deVere France S a r l are regulated by ANACOFI- CIF and ORIAS which will only recommend French regulated produc ts.
Helen Booth works as a financial advisor for deVere France S.a.r.l. par t of deVere Group, one of the world’s leading independent financial consultancies Helen, who lives in the Deux-Sèvres region, worked in the financial ser vices industr y in the UK for 15 years and prides herself on being fully diploma- qualified for the ser vices she provides in France
With more than $10 billion of funds under its advice and administration, and with more than 80,000 clients around the world, deVere Group truly offers a myriad of unique produc ts and notes that are not available anywhere else in the market. This, as Helen puts it, gives clients the pick of the crop when it comes to investing.
deVere France can advise you on ways to help safeguard and increase your wealth, as well as helping with HMRC-recognised pension transfers to a Qualified Recognised O verseas Pensions scheme (QROPS) to give you potentially more flexibility in your pension plans
If you would like to k now more about how deVere France can help you, contac t
Helen Booth DipPFS , EFA
Mobile: +33 (0) 77 171 2879
Email: helen booth@devere -france fr
Dénomination sociale: deVere France S a r l, RCS B 528949837, 29 Rue Taitbout, 75009, Paris, France Gérant: Mr Jason Trowles Registre avec ANACOFI-CIF (Association Nationale des Conseils Financiers) Nombre enregistré: E008176, association agréée par l’Autorité des Marchés Financiers Cour tier d’assurances
HELLO and a warm welcome to the August edition of the Deux-Sèvres Monthly magazine!
Your messages of support when we reached our one-year anniversary in July have truly touched and inspired us Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Every month I write about the weather, optimistically predicting sunnier days, only for the rain to follow So, this month, I’m not mentioning it at all - consider it an experiment.
When we restarted the magazine last year, we knew that as new owners, we might bring different approaches But change is a natural part of any business, and we're so grateful for your support and encouragement along the way
Our What's On guide for August is absolutely packed with local events, making it bigger than ever! There are many Marchés des Producteurs all over the department this August As we've travelled around, we've been amazed by the regional differences in food and drink within such a small area If you have any events for the September issue, don't hesitate to email us at info@thedeuxsevresmonthly fr
We were deeply saddened to hear of John Sherwin's passing in June John wrote the wine features in the magazine for many years, and he will be missed by his family and friends
On a personal note, we have our daughter staying with us at the moment, which is lovely During Covid, we didn't see her for 14 months, so we're making up for lost time now I remember our wonderful writer Jacqui Brown telling me last year that family time is incredibly important, especially when our families are geographically split
Speaking of family, we’d like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Stephen and Anna Shaw on the birth of their first grandchild
We're always eager to hear from you You can email us at info@thedeuxsevresmonthly fr So, soak up the summer sun (sorry, couldn’t help it), and we can't wait to see you in September!
event, it is highly recommended that you verify the event details with other sources. the deux-sèvres Monthly est édité par Kathleen Butler-donnelly, 27 rue de la Madoire, Bressuire 79300 tel: 07 86 99 16 17. directeur de la publication et rédacteur en chef: K Butler-donnelly siret: 90043034900028 Crédits photos :adobe stock, istock, Pixabay sauf mention contraire. impression: graficas Piquer sl, 29 al Mediterraneo, Pol ind san rafael, 04230, huércal de almeria, espagne issn: 2115-4848 dépôt légal: à purition
Cover photo: Bord de mer sur une plage du littoral français en Bretagne by Thierry Ryo
CHURCH NOTICES
The Filling Station - PoitouCharentes. Local Christians of all denominations who meet for spiritual renewal and evangelism
Carolyn on 05 45 84 19 03 or www thefillingstationfrance com
All Saints, Vendée - Puy de Serre
We hold two services each month (plus Sunday school), on the 2nd and 4th Sundays at the church of St Marthe, Puy de Serre, at 11h www allsaintsvendee fr
The English Speaking Church of the Valley of the Loire (ESCOVAL) meets at the R C Church in Arçay every 3rd Sunday of the month at 11am (just off the D759, Thouars to Loudun)
Eglise Vie Nouvelle English service (translated into French) every week in the Salle Annexe behind Civray Mairie at 10 30am Contact 06 25 04 36 51 www vie-nouvellecivray com
The Chaplaincy of Christ the Good Shepherd, PoitouCharentes. Normally holds Sunday services in English Please see our website for current information: www churchinfrance com
Local Markets in the Deux Sèvres
Monday am Cerizay 79140 place des Halles
Tuesday a m
Bressuire 79300 place Dupin
Coulonges-sur-l'Autize 79160 Centre Ville
La Creche 79260 rue du Marché
Lezay 79120 place du Marché
Niort 79000 place des Halles
Thouars 79100 place Lavault
Vasles 79340 la place du 25 Août
Wednesday a m Celles-sur-Belle79370 Centre Ville
Niort 79000 place des Halles
Parthenay 79200 rue Jean-Jaurès
Thursday a m Argenton-les-Vallées 79150 place Philippe de Commynes
La Motte St Héray 79800 place Clémenceau
Niort 79000 place des Halles
Sauzé-Vaussais 79190 Centre Ville
Friday a m Coulon 79510 place de l'Eglise
Melle 79500 place Bujault
Niort 79000 place des Halles
Nueil les Aubiers 79250 place Pierre Garnier
Thouars 79100 place Lavault
Saturday a m Airvault 79600 place Saint-Pierre
Bressuire 79300 place Dupin
Cerizay 79140 place des Halles
Champdeniers 79220 Centre Ville
Chef-Boutonne 79110 Centre Ville
Coulonges-sur-l'Autize 79160 place des Halles
Le Tallud 79200 place de l'Église
Lezay 79120 place du Marché
Mauleon 79700 place du château
Mauze sur le Mignon 79210 place de l'Eglise
Moncoutant 79320 Centre Ville
Niort 79000 place des Halles
Parthenay 79200 rue Jean-Jaurès
Saint Maixent-l'Ecole 79400 place du Marché
Sunday a m Chatillon sur Thouet 79200 place du Parnasse
Coulon 79510 place de l'Eglise
La Creche 79260 rue du Marché
Niort 79000 place des Halles
Saint-Loup-Lamairé place du Marché
THE ENGLISH SPEAKING CHURCH OF THE VALLEY OF THE LOIRE “ESCOVAL”
We meet on the third Sunday of each month at the church in Arçay at 11h00. The services are multidenominational and vary between Matins and Holy Communion - both usually include hymns.
Afterwards there is usually a bring-and-share lunch. Arçay is situated between Loudun and Thouars just off the D759.
www.escoval.jimdofree.com
Contact Geoff Cornwall : gdfrance6052@gmail.com
Jim Burrows : 05 49 22 41 78
Carole Taylor : mumsikins@hotmail.com
Regular venues including:
• Argentonnay 79150
• Funny Farm Cat Rescue 79200
• Genneton 79150
• Louin 79600
• Noirlieu 79300
Remember to pick up your copy of The Deux-Sèvres Monthly!
Find us on Facebook: Oh my Lord Franck’s fish and chips or email: lordmaurin@yahoo.com
Thénezay 79390 place de L'Hôtel de Ville
Local Markets in neighbouring departments
Monday a m Benet 85490 place du Champ de Foire
Doue-la-Fontaine 49700 place du Champ de Foire
Tuesday a m Civray 86400 place Leclerc
Montrueil-Bellay 49260 place du Marché
Mortagne-sur-Sèvres 85290 place Hullin
Surgéres 17700 rue Audry de Puyravault
Wednesday a m Fontenay-le-Comte 85200 place du Commerce
Lusignan 86600 place Isabelle d’Angoulême
Ruffec 16700 Centre Ville
Vihiers 49310 place Charles-de-Gaulle
Thursday a m Aulnay 17470 Centre Ville
Pouzauges 85700 les Halles
Surgéres 17700 rue Audry de Puyravault
Friday a m Civray 86400 place Leclerc
Doue-la-Fontaine 49700 place René Nicolas
La Châtaigneraie 85120 place de la République
Saturday a m Cholet 49300 place du 8 Mai 1945
Fontenay-le-Comte 85200 place du Commerce
La Châtaigneraie 85120 place de la République
Pouzauges 85700 place de l’Hôtel de Ville
Ruffec 16700 Centre Ville
Surgéres 17700 rue Audry de Puyravault
Sunday a m Aulnay 17470 Centre Ville
Latillé 86190 place Robert Gerbier
Valence-en-Poitou 86700 place du Marché
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS, RELIGIOUS AND FEAST DAYS
Assomption Assumption Day
Thursday 15 August 2024
Toussaint All Saints Day
Friday 1 November 2024
Armistice de 1918 Armistice Day
Monday 11 November 2024
Noël Christmas Day
Wednesday 25 December 2024
W
Jour de l'An New Year's Day
Wednesday 1 January 2025
Pâques Easter Sunday
Sunday 20 April 2025
Lundi de Pâques Easter Monday Monday 21 April 2025
Fête du Travail Labour Day
Thursday 1 May 2025
Victoire de 1945 VE Day
Thursday 8 May 2025
Ascension Ascension Day
Friday 29 May 2025
Dimanche de Pentecôte
Whit Sunday
Sunday 8 June 2025
Lundi de Pentecôte
Whit Monday
Monday 9 June 2025
Fête Nationale "Bastille Day"
Monday 14 July 2025
Celebrating 20 years of Farmers’ Markets
In 2004, the Chamber of Agriculture for the Charente Maritime and the DeuxSèvres introduced a new type of market in five northern Deux-Sèvres communes These festive and convivial markets allowed families and friends to enjoy gourmet plates on summer evenings and marked the beginning of a cherished tradition
Today, twenty years later, the Marchés de Producteurs de Pays have become an integral part of the gastronomic and festive landscape of Deux-Sèvres They showcase the richness of local agriculture and offer opportunities for exchange between consumers and producers In 2023 alone, an impressive 11,600 meals were served at these markets
This year, the first market took place in May during the Fiesta de la Carna in Parthenay, with 18 more planned until 7 September The new host communes of Chauray and Prahecq will welcome 84 producers and 23 artisans
To celebrate this milestone, a major event was held on 15 June at Lac des Effres in Secondigny An anniversary banquet with musical entertainment brought together local officials, historical partners such as Crédit Agricole and representatives from the world of associations
“Farmers’ markets are a hallmark of the Chambers of Agriculture,” said Jean-Marc Renaudeau, President of the CharenteMaritime Deux-Sèvres Chamber of Agriculture “For 20 years, the success of these markets has been unbroken We can see this in the increasing number of new host municipalities The recipe for a successful market is simple: excellent local produce, good weather, a pleasant environment and good entertainment The impact of these markets goes beyond the ‘Bienvenue à la ferme’ brand, as producers from different networks take part in these summer events, creating a valuable link between consumers and producers selling directly The future of the Marchés de Producteurs de Pays is bright”
The second major event to celebrate the 20th anniversary will take place on 2 August in Argentonnay. Huge brioches will be shared with 1,500 guests Argentonnay is the only commune in the department to have organised a market every summer for 20 consecutive years
As always, gourmet hampers are raffled off in a tombola, and this year farm vouchers can be won via local radio stations until the end of August
You can find more details in the What’s On section starting on page 6
Niort Market has been awarded the title of Most Beautiful Market in France after a public vote and TF1
jur y decision Competing against 218 other markets, Niort emerged victorious, thanks to its exceptional products lively atmosphere and stunning setting
The market operates daily except Mondays, from 06h to 13h30, and features local delights like mogettes
Chabichou goat cheese
Échiré butter and angelica
Niort Market named most beautiful in France
LA GUINGUETTE DU CHÂTEAU
1 - 25 August
Bressuire
The Guinguette du Château returns for its third year with 15 exciting events to brighten your summer evenings Different associations will bring life to the beautiful meadow of Château de Bressuire ville-bressuire fr
VISITE GUIDÉE SENSORIELLEPARTHENAY MÉDIÉVALE
1 - 28 August.
Parthenay
Experience a sensory guided tour of medieval Parthenay with a local guide Explore the sights, sounds, and smells of the Middle Ages, from the château to the Saint-Jacques gate Tours run every Monday and Wednesday until 28 August cc-parthenay-gatine fr
IT'S MAGIC
1 - 28 August
La Forêt sur Sèvre
This summer, bring your family to enjoy Phil Keller's new show "It's Magic!" You’ll be both spectators and participants in over an hour of magical and grand illusions "It's Magic!" is an interactive family show full of magic and illusion Doors open 30 minutes before the show You can make reservations by phone or pay on the door philkellerproduction.fr
FESTIVAL AU FIL DU THOUET
1 - 29 August
Thouars
Experience diverse artistic events blending art, heritage, and nature Enjoy pop, classical, and blues music, theatre, street arts, unique tours, and workshops for all ages maisonduthouarsais com
HORSE AND CARRIAGE RIDES
1 - 29 August
Vouvant
Enjoy a 30 to 45-minute guided horsedrawn carriage ride in Vouvant Learn about Poitevin draft horses, their history, and the role of animal traction in our modern world Rides can be booked at Vouvant Tourist Office fontenay-vendee-tourisme com
THE MIDDLE AGES CHALLENGES YOU
1 – 30 August
Saint-André-sur-Sèvre
Celebrate the Summer Olympics with medieval challenges at Château de Saint Mesmin Enjoy physical, culinary, and mental contests Open daily with activities for all ages chateau-saintmesmin com
MUSÉE DU CHARRONNAGE ET DE LA TONNELLERIE
1 - 31 August
Coulonges-sur-l'Autize
Discover the crafts of wheelwrights and coopers through guided tours of the museum a few steps from the Château Renaissance Available Tuesday to Saturday, reservations recommended coulonges-sur-lautize fr
VISITES DU CHÂTEAU RENAISSANCE
1 - 31 August
Coulonges-sur-l'Autize
Discover the innovative architecture, exceptional kitchens, and unique history of the Château Renaissance Guided tours available, reservations recommended coulonges-sur-lautize fr
EXHIBITION BY MANON BRANGIER
1 August - 1 September
Niort
The Marais Poitevin and Its Beauties at Port Boinot in Niort Photo exhibit on the micro fauna and flora of the Marais Poitevin by young photographer Manon Brangier Free entry during Tourism
Office hours
niortmaraispoitevin.com
EXPOSITION "SYMPHONIE DE LA NATURE"
1 August - 15 September
Loubillé
Local artist Pascale Chevalier showcases pieces made from natural and recycled materials Explore the beauty and fragility of our planet through her inspiring creations, available for viewing at Loubillé library every Wednesday afternoon Read more on page 14
Facebook: ABC de Loubillé
ORCHESTRE SORTILÈGE – PLONGÉE
SYMPHONIQUE
1 August Saint-Hilaire-La-Palud
4 August Saint-Maixent l'Ecole
The Sortilège Symphony Orchestra returns with Mussorgsky's "Une Nuit sur le Mont Chauve,," Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture," and Castro D'Addona's "Concerto pour Tuba," featuring guest soloist Jérémie Dufort associationsortilege.com
VISITE NOCTURNE À LA LANTERNE
1, 8, 15 & 22 August
Parthenay
Discover Parthenay's medieval nightlife by lantern light Hear stories of chivalry, witchcraft, and robbery A unique experience! Meet at 21h30 Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes Reservation required cc-parthenay-gatine fr
UN SOIR D'ÉTÉ À SAVEILLES
2 August
Paizay Naudouin (16240)
Enjoy “Tell me about the Traviata,” a unique adaptation by the Opéra Clandestin company that brings a fresh perspective to this classic opera Tickets are available on billetweb or at the door (limited availability) Don't miss out on this remarkable evening chateausaveilles@gmail com
MARCHÉ DES PRODUCTEURS DE PAYS
2 August
Argentonnay
Meet producers and artisans showcasing their specialties and creations Enjoy onsite dining, entertainment by Echos du Lac, and Band'Allonnaise Celebrate 20 years of summer markets in Argentonnay with giant brioches for 1,500 guests argentonnay fr
FESTIVAL LES CHAMPS SONORES
2-3 August
Azay-sur-Thouet
Main Stage and Dub Corner concerts with artists like Charlie P, Ginette Prod, and more Enjoy free camping, local products, that are all eco-friendly Facebook: LesChampsSonoresfestival
LES NUITS D’ALDÉARDE
2, 3, 9 & 10 August
Air vault
An evening walk where the town's monuments will be lit with thousands of lights, featuring historical scenes by volunteer actors A unique nocturnal show where the legend of Aldéarde and figures like Queen Radegonde and King Charles IX come to life Reservation only: adults 7€, children 3 50€ lesnuitsdaldearde com
LES PAPILLES EN FOLIE
2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 August
Melle
Join Chef Eric Caillon every Friday morning for culinary demonstrations on the terrace outside the Office de Tourisme Discover market products and delights from the boutique Free event paysmellois org
LES VENDREDIS GOURMANDS
2, 9, 16 & 30 August
Coulon
Enjoy gourmet Fridays at La Laiterie with a local producers market, artisan crafts, and on-site dining starting at 18h
Different concerts each Friday at 19h Acts include Romain Baudry, Spill The Cat, Tête de Ouf, and Qu'a pas d'nom ville-coulon fr
QUIETAMO - CONCERT WITH DINNER
3 August
Vançais
Quietamo will take you on a lively journey through Latin and Hispanic music, gypsy jazz, and French chansons Enjoy bold rearrangements of rumba, flamenco, and bossa nova tunes After the concert, paella and dessert will be served Tickets are 25€ children under 12 receive a 10€ discount Book before 23 July culture2chenes fr
38TH AUTOCROSS & SPRINT CAR
3 – 4 August
Fenioux
Enjoy the exciting atmosphere at the 38th edition of Autocross and Sprint Car FFSA in Fenioux Get ready for thrilling races and adrenaline-pumping highspeed action
Facebook: ComitedesfetesFenioux79
WEEKEND MÉDIÉVAL
3 - 4 August
Bazoges-en-Pareds (85390)
Experience a medieval weekend with knight tournaments, a vibrant market, and engaging workshops Enjoy a banquet on Saturday evening for €15 per person Organized by "Au Cœur du Bocage" and Bazoges-en-Pareds municipality bazoges-en-pareds.fr
CONCERT LE QUINTET DE CUIVRES
4 August
Melle
Description: Enjoy a free concert by the Brass Quintet from Orchestre PoitouCharentes Featuring top national conservatory lauréats, this exceptional performance is part of the soirées lyriques en itinérance de Sanxay in partnership with Les Amis de SaintSavinien
festivaldemelle fr
CASSOULET GÉANT
4 August
Pierrefitte
Enjoy a homemade giant cassoulet under the cover of a marquee Activities include palet competitions, wooden games, and an abundance of musical entertainment
Don't miss the popular dance that concludes the evening Facebook: cassouletgeantpierrefitte
LES APÉROS DU MARDI
6, 13, 20 & 27 August
Niort
Apéros du Mardi is back at Place des Halles, offering an ideal evening to unwind with family, friends, or colleagues Enjoy drinks, music, dancing, and tasty nibbles from city centre cafés, each adding their unique musical touch for a lively atmosphere vivre-a-niort com
MARCHÉ EN FÊTE
6 August
Coulonges-sur-l'Autize
150 exhibitors, free tours of the castle and museum, street food, aperitif offered by the commune (12h30 in the castle park)
coulonges-sur-lautize fr
GUIDED TOUR
6, 13, 20 & 27 August
Saint-Loup-sur-Thouet
Discover the history of Saint-Loup-surThouet, a Petite Cité de Caractère Visit the church, timber-framed houses, château, and Thouet riverbanks Meet at the Tourism Office for this free 1½ hr tour that takes place every Tuesday at 10h30 cc-parthenay-gatine fr
REACTION BOOK CLUB
7 August
Fenioux
The Reaction Book Club meets on the 1st Wednesday of the month at 15h in the Café des Belles Fleurs, Fenioux, In August we will be talking about Summer reading suggestions Everybody welcome reactiontheatre eu
SENSORY TOUR OF THE CHÂTEAU
7 August
Bressuire
Discover the intricate defences of this 11th-century castle and experience its historic residence through all five senses This unique experience is sure to impress Wear good walking shoes Reservations via the Tourist Office tourisme-bocage.com
CHASSE AU TRÉSOR
7, 14 & 21 August
Bressuire
Help Dame Jeanne rebuild her castle by finding the hidden treasure left by Lord Jacques de Beaumont Join teams,
discover clues, and solve riddles at Bressuire's medieval chateau ville-bressuire fr
TOUR ÉGLISE ABBATIALE NOTRE-DAME
7 & 17 August
L Absie
Explore the historic abbey church of L'Absie, classified as a historical monument in 1932 Discover its medieval murals and learn its secrets from our knowledgeable guides absie.fr
MARCHÉ DES CRÉATEURS ET DES PRODUCTEURS
7 & 21 August
Coulon
Exhibition-sale of artistic and gourmet creations by Marais producers and creators Enjoy musical entertainment, raffles with many prizes, and on-site food options Street artists are welcome niortmaraispoitevin.com
LE JAZZ BAT LA CAMPAGNE
9 August
Xaintray
Experience a lively summer evening with "Le Jazz bat la Campagne," featuring the Katarina Pejak Quartet Enjoy food and drinks on-site starting at 7:30 p m
lejazzbatlacampagne com
SOIRÉE CONCERT
9 August
St Maurice Étusson
Join The Limestone Cowboys for an evening of blues and retro music at Camping la Raudiere The bar opens at 18h30 with meals available from 19h camping-raudiere com
MUSICALES DE VAUSSAIS: KIM DUO TANGO
9 August
Sauzé-Vaussais
Join violinist Kim-dan Le-oc-mach's quintet for a night of "Alternative" Tango inspired by greats like Pugliese and d'Arienzo Doors open at 20h, concert starts at 20h30 Entry 2€ mairie-sauze-vaussais fr
LA NUIT DES ETOILES
9 & 10 August
Saint-Loup-Lamairé
Two evenings of astronomy at Lac du Cébron hosted by Bêta-Pi Starts at 19h30, on-site dining will be available,
Abbaye Royale de Celles-sur-Belle
followed by a preparatory presentation for sky observation at 21h Bring a red light, personal observation equipment, or something comfortable to sit or lie on in the grass Free event open to all labetapi fr
À LA PAUSE BISTRO 6TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY
10 August
L’Absie
6th Anniversary celebration with a Summer Fayre from 10h30 to 16h, and evening entertainment from 19h30 with live music by Moonshine Club Evening 25€ per person includes a 3-course meal and music (drinks not included) facebook com/1921Pause
LES SOIRÉES LYRIQUES
10, 12 & 14 August
Sanxay (86)
Three open-air performances of Puccini’s La Bohême, starring international soloists and local volunteers, take place at the Gallo-Roman amphitheatre operasanxay fr
SUR LES TRACES DE LA RÉSISTANCE
13 August
Melle
Join a historic bicycle tour exploring key sites of the Melloise Resistance Starts at 10h at Paizay-le-Tort cemetery Picnic lunch; 25 km route ending in Melle Minibus available by reservation ville-melle fr
FÊTE DES BATTAGES
15 August
Champdeniers
Enjoy a free Threshing Festival at La Doretière organised by Les battages de l’Egray Activities include a flea market, folk group, antique threshing demonstrations, and exhibits of old tractors and cars On-site dining available tourisme-deux-sevres com
LA FLEMME OLYMPLOUC!
15 - 17 August
Pougne-Hérisson
Join the 300 proud locals of PougneHérisson to celebrate the quirky and whimsical at Le Festival du Nombril This event embraces fun over competition with music, performances, and local flair nombril com
MARCHÉ DES PRODUCTEURS DE PAYS
17 August
Parthenay
An event that brings together the finest local farmers and artisans Create your own menu by selecting from a variety of fresh products Don't forget to bring your own cutlery! parthenay.fr
IGUANA - CONCERT
17 August
Vançais
IGUANA, a renowned fusion band in Luxembourg and the Grand Est, blends
funk, Latin, and jazz With two albums released in 1999 and 2023, their unique sound, mainly written by Félix Schaber, is enjoyed by a broad audience Tickets 15€ culture2chenes fr
LES ANIMATIONS DE SEXTILIS
17 & 18 August
Echiré
Explore medieval camp life from the 12th and 13th centuries with crafts, medicine, and executions, along with combat exhibitions at Château Fort CoudraySalbart
coudraysalbart fr
VISITE DE VÉLUCHÉ
21 August
Assais-les-Jumeaux
Explore Véluché with a morning tour and an afternoon talk on the historical Veluché camp Learn about its significance during WWII Bring a picnic lunch Free event starting at 09h45 richesseetpatrimoine fr
BALADE AU FIL DE LA BOUTONNE
21 August
Chef-Boutonne
Discover the biodiversity along the River Boutonne Learn about vegetation, land use, built heritage, wildlife, and wetlands through this engaging walk Free event with public Q&A opportunities chef-boutonne fr
CONCERT - ROMANTISME ALLEMAND
21 August
Assais-les-Jumeaux
Enjooy a serenade for strings by Mendelssohn and Wagner Part of the "Les Murs ont des Oreilles" festival, offering accessible classical music in unique settings Free for children under 14
airvaudais-valduthouet.csc79.org
LIVE MUSIC AT DEANO’S
23 August
Les Forges
Join us for an evening of music and entertainment with The Monday Night Project Please note that food reservations are essential facebook.com/deanosbarlesforges
MARCHÉS DES SOIRS D'ÉTÉ 23 August
Vasles
Local producers, creators, and artisans await you starting at 17h Explore a diverse array of handcrafted goods and unique creations Enjoy delicious on-site food and drinks, and don't forget to make a reservation at Bar le Zinc for an even more enjoyable evening vasles fr
MARCHÉ DES PRODUCTEURS DE PAYS 23 August
Bressuire
The annual market at Prairie du Château with local producers offering a variety of cheeses, terrines, fruits, vegetables, and more An opportunity to explore and enjoy the best of our local produce ville-bressuire.fr
SOIRÉE CONCERT
23 August
St Maurice Étusson
Join well known local performer Adrian Simmonds for an evening of rock ‘n’ roll, blues and country music at Camping la Raudiere The bar opens at 18h30 with meals available from 19h camping-raudiere com
MARCHÉ DES PRODUCTEURS 23 August
Sauzé-Vaussais
Enjoy local products at the farmers' market Free meat cooking by the Festivities Committee, chips for a few euros Musical entertainment by Isma Ailes featuring his new album mairie-sauze-vaussais fr
FESTIVAL MARCHÉ GOURMAND
23 - 24 August
Coulon
An evening filled with delicious food and vibrant music With performances from Les Négresses Vertes, Les Fatals Picards, and more Don't miss out on this celebration of food and entertainment! jadoreniort fr
MARCHÉ DES PRODUCTEURS DE PAYS 24 August
Prailles-La Couarde
An event that brings together the finest local farmers and artisans Create your own menu by selecting from a variety of fresh products Bring your own cutlery! cmds chambre-agriculture fr
SUMMER FAYRE 24 - 25 August
Sauzé Vaussais
With stands, games, food, raffle, bargains and much more! Taking place in the main shop at Hope79, and raising money to help animal charities More information to follow soon hope79.org
RONDE DE CHAMBRILLE 25 August
La Mothe-Saint-Héray
JA navigation and regularity rally for vehicles over 30 years old and exceptional cars The 160 km journey includes two difficulty levels This year, enjoy a non-competitive tourist walk ecuriechambrille.com
DÉCOUVERTE DES ORGUES
28 August
Saint-Loup-sur-Thouet and Air vault
Discover the church organs of SaintLoup-sur-Thouet and Airvault Meet at 10h00 in front of the church of SaintLoup and at 11h30 in front of Airvault abbey church Reservation required tourisme-deux-sevres com
FESTIVAL LUMIÈRES DU BAROQUE
29 August - 1 September
Celles-sur-Belle
car boot sales, hiking, and markets throughout the weekend Free entry and parking Hot air balloon flights available for booking montgolfiade fr
VISITE GUIDÉE
31 August
Tessonnière
Set in the Royal Abbey, with opportunities to meet musicians, and a programme for all ages, including a storyteller for children A show featuring musicians and circus performers will close the festival festival-lumieres-du-baroque com
LA TABLÉE DES PRODUCTEURS
30 August
Mauléon
Meet producers and artisans showcasing their specialties at Parc de la Passerelle
Bring your own cutlery to enjoy a meal with friends and family mauleon fr
LA MONTGOLFIADE DE THOUARS
30 August - 1 September
Sainte Verge
Experience 40 hot air balloons soaring over Thouars Enjoy music, exhibitions,
Starting with a morning tour of Tessonnière's rich history Enjoy a picnic at the Enjouran pond, followed by an afternoon exploration of the Maucarrière area Free event, no reservation required richesseetpatrimoine fr
LA NUIT DE SAINT-HILAIRE
31 August
Melle
Celebrate the end of summer at UNESCOlisted Saint-Hilaire Church with music, fire and dance Performances including Les Quat’ fers en l’air, Maurice Lennon Trio, Maguy, and Las Gabachas de la Cumbia larondedesjurons fr
SENSORY TOUR
4 September
Air vault
Explore the town's history through your five senses Booking essential 5€ for ages 12 and up, 2€ for ages 6 to 11, free for children under 6 cc-avt.fr
GARDEN PARTY
8 September
Chateau de Cher veux
Join us for fun, food and entertainment at Association Violet’s biggest event of the year! Enjoy musicians, food & drink and a variety of stalls plus alpacas and horse & carriage rides all set against the beautiful backdrop of the Chateau de Cherveux facebook com/AssociationViolet
FESTIVAL PHOTO
Until 29 September
Moncoutant sur Sèvre
This year, the photography festival is celebrating its 14th year and will welcome photojournalist Isabelle Serro (isabelleserro com) as guest of honour festivalphotomoncoutant fr
"AU TEMPS DE NOS GRANDS-MÈRES"
Until 30 September
Souvigné
Explore the daily life and significant events from the 1900s to the 1950s This exhibition provides a glimpse into the past, with artefacts, photographs, and stories from an era that shaped our present A unique opportunity to connect with history and appreciate the experiences of our ancestors musee-souvigne.com
REACTION POEM & PINTS GROUP Fenioux
Our Poetry group are off on their summer holidays and will resume in September Details of our next meetings will be published in September’s magazine reactiontheatre eu
Written by David Murphy - Clinical
The beautiful game
tips to show stress the red card
his advert on page 15
Football
Some love it
Some hate it
And if you fit into either of those categories you may be surprised to know that some people are totally indifferent towards it
But anyway, regardless of how you feel about it, every two years there is a major international tournament Right now it’s the turn of the Euros and in two years’ time it’ll be the World Cup And the incredible thing about these tournaments is that, like thousands of other similar events around the world, some people’s lives are defined by the events that take place
Heroes and villains are created, careers are made and destroyed, and winners and losers become one or the other forever, as entries into the history books are made in indelible ink
And why should this be of any interest to anyone but the football lovers? Well, because there is something to be learned about human nature in these
moments of incredible pressure and forensic scrutiny
Some people thrive in these situations whereas others fall to pieces before our eyes Teams can move as one, seeming to develop a hive mind as they play, while others look like they met one another five minutes before kick off and so have no chemistry on the pitch at all
And these differences are nothing to do with talent, determination, hard work, dedication, luck or skill It’s everything to do with how individuals and teams react to pressure
And it’s the same for all of us too We all have to deal with pressure and stress at various times and with various intensities during our lives and, broadly speaking there are two ways to filter these events in our minds We can either rise to meet them and use the sense of a challenge as a way to ‘raise our game', or we can look to live in the eye of the storm, finding a peaceful, resourceful space in the midst of the chaos going on around us
Of course, there are hundreds of ways you can use each of these approaches, but even the act of recognising that you are choosing an approach in difficult circumstances can help Because you are telling your subconscious mind that you’re taking control of a circumstance that, on other occasions may have made you feel powerless And that’s not a good place to be
So, if you choose to confront the situation head on, look to draw on your resourcefulness by using NLP (Neurolinguistic programming) techniques like anchoring and reframing
And if you choose the eye of the storm approach, practicing breathing and meditation techniques will be hugely helpful
So, if you’d like to know more about these techniques, drop me an email and I’ll send you some information! In the meantime, just remember that life is not like the world cup final, it’s more like an under 7’s school match –it’s not the winning or losing that really counts, it’s about enjoying the game
Everyday yoga for everyone Balance for Life
One of the things I love the most about living in the DeuxSèvres is the amazing variety of flora We have so many different kind of trees, all shapes and sizes, some knobbly, some smooth, with uniquely shaped leaves and varying patterns and textures of bark We’re a bit like those trees No two people are the same And yet, like the trees, we all share some fundamental things that make us work in a similar way In yoga we work with these fundamentals commonalities, while at the same time respecting, understanding and incorporating individual differences
The Tree Pose in yoga - where you stand on one leg with the lifted foot flat against the opposite thigh or sometimes turned in towards the groin - is a pose that some beginners to yoga prefer to avoid Trees don’t lie and neither does Tree Pose If your mind is caught up in worried thoughts, it will show in your ability to maintain this pose If you drank too much the night before, it will show If you just had an argument with someone, it will show No one likes a mirror when they’re feeling wobbly But if you let it, this pose with its mirror-like honesty can become an ally It is a pose that reveals the reality of things at any one moment; a reality that at times will make you feel proud, and at other times will humble you The trick is to find a place in between the humility of the earth and the loftiness of the sky That’s where you find the trees
Balance is a complex system involving a variety of factors: strength, vision, the inner ear, sensory feedback loops via the fascia and muscles to the brain, proprioception (the body’s ability to know where it is in space) the ability to focus on a
Rebecca Novick
single task – all of these play a role With the same logic, compromised vision, inner ear issues, poor somatic signalling, poor proprioception, muscle weakness and scattered thinking can all contribute to how difficult or easy you find this pose When you enter Tree Pose you can feel, I’ve got it, I’ve got it, and then the mind wanders to that email you forgot to answer and fwap! It’s gone Tree Pose is like that A Leafy Green Guru in disguise
Balance, it turns out, can improve your memory and even determine your life span Studies show that working on balance significantly improves both memory and spatial recognition – which is handy for driving When you learn to calm down in Tree Pose you can begin to appreciate all the tiny little muscle movements and that feedback system to the brain working to keep everything in check All those neural signals firing and exchanging information! You are then able to concentrate enough to make minor adjustments, firming your buttocks, straightening your back, lifting and stabilizing the core – your tree trunk – in order to keep rooted
This year, the British Journal of Sports Medicine published the results of a decade-long study involving more than 1,700 middle-aged participants The conclusions were startling People who had difficulty maintaining their balance were almost two times likely to die Yes, die What was the balance test they used? It was Tree Pose Furthermore, an inability to hold this position for 10 seconds (three attempts were allowed) was associated with a staggering 84% heightened risk of death from any cause
Think of balance as something that you build, not something that you have Instead of saying, “I don’t have good balance” think instead, “I need to work on my balance” or better yet “I’m working on my balance” Remember, none of us were born with balance It was something that all of us had to learn
Trees don’t part with their wisdom overnight But if you allow them to be your muse, you will discover what it means to be rooted and stable, and withstand the vagaries of the seasons and those sudden unexpected storms
To learn about group and private classes for yoga and breath coaching please email me at: lavieenyoga@gmail com
“Impostor syndrome is a subjective experience of perceived self-doubt in one's abilities and accomplishments compared with others, despite evidence to suggest the contrary ” (Wikipedia)
People who have it also suffer from a persistent internal fear of being exposed as frauds Even if their skills and record of achievement are universally praised, they don’t believe they deserve their success or luck
Most, if not all, writers are subject to this and have to battle against it daily It particularly attacks the newer writer, but believe me, even best-seller writers get caught “I have written eleven books, but each time I think, 'Uh oh, they’re going to find out now,” Maya Angelou, the acclaimed author and poet, said No matter what their level of expertise, imposter syndrome victims expect rejection
Some choice examples I’ve heard over the years
My writing’s rubbish
It’s so full of clichés everybody will laugh when they read it
Nobody will read it
Why should anybody pay good (or even bad) money for this drivel?
I’ll never finish this
This plot is so obvious
The dialogue is cringingly trite
My characters are cardboard cutouts
I’ll never live up to my last book that people seemed to like
Readers are only giving me four- or five-star reviews because they’re sorry for me
I’ll never be a proper writer
But consider the positive side
If you feel this way, it’s because you know what good writing looks like And the reason for such clever, polished prose is that they worked hard on it and had an editorial team to hone and shine it All first drafts are rubbish It’s in the editing that the work matters And even after that, nobody writes a perfect book
The key is to keep your expectations realistic Learn the craft (classes, books, other authors, online) so you develop a firm base of knowledge to give you confidence Building story structure and characterisation is an essential skill Good grammar and punctuation matter as does how to
Alison Morton
present your work Feedback from more experienced writers and editors is given not so you will curl up in a corner and hide, but to help you improve
Read bad fiction you can easily find or watch some bad films They don’t have to be dire, just something that makes you sit up and think, "Well, I could do better than that!" This is advice from Stephen King who knows something about writing! And that’s exactly how I started writing fiction
If you write, you’re a writer
Your writing may be rough around the edges, but it’s your authentic work The big reward? You may touch a reader unexpectedly and positively – you can’t do that if you don’t finish your work
But I warn you – imposter syndrome never really goes away I’ve been writing fiction since 2009 and now drafting my fourteenth book I’ve sold tens of thousands of copies of my books, have taught classes about writing, spoken as a panellist and sole speaker at renowned literary events in several countries but I still feel like a fraud at times
However, I keep writing as I want to know how the story ends! If other people enjoy it, then that’s wonderful I love it when readers ‘get’ my book worlds and characters The best comments on your writing comes from readers – the ultimate judges – and you should treasure them
How long did it take me to lose imposter syndrome? I’ll let you know when I do
Book Club
This month’s book reviews
Annie in Paris
by Carmen Reid
review by Jacqueline Brown
Personal shopper Annie Valentine is back! Older and bolder!
I have to admit I am no fashion guru, I dislike shopping and tragically, until reading this book, was new to the whole world of the Annie Valentine personal shopping books I blame twenty years living in a forgotten French village but helpfully this book started with a great introduction to bring all readers up to date with who is who My initial panic about not being fashionable enough to even carr y on reading was calmed by the author admitting she also loves to recycle clothes and buy second-hand where possible, phew! By the end of the prologue, I was as hooked as any fan
The Takedown
by Evie Hunter
review by Jacqueline Brown
Revenge, in this case, is best ser ved with a chilled glass of Champagne and a view of the sparkling Mediterranean
Having visited Antibes and gawped with wonder at the size of the super yachts in the harbour, I couldn’t wait to virtually step on board one, even if this book was not my usual feel-good, go-to read It soon became clear it was all about risks, revenge and achieving goals There was no place for emotions and the excesses and greed were a world away from anything I am used to but I was easily absorbed within the pages
This book is full pace from the beginning as we are thrown into the chaotic life of Annie Valentine, who is just about managing to juggle 101 tricky family and work situations without losing the plot These challenges, and her calm outward manner, immediately warmed me to her and ensured that throughout the book I was fighting her corner when things got more complex
Paris as a location sparkled and provided some classic scenes, including inside bistros, hidden courtyards and the contents of a real Parisian woman ’ s wardrobe I loved the French snippets of advice that headed up each chapter, despite it being a book that is as much about relationships as it is about fashion
This book is great mix of entertaining situations that often had me grinning away as I read it, as well as being moving and thought provoking With Annie, Ed and Svetlana experiencing new emotional stages of their lives it highlighted the changing perceptions we all encounter as we mature and dip our toes into a mid-life crisis
If you are looking for a quick, fun escape to Paris, this is the book for you
Freya risked ever ything putting herself in a prominent position on Julien Falcon’s super yacht, integrating into the small team of dedicated staff, ready to drop anything for him Hiding her motive for revenge while living in close proximity to ever yone else was never going to be easy
Julien didn’t get to where he was without taking risks along the way, but what he considered his strength - his ability to use those around him for his own advantage made him enemies As the interesting back stories of the guests and staff onboard were slowly revealed so were other risktakers and game players These constantly changed my ideas of where the book was going and how successful I thought Freya was likely to be One by one, she made discoveries that she had to judge, will they help her in her goal, or will they become a threat?
Julien was a nasty piece of work and seeing him sweat when his plans began to unravel was as enjoyable for me as it was for Freya, but his power and influence over others was not to be underestimated
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La Vie en France Summer art
Summer is the perfect time to get out and about in the Deux-Sèvres, appreciating art in all its forms, imaginatively showcased in a variety of different locations
One of the most magical art installations I’ve seen so far this year was “Dentelles Nomades” in Sepvret, near Melle, where large lacework pieces had been strung along the banks of the Sèvre Niortais river These oversized, yet intricately worked, geometrical shapes were suspended over the water, spanned across the lavoirs and hung between the trees I miraculously picked a dry day and had the place to myself As I walked through the woods, carefully avoiding the worst of the muddy patches, the birds were singing, the lace creations were gently spinning in the breeze, and it felt like I was alone in a fairy tale land, a real escape from the worries of the world While this exhibition has now finished, there are still lots more things to visit over the summer
At the Château de Javarzay, until the end of September, we have a different artist exhibiting every three weeks, including pastels, sculptures, drawings, poetry and more, all of them free to enter, daily, except Tuesdays There is also live music every Saturday morning until the end of August at the ChefBoutonne market, and the big news for us is that on the 17th of August, it will be our Ed and his band who will be rocking the halles Keeping things close to home, our village library in Loubillé (79110) has an exhibition called “Symphonie de la Nature”, open every morning, Tuesday to Saturday, and Wednesday afternoons, until 15th September Local artist Pascale Chevalier creates inspiring pieces where she carefully pairs reclaimed or recycled materials with items collected from nature I get lost in her miniature houses that are both beautiful to look at and incredibly tactile
Just over the road from the library is the village bar that reopened in June 2022 as a kebab and pizza, eat-in and takeaway restaurant, that was a hit from day one Over the last twenty years there have been peaks, troughs and ownership issues, so it’s no surprise that it has changed hands once again The menu has had some small tweaks,
Jacqueline Brown
but kebabs, pizzas and burgers still rule and from our dedicated research missions, we deem it a success I’ve even discovered a new favourite pizza, the Gustosa, a delicately garlic flavoured Marguerite with an egg yolk added at the last minute, simple, but delicious and I can enjoy it without feeling too stuffed What is also new here this year is a live music Sunday brunch from 11 30am to 3pm, every week until the end of August This summer the council have initiated a project to improve the main road through the village for pedestrians, including creating a safer, more pleasant terrace area outside the restaurant No longer will diners and parking cars meet at the curb side, and eventually the terrace will be edged with a flowering border I hope that wherever the summer takes you, there is something delicious to eat and something beautiful to catch your eye
“Dentelles Nomades” in Sepvret
“Symphonie de la Nature” - Pascale Chevalier
Sophie Hargreaves
Being a Tourist in Your Own Home
When our guests stay at the farm, they often want our personal recommendations of where they can visit Some readers may find this familiar if they host either family or the public at their homes too I both find this so easy because there s so much on offer but also worr y if I m matching their personalities with where I recommend to them It feels like a huge responsibility if they only have a ver y short stay too; the weight of if they have a good time is on my shoulders It’s not that bad really, perhaps I’m being dramatic!
I will admit how embarrassed I have been previously at how little we had explored the larger attractions and had kept to the same safe places for our days out It was a mix of sticking to what was familiar, and just being far
too busy with the alpacas and accommodation to actually go out and experience it ourselves As the years go by (we re already on our fourth) we re so much better at exploring and enjoying the area and also the more we do this the easier the Office de tourisme d alpagas Sanzay is to run It s so easy for us to not go out when we do find some spare time, with running a busy visiting farm with accommodation, having an under oneyear-old and also just living in an already beautiful setting But we have re-found the joy in exploring this incredible area we live in
When we first moved here and met with our local mayor, she had an incredible analogy that here in Argentonnay at the north of the region, is like the centre of a flower and all of the amazing attractions in the area are the colourful petals surrounding it It was so poetic and also so true!
I’m now in my fourth summer here in the north of Deux-Sèvres and I have only just visited the big one; Puy du Fou with its 2 3 million annual visitors I felt like one of the only people who hadn’t been We took a ver y relaxed approach to it, but also planned our schedule to see the big shows and bought the fast pass, so that I could focus on having fun with a 9-monthold in tow It was fantastic much more than I had imagined and I would gladly go back again and again to see what I
missed the times before You could easily take three days visiting and experiencing all it has to offer
We’re ver y pleased to regularly visit local vineyards, crémant houses, fresh markets and tr y to buy direct from local farmers when we can too go to the summer fêtes and bi-annual highland games (despite being soaked this year) and Bressuire Grand Prix These are all brilliant for tourists too Other firm favourites of ours include the Parc oriental de Maulévrier (bonus you can take the dog), various châteaux, the smaller local cities, the bioparc at Doué-la-Fontaine and so many more that I can’t fit into this article
And yet in our fourth year here there are still places we ’ re desperate to get to such as Chinon, Mouton Village, Terra Botanica and more I will get to some more this summer, and even whilst I wait I’ ll still be recommending them to our guests Obviously, my first recommendation is the alpaca experiences, as I experience this constantly and can easily match an activity for them
Perhaps you ’ re in the same situation and have been wanting to come to our farm for a while, but still not made it? We’d love to welcome you, and hear your recommendations for our next days out and how to prioritise them too – there’s just too many!
For more information, visit: www lapetitefermedalpagas com or email: hello@lapetitefermedalpagas com
7 rue de la Croix Cholette 79120 Bois de Messé Opening Times Tuesday 10am - 5 30pm Weds - Fri by appointment only
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email: DavidMurphyHypno@gmail com La Deuxième Chance
I'm David Murphy - Clinical Hypnotherapist and Life Coach, and I can help. Call or text me on 06 75 30 18 22 siret 89241290900020
Parc Oriental de Maulévrier
Puy du Fou
Family Matters
No sooner was the child born than Anna, my wife, was booked on to the first Ryanair flight back to the UK
Our granddaughter had been born two and a half weeks early, which threw our plans out of the window I was working and could wait a fortnight to meet Ari, 7lb 7oz (Ari as in R E , not Ari as in 'Arr y [Redknapp]) Anna couldn't wait to get her hands on newborn flesh, so was flying over immediately staying in a Travelodge for three nights (supporting the new parents when needed) flying back to Poitiers having a week to recover and then driving back to the UK (I don t fly) with me, as originally planned
Apart from being jaundiced, having a lump on her head, and being tongue-tied (all now resolved), the baby was perfect in ever y way Anna reported back after her initial visit
I had run through various scenarios in my head of the first meeting with my granddaughter; I would be handed the child, raise her to the heavens (like Simba in The Lion King or Kunta Kinte in Roots, depending on your age) with an orchestra crescendoing in the background What greeted us when we arrived in Letchworth at my son and daughter-inlaw s house was them tr ying to deal with the mother of all poonamis I don t want to get too graphic, but a chicken dhansak came to mind My son looked like a ver y tired man on the edge “Can you come back in 20 minutes?” he said, rather brusquely “Don't be silly, we ' ve seen it all before,” Anna replied We went and sat in the garden while the carnage was cleared up
As well as becoming a dad sleep deprivation and his parents landing on his doorstep (for the second time in a fortnight), my son had a job inter view in a couple of days
Part of me felt sorr y for this costume of a man in front of me, but there was also a part of me sniggering internally
When he was born he didn't make a squeak for 24 hours then found his voice and didn t stop cr ying for the next 24 months I can remember changing his nappy at four in the morning with him screaming in my face What goes around comes around Snigger Nothing gives me greater pleasure than someone else's child having a meltdown in the supermarket Snigger
When we return to Royaume-Uni we mainly stay with my dad He ser ves a mean Charlie Bigham ready meal and always has a well-stocked cellar We do a bit of cooking
Stephen Shaw
washing up, and jobs around the garden and in return eat him out o house and home and drink all his Barefoot Dad has defied medical science by living on a diet of Charl Bigham's, Roka biscuits and smoked salmon, not a fruit or vegetable in sight and apart from bladder cance enlarged prostate, cataracts and needing a new knee, he s as fit as a fiddle
Just outside his kitchen window, he has a bird feeder full of the highest quality millet The first morning I went to put the kettle on, there was a green parakeet swinging on the feeder; I thought I was in Africa! Another time I saw FOUR woodpeckers pecking at the premium produce Tits, sparrows goldfinches robins all pecking away as the feeder swings from side to side and on the ground a great fat wood pigeon who can barely walk hoovering up all the debris It can only be a matter of time before the rats find out
As we were in town, we decided it would be nice to get the family together, so the conch was blown and they arrived from all four corners of the south-east Special guest was little Ari who made an unexpected appearance She was passed around like pass the parcel; ever y time there was a handover, people would cr y 'mind her head!' Ever y combination of photograph was taken, it was like a royal wedding; Ari with aunts and uncles, great-aunts, greatuncles, father, mother, grandparents, great-grandfather, one with father, grandfather and great-grandfather and the baby fast asleep in all of them
The Le Mans 24-hour road race was on the weekend we returned home and the train through the tunnel was full of Ferraris and all manner of high-performance vehicles Crowds of car spotters greeted us on the French side snapping photos as the sports cars accelerated onto the péage Our Dacia Sandero didn t seem to turn many heads Whenever we drive back through France, we are filled with a mix of emotions: sad to have said goodbye to loved ones and knowing we won't see them again for a while, glad that we are driving on a lovely French road with no congestion and no potholes, sad that we will have to pay the péage at the end guilt that we drank all my dad s booze snigger
If you would like to read more ramblings from Mr Shaw, go to www
1 August 1793, France becomes the first country to use the metric system The National Convention adopts a decree to introduce this system, which is finally enacted in April 1795 This groundbreaking change standardises measurements and lays the foundation for global adoption of the metric system
4 August 1907, in the Tour de France, Lucien Petit-Breton of France beats compatriots Gustave Garrigou and Emile Georget He repeats his victory the following year finishing ahead of Francois Faber of Luxembourg and Georges Passerieu of France Petit-Breton s back-toback victories establish him as a cycling legend in the race s early years
7 August 1947, the Kon-Tiki expedition a 6 920 km journey from Peru to Raroia near Tahiti, is completed Led by Norwegian Thor Heyerdahl, this voyage aimed to prove that prehistoric South Americans could colonise Polynesia via ocean currents The successful journey demonstrated the plausibility of ancient transoceanic contact
10 August 1793, after two centuries as a royal palace the Louvre officially opens to the public as a museum Initially a modest gallery with just over 500 paintings it has since evolved into a vast repository of art and historical artefacts becoming an iconic symbol of French culture, history, and heritage
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21 August 1911, in an audacious art theft Vincenzo Perugia steals Leonardo da Vinci s Mona Lisa from the Louvre The painting is missing for over two years before an attempted ransom leads to Perugia's capture and the artwork's recovery Despite Perugia's claims of patriotic motivations evidence suggested greed was the primary driver Today the Mona Lisa is safeguarded by enhanced security measures at the Louvre
22 August 1862, French composer Claude Debussy is born in Saint- Germain-en-Laye He created works for both piano and orchestra, with his most famous piece likely being Clair de Lune (1890) Debussy s innovative style incorporated influences from Russian and Far Eastern music, significantly shaping the course of modern classical composition
26 August 1944, after more than four years of Nazi occupation, Paris is liberated by the joint efforts of the French 2nd Armoured Division and the U S 4th Infantry Division In defiance of Adolf Hitler s directive to demolish the city s historical monuments and set the city ablaze General Dietrich von Choltitz the German garrison s leader, chooses to officially surrender The Free French General Charles de Gaulle leads a triumphant march of liberation down the Champs Élysées These pivotal events are documented in the 2014 film "Diplomacy "
Hubert Robert: La Grande Galerie du Louvre (1796)
By Steve Marshall
Taking Better Photographs... Black and White
When I started taking photographs they were all black and white – strictly monochrome being black and white and many shades of grey Colour film and colour photography were expensive and largely the province of the professional Colour became the norm and slowly processing black and white film became more specialist and more expensive Digital had started to eclipse film photography when I thought about turning the bathroom into a darkroom and thankfully took away the need for that domestic discussion
I had always liked black and white images I remember feeling there was something wrong in colour pictures outside theatres and the early colour images in newspapers always felt somewhat forced Digital photography
allows you to play with black and white and retain the option to revert to colour
Some of the images here were taken with the camera set to black and white The later ones were all taken in colour, even if I was convinced they would end as black and white And I strongly recommend this
Once you have the image use an editor to change it to black and white There are some great free editors –GIMP Canva Fotor FastStone and many more All of them will have a simple means of removing colour saturation leaving you with a black and white image Take the time to play with the saturation Sometimes an image you expected to end up as a monochrome looks better when the saturation is pushed upwards
Increasing the contrast will usually improve a colour image and almost always benefit a black and white picture You need the edge between light and dark when there is no colour to guide the eye
And that edge is one of the things you should look for when assessing whether what you can see will look good when the colour is no longer there The image with the face hanging on the wall is a good example of this There is ver y little colour in the original – some brown in the vine stem and some dull red in the face, but essentially is a mixture of lights and darks
Because it was so clearly heading for a black and white image this was taken with the camera set to monochrome I think it works but I will never know if there was detail in the colour that is now lost forever As I write this I realise I would have to hunt for the control on my current camera to force it to black and white, and I would then avoid it
The garden statue started as a ver y colourful image – especially in the sky above and behind the face I think the colour version still works but the eye is drawn up and above the face
Removing the colour calms the sky, pushes it away into the background and refocuses our attention on the face One photograph creating two ver y distinctive images
The door way is all about texture –of the wood with is peeled away paint, of the stone weathered by years and grimed by the exhausts of passing vehicles, and of the glass where no two pieces still sit on the same plane And black and white is great at accentuating texture This could work as a colour image but here I ver y much prefer black and white
The cobwebbed rain-dotted garland was a natural decoration I found on a woodland walk ver y close to Christmas The combination of cobwebs and light rain works wonders to turn this into a delightful image I have pushed the contrast quite hard as this brings out the drops where they are catching the light, and it darkens the background emphasising the sparkle and the lightness
If you would like to discuss your photographs whether black and white or colour with some fellow photographers please get in touch at stevemarshall128@gmail com
You may have heard the saying ‘There’s Paris, and then there’s the rest of France’ In other words, they’re like two different countries – Paris is noisy, bustling and overflowing with every kind of activity, whilst the rest of l’Hexagone is quiet, sleepy and altogether firmly stuck in the past A slight exaggeration of course, but you get the gist! Not dissimilar to the French calendar; you could even say ‘There’s August and then there’s the rest of the year’! As soon as the 1st of the month arrives, les Parisiens head out of the capital to enjoy their congés annuels in the many tourist resorts around the country Sleepy towns and villages come alive with street markets, campsites are full to bursting, cafés and restaurants are bustling, and you’re spoilt for choice for outdoor activities
So whilst we’re all basking in wall-to-wall sunshine this month, I thought it was time to give those other 11 months of the year their 15 minutes of fame
After the excitement of New Year’s Eve, when everyone kisses everyone at midnight (whether they know them or not!), throughout January we can look forward to invitations to share the delicious galettes des rois with family, friends, clubs and associations The perfect antidote to ward off the winter blues!
February can seem quite flat in comparison, but fear not dear reader, thi month celebrates le Chandeleur, when you can continue to overindulge with tradition sweet crêpes. So much for the New Year’s resolution
With the arrival of March, the clocks spring forward to give us an extra hour of sunlight in the evening For those who enjoy a leisurely walk in the countryside, you can take part in a semi-nocturne marche gourmande, organised by many local communities
April sees the start of the vide grenier season You can enjoy strolling round stalls overflowing with every kind of second-hand goods, before taking a break at one of the many refreshment stands
And then we come to the month of May, summed up in two short words: Jours fériés!! We were treated to no less than 4 bank holidays this year (plus bridging days of course!), so no-one had the least idea which day of the week it was!!
Ah June, the longest day and the shortest night, plus the wonderful tradition of la fête de la musique Traditionally celebrated on or around the 21st of the month, you can enjoy all sorts of outdoor musical events completely free of charge
break Lifeguards appear on the beach, campsites start to fill up and outdoor activities gear up for The Season
With the start of the new school year in September, you can check out the various activities available in your area at the Forum des Associations But the real highlight of the month is les journées du patrimoine when hundreds of historic sites throughout France are open to the public for free
As we settle into the final 3 months of the year, clubs & associations reopen their doors, and throughout September, as well as October & November, you can try out new activities before deciding which club(s) to join
It goes without saying that December is dominated by the build-up to Christmas
You can find marchés de Noël in every town and village throughout the country, offering hand-crafted gifts, vin chaud and sweet gaufres – what’s not to like??
And there you have it, the year in a nutshell! So don’t forget – August is not the only month!!
Expert Property Advice from Adrian Simmonds
Adrian Simmonds has worked in real estate for more than 50 years, in the Deux Sèvres since 2001 and with Beaux Villages Immobilier since 2022. He enjoys seeing his old clients again for either buying or selling properties, and also through his second job as a Country and Rock n Roll singer
Adrian shares his experience along with three of his properties in the Deux Sèvres “With the market moving through different phases of Brexit, Covid, wars and political upheaval, it has been important to keep abreast of the trends and be able to advise our clients I have seen several booms and busts during my career, yet there has always been a housing market ”
Spacious 4-bed, 4-bath farmhouse, with large independent guest apartment and heated salt-water swimming pool
Set in 7000m² of private grounds, with orangery and workshop 10 minutes to the historic town of Parthenay A must view!
Fees: 4% paid by the buyer
Net price: €466,000
Climate class: C Energy class: A
3-bed character house located close to Clessé, in the attractive bocage countryside between Secondigny and Bressuire 2ha of land and separate outbuildings Ideal for horses Excellent value!
Fees: paid by the vendor
Climate class: D Energy class: C
Immaculate 2-bed detached bungalow with beautiful landscaped garden, including feature carp pond, garage and plenty of parking space In a quiet cul-de-sac backing onto fields 15 minutes to Bressuire
Fees: 9% paid by the buyer
Net price: €145,000
Climate class: E Energy class: B
Adrian adds “Having someone with a real interest in what is happening in the local area is important to be able to advise both buyers and sellers Agents don't “sell” houses, they make sure that the price and marketing are correct to ensure the right potential buyers are shown each property ”
Preser ving the Past Join
Let me take you back to the early 1930s Life in rural France was still recovering from the devastation of the First World War, especially for those who lost friends and family during the times of conflict Many families lost generations of fathers, brothers, and cousins, and those that sur vived remained deeply affected by the impact of war Across the countr y, many memorials were built in remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, but there were also a number of buildings, many associated with the Catholic faith, that were commissioned to show thanks to those that returned safely One such building is the Chapel of St Joseph, which stands sentr y at the edge of the village of La Coudre, Argentonnay
The chapel was commissioned as a monument of gratitude to Saint Joseph thanks to Abbé Léon Boinot, the parish priest at the time, as a symbol of being a protector and provider
The building was completed in 1932, which is denoted on the car ved stone block by the entrance to the chapel, and has remained steadfast through the Second World War until the present day That being said, like many other buildings of its age, it has started to succumb to the will of Mother Nature and it is now in need of some love and care to allow its presence to remain for generations to come
The team at the Repair Shed, along with the support of the Mairie of La Coudre, have agreed to take on the challenge to bring the Chapel of St Joseph back up to scratch Having met with representatives of the commune, the details of what needs to be done have been established and we are now sounding our own call to arms to seek some help and support with the restoration project
The Repair Shed is undertaking this project as a charitable activity and as such we do need to raise
funds to cover the cost of materials We have created a crowdfunding initiative to help with this If you can spare a euro or two and would like to help us reach our target, you can do so via the link below
Payments are via our charity partner HelloAsso and are secure All donated funds will go directly to the Repair Shed and will enable us to undertake not only this project but other community activities in the future
Alternatively, if you are able to offer some materials to
help with the restoration, we would be very grateful for your gift
So, what needs to be done?
• Some of the slate roof tiles need to be replaced and refitted in order to make the roof watertight
• Replacement doors and windows, including glass fittings, need to be made and refitted
• Some of the internal wall plaster needs to be removed and repaired
• The inside of the building needs to be thoroughly cleaned and repainted where needed
• The outside steps and brickwork need to be cleaned
The Repair Shed was created to provide opportunities for skills, knowledge, and a sense of wellbeing to be shared amongst the community The restoration of the chapel is our first large community-based project which we hope will attract growing interest in our mission
Lisa Jones
How can you help or get involved?
As you can see, much of the work needed involves a bucket of warm soapy water and some elbow grease
Embracing the adage of ‘many hands make light work’ we will be hosting a number of workforce days where you can come along and get involved Everything will be provided, including refreshments
Each Saturday in September we will be getting together from 10am-4pm to work on the project and we would like to invite you to join us It does not have to be for the whole day, even an hour or two will really help us achieve our goal If you would like to join us for the day, please bring a packed lunch with you
Our ShedQuarters in La Coudre is open every Thursday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Members are welcome to visit to work on any projects, and we welcome visitors to come along to see what we are doing and get involved if they wish We are also accepting donations on these days, which could be anything such as clothes,
houseware, small furniture, children’s toys, and games These donations allow us to raise money, which all contributes to the growing success of our Association
If you would like to get in touch, or keep up to date on workshops, activities, and projects, you can follow us on Facebook or see our website www.therepairshed.fr.
Thank you to everyone who has joined us so far and for those who have given us support to continue to develop and grow the Repair Shed community We look forward to welcoming new members and supporters and to seeing you at ShedQuarters soon!
bringing the outside in Birds and Bees water bath/feeder
bringing the outside in Birds and Bees water bath/feeder
Sophie Stokes
Now that we are experiencing some warmer days, its important to ensure that any wildlife is appropriately fed and watered These simple feeders/bath can be adjusted depending on who is going to use it They’re really simple to use, and look pretty hanging in trees around the garden
You will need
• An old plate - maybe something chipped, an odd plate from an old set, or you can use a terracotta plant dish whatever you have handy
• A few lengths of wild clematis, grape vine etc
• Scissors or secateurs
• Sturdy garden twine
How to make your feeder:
• Remove the leaves from your vine and twist it round into a ‘hoop’ that is slightly smaller than the plate Keep twisting the vine until its sturdy As it dries it will become stronger (You can re-purpose the hoop/wreath for festive decorations later in the year, if you wish )
• Cut two equal lengths, they should be slightly longer than twice the desired drop of your feeder
• Fold each length in half and tie the ends at opposite sides of your vine hoop Tie the second length in the same way so that the 4 knots are equal distance apart around the circumference of the vine hoop
Place your chosen plate onto the hoop, it should rest snugly and not slip through the centre of the hoop The 4 string ties should prevent it from slipping off the hoop sideways
• Find a suitable hanging place and suspend your feeder
• You can add bird seed or grubs, water etc for your birds, or some water with a few stones in for bees and other insects to drink from
• By hanging safely in a tree, your feeders should be safe from cats or other predators
• You can create a few of different sizes or designs and hang them in groups
• I prefer to hang mine in shady areas so that the shallow water doesn’t evaporate too quickly, but do be sure to check them regularly Plates are easy to keep clean so they don’t get dirt building up
• If you are hoping to feed bees, remember that sugar isn’t a bees first choice of nourishment, Bees much prefer something with more nutrition in Most gardens will have some flowers to provide nectar which contains essential amino acids,proteins etc If you simply supply water this should be sufficient, just be sure to have some stones or landing surfaces so that the bees don’t drown in the water
Please contact me via @cueilletteetdecouverte on Facebook or Instagram.
Stay Connected
Stuart Wallace
Well hello there! August already eh? How are you doing? Keeping fit and healthy I hope By the time you read this, the UK will have a Labour government and France, well, I’m not sure it bears thinking about I needed to submit this before the second round of voting, but I think if your politics sit anywhere in the middle, you may be feeling disappointed Still could be worse We could be in America where it looks likely they’ll get a convicted felon or sleepy Joe Anyway, enough doom and gloom Who’s ready for their quarterly hot-bed of satellite TV and satellite internet news? You, Betty? You know you love it! So, onwards good and courageous readers I salute you
I’ll start by reminding you that Freesat is not the same as Freeview I know your TV may have Freeview built-in, but it doesn’t get you satellite channels For clarification, if your ‘box’ or TV does not have a threaded connector (the smooth push-fit ones aren’t for satellite TV) then it isn’t what you need for UK TV reception
On a similar thread (geddit?), whilst the BBC channels are all now in high-definition (HD) only, it does not mean that your old standard-definition satellite box will no longer work at all You’ll still get lots of channels, just not the BBC and the HD versions of others For some - for instance if you only watch ITV - this will be just fine
When is a quad LNB not a quad LNB? When it’s a quattro LNB After leaving my job as a not very good writer of Christmas cracker jokes, I fell into satellite TV But this is actually something to be aware of A quad LNB has four universal outlets and is what you would use if you had four satellite boxes or two recording-type boxes It is extremely common I probably fit more of these than anything else However, right next to them on the shelf at the DIY store is often something known as a ‘quattro’ LNB This is a very different animal and on 99% of occasions is not what you require
A quattro LNB has four very specific outputs Each doing a different job For ease, you can consider each output as carrying 25% of the signal being received at the satellite dish So, if mistakenly using it instead of a quad LNB, your satellite box will only get some of the available channels So why use one? Well, they are used with a multiswitch (commutateur in French) which can accept the four different outputs (as well as a terrestrial feed) and combine them all back together again to send down a single cable Such systems are often found in hotels Essentially, they are used for large installations where many different rooms require TV That’s all been quite a boring way of saying be careful what you buy! It’s only a minor thing, but be aware that if you order a Manhattan SX Freesat box to use in France, you can’t cut the
plug off and replace it with a French one The plug is a ‘transformer’ type meaning you’ll need to use a UK to French adapter to plug it in
I’ve been asked a couple of times about replacement viewing cards for TNTSAT boxes Please note, these are available from www tntsat tv for a fixed price of 15 euros Just go to ‘renouveler votre carte TNTSAT’
Whilst the roll-out of fiber optic internet is underway, it is happening at a slower pace than some would like So, if you need fast and reliable internet and you can’t receive it via your copper telephone line, then Starlink remains a very good alternative You can even rent it, so that you can return it when fiber reaches your door The kit is all specific You can’t use your old satellite TV dish But installation is relatively quick in most cases and the service works very well Just be aware that the dish points in pretty much the opposite direction to your TV dish
As always, please feel free to get in touch if you would like any further information or would like to discuss your requirements Contact details can be found on the advert
The power of community Eating together for solidarity
"Those who eat together, stick together " These poignant words resonated deeply as we watched Ken Loach's film "The Old Oak" at the Fauteuil Rouge cinema in Bressuire Spoken by a former miner who had provided food for starving families during the miners' strikes of the 1980s, they captured the essence of solidarity and mutual support Normally VO screenings only attract around five people, but on this evening the cinema was filled with French visitors
The special screening was organised by Le Plat de Résistance and Vivre au Peux*, two local associations dedicated to providing community support to those in the most need The portrayal
of racism against the backdrop of poverty and immigration in the North of England before Brexit was uncomfortable watching It highlighted harsh realities and prompted important conversations about unity and compassion
After the film, we went to speak to the organisers Firstly, to thank them for the evening, secondly, to apologise for the racist sentiments depicted in the film and reassure them that not all English speakers share these views, and thirdly, to sample the delicious chocolate cake provided for everyone Samuel, an organiser from Le Plat de Résistance, explained more about their work and invited us to visit their canteen
"Le Plat de Résistance" means "main course" in English, but has a deeper meaning here The canteen is held at noon every Wednesday at La Galardière in Combrand and every
Friday at LaGob in Bressuire and operates on the prix libré model - you pay what you can afford The cost of meals is itemised, and a level of contribution is suggested, but no one is turned away if they can't pay When we visited the farm in Combrand, which used to be an old industrial pigsty until 2018, we found that it has been transformed into a vibrant community space The association has been a member the CLIP organisation, a network of places in collective ownership, since 2023 Despite the rainy weather, eight people were ready to prepare the day’s menu Samuel, one of two salaried employees, explained his dual role: preparing meals and teaching volunteers culinary skills for future events The canteen supports various manifestations, for example protests against pension reforms, echoing the film’s message of community resistance
After discussing the aims of the organisation, we began work on the day's tasks Divided into two teams, we chopped mounds of onions, garlic, sweet potatoes and carrots for a vegetable dhal, while the other team prepared apples and bananas for a chocolate chip crumble to feed 30 people Samuel, a trained chef with a background in agriculture and an interest in politics, guided us through the cooking process, ensuring quality and hygiene
With the dhal simmering, the rice boiling, and crumbles in the oven, we turned our attention to preparing a fresh salade printanière with beetroot, carrots and spring onions Some volunteers went outside to pick herbs and elderflowers while we went in search of lettuce Instead of going outside, we found ourselves in a room
containing a remarkable aquaponic system This system supplies the canteen with fresh lettuce and vegetables circulating water through hydroponic tables into a tank containing around 100 sustainably reared trout Every few months, around 15 trout are harvested for the menu, while the other produce is sourced from local organic farms
The first visitors arrived at midday Among them was our former neighbour Anne Catherine, who supplies beer for their events from her brewery, Brasserie des Fontaines We chatted to several visitors about the different reasons for their visit: some come every week for the company, others needed a proper meal for financial reasons and many simply came to help out and enjoy the excellent food that we tasted first hand After our meal we all washed up together, another important element of the ethos of Le Plat de Résistance
To experience this mix of community and cooking, advance booking is essential The canteen takes place every Wednesday at the farm in Combrand and every Friday at LaGob in Bressuire For anyone who would like to volunteer to participate in the cookery, it's a great opportunity to practise French and meet with a welcoming group of people
In a divided world, gatherings like this emphasise the power of unity and the profound impact of a shared meal Eating together fosters connections, breaks down political barriers and builds cultural bonds Participate not only to eat, but also to stand against the forces that seek to divide us
Le Plat de Résistance, 26 lieu dit La Galardière, 79140 Combrand
Facebook: Le-Plat-de-Résistance leplatderesistance@riseup net 07 81 70 94 48
* The Vivre au Peux association has been working for the most disadvantaged people for 40 years It now runs an emergency accommodation scheme for asylum seekers and a boarding house near Bressuire
Le Plat de Résistance Recipe
LENTIL DAHL (Serves 10)
Ingredients
50ml sunflower oil
1 5 teaspoons ground cumin
1 5 teaspoons ground turmeric
1 5 teaspoons ground ginger
500g sliced onions
600g carrots cut into half slices
400g another vegetable (courgette/squash/sweet potato)
½ a head of garlic
700ml passata or fresh tomatoes
200ml coconut milk
15g salt
300g red lentils
Method
• Sauté the spices in the oil for about 1 minute
• Add the sliced onions (add water if necessary)
• Add the carrots
• Add the other chopped vegetables and minced garlic
• Sauté the vegetables for a few minutes
• Add the passata and coconut milk, then top up with water if necessary
• Add salt
• Cook for 30 to 40 minutes on a low boil, stirring regularly
• Add the lentils and cook for another 15 minutes
• Check there is enough liquid for the lentils to cook properly
• Serve with rice and fresh coriander
by Peter Lowth
Fishing; Angling for a spot at the Olympics
With the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games well underway, it got me thinking, why on earth isn’t my favourite sport included? In 1900 in Paris, angling made an appearance at the second modern Olympic Games for the first and, unfortunately, last time
The angling event was held on the river Seine and attracted 20,000 spectators over the four days of the competition A total of 600 anglers (including women!) from six countries: France, Germany, Great Britain, The Netherlands, Italy and Belgium took part, with three days of qualifying and a final on the fourth day
A total of 2051 fish were landed over the course of the event, with 881 on the final day
Six qualifying rounds took place: the opening contest was for ‘foreigners’; three were for non-Parisians and two for 'local' fishermen The first ten from each heat, which appears to have been decided on fish numbers, qualified for the final or concours d'honneur All the fishing took place on Île aux Cygnes
The winner, M Élie Lesueur of Amiens, picked up 200 francs for the biggest fish and the title of 'world champion' as well
as a cup that was donated by Émile Loubet, the French President The runner-up was a grocer from the eastern suburbs of Paris - M Goethiers, whose catch of 142lb of bream in the previous September even made headlines in the New York Herald!
There was no mention of angling in the 1904 Olympics, held in St Louis, and although there have been several bids to incorporate the sport into the Games (even as a demonstration sport), none has been successful Élie Lesueur remains the one and only Olympic angling champion
Incredibly, there is still an ongoing debate over whether or not angling can be classed as a sport, with critics stating that angling is simply a matter of luck and lacks enough physical exertion to be considered a genuine sport Most anglers wholeheartedly disagree –myself included The skill, physical effort, tactics and techniques required to be a successful angler mean that fishing is, in my opinion and the opinion of the Confederation Internationale de la Peche Sportiv, very much a sport
In 2016, attempts were made to end this debate once and for all when the world federation for angling made a bid for angling to be included as an official sport at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo Despite this failed attempt, there is hope for future games While it may not have been included for Paris 2024, the next summer games hosted in Los Angeles in 2028 is a strong contender
The USA has an established culture of competitive fishing that offers support sizeable enough for competitors to be full-time professionals, as well as tournaments that attract considerable levels of public attention and corporate sponsorship, giving angling its best chance in over 100 years of regaining its status as an Olympic sport Move over Monsieur Lesueur, I’m coming for your Olympic title!
Till next month, tight lines!
Peter Lowth is an experienced angler with over 40 years of fishing knowledge in match, predator, coarse and fly fishing Growing up near Bath, fishing local rivers and ponds, he then transitioned to competitive fly fishing and in recent years competed on the UK match fishing circuit He opened Les Forges Fishing venue, located near Pescalis, in early 2023 –www lesforgesfishing com
Angling at the 1900 Summer Olympics - La Vie au Grand Air, 19 August 1900
The people in wine
One thing that has become apparent to me during my many years in the wine industry is that nobody wants to buy wine, they want to buy moments That could be perceived as being a strange thing to say, but often when I’m doing a wine tasting with clients, the wine isn’t always the main topic of conversation
When you look at the root of why people drink wine, or other similar beverages, it simply brings people together It can actually be the source of starting new relationships, reigniting fading connections, and maintaining current friendships Wine can be a powerful source of socialising, maybe giving those who are introverted a slight boost in situations where they might otherwise feel awkward; it loosens inhibitions and sometimes can give people time off from wearing their everyday mask Take me for example, I tend to be an anxious individual, often worrying about the small things After a few glasses of wine, meeting me, you’d believe I didn't have a care in the world
When I’m showcasing wines from all over the world, it is usually preceded by a guided tour of a local chateau with some clients I often observe that unless I find a connection with the people I am tasting with, the truth is, they won’t buy
any wine This shouldn’t make sense; if clients like the wine, regardless of their thoughts on me, they ought to buy it Yet, I find that is seldom the case and have discussed this very topic among many others within the industry This is what I like to call ‘the people in wine’ phenomenon
Discussing this very subject with a customer in the US, he exclaimed, "I kind of need the bottle that I’m buying to have a story behind it " I jokingly retorted that if I told a story for every bottle I opened at a wine tasting, I wouldn’t have time to do much else but I got his point People want the wow factor of wine, which can also come from our olfactory and gustatory senses; obviously, if wine is good, it’s good however, they need the people behind it
Almost like a storybook, clients love uncovering the main characters in wine, the winemakers, estate owners, cellar masters, and understanding how they have transferred their essence into the bottle Then, when tasting the wines with third parties in a caviste, shop, or at an event, they want that story to come alive and that is where people like myself come in You draw people in with a story and you create a memory
Oftentimes, when I get positive feedback from tastings or chateau visits, I will receive messages such as "I absolutely loved the tasting, I laughed so much" or "It was so lovely to meet you, really enjoying the wine "
I find myself enjoying the more intellectual side of wine, understanding the vinification process, discovering the local terroir, grape varieties, uncovering the eccentricities or quirks of the winemaker The more avant-garde the winery, the more innovative the winemaking process, the more the wine captures the zeitgeist, the keener I become
This week, I’ve been asking around to my colleagues or clients about which bottle of wine left an imprint on them
The answers I received confirmed my suspicion on the importance of the atmosphere surrounding wine Not one person started with the name of the bottle or the vintage; they started by telling me their surroundings when they opened it, who they were with, and the specific memory of the people sharing that bottle with them It’s funny to think that I am selling memories instead of a beverage Cheers to that!
awaited summer is ying the sunshine, hat our bees are nter They are busy efore ensuring they to convert into until next spring
The unusually wet first months of this year delayed this storing process, in part due to the fact that there was a dearth of nectar for the bees to collect Reports from beekeepers around the countr y (detailed in the French Beekeeping Union magazine Abeilles et Fleurs issue no 871) drew attention to poor early honey har vests and concerns over possible colony star vation The problem was simply one of timing- flowers blossomed, crops grew abundantly, and the rain fell And fell And fell Honey bees cannot fly in the rain, or in temperatures below 10c so by the time the rain stopped and the bees could get out on foraging flights they were too late and many flowers had died off This was clearly bad news, not only for honey yields, but also for pollination (many fruit trees were not fully pollinated this year)
Several beekeepers resorted to feeding their colonies with a weak sugar syrup to tide them over this ‘forage gap ’ , keeping the colony alive but scuppering their chances of taking any early honey Here at 13 Bees we checked our colonies regularly paying attention to the amount of nectar and pollen they were storing compared to the amount of brood, i e how many baby bees were due to hatch A couple of our colonies were living hand-to-mouth and so we decided to give them a boost by feeding them syrup We do tr y to provide our bees with as natural a life as possible and not bother them unnecessarily but we also keep an eye on their general well-being and step in if required When we consider there is the threat of star vation is one of those times Some might point out that bees are wild animals and should be left alone with those most able to adapt sur viving and the rest dying However
Amanda Baughen
even the strongest and fittest creature is capable of star ving to death if there’s no food available!
In May we sowed around an acre s worth of melliferous plants in an area near our apiar y Now it is a glorious wildflower meadow, an explosion of colour and sound, visited by thousands of pollinating insects alongside our honey bees We’re hoping that the nectar taken from the abundant phacelia cosmos clover and poppies along with that from the buddleia and brambles, will mean our bees have stores a-plenty Not cutting our grassed areas (definitely not lawns!) and allowing dandelions and buttercups (‘weeds’) to grow helps, as well as only cutting privet hedges once they ’d finished flowering By growing lots of different nectar-producing plants even if it does rain enough to wash the flowers clean, we hope there will be enough for the bees to gather so that they can thrive naturally We may be able to har vest some honey this year after all but only if there is a surplus We d rather have our bees sur vive the winter than star ve simply because our honey craving meant they didn t have enough to eat
If you’d like to know more about bees and beekeeping, please get in touch: www 13bees co uk
email info@13bees co uk tel : 05 45 71 22 90
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Well, here we are, the beginning of the eighth month already
When it rains in August, it rains honey and wine according to the Almanac com
August somehow feels and smells different, doesn’t it? The fruits of our labour and the arable crops around the countryside have mainly been gathered in, the blackberries are ripening, it always seems so early for blackberries to be ready in August rather than September
I like a walk down the lanes after the crops have been harvested, and often spot the hares running Our dog Romeo has to be on his lead, as even now he is 13 years old he cannot resist chasing a hare!
So, what's happening in your garden?
It’s a good time of year to reflect on successes over the growing season and what has not gone according to plan, after all, we all have successes and lessthan-successful moments in the garden
For instance, some of my dahlias have outgrown their spot, and are drowning other plants Mental note for myself to dig up and split them in the autumn,
and then either replant or give away, a box at the garden gate usually does well in our village for any excess of plants or produce
Whilst writing this (late June with very hot weather currently) I notice we seem to have lots of nettles popping up this year, where we haven't had any before I imagine the very wet winter and spring didn't help as I didn't get out the runners On the upside, we have lots of butterflies this year!
Are the edible grapes ready yet? I have a couple of eating-grape varieties which are usually early to ripen and again, I can only eat so many! A gift to both of my neighbours as they love the sweettasting juicy grapes!
My neighbour Rene always had a glut of courgettes, usually appearing at our living room window with at least 2 each morning! He didn’t like ringing the bell for some reason, he liked to use the window, maybe because the house was actually a shop and that window would have been the main shop door prior to 1990! He passed away suddenly one very hot day in August 2022, and I do miss his cheery “bonjour mes voisins” He loved to fuss our dogs too, especially
our big black shepherd boy Max Max himself passed last April, maybe he goes to find Rene for a fuss sometimes, I'd like to think so anyway
What to do with all the courgettes, though? I love a gratin with Gruyere cheese, a ratatouille, some on the griddle too, and recently my friend Helen was telling me how she makes a salad dish with them Slicing lengthways with a peeler, then almost marinating them in olive oil and herbs I need to try it out now the season is here
Clare Hill
Jobs for August
• Sow forget-me-not seeds either in seed trays for planting out next spring, or direct sow where you want them to grow They will self-seed once established in your garden and go well alongside tulips
• California-poppies are another good option for August sowing Being a hardy annual, they will survive the winter outdoors; you can sow either in pots or direct sow A sure winner for late spring pops of colour
• Wild carrot, or Queen Anne's lace, looks pretty as part of a cottage-style or wildlife garden It likes a sunny, welldrained spot, and you can direct sow this biennial too
• Deadhead dahlias and other perennials to encourage more blooms, and check over pots and hanging baskets regularly deadheading and feeding a liquid tomato feed every 2 weeks
• Make sure you continue to keep camellias and rhododendrons watered throughout late summer whilst their flower buds are forming for next year's display If in pots, move to a shadier spot for the time being
• Lavender can be pruned once flowered to help keep a compact shape; avoid cutting back too far into old wood Replace any which have become too woody, or take cuttings from healthy plants
• Softwood cuttings can be taken now, including from woody herbs such as lavender and rosemary; select nonflowering shoots Use a mix of compost with grit to allow good drainage Cuttings can be taken from Penstemons, Box and Ceanothus at this time too
• Plant autumn bulbs now, including sternbergia and nerines
After rambling roses have finished flowering, prune to keep in shape,
usually by one-third, or if free growing into a tree, for example, leave to carry on rambling
Strim or mow areas of wildflower meadow, now that the plants have scattered their seeds
• August is usually a hectic time in the veg and fruit garden with everything ready to harvest at once You can preserve fruit and vegetables in a variety of ways; my favourite book is called "Jams, Preserves and Chutneys Handbook" by Marguerite Patten I used to make a lot of jams and then gave most of it away Now I make less, and give away the excess fruit for other people to enjoy making their own jars!
• If you have a glut of herbs, you can freeze soft herbs in ice cube trays for use over the next couple of months
• Strawberry runners can be potted up now to create new plants
• Harvest tomatoes, cucumbers, courgettes and sweetcorn if ready
• If you have a pond, thin out excessive growth from pond plants Aim to have half of the surface clear of plants Avoid leaves and flowers falling into the pond to decompose there
• It may be that we are watering a lot over this month, which can become quite a job if the water source is nowhere near the potager or other plants crying out for water Installing water storage can be expensive at the outlay, but is an insurance policy for your garden
• Finally, on the subject of water, don't forget to leave clean water out for the birds, insects and pollinators
Until next month, enjoy your gardening!
À bientôt,
About Clare
Clare along with her husband Martin and their furr y family moved to North Vienne in 2017 With a passion for plants inherited from her family, Clare is currently studying Horticulture with the Royal Horticultural Society Previously working in corporate and private banking Clare now enjoys the tranquility of her garden where she experiments and nurtures her favorite plants, especially roses An animal lover, Clare shares her home with 4 rescue dogs and a mischievous puppy She also loves brocantes and vide greniers and is a Reiki Master Teacher and a Tai Chi/Qi Gong teacher
Clubs & Associations
Alcoholics Anonymous - South West France
If you or someone you know has a drinking problem, there are now a number of English-speaking meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous in the South West of France
Alcoholics Anonymous is a Fellowship of men and women who share experiences, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking
There are no dues or fees for AA membership and AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organisation or institution Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety
For help or information, telephone: 05 31 60 90 95 or visit: www aafrance net
Crafts, Community and Friendship We run regular workshops and events as well as offer community workshop space for crafting and making Learn new skills and share your talents New members welcome
Contact us for details: info@therepairshed.fr or telephone 05 49 80 39 57
Airvault Conversation - Come and practice your French with a friendly group of French and English speakers Every Wednesday at 7pm at the Salle CSC 16 rue Emmanuel Bonnet, 79600 AIRVAULT
Call Christian for more information: 05 49 63 04 78
National Helpline 0800 240 200 or email: helpline@cancersupportfrance.org
You can find more details about CSF Vienne & Deux-Sèvres by visiting: vienne cancersupportfrance org/vienne-home www facebook com/groups/1573102762990772
Combined Services Support group - CSSG is a community of ex services, police, and firefighters. We meet socially and raise funds for ex-service charities For information, email Andrea Cornwall: andreacornwall79@icloud com
For confidential welfare support contact Geoff Godfrey: geoffandhelen@hotmail co uk
French Lessons for english Speakers Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), 4 Place Leopold Bergeon, 79150 Argenton-les-Vallées
Classes: beginners or intermediate Private lessons on request
Contact: rendez-vous79@orange fr
AFVBC - The newly formed North Charente Maritime Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club meets the second Sunday of every month at 10:15 a m at the Relais d'Aulnay
Reservations with Ann and Allan at walpcs@yahoo co uk
BriDge pLAyerS wANteD
A small, friendly bridge group is looking for new players in the Parthenay area We are friendly and informal and welcome players of all skill levels
Contact Richard Knight by email richardknight@orange fr or 05 49 69 18 65
Craft Café Creatif - We are a craft group who meet once a fortnight on a Wednesday afternoon at Pause Café, L'Absie Our members knit,crochet,sew, embroider etc We craft and socialize over a cup of tea New members welcome - contact barbarawhitehouse@yahoo co uk
CoNVerSAtioN worKShop FreNCh/eNgLiSh iN thoUArS
An opportunity to have a friendly contact, to form friendships,and improve mutual understandings of different cultures Come along every wednesday, from 7 30pm to 9pm, at Centre Socio-Culturel 21 avenue Victor Hugo 79100 THOUARS Contact : v venotbonnet@gmail com or eugene mc cabe@hotmail com
Clair De Lune Montessori School, Xaintray. Opened September 2023, ideal for English-speaking families
Contact us at 06 01 88 54 37 or clairdelune pedagogie@gmail com
Learn more: clairdelune-ecolea.wixsite.com/accueil. Join our nurturing educational community
Acceuil des Villes Françaises - A French association dedicated to welcoming newcomers from all over France and abroad to their new surroundings; helping them integrate, speak French, and feel 'at home' through social events. pjhenderson@orange.fr www.avf.asso.fr
Melleran Chanteurs - Amateur singing group that meets every Monday at 6:45 pm at the Salle des Fêtes in Melleran French and English members singing in many languages. New voices are always welcome, especially tenor and bass. For more information, please contact Alison Hudson 05 49 29 65 31
Les Amis Solitaires is a group of people living alone in France We organise social events and meet for coffee at The Lemon Tree in Sauze Vaussais, 11am every 2nd and 4th Thursday Contact Pennie on pennietelford@hotmail.com
royal British Legion - Bordeaux & South west France
Do you need help or advice?
Contact us at: rblbx assistance@gmail com www facebook com/groups/306085566632991
Are you single and living in the South Vendee? Would you like to meet others for social events with the emphasis on fun and not dating? We meet in Fontenay-le-Comte on the first Wednesday morning of each month Occasional weekend lunches Find us on Facebook SOLO EN FRANCE (Sud Vendée) or contact Rosalind at soloenfrance@outlook fr for further information
British and French cultural association consisting of theatre group, choir (Keynotes), book club and poetry appreciation Weekly choir rehearsals at Scillé Monthly book and poetry meetings at Fenioux New members warmly welcome
For more information email reactiontheatrefrance@gmail com
why Not joiN the rAF FAMiLy?
RAFA Sud-Ouest France
Le Perail, 17250 BEURLAY, France
Tel: 05 46 95 38 89 email: admin@rafasudouest fr
Vasles Netball Club - Want to keep fit, have fun & make new friends? Join us every Monday from 5 30 - 7pm & Thursday 6 30 - 8pm at the Salle Omnisports in Vasles Open to men & women of all abilities and experience Two free taster sessions FB @VaslesNetballClub Email: vaslesnetballclub@gmail com
Clubs & Associations Submission: include title and 40-word max entry (with contact details) and optional logos if space allows. Free ads rotate monthly; for guaranteed monthly printing, pay a 4.50€ monthly fee (54€ annually). email submissions to: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
Nor h Charente Mar t me Armed Forces and Veterans Break ast Club
Clubs & Associations
Vienne & Deux-Sèvres
Philip Buckle Dear friends and supporters,
The focus for the training sessions at our last two meetings has been 'boundaries' At the initial training, provided by the National Team, to become an active listener we are guided through boundaries that should not be broken The short list is there to safeguard both the person who needs support and the person giving support An example is that a request to look after a child should be refused It makes sense because in such circumstances the Active Listener and CSF are deemed responsible and our insurance does not cover accident or other eventualities
Setting aside this main list we have discovered that each member of our association has personal boundaries that are necessar y for their continued work and these need to be respected
When the two regions merged two years ago we soon realised that each had operated differently If possible, the active listeners in the Deux-Sèvres saw their clients face to face Whereas in the Vienne we used the phone and other communication methods with visits near the bottom of the list of ways to make contact The period of the pandemic definitely changed what we all did For me personally visits were definitely not my preferred means of giving support Telephone email and WhatsApp were all familiar to me However, last December this all changed when our coordinator asked me to support an elderly couple who lived not many kilometres away in quite an isolated position The gentleman had Stage 4 cancer and his wife needed support from many different ser vices as the weeks went by and as his condition worsened Their daughters were incredibly close with their use of technology, but in distance they were both a flight away One lived in the UK and the other living in another countr y within the European Union Does this sound familiar? Well, each time they were here to visit they wanted to meet to discuss the issues and how I could help within my limitations They never exceeded my boundaries, neither did they place any responsibility on my shoulders that would put myself or their parents at risk What did help all of us in this situation were the face-to-face meetings Therefore, I won't dismiss this opportunity again in the future because I understand how productive and reassuring they can be
Sadly, their dear father died a week ago and the natural thing was to take his widow, their lovely mother, some roses from our garden and spend time with her This helped the daughters who were rushing to organise flights, work schedules and dog care A text or telephone call would have ser ved its purpose but would not have achieved the same level of caring as human contact
My personal boundaries have changed through need and realising that ever y case is unique and, therefore, different strategies will be required So, if the gentleman whose younger wife has cancer finds it easier to talk over a beer in some quiet bar, I won't dismiss his request
You can contact us here:
National Helpline 0800 240 200 email: helpline@cancersupportfrance.org
You can find more details about CSF Vienne & Deux-Sèvres by visiting:
English Teacher Required- The Club Santé Sénior des Deux Sèvres is looking for an English speaker to lead English conversation sessions for retired people from the French education system Fluent French not necessary,1h30 per week - 40€/h. Day to be agreed. Room and equipment available at the MGEN in Niort All group of similar ability Good atmosphere Contact Isabelle BORNE 06 98 13 72 32
Can you believe that we're already more than halfway through the year at Association Violet? Each event, from our lively bingo nights to the grand garden party, isn't just an opportunity to entertain, but also a chance to make a difference to the lives of the families we support Let's take a look at what's coming up in the second part of 2024!
Our bingo evenings have always been a hit, and this year we're looking forward to another spectacular evening in October at Le Nouveau Bar de la Poste These evenings are full of fun, laughter, and the chance to win fantastic prizes At just €3 a ticket and with food available from 5 30pm, it's the perfect opportunity to spend an evening amongst friends whilst supporting a good cause Remember that places are limited, so get in touch with Julie on 06 02 36 43 28 to book your place
Our quiz nights are always a huge success, raising funds thanks to the brilliant minds and generous hearts of those in attendance Every attendee, winner or not, adds to the enjoyment of the evening Thanks to Mike's skills as quizmaster and the generous donations of local businesses, these monthly gatherings at Le Nouveau Bar de la Poste aren't to be missed Check out Facebook for updates on the next quiz dates – we hope to see you there!
We also have a potential new quiz venue Christelle, the owner of Bistrot des Amis in Fomperron, has asked if we could hold a monthly quiz at her bar If we can get support from the locals and it's something the area wants and needs, then we will start in September, assuming all the ducks line up! If anyone in and around the area is interested in a quiz, please get in touch with Christelle or us and we will hopefully start putting teams together Also, rest assured, the L'Absie quiz is still running as usual
Mark your calendars for 8 September 2024 for our biggest event of the year – the garden party at the beautiful Chateau de Cherveux! This year promises to be bigger and better than ever
We have a variety of entertainment planned, including a wellness area with haircuts, nails, and yoga, games, prizes, a bar, tombola, and a colouring competition Plus, there will be alpacas, horse and carriage rides, and an English food stall For more details, check out our Facebook page We are always looking for more stallholders or entertainers, so get in touch if you want to be part of the day
A huge thank you to everyone who has donated to us over the past few months, notably Cathy Duvallet of local French yoga group Studio Yoga Nanda in La Touche Poupard On hearing about Association Violet, Cathy felt the instant need to help and held an open-house yoga session, raising a superb €280!
We also want to thank Casa-Snack in Vivonne When we went to buy a plancha to cook the burgers at the garden party, the owner, upon hearing about our cause, generously donated it!
Our change jar is nearly full, but we are still looking for coins If anyone has any in a pocket, drawer, or tub, we would love them
The parents of Mahé are fundraising to buy him an all-terrain stroller so he can go for walks with the family through parks and woods Like everything labelled 'disabled', the price is usually astronomical, and this is no exception, coming in at just under €6,000 for the bespoke stroller Association Violet has pledged €2,000 towards the costs to help them realise their dream They are appealing to other associations for help and also planning some small fundraisers themselves
To get in contact, you can email presidentav@outlook com or phone 06 04 08 88 01
Thank you for your continued support, warm regards,
Seasonal Recipes
Zaalouk
Tomatoes and aubergines are at their best in August, offering the freshest and most flavourful produce of the summer This Moroccan-inspired aubergine zaalouk is a delightful starter that’s smoky, tangy, and perfect with some crusty bread or warm pita It’s a refreshing twist on the classic French caviar d’aubergine
INGREDIENTS
2 large aubergines, diced
3 ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/4 tsp chilli powder (optional)
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or coriander, chopped, for garnish
METHOD
• Preheat the oven to 200°c Place the diced aubergines on a baking tray and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil Toss to coat
• Roast in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, until they are tender and slightly caramelised Stir halfway through cooking
• While the aubergines are roasting, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant
• Add the chopped tomatoes, cumin, paprika, ground coriander, chilli powder (if using), salt, and pepper Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and form a thick sauce
• Once the aubergines are roasted, add them to the tomato mixture in the frying pan Crush the aubergine pieces and stir to combine, and let it simmer together for another 10 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavours to combine
• Add the lemon juice and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed Transfer to a serving dish, you can serve it straight away or it’s better after a few hours to let the flavours develop
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or coriander
Choo Chee Pla Too (Serves 3-4)
"Choo Chee Pla Too" refers to a Thai dish where mackerel is cooked in a rich and aromatic red curry sauce The term "Choo Chee" describes the type of curry used while “Pla Too" or "Par Too" means mackerel in Thai Mackerel is freshest and most plentiful during August, you can find it on most fish counters who will be able to fillet it for you For a vegetarian version try the sauce over roasted vegetables like sweet potato and brocolli
INGREDIENTS
4 fresh mackerel fillets
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt to taste
Juice of 1 lime
2 tbsp red curry paste
400ml coconut milk
Grated jest of 1 lemon and 1 lime
1 tbsp fish sauce or soy sauce
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Fresh coriander or basil leaves, for garnish
Thinly sliced red chilli (optional, for garnish)
Cooked jasmine rice, to serve
METHOD
• Preheat your oven to 200°c Place the mackerel fillets on a lined baking sheet Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and season with salt and lime juice
• Roast the mackerel in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork
• While the mackerel is roasting, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the red curry paste and stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant
• Gradually add the coconut milk, stirring constantly to blend the paste into the milk Add the lemon & lime zests, fish/soy sauce, and sugar to the pan Stir well to combine Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly
• Once the mackerel is cooked, transfer the fillets to a serving platter or individual plates
• Spoon the curry sauce over the top Garnish with shredded basil leaves or fresh coriander and thinly sliced red chilli (optional)
• Serve immediately with cooked jasmine rice
Mirabelle Plum Tart (Serves 6)
Celebrate the fruits of late summer with this irresistible mirabelle plum tart Mirabelle plums, with their golden hue and subtle sweetness, are a seasonal treat that peaks in August, making them the perfect star for this tart However, this recipe is incredibly versatile and can also shine with other plum varieties such as the rich and juicy Reine Claude (Greengages) Whether you choose the delicate Mirabelle plums or another favourite plum, this tart captures the essence of fresh, sun-ripened fruit
INGREDIENTS
1 sheet of butter puff pastry (Pâte feuilletée pur beurre)
1kg ripe Mirabelle plums (washed, halved, pitted)
60g ground almonds or hazelnuts
30g caster sugar (sucre en poudre
20g unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
METHOD
• Preheat your oven to 180°c
• Line a 26cm tart tin with the puff pastry Most pastry sold in France comes pre-rolled on a sheet of baking paper You can use the sheet of silicon paper to lift the pastry into the tin and remove it after baking Prick the base of the pastry with a fork to prevent it from rising during baking
• Prepare the Mirabelle plums by washing them gently, cut them in half and carefully remove the stones
• Sprinkle the base of the tart with the ground almonds or hazelnuts This will absorb the juices from the fruit during baking and keep the pastry crisp
• Place the Mirabelle plum halves cut side up in a circular pattern, starting from the outer edge and working your way towards the centre to create a rosette design
• Evenly sprinkle the caster sugar over the plums Dot the top with the small pieces of butter to help caramelise the fruit
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the pastry edges are golden and the plums are tender
• Allow the tart to cool slightly on a wire rack before taking out of the tin and removing the baking paper Serve warm or cold, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream
TAKE A BREAK
Easy Crossword
ACROSS
1. French countryside with hedgerows (6)
4 Dairy product, in French (6)
8 Irish county known for its beauty (5)
9 Negative terminal in a diode (7)
10. Modern pagan religion (5)
11. Mischievous children or sea creatures (7)
12. Wander while asleep. (9)
15 Japanese warrior of noble rank (7)
16 Aquatic flower symbolising purity (5)
17 North American reindeer (7)
18 House-elf from Harry Potter (5)
19. Slang term for an informant (6)
20. Chaos or violent disorder (6)
DOWN
2 Asterix’s strong companion (6)
3 Expert in farming science (13)
5 Study of eye diseases (13)
6 Small gnawing mammal (6)
7. "Truly , " song from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (12)
13. Knight of the Round Table (6)
14. Mixed up or confused mass (6)
Cr yptic Crossword
(with many thanks to Mike Morris)
ACROSS
1 Parsley not a dish made with energy coming after eight? (7)
5. Half the group of the French took part in a marathon? (5)
8 Foremost of elected leaders vote in supporting the king (5)
9. Strips for artists while mixing components. (7)
10 Really bad ingredients of food I received (4)
11 Man-eater bringing end of writer in Panama perhaps? (8)
14. Dull brown artist's model spun round, she has no end of impudence! (3)
15 Obviously a satisfaction in some leaders to provide a period of calm? (5)
17. Dry humorist found in stars' entourage? (3)
19 Beatles meter maid snubbed in angry pique! (8
20. Ignore military call to attention? (4)
23 BT Exchange draws rough fighter out of fishing vessel (7)
25. One thousand in thousands of creases. (5)
26 Medical man taking on an enterprise for Potter nasty (5)
27 Having mixed up essence of humanity in company canteen is crazy! (7)
DOWN
1. Begged for European paddle association. (7)
2 Little wriggler hiding among twelve reptiles (5)
3 Look to holy man, but be damned! (4)
4. Please yourself; keeping back the expression of agreement. (3)
5 Garbled interpretation sends ark into period of ignorance (8)
6. Spectrum dish falling short on precipitation. (7)
7 Front runners needing a sign are lost in some kind of passage (5)
12. Article on reviled Nazis and French virtue. (5)
13 Viewing close up, lot being wrong with Abbot's partner (8)
(7)
Fix evidence of personality surrounding award (5)
Heathen getting surrounded; man-made circle. (5)
Don't ask; I don't know anything about slip made by vehicle (4)
blinking tyre marks covered over! (3)
6.
7.
8.
Building & Renovation
KITTENS GALORE!
Association Galia currently have lots of kittens, all too often abandoned at Galia's gates, in need of loving homes There are too many to photograph, but here are just a few!
You can find details of these kittens and many more in various colours and markings on the Association Galia website, why not contact us today and give a deserving kitten a forever home
For more information, visit association-galia fr/chaton-adoptables email: assogalia85@gmail com or visit: facebook com/AssociationGaliaEN
Stands, Games, Food, Raffle, Bargains... and much more!
money to help animal charities - more information to follow soon
Sun Shines at Matha Fayre, Raising €1263 for En Route Dogs
The Matha Fayre at La Vieille Distillerie in Matha (17160) was a great success despite a rather wet and windy start to the day, ultimately ending in sunshine The event featured a charming array of plants, gifts, books, cakes, and afternoon teas within the venue ' s lovely gardens
Organisers expressed heartfelt thanks to the artisans, volunteers, and hosts who contributed to the fayre’s success Attendees provided glowing feedback, helping to raise an impressive €1263 for En Route dogs
Christa from Association En Route extended her gratitude: " We’re over whelmed by the support from the community A huge thank you to ever yone involved - your contributions make a significant difference
Key participants included Lili Potts, Apiculteur Gireaud, ThinkVintage Creations, Poodle Doodle Rock Shop, Nicci Wright, Leggett ImmobilierLiving In France, Jacqui Crompton, APA 17 Refuge des Sablieres Vignoble Roland Vilneau Eboddington - Jeweller y & Accessories and Sallebert Horticulture
Sa Sund y g
Raising
Insurance and asset management advice in English
Hello, my name is Isabelle Want For the past 10 years, I have been working for Allianz as an asset manager
Being married to an Englishman and having lived in the UK for 8 years gives me a better insight into what British people are experiencing and what they need Being French and born in the
Charente has enabled me to offer some answers
I am, as always, available for any free advice on the subjects listed below:
I work in the Allianz offices in Ruffec, La Rochefoucauld, Roumaziere Loubert and Chasseneuil sur Bonnieure and my details are at the end of the article
- INHERITANCE LAW (who inherits, death duties, solutions)
-TAXES (everybody's fear! The month of May tax forms, etc)
-INVESTMENTS (what is available, what rate, etc.)
-LIFE INSURANCE (how to protect your loved ones)
-FUNERAL COVER (preparing for the inevitable, unfortunately!)
-TOP UP HEALTH INSURANCE (why you need it and how much it is)
-INSURANCES (get a free quote to see if you could save money)
Please do not hesitate to contact me for free advice on any of the above or if you think you are paying too much on your insurances and want a free quote We have a dedicated bilingual team to deal with claims
Finally, we have an English website with all sorts of useful information and tips on all of the above subjects: www bh-assurances fr/en
Isabelle Want, BH Assurances
Conseiller Financier/ Asset Manager
Mob:+33(0)6 17 30 39 11
Email: isabelle want@bh-assurances fr
N° orias : 07020908/07021727/07004255
Open every Tuesday 10am - 4pm and the last Saturday of the month 10am - 2pm
ASSociATion en RouTe tel: 07 69 18 56 81 or email: henri@assoenroute com
SAMMY & FRANKIE
Sammy and Frankie are looking for new homes through no fault of their own
The boys are both two years old, full of fun but have had a good start so know how to listen to their humans
If you're interested in learning more about either of these beautifully natured young dogs, please get in touch with us henri@assoenroute.com.
Oh my lord Francks fish and chips second Wednesday of the month from 12h00
Shop and Café Open every Wednesday 11am - 4pm Shop and Café Open every Wednesday 11am - 4pm mercredi 17 juillet de 12h00
Donations welcome Magasin et Café Ouvert tous les mercredis de 11h à 16h
Oh my lord Francks fish and chips le 2ème mercredi du mois à partir de 12h00
Monday 10am - 12pm Wednesday 11am-3pm
Les dons sont les bienvenus les lundis 10h - 12h et mercredis de 11h à 15h
money matters
Are your savings working the best for you?
Tax efficient savings plans in France
With inflation running as high as it is and the poor lack of returns on savings accounts, you could, in fact, be losing money if you leave it to stagnate in a savings account Inflation could be higher than the interest earned, and your money will depreciate over time
But when it comes to good support and advice, a few things need to be kept in mind Since Brexit, financial advisers who live in and are regulated in the UK, will not be authorised to provide you with ongoing advice Also, any tax-efficient savings schemes in the UK, such as ISAs, are not tax-efficient in France
If you live in France, there are better options depending on your attitude to risk
Instead of leaving money depreciating in your bank account, you can earn better returns by investing in various currencies or different investment funds
There are tax-efficient plans that could earn you better returns without having to pay capital gains or income tax on the income received There are also inheritance tax benefits when you want to pass on your money to your beneficiaries
Assurance Vie
This is not a life insurance policy, though it sounds like it may be for English speakers An Assurance Vie is an insurance investment policy that offers permanent residents in France a tax-efficient way of investing and withdrawing money with an added inheritance tax advantage
• Funds remaining within an Assurance Vie are free of French income and capital gains tax
• There is a choice of funds that could provide much higher returns than a low-interest savings account from a bank
• There is no limit on the amount that can be invested
• After eight years, €4600 can be withdrawn annually free of tax (€9200 for a married couple)
• It falls outside your estate and can be left directly to beneficiaries
• If the policy is established before your 70th birthday, you can name as many beneficiaries on the plan as you like, each receiving up to €152,000 tax-free on the death of the assured (anything over this amount is taxed at 20% If any premiums are paid or the policy is started after your 70th birthday, the amount goes down to €30,500 in total )
• The Assurance Vie may also help reduce your wealth tax liability as there is a cap on the percentage of wealth tax you pay based on your taxable income
It is essential that you review your savings to ensure they are in a product that will give you tax-efficient maximum returns A financial adviser who lives and works in France and is appropriately regulated and authorised to advise you, can help you choose the most suitable way to manage your money
Contact Helen Booth at deVere France for a free, noobligation consultation at helen booth@devere-france fr
Please note, the above is for educational purposes only and does not constitute advice You should always contact your deVere advisor for a personal consultation
* No liability can be accepted for any actions taken or refrained from being taken, as a result of reading the above
Ask Amanda
I have recently moved to France and I have a UK will - do I need to make a French will?
Making a will is essential to ensure that your property, savings and personal effects are distributed according to your wishes after you have passed away When you move abroad, it is also essential to check that your will is recognised in your new home countr y Following Brexit a UK will is still valid in France but it is recommended to have it properly translated and notarised to ensure it is recognised by the French authorities To register a UK will in France, you must have it translated into French and then make an appointment to see your local Notaire It is important to ensure that your will is properly registered to avoid any potential issues with its validity in the future
There are differences in requirements and procedures for creating a French will -
1 Legal formalities:
In the UK a will can be typed or handwritten as long as it is signed by the testator and witnessed by two individuals Under French law, a will must be entirely handwritten by the testator to be considered valid This requirement of a handwritten will in France adds a personal touch and authenticity to the document, ensuring that the testator's wishes are accurately reflected
2 Professional advice:
In both the UK and France it is highly recommended to seek professional advice when creating a will Estate planning laws can be complex and consulting a solicitor or notar y can help ensure that the will is legally sound and that the testator s intentions are clearly specified Professional advice can also help minimise the risk of disputes and ensure that the will is executed smoothly
Expert advice
3 Discussing wishes with family:
Whilst not a legal requirement it is essential to discuss one s wishes with family members when creating a will
In the UK family members can contest a will if they believe it does not accurately reflect the testator's intentions By openly communicating with family members about the contents of the will, the testator can help prevent misunderstandings and conflicts that may arise after their passing
For example in the UK if a parent wishes to leave a larger portion of their estate to one child over another, it is crucial to discuss this decision with all parties involved to avoid potential disputes in the future By explaining the reasoning behind the distribution of assets the testator can help ensure that their wishes are respected and understood by all parties
Finally, it is always worth making an appointment with your financial adviser here in France to ensure you are making use of suitable tax-efficient investment solutions to protect your savings from French inheritance tax
Whether you want to register for our newsletter, attend one of our roadshow events or speak to me directly please call or email on the contacts below and I will be glad to help you
We do not charge for our financial planning reviews, reports or consultations
Amanda Johnson tel : 06 73 27 25 43
e-mail : amanda johnson@spectrum-ifa com www spectrum-ifa com/amanda-johnson
Amanda Johnson works as an Independent Financial Adviser with the Spectrum IFA Group tel: 06 73 27 25 43 or email: amanda johnson@spectrum-ifa com www spectrum-ifa com/amandajohnson Whether you want to register for a newsletter, attend a roadshow or speak Amanda directly, please call or email her The Spectrum IFA Group do not charge for reviews, reports, or recommendations
« The Spectrum IFA Group » is a registered trademark, exclusive rights to use in France granted to TSG Insurance Services S A R L Siège Social: 34 Bd des Italiens, 75009 « Société de Courtage d'assurances » R C S Paris B 447 609 108 (2003B04384) Numéro d'immatriculation 07 025 332 - www orias fr « Conseiller en investissements financiers, référence sous le numéro E002440 par ANACOFI-CIF, association agréée par l Autorité des Marchés Financiers »
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Crossword
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE YOU CAN TRUST
Ménigoute €283,550
Ref: A29628 - Exquisite 4-bedroom house with stunning river views.
7%
St-Vincent-la-Châtre €230,050
Ref:
Ref: BVI72307 Large village house with garden and barn, on Deux-Sèvres border
MAISONTIERS
€210,000
Ref: BVI73573 Renovated character property with large stone barn in quiet location Fees: Paid by the vendor Energy class: C Climate class: A
Ref: BVI71512 Character 3-bed house with stone barn, workshop and garden Fees: 9% paid by the buyer Net price: €130,000 Energy/Climate class: N/A
SAINT-CHRISTOPHE-SUR-ROC €299,600 HAI
Ref: BVI75156 Modernised 5-bed village house with sunny courtyard garden Fees: 7% paid by the buyer Net price: €280,000 Energy class: C Climate class: A
FAYE-l’ABBESSE
€583,000 HAI
Ref: BVI72143 Barn conversion with additional farmhouse and potential gite to complete Fees: 6% paid by the buyer Net price: €550,000 Energy class: C Climate class: C
CHEF-BOUTONNE €217,000 HAI
Ref: BVI75679 Large 4-bed townhouse with garden and garage, sold fully-furnished Fees: 7% paid by the buyer Net price: €202,804 Energy class: D Climate class: D
