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
and
welcome to the February 2025 issue of The DeuxSèvres Monthly!
2025 already - where did the time go? It feels like only yesterday we were welcoming 2020, and what a year that turned out to be! We hope you’re all keeping well amid the current wave of winter bugs going around. Stay warm and stay healthy!
The weather right now is certainly reminding us that it’s still very much winter. It was a frosty -7°C this morning, not the most fun start to the day. But the birds braving the cold in the garden are a comforting reminder that brighter days are not too far away
And, as much as we moan about the cold, we’ve probably all seen the shocking images of the devastating fires in Los Angeles recently. It’s a sobering reminder that, while our winters may be harsh, we’re fortunate to be on this side of the extreme weather spectrum - if you can call it luck when it comes to global warming.
You’ll notice our "What’s On" section is a little quieter this month. It seems like most people are still in hibernation after the festive season, and with the chill in the air, who can blame them? If you have any events planned for the coming months, please send them to us at info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr - we’d love to spread the word for you.
A big thank you, as always, goes to our fantastic writers who generously give their time and creativity to provide us with great articles each month. This issue is all about renewal and new beginnings. Whether it’s taking up a new hobby, going for a walk at sunrise, or giving “Dry January” a go, there’s a wonderful sense of positivity and determination as we settle into the new year.
We’re also excited to welcome Donna Holland as our new recipe writer. Donna’s relaxed and humorous style makes tackling new recipes feel fun and easy. Plus, we’ve included a helpful guide to seasonal produce and selecting sugar at the supermarket.
Finally, a big thank you to both our advertisers and regular contributors. Your support and contributions are what make this magazine possible. Enjoy reading, treat yourself or a loved one on Valentine’s Day, stay cosy, and we’ll see you again in March!
Kathleen
& Chris
tel: 07 86 99 16 17
email: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
or omissions. The opinions expressed by individual authors do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the publisher.
While we make every effort to ensure that businesses advertising with us are reputable and appropriately registered, you should verify that any company you are dealing with is a registered trading company in France and/or elsewhere and has the correct SIRET number and
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
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. Cerizay 79140 place des Halles
Tuesday a.m.
Bressuire 79300 place Dupin
Coulonges-sur-l'Autize 79160 Centre Ville
La Creche 79260 rue du Marché
Lezay 79120 place du Marché
Niort 79000 place des Halles
Thouars 79100 place Lavault
Vasles 79340 la place du 25 Août
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.
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
Saturday a.m. Airvault 79600 place Saint-Pierre
Bressuire 79300 place Dupin
Cerizay 79140 place des Halles
Champdeniers 79220 Centre Ville
Chef-Boutonne 79110 Centre Ville
Coulonges-sur-l'Autize 79160 place des Halles
Le Tallud 79200 place de l'Église
Lezay 79120 place du Marché
Mauleon 79700 place du château
Mauze sur le Mignon 79210 place de l'Eglise
Moncoutant 79320 Centre Ville
Niort 79000 place des Halles
Parthenay 79200 rue Jean-Jaurès
Saint Maixent-l'Ecole 79400 place du Marché
Sunday a.m.
Chatillon sur Thouet 79200 place du Parnasse
Coulon 79510 place de l'Eglise
La Creche 79260 rue du Marché
Niort 79000 place des Halles
Saint-Loup-Lamairé 79600 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
Tuesday a.m.
Doue-la-Fontaine 49700 place du Champ de Foire
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.
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
Saturday a.m. Cholet 49300 place du 8 Mai 1945
Fontenay-le-Comte 85200 place du Commerce
La Châtaigneraie 85120 place de la République
Pouzauges 85700 place de l’Hôtel de Ville
Ruffec 16700 Centre Ville
Surgéres 17700 rue Audry de Puyravault
Sunday a.m.
Aulnay 17470 Centre Ville
Latillé 86190 place Robert Gerbier
Valence-en-Poitou 86700 place du Marché
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS, RELIGIOUS AND FEAST DAYS
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
Noël Christmas Day
Thursday 25 December 2025
Jour de l'An
New Year's Day
Thursday 1 January 2026
Urgences Return to Parthenay Hospital
Urgences returned to Parthenay Hospital at the beginning of January, marking an important milestone after an eight-year absence. The reintroduction of unscheduled surgery hours has already brought much needed support to the local community.
From 9am to 5pm, patients can seek help for general medical problems and minor injuries, including if they need an X-ray. A general medical consultation is available between 5pm and 7pm.
The plan for the future is to reopen a 24/7 emergency service (SMUR) later
Join A Musical Community
this year. The recruitment of doctors, nurses and other staff is underway to make this a reality. The return of these services is an important boost for the region as it improves access to healthcare and strengthens Parthenay Hospital's role in supporting residents.
Registered nurses can apply via the CHNDS website or by email at directionsoins-secretariat@chnds.fr
Emergency doctors can apply by emailing affaires-medicales@chnds.fr.
For more information visit chnds.fr
ESCOVAL the English Speaking Church of the Valley of the Loire is looking for a musician to join their monthly services held at St. Paul’s Church, Arçay (86200). If you play the keyboard, this is your chance to share your talents by accompanying four traditional hymns during simple yet meaningful services of Morning Prayer or Holy Communion.
This friendly group, made up of mostly English-speakers from diverse backgrounds, values community and connection. Services are held at 11 am on the third Sunday of each month, followed by a Bring and Share lunch in the neighbouring Salle des Fêtes - an ideal opportunity to meet others and enjoy a relaxed, sociable environment.
A functional electronic keyboard is provided by the church. If you’re interested, email the Secretary, Carole Taylor: mumsikins@hotmail.comor call 02 47 97 74 86.
WANTED - A MUSICIAN
Get ready for the electrifying start of the Six Nations Rugby Championship 2025! Kicking off on Friday, 31st January, the opening clash will see France take on Wales at the Stade de France. This year’s tournament promises fierce competition as rugby powerhouses England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, and Italy go head-to-head. Fans should watch out for stars like Antoine Dupont, Ange Capuozzo, Marcus Smith, and Liam Williams. With France eager to reclaim the crown from defending champions Ireland, and fresh tactics on display, this season promises unforgettable mens rugby moments! Visit www.sixnationsrugby.com or more details of fixtures.
ESCOVAL, The English Speaking Church of the Valley of the Loire, which holds services at 11 am on the 3rd Sunday of each month, is seeking a musician who would be prepared to accompany four traditional hymns at our services, which are normally a simple service of Holy Communion or one of Morning Prayer. After most services, we hold a Bring and Share lunch in the neighbouring Salle des Fêtes. The Parish Church of St. Paul, Arçay, 86200, where we meet, very kindly allows us to use their basic but functional electronic keyboard.
We are a friendly group of mostly anglophone Christians from a wide range of denominational backgrounds. Our common ground is that we believe and trust in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Anyone volunteering for this position should contact our Secretary, Carole Taylor, by email: mumsikins@hotmail.com or by phone: 02 47 97 74 86.
EXPOSITION "L'ANGÉLIQUE, DE LA TERRE À L'ASSIETTE"
25 January - 9 March
Niort
Discover "l'Angélique, de la terre à l'assiette" (angelica, from the ground to the plate) at Port Boinot. Explore the angélique plant's heritage through educational displays, photos, and videos, celebrating 25 years of preservation by the Niort Marais Poitevin association. Free entry during tourist office hours. niortmaraispoitevin.com.
SUPER HÉROS UNIVERS L'EXPOSITION
1 & 2 February
Niort
Explore the Avengers Universe Expo, featuring life-sized superhero characters and legendary artefacts. Celebrate Stan Lee’s legacy at this unique event. An exciting experience for all fans. Tickets available at the Parc des Expositions on both days. super-heros-expo.fr
LE CHANDELEUR
2 February
Across France
Join the tradition of Le Chandeleur, also known as Candlemas. This French celebration all about making and eating crêpes, symbolising prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead. Flipping crêpes is believed to bring luck and joy to participants.
CO2, RANDO ORIENTATION
2 February
Vouvant
Take part in this traditional orienteering event by Les Echappés de Mélusine. Choose solo or team challenges with 2, 3, or 5-hour courses through the VouvantMervent forest. Suitable for all levels and ages.
vouvant-vendee.fr
LA MAUZÉENNE
2 February
Mauzé-Thouarsais
Explore hiking trails up to 16 km, cycling routes up to 100 km, and a guided activity for children. Enjoy refreshments and free coffee at the start. Registration begins at 08h00 Salle René Cassin. nafix.fr
RASSEMBLEMENT DE VÉHICULES ANCIENS
2 February
Bressuire
Join the monthly exhibition in the Place St Jacques showcasing vintage vehicles . See
pre-war cars, youngtimers, motorcycles, trucks, bicycles, and other exceptional models, presented by their proud owners. A must-visit for vintage vehicle enthusiasts. Organised by Tacot-Club Bressuirais, tacot-club.fr
CONCERT - À VOIX DE FEMMES
2 February
Cerizay
Experience an enchanting women's choir concert featuring Les Dames de Chœur, Chanteuses de Douche, and Chorale Sol. A culmination of two days of collaboration – 17h00 at La Griotte. Reservations through the Conservatoire. agglo2b.fr/culture/conservatoire-demusique
REOUVERTURE DE CRRL
4 February
Thouars
Discover a permanent exhibition about the Second World War and the French Resistance at Le Centre Régional « Résistance & Liberté ». Find out more about the remarkable stories behind the Resistance in the Deux-Sèvres. crrl.fr
WORLD CANCER DAY
4 February
This #worldcancerday, join the global fight against cancer. Participate in this initiative to raise awareness, share stories, and promote prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer. worldcancerday.org
THE CREDIBILITY OF JOURNALISTS
4 February
Fontenay-le-Comte (85200)
Join Professor Rémy Reiffel to explore public skepticism about the media. Examine accusations of bias, sensationalism, and lack of independence, and assess the validity of these critiques in this engaging discussion. Starts at 14h30. utl-85.fr
SPECTACLE SONO IO
4 February
Melle
Step into the world of Danny and Pepijn Ronaldo, a father-and-son duo who mix traditional familial circus charm with innovative modern acts. Enjoy clowning, acrobatics, and music in this heartfelt and humorous performance. At the Moulin du Roc starts 20h30, bus transport available. ville-melle.fr
REACTION BOOK CLUB
5 February, 3pm
Fenioux
The Reaction Book Club meet on the 1st Wednesday of the month at 3pm in the Café des Belles Fleurs, Fenioux. This month the book is ‘The Vegetarian’ by Han Kang. Everybody welcome. reactiontheatre.eu
THE MASTERS OF ROME: RAPHAEL, MICHELANGELO, AND LEONARDO
DA VINCI
6 February
Saint Jean de Thouars
Discover the fascinating artistic rivalry of Renaissance icons Raphael, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. Explore their creative achievements, moments of collaboration, and legendary clashes during Rome’s golden age of High Renaissance from 14h30 at the Maison du Temps Libre. uia-du-pays-thouarsais.fr
SECRETS ET MYSTÈRES DE L’ABBAYE
7 & 8 February
Charroux (86061)
Experience an enchanting video projection bringing the Abbey of Saint Sauveur de Charroux to life. Rare archive images highlight its secrets and mysteries, lighting up the town’s facades at nightfall. A captivating artistic creation awaits.
tourisme-vienne.com
CONCERT ENSEMBLE CAMPSIS
8 February
Cerizay
Join Ensemble Campsis at 18h00 at La Griotte, in partnership with the town of Cerizay. This exceptional flute quartet delivers a repertoire spanning Baroque to Contemporary. Florence Maquin's flute class opens the concert. Tickets £5, free for under-12s. facebook.com/cmagglo2b
FÊTE DE LA TRUFFE
8 & 9 February
Saumur (49400)
Celebrate truffles with Les Trufficulteurs des Pays de la Loire. Enjoy truffle products, local gastronomy, and regional wines. Don’t miss Saturday’s trufflethemed meal at the Château’s Orangery (booking required 49€ per person). Activities continue throughout Sunday. chateau-saumur.fr
LA NUIT AU MUSÉE - VISITE
NOCTURNE
10 February
Fontevraud-l'Abbaye. (49590)
Experience the Musée d’Art Moderne after dark from 18. Explore the artworks by torchlight and encounter characters from the collections in this unique evening tour. A truly exceptional night awaits art and culture enthusiasts. fontevraud.fr
AN OCEAN OF MOLECULES
11 February
Fontenay-le-Comte (85200)
Join Dr. Jean-Christophe Gueguen to uncover how marine organisms inspire groundbreaking medicines and sustainable food solutions. Discover the latest therapeutic advances from marine life and explore the immense potential of algae cultivation for the future. utl-85.fr
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SCIENCE
11 February
Worldwide
This UN-proclaimed day aims to encourage more women and girls to participate in science. It's a response to UNESCO statistics showing less than 30% of global researchers are women. un.org
MARCHÉ TRADITIONNEL
12 February
Moncoutant
Experience a traditional French market at Moncoutant every second Monday of the month from October to May in the la place de l'église. Enjoy local products and a friendly atmosphere. moncoutantsursevre.fr/marches
FISH & CHIPS AT THE FUNNY FARM
Saint-Germain-de-Longue-Chaume
12 February
Fish and Chips are making a return to The Funny Farm! By popular demand, Oh My Lord Franck's Fish & Chips are back on the menu starting from February. And they're bringing their tasty chip shop curry sauce along too! email: lordmaurin@yahoo.com
SOIRÉE JEUX DE SOCIÉTÉ (BOARD GAME NIGHT)
14 February
Coulonges-sur-l'Autize
Join an exciting board game night organized by Ludiquez-Vous. Whether you're a casual or seasoned player, come and visit us! We have games to suit all tastes. Feel free to bring your favourite games to share with others!
facebook.com/ludiquezvous79
SUPER HÉROS UNIVERS
L'EXPOSITION
15 & 16 February
Bressuire
Discover life-sized statues, licensed costumes, and exclusive artefacts at Super Héros Univers Expo. Marvel at rare pieces like Tony Stark’s first armour,
limited to just 50 worldwide. A must-see for superhero fans of all ages. Tickets available at the Bocapole on both days. super-heros-expo.fr
LEGOPARTH 4: EXPOSITION DE FIGURINES LEGO
15 & 16 February
Parthenay
Enjoy private Lego collections, meet Lego Masters contestants, and take part in an exciting raffle at Legoparth 4. This event promises fun for Lego enthusiasts of all ages. At the Palais des Congrès from 10h00
facebook.com/PlaymoParthPage
BAL FOLK EN FAVEUR DU TOGO
16 February
Salle des Fêtes, Coulon
Join us for a lively folk dance event organized by CAJCA, a partnership between Coulon and Anié in Togo. Enjoy the music by "Les VIR’ounoux dau bief" starting at 3pm. Your participation in this event helps provide school benches for children in the town of Anié in Togo. Come and support this meaningful cause!
www.facebook.com/CAJCA
ASSOCIATION VIOLET QUIZ NIGHT
19 February
L'Absie
Join Julie and Clive at Le Nouveau Bar de la Poste for a lively quiz night hosted by Mike Morris in aid of Association Violet, starting at 7pm! Teams of 4 max, €5 entry fee. Food available by order. Book via Julie at 06 02 36 43 28 or juliedingborough@outlook.com. facebook.com/AssociationViolet
SPECTACLE - GUS ILLUSIONNISTE
22 February
Bressuire
Be captivated by Gus’s spectacular new show! Featuring stunning illusions, interactive moments, and elevated humour, this performance will take you on an extraordinary adventure. Don’t miss out on this magical experience. Book your tickets now. bocapole.fr
TRAIL DU VAL D'EGRAY
22 - 23 February
Champdeniers
Experience the Trail du Val d'Egray, offering breathtaking nature trails. Participate in traditional 11.5km and 25km races or explore new formats like the nocturnal 18km and the "Short Challenge" an 18km night run on Saturday and an 11.5km on Sunday. la-legrays-club.fr
DIMANCHES GRATUITS À FONTEVRAUD
23 February
Fontevraud-l'Abbaye (49590) Enjoy a unique, free day at Fontevraud.
Explore the royal cemetery, the central prison remains, and uncover truths and myths at the Musée d’Art Moderne through the "Fontevrai ou faux" guided tour. fontevraud.fr
LES MARDIS D'ALINE
25 February
Niort
Celebrate the 26th season of Aline et cie – the improvisation theatre in Niort! Attend the "Mardis d'Aline" from October to May. Each evening has a unique theme, the first one being a special celebration. Suitable for ages 10+. alineetcompagnie.com
REACTION POEM & PINTS GROUP
26 February
Fenioux
An afternoon of poetry readings and drinks with Reaction Theatre members and friends. The Reaction Poem & Pints group meets at 3pm in Café des Belles Fleurs, Fenioux. We gather to share our favourite poems – this month’s theme is Living in a Foreign Country. Everybody welcome reactiontheatre.eu
MARDI GRAS
4 March
Across France
Mardi Gras, known as "Pancake Day" in the UK, is celebrated before Lent. It involves indulging in rich foods like pancakes, waffles, and beignets to use up household fats. This tradition dates back to medieval Europe, marking a festive prelude to fasting.
EXPOSITION: S'ÉVADER. L'ART EN DÉTENTION
Until 8 March
Niort
Explore art made in detention between the 19th and mid-20th century, including graffiti, poems, paintings, and sculptures. This compelling exhibition blends history and creativity, offering unique insights into penal artistry. Entry is free. regardsnoirs.niort.fr
Regular venues including:
• Argentonnay 79150
• Funny Farm Cat Rescue 79200
• Thouars 79100
• Noirlieu 79300
Other venues to be announced soon! 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
In partnership with:
In Sickness and in Health LIFE IN 79
It was at her parents' diamond wedding anniversary in Scotland that Anna, my wife, contracted the horrible illness. I was all for a quarantine period on her return, but she said she wasn't prepared to live in the barn for two weeks...selfish. It started in the chest giving her a hacking cough, then went on a tour of Anna's body spending some time up her nose...causing it to run constantly, her limbs...making them ache, then back to her chest en route to her sinuses and jaw where her teeth kept throbbing, and her eye sockets pulsated. It wasn't Covid as she did three tests (albeit out of date)...all negative. A 24-hour bug this was not, it lasted the best part of four weeks, and she still isn't completely her normal, bubbly self.
I was like the lady of the lamp popping Strepsils out of their foil pockets, filling hot water bottles, mopping her sweaty brow and trying to keep her buoyant with comforting words and singing to her in her darkest hours. I suggested we call a priest at one point which didn't go down well. I would refill her bedside glass of water in the wee small hours, even though it meant a trip downstairs. The only thing that seemed to dull her pain was drinking red wine! A few glasses of the red stuff and her mood lifted.
Often in the morning she would seem better, and we thought the worst was over, but she would go progressively downhill throughout the day into evening, hitting the lowest depths at night-time; when I would lie next to her listening to her wheezing, coughing and what I can only describe as a death rattle. I had a small mirror to hold up to her mouth when things got really bad and a couple of euros to pay the ferryman, if needed. Sometimes, it would get so bad I would wake her up and ask if she wouldn't mind going to the spare room.
Now I'm not saying my wife is a hypochondriac (because she was genuinely sick and I did start thinking about what I would do if she didn't pull through; move back to the UK, remarry, maybe get a dog?), but she does love to tell me about her aches and pains every morning, just after recollecting any dreams she's had. There is an element of cry wolf sometimes.
I amazingly did not contract this Scottish lurgy. Every day I was expecting a tickle in the back of the throat, or bead of moisture at the end of my nose. But no, nothing, I dodged that bullet.
We spent a wonderful week in the UK over Christmas, eating and drinking to excess, I didn't consume a vegetable in over ten days. I drank copious amounts of my dad's red wine but still felt remarkably okay. Social gatherings had been organised where friends and family would shout into each other’s faces to be heard above the hubbub. Everyone would say they were just recovering from some illness, 'there's been a lot of it about!'. Still, I felt remarkably ok.
The UK shops were a seething pit of humanity just before and after Christmas day. People would be coughing their way around the supermarket, spluttering on all the produce, jostling to get their hands on turkey, mince pies and Brussels sprouts, while we got some funny looks buying half a ton of tea bags, pots of marmite and a haggis. The sales were a frenzy of
Stephen Shaw
activity, people shuffling round the shops like a huddle of penguins, grabbing anything on a hanger, with a reduced price tag. Still after all this human contact, I felt fine.
It wasn't until the night before we were due to drive back through France leaving at 6am...I felt a tightening of my vocal chords. Hello hello! Over the course of the evening my vital signs plummeted, and I became a shadow of my normal jovial self. A good night's sleep was out of the question with Anna snoring extremely loudly...and having shaken her several times, to no effect, I decamped to my dad's sofa with whom we were staying. I didn't sleep at all, worrying about the eight-hour drive ahead of me, the snoring coming through the floorboards and the World Service emanating from my dad's bedroom (he listens to it throughout the night). So, although I didn't sleep a wink I was extremely well versed on the headlines, weather report and shipping forecast of the day.
Driving round the M25, M20 and through France was not a pleasurable experience; suffering from sleep deprivation, a constant runny nose and every time I swallowed, it felt like someone was sticking a rusty fork into my soft palette.
My fever lasted several days, and Anna's pill cabinet really came into its own. Ibuprofen, paracetamol, aspirin, disprin, I was prepared to take anything to feel better...I even considered her HRT.
Thankfully, now, both on the road to recovery, I have the strength in my arm to raise a glass to you, dear reader, and wish you all the very best of health and happiness for 2025!
If you would like to read more ramblings from Mr Shaw, go to www.lifein79.blogspot.com
Written by David Murphy - Clinical Hypnotherapist and
Renewing Passions: Rediscovering and Pursuing Old and New Hobbies
The New Year often arrives with a sense of possibility, and the dark and cold couple of months January and February give us a time to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’d like to go. Rather than resolutions like “exercise more” or “eat healthier”, I’d like to offer you a different approach –instead of focusing solely on goals, consider reigniting old passions or exploring new hobbies. It’s not about self-improvement in the traditional sense but rediscovering the simple joy of doing something just for you.
Hobbies have a unique way of enriching our lives. They’re not tied to productivity or achievement; they’re about creativity, exploration, and pleasure. Maybe it’s time to ask yourself: what sparks your curiosity?
What activities used to bring you joy? What have you always wanted to try?
Take a moment to look back. Perhaps you once loved to paint but haven’t picked
up a brush in years. Or maybe you were an avid birdwatcher, knitter, or chess player. These hobbies might seem like distant memories, but they’re still a part of you. Revisiting them could feel like reconnecting with an old friend. On the other hand, the New Year is also a fantastic opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and try something entirely new. Always wanted to play the piano? Learn photography? Try yoga or start baking intricate French pâtisseries?
There’s no rule that says you have to be good at something to enjoy it. In fact, the joy often comes from simply starting, experimenting, and seeing where it takes you.
I have a friend who, when he was a kid, loved model trains, but had long since ‘outgrown’ them. He’d always kept hold of them, but they just took up a small corner of the attic for no other reason than he didn’t like the thought of parting with that happy memory of his childhood. Then, after a casual conversation one day, he felt encouraged to dig out his old set.
Today, he spends hours designing miniature landscapes and expanding his set-up. He’s even joined a local club where he’s made new friends who share his passion. What began as a nostalgic experiment has turned into a vibrant part of his life.
Hobbies don’t just bring joy; they offer surprising benefits. They can help reduce stress, sharpen your mind, and keep you socially connected.
Joining a group or club related to your hobby can introduce you to people who share your interests, creating opportunities for new friendships. Even solo hobbies, like journalling or gardening, can provide a sense of purpose and calm in your day-to-day life.
So, this year, consider letting go of the pressure to make traditional resolutions. Instead, make a resolution to explore. Approach hobbies with a spirit of curiosity, not obligation. After all, this isn’t about “sticking to something” or “being productive.” It’s about giving yourself permission v to play, learn, and grow in unexpected ways.
Resolutions and the True Meaning of Will
I am writing from Auroville, an experimental township in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu where I’ll be staying until mid-February. Auroville was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, also known as simply ‘The Mother’, a great soul and spiritual guide, whose kind face gazes down from the walls of almost every shop and restaurant. On New Year’s Day, over a morning coffee at my favourite café, I picked up a copy of her Psychology of Integral Yoga and opened to the following passage. It spoke so pertinently to the struggles that we all have in keeping our resolutions, New Year ones or otherwise, that I thought I would share it with you.
How can we make a resolution very firm? Is it simply by intellectually wanting it to be very firm? If you look sincerely into the matter, you will discover that beneath the idea that you have decided something, there is something which is not decided at all! This indecision is just there, waiting for a second of hesitation in order to rush forward and make you do the thing that you decided not to do.
But the truth is, if you really deeply want to do something then nothing in the world can prevent you from doing it. When we lose our resolve, it is because we don’t actually know how to will it into reality. It is because we are divided in our will. If you remain undivided, I say that nothing and nobody in the world can make you change your will.
You may say, “Well, it would be good if things were like that, it would be better if it were like that, and it would be preferable if it were like that”. But just thinking that things would be good, better or preferable is not the same as to will it. There is always at the back, hidden somewhere in a corner of the mind, something which is looking on and saying, “Oh, well, why should I even want that? How do I know that is even desirable? Maybe I should want the opposite.”
It only takes a tiny bit of wavering. That is enough. And poof! All resolve is gone. We don’t even have to take responsibility for it because we can always put the blame of something else, something outside ourselves. It is the fault of all number of circumstances. It is not ours to will, we say. But the truth is that if one wills something, and concentrates one’s energy in that will, then there is nothing in the world that can prevent us from doing it.
To learn how to will is a very important thing. We cannot become a true being without developing our will. We must stop being pulled by opposing forces. We must use the will to become more than just a mass of different influences, movements, forces, actions, reactions. Because you see, to become a true being we must be unified in ourself.
I wish you all the grace to find your true being in 2025.
To learn more and for information on private yoga sessions and breath coaching, contact me at: lavieenyoga@gmail.com
Respect yourself, explore yourself.
Rebecca
Rebecca Novick
Mirra Alfassa, ‘The Mother’
Auroville
Book Club
Romance is the Word
February is the month we think of romance, especially around Valentine’s Day on 14 February.
Valentine himself is a mystery. Two Saint Valentines are listed in the Roman Martyrology for 14th February; one was a Roman priest killed in Rome in the 3rd century; the other was the Bishop of Terni, killed during the reign of Emperor Claudius Gothicus (AD 268 to 270). As ancient sources can be confusing, sometimes contradictory, the two Valentines may well be the same person!
Geoffrey Chaucer seems to have been the first to mention St Valentine. Known for his puckish imagination, he probably picked a saint out of the calendar at random and thus created the image of lovebirds. "For this was on St. Valentine's Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate."
So how does this impact our writing?
Romantic fiction is one of the biggest selling genres, particularly in the US. BookScan specialist market research group’s data showed that unit sales of romance novels grew 41% in 2021 and even more in 2022.
In the UK, an estimated 14.3m romance novels were sold between January and August 2022 across print and digital and there has been a steady year-on-year rise ever since. Love and emotion are the nub of life and play a vital part in our stories. Even if you’re not writing a romance as such, adding a relationship gives your story spark, emotional punch and personal tension. But it doesn’t have to go to full realisation with graphic description; hints and allusion can be equally powerful, sometimes more so.
Saying that, the distinction between more explicit romance, often described as ‘steamy’ and erotica is blurring. At the other end of the spectrum lies ‘sweet romance’ where no body parts are mentioned beyond lips on which a chaste kiss is planted at the end of the story.
Romance is not just about pink gauze, heart throbs and dishy dukes. These days, it crosses every genre – thrillers, crime, paranormal, historical, science fiction and literary, just to name a few. As for whether it is low, middle or highbrow, few would dismiss Pride & Prejudice as ‘just a romance’, and yet it is.
The marker for romantic fiction of any sort is that it places the emotional relationship at the centre of the story and ends with ‘Happy Ever After’ or at least ‘Happy for Now’ or even ‘Hopeful’. In romantic fiction, the relationship is core from the beginning (whether either or both characters know it or not) and their mutual attraction should drive the plot. Parachuting a random romantic element halfway through a novel to add conflict and/or spice can look contrived. As the characters meet obstacles and tension ramps up, there will be moments when they become closer through their common purpose. Sometimes romance can introduce a plot twist. A character may betray the protagonist and cause them a double grief. Or he/she might provide the strong faith in the protagonist that keeps them going when all seems lost. As with other types of character – best friend, business rival, boss or junior –the romantic interest may play a pivotal part in the story, or even as catalyst to the resolution of the story. St Valentine today inspires romance with all its hesitation, uncertainty and tenderness. He is, after all, symbolic of engaged couples, happy marriages and love. But why not introduce his other aspects – helping to recover from fainting, epilepsy and plague, strangely, promoting beekeeping – into your story to add layers; fainting and epilepsy for health concerns, beekeeping for environmentalism and plague for a doctor or nurse helping to save the world and finding unexpected love?
Happy writing!
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 the late 4th century, is out now.
Alison Morton
Book Club
This month’s book reviews
The Little Provence Book Shop
by Gillian Harvey review by Jacqueline Brown
The Little Provence Book Shop is yet another novel from Gillian Harvey that will take you away from the everyday and immerse you somewhere quite special.
Adeline was running away, needing a change of scenery to clear her head and calm the emotions she was feeling having lost her mum and discovered a family secret. Finding herself working in a book shop, with a difference, a world away from the London life she’d left behind, was a risky move. With her daughter Lili settling into the local school, a patisserie and café on her doorstep, the sense of community in the French village of St Vianne soon began to help ease her mind.
Mysterious, mystical Monique, owner of the most wonderful book shop, was just my sort of person, who often put a huge grin on my face as I read. Slightly eccentric, caring, and when necessary, using a bit of her own ‘magic’ to make people feel better. She fired up my spiritual side and had me delving more into the power of crystals.
An integral part of this book is family, in all it’s wonderful and complicated forms. One of the most beautiful parts of the story for me was the relationship between Adeline and Lili. Written from the heart of a mother, it stirred lots of memories for me, from my childhood and from when Ed was little, finding his feet in a small French nursery school. It is a calm, peaceful read, despite the emotional journey for Adeline, where warmth, love and feelings of belonging swept over me, and I’m sure I’m not going to be the only one who wishes they could visit Adeline and Monique at this unusual book shop.
The Resistance Bakery
by Siobhan Curham
review by Jacqueline Brown
The Resistance Bakery is another moving, historical fiction from Siobhan Curham that made me think about the dark days of the Occupation in a different light. Having read several books set during this time, this is the first fiction book I’ve encountered to acknowledge the horrific economic situation the Germans had to endure in the inter-war years, something that undoubtably had a huge part to play in the second world war.
We know from the prologue what Coralie does as she bakes her last patisseries for the Germans occupying the prestigious Lutetia Hotel in Paris. The dual timeline then guides us tantalizingly slowly, through what led her to make such a risky move, as she looks back on her war story with granddaughter Raven, a troubled teenager in 1980’s America. This happens forty years after she fled the hotel kitchen and is the first time she has revealed the horrors she witnessed during the Occupation.
Coralie and Raven were both free-thinking, outspoken women who were braver than they imagined, and I enjoyed watching the relationship between them develop. As they learned about each other, they were able to break down some of the barriers they had both been hiding behind and ultimately help each other navigate the future.
Food played an important role in this novel and I loved the idea of Coralie folding emotions and feelings into her baking, and how food connected so many of the characters, despite differences of generation or nationality.
I think my favourite character had to be Madame Monteux, Coralie’s benefactor in Paris. She was colourful, positive and almost always full of optimism despite the desperate situation they found themselves living in. The vivid image of her Madame Butterfly Metro performance will stay with me for a long time.
This isn’t just another novel set during the Occupation, Siobhan has once again come up with something refreshingly different, emotional and thought-provoking. There were some things I thought might happen as I was reading, but there were also surprises and twists, that turned out to be the icing on the cake.
La Vie en France Happy New Year
Bonne année et bonne santé to you all, may 2025 be a calm and kind one to us all.
At the end of last year, I was lucky enough to attend a department led seminar for gîtes and tourist sites looking to get the Accueil Vélo accreditation. This mark shows an accommodation provider, restaurant or tourist site is invested in ensuring the cyclist is welcome and feels secure in leaving their bicycles and luggage during their visit, and is something I am keen for the Château de Javarzay to obtain. It was held in SaintPardoux-Soutiers, at a dedicated aire for cyclists situated along the Vélo Francette cycle route. Even though we do a lot of cycling, I had no idea that all over France, there is a network of these services springing up to encourage cycle tourism.
I learned lots of interesting facts that afternoon, including that the DeuxSèvres has over five-hundred kilometres of marked cycle routes and that according to France Vélo Tourism, twenty-two million French people cycle during their holidays. With cyclo-tourists spending on average thirteen euros per day more than other holiday makers, encouraging them to stay in your area
is a lucrative plan for the local economy. Cycle routes themselves are no good without the infrastructure behind them, and the goal is for France to have twenty thousand Accueil Vélo labels by 2030 and for France to become the top European cycling destination (it currently sits in second place to Germany).
The aire at Saint-Pardoux-Soutiers has everything a cyclist or walker would need for an overnight stay, including showers and toilets, recharge points for e-bikes and telephones, a sheltered spot for bikes, tools for any repairs and a cleaning station, plus picnic tables, an electric plancha and space to pitch a tent. There is also free wifi. It was eye-opening and has led us to research other similar sites with a view to packing our paniers and trying them out.
We lost our old dog Mini just before Christmas, and at almost seventeen years old with health issues, it wasn’t unexpected, but she has left a big hole as we find ourselves animal free for the first time in over twenty-six years. Christmas might have been quiet without her, but celebrating at Ed’s meant Nova the kitten was on hand to entertain us and she really was into everything. We then saw in the New Year with family in the UK, where Adrian’s brother’s Jack Russell, Suzi, was the perfect therapy dog providing comforting snuggles, demanding tummy tickles and giving us ample opportunity for refreshing dog walks.
We have no plans to replace Mini, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have plans for 2025. Some might call it a middleaged crisis, but we disagree, surely buying well-researched camping equipment, carefully selected for its minimum weight and ease of packing on the bikes has nothing to do with grabbing the last vestiges of our youth before they disappear forever. I blame the Accueil Vélo meeting for putting ideas into my head.
Jacqueline Brown
Sophie Hargreaves
The love of February
February is a mixed month at our farm. Whilst it’s still very much the down season, it’s a time for a lot of planning for the warmer months, there are a lot of enquiries for spring bookings rushing in, and also there are school holidays too so we have a rush of little visitors with big smiley faces too. We’re still at a time where the alpacas need additional care for the winter such as pedicures (whilst that sounds fancy it’s a nice way of saying toe nail trims and checking foot health in the damp season), vitamin D supplements and gut health checks too in collaboration with the laboratories. We’ll split the animals’ time between the fields, gardens and barn, to give them some time in the dry, and will be giving them a little more hay. I always worry that we’ll run out of grass towards the end of winter, but then spring is so near and we never do! So, if you happen to drive through Sanzay and turn your head towards the farm, even though the real view is the beautiful Chateau de Sanzay in the opposite direction, you may well see our friendly and curious herd grazing in our front garden. This helps us with the grass trimming and makes me feel happy every time I look out the window too. It may be starting to get a little bit warm by the end of the month even, and every year we seem to get “fool's spring” and we usually will head out for a dog walk with our flask (tea not whiskey this time) and a picnic for our first of the year, basking in the sunshine on our faces whilst still wearing big puffy coats and probably even our alpaca wool hats too. When I think of February I can’t help but think of valentines, usually because we have customers at the farm for romantic getaways, “couple” alpaca walks and private sessions meeting the alpacas. I really love seeing love around, so it’s a favourite time for me. We usually celebrate valentines together; I find people either love it or hate it. For us, it’s usually a night in with a bottle of something nice and a new film on the tv, as we still are semi-hibernating when we can in the winter evenings, a pleasure I do not at all feel guilty about. We’re in the final stretch for wool growing, we only have about 2 months left, so the alpacas are super fluffy right now and also super warm! If I get the chance I normally delve my hand into the fleece, around the shoulder of anyone that will have me, which is normally the very calm and affectionate, Clove, or the alpaca who’s wise beyond her years, Rohini. If you like fluffy alpacas, now is the time to visit the farm, before April haircuts.
We usually have a stage student too during this time coming to learn about how our little farm works and to help us with the daily and weekly chores. However, and a little sadly, I declined to take on any stage students this February as we’ve just been a little too busy juggling the day-to-day work along with a toddler (yes, Emilie is almost a year and a half old!) that adding a student to the mix just seemed too much and I do not like doing things by halves. Knowing how important work experience is to these students, usually they are agricultural students or wanting a future working with animals, I didn’t
want to short-change them because of our other commitments. There’s always next year, and the year after that too. We’ll be having one last go at winter garden chores, and most likely I’ll be thumbing through the magazine to see what I’m supposed to be doing too, and hopefully we’ll be finishing up final additions to our 2025 glamping set up, which I hope to give you an update on next month. Wishing you warmth and joy during this last stretch of winter and hope to see you all soon at the farm.
For more information, visit: www.lapetitefermedalpagas.com or email: hello@lapetitefermedalpagas.com
1 February 1884, the first part of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), a comprehensive guide to English language, is published. Developed in 1857 to cover all vocabulary from the Anglo-Saxon period onwards, it takes over 40 years to complete. Today, the OED is known globally for its detailed histories and definitions for more than a million words.
3rd February 1953, Jacques Cousteau's memoir "The Silent World" is published. The French oceanographer and naval officer introduced the Aqua-Lung, revolutionising underwater exploration. His work on shipwrecks and marine life, alongside his environmental advocacy, influenced global understanding of oceanic ecosystems.
10 February 1972, David Bowie's iconic persona, Ziggy Stardust, makes a debut at London's Toby Jug pub, forever altering the course of music history.. It was this daring act that propelled Bowie on a journey towards becoming a global superstar.
13 February 1945, allied firebombing devastates Dresden, a medieval German city renowned for its rich artistic and architectural treasures and cultural heritage, resulting in approximately 25,000 deaths. The attack was deemed necessary as part of broader efforts to disrupt Nazi operations during the Second World War.
26 February 1564, Christopher Marlowe, a future celebrated playwright and rumoured spy for Queen Elizabeth, is baptised in Canterbury. Although once suggested as the true William Shakespeare, this theory is now widely dismissed.
28 February 1953, Cambridge University scientists James D. Watson and Francis H.C. Crick first determined the double-helix structure of DNA, a key milestone in understanding genetic inheritance. This significant discovery is formally announced in the 25th April 1953 issue of Nature magazine.
bringing the outside in...... bringing the outside in......
Creating memories
Not all creativity requires skill. Some simply involves observation and being present in the moment.
In these modern times it's easy to believe that we need all sorts of fancy equipment to create valuable mementoes. Whilst physical prompts may help us remember events, there’s a lot to be said for just using our brains. Memories are something we carry within our minds, and we can call on them at any time. They take up no space, yet they can bring us great pleasure.
Every morning, unless the weather is absolutely disgusting, (and sometimes even then!) I like to wake and walk. I have a quick glass of water and then wrap up appropriately and go outside. As they say ‘there is no bad weather, only bad clothes’. I try to time it with sunrise, which
should be easier in winter as it's later, but my body does resist the cold and dark a little.
As soon as I step outside I feel better. It's usually quiet before sunrise, being darker, all your senses are on alert. I hear things that I don’t notice at other times of day, individual birdsongs stand out more clearly, a far off donkey, cockerel or geese shouting good morning, a distant tractor rumbling along, dew dripping, hidden movement in the hedgerows...I see things differently, my sense of smell seems better, I appreciate warm clothing more, the air tastes fresh.
What do I notice that's different from the day before? Do I remember what birdsong that is? Were there so many buds in the hedgerow yesterday?
In addition to being more aware of what's going on around me, it's an ideal opportunity to plan my day ahead calmly. When I return home, I feel peaceful, connected, at ease. I can face the day with clarity.
Every day offers a different experience. The weather will dictate the sunrise, and each offers its own unique beauty,
be it vibrant and full of light, or misty and impossible to even work out where the sun is!
I usually do the same walk each morning and it will always offer something different.
Waking and walking with the sun daily is great for balancing our circadian rhythms and helping us feel ‘normal’ again. Simple healthy lifestyle and exercise like walking helps us keep all our hormones in balance, which in turn helps our overall wellbeing and cognitive function. The more gentle early morning light is an ideal way to get sun exposure necessary for our bodies to synthesise vitamin D, which as well as being important for overall wellbeing, also plays a role in enhancing cognition…which includes holding on to memories.
So don't forget to set your alarm for a sunrise walk tomorrow! Sophie Stokes
Taking Better Photographs... TheSmallOutdoors
The great outdoors has always been heralded as a prime subject for photography. Whether your taste is for the black and white images of Ansel Adams or the colour shots of more modern photographers the sense of space and openness shines through.
One way to improve your own landscape photography is to search for great landscape photographers – just try something like bestlandscape photographers– and pick an image that appeals, one photo that grabs you. Look at more of the work of that photographer and see what inspires you.
And then there is the small outdoors. Not the vast scenes of rivers and lakes or swathes of mountains and deserts but closer and smaller. Whilst most photographs benefit from editing the key to these images is not technical, it is personal.
The first stage to the best pictures is stopping. If you haven’t the time to stop then walk, or take a bike or bus. Last choice is driving as your focus should be on the road.
The second stage is looking, slowly. You will be surprised at what you may see. And looking means not just
forward and side to side, but up and down as well. Take a look at your own photographs and if most are taken at eye level try getting lower or higher as well as changing the angle of your gaze.
The close up of the wooden door was chosen initially because of the quality
of the wood – probably made into a plank a century or more ago – but now home to a couple of shield bugs (also known as stink bugs).
That image stretches or squeezes the concept of the small outdoors and some might say strictly it is a close up and not an outdoor shot, but I prefer to
wear my genres loose. If it could be allowed to fit then that is fine by me. The shot of the collapsed bread oven was not one I discovered when out looking. This is four metres wide and over five deep and the dome that was the oven would have been almost three metres high. Whether that counts as ‘small’ I leave to your discretion.
I know this bread oven as it is just outside the house where I live, and that was a working water mill until sixty years ago. As a commercial bread oven it would have been a prime source of cooking for the village. Once the bread had been done the cooling oven would have cooked many a casserole or other dish.
I did look at this many mornings and finally saw the gentle late afternoon light I wanted. This shot is taken with a full size modern camera but could easily have been taken with a mobile phone. The phone is the camera we always have with us and shots like these can be taken with very little photographic planning. You can do a great deal more with modern mobile phones but this picture is almost entirely in a single plane so it is simple to get great results.
The other two shots were completely unplanned. One of them is seaweed slowly dying where a strong tide has thrown it high above the normal reach of the water. It works for me because it has caught the light and there is a sense it has captured and held that light within itself. This sort of almost abstract image depends so much upon the light. On a different day this might have looked dull and uninviting instead of light and vibrant.
The butterfly on gravel shows what can be found only if you are looking and have a camera fairly ready. This creature may have stayed for minutes or disappeared in seconds. Once spotted I had to be careful of my movements, limiting them as much as I could. If it had seen me it could easily have flitted away.
It stayed just long enough for me to position it so it was looking to the left. We write from left to right and deep within us feel more comfortable with images where the subject is looking in the same direction. I suspect that
people who grew up with languages written from right to left feel the opposite.
I like that this butterfly is facing away from that axis. I think it adds a small tension and most viewers will not appreciate why it happens until it is explained.
If you would like to tell me what you think of my photographs and hear what other photographers think of yours please get in touch at stevemarshall128@gmail.com. We can all learn from each other.
Paddock Paradise,
Paddock Paradise,
a not-so-new way of keeping horses..So what is it and why?
a not-so-new of keeping what is it and why?
Firstly, a here’s little about how I became involved in horses. I was first plonked onto a pony at five years of age when the promise of a pony was realised for my sister, who was ten at the time. This promise was somewhat of an inducement to persuade my sister and I that moving to Ireland was an awesome idea. I was five; I really didn’t care either way because I had my pedal tractor. That was until I realised that a pony was so much faster than my little legs could propel me on my tractor. This was the start of my lifetime love for horses.
Throughout life, we continue learning, if we are so inclined. In 2018, I began to question my very traditional methods of looking after horses. Up to that point, stabling a horse in a 12 x 12 box for the night was entirely normal to me, along with so many other practices that now make me wince at the memory.
Here’s the why. Horses, given the choice, would live outside in a family structure with other horses. Horses are herd animals; they are social, active creatures that thrive in environments where they can move freely, graze, and interact with others of their kind.
And here is the what. A Paddock Paradise track system is designed to replicate as closely as possible the horse’s natural foraging behaviour. In the wild, horses travel over vast distances, up to 20 miles per day. Foraging, grazing, seeking shelter, or finding the best scratching trees, as well as visiting their favoured watering area. Their movement is not random. They follow well-defined tracks in their daily roaming for food and water.
This concept was first introduced by former farrier Jamie Jackson and it is revolutionising horse care worldwide. Jamie Jackson studied the wild horses of the Great Basin, USA, in the mid-80s. He has written a number of books about what he learnt from wild horses.
By mimicking the natural movements and behaviours of wild horses, this system promotes physical health, mental well-being, and a more natural way of living for domesticated equines. What we have learned from this type of horse keeping is that many of the medical
issues that horses suffer from in a traditional stabled set-up resolve themselves when a horse lives on a track system within a herd.
Weight management, joint health and hoof health improve significantly. In fact, many track liveries operate as rehab facilities for horses transitioning to barefoot. They develop stronger, more resilient muscles and tendons. Horses are less likely to get gastric ulcers and colic than their stabled counterparts, and the risk of laminitis reduces significantly. (I will come back to laminitis.)
Pet Plan, the horse insurance company, listed the top five insurance claims as: 1) Arthritis, 2) Gastric Ulcers, 3) Colic, 4) Ligament injuries, and 5) Laminitis. Laminitis is an inflammatory condition that manifests in a horse’s feet, causing severe pain and lameness. It can be so severe that there is no way of recovering from the damage inside the horse’s hooves. It has a number of causes, but one in particular worried me immensely. Obesity!
Equine obesity is a growing (no pun intended) welfare problem. The Blue Cross states that 50 to 70 per cent of horses in the UK are overweight. Obesity is a health problem in horses worldwide. One study stated that 72 per cent of adult ponies are overweight. Living on a track system has been proven to help horses maintain a healthy weight.
My well-built Irish horse Roxy sees a blade of grass and she gets fat. This is a horse that evolved to live in the wild Connemara landscape of the west of Ireland. Also, for reasons I don’t quite understand, I also own a Shetland pony
called Buzz. This diminutive creature evolved to thrive on inhospitable Scottish islands, with fierce winds, copious rain, and sparse, tough grazing. He also gets fat at the sight of grass. These two horses were at that time dangerously obese, in spite of all my efforts each year of restricting their grazing time, weighing their hay, soaking their hay to reduce its nutritional value, and finally muzzling poor Buzz. I knew I needed to do something different than I had always done before.
At Paddock Paradise Vienne, we currently have an 850-metre-long grassfree track system laid out in a way that encourages the horses to constantly move throughout the day from feed zones that are spread around the track in a multitude of locations furthest from the water supply. To add interest and enrichment for the horses, there is a vast selection of safe trees and hedges that they can browse in addition to their constant supply of meadow hay*. There is a self-select mineral bar located near the water supply. Horses love to make a soup of their mineral blocks. They have free access to a physical shelter to use at will, and we have routed the track to optimise the natural cover from the trees. We have created long sections of dead hedges for windbreaks which also provide a haven for bugs and insects. When constructing a track system, the surfaces should replicate what horses would encounter in the wild as closely as possible. By surfacing different sections with a variety of materials from large boulders (to encourage the horses to carefully pick their route) and fallen tree trunks to cross, to large obstacles forming chicanes and a tyre mountain that the horses can climb. A crushed
stone surface, sections with sand, pea shingle, wood chipping, and good old dirt, stimulate the horses’ hooves much in the same way as in the wild. Remember, horses in the wild don't have their hooves trimmed, nor do they wear shoes, and neither do any of my horses.
What we have built here at Paddock Paradise Vienne is an entirely horsecentred approach to providing the most natural environment for horses to enjoy their lives outside, in a herd. To remain fit, healthy, and without the stress they can experience when isolated in a stable. By giving these gentle creatures the lives they deserve, they perform better when asked to work.
I now have a new young horse who is growing and developing. He also benefits equally from living on a track. He has been on the track about five weeks, and in that short time he already looks less gangly than he did when he first arrived in October. Horses constantly moving as nature intended is paying off.
By building a track system on our property, we have eliminated the damage to our pasture, especially in the winter, when horses do the most damage to the ground. There is no longer any overgrazing, meaning the pasture can recover. This has meant that we now have a beautiful mixed meadow of many grasses, numerous wildflowers, and three species of orchids. Another unexpected benefit is the wildlife. We have hares, partridges, moorhens, and I regularly see kestrels and buzzards perched in the trees or hovering above.
A Paddock Paradise is more than a setup - it's a philosophy of horse care that prioritises their physical and emotional well-being. By embracing this lifestyle, owners can provide their horses with a life that respects their natural instincts while reaping the rewards of healthier, happier animals. Whether you're caring for a single horse or a herd, this innovative system offers a pathway to equine contentment.
* A note on hay
We only feed meadow hay because it has a much lower sugar content than grass. The sugar content in grass fluctuates through the day, causing dangerous spikes in sugar levels. By only feeding a mixed meadow hay, I have eliminated this worry.
What is a Concert Band?
A concert band is usually made up of instruments in the woodwind family (les bois), most commonly clarinets (les clarinettes), flutes (les flûtes traversières), oboes (les hautbois), saxophones (les saxos), plus the brass (les cuivres): trumpets (les trompettes), trombones (les trombones), tubas (les tubas), French horns (les cors), baritones (les barytons),
euphoniums (les euphoniums) and percussion.
According to Wikipedia, the origins of a concert band can be traced back to the French Revolution, when large bands would gather for patriotic festivals and celebrations, playing popular music that would immediately captivate the public’s attention.
If you are interested in following how my track evolves in 2025, including our extension and track surfacing project, you can find me on my Facebook page Paddock Paradise Vienne or on Instagram paddock_paradise_vienne
Leslie Macdougall
Here in the Deux-Sèvres, there still exist many community bands, although their popularity with the younger generation is falling. There are a number of music schools in this department where you can learn an instrument, and almost half of the students nowadays are adults.
Playing music with others can boost your well-being by helping you make new friends, enhancing your memory, alleviating physical pain, and lowering blood pressure, just to name a few.
In our local town of Lezay, in the south of the Deux-Sèvres, our Orchestre d’Harmonie is fairly typical in that we play for civic events, such as the 11th of November, but also perform three or four concerts per year with a varied programme of music. We often invite other orchestras from around NouvelleAquitaine. This opens up connections throughout the region and encourages a musical fraternity.
For more information, visit our Facebook page Orchestre d’Harmonie Lezay or email orchestreharmonielezay@gmail.com with your questions and a contact number and we’llphone or email you back.
Home is where the dog is…
Our dogless days are over!
When our elderly Labrador left us last April at the grand old age of 13, we decided to wait until we’d returned from our trips to the UK in the summer and Australia in the autumn before looking for another pooch.
So…how was it to be dogless after 40 years of having one, and sometimes two, dogs in the household? Well, to be honest, it depended upon where we were. I know that sounds strange, but think about it – at home you have a routine, and your dog becomes part of that routine, but when you’re away from home, everything’s different. You visit family and friends, travel on trains and boats and planes, and enjoy events that aren’t necessarily dog-friendly.
But on returning home from Australia in November, we found that the house felt strangely empty without the patter of (four!) tiny feet.
Decision made. A quick search of the internet and David had compiled a list of animal refuges in the area. Sadly, apparently more than 100,000 pets are abandoned in France every year, but thanks to various animal charities, many of these are rehoused.
We’ve adopted dogs from the SPA in the past, but this time we headed over to Association Galia in Fontenay le Comte. I can’t praise the volunteers at these refuges enough; they welcome dogs and cats of every age, size and race with enthusiasm. After speaking to the staff about our preferences, we were shown photos of a delightful little puppy being cared for at a foster home in la Loire Atlantique. So off we went to visit said foster family who at the time had 5 (yes, five) puppies at their house (plus several adopted dogs of their own!). Like so many
others, our chosen pup had had a difficult start in life, and was severely underweight, but several months of care by the family meant that she was ready to be adopted.
Keira, as we decided to call her (after Keira Knightley – skinny but pretty!) is now 9 months old, and thankfully has continued to put on weight (no, absolutely no treats whatsoever, just good, nutritious food!!). She’s slotted quickly into our busy lifestyle, loves her puppy training classes and is into everything!
So my message to you – if you think your life lacks a certain little something, why not head down to your local refuge centre. Whether to chat to them about adopting, offer to volunteer with the animals, or even just to donate a few towels, they’d love to see you!!
PS We’ll soon be introducing Keira to our bicycles (see September 2024 edition*) – wish us luck!!
*Find it at issuu.com/thedsm
If the time has come to sell your French property, we're here to help. Deciding to sell is a big step, and can often be an emotional experience. Seven out of ten people rate it as one of the most stressful experiences in life.
Finding an estate agency you can trust and that you feel comfortable working with is crucial to making the selling process run smoothly. This is why we work hard to provide a friendly, reliable and efficient service to all our clients. Our experienced property consultants will be your main point of contact. They live and work in your community, and understand the local market. They will be with you throughout the process, from the marketing of your property to achieving the sale and beyond.
We also have dedicated subteams to assist at every point of your property sale:
● The administration team works behind the scenes to ensure that your property has all the correct documentation for the sale.
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Karen Taylor
David Smethurst
Michelle Barlow
Donna Mitchell
Adrian Simmonds
The benefits of having a VPN
In today’s digital world, online privacy and security are more important than ever. One tool that can help protect your information and enhance your internet experience is a Virtual Private Network, or VPN. Here’s an easy-to-understand explanation of the many benefits of using a VPN
What is a VPN?
A VPN is a service that creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet. When you use a VPN, your online activities are routed through a private server, making it harder for others to see what you’re doing or access your data.
1. Protect your privacy
When you browse the internet, your activities can be tracked by websites, advertisers, or even your internet service provider (ISP). A VPN hides your real IP address, making it much harder for anyone to track your browsing habits or link them to you personally.
2. Secure your data
Public Wi-Fi networks, like those in coffee shops or airports, are convenient but often not secure. Hackers can easily intercept your data on these networks. A VPN encrypts your connection, making it nearly impossible for anyone to steal your information, such as passwords or credit card details.
3. Access content from anywhere
Some websites, videos, and streaming services are only available in certain countries. With a VPN, you can connect to servers in other locations, bypassing these restrictions. For example, you could watch your favourite TV shows while traveling abroad.
4. Avoid bandwidth throttling
Internet providers sometimes slow down your connection if you’re streaming or downloading a lot. A VPN can help you avoid this by hiding your activity from your ISP, ensuring smoother internet usage.
5. Save money
Believe it or not, prices for flights, hotels, and even subscriptions can vary depending on your location. By using a VPN, you might find better deals.
Is a VPN right for you?
A VPN is useful for anyone who values privacy, security, or freedom online. Whether you’re working remotely, streaming entertainment, or just browsing, a VPN can provide peace of mind and unlock a better internet experience.
ML Computers has secured a special New Year offer for the Deux-Sèvres Monthly Magazine readers with our preferred VPN Provider PureVPN.
Go to www.mlcomputers.fr/purevpn to benefit from an extra 20% discount using the coupon code MLC at the checkout.
Jason Khan
Ask Amanda
What can I do to ensure that my finances are in the best shape now we are entering a new year and I have some time on my hands?
Happy New Year, and that is a great question.
February is always a good time to look at your overall finances especially as we usually have more time on our hands before we get busy in the garden.
There are a number of things that I would start with and I have listed these below -
1. Check the paid apps you have on your smart phone and unsubscribe from any that you no longer use. You can then transfer this money into your savings account to be used towards holidays or next Christmas.
2. Go through your bank statements and make sure there aren’t any payments that you don’t recognise. If you spot any, speak to your bank for clarification.
3. Write to your pension company to check who your beneficiaries are and make sure these are up to date. Often this is forgotten and you want to make sure any spouses pensions are paid to your current spouse!
4. Have you maximised the amount you can hold in your tax efficient savings accounts here in France? You can have 22,950€ in your Livret A account and any interest is exempt from income tax and social charges
5. Wills - have you made one? Yes? Then check this still matches your wishes. No? Make an appointment to see your local Notaire and take time to prepare any questions you have and, if necessary, bring a translator with you so that you fully understand the implications.
6. Make an appointment with your financial adviser here in France to ensure you are utilising tax efficient investments and making effective use of all available planning options, in relation to income tax, capital gains tax and inheritance tax.
7. Check with your preferred supermarket to find out when your loyalty points expire. These can build up substantially over a 12 month period.
8. Speak to your electricity provider to see if you are on the most energy efficient tariff.
Ultimately, well-planned finances can provide peace of mind, not only short term but longer term and beyond!
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 » Tel:0673272543|Email:amandajohnson@spectrum-ifacom|wwwspectrum-ifacom
As I am currently undertaking my dry January - I think of all the wonderful benefits I am giving my health. As a professional in the wine industry, I think it important that I share my thoughts on alcohol and its potential side effects. In short, if you’re asking me to go dry from time to time, my response will unequivocally be yes! You might think it strange for someone in my career to advocate for dry spells but on some level, I feel I have a responsibility to point out the dangers of overconsumption! Don’t worry though, wine does also have some positive side effects which I’ll get to.
While I mention dry January, I don’t think breaks should only happen once a year during a specific month, they should be sporadic but often! When you know you might not be socialising much, trying to shed a few kilos or you simply don’t want to drink for the sake of drinking, take a week off! I do it regularly, even when I’m tasting wines on a daily basis. I always use a spittoon and never overindulge, which can easily be done in my industry. When you do drink, do so
moderately. Rather than have 3-4 glasses of wine over dinner, stick to one or two. Especially when it comes to wine, which is about savouring not chugging. As my great grandmother always said, ‘all things in moderation’ and she was right. Except cats & dogs, have as many as you want.
These are some of the reasons why you should take regular breaks on your drinkathons:
1) You’ll sleep better - annoying fact but true, wine can affect your sleep by interrupting the deep restorative phase during the cycle. Sleep is key to health and wellbeing, so let your brain have a few teetotal z’s.
2) If you’re trying to lose those stubborn Christmas pounds, give booze a rest. Kick start your regime without, give your body time to eat away at your lard, and slowly incorporate alcohol back into your routine when you’ve got food under control. This is coming from a chubster, no judgement here.
3) Give those pearly whites time to shine! That’s right folks, the acidity in wine, especially white and sparkling is full of acid. It attacks your natural enamel and affects colour long term. Why not stick to water or tea and your teeth will start to glisten like fresh snow on a winter’s eve!
4) Many health benefits of taking time off include, lower blood pressure, reduced risks of cardiovascular diseases, boosted immunity, dewy skin and eyes - helps the aging process, gives that poor old liver a holiday, reduces blood sugar (which sadly wine is full of) leading to diabetes!
5) To me the most important reason to take a break - mental health! While wine can give you a boost and make you feel like you could paint the town red - it also has the come down effect. Let’s be honest, winter is no fun for anyone, unless you’re in the Bahamas or skiing in the Alps. Reducing alcohol will give your nervous system a break, calming anxiety and depression and it will even boost cognitive function. If you’re in a creative zone, starting a new project or need that grey matter fully locked and loaded, then take some time off and let those innovative juices flow.
However, not to be a total killjoy, I thought I should mention the benefits of drinking wine - especially red wine! It’s rich in antioxidants which kills free radicals in the body, in moderation is good for the heart, helps treat the common cold, helps reduce bad
cholesterol and works as a natural antiinflammatory which can help with arthritis and joint pain, reduces stress if not over consumed and the polyphenols improve gut health. No need to completely give up wine just yet! If you’re looking for the most calorie friendly wine, sparkling wines, especially champagne, are your best friends. Lookout for the terms ‘extra-brut’, ‘brutnature’ or ‘zero dosage’ on the bottle for the least amount of sugar. As Valentine’s Day is coming, here are my aphrodisiacal Champagne suggestions. Happy smooching:
1) Dom Perignon Vintage
2) Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque
3) Billecart-Salmon Brut Sous Bois or Brut Rosé
4) Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve www.instagram.com/theloiregirl
Why Keep Bees?
First of all, a belated Happy New Year to all our readers, and we hope that everyone enjoyed the festive break. The start of any new year can be daunting. It’s still dark and damp outside and the very idea of ill-advised resolutions can make shoulders slump and spirits flag. However, becoming interested in bees, and maybe even progressing to keeping a colony or several, can revive even the most jaded of demeanours. Beekeepers’ interests extend far and wide as there are many diverse areas connected with bees: gardening, photography, drawing and painting, the natural world and environmental concerns, even microscopy. Plus, of course, harvesting honey if things go well!
All of this is to encourage you to think about becoming a beekeeper, and if you have already taken that step, then this is to reassure you that it was a wise decision. We would say that, of course, but bear with us. Now is such a good time to begin beekeeping, but for those who already have hives, February can be a difficult month. The bees are still ‘indoors’, coming to the end of their winter clustering and hopefully getting ready to emerge, fighting fit and thriving. We haven’t been able to see inside the hive for weeks and, even though there have been a few foragers out and about on sunny days, we always wonder if the colony is healthy.
Amanda Baughen
There’s no reason they shouldn’t be of course, provided that they went into winter in as good a state as possible: enough bees, a productive queen, enough stores, adequate insulation and space. Given all these elements, fingers crossed you’ll see them out foraging as soon as Spring appears, and as soon as the ambient temperature has been at least 14c for a handful of days, you can do your first (and for some beekeepers their only) hive inspection to see exactly what’s what. If you haven’t yet got any bees then you have several months to get some experience before you have to concern yourself with winter worries! Over the past few weeks we have been getting ready for the new season. Cleaning equipment, buying in extra supplies such as replacement gloves, smoker pellets and queen marker pens, and preparing our ‘swarm go box’ as swarm season will be upon us before we know it. The anticipation of seeing our bees emerge from their hives is heightened as the daylight hours lengthen, and so we are busy reading up on the latest research. There are new hive types, information about pests and diseases, and further insights into Asian hornets and how to trap them, that are key to us improving our beekeeping knowledge.
The best time for a new beekeeper to obtain their first bees is in the Spring, as now you can spend your time acquiring basic knowledge and the kit required. You’ll have all of the Spring and Summer months to gain experience before having to prepare your bees for the winter. You can either buy bees from a breeder or get to know other beekeepers who may have ‘splits’ or collected swarms that you can have. This is one of the better parts of being a beekeeper: we’re a friendly bunch and love talking about bees to anyone who’ll listen, so your social circle will grow rapidly! Being able to share knowledge is enjoyable, too. We know quite a few beekeepers who have developed better connections with grandchildren who are fascinated with what’s going on in their grandparents’
gardens. You’ll always have something to chat about, so there’ll be no more awkward silences when you run out of small talk at parties, and you’ll be surprised at how many people will be interested in the fact that you keep bees. Of course, everyone will have their own opinion on the topic, but at least there’ll be a conversation!
Why do I keep bees? I find them endlessly fascinating; there is always something to learn and no year is the same as the last one. When I am working with the bees a certain calm descends, and it’s easy to lose track of time when you are completely absorbed with the task in hand. The bees’ humming, usually accompanied by birdsong, is so peaceful that any minor frustrations are forgotten. So, if nothing else, having a hive full of bees makes you interesting, healthier, knowledgeable, the owner of a thriving garden, and very popular when it comes to honey harvest time!
Why not learn more about bees and beekeeping this year? Please visit our website for course dates and more information, or call/email us: 05 45 71 22 90, info@13bees.co.uk or visit www.13bees.co.uk,
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Another year starts in the garden alongside the celebrations for Chinese New Year and the festival of Imbolc or Chandeleur/Candlemas on Sunday 2nd February. The first stirring of the shoots through the earth in the Northern Hemisphere. For me, the end of January and early February can be celebrated as soon as the daffodils and tulips I planted will be in their glory months as spring approaches. First, though, let’s enjoy February, with its piles of crêpes or pancakes, or both, and we celebrate St Valentine’s too.
The saying goes, “If Candlemas Day is clear and bright, winter will have another bite. If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rains, winter is gone and won’t come again.” So, enjoy those crêpes during the month and hope for a cloud or shower on Candlemas!
Now, as you know, I grow quite a few roses, and roses are often given at St Valentine’s. I prefer a lovely bunch of Europe-grown tulips to roses flown in, but that’s another matter. Tulips in a beautiful jug on my kitchen table can go a long way to celebrate, possibly with a local bottle of Crémant de Loire!
So, if you wanted to buy and plant roses inspired, perhaps, by “roses are red,
violets are blue”… which ones should you look out for at the plant nursery?
A few I have, and I can say are tried and tested in our climate, are:
Mr Lincoln – a hybrid tea shrub rose, bred in 1964, with a deep bright red colour. It grows upright and between 4 to 5 feet tall, so good for the back of a border. It is a repeat bloomer, and the blooms do not fade even in full sun in our hot summers. An intense fragrance puts the rose in my top 5. As it’s an older rose, it can be susceptible to black spot, but with good mulching and feeding, mine has been pretty clear of the disease. Widely available to buy. Papa Meilland – French-bred by Alain Meilland and released in 1963. Again, a hybrid tea; grows to around 2 feet tall according to the breeders. However, mine has decided it likes it here and is around 4 feet tall over the summer months. One of the most highly scented roses in my garden, I look forward to its first blooms usually in mid-May. Alain named the rose in honour of his grandfather, Antoine Meilland. There is also a climbing version, developed by local rosarian Louis Dima in Doué-la-Fontaine. Widely available to buy.
Clare Hill
Mr Lincoln
Black Baccara – a special rose for me, as one Christmas Eve in the early 2000s, Mr H came home from work with a bunch of the deepest burgundy/garnet, almost black, coloured roses. I put them in water, and they lasted well into the New Year. Then, it was sold only as a florist’s rose; it was later developed as a garden rose and became available to buy. Fast forward to 2019, I spotted it in the rose catalogue and bought two on special offer. Grows to around 3 feet tall and reblooms well all season. It withstands the summer heat and sunlight and has a high disease resistance. The only drawback for me is the lack of fragrance. It’s difficult to have it all in a rose!
Finally, a rose I do not yet have but is on my wish list is David Austin’s Thomas à Becket. A more natural look, an old-
fashioned English-style rose. It’s sold on the EU website, but will it cope with our climate? A crimson red, and reportedly a lemon zesty fragrance, repeat flowering and aiming for 4 feet tall once established. I need to get a move on and order it during the bare root season, as I much prefer to plant over winter rather than spring or summer. If you have this rose, do let me know how it fares here. You can find me on Instagram; healing_gardener_clare.
Now, turning to some jobs to do this month:
• Once snowdrops have flowered, you can divide them and replant (or share a few with other gardening friends).
• Now is the time to cut back ornamental grasses in the garden, cut out dead stems, and cut the rest to about 10 cm above ground level.
• Sow sweet peas and keep them in an unheated greenhouse, or if you have autumn-sown ones, re-pot them during February.
• Start preparing outdoor seedbeds for early vegetables if the ground is not frozen or waterlogged.
• New rhubarb crowns can be planted into well-cultivated soil, or you can divide and replant existing crowns.
• Start or continue feeding the birds and put up nest boxes for springtime, facing away from hot sunshine and strong winds. Put water out for them to drink and bathe in too. Establishing a garden of feathered friends now will help keep the aphids and other insects away from your prized plants in the months to come.
• Roses can still be pruned in February too, taking out dead, diseased, and
Papa Meilland
Black Baccara
Thomas à Becket
dying canes and any crossing over each other. For climbing roses, training the long canes horizontally will encourage more blooms. If you inherit an old climber, it will take time to encourage the canes into a position you want. If left unchecked, they simply produce their blooms at the top.
• You can start to sow under cover some lettuce and other salad crops.
• Seed potatoes start to appear in the shops. You can buy them and put them to chit or sprout, ready for planting. I usually use egg boxes. Allowing them to sprout before planting takes between 4 to 6 weeks and gets new potatoes off to a good start, ready to harvest in around 10 to 12 weeks after planting.
• Finally, our wisterias need their winter prune, ideally in February (when the plant is dormant and leafless). Cut back the shoots you pruned in summer to two or three buds to tidy up the plant. This also ensures the flowers won’t be hidden by leaves. I always read up on this at rhs. org.uk for clear advice and videos too.
That’s enough jobs for now, I am sure, and I wish you a great start to the growing year. See you back here in March!
À bientôt,
About Clare
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.
www.instagram.com/healing_gardener_clare
Seasonal Recipes
Bonjour, hello!
Well that’s January out of the way thank goodness. I hope you kept busy and warm?
At least now we can get on with the business of eating and drinking again and of course celebrating the month of love, thoughts of Christmas long past. I always find January way too long a month don’t you? February is a very welcome antidote to the unbusy January.
Anyway, If Cupid hasn’t struck you down yet, remember self love is just as good and we need to celebrate self, friends and or pets just as much as him or her in doors. Love is love.
To some it may just be another Hallmark day to ignore but for me, it’s a stop and appreciate the little love bug in me. I even used to buy my kids valentine gifts back in the day. My late mother did the same and it was years before I realised there was no secret admirer!
Of course we don’t need a special day or a reminder or do we? I honestly don’t think it’s a bad thing to share love and let’s face it, we don’t have to buy expensive gifts of roses or chocolates, do we? What is nice, is marking the occasion with his or her favourite meal or cake.
Now at home in my mid fifties, with 36 years of marriage under my belt and no premeditates murders, I still want to enjoy a special day with him. Usually that means an extra special meal or indeed a cake, pudding or something else?
I’m all for gifts that really mean something, that pull on the heart strings because of the time and thought that went into them. A packet of seeds is a really great way to grow together. It’s symbolic and also useful just like the living gifts of plants, a sourdough starter, something, anything you’ve made with your own fair hands. If you are not hugely crafty, go thrift shopping and find that little something your love would appreciate.
We need to get the heart of the matter right? Valentine’s Day is the perfect reminder for us to appreciate each other, hold hands, spend quality time together without those pesky phones and screens getting in the way.
Cooking and baking together is a fabulous way to reconnect. There are many courses you can book and of course Pasta making courses are great fun! You don’t have to trip to Italy to cook together but stick it on your bucket list anyway! No leaving the country needed as there are many cooking together opportunities around France and if pushed for time, enjoy a cooking class online!
Donna Holland
If you really put your heart and soul into it, there’s many French gourmet weekends to pre book of course vineyards to visit together. Give the gift of time even if it’s later on in the year. Paris maybe calling your names and booking something together to look forward to is just what the love doctor ordered.
In February, the world is coming alive again and we can feel winter on its wane. Our thoughts turn to the garden and the promise of spring produce. February is the literal bridge to spring and so even if cooking is not your thing, one you can cheat or how about a February walk and picnic, all wrapped up like polar bears, steaming flasks of hot cocoa and a basket full of picky bits such as huge slices of frittata, pickles, hunks of cheese, chutneys, homemade crumbly sausage rolls and maybe a wee dram for the road? Life doesn’t have to be complicated even though love can be.
When I was asked to write a food column for the magazine, it was down to the wire for February, so I thought rather than rush it, I’d let you all be the the ghosts of my valentines past and share with you all some of my past magazine submissions.
Oh and before I go, I best introduce myself! I’m Donna better known to many of you as Donna - the very unfrench wife! I’m a celiac which makes me sad but happy I can share my gluten free life with you all here. All my recipes are easy enough and I will always give you alternative ingredient suggestions where I can. I’ve been food writing and blogging for around a decade and a half interspersed with world wide travel. We’ve recently been back in France renovating our very own French Wreck. I’m a lover of food, flowers and faff. I’m mother to 3 grown ups, wife to Philip and A doggy mum to Fizz and Watson spaniels. I write all the time and I’m more of a realist, warts n all kinda girl, as life isn’t perfect and neither am I.
We’ve been visiting France for over 20 years and bought our pile of bricks and mould in back in 2017. Yes, it took us a long time to get round to doing anything meaningful with it! We are winning now and who knows what 2025 holds for us but I’m sure you’ll look forward to my newly renovated Landivy kitchen tales!
Love & gumption
Donna x
Banoffee trifle
Here’s one for the sweet tooth! If you are more of a chuck it together kinda person, then this trifle is the perfect way to impress your love or a group of your friends! It doesn’t really need any baking if you are clever but it’s also a fabulous way to use up left over cake! lol!
So the bottom is brownies or chocolate cake then bits of crunchy bar and a layer of chocolate sauce, dark of course. If you want to add some zing to balance the sweetness, add dollops of lemon curd and some fresh or frozen raspberries! Mix it up buttercup.
Then it’s a layer of salted caramel cream (mid whipped cream with mascarpone and caramel), chopped bananas, chocolate custard, whatever chocolate sweets you like, then whipped vanilla cream and more caramel. Then of course decorate with chocolates and peanut brittle!
Raspberry and Lemon Cheesecake
For the lazy decorators! Those trays of early berries don’t last long in the shops or in the fridge, or use frozen.
THE BASE:
Use your favourite biscuits, blitzed and mixed with 25 g of melted butter, and press into your lined tin. I use a loose-bottomed tin.
THE CHEESECAKE MIX:
1½ packs of cream cheese (200–300g)
1 pack of mascarpone (100 g) 100mls of whipped cream
2 tablespoons of lemon curd
A little icing sugar for sweetness (to taste)
Fresh or frozen raspberries
METHOD
Put all ingredients into a bowl and mix well.
Spoon into the tin on top of the base and pop in the fridge for a couple of hours. Then decorate at will! I added raspberries and white chocolate shards! Sure to be a showstopper!
Caprese Frittata
Frittata is always a crowd-pleaser but also perfect for those days when you cannot be bothered!
Firstly, I parboil and peel potatoes, then cool and slice. Set aside.
Then, I sauté onions in a little olive oil and garlic. Set aside.
Next, I grate soooo much cheese, slice many tomatoes, and mix 12 seasoned eggs together. Then it’s assembly time!
Pile into your greased dish the onions and potatoes, then layer on the tomatoes! Pop on half of the cheese, then cover in egg mix, cover in more cheese, and throw on some basil and mozzarella balls!
Into the oven for 20–25 mins at 170°C electric fan, then let it set and cool a little before tucking in!
Rhubarb and Strawberry Upside-Down Cake
When the weekend comes around and the weather is still either dreadful or glorious, either way, you just don’t want to spend so much time in the kitchen, do you? No, of course not!
The garden, which is bare, is calling, but friends and family still want a good feed! Here’s my latest early Spring recipe, perfect for you to use up that early forced rhubarb! Just add a dollop of cream! D x
YOU WILL NEED:
• 6 sticks of rhubarb, chopped into two-inch pieces
• A handful of fresh or frozen blueberries
• A handful of strawberry slices
Pop these in the bottom of your prepared tin and sprinkle a little sugar on (I don’t, as I like the tartness).
Now you will need:
• 250 g of unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 250 g of golden caster sugar or light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract or almond extract, or one of each
Mix well.
Now add
• 4 small eggs and mix well again.
Now add:
• 125 g of ground almonds
• 125 g of self-raising flour with 2 teaspoons of baking powder
Mix well and use a couple of splashes of milk to loosen the mixture. Pour the batter over the fruit and liberally scatter sliced almonds over the top. The top becomes the bottom and is therefore nice and crunchy!
Bake at 160–170°C (fan oven) for up to 45 mins. Once the centre is firm, it is cooked.
Let it cool slightly and then turn it upside down on a board.
Don’t worry if some of the fruit stays in the tin - use a palette knife to repair.
Serve with cream, custard, or ice cream, and enjoy!
What’s in season?
Seasonal fruit and vegetables in France during February
It may seem like the depths of winter, but French markets are still full of delicious, seasonal produce. If you shop with the seasons, you'll get fresher flavours, cheaper prices and a more sustainable selection. Here’s a look at what’s on offer.
February is a great time for vegetables. There is an abundance of cabbage varieties (choux), including savoy cabbage, white and red varieties. Leeks (poireaux) are another favourite - they are mild and work well in soups, stews or casseroles. Carrots (carottes) are also a staple, whether roasted or added to salads.
Root vegetables such as turnips (navets) and parsnips (panais) are also in season. Turnips have a savoury, earthy flavour, while parsnips are sweeter and perfect for roasting. Jerusalem artichokes (topinambours)are another winter gem that are great for soups or roasting and have a creamy, nutty flavour. Endives are also common in February. They give salads a slightly bitter flavour and caramelise wonderfully when cooked.
On the fruit side, February is all about citrus. Fruits such as oranges , lemons (citrons) and grapefruits (pamplemousses) are at their peak. Blood oranges (oranges sanguines) add a bold splash of colour and sweetness to dishes, while clementines (clémentines) are a sweet, simple snack.
Other fruits include apples (pommes) and pears (poires), which are versatile and great for cakes or snacking. Kiwis, which are often grown in the south of France, bring a fresh flavour to your fruit bowl.
Forced rhubarb (rhubarbe) is a winter treat with its tender, pink stalks that are less tart than rhubarb grown outdoors. You can sometimes find it at markets or look out for bags of frozen rhubarb in supermarkets next to frozen berries.
Sweet Confusion:Cracking the supermarket sugar aisle
Imagine popping into a French supermarket to grab some sugar, only to find yourself in what feels like a sweet-toothed episode of The Twilight Zone. Gone are the simple, comforting labels of "caster" and "icing" sugar. Instead, you’re faced with rows of surprisingly chic packages sporting names that sound more like wine varieties or old French poets. It’s disorienting, fascinating, and just a tad intimidating. Before long, you’ll be squinting at labels, pretending to know the difference between powders and crystals, as other shoppers breeze past with baskets full of confidence and, presumably, exactly the right sugar for their dessert. You, meanwhile, are debating if the one in your hand is safe for a Victoria sponge or if you’ll accidentally invent some avant-
garde dessert your gran wouldn’t approve of. It’s a sugar safari - one moment you’re marvelling at the selection, the next you’re mourning the absence of golden syrup. But that’s the fun of the French supermarket sugar aisle. It’s confusing, it’s elegant, and it’s a lot of words you’ll have to Google later. And while it might be easier to pack your own Tate & Lyle when crossing the Channel, where’s the adventure in that? Roll up your sleeves, grab a trolley, and prepare to sweeten your baking with a little French flair - the list below will help you crack the code.
Bonne chance! Name Description Uses
Sucre Blanc Granulated sugar that is widely used in French cooking and baking.
Sucre Roux
Cassonade
A sugar with a light brown hue and mild molasses flavour.
A coarser, richer sugar than sucre roux, with a deeper molasses flavour.
Sucre Glace A very fine milled sugar
Sucre en Poudre A fine granulated sugar, that dissolves more quickly than white sugar.
Vergeoise A moist, fine-grained sugar with a rich caramel taste. Available in light & dark.
Sucre Perlé Large, round sugar crystals that do not melt easily during baking.
Sucre Vanillé White sugar infused with natural vanilla or artificial vanilla flavouring.
Sirop d'Érable
A golden, tree-tapped syrup with a smooth, sweet flavour.
Golden Syrup A thick syrup with a light caramel flavour, beloved in British kitchens.
Treacle A dark, viscous syrup with molasses notes and a rich, bittersweet flavour.
Ideal for sweetening beverages, making syrups, and general baking needs. Granulated white sugar
Perfect for adding depth to caramel sauces, and desserts like tarte Tatin. Light brown sugar
Ideal for topping crèmes brûlées or recipes that call for a caramel-like sweetness. Dark brown sugar
Making different types of icing eg royal or buttercream, dusting cakes and in macarons Icing sugar
Making meringues, sponge cakes, and other recipes requiring a smooth texture. Caster sugar
Common in northern France for waffles, crêpes, and rich brioche recipes. Soft light or dark brown sugar
Used to decorate baked goods like chouquettes
Adds flavour to cakes, pastries, and custards or replaces vanilla extract in recipes.
Nibbed or pearl sugar
Put sugar and a vanilla pod in a jar, allow to infuse over time.
Drizzle over pancakes or porridge; for baking or as a sweetener in dressings. Maple Syrup
Perfect for flapjacks, treacle tarts, pancakes, and adding richness to puddings.
Ideal for sticky toffee pudding, Christmas cakes etc, and to add depth to marinades.
Rare in France, try British food shops or the étrangères aisle.
Mélasse noire de canne à sucre is a reasonable substitute.
Easy Crossword
ACROSS
1. Style expert with an eye for trends (11)
7. French poster (7)
9. River running through Lyon (5)
10. Wife of Zeus (4)
11. Sparkling imitation stone (8)
12. Chinese tree with fan-shaped leaves (6)
14. Sign or emblem (6)
17. Animal that chews cud (8)
19. French for arm (4)
22. Conifer shedding in autumn (5)
23. Asian mushroom (7)
24. Place to stay (13)
DOWN
1. Hero who battles Ming the Merciless (5)
2. Spice from crocuses (7)
3. Persistent urge to scratch (4)
4. Rustic cider (7)
5. Oak tree nut (5)
6. Often eaten for breakfast (6)
8. Idle, Morcambe (4)
12. Large ape with silver back (7)
13. Check pattern fabric (7)
15. Spicy rice dish (7)
16. French apéritif flavouring (4)
18. French name for Morocco (5)
20. A length of yarn (5)
21. Opera with an Egyptian setting (4)
TAKE A BREAK
Cryptic Crossword
(with many thanks to Mike Morris)
ACROSS
1. In the South West our group take sandwiches with no filling to former wife. (6)
4. In the literary world, 1A makes a comeback with 19D, (marine force covering up true mess). (6)
8. Small US company leading in natural cosmetics? (3)
9. Carries toddlers full of energy? (5)
11. Black Panama gecko ends up in tree. (3)
12. We do regret one mistake; being under this to get a title? (9, 4)
15. Creatures in Middle Earth have no time for camp erections? (4)
16. Man in the middle takes drug on the shelf? (4)
20. A room I counted erroneously as a fresh place to watch films? (7, 6)
21. Put down time for limits of space? (3)
23. Golf at Meon occurring regularly? (5)
24. Slide on surface of frictionless kitchen floor? (3)
25. Hot to replace time on urgent push, but gets the bird? (6)
26. Feeling aroused when seeing a hint of colour in the west? Quite the opposite! (6)
DOWN
1. Squeezes out run in the area away from the centre of play? (6)
2. Dry content of Toulouse claret? (3)
3. Do cite sex; don't confuse result for those creatures no longer with us? (7, 6)
5. So we say no diet can possibly result in an urge to take it gently? ( 4, 4, 2, 3)
6. One card game played by Manuel? (3)
7. Exchange which finishes off beatnik gives a start for Keir Starmer? (6)
10. Play about resistance in ancient city? (4)
13. Choose whether there is a leader or not? (5)
14. Search vigorously to find a weapon? (5)
17. Strode around a large area of 1A? (6)
18. Tiger lacking energy sadly, but showing courage? (4)
19. Belonging around here, it turns up in middle of church. (6)
22. Leaders of those offering resistance reach higher ground. (3)
24. One of seven that could be classified as deadly? (3)
Turn to page 39 for tips on how to solve cryptic crosswords
1. IBANLAA
2. ASN IORMAN
3. AHUIAINTL
4. KARENIU
5. DINLCEA 6. OMGNETRONE 7. LSVAIKAO 8. IGORAEG
9. AEOVLNSI
10. OSNIBA DNA ONEEIVGRZHA
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
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.
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
PLAY and LEARN ACOL BRIDGE
If you are interested in learning or playing acol Bridge at Pause Cafe, L’Absie, every second and fourth Friday at 2pm please contact philjan9@hotmail.com
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.
www.avf.asso.fr
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
Netball: Clessé Allstars - The Clessé Allstars netball club meets every Monday at Salle Omnisports, Clessé 79350 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. We welcome players and supporters of all ages and abilities. Join us for a free taster session before signing up. Please email us at: clessenetball@gmail.com
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
‘Loire Valley Voices’ community choir - Fontevraud-L’Abbaye
We are a friendly group of French and non-French people who enjoy singing pop/rock and soul in both languages. Come to a rehearsal on Thursday evenings 6.30pm-8.00pm! All dates & details here: www.lvv-chorale.fr
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
By the time you read this article Christmas will just be a distant memory, and some of us will be counting our calories!
As we reflect over 2024, both our poetry and book clubs have grown in number and are proving very popular.
This is also a very good opportunity to thank Joy at Café des Belles Fleurs in Fenioux for continuing to offer both groups a venue. Always much appreciated.
Members of all our groups came together to help present our latest production at the end of November. As well as directing our Keynotes Choir (which also has new members) our versatile musical director included one of his other French choirs in our show. This was a very popular addition, especially among our own members, and both choirs’ singing was especially appreciated by our audiences.
The raffle held during our show was won by Julia Stiles, and the draw for the bottle of Champagne (from our audience reviews ) went to Simone Beaunez.
Last time I wrote about our impending Christmas show, and the hope that we not only continued to entertain our English audience but also upped our game to include more French speaking people.
Well, to our delight, we achieved both! Audience feedback in both languages clearly told us everyone really enjoyed it, so all the hard work was worth it!
What will we do this year? Watch this space! We look forward to entertaining you. Talking of which, now is an ideal time to join us. Keynotes is still very much in the early stages of rehearsing for our summer shows, so catching up for new members will be relatively easy. And we have online voice parts to help learn at home. If singing isn’t your thing, then both poetry and book clubs run throughout the year. You’ll be warmly welcomed.
Terves Christmas Market 2024: a wonderful festive day
In December, the Terves Christmas Market took place for the 19th time with Association Violet as the organiser for the first time. We took over the event at short notice and are delighted to report that the day was a great success and raised a fantastic total of €3,143.12!
There was a lot to do in the run-up to the event - with volunteers coming up with ideas for decorations, baking, cooking, shopping, organising the Santa’s grotto and making the final preparations to create the perfect festive atmosphere. On the day, visitors enjoyed browsing the stalls packed with handmade gifts and Christmas treats, they listened to Christmas carols, met up with
Vienne & Deux-Sèvres
As I write this my colleagues who are Active Listeners in the DeuxSèvres region are managing a difficult and complicated case. For the person suffering from cancer it is a most worrying time but they are there to support in whatever way they can. I'm only there in the background to offer moral support should it be needed. It's always reassuring to know that you have someone to turn to however long you have been a 'benevole'.
I'm so glad that our small team in the Deux-Sèvres have the skills and experience to meet these challenges. However, I would not expect such a small group to have the stress and strains of organising an event to raise funds to enable us to exist. I'm very grateful to the editor of this magazine as she realises the importance to us of including our National advertisement in all monthly editions. It definitely seems the main vehicle to let you know of the existence of Cancer Support France. So, my personal challenge as the president is, how do we make ourselves more visible and known in your area?
We would be really grateful if, in 2025, an existing group within the region were to 'adopt' us for one of their events. We can run a quiz night / afternoon and potentially we can have music. All we need is a venue and a ready made group who want to socialise and have fun. Whatever money is raised could be shared between CSF and the host group.
Let me give you an example. Just before Christmas my wife and I held an evening of mulled wine, mince pies and Christmas singalong. We were absolutely astounded by the generosity of our group as the final amount raised was 460 euros. Now, our own National Helpline, just about to celebrate their 10th anniversary, put out a plea for some financial support recently. So, happily, we were in the position to be able to give them 230 euros towards their training budget.
Thank you for reading this article and if you feel can help in any way, you can contact me via the magazine.
National Helpline 0800 240 200 email: helpline@cancersupportfrance.org. You can find more details about CSF Vienne & Deux-Sèvres by visiting: vienne.cancersupportfrance.org
friends for a cup of coffee and cake and met Father Christmas, who delighted the children with his Ho Ho Ho.
The feedback from stall holders and visitors was overwhelmingly positive, and many expressed their excitement for next year’s market. This year will be a very special year, as we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Terves Christmas Market. We are already planning how we can celebrate this milestone while maintaining the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the event.
If you had a stall last year, we'll be in touch. If you're new to Terves and would like to have a stall, let us know! If you'd like to share your ideas with us or help us out, we’d love to hear from you. We are open to suggestions and look forward to making the 20th anniversary a memorable experience.
Finally, we would like to thank everyone who took part this yearwhether as a stallholder, volunteer, organiser, maker, donor or visitor. Your support helped make the event a success and we look forward to putting on another wonderful Christmas market in December 2025. Warm wishes,
Team Violet
Philip Buckle
Anne Friend
Association Violet
Santa takes a well earned break
My friends from Lessac bowls club who generously donated around 150€ towards our total
Car Insurance Car Insurance
Let’s face it, we can’t live without it! Especially in the countryside, where buses are scarcer than sunny bank holidays. But before you hit the road, it’s crucial to understand how car insurance works in France becausesurprise - it’s different from the UK. Oh, and by the way, over here we drive on the right side of the road. Yes, right as in correct... or at least that’s what we like to think.
1. Who is insured and where: Here’s a surprise for you: in France, it’s the car that’s insured, not the driver. This means anyone with a valid licence (and your permission) can drive your car. Sounds generous, right? Well, not so fast - if your mate borrows your car and wraps it around a lamppost, guess whose no-claims discount takes the hit? That’s right - yours! To make it even spicier, some policies slap on an extra excess (sometimes €750 or more) if you didn’t go for any driver on your policy or if they’re a young driver (with less than three years of experience). So, make sure they’re ready to cough up if they crash! (You must inform the insurance company if a young driver drives it regularly.)
And don’t even think about leaving your car uninsured, even if it’s just sitting there looking pretty. In France, it’s illegal to own an uninsured vehicle, and if someone steals it and causes mayhem, you could be held responsible. At the very least, you need public liability cover to stay out of trouble.
If an uninsured driver hits you and you have fully comprehensive cover, you will be covered under your policy, but you can also file a claim with the Fonds de Garantie des Assurances Obligatoires de Dommages (FGAO)
However, if you’re only insured for third-party and get hit by an uninsured driver, the FGAO may cover your personal injuries but likely not your material damages. Filing a claim for material damages with the FGAO can be tricky and often unsuccessful. Oh, and your car insurance automatically covers small trailers (up to 750kg). But if you’ve got a caravan or hefty trailer over that weight, it needs its own registration plate and insurance.
And here’s a final twist: your French car insurance won’t let you drive someone else’s car in the UK. But your own car is covered throughout Europe and beyond. Euro road trip, anyone?
2. No Claims discount/Bonus malus: The Long Road to 50% Here’s how the French reward your careful driving: it takes 13 years of claim-free bliss to reach the maximum 50% discount. Yes, 13 years – unlucky for some. But once you’re there, if you keep it for three years, you’ll stay golden even after your first oops moment. A little pat on the back for being a driving saint. We do accept no-claims bonus from the UK and other countries. If you’ve achieved that golden 50%, you can bring it with you when switching insurers (as long as you’ve held it for three years).
3. Excess/Franchise: The Cost of Trouble: As with most insurance, you can choose whether or not to have an excess, which affects your premium. If the accident wasn’t your fault and the culprit is identified, you won’t pay a thing. But if your car is stolen or the culprit’s vanished into thin air, the excess is yours to pay. The amount can vary depending on the type of claim, so
check your contract. If you make a claim abroad, you will be asked to cover the excess until it is recovered by the third party.
4. Fully Comprehensive vs Third Party: Know Your Cover. Fully comprehensive is what you’d expect: your car and you are covered no matter what. Third party, on the other hand, is like rolling the dice - it only covers damage to others if it’s your fault, leaving your own car unprotected. Third party fire and theft may cover glass breakage, theft and fire. Moral of the story? Check your contract! Another thing, content is not covered unless you take out extra insurance…
5. Glass breakage/Bris de glace: It’s (Not) Clear as Glass Good news! The excess for glass breakage is lower, and it covers windscreens, windows, and headlights. (Plastic headlights are not covered.) Bad news? It doesn’t cover wing mirrors or rear lights. So, if you clip a wing mirror, you’re on your own.
6. Breakdown cover/Assistance 0km ou 25km: For When Your Car Says “Non” Breakdowns happen, and luckily, you can add breakdown assistance to your contract, with options for 0km (from home) or 25km cover. But beware: if you break down just down the road and haven’t gone for 0km cover, you’re on your own, but the assistance can still help you locate a towing service.
Recovery is typically covered up to €180, and your car will be taken to the nearest garage - not your favourite one. If the repairs take under two days, the assistance will pay for a hotel. If it’s longer, they’ll get you home or to your destination. Once your car’s repaired, they’ll even cover transport for one person to pick it up. Fancy a solo adventure?
7. Replacement Vehicle: When Your Car Throws a Tantrum. Stay on the road when your car decides to quit! For around €6/month (with Allianz), you can add the replacement vehicle option. The time you’ll have the replacement car depends on the chosen option on your contract.
8. Pack Valeur Plus: Because Your Car’s Worth More than Peanuts. Imagine your car gets written off, and instead of being told it’s worth less than your favourite pair of shoes, you actually get something decent. With the Pack Valeur Plus option, you’ll receive a minimum payout of €3,000 for a total loss. If your car is less than two years old, you could even get the full purchase price back! After that, you’re looking at the assessor’s value plus a percentage (20%, 30%, etc.), depending on the car’s age. Conditions apply. The car must have fewer than 150,000 km on the clock when you take out this option unless you have a car insured
with Allianz for two years or more, or if you’ve been a client for more than five years with any policies.
9. Smart Cars Get Smarter Discounts: Got a car that can practically drive itself? Allianz offers a 25% discount if your vehicle has fancy features like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Autonomous Parking Assist, or Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). It’s like your car gets a gold star for good behaviour.
10. Claims/Sinistres: The Accident Survival Kit. Accidents happen, but so do dodgy excuses. Here’s your guide:
• Keep a Constat Amiable (Accident Report Form) in your car.
• Pre-fill your details because no one likes admin in a crisis.
• Never sign if you disagree with what’s written!
• Always complete a form, even if the other person says they want to settle things “amicably” or has no insurance.
Bonus Tip: Take pictures - lots of them. We all have phones, so use them! And if you’ve got breakdown cover or replacement vehicle options, call the emergency helpline before doing anything. Skip this step, and you’ll be
When it comes to injury or death, compensation depends on the severity of the loss. Sorry to say, but a 100-yearold bachelor isn’t as valuable in legal terms as a parent of five. Harsh, but true.
Important: If you were under the influence or stole the car, your insurance won’t cover you. In fact, you’ll be stuck paying for everything. Lesson of the day? Don’t drink, don’t steal, and always play nice.
11. UK Number Plates: Ticking Bureaucracy Bombs. Got UK plates? You’ve got one month to switch to French plates under EU law. Allianz insures UK-registered cars, but you must start the process as soon as possible. Failure to do so will result in your contract being cancelled at renewal.
Warning: Take that UK-plated car back to the UK with French insurance, and you’ll face fines. Why? The UK’s automatic plate recognition system won’t know you have French insurance.
12. Premiums: The Maths of Insuring Your Ride. How is your premium calculated? It’s a cocktail of car model, horsepower, theft stats, and your chosen options (third-
km per year could shrink your premium. Think of it as a financial excuse to stay in your pyjamas.
13. Proof of Insurance: Goodbye Green Card, Hello Digital Age. Forget the green sticker - France has gone digital! Police now check your insurance online by entering your plate number. But if you’re heading abroad, ask for a “memo” from your insurer with all the essentials (contract number, breakdown hotline, etc.). Being prepared is always better than being stranded.
Survive French Roads Like a Pro
If, like my lovely British husband, you think French drivers are dreadful (OK, I drive too close to the car in front, but it’s only because they are too slow!!), then make sure you are properly insured and check the options on your contract.
Check out www.bh-assurances.fr/en for more articles and sign up for our newsletter. And if you need help with car, home, health, funeral, or professional insurance - or even inheritance law - I’m happy to help.
More Tips for Solving Cryptic Crosswords
Continuing our series on various conventions that can be used in cryptic crosswords, there are many abbreviations that often crop up in the answer, some of which can be seen in this month's cryptic crossword on page 34.
For instance, 4 Across uses RN (Royal Navy) for "marine force", these letters are put over "true mess", implying an anagram of TRUE.
R on its own as an abbreviation can mean, among other things, river, run as in cricket, or resistance. Look out for the last two in 1 Down and 10 Down. E as an abbreviation is usually either "energy" or the drug "ecstasy". These can be found in three clues today: 9 Across, 16 Across and 18 Down. Watch out though, the word "drug" can point to the abbreviation H, for heroin, and even C, for cocaine.
The letter T is often used, usually standing for the word "time". This is used in three different ways in this month's crossword: T to be taken off a word, put in a word, or to be replaced by another letter
More abbreviations next month!
Mike Morris
Building & Renovation
STEVE COUPLAND
Building & Renovation
Our Furry Friends…………………………
Shop and Café Open every Wednesday 11am - 4pm
Oh my lord Francks fish and chips second Wednesday of the month from 12h00
Shop
Donations welcome é Ouvert de 11h à 16h
Oh my lord Francks fish and chips le 2ème mercredi du mois à partir de 12h00
Monday 10am - 12pm Wednesday 11am-3pm
Les dons sont les bienvenus les lundis 10h - 12h et mercredis de 11h à 15h
No RNA: W792009674
Open every Tuesday 10am - 4pm and the last Saturday of the month 10am - 2pm
Open 10am to 4pm, Thursdays & 1st Sunday of the Month 2 Rte de Vauthion 79190 Sauzé Vaussais Furniture Barn Open 11am to 3pm, Thursdays & 1st Sunday of the Month
1 Rte de la Mare aux Loups Louba 79190 Clussais-le-Pommeraie
Email shopseventynine4hope@gmail.com
Facebook Groups: Hope79 Sauze-Vaussais Furniture for Sale Hope Associaton Charity Shop 79
NUBI is an adorable dog, found tied to the gate of the shelter, with food and a bowl, he is friendly and loves cuddles, easy to walk with the harness, he does not pull. Nubi is looking for a family who will give him time to adapt and lots of love and cuddles. He will need a secure garden.
Location: Fontenay le Comte
Breed: Berger, Croisé
Sex: Male Age: 01/01/2020
For more information, visit www.association-galia.fr email assogalia85@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/AssociationGaliaEN
money matters
Overweighting Could be a Danger to Your Investment portfolio
Recent financial reports by big tech companies show huge profits. These results bolster the importance of AI and cloud computing in today's modern world. Investors are drawn to big tech companies of the future and are eager to add the tech sector to their investment portfolios. But this leads us to ponder if there is such a thing as overweighting an investment portfolio with a particular sector that is delivering high returns.
Can you overweight a portfolio with a particular stock?
We all have a particular stock that we favour, and the potential for high returns is promising. It is easy to want to add a higher percentage of this stock to a portfolio. This could, however, have the reverse effect if this stock suddenly plummets. Unless we are experienced traders buying and selling stock, it is best to stick with diversified funds that grow over the long term.
Rather use a financial advisor who actively manages a portfolio to keep track of sectors and stocks doing well.
What is Overweighting?
Overweighting is when a portfolio has a higher percentage of a particular sector than average. This occurs when a specific stock or sector performs well, and the investor increases the percentage of this stock
in their portfolio - for example, increasing the percentage of tech stock currently producing high returns or investing in more stable bonds to protect against volatility.
Dangers of Overweighting an Investment Portfolio
While overweighting on a wellperforming stock over the short term could potentially boost the earnings of a portfolio, it could reduce the overall diversification of a portfolio, making it more vulnerable to market risk.
• Inconsistency – Even the most experienced experts cannot accurately predict or time the markets. It is easy to make mistakes and potentially cost the client a fortune.. Overweighting could benefit over the short term, but it is risky and could cause losses.
• Reduces Diversification –Increasing the percentage of a particular sector or stock in a portfolio reduces the overall diversification and increases risk.
• Based on Opinion – Analysts or wealth experts have opinions on which stock is a good investment. Investors should consider the views of experts as well as market data, earnings reports, past price performance, profit margin, and
company management before making any investment decisions.
Long-term diversified portfolios that earn compound interest are the foundation of building wealth over time. Overweighting investing could be considered a supplemental source of income for the everyday investor wishing to dabble in the stock market. While overweighting a portfolio could benefit the bottom line, it is difficult to time the markets and could go the other way. Always consider the impact that overweighting will have on a portfolio and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Each person’s financial needs, goals and risk tolerance are different, which should be considered when deciding on overweighting.
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.
This month’s advertisers
Alcoholics Anonymous .
Andrew Longman - Plumbing & Heating.
Association Escoval.
Assurances Maucourt (GAN Parthenay) .
Baudouin Barateau - Cabinet maker
Beaux Villages Immobilier
BH Assurances / Allianz
British Mobile Mechanic
Cancer Support France
Century 21
Chris Bassett Construction
Cooke Couverture.
Créatif Paysage
Dapper Direct Ltd
Darren Lawrence
deVere France
Franglais Deliveries
Glendee Property Services
H & R Building Services
Hallmark Electricité
Holly Services (SAS).
Home Pool Services Vendée
Irving Location
Jeff's Metalwork
JSL Couverture.
KM Property Maintenance.
KM Services 79
La Cachette
La Deuxieme Chance
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.4, 5
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.22, 48
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.27
.40
.2, 45
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.29
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.5
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La Petite Ferme d'Alpagas
Leggett Immoblier.
Leggett Recruitment.
LPV Technology
Magic Renovations
Maison Garde
Maison Secondaire
Mark Sabestini
MT Menuiserie.
Mutuelle de Poitiers
Oh my lord! Franck's fish and chips.
Reaction Theatre.
Robert Mann Upholstery
RT Construction.
Smart Moves Removals
Spectrum IFA Group.
Thank you to all our contributors and advertisers - your support helps us to produce the magazine every
Puzzle answers
Crossword
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE YOU CAN TRUST
Messé
€189,000
Ref: A28530 - 3-bedroom house with a large barn and countryside views.
Brion-près-Thouet
Chef-Boutonne
€544,310
Ref: A30440 - 7-bedroom maison de maître-style property with large barn.
6% agency fees included paid by the buyer. Energy class: B Climate class: A
Cherveux
€399,950
Ref: A32206 - Large 7-bedroom home with outbuilding, in a vibrant village.
Agency fees to be paid by the seller.
class: E Climate class: E
7% agency fees included paid by the buyer. Energy class: E Climate class: B Perfect for B&B
€267,500
Ref: A32578 - Charming 4-bedroom house with outbuilding and workshop.
L’Absie
9% agency fees included paid by the buyer. Energy class: E Climate class: E Priced to Sell!
€134,950
Ref: A31430 - Superb 3-bedroom home on the edge of a popular village.
Ref: 87970ME79 - 2-bedroom house with garden, outbuildings and land.
9% agency fees included paid by the buyer. Energy class: G Climate class: C
€439,900
Ref:
-
€199,999
Ref: A33384 - 3-bedroom property with garden,
€245,000
Ref: A29014 - Super 5-bedroom house with garden and workshop.
Loretz-d’Argenton
€125,350 Ref: A23196 - 2-bedroom longère to renovate, with barns and outbuildings.
9% agency fees included paid by the buyer. Energy class: F Climate class: F
Our selection of properties for sale in the Deux-Sèvres welcomes you ! The Leggett family
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.
The Good Life
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
ANXAY, VIENNE
€195,000
Ref: BVI77561 Cute 3-bed, 2-bath medieval house with pool, overlooking the river Vonne. Fees: paid by the vendor Energy class: C Climate class: A
FAYE-L’ABBESSE
FENIOUX
€214,000
Ref: BVI77621 3-bed farmhouse with barns plus a small second house to renovate Fees: paid by the vendor Energy class: E Climate class: D
€210,000 HAI
Ref: BVI77569 Characterful 3-bed, hamlet property with pool, garden, stream and lake Fees: 8% paid by the buyer Net price: €194,445 Energy class: D Climate class: B
SAINT-AUBIN-LE-CLOUD
€465,000 HAI
Ref: BVI75073 Superb 4 bed farmhouse with heated pool and independent guest suite Fees: 4% paid by the buyer Net price: €447,116 Energy class: C Climate class: A
LE BEUGNON
€136,250 HAI
Ref: BVI66819 4-bed detached hamlet home with front and back garden, 9km from L’Absie Fees: 9% paid by the buyer Net price: €125,000 Energy class: G Climate class: C
LE BEUGNON
€449,500 HAI
Ref: BVI73309 5-bed, 6-bath barn conversion with pool, paddocks and woods in 3.6Ha Fees: 6% paid by the buyer Net price: €424,057 Energy class: C Climate class: C
L’ABSIE
€318,000 HAI
Ref: BVI25248 Main house and three gîtes with communal pool and gardens Fees: 6% paid by the buyer Net price: €300,000 Energy class: E Climate class: B
