deVere France S.a.r.l. are regulated by ANACOFI-CIF and ORIAS which will only recommend French regulated products.
Helen Booth works as a financial adviser for deVere France S.a.r.l and has lived as well as owned property in the Deux Sevres region. Having worked in financial services in the UK for 15 years and atdeVere France, part of one of the world’s leading independent financial consultancies, deVere Group, for 8 years, Helen prides herself in being fully diploma-qualified for the services that she provides.
With over $10 billion of funds under its advice and administration and with more than 80,000 clients around the world, deVere truly offers a myriad of unique products 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 help with HMRC-recognised pension transfers to a self-invested personal pension scheme (SIPP) to give you potentially more flexibility in your pension plans.
If you would like to know more about how deVere France can help you, contact 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. Courtier d’assurances ou de réassurance, Catégorie B, inscrit à l’Organisme pour le Registre des Intermédiaires en Assurance (ORIAS) numéro enregistré 12064640. Garantie Financière et Assurance de Responsabilité Civile Professionnelle conformes aux articles L 541-3 du Code Monétaire et Financier et L 512-6 et 512-7 du Code des Assurances. Registered name: deVere France S.a.r.l, registered company number RCS B 528949837, 29 Rue Taitbout, 75009, Paris, France. Gérant: Mr. Jason Trowles. Registered with ANACOFI-CIF (National Association of Financial Advisers). Registered number: E008176, association approved by the Financial Markets Authority. Insurance and re-insurance brokers, Category B, registered with the Organisation for the Registration of Assurance Intermediaries (ORIAS). Registered number 12064640. Financial and Professional Liability Insurance Guarantee conforms to article L 541-3 of the Monetary and Fiscal Code and L 512-6 and 512-7 of the Assurance Code. 6XKWSX • V1.1/230418
welcome to the December issue of the Deux-Sèvres monthly magazine!
This December issue continues the tradition and includes an extended 'What's on' section, showcasing all the fantastic Christmas markets taking place this month.
Last year we had more opportunity to catch up with both our contributors and advertisers. Now that the festive season is upon us, why not consider buying all your Christmas presents from them You could give an alpaca-themed gift or a beautiful American handbag, for example. Surprise a loved one with a signed book or a beekeeping course. You could give the gift of wine, make a Christmas wreath, support an animal charity, offer a session with a life coach or yoga classes for all ages. The list really is endless and reflects the many talents we are privileged to work with in our region. If we have inadvertently left anyone out, we apologise.
Our heartfelt thanks go to our old and new advertisers. Without you, the printing of this magazine would not have been possible. We look forward to working with you again in 2025 to produce a high quality magazine that places your adverts directly in front of your potential customers. We are pleased to hear that our advertisers have seen a significant increase in enquiries. It’s also great to speak to the people who pick up the magazine on our deliveries and meet the lovely people who distribute the magazine for us.
Of course, Christmas is not a time of joy for everyone. We know from our own experience that this time of year can also be a time of sadness and reflection, whether it's the first Christmas without someone special or the fiftieth. We all send you our love and thoughts and hope that you are surrounded by people who will support you.
As in previous years, there will be no January issue of the magazine, but we look forward to catching up with you again in February. As this year draws to a close, we wish peace to everyone on earth. We wish you a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year! We look forward to seeing you again in 2025.
insurance. Before embarking on a long journey to attend a published 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
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.vienouvelle-civray.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
Assemblée Evangélique Le Rendez-Vous. Every 1st Sunday in St Hilaire de Voust for bilingual worship, Bible study & lunch. Other Sundays we meet in home groups. Contact: 07 75 75 07 52 email: contact@lerendezvous85.com www.lerendezvous85.com
Word of Life Fellowship Sundays 3:00pm. 10 Rue de l’Huilerie, 79110 Chef-Boutonne. Please visit our website for more… www.word-of-life.net
Monday a.m.
Tuesday a.m.
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 : gcfrance6052@gmail.com
Jim Burrows : 05 49 22 41 78
Carole Taylor : mumsikins@hotmail.com
Wednesday a.m.
Thursday a.m.
Friday a.m.
Saturday a.m.
Cerizay 79140 place des Halles
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
Celles-sur-Belle79370 Centre Ville
Niort 79000 place des Halles
Parthenay 79200 rue Jean-Jaurès
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
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
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
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
Friday a.m.
Saturday a.m.
Sunday a.m.
Pouzauges 85700 les Halles
Surgéres 17700 rue Audry de Puyravault
Civray 86400 place Leclerc
Doue-la-Fontaine 49700 place René Nicolas
La Châtaigneraie 85120 place de la République
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
Aulnay 17470 Centre Ville
Latillé 86190 place Robert Gerbier
Valence-en-Poitou 86700 place du Marché
Flu and Covid vaccines now available
With the onset of the chilly winter winds in 2024, France has launched a comprehensive COVID-19 vaccination campaign in conjunction with its annual flu vaccination programme.
The COVID-19 vaccination campaign began in October and priority is given to people aged 65 and over, people with underlying illnesses, immunocompromised people, pregnant women and people who are in close contact with vulnerable groups. A free booster vaccination is offered to all those who do not belong to the priority groups.
At the same time, the flu vaccination season began on 15 October, with particular attention being paid to vulnerable people and expectant mothers. The flu vaccine, which is updated annually to combat the expected strains of the virus, can be administered by healthcare professionals such as doctors, midwives, pharmacists and nurses.
Despite these vaccination programmes, the French health services advise people to continue wearing masks after vaccination, to wash their hands regularly and to avoid contact with elderly or vulnerable people.
For more information, visit www.service-public.fr. Stay healthy and safe this winter season!
La Cachette
Designer boutique specialising in:
• Handbags, backpacks, travel bags
• Cosmetic bags, cardholders, wallets
• Leather and canvas bags
• Nightlights and stained glass lamps
• Tea towels and place mats
• French, American, and Italian candles
• Toiletry gift boxes
ARK79 COOKBOOK
Discover a unique collection of favourite personal recipes from ARK supporters and volunteers! From soups to cakes and doggie treats, is a treasure trove of many unusual recipes from all over the world which you will not find anywhere else. Whether you're craving hot and spicy, mellow and creamy, or delicious vegetarian dishes, there's something here for every taste!
Including luscious desserts, cakes, and breads (did you know you can make a cake with tomato soup?!)
With 150 pages of cookery delight, this treasure trove is the perfect gift or stocking filler as the festive season approaches!
Get your copy for just 10 euros each. All proceeds support the Ark 79 Animal Charity Association. We can ship at the buyer's cost. For orders, contact us at arkshop79@outlook.com or via Facebook: Ark79AnimalCharity
Watch Santa's journey live
Keep the kids engaged and entertained this holiday season with the NORAD Santa Tracker! Starting on 1st December, join the magic as you follow Santa's journey in real-time. With interactive maps, fun games, and educational content, it's the perfect activity for the whole family.
Visit www.noradsanta.org or download the app to get started!
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 Thursday 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
Assomption Assumption Day Friday 15 August 2025
Toussaint All Saints Day Saturday 1 November 2025
Armistice de 1918 Armistice Day Tuesday 11 November 2025
MARCHÉ DE NOËL AU MZ
29 November - 1 December
Thouars
Visit the Marché de Noël at the MZ café, featuring a dozen creators, artisans, and artists with unique gifts. Stroll through the café and explore exhibitions in this former school setting. Discover original holiday gift ideas. le-mz.org
FOIRE DE NOËL - L'ÉTOILE DU DÉSERT
29 & 30 November, 1, 6, 7 & 8 December
Maillezais (85420)
Experience a festival from the time of the nativity in a unique setting. Enjoy a journey through time with oriental plants, Berber tents, and a spice market. Delight in songs, dances, and musical fireworks. nossites.vendee.fr
MARCHÉ DE NOËL
29 & 30 November, 1, 6, 7 & 8 December
Tiffauges (85130)
Experience an authentic Christmas market at Château de Tiffauges. Enjoy artisanal crafts, festive treats, and magical decorations. Perfect for finding unique gifts and enjoying holiday magic with family. nossites.vendee.fr
CHRISTMAS IN NIORT 2024
30 November - 5 January
Niort
Niort will be decked out in Christmas colours from Saturday 30 November to Sunday 5 January 2025! Festivities kick off with parades and illuminations on 30 November in the city centre. Enjoy Christmas markets, projections, and more.
sortiraniort.fr
MARCHÉ DE NOËL
30 November - 1 December
Saint-Loup-sur-Thouet
Experience the magic at this popular Marché de Noël with over a hundred exhibitors, artisans, and producers. This charming market attracts more than 15,000 visitors annually, making it a must-visit event in Deux-Sèvres. rendezvoussaintloup.com
ARK79 CHRISTMAS FAIR
30 November & 3 December
Saint-Soline
A festive two-day event featuring stalls, tombola, hot food, mulled wine, Santa paws associations, and a variety of Christmas food and much more! Enjoy the holiday spirit with fun for everyone. ark79.com
TERVES CHRISTMAS MARKET
1 December
Terves
Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere at our Christmas market in the Salle des Fêtes, featuring artisan stalls with clothes and jewellery, delicious treats like fish & chips, mulled wine, and homemade cakes. Enjoy live music and a fun colouring competition all in aid of Association Violet.
facebook.com/AssociationViolet
HOPE79 CHRISTMAS MARKET
1 December
Sauze-Vaussais
Join us at the Hope79 Christmas Market! Enjoy craft and food stalls, raffles, tombola, and Christmas goodies. Meet animal associations and support our cause in raising money for animals in need.
hope79.org
MARCHÉ DE NOËL
1 December Fenioux
Enjoy a festive day at the Salle des fêtes, Fenioux with over 50 exhibitors. Delight in pony rides, an oyster bar, p’tit train, and a visit from Father Christmas at 11h and 16h30. A perfect start to the holiday season.
facebook.com/Toutinfoin
MARCHÉ DE NOËL
1 December
Saivres
Celebrate the holiday season at the Marché de Noël in Saivres. This event features various stalls and entertainment. Admission is free. saivres.fr
MARCHÉ DE NOËL
2 - 3 December
Villiers-en-Plaine
Join us for a festive weekend featuring a breakfast for all, 8 km walk, disabled sports activities, and a Christmas market with artisans, pony rides, and luxury car exhibitions. Proceeds benefit the Téléthon. agenda.niortagglo.fr
REACTION BOOK CLUB
4 December
Fenioux
The Reaction Book Club meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 3pm in the Café des Belles Fleurs, Fenioux. This month, the books are “Small Things Like These” by Claire Keegan and “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. reactiontheatre.eu
MARCHÉ DE NOËL
16 December
Boismé
Experience a festive Christmas Market with artisans, food, decorations, fireworks, and mulled wine. Organised by the local community and runs from 17h. boisme.fr
MARCHÉ DE NOËL
Saint Martin de Sanzay
6 December
Experience oyster and white wine tasting, place orders for oyster baskets for festive meals, enjoy wood-fired fouées on-site, Christmas beer/mulled wine. Explore numerous exhibitors for gift ideas, decorations, creative art and Christmas face painting.
email: ape.saintmartindesanzay@gmail.com
MARCHÉ DE NOËL
6 December
Fors
Following the success of last year’s event, another opportunity to enjoy free entry Christmas market featuring local products, artisans, and creators. An opportunity to buy unique items and goods at our festive market. facebook.com/apedefors
SAINT NICOLAS AT THE CHÂTEAU
6 December
Saint Mesmin
Experience the legendary appearance of Saint Nicolas with his donkey and the bogeyman. Enjoy captivating tales, music, dance, fire shows, board games, warm fires, and mulled wine. Explore a medieval-inspired boutique with delightful books on Saint Nicolas between 18h30 and 22h30. chateau-saintmesmin.com
CHAURAY EN LUMIÈRES
6 December - 5 January
Chauray
Visit Chauray in the evening to see beautiful illuminations between the church, temple, and the Mairie. An
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
indoor Christmas exhibition will also be on display.
ville-de-chauray.fr
BIENTÔT NOËL
7 December
Vasles
Enjoy a festive day at the Maison du Mouton with artisans, crafts and local producers. Enjoy a marché de noël between 10h – 18h plus musicians with drinks and food available all day. A perfect start to the holiday season. vasles.fr
NOËL À LA CHÂTAIGNERAIE
7 December
La Châtaigneraie (85120)
Enjoy a wide range of exhibitors, catering, and musical entertainment. Join us for the festive Christmas lights and tree lighting ceremony, meet Father Christmas, and enjoy the concerts.. email: ape85120@gmail.com
MARCHÉ DE NOËL
7 & 8 December
Nueil-les-Aubiers
Celebrate the festive spirit at our Christmas market with fireworks, various exhibitors, and fun activities including photos with Father Christmas, a caricaturist, and a Christmas wreathmaking workshop, a carousel and a light show. Savour delicious treats and enjoy a festive weekend with family and friends. email: comitedesfetesnla@gmail.com
LE MYSTÈRE SAINT NICOLAS
7 & 8 December
Château de Saint Mesmin
Dive into a family-friendly mystery game honouring Saint Nicholas. Explore the castle's different spaces while solving enigmas and challenges. Reflection, research, and ingenuity are key to uncovering the mystery. chateau-saintmesmin.com
MARCHÉ DE NOËL
7 & 8 December
Viennay
Experience the joy of Christmas with a variety of exhibitors and festive activities. Enjoy the festive spirit and look out for a special visit from Santa Claus. viennay.fr
MARCHÉ DE NOËL
7 & 8 December
Thouars
Enjoy a festive Christmas market in Thouars with over 40 local artisans, live music, and pony rides. Experience the warm, magical atmosphere and discover unique gifts and treats. thouars.fr
MARCHÉ DE NOËL
7 & 8 December
Pompaire
Celebrate the festive season with free entertainment including Santa Claus, a
close-up magician, and a unique photobooth. On-site catering, a bar, and a raffle are also part of the event. cc-parthenay-gatine.fr
LA MAGIE DE NOËL | THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS
7 & 8 December
La Mothe Saint-Héray
A delightful Christmas market with street animations, Father Christmas, Christmas tales for children (on Saturday), pony rides (on Sunday), photo exhibitions, concerts, dances. Cheese market on Saturday with workshops, truffle market on Sunday with truffle cooking competition and tastings.
Facebook.:CommuneLaMotheSaintHeray
MARCHÉ DE NOËL
8 December
Saint-Georges-de-Rex
A Christmas market from 10:00 to 17:00, featuring local artisans, food producers, and Christmas tree sales. Entertainment includes music, a magician, and children's games. Proceeds benefit the APE des petits Rexois.
Facebook: Comité Des Festivités Rexoises
MARCHÉ DE NOËL
8 December
L'Absie
Enjoy the festive season at the Marché de Noël in L'Absie. Discover local products, jewellery, specialties, beauty items for Christmas gifts. Refreshments and food available on-site or takeaway. Santa arrives at 16h. facebook.com/cdabsie79
MARCHÉ DE NOËL
8 December
Sauzé-Vaussais
A Christmas market offering indoor/ outdoor exhibitors, rides, bouncy castle, pony or carriage rides. Enjoy hot wine, chestnuts, hot chocolate. On-site bar and light refreshments available. Photos with Father Christmas and a festive parade. tinyurl.com/osezsauze
MARCHÉ DE NOËL
8 December
Le Tallud
This Christmas Market in Le Tallud hosts around 30 local exhibitors and artisans. On-site catering, a traditional oyster bar, and a children's carousel are available all day.
letallud.fr
MARCHÉ DE NOËL
8 December
Terves
Join us at the salle des fêtes in Terves for an event organised by le Relais Tervais and Salsa de Bressuire. Enjoy a gourmet and creative market, tombola with prizes, letters to Santa plus food and drinks available on site.
email: lerelaistervais@gmail.com
MUSIC AND GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
CHRISTMAS QUIZ
11 December
Fenioux
Join us for some festive fun at the Cafe de Belles Fleurs. The quiz starts at 15h with entry at 5€ per person, including a slice of cake. Maximum teams of 6, kick off your christmas early with this popular event! Reservations essential. email: Ronandkay@orange.fr
MARCHÉ DE NOËL
8 December
Sainte Néomaye
Join us in the Salle des Fêtes for a vibrant Christmas market featuring diverse exhibitors with jewellery, handmade items, and decorations. Enjoy mulled wine, treats, and more. A perfect opportunity to find unique gifts and savour the festive atmosphere. email: titounets@hotmail.fr
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
8 December
Aiffres
The town of Aiffres presents its traditional Christmas concert at SaintPierre Church. This year enjoy the Germain Cornet Trio, with special guest Elora Antolin. Free entry starts 20h30. ville-aiffres.fr/marche-et-concert-de-noel
MARCHÉ DE NOËL
13 December
Assais-les-Jumeaux
Discover a festive market featuring numerous exhibitors, artisanal creations, chocolates, and mulled wine. Enjoy a Christmas dinner with tartiflette by reservation. Immerse in the holiday spirit with delightful treats and crafts. facebook.com/apeassaislesjumeaux
MARCHÉ DE NOËL
13 - 15 December
Parthenay
Immerse yourself in the magical Christmas market featuring over sixty local producers, artisans, and creators. Delight in parades and performances that illuminate the town, from the town centre to the historic quarter. Meet a diverse array of craftspeople, designers, and restaurateurs, all bringing their unique talents to this festive celebration. parthenay.fr
MARCHÉ DE NOËL
13 - 15 December
Fontenay le Comte (85200)
Experience Father Christmas's arrival by sleigh, fireworks, parades, and numerous activities. Discover artisans and vendors in 70 chalets between quai Poëy d'Avant and place de la bascule. A must-visit Christmas market. fontenay-le-comte.fr
MARCHÉ DE NOËL
13 - 22 December
Largeasse
Explore the winter wonderland at Jardin des Chirons. Enjoy festive illuminations, meet local producers, and visit Santa's cabin. Perfect for holiday shopping and family fun.
tourisme-bocage.com
NOËL EN FÊTE
14 December
Coulonges sur l'Autize
Join us at our festive event! With a marché semi-nocturne featuring 40 exhibitors, local gift ideas, delicious food stalls offering 12 dining options, photos with Santa, a choir, board games, and many other surprises! facebook.com/ucai.coulonges
MARCHÉ DE NOËL
14 December
Secondigny
Enjoy a festive day at our indoor and outdoor Christmas market in Parc Brillaud. Meet Father Christmas at 15h, explore stalls by local producers, enjoy carriage rides, musical entertainment, and delicious food and drink. secondigny.fr
ENGLISH CHRISTMAS SERVICE
14 December
Moncoutant
The English Christmas service including fun and fabulous Nativity will be held at Le Temple, 80 Avenue du Marèchel Leclerc, 79320 Moncoutant. Bring your sparkly halos and best voices! moncoutant.epudf.org
MARCHÉ DE NOËL
14 December
St Aubin le Cloud
Enjoy mulled wine, crepes, and a variety of food trucks. Capture photos with Father Christmas, enjoy a steel drum concert, and explore craft and producers’ stalls. Don't miss the Christmas lunch at Au Bar le Palais. saint-aubin-le-cloud.fr
MARCHÉ DE NOËL
14 & 15 December
Cersay
Join us at the Christmas market where you'll find a charming village of local artisans and producers, with plenty of delicious food and drink options available on-site. See you there! valenvignes.com
MARCHÉ DE NOËL
14 & 15 December
Cerizay
Explore the festive market with thirty exhibitors offering unique gifts, artisanal items, and authentic flavours. Enjoy culinary specialities, entertainment, pony rides, and photos with Father Christmas. cerizay.fr
MARCHÉ DE NOËL
14 & 15 December
Mauzé-sur-le-Mignon
A festive weekend awaits you with numerous activities including a visit by Father Christmas, children's activities, carriage rides, and a surprise gift for children. More than 40 exhibitors to choose from.
ville-mauze-mignon.fr
MARCHÉ DE NOËL
15 December
Saint-Pardoux-Soutiers
Visit the Christmas Market in SaintPardoux-Soutiers. Enjoy the presence of creators, producers, artisans showcasing their products. Expect Santa Claus, a choir, beverages, and crêpes. stpardouxsoutiers.fr
LA CORRIDA DE NOËL - COURSE
PÉDESTRE
15 December
La Creche
Join the oldest race in the department! The 46th edition of the Christmas Corrida starts at La Creche. The 10km race begins at 10h, and the 5km race commences at 10h15.
Facebook – Corrida de Noël
REACTION POETRY GROUP
18 December
Fenioux
An afternoon of poetry and drinks with Reaction Theatre members and friends. The Reaction Poem & Pints group meets every 3rd Wednesday at 3pm at Café des Belles Fleurs, Fenioux. We share our favourite poems – this month's theme is Magic. Everybody welcome - contact John Round at 05 49 95 03 65 if interested. reactiontheatre.eu
MARCHÉ DE NOËL
20 December
Pierrefitte
Stroll through the Christmas market featuring twenty exhibitors, artisans, and producers. Enjoy festive treats, crêpes, mulled wine, and a food truck.
Experience the holiday cheer with local craftsmanship and delicious offerings. email: abeilles.boucoeur@orange.fr
FÊTE DU SOLSTICE
21 December
Ardin
Celebrate the winter solstice with a vibrant market featuring local producers and creators. Enjoy period costumes, exhibitions, conferences, music, a torchlit procession, bonfire, and concert. Join us for a festive and free evening.
email: marcheardinois@gmail.com
MARCHÉ DE NOËL
21 December
Civray (86400)
Experience the magical atmosphere of the Christmas market in the heart of
Civray. Explore festive stalls and soak in the holiday spirit with your family and friends. Enjoy a delightful evening from 16h00 to 22h30, featuring a lantern walk, food trucks, a choir, and an artisanal market. civray.fr
MARCHÉ DE NOËL
21 & 22 December
Bressuire
Discover a festive market at Place St Jacques with sixty artisans, delicious food stalls, and fun activities for children. Enjoy demonstrations, games, and a special visit from Father Christmas. Join us and soak up the festive spirit! ville-bressuire.fr
SAVARY DE MAULÉON EXHIBITION
Until 5th January 2025
Mauleon
Discover 'Savary de Mauléon, a life of adventure' at this temporary exhibition featuring items from prestigious museums and the research of art historian Marie-Pierre Baudry-Parthenay. Explore the life of this medieval lord. Admission is free.
agglo2b.fr/culture/musees
MEANDERS EXHIBITION IN NIORT
Until 11 January 2025
Niort
Discover the poetic perspectives of photographers exploring the Marais Poitevin and Niort. This outdoor exhibition celebrates 30 years of regional exploration through captivating photography.
niortmaraispoitevin.com
COEXISTENCE: CATHOLIQUES X PROTESTANTS (1517-1905)
Until 24 January 2025
Niort
Explore historical archives uncovering the coexistence of Catholics and Protestants from 1517 to 1905. Discover the evolution of these religious communities through an insightful exhibition at the Archives
Départementales des Deux-Sèvres. Open weekdays for all history enthusiasts. archives-deux-sevres-vienne.fr
LES FÉERIQUES 2024
Until 5 January 2025
Les Trois-Moutiers (86120)
Experience the magic of Christmas at Château de la Mothe Chandeniers. Stroll through enchanting illuminations and festive decorations, creating a captivating holiday atmosphere. Enjoy this unique seasonal celebration daily from 13h30 to 21h30. Exceptionally closed on 24, 25 December and 1 January.
mothe-chandeniers.com
The Visitor LIFE IN
We have a house guest. A dog. Which is staying with us for ten days. As I write, we have her for another three days, seven hours and 34 minutes.
We like dogs, we had a dog, we loved that dog, on the whole, but she left us after 14 years and now resides on Rainbow Bridge. Ever since, we have been thinking about getting another, but the commitment; being dragged down the road for the early morning walk in the lashing rain, scrubbing fox poo off her neck having rolled in a pile, picking up her turds in a plastic bag, coaxing her out of the under-stair cupboard after bonfire night. But we loved that dog and when we took her, for the final time, to the vets in Airvault we wept like school girls.
It's been four years since she went...we found her passport in a drawer the other day and remembered the happy times. She was a Labrador and would hurl herself into any puddle of stagnant water she could find; she even dragged my dad into the canal one time...happy memories.
But I think with dogs you only really like your own; like children, you pretend to like other people's, but really, you don't.
For the purpose of this article I shall call her Betty. Betty is like a small beagle, crossed with something. She is a lovely dog: she doesn't pull when on the lead, she doesn't bark, sleeps through the night, but she's not ours.
I have no sense of smell but Anna, my wife, has an advanced olfactory system similar to the Child Catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (I only have to walk through the house with a pot of paint and she swoons). So she is struggling with the smell of wet dog. Like Howard Hughes, she is constantly washing her hands.
Betty's only failing is she jumps up onto sofas and refuses to move, which does not go down well with Anna, whose hobby is upholstering chairs and sofas in expensive material; our living room is like DFS. With the result, Betty lives in the kitchen and all the chairs are covered with towels and blankets.
'The kitchen! That's a bit mean.' I hear you cry...but the other complication is we have a cat, which we befriended from the wild. We love that cat and don't want her to run off like our first feral cat did, leaving us bereft. “The dog is okay with cats” we were told... it's not the dog we were worried about! And so it came to pass on their first meeting: the dog went for the cat, the cat shat herself, started hissing like an anaconda and couldn't get out of the house quick enough, it was like a Tom and Jerry cartoon. Calm has been restored and the cat lives upstairs and the dog in the kitchen with the door
Stephen Shaw
firmly shut and never the twain shall meet. Slightly irritating when carrying our tea through to the lounge, where we now eat, because in the kitchen Betty raises herself up onto her back legs and hops round the table like a kangaroo trying to grab something from an unattended plate.
After only a week with Betty I feel much fitter; giving her three walks a day. She walks to heel, unlike our untrained Lab who pulled us down the road, especially if she knew a river, lake, canal or puddle was coming up (we had one of those extendable leads and would resemble water skiers as we were dragged along). “Keep Betty on the lead at all times, or she'll run off”, we were told. Anna being Anna put this to the test on the first day and the dog ran off. Our garden is not 'secure' (we don't even bother shutting the gates, evidenced by the herd of cows that regularly escape their field and can be found in our garden), so when we are in the garden she is tethered by a long bit of rope which we feel bad about, but when in Rome...
Betty has two cups of dried food a day. Jeez, what a life! I felt a bit sorry for her, so gave her some chicken skin from the Sunday roast, her eyes rolled back in her head as she devoured the fatty flap. The next morning, I discovered Betty had had diarrhoea all over the kitchen rug. Anna nearly passed out as her nostrils were filled with the smell on entering the kitchen. As I was partly to blame I cleaned up the mess as Anna stood outside gagging with dog. You would be forgiven for thinking we were moving house if you entered our kitchen with all the furniture covered with sheets and towels and the rugs rolled up in the corner. But, dear reader, we're not going anywhere, just entering our winter hibernation. So, batten down the hatches, stoke the log burner and fire up the electric blanket. I wish you and yours a wonderful Yuletide and will see you on the other side in '25.
If you would like
A little about me...
So, a few weeks ago, someone told me that they had been reading my column for almost a year and didn’t realise that it was me who wrote it. She just thought I was “the Brummie bloke” from “Help! We Bought a Village.” Thankfully, she was saying nice things about the articles… could have been awkward!
But it got me thinking – maybe I should let everyone know a little bit about me, for a bit of context. Not because I want to talk about myself—I mean, we all like talking about ourselves to some extent—but writing about yourself? It’s a bit weird. Anyway… here we go!
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been interested in the way people
Written by David Murphy - Clinical Hypnotherapist and Life Coach
I’m here to help you
think and what makes us behave the way we do. Why do we get angry when we don’t want to? Why do we hurt the people we love? Why can’t we say the things we are desperate to say? We all carry a lot of baggage... all of us. And that’s normal. But what has always fascinated me is how our life experiences can have such powerful negative effects on us, without us even knowing!
Of course, there are life experiences that affect us positively, but we don’t have to worry about those, do we? So, this is what set me on a path of discovery, because I saw no reason why we should have to live with all these negative effects. And the great news is, I discovered that there are many different ways to
make life better. And they can have profound effects!
I have studied NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), which is able to, amongst many other things, cure phobias— sometimes in minutes! I have trained as a Clinical Hypnotherapist, which uses techniques that can give you more confidence, improve negative feelings, reduce physical pain, lift confidence, bring peace, and even help people to remember lives previously lived (whether you believe in such things or not, it can serve as a great source of healing). I have also studied practices of meditation—an easy and perfectly natural way of achieving major changes in your life by simply being still.
Tips for Cryptic Crossword Solving
For those of you new to, or completely puzzled by cryptic crosswords, I would like to continue our monthly column of tips for solvers.
A very simple ploy, but one that can be surprisingly difficult to spot, is the hidden answer, where the solution is actually written in the clue.
For instance, in this simple example; "Could be an address in Ennis, Ireland?" (3) A way to address people could be "Sir", which is hidden at the end of Ennis and the start of Ireland.
Of course, that clue also involves the double meaning of the word "address", and the placing of the comma after Ennis is another tactic that can add to the cryptic nature of that kind of clue.
Similarly, the hidden answer could be written in reverse in the clue, and a pointer included to suggest this. For example; "Barrel turned upside-down in orange kayak." (3) The answer, "keg" meaning "barrel" is hidden, but in reverse order, as indicated by "upside-down".
The word "in" is a very straightforward way of indicating a hidden answer, there are countless, less obvious ways of employing this stratagem. In the above crossword for example, you might look out for "middle of", "having" and "vehicle".
Look out next month for more helpful hints!
Mike Morris
All of these things have taught me that your life can give you incredible experiences and bring about changes that seem unattainable. In other wordslife is not a tidal wave that sweeps you along without your control or consent. It’s a river where you “Row, row, row the boat, gently down the stream…” - child’s play, right? The changes you want in your life may be a lot closer and more in your grasp than you have ever imagined. There are ways to make your life better, happier, and more successful (however you gauge success), and that’s the truth. So that’s me. And I’m here to help you if you need a lift. So, as it’s the season of goodwill, maybe it’s time to be good to yourself—what would you change if you could? Send me an email or text message and discover the joy of a better life.
Everyday yoga for everyone
A simple technique to tackle anxiety fast this Christmas
So, you’re sitting around the Christmas lunch table. Everyone is having a great time. Then one of your guests launches into a tirade, shutting down anyone who tries to respond, and leaving everyone staring at their napkins. You feel a tightness in your chest as you struggle to remain calm. When we get upset, while our minds are racing in a thousand directions, there are very distinct changes going on in our bodies. Our nervous systems are like our bodyguards, seeing events around us in very simple terms of threat or safety. When we become afraid or angry, the danger signals override the safety signals. Even though your belligerent guest isn’t a dangerous animal, our nervous system can’t tell the difference once the brain’s emotional centres begin to fire of alarm signals.
With the emotions now on alert, we flip into flight or fight mode. We may rush into the kitchen to check on the roast potatoes that we checked on two minutes ago (flight) or we may challenge the person head on and raise our voices (fight). While there is nothing wrong with an honest sharing of views, we want to be able to engage in such situations without losing our heads and saying things we might later regret. But
this is nigh on impossible when we are already in a cascade of neuro chemical processes that don’t respond to conscious attempts to “calm down”.
The first thing that happens when we are ‘triggered’ is that our breathing patterns change. We rarely notice, but our breathing gets shallower which causes our hearts to beat faster which signals the brain. Watch out! Danger! Our brains are constantly listening and responding to our lungs and our brain waves are adapting to our breathing rhythms. Our breathing is also modulating the heart rhythm. There are direct neural pathways between almost every brain centre and the heart, which sends more information to the brain than the other way around. The breath is like the conductor of this whole heart-brain orchestra. When we work on breathing to affect our state, we are kind of reverse-engineering the system, working with the breath to regulate our emotions. You may have heard of ‘coherent breathing’ sometimes called ‘resonant breathing’. This simply means breathing in a way that aligns the breath, the heart and the brain so that everything can function better.
Box Breathing - the best Christmas present you will get
The following is a very effective breathing technique that should have you feeling calmer and more able to handle difficult situations in less than 5 minutes. Find a private space somewhere, where you will not be disturbed.
Bring your attention to the breath and just begin to notice how you are breathing. Then consciously begin to slow the breath down a little. Imagine a beautifully wrapped box with equal
Rebecca Novick
length on all sides. You are going to breathe in the shape of this box.
As you breathe, trace the box in your mind, or you can use your hand to follow the shape of an invisible box in front of you. Box breathing always has the same count for all 4 parts (or sides of the box) so it is very easy to remember. This one I have used a 5 count, but you can also use a 4 count if 5 is too long.
1. Breath in through the nose for a count of 5 as you trace the left side of the box from the bottom up.
2. Hold the breath at the top for a count of 5 as you trace the top of the box from left to right.
3. Exhale for a count of 5 tracing the right side of the box from the top down.
4. Hold the breath for a count of 5 tracing the bottom of the box from the right to the left.
Repeat this 5 times until you have 5 boxes. Then take a break for about 30 seconds and do it again until you have 5 more boxes. After the second time, take another break, and repeat a third time. 15 boxes in total.
An exercise like this can help you to truly calm down so that you feel ready to re-engage with the situation with more patience and humour. But don’t forget to check on those roast potatoes!
To learn more and for information on private yoga sessions and breath coaching, contact me at: lavieenyoga@gmail.com
Respect yourself, explore yourself.
Rebecca
Book Club
Buying a book for Christmas
Books are a traditional Christmas present. I still remember as a little girl the sheer delight of opening those rectangular parcels on Christmas morning. New worlds beckoned, new adventures began, new heroes and heroines to be followed. As an adult, I can buy any book – ebook or print –all the year round. But I still experience a frisson when I open a brightly wrapped book-shaped package on 25 December as an adult. Walking round a bookshop, feasting eyes on the covers, browsing tables and shelves and reading book covers and first paragraphs is like entering a cave of delights, However, today many, possibly most, buy online; not just ebooks, but paperbacks. But how and what do we buy? Bestsellers –cookery books, the latest thrillers, historical adventures, ‘how to’ manuals, celebs’ biographies, heartwarming romance, or sword and sorcery fantasy – are evergreen. But do we look below the line and find something that bit different?
Recommendation is the still commonest way we buy books, whether from a friend, a favourite
blog, a shelf label in a bookshop, on social media, a magazine article or from your book club. If you’re in the UK for a pre-Christmas shop, then you can make a beeline for the local Waterstones, WH Smith, or even better, an independent bookshop. If you buy from Amazon, apart from searching on keywords in the box at the top of the page, look at the row under your favourite book that’s headed ‘Customers Who Read This Book Also Read’. You may find another title to intrigue you, and sometimes one that may suit the person you’re buying for. Amazon’s mighty algorithm works in mysterious ways, though! (Other online retailers are available. ) Surfing social media book clubs can be rewarding for inspiration as members will have read and reviewed titles. If your bent is for historical, then the Historical Novel Society (https:// historicalnovelsociety.org) is an excellent place for fresh voices and original historical fiction. The Crime Writers’ Association showcases its long and shortlists for the best in crime and mystery (http://thecwa. co.uk/news/), and the International
Thriller Writers’ magazine lists new publications each month in its online magazine The Big Thrill. And for the romantics, a great place to look is on the Romantic Novelists’ Association blog (romanticnovelistsassociationblog. blogspot.fr).
Finding the blog or website of your favourite author can also introduce you to other author’s works as they often have guests or post reviews of other books. And, of course, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of book blogs on the internet, some very specific with reviews and spotlights on new work.
In the Deux-Sèvres, there will be Christmas markets for good secondhand book bargains and authors living locally like me who will be selling and signing their own work. But don’t forget to buy the odd book for yourself to while away the time when everybody else is watching Toy Story or Scrooge for the umpteenth time! My recommendations for presents for writers:
The Accidental Apostrophe, Caroline Taggart
Blurb Your Enthusiasm, Louise Wilder On Writing, Stephen King
How to Market A Book, Joanna Penn Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing, Mignon Fogarty
The Emotion Thesaurus, Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi
A Happy Christmas to you all!
Alison has compiled a selection of articles from this column into ‘The 500 Word Writing Buddy’, available in print and ebook on Amazon and other retailers. EXSILIUM, her new historical novel set in AD 395, is now out.
Alison Morton
This month’s book reviews Book Club
Christmas at The Little Paris Hotel
by Rebecca Raisin
review by Jacqueline Brown
Romance author, Anais is well shot of her phoney ex-husband, but the only thing she has walked away with in the divorce settlement is a run-down boutique hotel in Paris and a simmering anger towards overbearing men. With her cousin Manon by her side, she is determined to get the hotel partially renovated and open before Christmas, with her ultimate goal being to show others it has potential, sell it and finally move on from a few traumatic years.
The hotel, however, has other ideas. As the renovations begin, it slowly reveals secrets from its past, including a literary mystery that needs unravelling and solving. With a little help from her friends, Anais begins to heal her broken heart, bring the hotel back to its former glory and discovers a romance or two along the way.
This book was an absolute delight for a literary nerd like me, containing references to some of the great Parisian novels from the past as well as cameo appearances from the characters in another Rebecca Raisin great read, A Love Letter to Paris, – but that is not all. Two of my favourite ‘new life in Paris’ memoirs also get a starring role; Paris Letters by Janice Macleod and the emotionally honest Meet Me in Paris by Juliette Sobanet. I can’t describe how wide the grin was on my face as I read this book.
With local knowledge of the Christmas hotspots and Parisian literary must-sees, I am sure anyone who loves the magic of Paris will fall under the spell of this book like I did. My only disappointment was that I couldn’t get straight on to Booking.com and reserve a suite for a romantic weekend away this winter.
ASSURANCES MAUCOURT
You had me at Château
by Portia MacIntosh
review by Jacqueline Brown
I bonded with Amber from the beginning of this book. Her life seemed to be one disaster after another, starting with her parents announcing a pre-divorce, a disastrous meeting with her editor - who she isn’t seeing eye to eye with, and the simmering stress of her writing not going anywhere and her deadline fast approaching. What should have been the opportunity of a lifetime, to join her respected contemporaries at a writing retreat in the French Alps, revealed things aren’t always how you imagine them to be, when they were reluctant to let her into their established friendship circle.
Luckily, as she stumbles from one nightmare situation to another, there are lots of laughs to diffuse the tension, and she has her brother Tom to sound out on about their parents. Then there is the resort she is sent to, which is a pictureperfect Christmas wonderland, with snowy scenes outside, crackling log fires inside and delicious food at every mealtime. Add into the mix an unlikely friendship with famous influencer Caleb, who she had met in the most hilarious of situations, and the strange world she finds herself transported to, doesn’t seem so bad after all.
I loved this book, devouring it in a matter of hours, but it was the humour that was the icing on the cake for me. I’m not always convinced by book blurb that claims ‘laugh out loud’ but I can’t think of a better way to describe the snorting and chuckling this book caused me. Do read this book, but it’s probably better not to read it in quiet public spaces.
La Vie en France
Change and new beginnings
And the winner of the ‘fastest year to reach December’ goes to…2024. Is it just me, or is anyone else wondering what happened to summer and autumn this year?
Christmas might be a time of feasting and partying, but the end of the year is always a good time to reflect on what has changed. The first thing that comes to mind for me is the arrival of fibre internet in the village. I can still recall our early days in France, when accessing our emails or websites meant unplugging the landline telephone to connect the dial-up modem, a service that was charged per minute. Then broadband arrived and we were over the moon to get real internet at 0.2Mbps. Things improved once again in 2018 with an enhanced line and a new Livebox that generally gave us over 50Mbps. With this year’s arrival of fibre came a team of engineers, armed with a cherry picker, a drill bit long enough to pierce the stone walls of our house, some shiny black cable and another new Livebox. After a morning’s work, our internet had soared to a mind-boggling 900Mbps.
This year both Ed and his girlfriend Pearl have made the leap from studying to working, something that we are incredibly proud of. However, we can no longer summon them home for a weekend of dog sitting for our geriatric Mini, not only is their free time more precious now, but they have also welcomed a new addition to their family. Yes, I am now a proud Mamie, to Nova, the cutest little kitten, in the world. She’s even had her first sleepover visit to our house,
Jacqueline Brown
and although we did our best to have a cat zone and dog zone, Mini, whose only remaining sense is that of smell, soon honed in on the biscuits Nova had carelessly left in her bowl. She might be wobbly and almost seventeen years old, but she proved there’s life in the old dog yet.
Back in the UK, my mum is busy preparing to leave the family home we moved into forty-eight years ago. This means she is undertaking a decluttering of epic proportions, mainly sorting through Dad’s collection of ‘one day this might come in handy’ bits and bobs. My brother suggested a skip, which may sound brutal to us clutterbugs, but let’s just say having filled it within a week, another one was promptly delivered. Safely distanced from the action in my remote village in France, I am feeling a mixture of guilt and relief. Guilt as I can’t be that much help from here, although video calls are now much less jerky than they used to be, and relief that the decisions as to what gets chucked out aren’t down to me. With my disappointing track record of decluttering, she’d probably still be sorting through things for another forty-eight years. I can only conclude there must have been a genetic hoarding condition that affected my Dad and me.
I hope you all have a lovely Christmas and that any changes 2025 bring you, are happy and positive ones. Happy Christmas and thank you for reading.
Sophie Hargreaves
Fun in the Deux-Sèvres
I was intrigued by a question I saw recently on a social media post: What do you do for fun? And the question came with a caveat; answers cannot include your work and cannot include your children.
I instantly knew that I find life in France fun, but it was those caveats that played tricks on me. At first, I thought how incredibly tough that seemed to answer, and in hindsight it’s because I do genuinely love my work with the alpacas and meeting all our customers who come to the farm. I get to feed, walk and spend time with alpacas all the time, what’s not fun about that? I also love spending time with my little girl and having time as a family too. They are my main sources of fun for me if I’m really, truly honest.
When I really started to think outside of those two main things in my, and everyone’s’, life then it was easy, because life is fun in the Deux-Sèvres.
After the first few years of setting up the farm and accommodation business, we really started to focus on our time outside of work and did more exploring, tasting, discovering and socialising too. It used to be all work for us, but now we go out to play quite often.
A regular for us, when work allows about once a month, we go to our local Saturday market, wander around and buy fresh pastries or brioche, fruit and veg, maybe a treat of cheese or Sunday meat too. After, we stop off at the bar and enjoy drinks (coffee or wine depending on the time) with some of our newly purchased goodies. Soaking up the local atmosphere, people watching and meeting up with or bumping into friends really puts the best start to the weekend feeling. Once I started to realise, I had some good answers to this question it was hard to stop thinking of all the other activities I do for fun.
This year, I joined a netball club in Clessé and I love it, it really is so much fun. There’s not one Monday night I’m not giggling in between putting my strength, skills and memory (there are some rules) into practice. When I’m not injured, I’ve always enjoyed sport but rarely in the past has this been a team activity for me, but perhaps in groups at classes or a Parkrun here and there. Joining this team has been a really positive addition for me and whilst I do love a night on the sofa, Monday nights socialising and playing netball are a very enjoyable part of my week.
Food and drink. I love it from choosing it (like at the market), cooking it, tasting new things and above all sharing it. It’s something you cannot get away from here in the DeuxSèvres, they know how to enjoy good local food and drink, and I love seeing them enjoying it all, each season something new to adore. Whether this is at a local fete, bar, restaurant or market, the excitement about food and drink is everywhere you go.
Something I really like doing is travelling, or really sightseeing and being a tourist, which is something I can do easily here
in the Deux-Sèvres. There is so much to see and do from the dozens of local chateaux, zoos, farms, theme parks, gardens and of course all the local fêtes and now the Christmas markets. Though I’m not sure if the Christmas Markets are allowed to count for me, as I will be working at them once more, which I love and do find fun!
During December, you’ll find us and our alpaca knitwear at Saint Loup sur Thouet during the first weekend December with a glass of wine and some oysters. We’ll be at Thouars the following weekend with beer and hot waffles with chocolate sauce and the weekend just before Christmas you can find our chalet drinking hot chocolate and eating fouées at Bressuire… It may break the rules of the question, but I can’t deny the fun we will have.
For more information, visit: www.lapetitefermedalpagas.com or email: hello@lapetitefermedalpagas.com
1 December 1990, a major milestone in the construction of the Channel Tunnel is reached. An opening, drilled 40 metres beneath the English Channel, establishes the first link between Great Britain and Europe in more than 8,000 years. The project, initiated after a 1986 Anglo-French treaty, employed advanced technology to realise an idea dating back to Napoleon Bonaparte.
4 December 1866, Wassily Kandinsky is born in Moscow. The pioneering Russian abstract artist was renowned for his avant-garde exhibitions, and founded the influential group "Der Blaue Reiter". Kandinsky's artistic evolution moved from fluid, organic forms to geometric and ultimately, pictographic representations, such as 'Tempered Élan' (1944).
15 December 1993, Schindler's List, a film directed by Steven Spielberg featuring Liam Neeson, premieres in cinemas. The film tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved over a thousand Polish Jews during the Holocaust. Based on Thomas Keneally's 1982 book, Schindler's Ark, the film won seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.
23 December 1888, in a state of deep depression, Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh cuts off the lower part of his left ear while in Arles, France. He later depicts this event in his painting "Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear". Despite his current recognition as an artistic genius, van Gogh experienced significant hardship during his life, selling only one painting.
27 December 1822, Louis Pasteur is born in Dole, Jura. A pioneering French chemist and microbiologist, he revolutionised medical microbiology. His work on molecular asymmetry, fermentation, and disease, along with pasteurisation, transformed the beer, wine, and silk industries in France. Pasteur also developed anthrax and rabies vaccines, significantly improving public health.
31 December 1869, Henri Matisse is born in Le Cateau, Picardy. A leading 20th-century French painter, he cofounded Fauvism, known for his expressive use of color and Mediterranean-inspired subjects. Famous for works like "The Dance" and "The Red Studio," Matisse's creativity persisted until his death in 1954.
The Girl in the Red Coat - Schindler's List, 1993
bringing the outside in...... bringing the outside in......
Christmas Decorations
It’s that time of year when it seems to get harder and harder to create a perfect Christmas without breaking the bank.
With sparkly adverts, social media and endless reminders of what a modern Christmas should supposedly be like, maybe it’s time to turn back to nature for some free inspiration and an opportunity to get creative, making beautiful decorations, having fun and just enjoying what available rather than struggling to keep up with photoshopped ‘perfection’. Evergreens are now revealed as their deciduous neighbours have lost their leaves, Bright berries and interesting cones and seed heads are far easier to find too. Bare branches offer interesting shapes and textures.
You can get creative with your own extra elements too…cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices, dried chillies, conkers, dried flower heads can all add different colours to your natural creations.
Last year my bespoke wreaths were extremely popular. I created a variety of colours, shapes and sizes to suit different rooms and spaces, inside and out.
The large foliage stars were also popular, adorning many local gates, doors, shutters and outside spaces.
As always, I only used natural materials. All these creations were completely biodegradable. I don’t use any wire, glue, plastic, florists foam or anything that won’t break down naturally. Lights were added for some creations, but these can be easily removed and used time and time again. Being environmentally friendly is important all year round but personally I love the fact that my materials are locally sourced and for me it shows a deeper appreciation of what’s available right on my doorstep. When you consider that the average household spends about 200 euros on Christmas decorations each year, to be able to do it all for nothing is quite a saving. It also saves on a lot of rubbish too!
I also feel that turning to nature is a step back towards the older traditions of Christmas, it gives us an opportunity to reconnect with our surroundings and our history and the true meaning
of this important time of year, reflecting on what we have right now and all we have to be grateful for.
Spending time outside also provides an opportunity to step away from everyday stresses, clearing our minds and allowing us to appreciate the simple things in life.
However you celebrate this month, I hope you find peace and happiness and some time to slow down and enjoy what you have right here and now. Happy Christmas.
Sophie Stokes
Taking Better Photographs... Seascapes
Light and the sea can create truly magical images, often enhanced by the sky.
One of the early things I do when editing pictures is to see what happens when the saturation is increased and decreased. Colour photos often benefit from some increase. Others start to work as they approach black and white, and some need the pure monochrome effect.
The almost black and white image of the beach displays the original saturation – no colour was harmed in the production of this picture. I had walked this beach heading in the other direction. The sun was behind me, and I had captured a number of images of rolling waves, gentle breaking over stones and long slow receding waves. Some great blues of water, brown of seaweed and shining silvered rocks –and none of them really did anything for me.
I was disappointed and turned to head back, and saw this. I was now facing into the sun which was creating a shimmering river of light along the damp sand. I Like shooting into the light but this looked too much to be possible, but I raised the camera. Using aperture priority, I set the aperture to the largest available number – a small hole so less of the blast of light would hit my sensor. Including any of the sky meant direct sun and the picture would be over-exposed. Steadily lowering the lens gave me a
shutter speed of 1/2000 of a second ensuring sharpness.
Many seascapes must cope with long and wide and very flat vistas. The key to a decent shot is to ensure there is something of interest throughout. In the foreground there the rocks and footprints. At midground there is the change of the ‘river’ of light into what might be a multi-channelled estuary. And in the background some distant figures.
Not all seascapes are flat. Sometimes getting up above the water allows a different type of image. These swirling waters were taken from the cliffs on the coast of County Kerry. The challenge here is to capture the darkness of the water without letting the tips of the waves burn out.
Again, I have used aperture priority and this time with a medium aperture. This allows the camera to set the shutter speed, which was high. I had also set it to automatically choose the ISO and that went relatively high. I have taken to auto-ISO being my default setting as the camera usually does a remarkably good job.
I have edited the final result, increasing the exposure and reducing the highlights. This brought out the colour of the surrounding water so there was no need to adjust the saturation.
The third image is of the head of Clonakilty Bay, again in South West Ireland. This image could have been taken in many ways. A mobile phone would allow a panorama shot to be taken as the camera was moved
carefully across the scene. The risk here is that the maximum quality of the final image is limited by the phone’s sensor. And those sensors are getting better all the time.
A wide angle shot could probably have captured all of this but would have required a lens that went wider than my 24mm. I chose to create a panorama composite from five originals. One advantage is that I have five full images, and I always take portrait photographs to create a landscape orientated final image.
That gives the editing software a lot more to work with and creates a final image that has more pixels than my camera can take. To balance the range of light and dark the highlights have been reduced. The saturation has barely been changed but both the whites and blacks have been increased to enhance the mood.
I now avoid opening the bonnet of my car unless there is no choice. It is a hybrid, and the layout no longer makes sense. My fear is that if I do anything I will cause damage. If editing photographs gives you the same feeling, then I recommend a nice chat with some friendly photographers who are only too happy to tell you what they have done and why. And there are a lot of free editors so you do not have to spend money to find out if this might enhance your photography.
If you would like to discuss your photography and the work of other photographers, please get in touch at stevemarshall128@gmail.com
Christmas in July
VIEW FROM THE VENDÊE
Soon after we moved to the Vendée in the winter of 2012, the Australian arm of the family came up with the crazy idea of visiting us for Christmas. I say crazy because THEIR idea of the festive season is usually centered around the beach, with a Christmas meal cooked on ‘the barbie’, followed by a homemade fruit pavlova. A far cry from our roast turkey & Christmas pudding.
But nevertheless, having received Christmas cards from us over the years showing snowy landscapes, red-breasted robins & roaring fires, they were excited to enjoy a European Christmas.
Dilemma - we could offer robins & a log-burning stove, but snow? in the Vendée?? Absolutely not! Or could we…?
Yes, of course, the Puy du Fou Christmas ‘spectacle’ - we’d visited the theme park the previous December, so knew exactly what to expect. The medieval village sparkled with fairy lights, Father Christmas was handing out presents and miraculously, every 15 minutes fluffy, white ‘snow’ descended from above. Our 2 young nephews, who’d never seen real snow before, were in seventh heaven catching the snowflakes on their tongue!
2 years later it was our turn to visit Down Under, but because we were both working (so restricted by the compulsory ‘congés annuels’), we had to travel over in July and not December. So, imagine our surprise when we arrived in Perth to see great big Father Christmases displayed in the city with the legend ‘Christmas in July’! Apparently, it‘s become a bit of a cultural tradition to celebrate Yulefest (as they call it) on July 25th, to take advantage of the Australian winter when the weather’s cooler & the sun sets earlier.
Karen Taylor
Fast forward a few years to when we decided to retire so were finally able to escape the chill of a European winter & visit Australia in December. It was lovely to enjoy some quality time in the sunshine with the family and celebrate Christmas Ozzie style, but I must admit, when we returned to France in January, we felt as though the festive season had completely passed us by!
So this year, we decided to avoid BOTH Christmases Down Under (July & December) and experience Australia in the springtime. Perfect - we miss the short, chilly November days, and return in time to celebrate a PROPER Christmas!
Expert Property Advice from Donna Mitchell
Donna Mitchell is ideally based on the border of the North Deux Sèvres and the Vienne. Here, she gives us her top pick of properties in the area:
€214,000
Faye-l’Abbesse , Deux-Sèvres REF: BVI77621
3-bedroom farmhouse with barns and second small house to renovate
This property offers traditional farmhouse living in a quiet location, yet close to amenities and the local hospital. The farmhouse has previously been lived in, but would benefit from some updating. Although the second house needs renovating, with the necessary permissions it would make a super 1-bed guest house or gite. Both properties overlook the pretty courtyard and the property benefits from a double garage, summer kitchen and 2 huge barns.
Fees: paid by the vendor
Energy class: E
Climate class: D
€371,000
Faye-l’Abbesse, Deux-Sèvres REF: BVI72143
Fabulous light and airy barn conversion with swimming pool
This is a stunning barn conversion with 4 bedrooms and a swimming pool. It has the added benefit of a ground floor accessible ensuite bedroom, which has direct access to the outside terrace.
It is a large, light, airy property, with a beautiful bespoke central oak staircase that greets you upon entering. The living room on the ground floor boasts a ceiling height of over 3 metres and bifold doors and windows opening onto the outside terrace, for views over the open fields and beyond. Also off the main entrance hall is a family roompreviously used as the ‘cinema' - a family bathroom, and a room for use as
Email Donna to view either of these properties: Donna.Mitchell@beauxvillages.com
a bedroom or an office suite. On the first floor is another airy open-plan living space with a galleried landing overlooking the main entrance hall., two double bedrooms and a shower room with WC.
The 11m x 9m swimming pool with hardtop cover is set in a pretty garden, which is mostly lawn with the added bonus of a small orchard. There is an open/covered small barn with small stables, currently used for storage.
This stunning barn conversion is fully powered by solar energy, with the ability to live off-grid being a real bonus. There is automatic backup of a diesel generator in the unlikely event that it is needed. There is also satellite internet.
Fees: 6% paid by the buyer
Net price €350,000
Energy class : C
Climate class : C
Celebrating 10 Years of Vasles Netball Club
In 2014, Paula Stokes, a qualified and experienced netball coach, arrived in rural France determined that she wouldn’t have to leave her beloved sport of netball behind in England. So, in late summer, she gathered together a disparate group of potential players who met for the first time on an outside basketball court in Vasles, and from there, Vasles Netball Club was born.
After a few months of playing outside and much pestering of the Mairie, we moved into the Salle Omnisports, which has been our home for the last ten years. However, chalking out the lines for the dimensions of a netball court week in, week out, led us to put more pressure on the Mairie. Thankfully, yet again they listened, and our lines were painted on. It made us feel like we were finally a permanent fixture.
This led us to look for new challenges, which came in the form of a tournament in Toulouse against much more established teams from the South and Paris; we were definitely the newbies. It really opened our eyes to what a fantastically competitive sport netball is, and we left determined to work together really hard to find other teams to play in the future. We also had a great time socially, and the VNC Rap, which is still
heard to this day at tournaments, made its debut!
One of the really important benefits of being a member of VNC (apart from increased fitness, teamwork, learning new skills, etc.) is the social aspect; regular meet-ups after training sessions at the local bar, and special occasions such as our annual Christmas party and AGM meal and quiz, to name a few. Great friendships have been formed on court which continue outside the sport.
In 2018, we made contact with one of the Paris clubs and went there for a tournament, with them coming to us later in the year and again in 2019. By now, we could see how much we had progressed as a team; we were able to win our first matches, and we had established a fantastic rapport with another club. Sadly, 2018 was also the year that Paula left France for the UK, but by then, we were such a strong team that we were able to carry on with a team member taking on the position of coach. There, of course, have been low points, as people move away or move on, and our numbers have sometimes dwindled, but the spirit of the core members of the club is such that we stubbornly continue through the difficult times, so we have always got through them. We have seen
Lisa Crafty Jones
Thank you for a wonderful
As the holiday season approaches, now is the perfect time to think about creating homemade gifts for your loved ones. Here at The Repair Shed, our workshop has been buzzing with activity as our members have been busy making wreaths and other festive crafts. It's always heartwarming to see people coming together, sharing smiles and laughter while working on gifts or simply enjoying each other's company.
Looking ahead to the new year, we are excited to announce that we will be offering new workshops in 2025. Keep an eye on our website
year
(www.therepairshed.fr) and Facebook page for updates. If you haven't had a chance to visit us at ShedQuarters in La Coudre, please reach out and we would be happy to give you a tour.
We want to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for your continued support. Wishing you all a joyful holiday season and a fantastic 2025!
Email info@therepairshed.fr or telephone 05 49 80 39 57.
a number of changes since 2014; in 2021, male players were able to join us, so we are now a mixed team, which has brought a whole new element to our play, to the point that we can’t imagine being without our male players. The age range of members has also increased dramatically, with us now having players as young as 14 and as old as 75!
However, one change that we are truly proud of (as we have been working towards it for years) is that we are now a fully integrated English/French club. In fact, at present, we have more French players than English. Netball is no longer seen by the French as that ‘funny ball game, like basketball, that the Anglais play’! All sessions now take place in English and in French, and we are, of course, open to any other nationalities that would like to join us.
As we come to the end of the year, we have the highlight of our 10-year anniversary celebrations: we are hosting the fifth Nouvelle-Aquitaine tournament (the third we have hosted), with five different clubs taking part. Two of the clubs were set up by ex-VNC players in their local areas, and the others are from further afield, Bellac and RomazieresLoubert. This tournament follows our anniversary party in September, where ex and current players got together to eat, drink, and play silly games. It’s been a busy couple of months!
So, we hope you would like to join us and wish VNC a very happy 10-year anniversary, and may there be many, many more years to come that we can celebrate in the future.
If you would be interested in joining VNC as a player, coach, umpire or just as a supporter please contact us via email: vaslesnetball@gmail.com or FB: @VaslesNetballClub. Two free tester sessions Mondays 5.30–7pm & Thursdays 6.30–8pm. We are always happy to welcome new members.
The fifth tournament of Netball Nouvelle Aquitaine
Grief and Christmas
It’s that time of year – Ho.. Ho… No…. It’s that time of year – holidays, families getting together, celebration. The expectation of excitement, connection and fun is in the air. We are bombarded by internet, TV, radio and in the shops, and everywhere you look there’s the pressure to “Enjoy the Holidays!” But what about the many grieving at this time of the year? Perhaps that is you. Perhaps you are reading this wondering how you are going to get through this first, second, one more festive season with the gaping hole of your loved one still raw and real? Whether this is your first festive season without your loved one, or there have been multiple ones already, this time of year is often a painful reminder of the gaping hole of their absence, a reminder of how drastically your life and traditions have altered. So, how do you get through the winter holidays when you are grieving?
Your grief is unique
First and foremost remember: – Everyone’s grief and way of mourning is different. There is no right or wrong way to it so, there is no right or wrong way to get through the holidays. Don’t let anyone tell you how you “should” be doing it. Be prepared, have a plan – and know that is fine if at the last minute you choose to abandon it. If the plan includes others, then letting them know ahead of time that you might not attend, helps prepare them too.
You might find yourself in two minds – one wants nothing to do with the celebrations planned and yet the other feels left out if not invited. One part of you wants to connect with a specific friend over the holidays, the other shivers at the idea of a big group of people. One answer is to decline the invitation – but suggest a coffee after the holidays with the person inviting you. Or accept – with the caveat that you are only coming for the drinks before the meal. Only you know what is best for you. Don’t be afraid to let your wishes be known.
Acknowledge It
Having conversations with your friends and family around what you are feeling and what your plans are often helps them understand and support you better. Perhaps you are struggling with a specific issue or feeling around the holiday. Julia Samuel, MBE, a psychotherapist specialising in grief, says it is helpful to name what you are struggling with and acknowledge it by sharing with dear friends and those who love you.
Find ways to spend time with loved ones around the holidays in ways you can manage. Grief is a great isolator that makes you feel even more alone and separated. Find manageable ways of connecting with those who love you. Go for a walk in
Sarah Delcourt
nature with a friend, have a cup of tea together or suggest a lunch date with your favourite family member who is in town for the festivities. Research has shown that connecting to ones we love is one of the most important ways of coping with our grief.
Guilt
Guilt is a common among people grieving. Nowhere is it more apparent than during the holidays: – There is the guilt of letting others down because you can’t bring yourself to go to family gatherings, the guilt of bringing down the mood. Alternatively you might feel guilty if you do have moments of joy or laughter when your loved one is dead. It seems to hit from all sides. Just know that it is normal to have all these feelings at one time or another during the holiday.
Show some self-compassion and give yourself permission to feel whatever the range of your emotions that you feel.
Bottling it up, putting on a glad face and stuffing down your real emotions over the holidays usually makes for, what Canadian grief counsellor Jo McRogers calls, Grief Hangover January. Be kind to yourself, be honest with yourself, get the support you want and need and remember, Christmas Day is just one day, New Year’s Eve is just one evening. They do not last forever. This too will pass.
Skip All Together
If your grief is too raw and you realise that you will only be hurting yourself and making it worse for everyone to push through the family festivities then allow yourself the option of bypassing it all together. Instead, volunteer at a women’s shelter or an animal sanctuary, deliver food to the elderly who are alone and cannot get out. If you can afford it honour your loved one by donating to a charity dear to their heart. Start a personal tradition that honours your loved one who has died, whether it is as simple as making sure that special candle is lit throughout the season, or a favourite meal of theirs you prepare and serve one. Do what you need to make this season meaningful and right for you.
First Christmas Without Your Loved One
If this is your very first Christmas without your loved one, you might be finding the anticipation of the holiday makes you feel doubly anxious and scared. Many find the lead up to the holiday as stressful as the holiday itself. It’s hard to imagine how you are going to get through it all without collapsing into tears in the middle of the meal. It is impossible to imagine sitting amongst the chatter and laughter. The worry of spoiling it for everyone else also leaves you feeling conflicted and exhausted.
Holidays are stressful on their own, even more when you are in the throes of grief. So, be kind to yourself, say no when you need to. Take care of yourself, make sure you sleep enough, eat some nourishing, easy food, connect with someone you know loves and supports you, gently move your body out in Nature if you can.
Know that we are thinking of all you who are grieving this Christmas. We send love, some moments of peace and perhaps even “pocketfuls of happiness” as Richard E. Grant’s wife asked him to find before she died. Take care and navigate this holiday with kindness and love for yourself – as your loved one would want you to.
We help English speaking residents throughout France to manage their bereavement or anticipatory grief. There is no fee for our time and support.
Call us on 06 24 50 22 74 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm bsnvar.org
The latest trends in satellite TV and internet services
Stuart Wallace
Guess who’s back? It’s me. I’m back. And on top of that, I get to be in the Christmas edition. Just when you thought your festive period couldn’t get any better… So, how are you? Ready for the annual test of family relationships that is Xmas? I’ve already had my present. It transpired that my mother-in-law was unable to come to stay. The best things in life really can be free! I know that seems cruel and perhaps it would have been nice if things had turned out differently. But I’m really very glad they didn’t… Freesat good. Freeview bad. Clear? Good stuff.
This is more of a reminder, but for those who receive a shiny new smart TV for Christmas, be aware that the term ‘smart’ does not mean it can receive all the UK TV channels without a satellite dish. The fact a TV is ‘smart’ means it can connect to the internet. This is great for things like Netflix or watching cats do funny things on Youtube, but it will not give you real-time TV broadcasts like you receive if using a Freesat or Sky type receiver. To caveat that, some TVs may have a satellite tuner built into them. It’ll be a threaded connector next to the traditional aerial socket. If it has one of these then you can connect your satellite dish directly to it. It’s still not that common though.
There has been some concern from people with Sky HD boxes that their services are going to be stopped. To the best of my knowledge, this is not true. The confusion
seems to come from the fact that Sky are indeed winding down their services to the older Sky+ boxes, but only the non-HD ones - the off white/grey ones with the rectangular frontal appearance. If you have a Sky HD or a Sky+ HD box with the curved front (see if it has an HDMI socket on the back, if you’re not sure. If it has, it’s an HD box) then you should be fine.
Despite the continued roll-out of fiber internet, Starlink still seems as popular as ever. However, if you plan to order it, be aware that the new residential ‘V3’ kit is no longer automated. You have to do a little work to align the satellite dish. Also, it only comes with a built-in kickstand, intended for use in the garden. If you wish to mount it on a pole or such like, you’ll need to order a ‘pipe adapter’ to make that happen. There are various 3rd party options for this, so you don’t have to order it from Starlink. However, I’ve only used official Starlink ones so far so cannot comment on how good the others may (or may not) be.
This is a little bit niche, but for those planning to use a Sky Q box, it might be useful. I recently visited a client who had brought their Sky Q box from the UK. As such, I was asked to fit a wideband LNB as Sky Q does not work with a ‘universal’ LNB. So, I ordered a top quality LNB from Inverto. Did it work? No, it did not. So, not to be deterred, I tried another one. ‘Did that work?’ I hear you ask. No, it did not. Both of these were new. So, I then tried a completely different brand of wideband LNB - sourced from the UK - and it worked perfectly.
So, to be sure, I tried the Inverto LNBs with the latest Freesat+ box which can also use a wideband LNB. They worked fine. So, long story short, not all wideband LNBs are compatible with a Sky Q box. It seems that the ones used in the UK for Sky dishes are a safe way to go. One slight issue is that they don’t easily fit a standard 40mm LNB holder, so a little cutting and reshaping of the holder may be required.
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.
vSo, all that’s left to do is to wish you all a very merry Christmas and send you my best wishes for 2025. See you on the other side!
by Peter Lowth
Are you sitting comfortably?
At the end of last month’s musings, I said “combine your all-weather gear with a comfortable chair and a flask of tea . . .” so I thought this month we should explore the, often overlooked, importance of making sure you are sitting comfortably.
Fishing seats come in a myriad of styles and designs, from basic functional chairs to highly cushioned versions and even bed chairs, then there is the huge range of seat boxes. They all, however, have one basic function: to act as a seat!
If, like me, you suffer from a bad back, hips and knees (my wife says I’m falling apart piece by piece!) then making sure you are sitting comfortably is of paramount importance to be able to enjoy your day’s fishing.
We frequently get visiting anglers at Les Forges Fishing, who come with the most uncomfortable-looking chairs. They then spend the day fishing in a poorly aligned position, only to hobble back to their car with a sore back, neck or knees!
Getting comfortable is a key part of your day on the bank; achieving a suitable setup will allow you to focus all your energies on catching and not adjusting your seating position or rubbing a sore back.
For match fishing, you are often sitting for hours at a time, so the right setup is of the utmost importance. Most fishing chairs come with extendable legs and a fully adjustable back, so when setting up you need to have the seat at a height where your thighs are flat and
stable and compact fishing station that’s also highly portable.
your lower legs are bent at a 90 degree angle. Also try, as much as possible, to have the chair level both side to side and front to back. This isn’t just for reasons of comfort, but also for practicality. Having your thighs level gives you a level platform on which to put a tackle or rig box - it also helps tremendously when eating your packed lunch!
As with most things in life, the more you spend the better the quality, however, something practical and comfortable can also be bought on a limited budget. Once you have your chair set up comfortably, make sure you set up your rod rests at the right height. Specialised chairs are also available with legs that will accommodate attachments for side trays, rod rests and feeder arms.This creates a stable fishing station with the added bonus of a tray for your cuppa!
The accessory chair leads us neatly onto the seatbox. A favourite seat type with match anglers, seatboxes are many and varied, but they all do the same thing – provide a comfortable,
Most have pull-out drawers and trays to accommodate essential tackle and rigs, to ensure you can fish an entire match without leaving your seatbox. Modern boxes also come with fully adjustable telescopic legs and sliding footplates to ensure the optimum level and secure setup. Prices vary depending on brand and quality, but a reasonable box for a beginner can be bought for a few hundred euros or scour Emmaus, where I found a small, canal seatbox that’s perfect for a beginner.
Like anything in fishing, there is always the other extreme and for a high-end seatbox expect to pay in excess of €2000. There are also a huge range of trays, arms, rests and other attachments on the market, all of which become absolutely essential to add to your seatbox – naturally! The correct setup when fishing the pole on a seatbox is key: have your thighs flat and the box level. The main reason being that you quite often fish the pole at length, resting it across your thighs. The pole rests and rollers would be set up at a similar height to the side and behind you to enable smooth transfer from roller to hand and hand to roller.
Whichever option you choose, the most important thing is to spend the time getting set up comfortably so that you can fully enjoy your time on the bank. So till 2025, 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
Ideal seatbox setup for fishing with a long pole
Seatbox with a small selection of accessories
Get your angles right: thighs level & use the telescopic legs
A Visit to Château Mangot
One of the many things to be on the lookout for while purchasing wine, is their environmental outlook and input. As we face many challenges with global warming and all the threats that come with the rise in temperatures, it is good to contribute by buying eco-friendly products such as wine, encouraging better processes for future generations to come.
Château Mangot, owned by the Todeschini family and run by brothers Karl and Yann, farms biodynamically and was officially proclaimed agriculturally biodynamic in 2020, their
philosophy is all about practicing organic viticulture, no harmful products are welcome in this estate. Throughout the vegetative cycle, foliar treatments (trace elements, herbal tea, plant extracts, silica, etc.) maintain the nutritional balance of the plant and stimulate its natural defences. This allows to minimise phytosanitary inputs, however natural they may be, such as copper for example. They have been
certified as Haute Valeur Environnementale (level 3) since 2016 with the aim of reducing their impact as much as possible, creating equilibrium between the vines and the cellar.
Nature is encouraged on the land, many bee hives can be found at Mangot, which produce honey for the estate. The wax produced by the bees is used to seal their white wine, newly released, called ‘Preface’ which is its temporary name until they’ve found the perfect description. They use the Merlot Blanc grape (that’s right white merlot exists) which originates from the Bordeaux region, this almost went extinct and has been replanted on the estate’s second vineyard in Castillon. In 1958, Merlot Blanc represented 5275 hectares (roughly 13,034.81 acres) and now is planted at a miserly 24 hectares (roughly 59 acres) - which goes to show how rare it is!
Château Mangot is the main estate based in Saint-Emillion (co-joined with the second estate in Castillon, where Château La Brande is made). Many hedges, woods, embankments, grassy strips have been planted, representing about 15% of the total area, encouraging nature at the heart of the vineyard. Facing due south, the valley or “cirque” of Mangot offers 4 terroir zones: foothills, hillsides, terraces and plateaus. These terroirs include 21 plots which are located between 35 and 86 meters above sea level, the highest point of the appellation.
The main wine produced is called Mangot, which is harvested manually, blended: 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Long and minimalist intervention is used during vinification: cold prefermentation maceration, native yeasts, long vatting of 35 days. The wine is aged 75% in barrels (including only 25% in new barrels), 15% in amphorae, 10% in tuns (large oak vats).
Sulphites are used in a gentle manner (30 to 60ml/L of total SO2, or 1/2 of the quantity authorised in organic products), allowing the wines to reveal all the typicity of their terroirs. It is not a question of doing nothing, but of guiding them as best as possible, if necessary, so that they unleash their full potential: pure and expressive wines, non-deviant and above all that we love to drink!
I would highly recommend a visit to the winery as the wines, history of the estate and organic ideals are all highly intriguing. Moreover, sharing key environmental values that should now be the milestone for winemakers alike.
Observations and Optimism
So, 2024, what a year, eh?! How to describe it? I don’t think I’m alone in thinking of it as ‘wet’, and figures released by the UK Met Office, and Météo France, would agree. September was the wettest calendar month in Bedfordshire and Oxfordshire since 1836¹, and in Paris it was the wettest year since 1886². Beekeepers were presented with a set of problems – and blessings – caused by the excessive amount of rain in the first half of the year, and will take this experience into consideration for the future.
The intemperate weather caused issues with colony increase: swarming behaviour was curtailed, queen matings were compromised, and foraging was limited due to a dearth of nectar. All of these facts have meant that in some areas across the country there has been a poor honey harvest and colonies have not achieved the optimum sizes required for successful over-wintering. However, what has been tough on the bees has had a similar effect on their nemesis, the Asian hornet, and so (with a sigh of relief) beekeepers have not had to deal with the usual heavy predation from these invaders. Trapping mated Asian hornet queens in the autumn before they hibernated was therefore of
utmost importance, and we now need to be ready to trap any survivors emerging from hibernation as soon as Spring arrives.
As I write this it is an unusually warm sunny November day and our bees are busy foraging on all the flowering ivy. The sight of pollen-laden bees flying back to the hives fills me with such hope. Although we now won’t be doing any hive inspections until the days begin to lengthen and the ambient temperature is constantly in the mid to late teens, we can be fairly confident that the bees are in a good position with brood, a queen, and plenty of stores to see them through the winter months. It can be frustrating to know you can’t take off the crown-board and just take a quick peek to check everything is as it should be, but external observations can tell you quite a bit about what’s going on in a hive. I’ve always liked the calming aspects of beekeeping (yes, there are some, honestly!) and sometimes just sitting and watching is enough. On bright dry days when the temperature is above 9c the bees will be flying and it is so relaxing (and reassuring) to see them going about their daily tasks.
I have become slightly obsessed with the slow-motion video feature on my mobile phone and have been filming returning foragers and marvelling at the detail I can see when the movement of these incredible creatures is slowed down enough to see clearly. It’s not just the foragers that you can watch either; the housekeepers will be busy clearing out any rubbish, and tidying away grains of pollen that have been dropped on the landing board of the hive. One word of warning, however: if you are going to entrance watch, either do so from a safe distance or wear your protective clothing – just because you’re not opening the hive doesn’t mean a bee, irritated by your presence, won’t sting you. I have been stung on the wrist by an ungrateful bee whilst topping up the syrup feeder!
Foraging workers... finding the flowers, even in
The late winter sunshine and the sight of foraging bees fills me with a Pollyanna-like optimism for the coming year. In 2025 I will attempt to be like Mr Micawber, living in hopeful expectation, but aided by an awful lot of planning and preparation to ensure our bees start the year as healthy as possible. If you would like to begin your beekeeping adventure next year, please contact us via our website, email or give us a call. Bonne fin d’année!
Amanda and Kevin Baughen, 13 Bees, Confolens, 05 45 71 22 90, www.13bees.co.uk, info@13bees.co.uk
¹ Met Office Press release 1st October 2024
² Le Bonbon Météo France
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Welcome back to my garden diary, complete with a few jobs to do and a round-up of suitable gifts for gardeners. I love reading the garden almanac to discover old tales and folklore.
Apparently, if the sun shines through an apple tree at Christmas, there will be an abundant crop of apples the following year. That gives us something to look forward to during these darker, foggy days and nights.
Winter marches on, and Yule, then Christmas, approach at speed as soon as the calendar shows 1st December. Marché de Noël spring up most weekends, and our thoughts turn to decorations and trees—the Christmas tree kind!
There are always lots for sale in various sizes at local supermarkets, markets, and garden centres. I like to look at the potted ones, and one year I tried to grow one in the garden after Christmas. It was fine for a couple of years, then succumbed to a very hot, dry spell and frazzled despite watering.
As we have dogs of various ages, we opt for our 2001 vintage John Lewis tree, bought the first Christmas Martin and I
spent together. It's filled with happy memories, as are the many decorations I unwrap. I do love a vintage decoration and look out for old glass baubles to add to our collection. I’m always sad to take them down in January, but usually, the paperwhite narcissus are beginning to bloom by then to cheer the house. This brings me to a few jobs for you: Paperwhite narcissus need to be planted around six weeks before you want them to bloom, depending on the temperature they are stored at. Plant in pots or containers with either a welldraining potting mix, or some people prefer just water with gravel or pebbles for decoration. Keep them moist if in compost. I love their fragrance, but they do divide people! Keep them out of direct sunlight while they grow. They are sold as annual bulbs, but I have reused some with success; some I planted directly outside once they had died back.
Keep encouraging the birds into your garden with regular food and keep their feeders clean. Establishing a team of feathered friends really helps when it comes to aphid season next spring,
along with some birds who will help you with the snails.
Gather and forage for winter wreathmaking. There’s nothing better, in my opinion, than a pretty door or gate wreath—what a welcoming sight. I like the straw wreath bases or ones made of wisteria vines or grapevine prunings. Tie into place and then adorn with your choice of greenery. Be careful if using mistletoe, as every part of it is poisonous.
Clare Hill
Before Christmas, aim to have pruned grapevines, cutting back side branches to one or two buds from the main stems you wish to leave in place. Tie in well and tidy up to maintain shape. Finish clearing old crops and debris from the veg plot, composting healthy, non-diseased material. Add a layer of organic matter to help the soil and add nutrients ready for the next crops. Pelargoniums can be brought into the greenhouse or a cool windowsill. Regularly pick faded leaves off them and water sparingly throughout winter. You may choose to cut back faded perennials or alternatively leave some until spring to provide seeds and safe winter homes for insects.
Bulbs, including amaryllis and hyacinths, can be planted now and brought into the home. Place them in a cool, bright spot for you to enjoy the blooms in the New Year. Hyacinth bulbs can be planted outside when the flowers have faded and will provide spring colour in future years. They make a great gift too, using a pretty bowl or pot. Hellebores often have big sprawling leaves; these can be cut back to enable the flowers to be seen early in the new year.
Roses, my favourite flowers, need their main winter prune, best done when you have time from December to February. They used to go dormant here in wintertime, but the last few years, less so. Use the guidelines of removing dead, dying, diseased canes first, then look at the shape and height and think about what you want it to do next season. Remove any thin, spindly growth—will it hold a rose bloom? If not, then remove it. If you can find wellrotted horse manure, or your homemade compost, or bought compost, add it as a mulch after you have weeded and pruned the rose. They will thank you for it.
Climbing roses need to be trained differently from shrub or bush roses. Once they are established after one to two years, you can take the long canes and bend them so they are horizontal or close to it. Then tie in gently to supports of metal wires or trellis, as long as it's strong, as roses are vigorous once they find their roots. All along these horizontal canes, you will spot shoots growing which will produce your blooms. If an established climbing rose, trim back these shoots, tie in the canes horizontally, and tie them to each other for support if it helps the plant and its shape. Again, mulch well, allow the winter weather to break it down and help both soil and the plant. We begin feeding our roses from April.
Turning to some gift ideas, books are usually top of my list. Here are a few ideas for this year’s list:
“Garden Heaven” by Vanessa Berridge. A unique tour of 30 of Britain’s most beautiful gardens, both classic and modern.
“We Made a Garden” by Margery Fish, reissued. A classic story of a unique and enduring English country garden. Transforming an acre of wilderness into a cottage garden in Somerset, still open to the public at East Lambrook Manor.
“Plants for Free” by Simon Akeroyd and the RHS. Increase your stock of plants easily and for free by propagating, dividing, and saving seeds.
“The Seed Hunter” by Mitch McCullen. Discover the world’s most unusual heirloom plants and seeds.
“The Money-Saving Gardener Year” by Anya Lautenbach. Garden better for less all year long with the money-saving gardener.
I’ve also been looking longingly at some Fair Isle patterned socks, as my feet are often cold while gardening in winter. Hopefully, Martin will read this, and I will find some wrapped under the Christmas tree this year.
About Clare
Well, I wish you a very happy Christmas and will catch up with you in February’s edition.
À bientôt,
Clare, along with her husband Martin and their furry 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.
Seasonal Recipes
Cervelle de Canut
Cervelle de Canut translates as "silk worker's brain," a nod to the silk workers (canuts) of Lyon. Despite its name, there is no brain in the dish; it is a creamy cheese dish that reflects the rich culinary heritage of the Lyon region. This dish is a staple in Lyonnaise cuisine and is often enjoyed as an appetizer or a light snack.
INGREDIENTS
250g fromage blanc
1 shallot, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
METHOD
Finely chop the shallot, chives, and parsley. This will ensure that the flavours are evenly distributed throughout the spread.
Place the fromage blanc in a mediumsized bowl, add the chopped shallot, chives, and parsley.
Pour in the red wine vinegar and olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Using a spatula or spoon, mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined and the mixture is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Cover the bowl and let the mixture chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This allows the flavours to combine beautifully.
Serve the cervelle de canut chilled. It is traditionally used as a spread on crusty bread or as a dip for crudités.
Pain de Thon (SERVES 6 – 8)
This recipe is often on the menu at our local restaurant. When we first heard it, we didn't order it because we were afraid it had something to do with panda! In fact, it's a classic dish that has its roots in both French and Italian cuisine. It’s a popular choice for picnics and buffets because it's easy to prepare and can be served cold or at room temperature.
INGREDIENTS
400g canned tuna in water or oil, drained
4 large eggs
240g crème fraîche
60g grated Emmental
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp tomato purée
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Butter or oil for greasing
METHOD
Preheat your oven to 175°C. Grease a 900g loaf tin or silicone mould generously with butter or oil.
In a large mixing bowl, flake the drained tuna with a fork. Add the chopped onion, tomato purée, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Mix well to combine.
In another bowl, beat the eggs and then add the double cream. Stir in the grated emmental cheese and parsley, mixing until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
Pour the egg and cream mixture over the tuna mixture. Stir until everything is well integrated.
Pour the mixture into the prepared tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Place the loaf tin in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 mins, or until the top is golden and a knife inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Allow the pain de thon to cool in the tin for about 10 mins before turning it out onto a serving platter. Once cooled, wrap it in cling film and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until chilled. Slice and serve cold with mayonnaise. This will last in the fridge for 3 to 4 days when stored in a container.
Pink Mushroom Pâté (MAKES ONE JAR)
Foie gras and pâtés are very popular in France, especially at Christmas. If you’re looking for a meat-free option, here's a recipe for a vegetarianpâtéthat tastes as good as it looks.
INGREDIENTS
200g puy lentils, rinsed
500ml water or vegetable stock
30g butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
300g mushrooms, chopped (champignons de Paris)
1 small beetroot, peeled and grated
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
30 ml soy sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp black pepper
Salt, to taste
1 tbsp lemon juice
30g walnuts, toasted and finely chopped (optional)
Additional butter for sealing
METHOD
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils and water or vegetable stock. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20–25 mins, or until the lentils are tender. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
In a large frying pan, melt 30 g butter over a medium heat.
Cook the onion and garlic, until the onion is translucent, about 5 mins. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 8–10 mins.
Stir in the grated beetroot, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, thyme, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 5 mins, allowing the flavours to meld. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a food processor, combine the cooked lentils, mushroom mixture, lemon juice, and walnuts. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Adjust seasoning with salt to taste.
Transfer the pâté to a jar and smooth the top with a spatula. Melt additional butter and pour over the top of the pâté to create a sealing layer.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavours to develop. Serve with crusty bread, crackers, or sliced vegetables. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Gluten-Free Hazelnut Cake
We were asked to try and include more gluten free recipes in the magazine, so here’s a gluten free version of the traditional German cake Buchweizenkuchen mit Haselnüssen. You could use all buckwheat flour, but this will produce a slightly denser texture.
INGREDIENTS
60g gluten-free flour (farine tous usages sans gluten)
60g buckwheat flour (farine de sarrasin)
65g ground hazelnuts (noisettes en poudre)
135g light brown sugar (cassonade)
85g unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp gluten free baking powder (levure chimique sans gluten)
½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
80ml milk
3 tbsp yogurt
2 tsp lemon zest (optional)
50g chopped hazelnuts (for topping) Icing sugar for dusting (optional)
METHOD
Preheat your oven to 175°C. Grease and line a 500g loaf tin with baking parchment to prevent sticking or use a silicone mould for convenience.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flours, ground hazelnuts, baking powder, bicarbonate and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes, using an electric mixer. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest if using. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and yogurt. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top. Sprinkle the chopped hazelnuts over the batter. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil during the last 10 minutes. Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with icing sugar if desired.
Chocolate Chestnut Brownies
Here is a recipe that uses crème de marrons, the famous French chestnut purée. They are fudgy and dense, with the rich, intense flavour of dark chocolate and the sweet, earthy and nutty taste of chestnuts. A perfect treat for unexpected visitors, unless you prefer to eat them all on their own!
INGREDIENTS
115g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
170g dark chocolate (55-60% cocoa), chopped
25g cocoa powder
3 large eggs
200g caster sugar (sucre en poudre)
1 tsp vanilla extract (arôme naturel de vanille)
140g plain or gluten-free flour
300g crème de marrons
Pinch of salt (fleur de sel)
METHOD
Preheat your oven to 175°C. Grease a 20cm square cake tin and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides. If you don’t have a cake tin, you can use something of a similar surface area eg a lasagne dish.
In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the chocolate and stir until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in the cocoa powder. Whisk in the eggs one at a time until smooth. Add sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of sea salt, mixing well. Stir in the flour until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Pour half the batter into the pan. Add a third of the chestnut cream in dollops and swirl gently. Add the remaining batter and repeat with the rest of the chestnut cream.
Sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Bake for about 30 minutes until the centre is slightly firm. Cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then lift out using the parchment overhang and cool completely on a wire rack.
Cut into 16 squares. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for a week.
Christmas cookies (MAKES 30)
These oatmeal cookies are thick and chewy with crispy edges, perfect for a festive treat. They are also delicious when made with dark chocolate chips and dried cherries (cerises griotte séchées) - you can find these in organic supermarkets or online. If you’re making them gluten-free, make sure the oats are certified gluten-free.
INGREDIENTS
170g unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 large egg
120g light brown sugar
120g white sugar (sucre en poudre)
1 tsp fleur de sel
½ tsp ground cinnamon (cannelle moulue)
½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
200g rolled oats (flocons d'avoine)
170g plain flour or gluten-free flour
200g dried cranberries
100g white chocolate chips
METHOD
Preheat your oven to 175°C) and line 2 baking sheets with baking parchment or silicone mats.
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and both sugars. Mix until smooth. Add the egg and beat well then stir in the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate and fleur de sel. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the oats, followed by the cranberries and chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Use a tablespoon to scoop a generous amount of dough. With your hands, shape the dough into a rough ball and place it onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centres are set. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Last Minute Christmas Cake
The ingredients here have been adjusted to include items you should be able to find easily in the patisserie section of your local supermarket.
INGREDIENTS
500g raisins secs Sultanine
250g pruneaux d'Agen, finely chopped
150gglacé cherries (Bigarreaux confits)
225ml stout
100ml brandy or rum
75mlorange juice
1orange, zest only
3 tbspcaramel sauce (nappage caramel)
200gbutter
200gdark brown sugar (vergeoise brune)
250gplain flour (farine de blé T45 or T55)
1 tspbaking powder (levure chimique)
5eggs
1½ tspmixed spice (quatre épices moulues)
75g chopped almonds (éclats d'amandes)
METHOD
Bring the stout, rum/brandy, orange juice, zest and caramel to the boil, stirring. Remove from the heat and add the dried fruits, and cherries. Preferably, soak overnight - but don't worry if you can't: just leave it soaking as long as you can.
Preheat the oven to 140C. Grease a 20cm (8”) round cake tin and line base and sides with baking parchment.
Place all the remaining ingredients except the nuts in a mixing bowl. Beat until smooth, then fold in the soaked fruit and the nuts.
Spoon into the prepared tin and level the top. Bake for 3 hours, then check the top to make sure it’s not burning. Bake for a further 30 minutes-1 hour, or until a knife comes out clean.
Allow to cool for 10 minutes or so in the tin, then turn out and allow to cool completely.
You can serve the cake as soon as it’s cool, but if you’re planning to store it wrap it tightly in a double layer of greaseproof paper or parchment paper, followed by a layer of aluminium foil.
Store the wrapped cake in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Avoid storing it in the fridge, as this can dry it out.
You can "feed" it by unwrapping it every week and adding a little more alcohol (like brandy or rum) to keep it moist and enhance the flavour.
TAKE A BREAK
Easy Crossword
ACROSS
1. Christmas service with candles (11)
7. Melt away ice(7)
9. Communications officer on the USS Enterprise (5)
10. Great enthusiasm or energy for something (4)
11. Pasta shaped like butterflies (8)
12. 1950's Triumph saloon (6)
14. Official population count (6)
17. Removed a disguise (8)
19. Captain in pursuit of a great white whale (4)
22. Capital city of Ghana (5)
23. Fragrant rice variety (7)
24. French seafood soup (13)
DOWN
1. Historic Spanish port city (5)
2. Repeated phrase in a song (7)
3. Dark berry used with gin (4)
4 Belgian waffle (7)
5. Balanced on both sides (5)
6. Iconic villains from Doctor Who (6)
8. Russian monarch before the Bolsheviks (4)
12. Tart stalk often used for desserts (7)
13. Traditional Christmas drink (7)
15. Clear, strong spirit, often flavoured with fruit (6)
16. Nickname for the BBC (4)
18. Former Portuguese colony in Asia (4)
20. Green fabric used on snooker tables (5)
21. Largest continent on Earth (5)
Cryptic Crossword
(with many thanks to Mike Morris)
ACROSS
1. Group putting secret agents around central London area? (7)
5. Animals seeing fan going crazy over gold. (5)
8. Plants Delores' heart in nothing? (5)
9. Prevailing conditions cut short ascent; tea to be brewed! (7)
10. Coral barrier perhaps placed in front of middle of centre effect? (4)
11. Savage existence of 5 Across? (8)
14. Large river blocked off for nothing! (3)
16. Applaud Sonny's partner over energy? (5)
17. Shock for leaders of Members of Parliament? (3)
19. Morag's in turmoil about essential form of life? (8)
20. Rub error out is vehicle to get a lift? (4)
23. Monk's garb put on preposition for natural environment? (7)
25. Origin of wizard putting on singular layer? (5)
26. What are the chances of rugby competition having no starter? (5)
27. Fragile environment giving us time to come to earth? (7)
DOWN
1. Being extra loud in Nora's turnover of crocus product? (7)
2. Run away from Springbok, for example, leaving worker behind? (5)
3. Prayer leader heading inspired movement at mosque? (4)
4. Cited as seen, but sounding unwell? (3)
5. Identified explorer by slipping a pound between other discoverers? (8)
6. Element generally acceptable, organised, and then I showed hesitation? (7)
7. Rare textile having the edge? (5)
12. Upset, i.e. sad, thoughts? (5)
13. Monk's hood possibly, is at once pulled over. (8)
15. A form of libel e.g. is perfectly clear. (7)
18. Predict the demise of Dover for instance? (7)
19. Church found buried in mineral clay. (5)
21. Both 5 and 8 Across are second class before such a small amount. (5)
22. Large crowd give modern greeting to holy man? (4)
24. Fibre reported to be on the end of the foot? (3)
You’ll find all the
Word Scramble
1. NPRSSETE
2. MCNEI IPES
3. ISHTRMCAS TERE
4. ULEY LGO
5. YKUTER IWHT IFGTUNFS
6. AMFYIL DNA DIERNSF
Things you need for Christmas - unscramble these words to solve the puzzle!
7. NIG
8. MIRTHASCS ORLACS
9. RODBA GASME
10. NAEGAMPCH
11. TRCSAIMHS NGUPIDD
12. HTFEAR AHTRCMISS
Learn more about the path to success and explore the freedom and flexibility of being your own boss. Benefit from our customised training programs and receive consistent support from our dedicated Head O ice teams, along with a highly motivating progressive commission structure.
Clubs & Associations
AlcoholicsAnonymous - 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
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
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
CHORALE MELUSINE, PARTHENAY - French 4-part choir, established over 30 years (with 4 English members) and always looking for "new blood"! Excellent Musical Director. Come to a rehearsal on Tuesday evenings and see if it's for you. Contact Keith for info keithandcarol@orange.fr 0671 14 16 72
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 Knightby email richardknight@orange.fror 05 4969 18 65
Vasles Netball Club - Keep fit, have fun & meet new people. Join us each Monday 5.30-7pm & Thursday 6.30-8pm at Salle Omnisports Vasles, 79340. For all aged 14 years and over. All abilities & are welcome. 2 free taster sessions. FB@VaslesNetballClub Email: vaslesnetball@gmail.com
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.
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
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
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
Melleran Chanteurs - Amateur singing group that meets every Monday at 6:45 pm atthe Salle desFêtes in Melleran.French and Englishmembers singing in many languages.New voices arealways welcome, especiallytenor and bass. For more information, please contact Alison Hudson 05 49 29 65 31
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
Too good to be true?
In July 2024, Association Violet was tagged in a Facebook post seeking nominations for local small charities where the Big Guy Big World (BGBW) team could make a difference. Led by Mark Jacoby, BGBW organises travel adventures around the world, with part of their European tour involving finding a charity to support in France. Big Guy Big World (BGBW) picks holiday winners through contests. They announce the winners on Facebook, and these contests aim to inspire people who love adventure. Suzette Jeapes from Association Violet was invited to present more about their work following an initial contact with Jenn McDuffie, BGBW’s charity liaison. There was a mixture of reactions from the Association Violet team. There was little information online about BGBW’s charitable donations, and the fact that AV had been chosen as the only charity in France raised some concerns about the authenticity of the opportunity. "It seemed almost too good to be true," Suzette reflected, acknowledging the scepticism felt by some. While some advised caution, worried that the offer might not be as it seemed, others were neutral, unsure whether the trip would bring any real support. A couple trusted Suzette’s "gut feeling" and offered to tag along for the ride. Ultimately, Suzette decided to pause communication until BGBW’s intentions became clearer.
kennels, Suzette set off on her own. A cautious optimist by nature, Suzette had moments of genuine trepidation on the train journey, wondering if this trip would be worth it, if it would even be safe ("organ harvesting sprang to mind!"), and if BGBW could really provide the support they had promised. But Suzette reminded herself, "This could be a chance to raise much-needed funds for the children I'm helping," and with that hope, she decided to go.
Upon her arrival, Suzette met Jenn, who explained that the formal dinner where she had expected to give her presentation to 120 holiday winners had been cancelled. Instead, Jenn invited her to a casual dinner with her husband. They asked thoughtful questions about Association Violet, her passion, and the challenges faced by families with disabled children. Suzette openly shared her story, describing how the charity began to help her granddaughter Violet, who has cerebral palsy, and how it has grown to provide essential support for families in France.
Later that evening, Suzette recalled, "This was probably the point when I actually realised that all would be ok." She met 40 of the 120 people from the trip and was taken to the Eiffel Tower with the group of very friendly and welcoming holiday winners (who also mentioned their fears... but came anyway).
Weeks later, just as BGBW's European tour was in full swing, Suzette received a last-minute invitation to Paris to meet their team, with the offer to reimburse her travel expenses and pay for her stay. With no one from the team available and her husband David busy with their
The next day, Suzette finally met Mark Jacoby and his mother over lunch. Initially, Mark had a set donation amount in mind, but after hearing Suzette’s heartfelt story, he increased it by €5,000, bringing the total to an incredible €20,000!
"I was overwhelmed when I realised the impact this would have on the families we support," Suzette shared. With this funding, Association Violet can offer financial help to families, helping them afford vital therapies, equipment, and care without the constant stress of wondering where support will come from.
Vienne & Deux-Sèvres
There will be a number of people in our community who will find the festival of Christmas a very difficult time of the year. It might be their first Christmas or it might be the fifteenth when they feel the loss of a special person. This month is one of those markers in the year when the tears fall, the smiles come and then the tears fall again. Wave upon wave of either grief or happiness come with a piece of music, a comedy show on the TV and, of course, meetings with family and friends.
Two of my clients have lost their respective partners since the summer. I know that they will need the extra love and attention from their family as their loved one is no longer sitting around the fire, pulling crackers and enjoying the festive meal. Being a small part of their lives this year I also realise that the children, however old they are, will be missing their mum or their dad too. A family changed.
Four of our friends have lost their wives to cancer over the past eighteen months. I see their loss and feel their loss regularly. Having attended the funerals of those four brave and courageous women, I know that their place at the Christmas table will be sorely missed. All four of my friends work hard at filling their lives with activities, but they clearly miss the joy of sharing their thoughts and experiences with their loved one.. Two of them find happiness in singing, one devotes hours to walking his dog. The fourth is chair of a community library in England which he set up with his wife, our wonderful friend. He now raises funds for Macmillan and other cancer charities and never seems to be without a project. This is all well and good but he tells me that Sue is not there at the end of the day to talk about the important things and the funny incidental things that always happen along the way.
Two years ago she was full of life and vigour. Last Christmas there was a diagnosis out of the blue. A hug and a whisper in the ear ' take care of him' told me that she knew the end was close. This Christmas there will be sadness but also cherished memories. Spare a thought for those who put on a brave face and if you can, give them some of your precious time.
National Helpline 0800 240 200 email: helpline@cancersupportfrance.org. You can find more details about
CSF Vienne & Deux-Sèvres by visiting: vienne.cancersupportfrance.org
My husband and I came to France almost 20 years ago and by chance discovered that our local town Lezay had its own town band which has been in existence for over 150 years. At that time, there were at least 50 members which sadly, has now diminished to about 25 due to children moving on, musicians retiring and peoples’ interests changing. We are forever grateful to the people of this band who welcomed us so warmly into their fold, tolerating our less than perfect french, the odd clarinet
Our furry friends
Leslie Macdougall
squeak and strange customs which differed from theirs
The band is now a compact group with most instruments represented but not all the parts. The conductor is Claude Benoist, a musician with a rich career starting in 1975 teaching trumpet privately , playing in many different musical groups, and and then becoming a music/trumpet teacher at Melle, Saint Jean d’Angely and the Cognac Conservatoire. He has been conducting and composing for over thirty years and inspires us all. Fortunately, he has a great sense of humour and our Friday evenings are very entertaining. Band practice starts at 8:30 on a Friday night in Lezay and finishes at 10:30 with drinks and chat. We are looking for woodwind, brass and percussion players with at least three years experience. Our repertoire is varied and we perform two concerts per year plus a few outdoor events. Our next concert is December 8 at Lezay shared with another concert band from Aigrefeuille d’Aunis.
For more information, visit our Facebook page Orchestre d’Harmonie Lezay or email us at orchestreharmonielezay@gmail.com with your questions and a contact number and we can phone or email you back.
Shop and Café Open every Wednesday 11am - 4pm
Our last opening day for 2024 is Wednesday 11 December
Shop
Open 10am to 4pm, Thursdays & 1st Sunday of the Month
We reopen on Wednesday 22 January 2025
Oh my lord Francks fish and chips second Wednesday of the month from 12h00
The other way to cancel is through the ‘LOI CHATEL’. With this method, you have 20 days from receiving the renewal notice to send a registered letter to cancel the insurance policy. Be aware that some companies may actually delay sending the renewal notice until the last minute, sometimes even after the actual renewal date, hoping you’ll think it is too late to cancel! But, what counts is the date on the envelope (post office stamp), not the date on the letter itself, so always keep the envelope if you choose this method. This method does not apply to professional insurances, such as public liability or decennale insurance.
Which cars : Luxury cars which are cars valued between 50 000 euro and 300 000 euros and brands such as :
Not included BMW, Mercedes, Audi and other cars such as Renault, Peugeot, VW, etc even if they are luxury versions.
This only works if you have been with the insurance company for at least one year. For example, some companies may have a policy start date of 01/12/2023 but an anniversary date of 5th November. So, on 5th November 2024, when you receive your renewal notice, a full year won’t have passed, meaning you can’t cancel using “Loi Chatel”!
a specialist garage as opposed to the closest one if you breakdown or have an accident. And with no limit for tow costs.
providing the paperwork given to you by the Notaire on the day of the sale.
Premium advantages : Up to 65% discount on a normal premium for a luxury car. For example, a Porshe 911, year 1971 worth 100 000 euros would cost 620 euros per year to insure with no excess.
For the health top-up, it can be cancelled if you move abroad and stop being covered by the French system. In this case, the insurer can issue a letter confirming that you are no longer part of the French system, then the insurance will be cancelled. Otherwise, proof from the UK showing that you are covered under the UK system should be enough.
Breakdown cover advantages : your car will be taken to a specialist garage as opposed to the closest one if you breakdown or have an accident. And with no limit for tow costs.
«You are insured to use the car on race circuits as long as it is not for a competition.»
Use advantages : You are insured to use the car on race circuits as long as it is not for a competition. And we can put the car in “garage mode” when you decide not to use it for a long period (winter for instance) so that reduces the premium even more.
For professional insurance, you can cancel with proof from the RSI or MSA saying you have closed the business. Otherwise, you can only cancel with two months’ notice prior to the anniversary date.
Not included BMW, Mercedes, Audi and other cars such as Renault, Peugeot, VW, etc even if they are luxury versions.
If the car is more than 5 years old, Allianz does not accept diesel cars (I guess it is not luxurious enough!!) but do accept Audi, BMW and Mercedes as long as the value is above 150 000 euros and below 300 000 euros.
2. LOI HAMON and New Law for Health Top-up “loi infra annuelle”
Since January 2015, you can cancel your car and house insurance at any time if you have had the contract for at least one year.
«You are insured to use the car on race circuits as long as it is not for a competition.»
From 1st December 2020, this also applies to top-up health insurance.
Who : only drivers above 30 years old (and not novice drivers) and with no more than one claim in the past 3 years (claim with bodily injuries are not accepted either).
From 1st July 2023, this rule extends to caravan insurance, personal accident insurance (GAV), legal protection insurance, pet insurance, unpaid rent insurance, and special object insurance.
If the car is more than 5 years old, Allianz does not accept diesel cars (I guess it is not luxurious enough!!) but do accept Audi, BMW and Mercedes as long as the value is above 150 000 euros and below 300 000 euros.
This new law does not apply to professional insurance policies.
The driver must have a “normal car” insured to drive for everyday life.
a. How to Cancel Using Loi Hamon
Who : only drivers above 30 years old (and not novice drivers) and with no more than one claim in the past 3 years (claim with bodily injuries are not accepted either).
I. House insurance for owners, accident insurance (GAV in French), legal protection insurance, special object and pet insurance:
The driver must have a “normal car” insured to drive for everyday life.
Basically, when there is no need for insurance anymore and you can prove it, it can be cancelled.
Conclusion
Conditions : You must have a recent valuation or the invoice of the car dealer to prove the value of the car.
Use advantages : You are insured to use the car on race circuits as long as it is not for a competition. And we can put the car in “garage mode” when you decide not to use it for a long period (winter for instance) so that reduces the premium even more.
Hopefully, now you should all be willing to switch your insurances to ME and BH Assurances, especially when you know that we take care of all the cancellations for you. So, if you are happy with my quotes, I will do it all for you. Also, we have bilingual employees to handle claims, administration, accounting, and other assistance.
Collection cars or bikes : If you have a collector’s car (aged over 30 years old) which is either a diesel or valued less than 50K, then we use a special company with discounted premiums (a 2CV can be inured for less than 100 euros per year). You must have a “normal day to day car insured” and if the value is more than 50K you must have a formal valuation.
Conditions : You must have a recent valuation or the invoice of the car dealer to prove the value of the car.
So, there is no excuse like “waiting for the anniversary date” to get cheaper or better insurance! Contact me today.
Remember to check out our website www.bh-assurances.fr/en for all my previous articles (“practical information”) and register to receive our monthly newsletter.
Check out our website www.bhassurances.fr/en for all my articles and register to receive our monthly newsletter.
Collection cars or bikes : If you have a collector’s car (aged over 30 years old) which is either a diesel or valued less than 50K, then we use a special company with discounted premiums (a 2CV can be inured for less than 100 euros per year). You must have a “normal day to day car insured” and if the value is more than 50K you must have a formal valuation.
And don’t hesitate to contact me for any other information or quotes on subjects such as funeral cover, inheritance law, investments, car, house, professional and top-up health insurance, and more.
Check out our website www.bhassurances.fr/en for all my articles and register to receive our monthly newsletter.
Isabelle Want.
Isabelle Want.
money matters
by Helen Booth,
Life Cover – Mitigating Financial Risk for Your Family
Have you thought about what would happen to your family if you couldn’t provide for them anymore? Would they be financially secure or have to rely on the charity of others? Don’t leave that answer to others. Control the situation. Have stress-free peace of mind now and focus on spending time with your family.
Let’s face it: one of the biggest worries that keeps you awake at night is ensuring your family is financially secure. Life cover will contribute to solving that problem when you are no longer around.
What is Life Cover?
Life cover protects your family from financial worries. It provides them with financial security and helps pay debt, tuition, living, medical and final expenses. It is usually tax-free and paid immediately on death. It is an insurance product that pays a specified lump sum in the case of death, disability or critical illness. Premiums are usually higher for whole-of-life insurance.
Types of Life Cover
Life cover could be:
• Whole of life, meaning that it covers the client until death and pays out a specified lump sum and
• Term life cover is over a specific period, like for a mortgage or loan, or covers the working years of a person to replace lost income for a beneficiary or spouse.
Other kinds also include group life, accidental death or permanent disability.
Why buy Life Insurance?
• Manages risk – Insurance is one of the best ways to manage life risk and ensure the financial security of family and loved ones.
• Guaranteed protection – Whole life cover offers a guaranteed amount at death that beneficiaries can plan their financial affairs around.
• Income replacement – The lump sum payment can cover the loss of income for your family when you are no longer around.
• Mortgage and healthcare costs covered – Life insurance could cover your mortgage or medical and healthcare costs if you become disabled.
• Childcare – Will your spouse be able to look after your children when you pass on? What happens if both you and your spouse or partner die unexpectedly? Life cover can provide for the care of your children when you can’t anymore.
• Tuition – Knowing that your children’s education will be taken care of in the event of your demise will give you peace of mind.
• Preserve family business – The lump sum payout could provide a necessary boost to keep the family business afloat. The family business
might be the primary source of income supporting your family.
• Eliminate household debt – Debt and loans are a reality in today’s high-cost-of-living world. A life cover payout could reduce debt and relieve financial pressures for your family.
• Tax-free benefit – Life cover lump sums are generally paid without tax. This means the total insured amount will be made available to your beneficiaries.
The younger you are, the cheaper your life cover is. Don’t wait till you are older; you might have to reduce the life coverage because premiums are too high.
Your financial adviser can assist with finding the right life cover to protect your family and loved ones and leave them financially secure and stressfree.
Contact Helen Booth at deVere France for a free, no-obligation 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 adviser 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
Expert advice
I have heard that the UK budget on 30th October made some changes to pensions - what are these?
There were two main pension changes that could affect you and I will go into a little detail below.
Firstly, for QROPS (Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes), if you moved your pension away from the UK, then you have probably transferred it to a QROPS in Malta. The change took immediate effect, and is as follows (note that the change applies to future transfers only, not to existing schemes)
1. Unless you are resident in the same country as the QROPS is administered, a 25% Overseas Tax Charge (OTC) will be applicable on the full transfer value.
2. Therefore, unless you live in Malta, this 25% tax will apply.
3. The OTC exemption for EEA residents has been removed. If you are considering a pension transfer, this budget announcement doesn’t remove all planning opportunities. You can still speak with a qualified financial adviser like myself and we can explore other options.
Secondly, inheritance tax is to be levied on defined contribution (DC) pensions from 2027. Under the current
rules, assets held within a DC pension are outside the scope of inheritance tax.
Again, speaking to an international financial adviser means that we can look at planning opportunities and determine how to generate retirement income as tax efficiently as possible.
There are still many tax-efficient investments available here in France and combining these with financial planning on your worldwide assets can significantly reduce tax liabilities immediately, ongoing and also eventually also on death. Finally, I would like to wish Kathleen and Chris and all DeuxSèvres readers a Very Merry Christmas and Happy 2025!
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/ amanda-johnson 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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Asnières-en-Poitou
€136,250
Ref: 87970 - 2-bedroom house with outbuildings and separate piece of
Vernoux-en-Gâtine €256,800
Ref: A26740 - Renovated 4-bedroom farmhouse with outbuildings.
7% agency fees included paid by the buyer. Energy class: A Climate class: A
Ménigoute
€267,500
Ref: A29628 - 4-bedroom stone house with stunning river views.
7% agency fees included paid by the buyer. Energy class: C Climate class: C
Saint-Gelais
Agency fees to be paid by the seller. Energy class: D Climate class: C Character Property
€245,000
Ref: A29014 - 5-bedroom 208m² house on a 489m² plot of land.
Loubillé
Saint-Paul-en-Gâtine
8% agency fees included paid by the buyer. Energy class: D Climate class: A Peaceful Retreat
€169,560
Ref: A25024 - 4-bedroom house with large pool, garden and outbuildings.
Chef-Boutonne €119,900 Ref: A28475 - Superb 4-bedroom house with enchanting courtyard.
9% agency fees included paid by the buyer. Energy class: D Climate class: B
Our selection of properties for sale in the Deux-Sèvres welcomes you ! The
Ardin €477,000
Ref: A31639 - Character 4-bedroom watermill with mature gardens.
6% agency fees included paid by the buyer. Energy class: E Climate class: D Luxury Living
Ref: A27555 - Charming 3-bedroom house with garden, close to amenities.
Vernoux-en-Gâtine
€139,850 Ref: A24402 - Superb 3-bedroom renovated property with gardens.
9% agency fees included paid by the buyer. Energy class: E Climate class: B
We have helped 1000s of clients buy and sell property in France and have 8000+ properties listed on our website. If you are looking to sell, contact us for a free market appraisal.
Rustic Elegance
FAYMOREAU, VENDEE
€210,600 HAI
Ref: BVI74222 Traditional 3-bed stone house with large garden and barn near market town Fees: 8% paid by the buyer Net price: €195,000 Energy class: D Climate class: D
SECONDIGNY
€365,700
Ref: BVI72823 2 houses, 2 fishing lakes, set in over 2Ha, currently run as holiday rentals Fees: paid by the vendor Energy class: E Climate class: B
FAYE-L’ABBESSE
€424,000 HAI
Ref: BVI68127 Edge of village 5-bed house with 2 bed apartment and heated pool Fees: 6% paid by the buyer Net price: €400,000 Energy class: C Climate class: A
LES FORGES
€100,000
Ref: BVI76636 2-bed château apartment with communal pool, tennis court and 8Ha Fees: paid by the vendor Energy class: D Climate class: F
ARGENTONNAY
€59,950
Ref: BVI71178 Small 1-bed house to renovate on large plot on the edge of a small village Fees: Paid by the vendor Energy class: N/A
BOUSSAIS
€137,500
Ref: BVI76326 1-bed barn conversion plus a separate studio - an ideal income provider Fees: Paid by the vendor Energy class: D Climate class: B
LE BEUGNON
€485,000
Ref: BVI73309 5-bed, 6-bath barn conversion with pool, paddocks and woods in 3.6Ha Fees: Paid by the vendor Energy class: C Climate class: C
L’HERMENAULT, VENDEE
€214,000 HAI
Ref: BVI71649 Barn conversion project to continue (subject to necessary permissions) Fees: 7% paid by the buyer Net price: €200,000 Energy class: D Climate class: D
