 7. Summarised briefly. (8) 15. Finished. (4) 12. Likely but not certain. (8) 17. Let go. (8) 14. Capturing. (7) 21. Common snake. (5) 16. Make attractive or lovable. (6) 22. European short-‐winged hawk. (7) 18. Flowing back. 6) 24. A usually secretive or illicit 19. Go without food. (6) relationship. (7) 20. Offensively bold. (5) 25. Not once! (5) 23. A challenge to do something dangerous. (4)

Down: Toughie Crossword 1. Unusual band of one sort of tuna is plentiful. (8) 2. Badly done by, and more so than expected! (6) 3. Ken is not the same now we have some of the material. (5) 4. FC substitution makes one shrink back from the border. (6) 5. Current power given by French father in the mornings. (7) 6. Girl inspired by overture in South Africa. (6) 7. Treatment done on scar produces nice curves. (4) 14. Newly met Green adapting to the up and coming. (8) 15. Describing a bit of what you fancy? (7) 17. Tiny alien fused into the whole thing? (6) 18. Seek protection from anger about sun transmutation. (6) 20. Bardish heroine going into Napoli via Verona. (6) 21. Stocky sailor taking over upturned tanker initially. (5) 22. No parking in front of the fruit tree; that means everyone! (4)

Sudoku Corner... Easy

www.printfreesudokupuzzles.com

Hard

With thanks to M.Morris

Please see website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr for answers

Across: 8. Following a short holiday the queen gives a wave. (7) 9. Given time, even an untidy room can be a driving force. (5) 10. Diana omitted to include a lady from the bible. (5) 11. Coastal landmark irritates and, with pins, is numbing. (7) 12. Sounds like publicity puts two and two together. (4) 13. Produce a form of green tea. (8) 16. Chat Mme is wasted when referring to subject maOer. (8) 18. Certainly no less found in unusual European city. (4) 22. Energy applied to conditions in housing developments. (7) 23. A distributed night leads one to object. (5) 24. Italian cooked in second half of earthenware. (5) 25. Get together with old acquaintances in the Indian Ocean? (7)

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THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY

A-Z of the Communes in the Deux-Sèvres A-Z of the Communes of the by Sue Burgess Deux-Sèvres. CHEF-BOUTONNE This small country town gets its name from the river Boutonne whose source is in the centre of the town under the wash-‐house in rue de la Fontaine. The name «chef» comes from the fact that the town is at the «head» of the Boutonne river. Chef-‐Boutonne is the main town of the canton and is known because of two historic figures: Lamoignon de Malesherbes, a defender of Louis XVI and Jean-‐François Cail, engineer and mechanic, who was a rich industrialist of the XIXth century. Chef-‐Boutonne has for several years been the home to a renowned international table tennis tournament. Many of the top 100 world players take part. When you arrive in the town from Javarzay, you go along the old rue du Château which has become avenue des fils Fouquaud. The Fouquauds were shot by the Germans in 1944. The place des Martyrs de la Résistance leads to another avenue which is dedicated to another member of the resistance, Louis Proust, shot at the age of 16. The name of the little square of la Croix perrine already existed in 1654 and probably comes from the chaplaincy that used to be there. It was a charitable establishment that took in beggars and pilgrims. There was a chapel for prayer, a cemetery and of course a cross. The Charitable establishment with its Chapel fell into disuse under Louis XIV in 1696. The Grand'Maison attracts the attention because of its architecture. In the triangular pediment above the door there is a latin inscription confirming that "la crainte du seigneur est le début de la sagesse" («the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom»). The house dates from 1567 and since the protestants liked to engrave biblical quotations at the entrance to their homes, we can suppose that the Grand'Maison was built by a protestant. A VOIR / MUST SEE • The château de Javarzay and its traditional head-‐dress museum • The Grand'Maison (private) CHENAY Situated at 33km south east of Niort, the village of Chenay is surrounded by the communes of Chey, Avon and Exoudun. The 499 inhabitants are the Chenaisiens and the Chenaisiennes. Chenay is situated at an altitude of 130 metres above sea level. The Sèvre Niortaise river crosses the commune. Throughout the centuries the houses and the pieces of land bordering the main road through the village of Chenay have regularly undergone modifications – lining up of buildings, road widenings. But in 1846 major work was undertaken to make a straight line for the road. Numerous buildings were demolished and pieces of land were purchased in order to make a straight road over 546 metres long. A VOIR / MUST SEE • The PlaineEnvol ParaMoteur school for paragliding and ULM lessons. • The wash-‐house of Brieuil • The bridge of Brieuil was built in 1905. A public enquiry held in the autumn of 1904 showed that this bridge would be useful for the inhabitants of the village. The bridge avoided crossing the river at the ford and replaced the pedestrian footbridge.

CHERIGNÉ Cherigné with its 149 inhabitants is both a village and a commune situated in the canton of Brioux-‐Sur-‐Boutonne. The river Boutonne runs past the village which is 4km from Brioux-‐Sur-‐Boutonne. The village supports several agricultural businesses, a gîte and a B&B. CHERVEUX Cherveux is a small village situated 12km from Niort. Archaeological finds (flint tools) testify that the place was inhabited during prehistoric times. The name of Cherveux is of Celtic origin, which would indicate that the area originated at a very ancient date. This village was first known under the name of Carvium in 1100, then, a century later as Cherveox and Cheveras until the fifteenth century. It then became Cherveaux, and by 1603, Chevreoux and later, Cherveus. It was known as St Pierre of Cherveux in the eighteenth century before simply being called Cherveux. Its name comes from the word for hemp (in "local patois" (dialect) «chorbe or chorve»). Since this plant was very abundant in this region, many people made their living as weavers and rope manufacturers). Cherveux probably owes its existence to a monastery that was close to the feudal castle that was later to become the powerful fortress of the Lusignan family. The monks that lived here were driven out during the wars that ravaged the Poitou. The monastery was destroyed and on the site where it was now stands the parish church of St Pierre. Around Cherveux we can find the small hamlets of Maurie and the Raberie (previously written Araberie) and they remind us of the passage of the Maures and the Arabians through this area. A VOIR / MUST SEE The castle with its moat. It has been listed as a historical monument since 1929. The castle is privately owned but is open for visits from April to October on Saturdays and Sundays from 10h – 12h and from 15h – 19h. (Please check these times for yourself before setting out). There is an entrance fee. The present castle is situated on the site of the original fortress which was built by the Lusignan family. But Hugues XI de Lusignan fell out with St. Louis who seized the castle in 1242 and gave it to his brother, the Count of Poitou. After the Count's death the castle was given back to Hugues' ancestors and then it passed into the hands of three different families before being taken by the English in 1363. Duguesclin recaptured the castle and brought it back into French hands. It was eventually bought by the Chenin family. Their daughter Louise Chenin married Robert Conningham in May 1440. Of Scottish origin, captain of the bodyguard of king, Cunningham (or Conygham) had the money to rebuild the whole of the present castle in one single effort about 1470. Through the ages the castle has been sold many times and has belonged to many families.

More ‘A-‐Z of the Communes of the Deux-‐Sèvres.’ next month...

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Health, Beauty & Fitness... 2013 Spring Beauty Recommendations Samantha says...

Also another top tip would be to use a primer. This can minimize pores and create luminosity. Always select the correct colour for your skin tone. Check the shade on your jaw line. I always select 3 colours and just leave them for a few seconds to see how the colours change on your skin. You could do this on yourself in a make up store or ask a beauty adviser to help you select the perfect match.

Emma says...

Advert Size A or B, only 38€ per month or from 33,33€ per month for 12 months.

Perfect base Perfect Look! Foundation back to basics: Firstly if your skin is unhappy under your foundation, it will not sit perfectly and can look patchy. Make sure you are using the correct moisturiser for your skin type.

Hi Ladies, this month’s article is about having beautiful Shiny locks that glisten in the light. No matter what your hair texture is, you can have healthy-‐looking hair by following our Simple guide. If Your Hair Is Damaged Improving its condition is the only way to make it look shinier. When hair is damp, apply leave-‐in conditioner to damaged areas. Invest in a quality deep-‐conditioning treatment and use once a week. Although blow-‐dryers and straightening irons may add to the damage, they're the only things that will make your hair look sleeker. Your hair needs heat to smooth the cuticle and these are the tools that can do it. Put the blow-‐dryer on a high setting and use an iron on hair ends. Apply drops of frizz-‐taming serum to dry hair. TIP: Add a spritz of hairspray to your brush before running it through your hair to control static and hold the style. TIP: Glossing sprays are great for boosting shine midday. DON'T apply finishing products too close to your scalp — your hair will look greasy. DON'T apply a ton of product before using a straightening iron. A sticky gel not designed to protect the hair can actually "cook" it. Emma’s recommended product is : Schwarzkopf Gliss Shine Tonic Charente Hair & Make Up Tel: 05 45 31 56 93 / 06 50 04 37 30 www.charentehairandbridal.com

Hey! I'm back! ..

..and working again from our new address, La Gare, 85120 La Breuil Barret. Please see my advert above for details, or call 02 51 51 50 06 for an appointment. New and former customers always welcome.

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THE DEUX-SÉVRES MONTHLY

Our Furry Friends... Canicloture are Here to Help You. Canicloture oﬀer an animal containment system to keep your dog/s safe in your garden. We use a unique FM radio signal patented by Dog Watch which guarantees against any interference to your system. The radio signal is transmitted through a buried or hidden boundary wire up to 200 acres away. Your dog wears a receiver collar that detects the signal and as he approaches the wire, he will soon learn to react to the audible signal (a beep). If he then continues, he will receive a mild correction (a static shock) transmitted from the collar. We offer a lifetime guarantee on the system and a containment guarantee on all systems installed by Canicloture as we also will train your dog after the installation. As spring is just around the corner Canicloture are pleased to offer a 15% discount on all installations in April, so you can rest assured your dog can enjoy the garden safely contained within your boundary. For more info please check out our web site: www.canicloture.fr

Contact ‘The Deux-‐Sèvres Monthly’ La Bartière, 79130, Secondigny. Telephone: 05 49 70 26 21 or email: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr

HOPE BOOK SALE 24/25/26 May 10am - 4pm Salle des fetes, Clussais-La-Pommeraie, 79190 (D45 Sauze Vaussais to Lezay Road) Thousands of English and French books, fiction and non-fiction for adults and children, each for just 1 euro. Many trade stands and interesting things to see and do including:

MAYDAY MES AMIS Mayday Mes Amis has been formed to help animals in need in l'Absie and the surrounding area. For more information please email: jill.zub@sky.com.

Phoenix Association

Registered charity to help abused and abandoned animals in France. www.phoenixasso.com www.facebook.com/PhoenixAssociationFrance

* Massive sale of plants * English fish and chips (by Mr T’s Fisherie) * Tea and cakes * Bacon butties (by La Boite Delicieuse) * Excellent quality 2nd hand clothes * Exciting bric-a-brac * Dog agility and obedience display (25th May) * Face-painting (26th May) * Classic car display (26th May) Please see www.hopeassoc.org for further details. Books to donate? Email:givebooks4hope@gmail.com Hope Association has lots of dogs and cats looking for adoption/ foster homes please take a look at our website www.hopeassoc.org if you can help.

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Equine Rescue France

We are always looking for new members and we are in need of donations so we may continue to help equines in France. Please support the ERF.

Please contact Equine Rescue France via their website www.equinerescuefrance.org HOOF (Horse Orientated Open Forum)

HOOF is open to anyone with an equine interest. You do not need to own a horse! We meet about once a month for talks, visits etc. Interested? Contact Jo Rowe on: 05 49 64 30 59

Nos Amis Les Animaux 85480 (NALA 85480). Tel: 07 70 31 54 59 ~

Email: nala85480@hotmail.com www.nosamislesanimaux.com

Say hello to LEWIS a very friendly 4 1/2 year old dog who needs a home for life. Lewis was adopted almost a year LEW IS ago by a family who looked after him well and grew very fond of him. Sadly they are now moving back to Ireland and cannot take Lewis with them. This means that he will have to go into a pension until a new home can be found and for a dog that has grown used to being part of the family this is going to be a very unhappy experience. Lewis is micro-‐chipped (250269801844099), castrated and fully vaccinated. He is house-‐trained and gets on well with other dogs, cats and horses. Like most dogs he adores playing and can be left indoors without any problems. However what Lewis really needs is a pal to play with. Good with women Lewis is a bit shy of men to start with, but kindness always wins through.

L’Association Galia is a recognized public utility aiding the adoption of dogs in the shelter of Fontenay Le Comte. We help dogs out of impound, found stray or abandoned to find new families. Refuge de l'association Galia Chemin des perchées (ancienne déchetterie), 85200 Fontenay Le Comte Tel : 02 51 52 06 19 or 06 28 18 13 72, association.galia@orange.fr http://association-‐galia.forumactif.com

As an ex-‐Chasse dog, Lewis must have a secure enclosed garden and an owner who can continue to train him. Perhaps his luck will change if someone with a big heart reads this advertisement. There is no adoption fee for Lewis, but a donation would be appreciated. Please contact Association Orfee: asso.orfee@laposte.net or fosteringinfrance@gmail.com for further details. Ever thought of Fostering a dog? there are literally thousands of dogs being destroyed in France each year because they cannot be found good homes in time. Fostering an animal saves lives and allows abandoned or unwanted dogs to be assessed and home-‐trained. It takes a certain type of person to do this work and you must be dedicated and have previous experience of owning a dog. Could you do it? For more details contact fosteringinfrance@gmail.com

Julie and Jim need a new French home. I have had to go back to England to work and I can't take them with me. They are 5 years old, have been neutered, chipped and had a rabies jab. Very clean, quiet and affectionate. They are used to a rural location. If you can help please call on 0044 1223 301179 or 0044 7788 678973. Email -‐ jewelleryjohn_1@hotmail.com.

Here is SLIM, a male Briard born December 2006. He is an adorable dog needing a new family (without cats). Refuge SPA de SAINTES route des GAUTHIERS, 17100 SAINTES Tel: 05 46 93 47 65 ~ www.spa.de.saintes.free.fr/

Our refuge is open every day, even on Sundays. 14h00 to 18h00. Please call if you can give him a home. Tel: 05 46 93 47 65 or 06 98 38 97 98

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The Great Outdoors...

Hfuujnh!Uo!Lnox!Hobut

by Angela Wood

It may surprise you to know that the Deux-‐Sèvres is one of the most densely populated departments in France. No, not with humans, with goats! The vast majority are reared intensively for their milk, most of which goes into cheese production, and the birth of the young kids is timed to coincide with Easter, when the meat is traditionally eaten. As with most intensively-‐reared animals, these goats never go outside, but live in large sheds, eating concentrates and hay. Their reproductive cycle is managed artificially and they are viewed as a commercial enterprise, with milk production the primary consideration. On the other hand, goats can be a great asset for a smallholding like ours, and with some careful land management, can be almost self-‐sufficient: we buy in only a few sacks of concentrate for our milkers. There is a popular misconception that goats will eat anything. True, they will eat anything that you don’t want them to eat, like your precious fruit trees, and they will demolish a hedge faster than you can say “Billy Goat Gruff”. Goats are browsers, not grazers, and will favour a hedgerow and trees before grass. They need to be securely fenced with sheep netting and at least two electric wires; they can stand on their hind legs and reach branches well over seven feet high. Goats can be notoriously fussy eaters and the hay that we have toiled all summer to make and to us smells divine, can be pushed aside in disgust either because it is too damp, too dry or not the right type of grass….. Goats adore branches of hazel, willow, oak, ash and apple and pear tree prunings, and we also grow large quantities of oats, which we cut and feed green all through the Spring and Summer. This also acts as a green manure for the soil. We also grow mangold wurzels which we store over the winter and the goats love these chopped up as a treat.

Latest research has shown that goat’s milk has a high zinc and selenium content which may combat illnesses such as Alzheimers and Parkinson’s disease. Everything that can be made from cow’s milk can be made from goat’s milk too, and our goats allow us to be self-‐sufficient not only in milk, but I also make yogurt, cheese, butter and ice-‐cream. French goat’s cheese can be very strong-‐tasting, and this is because the milk is allowed to ripen naturally before the rennet is added. I prefer to pasturise the milk and then add a starter, which is a culture of lactic-‐acid producing bacteria. This produces a mild, clean-‐tasting cheese. I make a coulommier-‐style fresh cheese, as well as pressed cheeses using traditional British recipes, such as Wensleydale, Derby, Cheddar, Scottish Dunlop, etc. These are stored in the cellar to mature for up to six months, depending on the recipe. A summer-‐time favourite is curd cheese, which is great for making cheesecakes with fresh berries, or for savoury dips, etc. With good husbandry, goats are generally healthy animals, are very intelligent and can easily be trained to stand for milking, or to be led to the field. They are the ideal animal for the smallholding and we often laughingly refer to them as our anaerobic digestors (very on trend), as they can consume vast quantities of vegetation, give copious amounts of milk in return, and yes, another valuable end-‐ product – manure, for the compost-‐heap. But that’s another story.

Goats come into season naturally in the Autumn, and so we plan the birth of the kids for late April or early May, when there is plenty of fresh grass available. Goats are far more civilised than sheep, and will always give birth during the day, usually waiting for us to have our 10 o’clock cup of tea first! The kids stay with their mums throughout, and they wean themselves naturally after a couple of months. The nanny goat always produces far more milk than the kids will need, and so I can then begin milking her, taking whatever is left over after the kids have had their fill. Goats are milked twice a day, morning and evening, every day. Yes, that’s right, no holidays together, as there always has to be one of us here. Goat’s milk tastes no different to cow’s milk, but often has the reputation for having a “goaty” taste. Unfortunately, this is often a result of poor dairy hygiene: friends and guests who have our goat’s milk in their tea or on their breakfast cereal rarely notice any difference. The higher natural acidity in goat’s milk means that unless it is pasturised, it can go sour more rapidly. The fat particles are smaller than those in cow’s milk and are suspended throughout the milk, instead of forming a layer at the top, and many people who are allergic to cow’s milk find goat’s milk easier to digest. Unlike cows, goats do not transfer carotene from the grass to the milk, so that butter made from goat’s milk is white, like lard, rather than yellow.

Photographs: Angela Wood.

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Abeilles (Bees)

As we have just received our first telephone call of the year about a swarm, we thought this might be of interest to readers. There weren’t any bees present at the house, but a 1 metre square hive had been constructed in the roof space of the house between the plasterboard and roof. The damp patch reported by the owner was in fact honey soaking through the ceiling! Here is a photograph...

We thought we would put a few lines together about how we can all help the dwindling bee population. One of the biggest predators is the Frelon (Hornet) which will kill a bee mid-‐flight or destroy a hive. A simple method to kill Frelons (hornet) is to make a trap: -‐ cut the top off of a plastic bottle, invert the top add a cheap bottle of beer and cassis (not alcohol) or grenadine juice. If possible hang the bottle about 2 metres off of the ground in a tree. See below.

To help bees collect pollen and nectar we can all help in the garden with our choice of flowers that we plant, such as wild flowers or open petal flowers such as single Zinnia’s. May and June is the likely time for new queens to cause the bees to swarm from the hive and they will probably hang from a tree or (a classic practice in France) between a shutter and a window. If you find or think you have a swarm please do not panic, leave them alone. Contact us or you can find other bee keepers on this website www.planetepassion.eu. Our details are: -‐ Dominey family, dominey.michael@orange.fr or 05 49 07 79 78 or 06 69 67 67 06.

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THE AMATEUR GARDENER

by Vanda Lawrence

At last the weather is on our side and we can get out into the garden to get on with our veggies, fruit and beautiful flowers. So start sowing your vegetable seeds and annual flowers -‐ check the seed packet for the best planting time for the particular plant you have chosen. Seeds previously sown indoors will be about ready to be planted out into the garden, just be alert for a late frost warning so you can cover with newspaper or fleece to protect them. If the herb garden needs refreshing now is a good time as young herb plants are readily available in the garden centres. You can also plant your favourite, most used herbs in decorative pots to keep by the back door so they are easily accessible when you are cooking -‐ also a bonus if it's pouring with rain, you won't get wet! Lawns will already have had their first cut of the year but if you have found some mossy patches then you can apply a combined fertiliser/moss killer to deal with the situation. Rake out larger areas of dead moss and re-‐seed. Still on the subject of lawns, leatherjackets (larvae of crane flies/ daddy long legs) eat the roots of grass in Spring. Get rid of them by watering the lawn in the evening then covering the area with black plastic sheeting. When you remove it in the morning you will find that the leatherjackets will have come to the surface -‐ ready for the birds to come along for a scrummy breakfast. Other insects are good for the garden so why not make a bug box to encourage helpful insects such as ladybirds, lacewings and bees. This will provide somewhere for them to shelter or hibernate. You need untreated timber and hollow bamboo canes. Make a small, square box with a back but leave the front end open. Cut the hollow bamboo into lengths the depth of your empty box and slide in place with the hollow ends facing outwards. If you have a log you can utilise that too by drilling different diameter holes into the cut end of the log -‐ different sizes suit different insects. Drill a hole in the back of the box for fixing to a fence or archway in a sheltered spot, but don't hide it too well otherwise you won't have a view of the comings and goings. Your established shrub and perennial borders will need weeding and fertilising, as will the fruit beds. As you tackle this job try to mulch as you go. This will help to reduce weed growth but also retains moisture around the plant roots. Don't forget the houseplants! Before we get too engrossed outside spare a thought for the plants which have given us so much pleasure during the grey days. Repot those showing signs of becoming potbound or topdress very large containers with fresh compost. Clean shiny-‐leaved plants with a damp cloth and spiky plants with a soft brush. Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) can be left to die down naturally; just deadhead and leave the stalk to die back in its own time. If you keep feeding and watering you might get more flowers in August. Alternatively, feed for only a few weeks to build up the bulb then reduce watering and let the plant dry out completely. Store in a cupboard or under the greenhouse bench until early autumn when they can be brought out again for flowering the following winter. Now something for the children -‐ find some round, slightly flattish stones and make ladybirds to decorate the garden or give as gifts to Nan or Grandad. All you need are the stones and some red and black paints. Voila!

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THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY We have also had a very successful hatching of chicks combined with a few ducklings. During the first week after hatching, we had them safely tucked up in a barn with a heat lamp on them but they still seemed so cold, all huddled together. So, when I came home one afternoon to find they had moved in to what will be our master bedroom, it was no great surprise. Probably a little too much in the way of home comforts but at least they are warm.

Life on the Farm...

by Peter & Jenny Sebborn.

What a strange month March has been. One minute it’s warm and dry with the promise of spring and the next it’s snowing and cold! On the better days we managed to get up the frame for the poly-‐ tunnel, the cover will go on when we get a calm day, and plant out some grape vine cuttings. I have started to prepare the ground ready to plant this year’s potatoes and veggies. It must have been a strange sight with the ducks quacking along behind me picking up all the bugs and grubs closely followed by the chickens and guinea fowl also looking for a tasty worm. We are pleased to announce two new arrivals to our farm. Firstly Nom Nom (another of our rare breed pigs) has had a litter of eight spotty piglets. She did very well being a first time mum but as usual was attended by Jenny throughout the birthing process. When pigs give birth they are not the attentive mothers that sheep normally are. They drop the piglet and sometimes it needs a good rub with a towel and a check that their airways are clear to get them going. Nom Nom is proving to be a good mum with plenty of milk.

I’m sure I said last year “Never again” and I’m not sure how it happened again but we bought in some orphan lambs. Bottle feeding day and night, can’t go anywhere without being back by a certain time is certainly a tie. It’s hard to drag yourself out of bed at some unearthly hour to make up the milk formula and trundle off to the shed in wellies, a woolly hat and dressing gown only to get mugged by three hungry lambs. Hardly classed as fun but the little mites depend on you, look to you as the supplier of food and therefore a surrogate mum. Since we bought those lambs we had a problem with a ewe with mastitis, which is an infection in the udder. It means that the ewe cannot feed because it is too painful and the milk is no good, so the number of lambs being bottle fed increased by two. It was touch and go with the ewe but she appears to be responding to treatment although her lambing days are over as the udder will be useless. Thats all for now folks. If anyone is thinking of raising a couple of weaners for delicious pork give us a call. We still have a few available. Stay warm and dry and if you see any nice weather please point it this direction. See you next month for more Life on the Farm.

The second long awaited arrival is the tractor, it’s only taken two and a half years. At last we won’t have to use the car for towing around the farm and things like ground preparation will be a lot quicker and much easier. I’m sure you will be well aware of how dangerous and strong a ram can be and Beavis our ram is no exception. He weighs in at about 100 kilos (just about 16 stone in old money) of muscle -‐ even the bit between the ears! We never go in his pen unless he is restrained and the number one rule of keeping a ram is never turn your back on him, ever! So one day when Jen was feeding, Beavis decided he would come and greet her. We had moved him into a temporary pen during the really wet spell and he had obviously had enough. He backed up and charged straight through the wooden front of the pen! So now he's in the lane outside the stables, Jen has nothing to hand -‐ no rope and no me. Beavis is just standing looking at her -‐ probably with a sore head (and definitely a cut lip). So... her dilemma was, does she turn her back on him and run (and running is not her strong point!) to the shed where I am (hiding) well out of earshot, and if she runs will Beavis charge and chase her? The other alternative was to tackle him on her own? Guess what, she rugby tackled him and managed to get him in the chicken pen! The local women’s rugby team have been in touch and offered her the captaincy with a view to using Beavis for ongoing training. With lambing successfully finished and every single lamb named (by Jen as they all look the same to me) and Nom Nom with her first farrowing, our spring numbers are on the up.

Peter & Jenny Sebborn. Breeders of pigs, lambs and poultry. La Gauteliere, 79220, Pamplie. Tel: 05 49 28 38 57.

For a full list of our advertising rates, please phone 05 49 70 26 21 for an advertising pack or download from our website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr

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French Life, Food & Drink... French Village Diaries I was sure I smelt a whiff of spring in the air these last few weeks; morning coffee and lunch were taken in the garden, the farmers were busy in the fields (so that could have been what I smelt), and the sun on my face felt great.

by Jacqueline Brown.

Then the cold returned. At least I could cheer myself up with a bit of seed sowing as now is the perfect time to start preparing my summer favourites like tomatoes, courgettes, squash, aubergines, peppers and some fiery hot chillies. We don't have a real greenhouse, but have found sowing indoors using recycled plastic vegetable punnets as mini propagators, then moving them to our mini plastic greenhouse once they have germinated works very well. By mid May we should have lots of strong healthy plants to put out in the potager and I positively look forward to the summer glut of vegetables that I will turn into soups for next winter. This year disaster struck and we ran out of soup by mid January so my plan is to sow more courgettes and squashes this year than we had last year. Courgettes are perfect for the summer, and do make a delicious and creamy soup, but I think for autumn and early winter the firmer fleshed squashes really come into their own. As well as introducing Mince Pies to the locals, the English in our village have also introduced Le Booter Nout and the French love them. For many years we held a plant swap every Spring where seedlings or cuttings could be swapped over a cup of coffee outside the salle des fetes. One year I had some spare butternut squash seedlings that a brave couple agreed to take and try. Our elderly French neighbours, who kindly share part of their potager with some other English friends, have also tried them and they couldn’t believe the texture difference in comparison to a pumpkin, or any of the other winter squashes you find in the French supermarkets and were almost begging for a packet of seeds for Le Booter Nout. This year I predict there will be butternut squash appearing in nearly every potager in the village! Another new crop for me this year is a real monster and surprised some of my friends when it took over their potagers last year. Described by the ‘seed giver’ as a butternut squash it bore no resemblance to the dumpy shape we were used to, instead, at nearly two foot long it looked like a weapon! However the firm, meaty flesh was very like the butternut and each fruit could make at least a weeks worth of soup so I can’t wait for my monsters this year. If you are interested I think they are called ‘Longue de Nice’. I’m delighted to say our village plant swap will be back this year, so if you are anywhere near Loubille 79110 (south Deux-‐Sèvres) on Saturday 27th April at 10.00, do pop along with your excesses!

You can read more from Jacqui and find her favourite recipes at www.frenchvillagediaries.com.

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To Make Vertigo-Water.

by John Sherwin.

Take the leaves of red sage, cinquefoil, and wood betony, boil them…when it is cold put in a pennyworth of roch-‐allum and bottle it up. When you use it put a little in a spoon and snuff it up; go not into the air presently. I must say this seems very sound advice from ‘ The Compleat Housewife’, a book without which no household could function in the late 18th century. The drift is clear -‐ there must be a gap between the main event, the meal, and the fluttering of delicate leave-‐taking. This is the time for round bellies, cigarred reflection, fond memories, indelicate jokes, a loosening of belts, smokey coughs and spittle in handkerchiefs. And with that fugitive, fusty pause comes, as night follows day and as Hepburn succeeds Audrey, the digestif. Let’s mix metaphors and talk turkey. A ‘digestif’ sounds vaguely medical, like a hernia or laryngitis. Something technical and therefore rather good. Something your grandma would smile approvingly over in wunnerful technicolour while knitting a never-‐ ending scarf. It is of course nothing of the kind: it’s just an excuse to get that little bit more sozzled. That’s all well and good – and at that time of night after a jolly good evening, who would argue? – but it’s the how and the what we must focus on unless, well, unless good men unwittingly allow bad things to happen. You will know from last month’s interlude on aperitifs that I like to keep things simple – it’s Nature’s way of leaving you enough grey matter to figure out the winning trio at Chepstow. So, if you’re with me so far, a digestif should not be too alcoholic. Out with the brandy and the single malt whiskeys and their tiresome adherents. Enter stage right… Vins doux naturels! The principle is similar to port, but I am not getting into the complexities of that beverage here. A VDN is made by the process of mutage. The normal way of making wine is that grape juice sugar is turned to alcohol under the prompting of yeast. Stopping this process (mutage) before it has reached its natural conclusion by the addition of a strong alcohol or distilled spirit means that some sugar is left, therefore the liquid is sweet, but with the added liquor, quite strong. Port is around 20%, a VDN hovers at 16% . That four-‐or-‐so percentage difference means a VDN can be trusted in the way that a port can’t. Don’t get me wrong: port is a lovely thing but it’s somehow too more-‐ish and can therefore scupper half of the next day. A VDN is more delicate, more satisfying without cloying. There are numerous examples which you might well have passed at the wine section of the supermarket without daring to give them a whirl. Well, heck, give any one of the following a fair wind and kick Johnny Porto into touch! Rivesaltes; Muscat de Frontignan; Rasteau; Banyuls. Personal favourite? No-‐ brainer: Beaumes de Venise. And don’t go into the air presently, just curl up and smile yourself asleep.

John Sherwin, French Wine Tours. Tel: 02 51 66 14 85 Email: johnsherwin@orange.fr ~ www.french-wine-tours.com

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THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY

French Adventures... The Face of the Deux-Sèvres If you are leafing your way through a thriller or sci-‐fi novel, chances are it came from Paperback Jan. Jan is probably the best known face in the Deux-‐Sèvres and with eleven venues, her book exchange is a legend in its own time. She came to France in the “canicule” of 2003, having decided to try pastures new when her courier business ‘Jan The Van’ fell on difficult times. Along with the end of a relationship and feeling physically and mentally exhausted, she threw her lot in with Lady Luck and bought a place in La Ferriere-‐en-‐Parthenay. A friend who lived locally sourced the property, and although she hadn't seen it, she bought it. The rest as they say, was history. Jan's purchase was a bit of a random lot: Two outbuildings, two garages and a field – there was no house to speak of, so one of her early tasks was to source a caravan to live in for the early months following her arrival. She endured unbearable heat and no water or electricity making life very uncomfortable. She joined Get Together where she gleaned the vital bits of info she needed to survive and start up here. Her building project was ambitious: To create a home were there was none, on a modest budget. A chance meeting on a plane led her to the builders who were to achieve this and get her the home she wanted. As Autumn approached, she returned to the UK, not relishing life in a caravan in the harshest months of the year. She returned to find her pied a terre had become a reality – just 60 square metres, it was the home she wanted and she moved in immediately. Jan's book empire came from very humble beginnings. Her sister gave her a few crates of books following a clear out, and it was with them she went along to the British shop in L'Absie to see if she could make some money. Like most new ventures, it was hard in the early days, but she quickly realised that in order to make a go of things, she needed to put some added value into her book venues. The shop already had a coffee bar, and was running French lessons, so there was existing incentive to get people through the door. Soon Jan was organising art and jewellery classes, to draw even more people through the door, and slowly her book exchanges became a regular weekly spot at the shop. Her idea started to mushroom, and after the closure of the British shop, Jan spread her net further to attract other venues throughout the region. She started to offer her customers much more than a

good read: Slowly charity quizzes appeared, English language magazines (like The DSM!) Remembrance Day poppies, and much, much more. She always welcomes a new face, understanding herself how hard it can be to be a stranger in a new place, and for that we are all so very grateful! She now travels from Thouars in the North to Saint Maxient l’Ecole in the South, taking in a bit of the Vendée en route. She tries to be organised and works “a fortnight on and a fortnight off” as she additionally helps with the care of her mum Lyn, who in recent years has started the onset of Alzheimer's Disease. Through her warmth, Jan has introduced her mother to many of us on her visits. Looking to push her game on, Jan launched the very first “Big Book Fayre” in September 2009. As she offered a “three for one” exchange system for her books, she was amassing a seriously large quantity of books, only a fraction of which made it out on the road with her. She invited other stall holders, to coincide with La Ferriere's annual Vide Grenier where 300 stall holders gather. Jan feels one of her highlights was counting up her proceeds after this first big event. She was delighted at the result and felt her efforts had finally paid off. This year Jan has changed the event, and is calling it “Clear Your Clutter For Charity” inviting charities along, and the general public who can sell bric-‐a-‐brac and donate to the charity of their choice. It is quite staggering the effect she has on us all with her tireless efforts to help others by spreading knowledge and increasing contact for those who feel isolated. So, does she have any wisdom for newcomers? She does, and in no particular order she advises:-‐ Be prepared to work hard for little reward. Look for opportunities and grasp them. Try and know at least ONE person when you arrive -‐ even if it's your estate agent! Come with enough funds to last at least a year Wise words indeed from Paperback Jan. Contact Jan on 06 08 30 73 29 or pop along to one of her book venues listed on Page 5. Below: Paperback Jan pictured at Pause! café, L’Absie with some of her many books in English. Written by Helen Aurelius-‐Haddock. http://haddockinthekitchen.wordpress.com or contact Helen by email at: helenah@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr

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Motoring... From Microcar to F1 and back... by Helen Tait-‐Wright

We’ve all been there. You are driving down a quiet French road when suddenly there is a queue of traffic ahead travelling at about 40kph, and you just know that at the head of it is a “Sans Permis”, “Spid” or “Voiturette”; call it what you will. I don’t know about you, but I think they are the scariest and most dangerous things on the road. Generally the driver, who tends to be ancient and lacking in any rudimentary grip on road rules, (assuming he can even see the road through the assorted collection of soft toys piled on the dash) does not have to have a licence or have passed a test to take one on the road, which is horrifying enough in itself, but after having seen the remains of one after an accident they seem to offer about as much accident protection as a shopping bag. Drivers born after 1st January 1988 must have a Moped licence in order to drive one, but you can also drive them if you have been banned from driving!

Surely not the same company? Oh yes it is! Ligier started out making mid engined sportscars in 1969. The 1973 fuel crisis saw such a downturn in demand for Ligier’s road legal sportscar, the JS2, that the company turned its focus to Microcars. They subsequently acquired the Beneteau’s Microcar division in 2008, and are now Europe's second largest microcar manufacturer, and the largest manufacturer of licence-‐exempt vehicles. In contrast, having already competed at Le Mans since 1970, Ligier brought their Formula One team to the grid in 1976. Jacques Laffite won the Swedish Grand Prix with the team in 1977, in a victory that will go down in history as the first all French victory in a Formula 1 championship. Sadly “Equippe Ligier”, proved to be less lucrative than cars for Frenchmen unable to obtain a driving licence, and after a string of disappointing seasons in F1 in the early nineties, the team was sold to Alain Prost in 1996, leaving just the Ligier brand on the back of that annoying little car you are still following .......

The cars are mainly made by 3 manufactures, Aixam, Ligier and Microcar. They are all two seaters, can only weigh 300lbs, have a maximum speed of 28mph (45kms) and an engine of 5.6 hp. They are kitted out as “proper” cars and can be fitted with alloys, cd players, electric windows and of course go faster stripes!! They have model names such as GTO, Sport and RS, which must be ironic? New cars range in price from €9990 to €14990, which is unbelievable considering a Renault Twingo can be yours for €6990, and insurance is understandably expensive given the risk they represent! The cost of a new model probably explains why there are so many old ones on the road often held together with duct tape and string! I suppose owning one allows you to at least stay out of the weather on your (very slow) journey and you can park in impossibly small gaps and p u t y o u r shopping in the back, thus giving the driver some independence.

Contact Helen at: helen@stodel.org.

Now, the more observant of you will have noticed that one of the manufacturers is Ligier, and that may ring a bell with motorsport fans as a manufacturer that previously had cars on the F1 grid!

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THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY

Communications... Selecting and Buying a New PC Part 1 -‐ Prices

by Ross Hendry

It is true to say that buying a new PC has never been cheaper, considering power and features against cost. However, the choices at present are quite mind boggling, • Should you go for a desktop or laptop, or even a tablet? • Microsoft have recently released a new operating system, namely Windows 8, should you have this operating system or stay with the good old familiar Windows XP, what about Windows 7 ? • What is the Android operating system? Which flavour/version should I choose? • Once you have decided on the type of PC, then you have to decide do you want a French or English one?

Type of PC?

Desktop or Tower type PCs. Generally speaking a desktop PC will cost less than a laptop or net book for comparable features, the desktop PC is also more likely to be upgradeable and thus will probably be useable for longer. If you are upgrading, do you need to upgrade the screen, keyboard and mouse or just the processor? Clearly if you only need to replace the processor and not the screen you can save money. Desktop PCs are very competitive at present and you may purchase a new entry level mini tower PC from as little as £160.00, this would be without Microsoft Windows or any other programs. If you are happy to purchase a PC with an operating system, then prices start at around £250, or thereabouts, for a PC with Microsoft Windows 8. Both of these PCs will provide the average home user with every feature they are likely to require. Laptop or Net book? Laptops and net books generally come with an operating system, Windows 8 being the one most are sold with at present, it is still possible to find a few with Windows 7 and the odd one with no operating system. Laptops Laptop prices start from about £280, a little less for no operating system. These will have all of the features most home users will require, including a built in camera, microphone and speakers, for using Skype or other video chatting. They generally have screens larger than 14" and also have optical disk drives (CD/DVDs). Most common screen sizes are around 15.6".

Net books These have screens from 7" up to 14" and can do most things a desktop or laptop can do, they do not generally have full sized keyboards or optical drives, and unless you buy a top of the range one, known as an ultra book, they will be much slower than a laptop. They are designed with portability as the main criteria, entry level for these is around £200.00. Both Net books and laptops have Wi-‐Fi networking built in and also the traditional range of connectors you would expect to see on any desktop PC, including USB ports, video connectors, Network and security sockets along with headphone and microphone sockets. Tablets The iPad has led the way for the Tablet PC, or is it a PC? It is very difficult to say if they are a PC or a very smart mobile telephone with a big screen! For the most part the technology is very different from Microsoft Windows, they are quite intuitive to use but do not have all of the features of Windows. Tablets are great for entertainment, social networking (Facebook etc) and communication on the move, the more expensive ones are also very fast, have a long battery life and some will connect you to the internet, where ever there is a mobile telephone signal (you need to subscribe for this service), normally they connect to the internet via your LiveBox or router using Wi-‐Fi. Practical Screen sizes start at 7" and I have seen 11" ones, although between 7" and 10" seem to be the most common sizes. Minimum price for these start at around £70.00, the better, more practical ones are around £150 to £200. The Microsoft Surface and the iPad 4 prices start at £350, the iPad 5 at around £450.00. Next month, I will look at the tablet technology in more detail and also consider how you use your PC and how this affects your buying decision. R o s s H e n d r y i s t h e proprietor of Interface C o n s u l t i n g a n d Engineering, who has over 42 years experience in C o m m u n i c a t i o n s , Computer Technology and Direct Marketing. (See advert below for more information).

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Contact ‘The Deux-‐Sèvres Monthly’ La Bartière, 79130, Secondigny. Telephone: 05 49 70 26 21 or email: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr or see our website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr

Useful English Language Numbers...

Cancer Support Deux-Sèvres:

05 49 64 59 96

French State health insurance advice line:

08 11 36 36 46

Elizabeth Finn Care (Grants and advice if in Financial need):

04 68 23 43 79

Orange Helpline:

09 69 36 39 00

EDF International Customer Service:

05 62 16 49 08

CLEISS (Social security advice between countries):

01 45 26 33 41

Association La Porte Ouverte (Open Door):

05 49 87 97 36 or www.opendoor-civray.com

Funeral Information (AFIF):

01 45 44 90 03 or www.afif.asso.fr

Passport Advice:

0044 208 082 4729

Annual Subscription Costs: 28€ within France, 18€ UK addresses. (Unfortunately the cheaper ‘printed papers’ rate cannot be applied to addresses within France, only when sending abroad) Please tick:

‘The Deux-Sèvres Monthly’

‘The Vendée Monthly’

Full Name: Postal Address:

Postcode:

Country:

Tel: Email: Please make cheques payable to SARAH BERRY.

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Building & Renovation... Spring Cleaning!

Spring is just around the corner with the prospect of warm weather, sunny days and the thought of a long hot summer. The log burner or open fire that has been tended to all winter is now ready to be cleaned out and put into summer hibernation. Now is also the right time to have the flue or chimney cleaned as well. The carbon deposits or soot can be removed easily when still dry rather than being left for a few months. Once the job has been done, there will be no worries when it’s time to light up again next winter. Trying to find a chimney sweep in October/November can be very frustrating, so the answer is to have the job done early during the non-‐burning season. The certificate that should be issued by the chimney sweep/ramoneur will last 12 months. By having the work done between the burning seasons you will be making sure you start the next winter with a fully compliant heating system. On a technical note, France has now come into line with the rest of Europe and have changed their building regulations regarding new installation of log burning stoves. The regulations state that NO 90˚ or right angle bends are to be used in the construction of the flue, particularly at the back of the appliance. Soot can fall down the flue and build up in the bend and this will reduce the size of the pipe and restrict the flow of carbon monoxide gas, which if not detected, can be lethal as it will find its way out into the room. If your existing installation has this configuration of bends, I would strongly recommend it be altered to remove these potential hazards.

Should any of the above be of interest, please contact David Watkins Chimney Sweep on the contact details below.

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Short editorials can be offered to advertisers, free of charge. Please call Sarah to find out more. Tel: 05 49 70 26 21

Contact ‘The Deux-‐Sèvres Monthly’

La Bartière, 79130, Secondigny. Telephone: 05 49 70 26 21 or email: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr

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Small Colour advert only 34€ ARTISANS & TRADESMEN... Do you have any top tips you can share with our readers? We would love to include them in this section! For more details, please see the ‘Written Contributions’ page on our website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr

THINKING ABOUT PLACING AN AD? For a full list of our advertising rates, please phone 05 49 70 26 21 or download our Advertising Pack from our website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr

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Business, Finance & Property... UK Inheritance Tax Bills to Rise... Will This Affect You?

by Bradley Warden, Partner, Blevins Franks

UK inheritance tax bills look set to rise after the government announced that the nil rate band will remain frozen until at least 2019, as part of its plans to fund care for the elderly. This is effectively a tax rise in real terms because of inflation. is is calculated to bring an extra 5,000 estates into the inheritance tax net, earning the Treasury an extra £1 billion in tax revenues each year. Families could lose another £95,000 from their inherited estates in 2019. e current UK nil rate band is £325,000 per individual, potentially £650,000 for partners. e tax rate is then a fixed 40%.

On your death, any UK assets will be assessed in the UK to see if you have a liability to tax there. Any UK tax paid can be credited against the French succession tax due on your total assets.

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Does this aﬀect French residents? UK inheritance tax is usually based on domicile rather than residence, so British expatriates very often remain liable. However, under the UK/France Double Tax Treaty, long-term French residents are deemed to be domiciled in France for UK inheritance tax purposes. eir worldwide estate is subject to French succession tax, although UK inheritance tax will always apply to UK assets.

French succession tax is payable on your worldwide assets if you are resident here when you die. It can be complicated enough, but gets more complex if you have UK assets. You need to understand both sets of rules, and how they interact, and then review the way you hold your assets to take steps to lower death taxes for your heirs. Blevins Franks has decades of experience advising British expatriates on eﬀective tax mitigation and wealth management strategies, and can guide you through the rules in both France and the UK. Summarised tax information is based upon our understanding of current laws and practices which may change. Individuals should take personalised advice. To keep in touch with the latest developments in the oﬀshore

world, check out the latest news on our website www.blevinsfranks.com

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Ask Amanda.

Question: We are a self-‐employed couple living in France. I am an auto-‐entrepreneur and my husband has a SARL. What pension can we expect from the French system and what happens to the pensions we left behind in the UK?

With the freedom of movement we enjoy under the EU, pension questions are becoming more and more common and I am increasingly helping expatriates who work in France plan for their retirement. France has two systems or “tiers” of pension. The Basic Pension (Retraite de Base) and The Complementary Pension (Retraite Complementaire). These pensions are calculated on the number of quarters (trimestres) completed and not the number of years worked, as in the UK system. There is also an optional product to increase your pension approved under the Loi Madelin. Qualifying for the basic pension in France requires a minimum revenue for each trimestre & the number of completed trimestres will decide your pension amount. The Complementary Pension depends on the regime that applies to the insured person. (Whether RSI or CIPAV?). To quantifying and maximise UK pensions, we need to look at several areas. The state pension you are entitled to, public service, or whether you have private pensions or were part of private employee schemes? In 2006 the UK introduced a law making it possible for UK private pension benefits to be transferred to a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) provided that the schemes met HMRC approved qualifying conditions. This is a highly specialised area and qualified advice is essential before deciding whether this may be an option right for you. Last month I wrote about ‘The Tours de Finance’, on Tuesday 9th April 2013 at Hotel Mercure, Niort. Pensions are an area that we shall be discussing, with experts on hand to speak to you r e g a r d i n g y o u r specific situation. If you email or phone me, I will reserve you a space, or if you would like a free financial health check to discuss pensions and other financial matters please call me on the numbers below or send an e m a i l t o “ A s k Amanda”.

Amanda Johnson, The Spectrum IFA Group. Tel: 05 49 98 97 46 Email: amanda.johnson@spectrum-‐ifa.com or “Ask Amanda” at finance@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr

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Capital Gains Tax on French Property When selling a property in France for more than the purchase price you are potentially going to be liable for tax on the capital gain. The gain is calculated by deducting the purchase price (plus eligible expenses) from the sale price (plus eligible expenses). Purchase expenses can either be claimed specifically with supporting documentary evidence or a fixed 7.5% of the purchase price is allowed, without such evidence. Subsequent costs associated with construction, enlargement or improvement of the property can also be deducted from the gain. To claim these costs specifically you will need to be able to produce invoices to support the expenditure, and normally these will need to be from French registered builders. Otherwise, if you have owned the property for over 5 years you are allowed to deduct a fixed 15% from the purchase price without providing such evidence. Eligible expenses for the sale include estate agents fees. There are however a number of capital gains tax exemptions, the most important of which are the ‘principal residence’ exemption and the ‘thirty year rule’. If you have been permanently resident in France when selling your principal home then any capital gain is fully exempt from capital gains tax. In order to qualify the property must have been occupied by you on an habitual basis, although you need not actually be occupying it at the time of sale. However, if you leave the property before it is sold you are not permitted to let out the property during the intervening period, or to leave other family members in occupation. The French tax authority will also expect you to have made an income tax declaration from the property address and paid “taxe d’habitation”.

End

If the property is not your principal residence you can take advantage of the ‘thirty year rule’. Under this rule you can benefit from an allowance according to the length of time the property has been held. An allowance of 2% is taken off the gain, for every year of ownership after the fifth year, 4% pa after the seventeenth year and 8% pa after the twenty-‐fourth year, meaning that all the gain is capital gains tax free after thirty years ownership. With effect from 1st January 2013 an additional surtax has been introduced payable on gains over €50,000, after the application of the ‘taper relief’ allowances previously discussed.

For French residents it is the notaire handling the property sale who will calculate the gain, approve expenses and expenditure claims and apply any relevant exemptions and allowances. The notaire will then calculate the tax payable and deduct this from the sale proceeds before you receive them.

David Hardy is Regional Manager of Siddalls France, Independent Financial Adviser, specialised in tax, inheritance, pension and investment planning for the British community in the Poitou-‐Charentes since 1996. Tel: 05 56 34 75 51 www.siddalls.fr

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There are five rates of taxation, starting at 2% and rising by 1% per €50,000 gain, with a maximum rate of 6% on gains of greater than €250,000. However, there is a “softening” mechanism for reducing the level of tax for the first €10,000 of gain in each band. The final calculated capital gain is then subject to tax at 19% plus 15.5% social taxes “contributions sociales”.

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Three Agencies at Your Service in the Deux-Sèvres We are delighted to announce that as of 1st February we have become the proud owners of a third Agency, based in CHAMPDENIERS ST DENIS (79220). The Agency was previously owned (since 2007) by Lucie GRELIER who has remained with us as a sales agent, which is great for us and for her existing clients as this makes the transition so much easier. Our other two Agencies are situated in the market town of COULONGES-‐SUR-‐ L’AUTIZE and in COULON, in the heart of the ‘Marais Poitevin’. We are a long established Agency, providing a comprehensive and professional service to our clients: valuations (this is generally a free service to our clients unless you require a written estimation to produce to a Notaire, Tribunal etc when you may be charged a small fee) sales (whether you are a Vendor or Purchaser our aim is to make sure that your property transaction is achieved as painlessly as possible, and we are here to accompany you every step of the way) , rental management (we offer a full “gestion” package to our clients, by firstly letting your property then provide a monthly management service), assistance with obtaining mortgages, insurance and currency transfers (we are

on hand to provide you with reliable contacts in these areas and introduce you as our clients). Through our user-‐friendly website and our professional and helpful staff, we specialise in French property for sale and rent and our vast selection of properties should suit all requirements and budgets! In addition to an intense web site optimization programme, we also advertise in France on major websites, ‘Le Bon Coin’, ‘AVendreALouer’, ‘Annonces Jaunes’, ‘LogicImmo’, and on the French/English site ‘GreenAcres/ImmoFrance’. For all initial enquiries please contact me, Marion Spent, at the Coulonges Agency.

Marion Spent: L’Immobiliere de l’Autize Tel: 05 49 06 22 17 ~ www.autizeimmo.fr

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Top-End Buyers in the Deux-Sèvres by Trevor Leggett, Chief Executive

Our last article in ‘The Deux-‐Sèvres Monthly’ looked at "top-‐end" buyers coming to France and in this issue we’d like to explore this further. The Wealth Report is issued annually by the respected research team at Knight Frank and came out last week. It is always a good read and it was most interesting to read that high net worth individuals now value "lifestyle" over "investment returns" and "favourable tax regimes" for their second home investments. This is excellent news for the French property market as we consistently lead polls of countries offering the best lifestyle and highest quality of life. It may also go some way in negating the effects of M Hollande's new taxes on the wealthy. Indeed the report says that France currently has 4,074 individuals who are classed as super rich but that this figure is forecast to rise by 28% to 5,212 over the next ten years. On a recent trip to China our Chief Executive, Trevor Leggett, saw for himself the insatiable appetite for French property amongst Asian investors and it was no surprise to see a report on the BBC this week saying that China is now the leading export market for Bodeaux wine and that over the last four years 30 French chateaux have been bought by Chinese investors with another 20 in the pipeline. It's the same story in the Alps where we saw sales triple last year with increases both in the mid-‐market price range and at the top end to international investors. We forecast that this international demand is likely to continue increasing. Our main website (www.frenchestateagents.com) has seen a rise in page views from around 15.5m pa to over 18m pa with interest from China up by 66% and from Russia up by 34%. Similarly our listings at the top-‐end of the market (www.leggett-‐ prestige.com) have seen a huge increase in visitors.

End

We have hundreds of houses for sale in the Deux-‐Sèvres including some glorious high end estates. One such is a 15 – 18th century, listed chateau, close to Thouars, which sits on an estate of over 5 hectares and is on the market for €742,000. It's easy to get caught up in the headlines about tax refugees fleeing the country but when you read that actually the super wealthy value lifestyle over all other investment criteria it's clear that France will continue to attract international buyers for a long time to come.

Leggett Immobilier is one of the leading estate agents in France. You can access all their local property listings and articles at www.frenchestateagents.com/poitou-‐charentes-‐property.

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