The Deux-Sèvres Monthly - March 2024 by The Deux-Sèvres Monthly

March 2024

Gratuit i’M frEE

English languagE MagazinE for thE DEux-sèvrEs anD surrounDing arEas

Happy Easter! Joyeuses Pâques! Pasg Hapus! Pask Seder! Domhnach Cásca! • LOCAL EVENTS • HISTORY • WINE • CROSSWORDS • RECIPES and more issue 142 Charities Building & renovation CluBs & assoCiations FinanCe estate agents gardens ProPerty Care

Affordable UK Designs

UPVC & Aluminium Double Glazing, Fitted Kitchens

FREE PLAN, DESIGN AND COSTING THROUGHOUT SOUTH-WEST FRANCE - OTHER AREAS BY ARRANGEMENT

www.affordableukdesigns.com UPVC windows, Doors & Conservatories in all colours and styles.

Phone: 05 49 42 99 41

Aluminium and UPVC Bifold Doors made to “A” Grade spec in French styles.

Mobile: 06 63 71 09 81

email: scott.braddock1@yahoo.com

SIRET: 513 577 809 00017

Buying property. Selling property. Downsizing. Keeping UK property. What tax will you pay? Whether the property is in France or the UK, whether it’s your home or an investment, there are many tax implications to consider.

Talk to the people who know

Besides capital gains tax and income tax on rentals, France also imposes a wealth tax on real estate and you need to plan ahead for French succession tax. And when moving country, are you better off selling as a France or UK tax resident?

niort@blevinsfranks.com

05 49 75 07 24 www.blevinsfranks.com

Blevins Franks can advise you on the various tax liabilities and tax planning opportunities; help you weigh the pros and cons, and recommend personalised tax and estate planning solutions.

157-fr

I N T E R NAT IONA L TA X A DV IC E • I N V E S T M E N TS • E S TAT E PL A N N I NG • PE NSIONS Blevins Franks Group is represented in France by the following companies: Blevins Franks Wealth Management Limited (BFWML) and Blevins Franks France SASU (BFF). BFWML is authorised and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority, registered number C 92917. Authorised to conduct investment services under the Investment Services Act and authorised to carry out insurance intermediary activities under the Insurance Distribution Act. Where advice is provided outside of Malta via the Insurance Distribution Directive or the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II, the applicable regulatory system differs in some respects from that of Malta. BFWML also provides taxation advice; its tax advisers are fully quali ed tax specialists. Blevins Franks France SASU (BFF), is registered with ORIAS, registered number 07 027 475, and authorised as ‘Conseil en Investissements Financiers’ and ‘Courtiers d’Assurance’ Category B (register can be consulted on www.orias.fr). Member of ANACOFI-CIF. BFF’s registered of ce: 1 rue Pablo Neruda, 33140 Villenave d’Ornon – RCS BX 498 800 465 APE 6622Z. Garantie Financière et Assurance de Responsabilité Civile Professionnelle conformes aux articles L 541-3 du Code Monétaire et Financier and L512-6 and 512-7 du Code des Assurances (assureur MMA). Blevins Franks Trustees Limited is authorised and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority for the administration of retirement schemes. This promotion has been approved and issued by BFWML.

www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr

Welcome to the March issue of the Deux-Sèvres Monthly magazine!

As we write this message, it looks like the never-ending rain is still never going to stop. Our garden has turned into a quagmire of mud – not a pretty sight when we receive a half-ton of magazines once a month. Spare a thought for us at the end of the month, when they are delivered on a lorry that is invariably too big to ﬁt up our driveway and we end up pushing them the last 50 metres on a rickety hydraulic trolley. Here’s hoping for drier weather and a less muddy drive soon.

In March 2024, it will be a whole year since we embarked on the project to revitalise this magazine. And what a year it has been. We’ve learnt some important lessons along the way and received lots of positive feedback from our readers both old and new. This month we have increased the printing and distribution of the magazine again as more of our distribution points reopen for the new season.

One of the things we said when we re-launched the magazine was that we wouldn't ﬁll it with information about ourselves, because our lives aren't the most interesting thing going on in this lovely department. This month is an exception because 14 March is World Kidney Day and we’ve included something about our experiences with kidney disease. We hope it inspires you.

There’s a deﬁnite Celtic theme to this month’s magazine, as we celebrate both St David’s and St Patrick’s Day in March. You’ll ﬁnd inside a really brief look at the ties between the various Celtic languages and there's also a quiz to test your knowledge.

We have included a few more events into the "What's on" from this department and beyond. If you have an event planned, you are welcome to send it to us by email: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr and we’ll try to include it.

We would like to thank our old and new advertisers once again. Without you, printing this magazine would not be possible. We regularly speak to advertisers who tell us that they are receiving, on average, three or four new enquiries every month. Happy Easter and we look forward to seeing you again in April.

Kathleen & Chris

tel: 07 86 99 16 17 email: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr © K Butler-donnelly 2024. all rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced without permission. While care is taken to ensure that articles and features are accurate, we accept no liability for errors 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

Local markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 News & Announcements . . . . . . . . . 5 What’s On. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Life in 79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 On this day. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Discovering silver linings . . . . . . . . . 10 The imagination for reality. . . . . . . . 11 Quiz time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Book club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 - 13 La vie en France . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Bienvenue à la ferme . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Untying the Celtic knot . . . . . . . . . . 16 Sustainable artistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 World Kidney Day . . . . . . . . . . . 18 - 19 The Repair Shed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 View from the Vendée . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Parlez-vous français?. . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Garden labels & markers . . . . . . . . . 22 Get connected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Taking better photographs . . . . . . . 24 Fishing for the next generation . . . 26 The Loire Girl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Problem solving 1.01... . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Clare’s garden diary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Clubs & Associations . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Traditional Recipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Take a Break . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Our Furry Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Money Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Ask Amanda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Index of Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Quiz answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Emergency numbers Numbers to phone in case of an emergency 15

SAMU - Emergency Medical Service

Police Secours - Emergency Police

112 European Emergency Calls 18

Sapeurs Pompiers - Fire Brigade

114 French Emergency number for the deaf and hard of hearing 15

Dentiste de Garde – Emergency Dentist (Sundays & Bank Holidays)

event, it is highly recommended that you verify the event details with other sources. the deux-sèvres Monthly est édité par Kathleen Butler-donnelly, 27 rue de la Madoire, Bressuire 79300 tel: 07 86 99 16 17. directeur de la publication et rédacteur en chef: K Butler-donnelly. siret: 90043034900028 Crédits photos :adobe stock, istock, Pixabay sauf mention contraire. impression: graﬁcas Piquer sl, 29 al Mediterraneo, Pol. ind. san rafael, 04230, huércal de almeria, espagne. issn: 2115-4848 dépôt légal: à purition

The Deux-sèvres Monthly |

Local Markets in the Deux Sèvres

THE ENGLISH SPEAKING CHURCH OF THE VALLEY OF THE LOIRE “ESCOVAL”

Monday am

Tuesday a.m.

We meet on the third Sunday of each month at the church in Arçay at 11h00. The services are multidenominational and vary between Matins and Holy Communion - both usually include hymns. Afterwards there is usually a bring-and-share lunch. Arçay is situated between Loudun and Thouars just off the D759. www.escoval.jimdofree.com Contact Geoff Cornwall : gdfrance6052@gmail.com Jim Burrows : 05 49 22 41 78 Carole Taylor : mumsikins@hotmail.com

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

Evangelical Church (ChefBoutonne) Meetings each Sunday at 3:00pm. The Evangelical Church, 10 Rue de l’Huilerie, 79110 Chef-Boutonne. All are welcome. Parking on site. Please see our website for more www.mission-poitou-charentes.com .

4 | The Deux-sèvres Monthly

Cerizay 79140

Bressuire 79300 Coulonges-sur-l'Autize 79160 La Creche 79260 Lezay 79120 Niort 79000 Thouars 79100 Vasles 79340

Wednesday a.m. Celles-sur-Belle79370 Niort 79000 Parthenay 79200 Thursday a.m. Friday a.m.

Saturday a.m.

Sunday a.m.

Argenton-les-Vallées 79150 La Motte St Héray 79800 Niort 79000 Sauzé-Vaussais 79190 Coulon 79510 Melle 79500 Niort 79000 Nueil les Aubiers 79250 Thouars 79100

Airvault 79600 Bressuire 79300 Cerizay 79140 Champdeniers 79220 Chef-Boutonne 79110 Cherveux 79410 Coulonges-sur-l'Autize 79160 Lezay 79120 Mauleon 79700 Mauze sur le Mignon 79210 Moncoutant 79320 Niort 79000 Saint Maixent-l'Ecole 79400 Chatillon sur Thouet 79200 Coulon 79510 La Creche 79260 Niort 79000 Thénezay 79390

place des Halles

place Dupin Centre Ville rue du Marché place du Marché place des Halles place Lavault la place du 25 Août Centre Ville place des Halles rue Jean-Jaurès

place Philippe de Commynes place Clémenceau place des Halles Centre Ville place de l'Eglise place Bujault place des Halles place Pierre Garnier place Lavault place Saint-Pierre place Dupin place des Halles Centre Ville Centre Ville Centre Ville place des Halles place du Marché place du château place de l'Eglise Centre Ville place des Halles place du Marché

place du Parnasse place de l'Eglise rue du Marché place des Halles place de L'Hôtel de Ville

Local Markets in neighbouring departments

Monday a.m.

Tuesday a.m.

Doue-la-Fontaine 49700

Civray 86400 Montrueil-Bellay 49260 Mortagne-sur-Sèvres 85290 Surgéres 17700

Wednesday a.m. Fontenay-le-Comte 85200 Lusignan 86600 Ruﬀec 16700 Vihiers 49310 Thursday a.m.

Aulnay 17470 Surgéres 17700

Saturday a.m.

Cholet 49300 Fontenay-le-Comte 85200 La Châtaigneraie 85120 Pouzauges 85700 Ruﬀec 16700 Surgéres 17700

Friday a.m.

Sunday a.m.

Civray 86400 Doue-la-Fontaine 49700

Aulnay 17470 Latillé 86190 Valence-en-Poitou 86700

place du Champ de Foire place Leclerc place du Marché place Hullin rue Audry de Puyravault

place du Commerce place Isabelle d’Angoulême Centre Ville place Charles-de-Gaulle Centre Ville rue Audry de Puyravault place Leclerc place René Nicolas

place du 8 Mai 1945 place du Commerce place de la République place de l’Hôtel de Ville Centre Ville rue Audry de Puyravault Centre Ville place Robert Gerbier place du Marché

Notice Board

www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr

News & Announcements GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE BOOST

there’s still time to register to vote

As we reported previously, the UK government has recently expanded voting rights for citizens abroad, eliminating the previous 15-year limit on overseas voting.

This change comes at a signiﬁcant moment, as an upcoming UK election is on the horizon. A multitude of issues are expected to be at the forefront of the political debate, including but not limited to international relations, domestic policies, and economic strategies.

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS, RELIGIOUS AND FEAST DAYS

Pâques Easter Sunday Sunday 31 March 2024

Lundi de Pâques Easter Monday Monday 1 April 2024 Fête du Travail Labour Day Wednesday 1 May 2024 Victoire de 1945 VE Day Wednesday 8 May 2024

Ascension Ascension Day Thursday 9 May 2024

Dimanche de Pentecôte Whit Sunday Sunday 19 May 2024 Lundi de Pentecôte Whit Monday Monday 20 May 2024 Fête nationale "Bastille Day" Sunday 14 July 2024

Assomption Assumption Day Thursday 15 August 2024 Toussaint All Saints Day Friday 1 November 2024

Armistice de 1918 Armistice Day Monday 11 November 2024 Noël Christmas Day Wednesday 25 December 2024

Jour de l'An New Year's Day Wednesday 1 January 2025

To take part in this democratic exercise, you must have previously registered or resided in the UK. You can register to vote using your last UK address, but remember that registration must be renewed every three years. Don't let distance silence your voice. To register or learn more, visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Your vote can help shape the future of the UK, even from across the Channel!

The French government has taken substantial strides in strengthening its support for electric vehicles (EVs), charging infrastructure, and environmentally-conscious home renovations. They've increased the budget for the installation of EV chargers throughout France by an additional €268 million. Moreover, a broad spectrum of grants is now accessible for the procurement of electric cars. A novel scheme has been unveiled, which allows for electric cars to be leased for as low as €100 per month, provided specific conditions related to income and travel distance are satisfied. This initiative is designed to render EVs more affordable for a wider demographic. In addition, the MaPrimeRenov programme has undergone revisions to offer grants for energy-efficient refurbishments in rental properties. This amendment aims to provide landlords with an incentive to enhance their properties and contribute towards France's sustainability objectives. France has set a high target of installing over 400,000 EV charging points across its road network by 2030. For more information related to these grants, check out www.service-public.fr

international Women's Day 2024

The theme of this year’s International Women's Day on 8th March 2024, is "Empowering Women, Empowering Humanity". This is not just a call to action, but a strong affirmation of the inherent strength and potential of women across the globe. Our journey began over a century ago when courageous women fought for better pay, shorter working hours, and the right to vote. Today, we continue their struggle, striving for equal rights and opportunities in all areas of life. We have made significant progress from classrooms to boardrooms, fields to factories. However, the road ahead remains challenging. Despite notable advancements, many of us still face barriers that hinder our potential. Sexism persists, gender gaps linger, and bias is an everyday reality for too many. Globally, women earn significantly less than men, despite often having higher qualifications. This inequality is not only unfair but also unjust.

Nevertheless, we remain determined. We stand tall, knowing that societies where men and women are treated equally are safer, healthier, and more prosperous. When women are empowered, humanity thrives. So, as we celebrate International Women's Day 2024, let's raise our voices and demand our rightful place at every table. Together, we can overcome any challenge.

visas for second homeowners rejected Don’t forget to put your clocks forward on 1 March!

The recent decision by France's Constitutional Council to reject a proposed amendment, which would have allowed British second home owners in France to stay longer than 90 days without a visa, is disappointing, though not entirely unexpected. This ruling aﬀects around 86,000 Britons who now face restrictions on their stays in France, limiting them to 90 out of every 180 days as a result of Brexit. The dashed hopes of these homeowners for more lenient visa rules underscore the ongoing challenges many face in post-Brexit times. It's disheartening to witness these changes impacting those who cherished the freedom and ease of movement they once enjoyed.

The Deux-sèvres Monthly |

PETIT MARCHÉ DE LA FABRIK Every Friday, 17- 20h00

Saint-Pardoux-Soutiers The association Les Fabrigands hosts its Petit Marché de la Fabrik every Friday. Local producers oﬀer a variety of goods, from fresh vegetables to Creole dishes, bio-ﬂour, and local charcuterie. lesfabrigands.fr EXPOSITION "LA MACRO DU JARDIN Throughout March

Mauleon Discover the stunning macro photography of Steve Fanouillet at the Musée l'Abbaye. "La Macro du Jardin," presents a vibrant and detailed look at the insect life in Fanouillet's garden. agglo2b.fr

DYDD DEWI SANT - ST. DAVID'S DAY 1 March

Worldwide, especially in Wales St. David's Day is a celebration dedicated to the patron saint of Wales, St. David or Dewi Sant in Welsh. To pay tribute to the patron saint, people commonly wear daﬀodils, a national symbol of Wales. visitwales.com FÊTE DES GRANDS-MÈRES 3 March

throughout France The Fête des Grands-Mères is a heartfelt annual event in France dedicated to celebrating grandmothers. It's a day of family gatherings, special activities, and expressions of love and gratitude for all grandmothers. NETBALL TOURNAMENT 3 March

Clesse Join the Clessé ALLSTARS as they take part in a tournament with the Vasles Netball Club and the Bellac Belles. Clessé Salle Omnisports, at 3pm – everyone welcome! facebook.com/netballclesse79 SALON DU LIVRE 4 – 17 March

airvault Explore the theme of "Friendship" at the second Salon du Livre, including an exhibition "The Great History of the Book" and welcomes a delegation from Poland as part of Friendship Without Borders. cc-avt.fr EXPOSITION EMMANUELLE TCHOUKRIEL 5 - 31 March

Saint-Maixent-l'École Discover the magniﬁcent original naturalist drawing boards by illustrator

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Emmanuelle Tchoukriel. Organised by the Communauté de Communes Haut Val de Sèvre. Free entry. saint-maixent-lecole.fr VISITE DU PETIT MUSÉE 6 & 30 March

Fontenay-le-Comte (85200) Step back in time and experience the ambiance of a bygone era at the "Autrefois l’école" museum. Discover the settings and activities of old-school classrooms. Admission is free. facebook.com/autrefoislecole REACTION BOOK CLUB 6 March, 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 ‘We" by Yevgeny Zamyatin. Everybody welcome. reactiontheatre.eu

SORTIE NATURE, MARAIS DE LAIROUX 6 March

Lairoux (85400) Immerse yourself in nature with a stroll through the communal marsh of Lairoux, where you can spot various species like Purple Heron, White Stork, Black Kite, and Lapwing. vendee.lpo.fr MARCHÉ GOURMAND - MON DÎNER FERMIER 7 March

La Crèche "Mon Diner Fermier," a monthly gourmet market, oﬀers local specialties as readyto-eat dishes. Features a diﬀerent local brewery each month. ville-lacreche.fr LES FEMMES DANS TINTIN 7 March

thouars Explore the representation of women in Tintin's albums at this conference. Discover the 14 named female characters and the 45 who speak, their roles and contributions. uia-du-pays-thouarsais.fr FÉMINISME ET SUFFRAGETTES À PARTHENAY AVANT 1945 8 March

Parthenay Delve into the heart of feminist activism in Parthenay during the ﬁrst half of the 20thC with Albéric Verdon. Unravel the stories of remarkable women like Marguerite Martin, Mrs. Ravard, and more, who stood against the societal norms of their time. h2pg.fr

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2024 8 March

Worldwide A global celebration that recognises women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. The day is also a call to action for gender equality. internationalwomensday.com FLÂNERIE CINÉMATOGRAPHIQUE 9 March

Parthenay Elsa Guénard of Le Foyer cinema invites you to explore DVDs at the library. Pick a ﬁlm or two you'd like to see or discuss, and enjoy simple exchanges about them with other participants. cc-parthenay-gatine.fr REPAIR CAFÉ AND GRATIFERIA 9 March

Parthenay Take part in a community-driven event combining a gratiferia (free fair) and a repair café. Donate items you no longer need, pick up objects you'll use, or learn to repair small appliances and clothing with volunteer ﬁxers. instagram.com/le_rouge.gorge EXPOSITION PEINTURE ET SCULPTURE

9-10 March, 16-17 March, 23-24 March

Bressuire Step into the artistic worlds of Ly-Rose, a painter and plastic artist, and Lydie Bansard, a sculptor, at this exhibition organised by Les Amis des Arts at l'Hôtel de Ville amisdesarts.wixsite.com/expositions

ET PATATI ET PATATA ET PAUSE-CAFÉ 13 March

Chef Boutonne Join us for a friendly monthly gathering at the Médiathèque Marguerite-Gurgand. Share your weekly highlights—be it a book, a song, a ﬁlm, an exhibition, or a concert. No registration required, come as you are! chef-boutonne.fr WORLD KIDNEY DAY 14 March

Worldwide A day to promote awareness of kidney health and disease, the importance of kidneys to our overall health and encourages early detection and a healthy lifestyle for maintaining kidney health. worldkidneyday.org MUSIQUE IRLANDAISE OU PRESQUE 15 March

Melle Delight in an evening of almost-Irish music at Café du Boulevard. Enjoy a

meal, savour the ﬂavours, and get swept up in the lively tunes that'll have you dancing all night. lecafeduboulevard.com SOIRÉE JEUX DE SOCIÉTÉ (BOARD GAME NIGHT) 15 March

Coulonges-sur-l'autize 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 FOIRE EXPO 15-18 March

Bocapole, Bressuire Join the 150 exhibitors at the Foire Expo for a commercial fair, agricultural show, and funfair. Enjoy various weekend activities with Portugal as this year's featured country. bba.asso.fr SORTIE NATURE, LES OISEAUX CHANTEURS DU BOCAGE 13 March

La reorthe (85210) Enjoy a nature walk along the Lay, discover and learn to identify bird songs at various listening points throughout the bocage. facebook.com/LPOVendee ALL DAY MOSAIC WORKSHOP 16 March

Secondigny Take part in a full-day workshop, creating a 25cm springtime wreath suitable for outdoor use. The €80 fee includes all materials, tools, and tuition. berrycreatifmosaics.com LE LAC DES CYGNES 16 March

Niort Join the International Festival Ballet for a performance of "Le Lac des Cygnes". This ballet, accompanied by a live orchestra, narrates the romantic tale of Prince Siegfried and Swan Princess Odette. internationalfestivalballet.com REOPENING FOR THE SEASON 16 March

Join us as the Chateau de Javarzay reopens for the 2024 season. Open on Saturday afternoons and all day on Sundays. Look out for more details of our Easter weekend treasure hunt with Alice and her friends from Wonderland! chateau-javarzay.f SOIRÉE CABARET 16 & 17 March

Coulon Join Les Tégadons for a vibrant cabaret night ﬁlled with feathers, glitter, and unique acts. Make sure to reserve your spot before March 14th. lestegadons.fr

www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr

LÁ FHÉILE PÁDRAIG - ST. PATRICK'S DAY 17 March

Worldwide Join the celebrations! The holiday began as a feast day honouring St. Patrick, who brought Christianity to Ireland. Now, it's a global event featuring parades, traditional music, food, and green attire. ireland.com INTERNATIONAL DAY OF HAPPINESS 20 March

Worldwide Join the global celebration of happiness and well-being. A day to promote happiness as a universal human right and goal. dayofhappiness.net REACTION POEM & PINTS GROUP 20 March, 3pm

Fenioux An afternoon of poetry readings and drinks with Reaction Theatre members and friends. We meet every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 3pm in Café des Belles Fleurs, Fenioux to share our favourite poems. This month’s theme is Humour. Everybody welcome reactiontheatre.eu

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION 21 March

Worldwide On this day, people worldwide unite to uphold human rights and root out racism. The day highlights the urgency of combatting racial discrimination and promotes equality, inclusion, and dialogue. un.org LA GRANDE LESSIVE® 2024 21 - 23 March

Saint-Maixent-l’École A temporary art installation with an opportunity for participants of all ages to showcase their artwork on lines across courtyards, squares, and streets. cc-hautvaldesevre.fr ODYSSEY NATURE - VISIT 21 & 28 March

Nueil-les-aubiers Take a look behind the scenes of the Science and Nature Laboratory. You will discover the manufacturing stages of the brands produced at this site with an opportunity to visit the shop on site. Reservation required. odyssee-nature.fr POMMERAIE PLAYERS PRESENT... 22 & 23 March

Clussais la Pommeraie Join the Pommeraie Players for two comedic plays, "Allo Allo" and "All Around my Pole". Experience the chaos of a WWII French café and a village hall's pole dancing class. Tickets €8 at the door, not suitable for children. facebook - Pommeraie Players

WORLD WATER DAY 22 March

Worldwide Join the global celebration of our most precious resource. This day aims to raise awareness about the importance of water in our lives, the need for sustainable management, and the challenges faced due to water scarcity. un.org WATERMILL IN OPERATION

22 March Nieul-sur-l'Autise (85240)

Experience a watermill in operation, producing authentic traditional flour. Throughout your visit, the miller will explain the intricate workings, the necessary conditions, and the process of obtaining the finest flour. maisondelameunerie-vendee.fr SALON DES VINS ET TERROIRS 22-24 March

thouars Embark on a unique journey through French vineyards and gastronomy at the Salon des Vins et Terroirs. Over a hundred winemakers and local producers will present their oﬀerings in the historic Orangerie du Château. salon-vins-terroirs-thouars.org ATELIER "RÉPARE CAFÉ" 30 March

airvault Join us for the "Répare Café" workshop every last Saturday of the month. Get help from volunteers to repair items like appliances, bicycles, small furniture, and some computer equipment, all while enjoying a hot cup of coﬀee. cc-avt.fr REPAIR CAFÉ AND GRATIFERIA 30 March

Champdeniers Take part in a community-driven event combining a gratiferia (free fair) and a repair café. Donate items you no longer need, pick up objects you'll use, or learn to repair small appliances and clothing with volunteer ﬁxers - ﬁnd us next to Le Bœuf Couronné . valdegray.csc79.org IRISH CELTIC "SPIRIT OF IRELAND" 31 March

Niort Celebrate the 12th anniversary of Irish Celtic "Spirit of Ireland". Experience the story of Paddy Flynn and his son in their Irish Celtic Pub, accompanied by Irish legends, songs, dances, and mysteries. lemoulinduroc.fr

The Deux-sèvres Monthly |

LIFE IN 79

truﬄe Kerfuﬄe

(the word 'truﬄe' appears 28 times in the following article)

Stephen Shaw

“We're going to the truﬄe market” Anna, my wife, stated. These were not usually the words I wanted to hear on a Saturday morning after a week's work. I am a creature of comfort and enjoy nothing more than sitting on my backside watching telly; the thought of having to engage with the outside word ﬁlls me with dread. But, it was January...freezing outside and in. However many logs we chucked into the log burner the house didn't seem to warm up; I could see my breath when I entered the kitchen and had more layers than a lasagne. So the thought of driving around in the car with the heater on maximum did appeal somewhat.

For three euros you could have a taster plate of four mini truffle dishes. Truffle butter on toast, truffle and chicken, truffle and leek, and to finish tiramisu...with truffle. They were all absolutely delicious and we stood around our table, with some friends we had bumped into, like Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti discussing the nuances of each dish. We compared the size of our truffles and I reassured everyone it's not the size of your truffle that matters, it's what you do with it.

The market was in Availles-Thouarsais (a small village near Airvault). From quite a way off the country roads seemed busy for a Saturday morning and the line of traffic was just going the one way. Everyone was heading to truffle town. On our arrival I asked Anna if we could drive about a bit longer, she declined my offer. “Well if I'm good at the truffle market can we take the scenic route home?” After a withering look it was truffle time. The Salle Polyvalente was heaving, and with so many bodies in one room the temperature was very agreeable. “I like truffle markets” I told Anna who ignored me. The hall was full of all things truffle. Truffle sellers sat behind truffle tables with their orbs of black gold on display... and priced. Now, I'm not an expert in the ways of the truffle so the experience was quite educational. They ranged in size from 'big marble' to 'cricket ball' (my nomenclature, not theirs), as did their price. We got away with buying one (marble size) which came in at 23€, instead of an uber-truffle priced at over a hundred euros.

I was disappointed that there weren't any truffle hunting demonstrations. I wanted to see a crazed pig with the smell of truffle up its hooter running around the hall. They don't use pigs anymore, I was informed, apparently the pigs ate all the truffles so they use dogs instead. A truffle lasts for 15 days or you can freeze them we were told. Our truffle started going mouldy after a week. But what a week ...we had truffle with everything. Our favoured method of dégustation was to lightly grate as Anna was worried about the aphrodisiacal properties. The first time we had some she left about 4€ worth of the black stuff in the grater. Now, I have no sense of smell and uncultured taste buds, so only speak for myself when I say I couldn't really taste it, I did notice a suggestion of plasticine when the truffle developed a fine coating of fur. Even as I write there is a nubbin of truffle in a jam jar in the fridge. Small oaks trees could be purchased from the market (which had been infused with truffle goodness), planted in your own garden and then if you were prepared to wait for twenty years, could enjoy the taste of home grown truffle. Anna, who has a heightened sense of smell said she was, when the time came, prepared to rootle around in the mud so we didn't need to commit to a dog/pig. A tempting offer but one we declined when we realised Anna would be 77 in twenty years and her best rootling years behind her.

If you would like to read more ramblings from Mr Shaw, go to www.lifein79.blogspot.com

| The Deux-sèvres Monthly

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8 March 1974, Charles de Gaulle Airport, previously planned as Aéroport de Paris Nord, opens. Designed by Paul Andreu, the avant-garde terminal features a ten-story circular building surrounded by seven satellite structures. The airport, carries the IATA code CDG.

NASJONALBIBLIOTEKET

CITIzEN59, CC BY 3.0

7 March 1872, Piet Mondrian (Pieter Cornelis Mondriaan) is born in Amersfoort, Netherlands. A trailblazer of abstract art, he co-founded the De Stijl movement and developed the neoplastic style, utilising fundamental elements of straight lines and primary colours in works such as “Broadway Boogie-Woogie”.

14 March 1991, the "Birmingham Six," six Irish men jailed for the 1974 pub bombings, are released. Convicted based on dubious confessions and later discredited forensic evidence, their release follows widespread calls questioning their guilt. Later, their sentences are formally overturned due to concerns about police evidence and interrogation methods. 18 March 1871, Paris witnesses an insurrection against the French government, resulting in a revolutionary government leading Paris until 28 May. Despite divisions, the Commune government adopts radical measures. After facing opposition from Versailles, the uprising is violently suppressed by late May.

21 March 1965, Martin Luther King Jr. initiates a historic march for African American voting rights from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. This pivotal moment in civil rights history is later depicted in the 2014 ﬁlm "Selma."

26 March 1793, a significant pro-royalist uprising takes place in the Vendée region of France. This event marks a critical phase in the French Revolution, leading to intensified conflict and setting the stage for the Reign of Terror. 19 March 1560, the Conspiracy of Amboise by French Huguenot aristocrats against the Catholic House of Guise fails. The plot is betrayed and the conspirators are captured and harshly punished after their unsuccessful attack on the château of Amboise.

20 March 1828, Henrik Ibsen, the prominent Norwegian playwright is born. Known for his influential works like "A Doll’s House," "Ghosts," and "Hedda Gabler," His plays tackled societal issues and psychological conflicts, significantly shaping modern prose drama.

28 March 1814, Dr. Joseph-Ignace Guillotin, creator of the guillotine, is buried outside Paris. His invention, intended as a symbol of equality and progress, ended up tarnishing his reputation due to its association with the violent aftermath of the French Revolution. 31 March 1999, The Matrix, a visually spectacular and innovative ﬁlm, is released. It tells the story of Neo, a computer hacker who discovers a world controlled by machines. The ﬁlm becomes a massive success, earning $470 million worldwide and winning four Academy Awards.

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Piet Mondrian - Broadway Boogie Woogie, 1942

BIBLIOTHèQUE NATIONALE DE FRANCE

2 March 1933, the ground-breaking horror film "King Kong" premieres in New York City. Celebrated for its pioneering special effects and the first to feature an animated character, it propels actress Fay Wray to international fame. 5 March 1960, the iconic photo of Che Guevara, known as "Guerrillero Heroico", is taken by Alberto Díaz Gutiérrez, aka Alberto Korda. The image captures Guevara watching Fidel Castro's speech at a funeral in Cuba. It gained public attention in 1967 and becomes a symbol of global rebellion, featuring in protests, fashion, and pop culture.

on this Day...

Discovering Silver Linings the brighter side of quarantine Today is my first full day out of bed having been confined to my chamber with Covid (is there such thing as ‘Man Covid’ yet?) – Five whole days in bed with only the necessary trips to the little boy’s room and the occasional shower to punctuate my incarceration. The first few days just involved feeling ill/sorry for myself and sleeping (obviously, I was lucky enough to have a comparatively mild case) but days four and five I was a lot more awake and feeling loads better… so the days got longer. I woke up on day four and looked at the clock – it was 9am and I felt wide awake for the first time in days – definitely on the mend, I thought to myself… As I lay there, my mind wandered for about an hour… I looked back at the clock and it was ten past nine. Only ten minutes had passed. Surely boredom couldn’t have set in already? It had. I learned a few things in the following two days, so I’d like to share: Firstly, I realised that if you don’t do any exercise at all, resting is a lot less pleasurable and sleep becomes more illusive and when you do find it, it’s not as deep and restful. The lesson I learned: Get at least a little physical exercise every day – Bedtime-You will be grateful. Secondly, TV is much like chocolate biscuits – I really like them, I really look forward to them and I really enjoy consuming them, but after a while I realise that it’s very easy to have too much Then ‘too much’ is followed by a nagging feeling, deep-down inside, that I’ve somehow let myself down if you’ve over indulged. The lesson I learned: If you watch too much telly, cut down a bit – that voice inside knows I’m right.

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Thirdly, being in a room with the window and door closed for days on end made me realise that fresh air is something many of us take for granted – being inside all day is ok, stepping outside for ten minutes of fresh air can feel like recharging the batteries. The lesson I learned: Fresh air is everywhere – apart from indoors. Step outside or ﬂing open those windows. Even on cold and rainy days you’ll feel the diﬀerence, even in just one minute. Fourthly, being lonely makes being isolated feel even more isolating. I’m very lucky to have a caring wife who brought me gallons of tea and plenty of trays of delicious food as well as two demanding children who would happily stand by the closed bedroom door,

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shouting through stories about the most important events of their day… in great detail…and at great length. And even then it was lonely. But the acts of love meant so much. The lesson I learned: We all need company and we all need to feel as though there is some small part of the world that misses us when we’re not around. And ﬁnally, being ill is rubbish. The lesson I learned: Take multi vitamins, eat well, drink lots of water and exercise. Do all those things that we all know about that keep you healthy – the stronger you are when you catch something, the better the ﬁght you put up. Written by David Murphy - Life Coach and Hypnotherapist DavidMurphyHypno@gmail.com

Everyday yoga for everyone

Rebecca Novick

the imagination for reality

I was having coﬀee with a friend last Saturday and we began talking about what it takes to face up to certain realities of life, and how applying oneself to activities that one has resisted in the past can be not only educational but liberating. We talked also of the tricks that our minds play on us; the lies we tell ourselves such as the voice of the critic who says things like, “What’s the point, you can’t change that…” or “That’s not for you…” or “You’ll never be able to do it, you may as well give up now.” When we question and debate this critical voice, we start to think diﬀerently. We start to say things like, “Why not?” and “Could it be possible?....” I had been contemplating the idea of self-limiting beliefs – how our ideas about what we can and cannot do create a box that we can’t climb out of. It may be a comfortable, nicely furnished box, but it’s a box all the same. A trap. This box remains closed to anything outside it and spins all kinds of theories and stories about the world beyond. My friend quoted the German playwright and poet, Goethe: ‘Few people have the imagination for reality.’ What a line! We fabricate all kinds of possible future events, and all kinds of theories about events in the past, but to embrace the truth of

present-centred reality? That’s too much! If we want to change anything we need to transcend the limits of the boxes that restrict that change. The first step is to bring our attention to what is actually going on right now – to our present-centred reality; to the sensations and emotions that we feel, and then to learn to stay there a while without getting flighty. The next step is to acknowledge what we feel, to witness it fully and to just let it be what it is. Both of these steps require a certain amount of courage. In yoga, we learn to stay in a pose, even when it is not especially comfortable, and to explore our resistances. In breathwork, all kinds of emotions can arise, but we learn to stay with them while not becoming overwhelmed. So we first attend to reality, then we accept it. Fully. Because in order to change anything we first need to stop fighting reality and use our imagination to accept things as they are, however unpleasant that may be. The third step is curiosity. Pay attention. What is happening now? We learn explore our limits and capacities in a safe and supportive environment. As Bessel van der Kolk writes, “Once you start approaching your body with curiosity rather than with fear,

everything shifts.” Our bodies do not lie to us like our minds do. Our bodies always tell the truth. Leaning into this truth, feeling the feelings and sensations that arise, without judgement or commentary, helps to prepare us for change, for trying something new, however small, which then gives us the conﬁdence and courage to go further. And that is far more fun than sitting in a box, even one that’s nicely decorated! Stay here, pay attention, let it be, what is happening now? These are the mantras that help us to be present to the truth of our bodies and which oﬀer a pathway out of denial to greater selfhonesty, to bring the full force of our imagination to the grand adventure of reality itself. For information about private and group classes including breath coaching lavieenyoga@gmail.com Respect yourself, explore yourself.

Rebecca

QUIZ TIME Feeling sharp as a shamrock? Dive into our Celtic quiz and discover if you're a wizard of Wales, an irish ace, or a Brittany brainbox. Let the games begin!

1. On which date is St David’s Day celebrated annually?  March 1st  April 1st  March 15th  March 31st 2. Besides Wales, St David is the patron saint of which bird?  Pigeon  Budgie  Dove  Crow 3. In which county of Wales was St David born?  Monmouthshire  Pembrokeshire  Ceredigion  Carmarthenshire 4. How do you say “Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus!” in English?  Happy St David’s Day  Happy Christmas  Happy Birthday  Happy New Year 5. According to legend, what miracle did St David perform for St Paulinus?  He turned slate into diamond  He restored his sight.  He restored his sense of smell  He restored his sense of taste 6. What was St Patrick’s nationality?  Welsh  Irish  British  French

7. Why is the shamrock a symbol of Christianity and worn on St Patrick’s Day?  Because it grows in Irish churchyards  It was discovered on the Crusades  St Patrick used it to explain the Holy Trinity  It looks like a crucifix 8. How did St Patrick first come to Ireland?  He came by boat  He was born there  He never visited Ireland  He was kidnapped from the British mainland. 9. Where did the tradition of St Patrick’s Day parades begin?  Dublin  Belfast  Boston  Bordeaux 10. In which century did St Patrick’s Day become an official public holiday in Ireland?  17th Century  18th Century  19th Century  20th Century 11. What are the two colours of the Breton flag?  White and black  Blue and brown  White and blue  Green and black

12. What is the capital city of the LoireAtlantique Department?  Nantes  Angers  Rennes  Le Mans 13. In which city is “Le musée de la résistance Bretonne” located?  Saint Marceau  Saint Marcel  Saint Denis  Saint Michel 14. Which of these are Breton-speaking dioceses in Brittany?  Trégor  Léon  Cornouaille  Vannes 15. What makes Concarneau a unique town in Brittany?  It is completely cut-oﬀ at high-tide  Its only agriculture is the production of cidre  It is completely walled  It is against the law to sell crêpes there 16. What is the branch of Celtic language consisting of Irish, Scottish and Manx called?  Gallic  Glaswician  Mancunic  Goidelic You’ll ﬁnd the answers on page 46 The Deux-sèvres Monthly | 11

Book Club

Alison Morton

10 reasons why a book makes a good read cheering every time. Jane Austen is the mistress of dialogue.

Showing, not telling – The writing should show what the characters are doing and how they react, rather than the author merely relating what’s happening. Sometimes a story does have to let some time go by, but authors will do this in one or two sentences: ‘Later that summer,’ or ‘This continued for the next few weeks.’ Change – Characters can be comfortable or not with their lives when we first meet them but they should change or develop in some way by the end of the story. Lack of knowledge or education, flaws, temper, uncertainties and vulnerabilities are all fine to start with. This gives plenty of room for them to acquire knowledge, learn to open up to others, leave one life behind, accept new realities.

Choosing and enjoying a book is very personal. But general guidelines exist for making every story engaging and hopefully irresistible. Let’s unpick that… A strong story – Well-paced, with a solid plot to intrigue, entrance and captivate so that the reader is eager to read to the end. Stories should have a purpose, otherwise why tell them?

Good style – Clean and clear so that the story unfolds without leaving the reader confused. Mystiﬁed, wondering, yes, but not confused. Some stories unfold piece by piece, often leading the reader through a labyrinth, others go straight to the point, but all need to be well-written. Poor grammar, punctuation, sloppy construction and misuse of vocabulary jolt me as a reader out of a story. And as for those linguistic anachronisms… A plausible world – Not necessarily real, but authentic for its supposed time and place. Whether it’s the 1980s City of London, a Mars colony or 4th century Rome, the characters should talk, work and act appropriately and not just be early 21st century people in shoulder pads, spacesuits or tunics.

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Detail vs. info-dump – Enough detail to trigger the imagination, some small things to set the scene, but NOT a blow-by-blow description of every brick in every house in every town, known inelegantly as an infodump. Details should be woven into the book’s world so that the reader hardly notices, but accepts without question as they become immersed into that world. Characters – Ones the reader can identify with – not necessarily liking them – and who show different aspects to their personalities. A goody-two-shoes can be just as wearing as a continuously snarling villain. Characters should have off days, feel frustrated at traffic jams, forget a password or turn up late, as well as saving their world.

Tie up the loose ends – Don’t introduce objects, motivations or even people unless they are going to contribute to the story. And then make them play a signiﬁcant role, forge a connection or disclose vital information.

Moral balance – Some characters do the right thing for the right reasons, even if it’s against ‘the rules’. But they can do some morally dubious things as long as they get to the honourable goal without wrecking too much on the way. Not all endings are happy as there is often a touch of sadness or loss in the course of any story, but it should have a ﬁrm resolution. Happy writing!

Dialogue – Yes, please, and lots of it! Lively dialogue not only carries the story forward, but it also illuminates characters’ attitudes, motivations and inner conflicts. If we ‘hear’ a character ‘talking’, we feel we are in the room with them. My favourite is Elizabeth Bennet’s demolition of Darcy’s character. I find myself flinching and Alison has compiled a selection of articles from this column into ‘The 500 Word Writing Buddy’, available in print and ebook. EXILIUM, a sequel to JULIA PRIMA, her historical novel set in AD 370, has just been published.

www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr

Book Club this month’s book reviews Saving Sophia by Caro Feely review by Jacqueline Brown

I’ve long been a fan of local author Caro Feely, and her memoirs about life on their organic vineyard in the Dordogne, but her latest book is rather different. Saving Sophia is a beautifully written memoir about an incredibly difficult time for Caro and husband Sean, that will stay with me for a while. Living in Dublin, this international, career-focussed couple, decided in their thirties that parenthood was something they wanted, despite it not having been the focus of their five-year plan. Following her journey from no bump to maternity leave, and then their arrival at the hospital, brought back so many vivid memories of my pregnancy and those early days of motherhood. We had our dramas and tears, but nothing to compare to the devastating news Caro and Sean received that saw their baby daughter being whisked off to the special care baby unit with her future uncertain. Caro bravely shares this emotional and heart stopping time openly and honestly. The wait between diagnosis and operation, the long road towards recovery, even when reading it, time seemed to slow down, but I couldn’t put this book down. I was heartbroken for them, at the trauma and pain they had to go through at what should have been such a happy time for the family. This book is set before their move to France to run an organic vineyard, but a lot of it is dedicated to their learning curve in this area. Caro questions her old lifestyle decisions, diet, and anything else she can think of to understand what could have caused baby Sophia’s problems. She shares her reasons for ditching the ready meals and going organic, backed up by her now vast knowledge in this field. Any parent will feel the tug of emotions as they read this book. I also came away with a stronger appreciation for the miracle that is life and a greater understanding of how precious it is and how every day must be treasured and lived to the full.

Monsieur Moonlight by Lise McClendon review by Jacqueline Brown

Monsieur Moonlight is the latest in the Bennett Sisters Mysteries series, set in the Dordogne, Bordeaux and the Atlantic coast. American Merle and Frenchman Pascal are busy people and purchasing a new property with a rundown vineyard, Château des Corbeaux, only increased their workload, but they wouldn’t have it any other way. Pascal’s dream is to make his own wine, and in this book, they continue to settle into life at château, tending the vines in spring as well as working on their accommodation. As Pascal spreads himself thinly between Merle, the vineyard and his wine fraud investigation work in Bordeaux, things take a sinister turn at work. While not directly involved in the enquiry that follows the sudden death of a colleague, he and Merle can’t help but feel something has been missed out and are soon delving into the detail. As Merle busies herself making the château their special place, a mystery visitor makes an unexpected appearance, dragging up Pascal’s childhood. This proves to be yet another problem for him to solve, and Merle to cope with in her own way. In a previous novel, they had found some long-hidden treasures on the land that they’d donated to a museum in Paris, and that adventure isn’t quite done with them yet either. I do love the chemistry between these two. Their enquiring minds, sixth sense for trouble, and dogged determination to solve a mystery and right a wrong, are perfectly balanced with their tenderness for each other and their pure enjoyment of a good wine, a delicious homecooked meal, or a special dinner out together. This book would be best accompanied by a full-bodied glass of Bordeaux’s ﬁnest red wine.

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La Vie en France Keeping it simple

Jacqueline Brown

With Easter falling early this year, March will give us both Palm Sunday and Easter weekend, and in France they both have their traditional sweet treats to indulge in. I don’t know how far north has travelled in the Deux-Sèvres, but here on the border with the Charente, these triangular shaped buttery biscuits, sold around Palm Sunday are something I always look forward to. With fluted edges, a hole in the middle and decorated with aniseed sweets, the triangular shape represents The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. They were traditionally sold at the entrance to church on Palm Sunday, where a sprig of box (another traditional French symbol of Palm Sunday) would have been placed in the hole. For those whose beliefs are more Pagan than Christian, and with spring signifying new life, is believed to be triangle shaped to represent the female reproductive organs and is a sign of fertility. I have also seen (and enjoyed) puff pastry versions, deliciously filled with strawberries and whipped cream, but the simple biscuit variety will always be my favourite. As the signs of spring help me to emerge from my winter slumber, I’ve realised it’s the simple things that make me happy. A new pen for my new season working at the Château de Javarzay, (a magic pen with green, red, blue and black ink, no less), was almost as exciting as my new role that this year includes pre-season promotion and communication. A box of leeks for 1€ at the checkout in Lidl that put a huge smile on my face and gave us soup galore, but why does sod’s law mean you don’t see an anti-gaspi box for months, then find yourself with a crate of leeks the day before starting work, with an afternoon of volunteering to squeeze in first? It was, however, the simple (or slightly mad) decision to cycle the eighteen kilometres to my monthly writing group that raised my endorphins the most. Two hours of good company and interesting ideas, sandwiched between two hour-long bike rides, equalled four hours of perfection for a chilly Friday morning. We left home with the sun battling a morning mist that lay low over the fields, leaving the outlines of trees just visible on the horizon. It changed the landscape we are used to and was almost too beautiful to concentrate on the road ahead. We’ve also been making the most of day trips out this year, including the free museum entries offered by many national museums on the first Sunday of the month. A bit of careful planning means we can enjoy a bike ride with new vistas and views, lunch out and an afternoon museum visit. Talking of museums, this year the Château de Javarzay opens on 16th March, for Saturday afternoons and all day on Sundays, plus our Easter weekend treasure hunt, for children of all ages. This year we’ve invited Alice and her friends from Wonderland to join us. I’d love to see you there.

www.frenchvillagediaries.com email: frenchvillagediaries@gmail.com

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Sophie Hargreaves

Bienvenue à la ferme

We’re proud to have become members of the farmers’ network “Bienvenue à la Ferme” in September 2023, something we had been working on for some time!

Bienvenue à la Ferme is a French farming network, certified by the Chambres d’Agriculture, that promotes and supports agritourism by helping to directly connect consumers with farmers across France. It translates, quite literally, to "Welcome to the Farm" in English. The members of the network offer a wide range of activities, products and experiences for visitors, including farm stays, tours, workshops, and direct sales of farm products. We really connected with what the network had to offer and what we knew we delivered at our alpaca farm, so we were keen to be part of it.

Deux-Sèvres Bienvenue à la Ferme is a branch of this network speciﬁcally operating here in our department. It’s been great getting to know fellow network members in the department, discovering what they have to oﬀer, and also making new friends who have been so supportive of our projects. This initiative not only supports local farmers but also promotes sustainable tourism and rural development in the region. Particularly poignant at this time where farmers have been making waves across the country to gain support for better wages, internal and foreign policies and for help lowering running costs too. However, in my experience, they have not used this network directly to work together on their protests (that I’ve seen), perhaps as it’s run by a government body itself.

How do you know a farm has been certified as a member of this network? The Bienvenue à la Ferme logo of a green sign with a yellow flower is quite distinctive and you’ll likely find it familiar whether you knew what it represented before or not. A farm showing the logo should indicate the quality of service and products provided by a farm, marking an affiliation with the network, which signifies that the farm adheres to certain standards and values promoted by Bienvenue à la Ferme. We underwent a rigorous assessment initially by a representative of the Chambres d’Agriculture to ensure we met certain standards and criteria with what we offer at the farm; services of the alpaca experiences, facilities at the farm, our produce from the farm and also our accommodation too which promotes the agricultural activities we undertake. We then had to present to a board of Bienvenue à la Ferme DeuxSèvres members, including their chair and deputy chair.

include aspects such as environmental sustainability, farm management practices, and hospitality standards.

As members of this network, we’ll include in our work the seasonal promotions you’ll see farmers work together towards, such as spring Portes Ouvertes which many will now be preparing for, winters at the farm and lots more. I really hope this may have given you a little more insight into the agritourism here in the Deux-Sèvres and across France, and perhaps encouraged you to look out for the network’s logo and perhaps helped explain why we see it as a sign of quality products and services, having been through the process ourselves now.

At the time of our assessment by our peers, I was heavily pregnant with our baby Emilie, and little did I know she would arrive into the world just 6 days after in fact! So it will always be quite a memorable time in our lives, for more than one reason. It seemed like quite the achievement that I’m not sure we knew we would attain within our ﬁrst few years in business, let alone at that particular time in our lives. And the network was very welcoming of Emilie into the world too.

I can be certain to tell you that farms (at least in the Deux-Sèvres) who are part of the Bienvenue à la Ferme network often strive to oﬀer high-quality products and services to visitors, given they are continuously meeting the criteria and guidelines that farms must meet to be part of the network, which

For more information, visit: www.lapetitefermedalpagas.com or email: hello@lapetitefermedalpagas.com The Deux-sèvres Monthly | 1

Untying the Celtic Knot the linguistic labyrinth of languages

March is here, and it's the month when we celebrate both St David's Day and St Patrick's Day. But have you ever thought about the fascinating links between the languages of Wales, Ireland and Brittany in France? It may seem like an obscure topic, but believe me, it's worth a linguistic journey. Let's take a look at the Celtic languages, which are categorised into two main groups - Brythonic and Goidelic. There used to be a continental group, but it has since died out. Don't be put off by these lofty terms; they simply refer to different branches of the Celtic language tree. The Brythonic branch includes Welsh, Cornish and Breton. Meanwhile, the Goidelic branch consists of Irish, Scottish Gaelic and Manx. So it's no surprise that there are more similarities between Welsh and Breton than between Breton and Irish. Languages are like living, breathing beings that change and evolve over time, but preserving them is important to keep our cultural heritage alive. In Wales, Ireland and France, there are on-going efforts to revitalise endangered languages such as Welsh, Irish and Breton. From language revival programmes to cultural festivals such as the Eisteddfod in Wales and Seachtain na Gaeilge (Irish Language Week), every effort counts. Language is not only a means of communication, but also a bridge that connects people and cultures. For Wales, Ireland and France, their shared linguistic heritage strengthens their bonds. And you know what? Welsh has even found its way to Argentina! In 1865, Welsh settlers founded a colony called "Y Wladfa" in Patagonia. Today, around 5,000 people in Patagonia still speak Welsh, which shows that Welsh culture has spread far beyond its original borders. Together with Cornish and Breton, Welsh belongs to the group of Brythonic languages. These languages developed from the language, which was spoken throughout Britain during the Roman occupation. Welsh began to develop independently around the 5th century, and influenced by

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Latin, it has many similarities with Romance languages such as French. For example, the word for 'bridge' in both Welsh and French is 'pont', and 'window' is translated as "ﬀenestr' in Welsh and 'fenêtre' in French. Here are a few examples: English bridge wall salt church sea sad window land milk honey

Welsh pont mur halen eglwys môr trist ﬀenestr tir llaeth mêl

French pont mur sel église mer triste fenêtre terre lait miel

Breton pont moger holen iliz mor trist prenestr douar laezh mel

There are also English words that have been borrowed into Welsh, some more recently, but many hundreds of years ago. As Welsh is a phonetic language, the borrowed words usually retain their original pronunciation and are spelt phonetically. For example, the French word 'Champagne' is pronounced similarly in Welsh, but spelt as 'Siampaen'. Breton is spoken mainly in Brittany (Breizh) in the northwest of France by about 210,000 people Like all modern Celtic languages, Breton is characterised by changes in the initial consonants. This means that the ﬁrst sound of a word can change depending on the grammatical context. This is a unique feature that adds to the complexity and beauty of these languages. So in March, let's raise a toast to our shared linguistic heritage. Whether it's Welsh, Irish, French or Breton, every word we speak is a reﬂection of our complex and fascinating linguistic history. And who knows? You might even pick up a few words along the way. Iechyd da! (That means "cheers" in Welsh, by the way!)

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Sustainable Artistry at L'atelier d'acryle: a harmony of cutlery and wand making In the north Deux-Sèvres, in the village of Cersay, there is a workshop where the traditional art of cutlery-making is interwoven with a touch of wizardry. L’atelier d’Acryle, an artisan cutlery forge, is not just a place to hone cutlery-making skills but also a haven for crafting magical wands of varying sizes and detail. Drawing inspiration from a ﬁctional universe developed over two decades, each wand is lovingly crafted, hinting at a world where wizards might not be mere fantasy.

Now in its eighth year, partners Elie and Carole co-manage L’atelier d’Acryle. Their unique creations can be purchased on-site by appointment or via their website, Etsy, Nature et Découvertes, and even from the Tourism Oﬃce in Thouars.

promote the recycling of wood from sustainably managed forests, conscientiously source their raw materials, and utilise all aspects of these materials to the very end. They have also taken steps to limit their environmental impact by optimising energy consumption, oﬀering lifetime guarantees for their products, encouraging the use of recycled materials, and reducing excessive packaging from suppliers.

Craftsmanship on a Human Scale

Their 36m² workshop is a hive of activity, with around 200 artisanal pieces produced annually. Among their specialties is Damascus steel, forged entirely in-house, which produces knives of exceptional toughness and resilience.

Elie leads the production and the majority of the workshops, while Carole handles product development and customer service. However, all strategic and artistic decisions are made collaboratively.

a Commitment to Sustainability

L’atelier d’Acryle recently came into the spotlight when they received the “Top Circular Economy” prize in December 2023 (Nouvelle-République). This prestigious award recognises businesses that excel in sustainable practices such as sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling existing materials and products. In a delightful turn of events, they were also chosen as the overall trophy winners by the audience. Elie and Carole are committed to a sustainable mode of production. They

Sharing the Passion

Since 2017, Elie has been imparting his knowledge through culinary art courses in French. These are open to beginners as young as nine, as well as more experienced individuals wishing to enhance their skills. Theoretical knowledge about diﬀerent types of steel, heat treatments, historical techniques, ecology, and wood is shared depending on the workshop.

For more information about workshops, products, or to book a visit, go to www.atelieracryle.com or email bonjour@atelieracryle.com. Carole will be happy to answer any of your queries in English – as long as you speak slowly!

The Deux-sèvres Monthly | 1

World Kidney Day

Since 2004, French legislation has allowed donations from living donors who share a blood or emotional connection with the recipient. France has one of the highest rates of organ donation in Europe, increasing the likelihood of ﬁnding a suitable donor. Despite the incredible beneﬁts of living kidney donation, awareness of this option remains relatively low. In 2015, over 500 of the approximately 3,500 kidney transplants in France were performed using kidneys from living donors. All residents in France, regardless of nationality, are presumed to consent to organ donation upon death unless they choose to opt out. This means that UK citizens residing in France are automatically included on the organ donor list. The eligibility of tourists for organ donation is determined by their home country's laws.

Kidney disease aﬀects approximately one in ten adults worldwide. In France, nearly three million people live with chronic kidney disease. .

There are various treatment options available for kidney disease , including lifestyle changes, medication, dialysis, and kidney transplantation. Lifestyle changes might involve dietary adjustments, regular exercise, and quitting smoking. Medication can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

The Fondation du Rein (French Kidney Foundation) leads initiatives to educate the public about kidney diseases and prevention. On World Kidney Day, they oﬀer free screenings, host workshops, and facilitate interactive sessions with healthcare professionals.

Dialysis is another treatment option that helps remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are unable to do so. France offers both haemodialysis (using a machine to filter the blood) and peritoneal dialysis (using the lining of the abdomen to filter the blood).

Our kidneys play a vital role in maintaining overall health, ﬁltering waste, regulating pH levels, and controlling blood pressure. Without healthy kidneys, our bodies struggle to function eﬀectively.

For individuals with end-stage kidney disease, a kidney transplant may be necessary. Kidney transplants can originate from two types of donors: deceased and living. Deceased-donor kidneys come from individuals who have recently passed away, often due to brain death.

On 14 March 2024, the global health community prepares for World Kidney Day. This annual event aims to raise awareness about kidney health and prevalent diseases.

Kidney diseases impair kidney function. The most common types are chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury. Chronic kidney disease is a long-term condition caused by conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Acute kidney injury is a sudden episode of kidney failure or damage usually caused by severe infection, drug toxicity, or surgery complications. Kidney stones and polycystic kidney disease are also common conditions.

Living-donor kidneys are donated by healthy individuals, usually close relatives or friends, who voluntarily oﬀer one of their kidneys. Both types can eﬀectively restore kidney function for recipients. Living kidney donation is a remarkable opportunity to extend the lives of individuals with chronic kidney disease, without the need for dialysis.

If you lived in the UK between 1980 and 1996, France's blood donation rules disqualify you from giving blood due to the mad cow disease outbreak. However, the Agence de la biomédecine has confirmed that this doesn't affect your eligibility for organ donation. Living kidney donation is governed by a stringent legal framework in France. Donors undergo a comprehensive medical examination and must provide consent before undergoing the donation process. All expenses associated with the donation are covered, and donors can return to their normal life following a recovery period. As we gear up for World Kidney Day 2024, let's unite to make kidney health a priority, not just in France but also across the globe. Let's show our support for those affected by kidney diseases and continue to raise awareness for this important cause. Useful Links:

• who.int • fondation-du-rein.org • agence-biomedecine.fr • francerein.org • worldkidneyday.org • dondorganes.fr • kidney.org.uk • kidneycareuk.org • share-your-spare.com

For any medical concerns or enquiries about organ donation eligibility, please consult healthcare professionals or the relevant authorities.

www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr

our story... As World Kidney Day approaches on March 14, 2024, I wanted to share a personal story that highlights the importance of kidney health and transplantation. This article revolves around our experience as a couple facing kidney disease, from diagnosis to living with a transplanted kidney. I hope it inspires you. When we got married, we never thought kidneys could be a problem. Chris's dad had polycystic kidneys, with a 50% chance of passing it on. But he never had any issues, so we thought we were in the clear. Everything changed just before our wedding when Chris called from Paris, saying he had blurred vision. His blood pressure was 210/150, and a scan showed his kidneys covered in cysts. With the right medications and regular check-ups though, everything seemed under control. In 2012, the focus shifted from medicines to dialysis. The doctors advised preparing for dialysis in a year and joining the transplant register. Although Wales had adopted the opt out donation scheme to reduce waiting times, the list remained long. Seeking a live donor among family members was recommended, but that process would take around 12 months. It's not as simple as TV shows make it seem!

I oﬀered to get tested before involving anyone else, as it would impact my life too. Chris wasn't enthusiastic, but I passed test after test. After numerous scans, the doctors declared me "perfect." Finally, we could move forward! On a rainy January Sunday in 2014, we were admitted to the Cardiﬀ Transplant Unit. The next morning, I had a six-hour operation to retrieve Sidney the Kidney. When Chris heard that I was okay and the surgery was successful, it was his turn. I remember being drugged up, but I still heard him arrive back on the ward, making phone calls and asking for sandwiches. I think the euphoria of being alive had hit him. The next few days were tough for me, with pain and very low blood pressure. Chris came to visit the next day and I was stunned by the change in colour to his skin. I think neither of us had realised how poorly he was, but there standing in front of me was a pink faced Energiser Bunny! It was lovely to see him, but I asked if he didn't mind going away. I went home on Friday, and Chris joined me the next day, full of energy. I made the mistake of trying to keep up with him, but the Living Donor Nurse soon set me straight, advising me to do only 10% of what Chris was doing.

It took about six months, but I gradually returned to my normal self. It's been a decade now, and Sidney is still going strong. Chris now has check-ups every three months in France. The care we received in Cardiﬀ was incredible, but here in France, Chris has even more tests, and we both receive an annual MOT at the transplant unit in Angers.. Some say I was brave, but for me it was something that needed to be done. The most challenging time was during Covid when the mortality rate for transplant patients was 40%. We had to shield for nearly a year until the ﬁrst vaccines became available. Remarkably, we still managed to move to France. In case you're curious, I now have one kidney, and Chris has three, although his two extra kidneys are non-functional. Mine sits next to his appendix doing all the hard work, giving Chris an excuse to tell lifeguards that his scar is from a shark bite. Would I do it again? Absolutely, and I'd encourage anyone to do the same thing. If you need any advice or have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch.

The Repair Shed Planting seeds for health and harmony

The natural world, and the bounty that it provides, has historically been a source for medicine, and many of our modern treatments are derived from natural sources. Plants like willow being used as a natural painkiller and lavender for relaxation, have all been embraced by modern scientists. More recently, much more research has been undertaken across the globe to explore the beneﬁcial impacts that being outdoors, and being in touch with nature, has on our mind, body and soul. Community gardens are becoming a very popular way to encourage people to be outdoors, but also creating a space for people to meet, share knowledge and experience as well as growing their own fruit and vegetables. Here at The Repair Shed HQ in La Coudre, Argentonnay, we are embarking on a new project which will transform two sections of unloved meadows into a thriving Community

Garden. This will include an orchard, wildlife garden, raised growing beds and a polytunnel which includes hydroponic growing.

This is a long-term project and although we have a plan - we are starting with a completely blank canvas! We have started some of the foundation work of clearing the ground, cutting the grass and marking out where things are going to go. However, there is much more to do! The next three months will focus on getting the hard landscaping in place including pathways, fencing and building the polytunnel. Once these have been completed, the growing beds and structures can start to be brought to life.

We will be sharing regular updates on our progress on our website (www.therepairshed.fr) as well as via our Facebook page. We are really looking forward to sharing our progress with you all and if you would like to get involved, please get in touch.

The Deux-sèvres Monthly | 1

Karen Taylor

VIEW FROM THE VENDÊE

the games people play ‘Jeux de société’ – don’t you just love the term?? But when French friends ask for the translation, I have to sheepishly admit that we call them board games. And yes, you can guess what comes next: ‘Bored games?? How bizarre!’. Nevertheless, when our local Franco Britannique Association suggested a games afternoon recently, I jumped at the opportunity to try out a few board games French style.

Not surprisingly, many familiar games have a French equivalent. Although the perennial favourite Monopoly may not work its way around London, you can visit the streets of Paris instead! And Cluedo is basically the same but with a few name changes. As for the likes of Scrabble and Boggle, I hadn’t really thought that there’d be any diﬀerence – surely you just create French words instead of English ones?? Well yes, but don’t forget that you need far more E’s in French than you do in English (think of all those nouns with female endings).

And whilst we English have plenty of W words, it’s not such a popular letter in French, so inevitably the tiles and scoring system are diﬀerent. But… it’s a fun way of expanding your vocabulary (though for heaven’s sake, don’t use a Scrabble dictionary or you’ll be teaching your French friends English words that don’t exist!).

And of course the term ‘jeux de société’ sums up perfectly the whole ethos of playing games. In this day & age we all spend far much too much time solo in front of our screens, so what better way to socialise, have fun and work those little grey cells at the same time? But jeux de société aren’t necessarily restricted to board games. What about boules, pétanque or palet? I hear you ask. Well, assuming you don’t take these games too seriously, they’re a great way to socialise with French people; they love the chance to explain the rules to the uninitiated English!

My current favourite game is called Mölkky. We were out walking by the river last summer when we saw a French family of 3 generations throwing a batten (un lanceur) at 12 mini wooden stakes (les quilles) balanced on the ground. We assumed they’d invented the game themselves, but no, apparently it’s a popular pastime in France as all ages can compete against each other at the same level. Parfait! So basically, the term jeux de société does exactly what it says on the tin! Perhaps we should translate it as Friendly Games??

Adrian’s pick of the Beaux Villages crop!

Adrian Simmonds has worked in real estate for over 50 years including nearly 30 years in France. Here he gives us his top pick of properties in the Deux Sèvres:

€483,000 HAI

€299,500

Cersay, Deux-Sèvres REF: BVI70043

Moncoutant, Deux-Sèvres REF: BVI70971

This is a fantastic and unique 4-bed barn conversion set in a lovely quiet spot between Doué La Fontaine and Argentonnay, within easy reach of Thouars and Bressuire in the north Deux Sèvres. It’s a luxurious home with a beautiful dining room with vaulted ceiling, two sitting rooms, a study, large ﬁtted kitchen and also has a lovely 1-bed guest suite - perfect for friends and family. There is a large workshop, covered gazebo, detached barn/garage and grounds of 2901m² with a pond and views over open countryside. Fees: 5% paid by the buyer Net price: €460 000 Climate class: C Energy class: C

Exclusive to Beaux Villages! A spacious 6-bed modern house, just a few minutes’ drive from the town of Moncoutant-sur-Sèvre, where there are a good range of shops and services. The property is just 20 mins south of the sous prefecture town of Bressuire. The main accommodation is on the ground ﬂoor with stairs leading to a games room and the attic. There are also two double garages, a lawned garden and a paddock with a path leading to two lakes. There is a total of 2 hectares of land. If you’re looking for lots of land with a lake in a tranquil setting, this could be the one for you! Fees: paid by the vendor Climate class: E Energy class: B

20 | The Deux-sèvres Monthly

€424,000 HAI

Faye-l’Abbesse, Deux-Sèvres REF: BVI68127 A beautiful property standing in grounds of about a hectare with views towards the village of Faye l'Abbesse, where there are shops and services, and also just ten minutes from Bressuire. The property has a lovely kitchen/breakfast room opening onto a balcony, a spacious living/dining room, 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a 2-bed ground ﬂoor apartment. There is a 10 x 5m heated swimming pool, terrace with summer kitchen, outbuildings and gardens laid mostly to lawn. The house has been used as a rental property for several years and will appeal to those looking for both a family home and an income. Fees: 6% paid by the buyer Net price: €400 000 Climate class: C Energy class: A

www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr with at least level 3 in the 'Nomenclature Nationale des Niveaux de Formation' would be suitable.

If all this sounds very complicated, don't worry. We've had a chat with Anne Alonso, who teaches French in Terves just outside of Bressuire. She's been teaching for 20 years, so she knows her stuﬀ. "The new French immigration laws from 26 January 2024 change certain things," says Anne. "If you need help getting your A2 level French, I can help. I give French conversation classes and help prepare for Delf exams at A1, A2, B1, and B2 levels. I can also help you with applying to become a French citizen."

leaping across the language Barrier

If you're thinking about coming to live in France in the future or even becoming a French citizen, there are some changes to the rules about moving to France that you should know about. These new rules have just been agreed as part of the new immigration law and they're going to make the language rules a bit tougher for certain types of visas and for people who want to become French citizens. Don't worry if you have a a WARP permit - these changes won't aﬀect you. They're only for new applications. The Withdrawal Agreement Residency Permit (WARP) makes sure that UK nationals who were living in France before December 31, 2020 can keep on living here. They can still use healthcare, get social beneﬁts, and work. BUT if you're covered by WARP and want to become a French citizen, these changes will apply to you.

The changes will aﬀect two types of French carte de séjour residency cards ones that let people stay for several years (known as cartes de séjour pluriannuelles) and ones that make you a resident (cartes de résident). You'll now need to be better at speaking French to get these cards. If you've been living in France on a one year visa or residency

card and want to stay longer, you'll need one of these multi-year cards. To get one, you'll have to sign a contract called a Republican Integration Contract (CIR) and pass a French test at the A2 level. And you can't just keep renewing these cards as one-year temporary cards - you can only do this three times. If you want a resident's card, which gives you lots of security and lets you work in diﬀerent jobs over 10 years, you'll now need a B1 language level, unless you're over 65. These levels are based on a standard scale called the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

For those wanting to become a French citizen, including WARP holders, you'll now need to reach a B2 level whatever your age. This means you'll need to understand complicated texts and conversations. But if you can't take a test because you're ill or disabled, you might not have to do this.

To prove the level of your French, you can take various exams such as the Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF) or the Test d'Évaluation du Français (TEF). You could also study for DELF, DELFpro, or DALF courses. Additionally, a French school diploma (Diplôme national du brevet) or a French diploma

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Every single one of Anne's students has passed their Delf A2 and B1 exams over the last 10 years. Anne can help get you ready for the exams, check how good your French is, and even go with you to the Exam Centre in Poitiers. If you want more details, you can drop her an email at annealonso64@gmail.com.

Formation à la langue française

La loi du 26 janvier 2024 pour la controle de l’immigration en France modifie certaines dispositions si vous devez justifier d’un niveau A2 je peux vous aider. Formatrice en langue française depuis 20 ans, je propose des cours de conversation en français ainsi que la préparation aux Delf A1, A2, B1, B2 et l’aide à la demande de naturalisation française. J’ai un taux de réussite de 100% au Delf A2 et B1 depuis 10 ans. Je peux • vous préparer à cet examen (A1, B1) • vérifier vos acquis • vous accompagner au centre d’examens (Poitiers) Pour tout renseignement , contactez-moi : annealonso64@gmail.com

Please note this article if based on our understaing of the new immigration law. For legally binding guidance please speak to the relevant authorities.

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The Deux-sèvres Monthly | 21

Sophie Stokes

Enjoying your outside space......

garden labels and Markers as the weather starts to warm up, those of us with any space outside - even a windowsill, start to think about planting a few ﬂowers, herbs or even vegetables. i am totally hopeless at labelling plants. i tell myself that i will recognise the tiny leaves, but many look so similar... radishes or broccoli? Parsley or coriander? i’m sure i am not alone! i’m not a huge fan of plastic markers, they can be hard to spot, and the writing tends to fade or wash oﬀ, they get moved by wildlife, and personally i don’t think they look very pretty. (thats just my opinion, i realise they work well for many of you!)

MATERIALS

• Old dry terracotta roof tiles or smooth stones (these can be complete or broken...your choice), clean from dirt, dust etc. • Pencil and paper • Acrylic paints • Acrylic varnish • Paint brushes Choose your stone or tile, ensuring it’s big enough to paint the name of your plants...you might want to practice first on some paper to check you can paint small enough to fit all the letters on! Check the spellings of your plant names before painting too. You might want to plan out your design in pencil first, or just paint straight onto your surface. You may wish to add your own illustrations to the labels too. This adds extra colour whilst you wait for your plants to grow, and it helps you

this year i have finally got myself organised to create my own ‘labels’ so i thought i would share this easy and pretty idea with you. First choose your seeds. there’s something exciting about planting seeds so take a deep breath and try not to get carried away...seed packets often contain hundreds, if not thousands, of seeds so maybe consider teaming up with a green fingered friend so you can share. Only buy what you know you will eat, aND what will work in your garden based on your soil type, aspect, hours of sunshine etc. Follow the packet instructions carefully to ensure your seeds get off to a good start. then label your plants...

know what to expect once the seeds start popping up through the soil. Mark your design onto your tile lightly in pencil then have fun painting it on. If you make a mistake, you can wipe the acrylic off if you act quickly! Acrylic paints dry to create a waterproof finish, but for extra durability you might like to do a final coat of varnish, once the paint is totally dry, to seal the surface and increase the lifespan or your markers. Once they are completely dried, your markers can be placed where required in the garden. If at the end of your Spring planting you find yourself with an excess of seeds, seedlings etc., why not keep an eye open for ‘seed or plant swaps’, or even organise your own event. These are lovely social occasions and can save you lots of money and can be helpful if you didn’t get all yours planted in time, they are great for sharing ideas too.

You can ﬁnd my handmade decorations at L’atelier Createur, Place Cail, Chef Boutonne 79110. alternatively, you can contact me via my Facebook or instagram page Cueillette et Découverte.

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say goodbye to lag:

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At the forefront of Fibre Optic Internet's appeal is its remarkable speed. Unlike conventional broadband connections, fibre optics employ light signals for data transmission, delivering significantly faster upload and download speeds. This ensures seamless experiences in streaming high-definition videos, conducting video conferences, and engaging in online gaming without the frustration of buffering or lag.

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Beyond speed, Fibre Optic Internet boasts exceptional reliability. Its cables are less susceptible to environmental factors like weather conditions, electrical interference, and signal degradation over long distances. This translates to a more stable and

consistent internet connection, keeping you connected when it matters most. For avid streamers, video callers, and families engaged in various online activities, Fibre Optic Internet provides unparalleled bandwidth. Multiple devices can connect simultaneously without compromising performance, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted online experiences for family movie nights or virtual gatherings.

In the business realm, Fibre Optic Internet emerges as a game-changer. It elevates productivity by offering businesses reliable, high-speed internet connections crucial for activities like video conferencing, cloud-based collaboration, and large file transfers. Businesses can operate more efficiently, reducing downtime and enhancing overall workflow. Furthermore, Fibre Optic Internet contributes to future-proofing the digital landscape in France. As technology advances, our dependence

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In conclusion, Fibre Optic Internet is reshaping the digital landscape in France, offering a multitude of benefits to individuals and businesses alike. From lightning-fast speeds to unmatched reliability and the capacity to support multiple devices, fibre optics are propelling us into a future of connectivity where streaming, working, and gaming unlock a world of possibilities.

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The Deux-sèvres Monthly | 2

By Steve Marshall

taking Better Photographs...

Minimalism

I was once asked by a close relative why my photographs were better than hers. The main answer was simply that she did not get close enough to her subjects. Family members would be pictured in vast swathes of garden or as lonely couples in parks or on beaches. This was not a technical problem. She had a perfectly good point-and-shoot camera that did not have a zoom lens and she was standing too far away. Photographs I had taken of the same moments appeared ‘better’ because I was using a zoom lens or had walked closer to the subject. I have been accused of chopping oﬀ the tops of people’s heads in my desire to ﬁll the frame. In my defence some

faces are at their most expressive when the hat or hair above does not take up space. Fill the frame is one of the ground rules of photography along with the rule of thirds. I have many photographs that are almost entirely a single face, a tight group or the heart of a ﬂower. And I have never liked rules. If you want a photograph of a face or a single bloom then getting close helps – at least you lose the clutter of other plants and other people. And there are amazing images out there that do not follow these rules even as guidelines. Some of these ﬁt into the category of minimalism. By that I mean images that have a sense of space, a sparse composition and little clutter.

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Good elements include plain skies, no more than one or two colours, and the key word is simplicity. My two images today include the wave, and it is obvious what that is meant to be. The second is not so obvious. Some people who have seen it identify what it is immediately, while others find it more difficult to pinpoint. The simple flow and texture are what makes the image, not the object. The colour is strong but it is monochrome, another common feature of this style of photography. The wave photograph maintains the theme of a very limited colour palette – just the blue of the sea and the white of the breaking water. The appeal to me was the simplicity of the shot I might be able to get. I waited for various combinations of waves to arrive ad dissipate, until this combination of sea and a single breaking wave appeared. There is a simplicity to both these images but there is also complexity in the detail in the water and the texture in both.

Minimalist photographs can be taken on Auto, though Aperture Priority is probably the better. It gives you the chance to change from a low number (large hole allowing lots of light and creating a shallow depth of field) to a high number (small hole, less light but a much greater depth of field. Because of the light levels I was able to take both of these pictures at a high aperture of F29. The wave shot needed this to capture sharp detail both in front of and behind the breaking water. For many minimalistic photographs you have time to set your camera and take some test shots. If you have the chance I really recommend this. Move the camera about to choose a composition. Check this by eye and they take a shot and change the composition. The obvious composition may work but take your time and look for something better. Once you have some tests shots, look at them twice. The first look is to check your composition. Which of your options do you prefer? Is there clutter that needs

to be avoided? Once you think you have this right take some more test shots. Then you can use the second look to check your settings. Are you happy with what Auto has achieved? If not, what needs to change? For a shot across a still lake you may want to blur the background so the far shore fades out of consciousness. If the sun is low you may want to increase the ISO so that you make greater use of the light that is available and accept that the ﬁnal image may be a little noisy. And when you get home a little editing goes an awful long way. You will almost always prefer your own photographs with some increase in contrast and saturation. Enjoy your photography both minimalist and ﬁlling the frame. If you would like to talk with fellow photographers to discuss their images and yours please get in touch at stevemarshall128@gmail.com

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fishing for the next generation With the Easter holidays fast approaching and family coming to visit, how do you get youngsters hooked on fishing? Venue selection is key when fishing with children and young people. A venue with a wide variety of fish that will ensure frequent catches, to keep interest-levels high, is a must. Avoid specialised venues where the fish are larger, expensive and difficult to replace, as these locations tend to need more advanced fishing know-how.

step 1 – Where to go?

• some cheap floats and some ready-made pole rigs. These are great for children as they include hooks that are already weighted and that attach quickly to the end of the pole. Then all you need to do is to check the depth of where you’re fishing using a plummet, to ensure the bait is presented correctly on the bottom of the lake or river, and away they go! • the plummet is attached directly to the hook and lowered into the water to depth test. When the plummet reaches the bottom, you will see whether the float needs to slide up or down the line, so the brightly-coloured tip of the float (called a bristle) is clearly visible on the water’s surface • a disgorger - to remove hooks that get trapped lower down in the fish’s mouth and are trickier to remove • a small landing net with handle, to land the catch safely, for both child and fish • an unhooking mat so the fish can be placed carefully and safely on the mat, while the hook is removed, before being returned to the water.

So you want your children/grandchildren to be more into their tackle boxes than their Xboxes, first of all, make sure they have the right gear and bait. Maggots are a great attraction for many youngsters and they are a versatile bait that will attract most species. Small pots of live maggots can be bought cheaply from the fishing section of many supermarkets, as well as fishing specialist retailers. A tin of corn is also a good alternative to maggots, if your child doesn’t fancy handling live bait. Secondly, ensure the gear they are using is the right weight and length for their age and size. Something too big and heavy will make it difficult to cast and hard work to hold for any length of time. A great starter option for youngsters is fishing with a short, telescopic pole up to 4m in length. It is light, low-cost and without a reel it is simple to use and there is far less equipment to break! A beginner’s pole can be bought for as little as €40.00. Some basic tackle is also needed, and the shopping-list should include;

It is important to instill in children a healthy respect for the dangers of water, whenever and wherever they ﬁsh. For example, they need to be aware of currents, tides, depths, underwater obstructions, potential parasites and waterborne diseases. Children should be monitored at all times when they are near any body of water. While ﬁshing there are other safety elements to consider:-

Lowth Junior with his ﬁrst bream

Lowth Junior with a 4m pole set-up

step 2 – What to take?

step – how to ﬁsh safely?

by Peter Lowth

• ensure there is enough room for you and your gear to cast and to land the fish carefully – you will need to allow enough space to cast or ship the pole back without hitting a person/obstruction/ overhead power line for example • always use barbless hooks for the safety of both the youngster and the fish. A barbless hook is far easier to remove from a hand or finger than a barbed hook, and for the fish a barbless hook can drop out naturally • when handling fish always have damp or wet hands and use an unhooking mat. Take a towel with you to clean your hands in between handling each fish, to prevent cross-contamination and the spread of fish diseases • try and return any fish as quickly as possible to the water, after it has been unhooked. Always use the landing net to return your fish and wait for it to swim away strongly • do not eat the bait – it is meant for the fish! • make sure hands are cleaned thoroughly before eating or drinking your snacks/ packed lunch. Fishing is a great way to encourage children to get outdoors and away from their various screens and devices, however, in the sage words of our 12 year old son “don’t expect to catch anything but it’s really fun when you do - most importantly take plenty of snacks!” Till next month, tight lines!

Peter

Lowth Senior & Junior ﬁshing together

Peter Lowth is an experienced angler with over 40 years of fishing knowledge in match, predator, coarse and fly fishing. Growing up near Bath, fishing local rivers and ponds, he then transitioned to competitive fly fishing and in recent years competed on the UK match fishing circuit. He opened Les Forges Fishing venue, located near Pescalis, in early 2023 – www.lesforgesfishing.com IMAGES CREDIT: P J LOWTH

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Tasting With Jean-Marc

acquired Burgundian knowledge. Lees ageing, or sur lie, a French term meaning "on lees"," involves maturing white and sparkling wines on spent lees and other sedimentary residues. These remnants, a by-product of fermentation, give the wine a milky appearance and silky texture as it ages.

Domaine des Trahan is tucked away in the unlikely village of Cersay, out of sight of the main road, making this delightful winery seemingly inconspicuous. So what makes this place so special? The owner, Jean-Marc. He's a third generation winemaker and one of the most accommodating people you will ever meet. He is always ready to welcome guests and talk about his wines. You can feel his passion when he talks to you during a wine tasting and makes you fall in love with his story and his wine. This winegrower attaches great importance to environmental sustainability and the domaine has been certiﬁed with the “Haute Valeur Environnementale” or “High Ecological Value”label, with the aim of one day no longer using unnatural products in the vineyard or cellar.

On one particular Saturday morning when I was tasting his wines at the Domaine, Jean-Marc and I were talking about the introduction of the cépage, Cabernet Sauvignon, into his wines. This is unusual because the main red grape varietal in the Loire is Cabernet Franc, while the main white grape varietal is Chenin Blanc.

This is due to climate change, and this progressive winemaker is bringing a new ﬂavour to his craft. The dryness of recent vintages has provided perfect growing conditions, with milder winters and a soil that retains heat! The terroir at this vineyard consists of shale (or a form of clay) on the one hand and the gravelly alluvium of the Argenton river on the other. The grapes themselves are grown on young, 10-year-old vines, perched high above the river on a plateau.

One of the many wines I tasted was this infamous Cabernet Sauvignon, Cuvée Éclosion, which is aged for a year on the lees in an ovoid tank (egg tank) to give a thick, creamy texture to the somewhat tannic and acidic body of the Cuvée Éclosion. During viniﬁcation, Jean-Marc decided not to use oak for this particular wine in order to emphasise the character of the grapes, which didn’t want to be overshadowed by the oak of a barrel. Jean-Marc: “As some of the local palates are unaccustomed to the 'goût boisé' or, as I call it, the oak eﬀect.” His idea to age his Cabernet Sauvignon on the lees was inspired by his lee-aged Chenin Cuvée - whereby he uses the

Although many in the region are familiar with their oily Chenin whites and herbaceous Cabernet Francs reds, many who have tried this wine are happily satisﬁed and I can see why! It has the tannic, acidic and structured body to age for a good 10 years and I look forward to opening a bottle to see the progression. Generally speaking, his wines are deﬁnitely worth trying (and buying) and they are incredibly good value. One of my personal favourites among the reds is his Anjou Villages, red label, a Cabernet Franc aged in oak barrels. His 100% merlot verietal, unique to the region, Cuvée Alexis, also aged in oak barrels (unfortunately not available at the moment - but I have some back vintages that I am currently enjoying in the cellar, as they age beautifully). If you love a classic Cabernet Franc style, then you should try the style of the blue Anjou label. In terms of the white wines, there's the white Éclosion, which is fermented and matured in ovoid vats on the lees for 4 months and has a lovely texture, and my personal favourite, the Anjou Blanc Chenin Sec, Cuvée Spéciale, which is fermented and matured in barrels on the lees for 12 months and is to die for in my opinion! Here's his website if you’d like to visit/taste: domainedestrahan.fr. Happy drinking!

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Amanda Baughen

Problem solving 1.01 At this time of year we are looking forward to the new beekeeping season, and looking back at the past 12 months to see if there are any lessons to be learned. Of course, there are always things to be learned! We are optimistic that our winter preparations were executed well enough to ensure our colonies survive into spring, so, what can we do to further help our bees thrive this year?

Like most other creatures, bees need a few basic elements: shelter, food, and access to water. Here at 13 Bees our colonies are housed in several diﬀerent kinds of hives, but all are essentially wooden boxes that need to be maintained in a good state and kept free of damp. Over the next few months we will also be checking that the wax comb in the frames isn’t too dark, an indication of it being past its best and possibly harbouring harmful pathogens. It’s good practice to carry out a mini spring clean, replacing old comb with fresh wax sheets to encourage the bees to build anew.

During winter the bees will have been tucking into their stores of honey, and it’s encouraging to see wax debris under the hive which shows they have been doing just this, uncapping the cells containing the food. This year we also fed them with bee candy, a boost to their usual food. We’ve had a few warmish days already and have been pleased to see bees foraging, returning to the hives with pollen gathered from

catkins, early mahonia ﬂowers and snowdrops. This month we will be adding a liquid feed to the hives, a sugar syrup that contains a natural herbal boost (a bit like Sanatogen or Lucozade Sport for insects!) to help feed the increasing numbers of bees in the colonies. This isn’t everyone’s approach and we certainly aren’t preaching here, but we’ve found that the damp and mild recent winters often leave our bees in need of a bit of a boost as they’ve consumed their winter resources and are running short on stores. The provision of water hasn’t been an issue but it’s good to get into the habit of ensuring there is adequate fresh water in suitable containers (shallow, with stones, twigs or pebbles for the bees to stand on) before the drought months are here (remember those heatwaves?)

Once all the essentials are covered oﬀ we need to turn our attention to potential problems. For us here these are wax moth, varroa mites, and Asian hornets. Provided we are vigilant, and store our wax sheets carefully, wax moth don’t present too much of a problem. The same with the varroa mites – we need to keep on top of infestation levels, checking the numbers and treating appropriately (for us that means only when we feel there is no other choice). The same is true of Asian hornets. Over the past few years we have learned about their life cycle, their predation patterns, and what works or doesn’t work in terms of protecting our bees against them. When we ﬁrst started to trap the hornets back in 2018 we were guilty, as were many others, of trapping other insects along with the hornets. We have now tried and tested many methods of reducing the numbers of hornets pressuring our colonies, and are hopeful that in 2024 we will have far fewer issues. In autumn last year we put out Gard’Apis traps in an attempt to trap fertilised queens before they went into hibernation, and this spring we have placed several traps around our garden (but not near the hives – we only place

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traps there once the hornets have discovered them as we don’t want to attract them there too early!). Hopefully we will be able to trap the queens coming out of hibernation and before they start to build their nests and lay the first worker hornet eggs. Gard’Apis traps work well due to the size of the entrances – bees, wasps, and hornets will be attracted by the lure (we use honey-sticky wax cappings at this time of year) but bees and wasps are small enough to escape and European hornets can’t fit through the entrances. Therefore, only the invasive Asian hornets are trapped, with no other bycatch. Obviously we regularly check the traps, if only to top up the lure, and we do find these to be more successful than anything else. If, and unfortunately when, the hornets discover our hives, we will move the traps….and start to whack any we see with a badminton racket!

Amanda and Kevin Baughen, 13 Bees, Confolens www.13bees.co.uk info@13bees.co.uk 0545 71 22 90

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Clare’s Garden Diary

Are you feeling as “mad as a March hare?” I always try to remember to say “pinch punch ﬁrst of the month” when I wake on the 1st of a new month, but often forget. My Mum always says “March many weathers”, and it often comes true. I think she and I inherited our sayings from her Father, my keen gardener Grandad.

After a long day at work he loved working in his garden vegetable patch, and I remember him growing an Iceberg rose and lovely privet hedges. In the 1970's and 80's he was gardening for food, and also for pleasure for the senses, which as I get older I realise all 5 senses are involved in our love of gardening. He wasn't deliberately gardening to encourage pollinators or wildlife, but as is often said, plant it and they will come, and they did. For a town garden he had hedgehogs and I remember a lot of diﬀerent butterﬂies there too. So, how is your Spring garden looking? Have you made a start on a compost heap? In a dry winter I like to potter most days. It may only be a half hour or

Clare Hill

so, but those half hours really help; so when the Spring time comes there is slightly less to do. This year is proving itself to be both wet and windy. With weeks of frosts and days hovering at 0 degrees, it has proven diﬃcult to do very much.

On a dry sunny bright day last week I asked Mr H to help me with one of our composters, to open the bottom for the very ﬁrst time, as I wanted to start adding mulch around the roses. I fetched the wheelbarrow and my warm gloves and we started opening up. I was pleasantly surprised to ﬁnd at least 3 barrow loads of useable compost. I did go through it and put back in the top the twigs which needed longer to decompose, and of course out came a tea spoon! After weeding and tidying up the east facing border (sounds so grand but it really isn't) having already winter pruned the roses in January I added 3 spadefuls around each plant, covering around a foot diameter. On the next dryish day I will carry on mulching.I also have plans for a new oval shaped bed, which to be honest did appear on last years list too!

Spring is often the time to consider new projects and plans. If you have moved house and ﬁnd yourself in a new garden this year, my best advice is to take your time. Observe where the sun travels in your garden during the day, in

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the Spring and then into the Summer. Take notice of what plants are already there and what bulbs may pop up and surprise you. It's tempting to dash to the garden centre and buy some shrubs and whatever takes your eye, but these could well end up being the wrong plant for the place. Have a look at what grows really well in your village or local area. The chances are they will thrive for you too. Learn what type of soil you have, and what aspect, and then you are half way to success with choosing the right plants for your garden. My Grandad would have said only fools rush in! In this case he is correct.

After working our what your soil type is, you can then choose wisely, and if, like me, you adore camellias, but have chalky alkaline soil, then these acid loving plants will do well in a big container with ericaceous compost, which is topped up and refreshed annually. Remember the saying: right plant, right place, will bring the best results.

everything I could ﬁnd and put the theory into practice.

After reading up on pruning, between Martin and I we pruned by about 1/3 all over, and it rewarded us with masses of blooms that Summer, Last winter, my neighbour Yvette said we needed to prune it in half, as this is what they do to their Peace rose. We took an afternoon and tidied it up, dead, diseased, crossing etc and then cut the height by half. To say the rose sulked all of last year is an understatement! I think we had 2 blooms. So this year I have left well alone and am hoping for a return of our showstopping giant bloomer by the path. So, beware of a tradition your neighbour suggests! In some cases it may not be for the best. Talking about garden plans, one year we installed three 1000 litre water storage cubes and the guttering to go with them, at the back of 2 of our sheds. Over the last few hot dry summers they have proved invaluable especially when water restrictions have started in May and lasted into the Autumn. I've also been reading more and more about resilient planting and how we can gradually introduce plants to our gardens which survive and thrive in our hot dry summers.

Jobs for March:

At our garden we inherited 2 huge old roses by the house, which our neighbour Rene said were both already there when he moved in opposite in the early 1960's. Neither had been cared for properly for years, apart from when we had been on holiday at our house some Easters. The giant one near the path had been shooting out into the street and would take someone's eye out so had to be tackled regularly! After moving into the house and garden full time, I realised the giant near the path is a Peace rose. It really started my interest in roses and how to look after them so they bloom and repeat. I read

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• Planting out summer flowering bulbs, including Alliums, lilies and gladioli to where you want them to flower. • Planting drought resistant plants such as salvias, gauras, scabious, perennial geraniums, lavender and daisies. • Check over peonies, and either place a support over them, or make a support from birch or hazel twigs tied together with string. I tried this last year and it held together well for the peonies. • Check on Dahlia tubers you have in storage. They should be firm and not squishy. Plant out after the last frost has passed, usually late April or early May. Discard any that are soggy or squishy. • Sweet Peas can be planted out during March, into their final flowering position. • Look into trying something new in your garden. I'm going to plant more climbers to grow into trees here and some also to cover the side of the water storage cubes.

• Mulch the borders after weeding, remove the annual weeds with a hoe on a dry day, then add compost/mulch. Adding mulch helps keep moisture in, and keeps the weeds down as well as adding goodness back to the soil. • Lift and divide overgrown clumps of perennial plants. Either re plant or divide and give to garden friends. Dividing them will make sure the plants stay vigorous and perform each year. • Top dress your pots with fresh compost, this really helps refresh the plants for the coming growing season. • Plant out early potatoes. Tradition says to do this at Easter, but can be

done earlier in the month of March. Easter is late in the month this year.

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.

seed sowing:

• Outdoors: Broad beans can be sown outdoors in March, and Beetroot can be sown in lower temperatures too. If you have a shady spot you could try some Swiss chard. Carrots, parsnips onions, radish, peas, spinach, leeks, and summer cauliﬂower. Check the weather though and the soil, and only plant if the conditions are suitable. • Indoors: lettuce crops, alongside peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers and celery can all be started now. Why not organise or visit a plant and seed swap? March is usually when these are held, so people can swap their saved seeds, and spare plants when they have divided them. My local gardening group has a seed and plant swap at the end of March, its a lovely way to make new friends and bag yourself a new plant for the garden. Just be aware of weeds or pests, check carefully before you introduce the new plant in to your garden. Wishing you a warm and joyful March, and a very Happy Easter. à bientôt,

www.instagram.com/healing_gardener_clare

Clare

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Clubs & Associations Alcoholics Anonymous - South West France If you or someone you know has a drinking problem, there are now a number of English-speaking meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous in the South West of France. Alcoholics Anonymous is a Fellowship of men and women who share experiences, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership and AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organisation or institution. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.

For help or information, telephone: 05 31 60 90 95 or visit: www.aafrance.net

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

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. FB @clubdenetballclesse

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 Vasles Netball Club - Want to keep ﬁt, have fun & make new friends? Join us every Monday from 5.30 - 7pm & Thursday 6.30 - 8pm at the Salle Omnisports in Vasles. Open to men & women of all abilities and experience. Two free taster sessions. FB @VaslesNetballClub Email: vaslesnetballclub@gmail.com

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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: therepairshed@naturalcrafts.eu or telephone 05 49 80 39 57.

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

Melleran Chanteurs - Amateur singing group that meets every Monday at 6:45 pm at the Salle des Fêtes in Melleran. French and English members singing in many languages. New voices are always welcome, especially tenor and bass. For more information, please contact Alison Hudson 05 49 29 65 31

Combined Services Support Group - CSSG is a group of mainly ex services people living in the area who meet socially whilst raising funds to support ex-service charities. Former UK servicemen and women, police and ﬁreﬁghters are invited to email Christine Hester at christine.hester10@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 North Charente Maritime Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club

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

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

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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

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

National Helpline 0800 240 200 or email: helpline@cancersupportfrance.org You can ﬁnd more details about CSF Vienne & Deux-Sèvres by visiting: vienne.cancersupportfrance.org/vienne-home www.facebook.com/groups/1573102762990772

Franglais Anglo-French Group thouars - Centre Socio-Culturel We meet every Wednesday 7.30pm-9pm, at 7 rue Anne Desrays, for conversation in English & French, and to understand each other’s language and culture. Contact 05 49 66 35 11 or email jpc.allorent@orange.fr or eugene_mc_cabe@hotmail.com

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.

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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

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netball: Your ﬁtness goal for 2024!

Have you promised yourself a healthier and fitter 2024 but are unsure where to begin? If the gym isn't your thing, then we have just the solution for you! The Clessé ALLSTARS, a friendly and enthusiastic netball team, is inviting new members to join them. Don't worry if your last encounter with netball was back in school, or if you've never played at all. Many of our current team members had similar reservations before they took the plunge. Netball, a mixed sport that's rapidly gaining popularity in France, is open to all, regardless of gender or prior experience. Last year, the first French national team ever participated in Europe Netball’s Open Challenge. The sport is becoming increasingly recognised across the country, with more clubs being established regularly, making it an emerging sport among the younger generation. But the ALLSTARS team isn't all about netball. We also enjoy social events and much more. Our team comprises individuals of varying fitness levels, ages (14 yrs and above), and abilities, so there's something for everyone. Now in our third year, we've had the privilege of hosting several mini tournaments and joining other like-minded teams. We're excited to announce that we're hosting the next mini tournament at our home ground, Clessé Salle Omnisports, on Sunday, 3rd March 2024. We'll be competing against Vasles Netball Club and Bellac Belles, and we'd love your support. Why not stop by one Monday evening (7pm-8.30pm) to meet the team and see what we're all about? Drop us an email at clessenetball@gmail.com, and we'll have someone ready to welcome you and introduce you to the sport.

John Blair

Looking Back and Moving Forward

By the time you're reading this, Reaction Theatre’s annual general meeting will have taken place, and a fresh committee will be at the helm. It's likely that the ﬁve individuals who wished to remain on the committee were re-elected. Meanwhile, two members have stepped down, and their successors will be announced shortly. Reﬂecting on 2023, the standout event was undoubtedly 'It’s Showtime,' a spectacular variety show performed over two nights in October in L’Absie. The show saw participation from over 20 members, many of whom showcased their talents in multiple sketches. The audience's positive feedback was the cherry on top of this successful event.

Our book club and poetry reading group also had an exceptional year and have plans for further expansion this year. In addition, our Keynotes choir delivered a series of wonderful concerts throughout the summer, autumn, and Christmas seasons. For any general enquiries, we've set up a new email address: reactiontheatrefrance@gmail.com. We promise to respond to your messages promptly.

We are always open to new members and invite you to join any or all of our groups. Please reach out to us if you're interested. As I might be stepping down from the committee, I want to thank you for your continued support and reading these articles. Remember, we would love to welcome you to Reaction Theatre!

vienne & Deux-sèvres Philip Buckle

In the last edition I wrote about the loyalty and incredible long service of one of our colleagues. Another of our experienced and skilled active listeners has also decided that now is the right time to retire from her volunteering duties. After 10 years of supporting the community of the DeuxSèvres I would like to extend a huge thank you to Vinny Galloway for her commitment , care and input during that decade.

We have one possible new recruit following last month's plea for new volunteers. If you want to know more and think that you might have the right qualities and characteristics to become an ' active listener' please contact the helpline for more information.

On January 20th in the Vienne we held an evening of Scottish food and dancing to raise funds for our association. My thanks go to members of our committee, particularly Jacquie Kelly, for all the hard work and organisation that went into making this event so successful. On a cold Winter's night there's nothing better than hearing laughter, music and friends of our association having fun. We raised almost 400 euros for our funds.

February 4th was World Cancer Day, a day when we gave thought to, and acknowledged all those people who improve the lives of their cancer patients. Through the magniﬁcent work undertaken in research, treatment, care and support we owe them a debt of gratitude. So many of us are touched by a family member or friend who receives a diagnosis and we watch, wait and hope, always relying on these professionals to ﬁnd the best route through the tough times ahead. If you are interested in becoming an active listener or helping with future fundraising, please use either helpline and I will respond to you. We have training dates organised for the Spring.

Thank you for your continued support and please get in touch through the helpline if you feel that you can oﬀer time, energy and commitment to this most worthwhile cause. You can contact us here: National Helpline 0800 240 200 email: helpline@cancersupportfrance.org

You can ﬁnd more details about CSF Vienne and Deux-Sèvres by visiting:

vienne.cancersupportfrance.org/vienne-home www.facebook.com/groups/1573102762990772

The Deux-sèvres Monthly |

Traditional Recipes Glamorgan Sausages

Here’s a simple recipe for Glamorgan Sausages, a traditional Welsh vegetarian dish that rose to popularity during WW2.

In Welsh, the word for leek is “Cenhinen,” while daﬀodil is known as “Cenhinen Pedr,” which translates “Peter’s Leek.” Both are national symbols of Wales, but this recipe deﬁnitely calls for leeks!

INGREDIENTS (MAKES 12)

• 50g unsalted butter • 2 large leeks, chopped • 400g fresh white breadcrumbs • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves or 1tsp dried thyme • 4 large eggs • 400g ﬁnely grated hard cheese (eg cantal) • 1 heaped tbsp Dijon or wholegrain mustard • salt and black pepper • 50g plain ﬂour for dusting • 100ml vegetable oil for frying

Bara Brith

Translated from Welsh, bara means ‘loaf’ and brith means ‘speckled’ from the raisins. It’s very similar to the Irish Barmbrack This is one of my grandmother’s (‘Nain’) recipes, which has been passed down through her children and down to their children. My grandmother was born in 1901 and lived until 1969, having lived through 2 world wars and raising a large family, she became an expert at cooking and baking with any ingredients she had. I remember my great aunt always used to have one wrapped in cloth in the kitchen - she would cut it with laser point dexterity into wafer thin slices and spread them with butter.

INGREDIENTS (ONE LOAF)

• 220g raisins • 150ml of strong cold tea • 100g brown sugar (vergeoise or cassonade) • 1 large egg • 220g self raising ﬂour (or plain ﬂour with 2 tsp baking powder) • 1 tbsp honey • 1 tsp mixed spice (or a mix of nutmeg & cinnamon)

METHOD

1. Mix the raisins, tea, and sugar in a bowl. Cover with a cloth and let it sit overnight. 2. The following day, preheat your oven to 160C. 3. Move the fruit mixture into another bowl. Add the beaten egg, ﬂour, honey, and mixed spice. Stir until combined. 4. Pour the batter into a greased and lined 1lb (18 x 9 cm) loaf tin . Use the back of a spoon to level the batter. 5. Bake at 160C for 1hr - 1hr 10 minutes. 6. Allow the loaf to cool on a wire rack. 7. Once cool, cut into thin slices and serve with butter. This mixture can be doubled to make 2 loaves and will keep for up to 7 days. 4 | The Deux-sèvres Monthly

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat the butter in a pan over a medium flame until it starts to bubble, then add the sliced leeks with a sprinkle of salt. Sauté for 5-10 minutes until they become soft. Allow to cool. 2. In a mixing bowl, combine 200g of breadcrumbs, thyme, egg yolks, cheese, mustard, and pepper. Add the sautéed leeks and butter from the pan. Season with salt and mix everything together. 3. Form the mixture into 12 sausage shapes. Using wet hands can make this easier and prevent the mixture from sticking. Place the sausages onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes. 4. As the sausages firm up, lightly whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Place the flour and some of the leftover breadcrumbs on separate plates. 5. Dust the firm sausages with the flour, dip them into the egg white, and roll them in the breadcrumbs. Replenish the plate of breadcrumbs as needed. Chill the sausages for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours before frying. 6. Preheat the oven to 180C. In a non-stick pan, heat up the oil over medium-high heat. Fry the sausages in batches, gently turning them every minute for 4-6 minutes, until they are golden and crispy all over. Add more oil between batches if necessary. Move to a baking tray, then bake for 10 minutes. 7. If freezing, let them cool for a few minutes after frying, then freeze uncovered until solid before transferring to freezer-proof containers. They can be stored frozen for up to three months and cooked from frozen in the oven for 25 minutes until hot throughout.

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Welsh cakes

These Welsh treats are known by various names throughout Wales, such as “Cacen Gri” and “Picau ar y Maen.” The regional Welsh terms for the bake stone, on which they are traditionally made, often correspond to these diverse names. The tradition of dusting them with sugar may vary depending on the area in Wales.

INGREDIENTS (MAKES 24)

• 250g self-raising ﬂour (farine de gateau or plain ﬂour with 1½ tsp of baking powder - levure chimique) • 125g cold unsalted butter • 75g caster sugar • 75g raisins • 1 large egg • 1tbsp milk • 1/2tsp nutmeg or cinnamon (or a mix of the two)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, spice, and butter by rubbing them together until they form a breadcrumb-like consistency. 2. Add the caster sugar and raisins to the mixture. 3. Create a well in the centre of the mixture and pour in the egg and milk. Mix until the mixture forms a firm dough ball. If the mixture seems too dry, add a tiny splash more of milk. 4. Dust a clean work surface with flour and roll out the dough to approximately 1cm thickness. Use a 6cm pastry cutter to cut out circles, bringing the dough back together and recutting until it has all been used up. 5. Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Carefully place the Welsh cakes in the pan, a few at a time. As they cook, they should rise slightly and you’ll see them start to cook at the cut edge. After three minutes, gently flip them over and cook for another three minutes. They should turn a golden brown colour and be firm to the touch. 5.Transfer the Welsh cakes onto a plate dusted with caster sugar and coat them evenly. 6. Serve the Welsh cakes straightaway or reheat them later

Lobscaws

This traditional meat and vegetable broth is called lobscaws in North Wales and cawl further South. The ingredients may be identical but the origins of the names are entirely diﬀerent. While cawl appears to be a Welsh word for soup, ‘lobscaws’ actually derives from the Norwegian ‘lapskaus’, which in northern England became ‘lobscouse’. In South Wales it sometimes made with ham and served with bread and cheese.

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 6)

• 1kg lamb (preferably middle neck or shoulder) • 1 onion, coarsely chopped • 6 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cut into pieces • 3 carrots, peeled and cut into pieces • 1 small swede or 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into pieces • 2 leeks, rinsed and sliced • A small bunch of fresh parsley • Meat or vegetable stock • Salt & pepper to taste

METHOD:

1. Put the lamb in a large pot, ﬁll it with water, and heat until boiling. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 2-3 hours. Allow it to cool overnight and remove any fat that has surfaced the following day. 2. Detach the meat from the bone and return it to the broth. Add the vegetables and continue simmering until they’re cooked through. If necessary, add more broth at this stage. Season your dish with salt and pepper as per your liking. 3. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can create a paste using ﬂour and water to thicken it. 4. Serve your delicious stew with a side of crusty bread and cheese (optional). Enjoy! Sujatha Otzen will be back next month with more delicious seasonal recipes! In the meantime check out her advert on page 9

The Deux-sèvres Monthly |

TAKE A BREAK

Easy Crossword (with thanks to rob Berry) ACROSS

1. A British soldier from Nepal (6) 4. An edible tuber (6) 8. Not clearly understood or expressed (5) 9. A recently enlisted soldier (7) 10. Breed of heavy-coated Arctic sled dog (5) 11. Varied; many and diﬀerent (7) 12. Extremely pleasing to the sense of taste (9) 15. A Mass celebrated for the dead; type of shark (7) 16. The part of milk containing the butterfat (5) 17. The public sale of something to the highest bidder (7) 18. Depart (5) 19. Feel remorse for (6) 20. A unit of pressure equal to one newton per square metre (6)

DOWN

2. Seventh planet from the sun (6) 3. A small, metal weapon worn over the fingers of a hand (13) 5. Seventy-five percent as a fraction (5-8) 6. A physiological need to drink (6) 7. A difficult situation to get out of (11) 13. Cut down on; make smaller (6) 14. Republic on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea (6)

4. Snake turning up in Florida Observatory (3) 7. Can go on new road; that's wonderful! (8) 8. Here in France it's lovely weather to see the boyfriend. (4) 9. Selecting the right gear to look attractive? (8) 10. Declares no time for settlements. (4) 11. Enjoying seeing a thousand in the heather. (6) 14. Tries to get a hand with the sports arenas? (6) 15. Getting married legless added a little something? (6) 17. Rook in sheep's clothing? (6) 19. Anna's tiny hand is holding a sparkler. (4) 20. Reg and Maria getting together for life. (8) 23. Having a strong feeling in court counts for nothing. (4) 24. Gets austerer, prepared, meeting somebody special? (8) 25. Act to drop a large number in the river. (3)

DOWN

1. The ﬁrst garden reserved entirely for embracing. (4) 2. Could be major (or minor) leaders of unoﬃcial regimental standing army. (4) 3. Being B, got reassessed, but still dropping away. (6) 4. To start with, basically every little German is coming from the Low Countries! (6) 5. Lose, but a new format could be universally valid. (8) 6. Could be poles apart, but still have a kind of attraction? (8) 9. Slippery customer having twice the energy to the poundl (3) 12. Someone pretending to be a little devil on a very large hilltop. (8) 13. US company marked for writing on a slope. (8) 16. Drop in rank of French transport organisation executive. (6) 17. Garbled radio message on note for copyist. (6) | The Deux-sèvres Monthly

7 8

12 13

Cryptic Crossword (with thanks to Mike Morris) ACROSS

18. Where a Cockney might ﬁnd 'is 'ome, once upon a time? (3) 21. Certain statements about this month, in short. (4) 22. Given right to dig up and fasten with a belt. (4)

sudoku 4

You’ll ﬁnd all the answers on page 4 ! 7

3 5

7 8

8 4

5 5 9

2 7

Easy

5 3 7

2 1

8 2

6 7

1 2

8 7

1 3

9 7

Medium

6 5

Very Hard

Word scramble test your knowledge of French towns and cities! 1. EILESMALR 2. ULSETUOO 3. NTEESNIIENA-T 4. PCENAIEXVO--NER 5. ERFTRNCMA-RNDEOL 6. TZME 7. LRLSEISAVE 8. RSIEBÉZ 9. CCIAJOA 10. QMPUIRE 11. EDORXUBA 12. RRUGTBSOSA

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Building & Renovation

DARREN LAWRENCE Railing & Plasterboarding Renovation Work Painting, Decorating & Tiling Wood Flooring Carpentry Bathrooms & Kitchens Contact Darren Lawrence Tel: 05 49 94 64 90 Email: lawrenceassociates79@gmail.com Based near Parthenay. Siret no: 802 238 964 00018

H&R Building & Renovation Services < Roof repairs < Carpentry < Renovations and Refurbishment < Blockwork and Brickwork < Boarding and Plastering < Velux and Dormers < Groundwork, Patios and Paving < Kitchens (Howdens) & Bathrooms

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All aspects of building work undertaken:

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Tel: 07 76 69 46 64 or 05 49 64 41 81

email: buildingandrenovationservices@orange.fr web: renovationservices79.wixsite.com/website

40 years experience in construction, including 18 years in France

| The Deux-sèvres Monthly

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La Deuxième Chance 7 rue de la Croix Cholette 79120 Bois de Messé Opening Times Tuesday 10am - 5.30pm Weds - Fri by appointment only

telephone: 05 49 27 12 62

www.ladeuxiemechance.com SIRET: 752 225 953 00021

FOSSE AND GROUNDWORKS 79 Need a new fosse, or looking to install a swimming pool? We can offer:

• Fosse excavations and advice for self installation. • Pool excavations and advice for self-installation • All groundworks, driveways, drainage, land clearance etc • 2.5 ton excavator hire with or without operator • 1 ton high tip dumper hire with or without operator • 3.5t tipper and driver hire • Tool and scaffold hire Based near Chef Boutonne and covering a 40km radius.

mobile: +44 7725 233726 10 Year Decennale Insurance

email: fosseandgroundworks79@hotmail.com

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Siret: 882 747 348 00010

with over 40 years experience in:

The Deux-sèvres Monthly |

Building & Renovation STEVE COUPLAND Based 79130 Secondigny

SIRET: 491 711 354 00036

Property Services including:Plumbing Tiling Dry Walling

www.facebook.com/SRCplumbingandrenovations

Mobile: 07 89 30 95 86

email: steve.coupland@hotmail.com

www.srcplumbingandrenovations.fr

FULLY QUALIFIED & INSURED 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE Domestic & commercial Deux-Sèvres & surrounding areas Available 24/7

MICHAEL MOORE TEL - 06 49 61 26 68

EMAIL - 79ELEC@GMAIL.COM

SIRET - 881 860 506 00016

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jon-thecarpetman 1000’s of modern carpet samples available to choose from..... Ask for our At Home service and we’ll bring the samples to you!

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Membre de la Chambres de Métiers et de l’Artisanat Fully Insured

Building / Brickwork Property Maintenance Patios & Decking Repointing

SIRET 851 535 930 00016

Roof repairs Garden Maintenance Landscaping Tel: 05 49 94 63 59 Mob: 07 80 66 70 96 email: glenrodger63@gmail.com

40 | The Deux-sèvres Monthly

Covering all of Deux-Sèvres and neighbouring departments

Free estimates - no obligation

35 years experience ~ Fully registered and insured

Contact Jon Prince Tel: 09 63 56 23 10 Mob: 06 42 19 82 12 Email: jonthecarpetman@gmail.com or visit our website to find out more

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SIRET 892 311 952 00014

Call, Text or WhatsApp Owen on 06 73 50 14 41 email: kmpropertymaintenance@outlook.com

The Deux-sèvres Monthly | 41

Our Furry Friends "A second chance the work of association galia it is estimated that around 100,000 pets are abandoned in France every year, which poses a major challenge for local animal shelters, especially in the summer months. One independent association in the Vendee however is finding new homes for local unwanted cats and dogs from their refuge in Fontenay-le-Comte (85200). In 2008, the association’s president Dominique discovered that the Fontenay-le-Comte pound, which until then had taken in animals lost or voluntarily abandoned by their owners, could not keep them for more than eight days. If the owners were not found or a new home found after this period, these adorable pets were put to sleep. When she saw that these dogs were locked up and only a few days away from certain death, she decided to create the Association Galia. Today, a dedicated team of more than 60 part-time volunteers work in two shifts (morning and afternoon) at the Old Déchetterie to care for the abandoned pets and help them find new homes. In 2023, the hard-working Association Galia team managed to find new homes for 225 dogs and puppies and 210 cats and kittens - a truly remarkable achievement.

Being an independent refuge, they receive no government funding and rely on funding from adoptions, donations, legacies and their popular open days to fund the rising food and vet bills. The association also organises a series of online auctions throughout the year, has a boutique and has an account with a micro-donation website (teaming.net/galia) where just €1 a month can support this worthwhile cause. The motto of Association Galia is “adopt, don’t shop”. So if you have room in your home for a new pet, have time to volunteer, have a donation for an online auction or simply want to support the rehoming of these lovable pets, please get in touch. The shelter is open to the public every afternoon from 3:00pm to 5:00pm, except Mondays and Thursdays when it is open by appointment only. For more information, please visit www.association-galia.fr, email assogalia85@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/AssociationGaliaEN

Association Galia’s refuge in Fontenay-le-Comte

fish and Chips back at the funny farm! 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 March. And they're bringing their tasty chip shop curry sauce along too!

MABRouk

Mark these dates on your calendar :: • Wednesday 20th March • Wednesday 17th April • Wednesday 15th May • Wednesday 19th June • Wednesday 17th July No need to book in advance, just show up on the day and enjoy a freshly cooked meal. For more juicy details, head over to The Funny Farm or Oh My Lord Franck's ﬁsh and chips on Facebook. You can also drop an email to lordmaurin@yahoo.com for details of his other dates and venues throughout 2024.

42 | The Deux-sèvres Monthly

Mabrouk came to us after being abandoned by his owner who lived on the street and could no longer care for him He's an endearing dog who gets on very well with people

Breed: Berger Sex: Male castrated Age: Adule Date of birth: 22-08-2016

For more information, visit www.association-galia.fr email assogalia85@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/associationGaliaEN

Do you know of a pet rescue charity that could use this free spot to advertise? Send us the details and we’ll try to include them next month. Email: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr

www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr

insurance and asset management advice in English Isabelle Want

Hello, my name is Isabelle Want. For the past 10 years, I have been working for Allianz as an asset manager. Being married to an Englishman and having lived in the UK for 8 years gives me a better insight into what British

people are experiencing and what they need. Being French and born in the Charente has enabled me to oﬀer some answers. I am, as always, available for any free advice on the following subjects:

- INHERITANCE LAW (who inherits, death duties, solutions) -TAXES (everybody's fear! The month of May tax forms, etc) -INVESTMENTS (what is available, what rate, etc.) -LIFE INSURANCE (how to protect your loved ones) -FUNERAL COVER (preparing for the inevitable, unfortunately!) -TOP UP HEALTH INSURANCE (why you need it and how much it is) -INSURANCES (get a free quote to see if you could save money)

I work in the Allianz oﬃces in Ruﬀec, La Rochefoucauld, Roumaziere Loubert and Chasseneuil sur Bonnieure and my contact details are below. Please do not hesitate to contact me for free advice on any of the above or if you think you are paying too much on your insurances and want a free quote. We have a dedicated bilingual team to deal with claims. Finally, we have an English website with all sorts of useful information and tips on all of the above subjects: www.bh-assurances.fr/en Isabelle Want, BH Assurances Conseiller Financier/ Asset Manager Mob:+33(0)6 17 30 39 11 Email: isabelle.want@bh-assurances.fr N° orias : 07020908/07021727/07004255

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Our Furry Friends Shop

Shop and Café Open every Wednesday 11am - 4pm

Open 10am to 4pm, Thursdays & 1st Sunday of the Month

Oh my lord Francks fish and chips second Wednesday Wednesday 20th March of the month 12h00 from from 12h00

2 Rte de Vauthion 79190 Sauzé Vaussais

Furniture Barn Open 11am to 3pm, Thursdays & 1st Sunday of the Month

Magasin et Café Ouvert tous les mercredis de 11h à 16h

1 Rte de la Mare aux Loups Louba 79190 Clussais-le-Pommeraie

Oh my lord Francks fish and chips le 2ème mercredi mercredi 20 mars du mois de à partir de 12h00 12h00

Open every Tuesday 10am - 4pm and the last Saturday of the month 10am - 2pm

No RNA: W792009674

Facebook Groups: Hope79 Sauze-Vaussais Furniture for Sale Hope Associaton Charity Shop 79

hARVEy Harvey is a classic nine

THE ASSOCIATION EN ROUTE tel: 07 69 18 56 81 or email: henri@assoenroute.com

year old labarador, soft as butter and gentle as a lamb. He is looking for a calm home with lots of cuddles and someone who can resist his pleading eyes for yet more treats! His legs are showing signs of wear but his heart is strong and he will love you (and all your friends) wholeheartedly. Please contact us if you'd like more info henri@assoenroute.com.

www.assoenroute.com

Association: W792005754

Donations welcome Monday 10am - 12pm Wednesday 11am-3pm Les dons sont les bienvenus les lundis 10h - 12h et mercredis de 11h à 15h

Email shopseventynine4hope@gmail.com

The Deux-sèvres Monthly | 4

by Catrina Ogilvie, Blevins Franks

money matters

french tax considerations of owning property Understanding and planning for the various taxes related to property ownership could save you from unwelcome surprises. Be particularly careful with a second property, they are not regarded as your principal residence so you lose the main home reliefs.

If you rent out property, the net income is taxed at the scale rates of income tax ranging from 11% to 45%, plus 17.2% social charges (7.5% for S1 holders).

Local property taxes

uK residents

Taxe foncière is paid by the owner and based on the notional rental value of the property and local tax rate. Taxe d’habitation is paid by the occupier, but it now only aﬀects second residences – the main home is exempt.

UK residents are liable for French income tax, capital gains tax and social charges on French property. French tax (but not social charges) is oﬀset against your UK tax liability. If the property you own in France amount to over €1,300,000, you are liable for wealth tax. Your French investment property or holiday home is liable to taxe foncière and taxe d’habitation.

real estate wealth tax France’s annual Impôt sur la Fortune Immobilière (IFI) affects households with combined real estate assets worth €1.3 million upwards. There is a €800,000 tax-free allowance, then rates start at 0.5% rising progressively to 1.5%. Residents are assessed on the household’s taxable worldwide real estate assets as at 1st January. For your first five years of residency it only covers French property.

Capital gains tax Your principal residence is generally exempt from capital gains tax in France. A property may also be exempt if you use the proceeds to buy your main home, not having owned one the previous four years. Otherwise, French residents pay capital gains tax on worldwide property assets at 19%, plus surtaxes, plus 17.2% social charges (7.5% for Form S1 holders). The maximum total is 42.2%. Capital gains tax and social charges are slowly reduced for the length of ownership, with full exemption after 22 and 30 years respectively.

income tax

Other tax and ownership considerations If you die as a resident of France, your worldwide assets are liable to French succession tax (spouses/civil partners are exempt). Research French succession law to understand the forced heirship rules since the different methods of ownership can have an impact. If you are considering investment property, first weigh up the tax implications compared to capital investments, particularly since the French tax regime favours savings and investments in shares, bonds, assurance-vie etc. There are other issues to take into account besides tax: for example, will you have sufficient asset diversification and liquid assets? Take the time to understand the various factors and have a chat with a professional financial adviser to establish your options and which is best for you. Summarised tax information is based upon our understanding of current laws and practices which may change. Individuals should seek personalised advice.. Keep up to date on the financial issues that may affect you on the Blevins Franks news page at www.blevinsfranks.com.

44 | The Deux-sèvres Monthly

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ask amanda

For this issue of the Deux-Sèvres Monthly, I thought I’d share some insight into our recent conference in Budapest and in particular the big investment firms' wisdom. We are always delighted and grateful to welcome excellent external speakers from some of the big investment and insurance ﬁrms we work with throughout the year who share their wisdom (and/or best guesses) for the months and years ahead; it was therefore an ideal time for me to pick brains over some goulash and a glass of wine and bring you some considered observations for investing in 2024. But before looking forward, how did we get here?

2022 was a very tough year for investors with the hangover from the Covid pandemic and the war in Ukraine creating a perfect inﬂation storm which led to the most aggressive interest rate hiking cycle in over 40 years. This signiﬁcantly depressed bond and share values.

Through 2023 there were four distinct periods of rhetoric and market behaviour… it started with the Artificial Intelligence (AI) “revolution” and a huge rally in the “Magnificent 7” stocks in the US, then attention turned to likely recession… but was it going to be a “soft or hard landing” and then a considered period of ‘is this the end of inflation?’ followed by a change in attitudes to try and guess when the first interest rate cuts would start… we even ended the year with a ‘Santa Rally’ in global stock markets…. confusing times! “Anyone who isn’t confused really doesn’t understand what’s going on!”

• !n 2024 nearly half of the global population will be going to the polls; will this inﬂuence investments? • Can we avoid a recession, and if not, what will it look like? • Will interest rates be cut and if so, what does this mean? • Is AI really going to change the world?

Most of the investment managers we spoke to last week had the same view on these sorts of questions… Politics rarely has a material long term eﬀect on investment returns but can create

short term uncertainty and opportunities – be active and don’t get caught up in the hype! Recession

• Soft Landing = inflation comes down and economic growth is moderate – the ‘Goldilocks’ scenario • Hard Landing = inflation comes down but the economy shrinks – leads to higher unemployment, default on debt and lower consumption The consensus view is that we will probably avoid a hard recession, especially in the US, which is still the most important economy on the planet. US households still have high levels of savings and long-term debt structures, so aren’t too affected by higher short term interest rates; unemployment remains low and the ‘Inflation Reduction Act’ is still pumping money into the economy. However, there is a case for a hard landing with some indicators predicting one, but we live in a world of probability and not certainty and this is changing constantly. “Don’t be too pessimistic but remain cautious … and don’t be too optimistic… anyone still confused?” We are at the end of the inflation cycle now and so interest rates are likely to start being cut in May (US) and June (Europe). This will be good for bond values, so don’t sell them now.

Artificial Intelligence will destroy some businesses and will make some very profitable. “It’s like internet 2.0”. It is also unlikely to be the companies that ‘started’ the AI revolution which will do best from it… it will be the companies who best embrace it and who create the infrastructure for it, that will profit most. Demographics – nothing has changed – there are more of us than ever and we are living longer… and the Obesity epidemic is not cured by one or two weight loss drugs, there is a long way to go. Retreat from globalisation:

“Protectionism”/“MAGA”. We are not going back to globalisation and is it a coincidence that geopolitical instability has also increased? The world is a more dangerous place – we must

Expert advice consider greater Geopolitical risk. So, with all these factors to consider how do we invest for 2024?

• Retreat from globalisation = Defence companies and Oil producers, this might not sit well with all investors • AI = hardware, chip makers, nano technology, semiconductors • Demographics = MedTech – improved prevention and treatment eﬃciency as opposed to just buying more drugs • Hard Recession = own government bonds! Also own high quality equities – be active • Soft or No Recession = own equities – but avoid those with high debt – be active Even with all of the confusing narrative there are some reasons to be positive in 2024: 1. Geopolitics will remain the same, protectionism will continue 2. Interest rates are moving back to ‘normal’ 3. Strong labour market 4. Housing set for recovery…. Falling interest rates 5. Productivity growth from technology and AI – leads to greater proﬁts 6. Markets go up 70% of the time “Look through the hype and stick to your own personal investment commitments and goals … oh… and employ an active manager!!” I would very much like to thank the investment management teams at RBC Brewin Dolphin, Rathbones Investment Management, Evelyn Partners, New Horizons and The Prudential for their time and expert views on the content in this email. If you would like to dive deeper into these subjects please check out the following on the Spectrum IFA website:: • 5 Investment themes for 2024: from Evelyn Partners • Some predictions for the year ahead from David Coombs at Rathbones

If you like podcasts then I highly recommend David Coombs amusing and insightful monthly Sharpe End Podcast Article written by my colleague Peter Brook.

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.

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« 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 »

The Deux-sèvres Monthly | 4

This month’s advertisers Adrian Butterfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Affordable UK Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Alcoholics Anonymous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Association Escoval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Assurances Maucourt (GAN Parthenay) . . . . . . . . 21 Beaux Villages Immobilier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 BH Assurances / Allianz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Blevins Franks Wealth Management Limited . . 2, 44 Building and Renovation Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Chris Bassett Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Closerie Les Roches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Darren Lawrence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Dave Murphy - Hypnotist & Life Coach . . . . . . . . . 11 Eazy Moves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Fosse and Groundworks 79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Franglais Deliveries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Glendee Property Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 H & R Building Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Hallmark Electricité . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Holly Services (SAS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Home Pool Services Vendée . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Irving Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Jeff’s Metalwork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Jon the Carpet man. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Julian Dor-Vincent - Farrier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 KM Property Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 KM Services 79. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

La Deuxieme Chance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 La Petite Ferme d'Alpagas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Leggett Immoblier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Leggett Recruitment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 LPV Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Magic Renovations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Maison Secondaire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Mark Sabestini . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Michael Moore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Michel Barateau - Cabinet maker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 ML Computers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 MT Menuiserie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Mutuelle de Poitiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Rob Berry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 RT Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Simon the Tiler. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Smart Moves Removals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Spectrum IFA Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Stephen Shaw EI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Steve Coupland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Strictly Rooﬁng . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Sunny Sky Cars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 The Fixer Administration Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 The French House Satellite TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Val Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Vienne Tree Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Thank you to all our advertisers - your support enables us to print and distribute the magazine every month!

Puzzle answers Easy Crossword 1

G U R K R N V A G U N H C H U S K S L D E R D R E Q U D S A U C T C E R E G R 2

H A

P O T A P H R E C R U E E D I V E R I Q I C I O U S A A E M C R E E T O N L E A T R T P A S C

7 9

L I

L A M T V E I A L

T O H I T R S E T

Cryptic Crossword E U E A D O R A B L E S S L B E N G A G I N E N L I K I N G M N S P I C E D O L E A S T I M A T N O L O V E T R R D E E 1

B O A M E B E A U L S G G O W N S I L E C O U R T S T I F L E E C E O R R R I A G E G N I E A S U R E R T D 5

4 | The Deux-sèvres Monthly

Celtic Quiz 1. March 1st

2. A dove

3. Pembrokeshire

4. Happy St. David’s Day

9. Boston

10. 20th (1903)

11. White and black

12. Nantes

5. He restored his sight 13. Saint Marcel

sudoku

6. Roman British 14. All four

7. The holy trinity 15. It’s walled

Easy

8. He was kidnapped 16. Goidelic

Medium

Very Hard

Word scramble

1. EILESMALR 2. ULSETUOO 3. NTEESNIIENA-T 4. PCENAIEXVO--NER 5. ERFTRNCMA-RNDEOL 6. TZME 7. LRLSEISAVE 8. RSIEBÉZ 9. CCIAJOA 10. QMPUIRE 11. EDORXUBA 12. RRUGTBSOSA

MARSEILLE TOULOUSE SAINT-ETIENNE AIX-EN-PROVENCE CLERMONT-FERRAND METZ VERSAILLES BÉZIERS AJACCIO QUIMPER BORDEAUX STRASBOURG

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE YOU CAN TRUST u v;Ѵ;1ঞ om o= ruor;uঞ ;v =ou v-Ѵ; bm |_; ; Ŋ"࣏ u;v

EXCLUSIVE

Hidden ;l

Fomperron

€339,900

Ref: A26693 - 4-bedroom home with stunning garden and pool. 6% agency fees included paid by the buyer. Energy class: D Climate class: D

"o 7-m

Room to uo

ŨƐƕƐķƕƑƏ

Ref: A24335 - 3/4-bedroom country _o v; b|_ ; r-mvbom ro|;mঞ -Ѵĺ

8% agency fees included paid by the buyer. Energy class: F Climate class: F

Rental ovvb0bѴbঞ ;v

u];m|omm-

;- ঞ = ѴѴ !;mo -|;7 _;=Ŋ o |omm;

7% agency fees included paid by the buyer. Energy class: C Climate class: A

ŨƔƖƖķƖƖƖ (;umo Ŋ;mŊ ࢚|b m;

ŨƒƒƒķƖƏƏ

EXCLUSIVE

Recently !;7 1;7

mvb]m࣐

ŨƐƏƖķƏƏƏ

Ref: A25456 - 5-bedroom water mill with château views and a new pool.

Ref: A10243 - gîtes and owners Ref: A22329 - Charming 2-bedroom home, 10 bedrooms in total and garden. village property with a lovely garden.

EXCLUSIVE

5% agency fees included paid by the buyer. Energy class: D Climate class: C

!;mo -ঞ om uof;1|

6% agency fees included paid by the buyer. Energy class: E Climate class: B

Must See

ŨƒѵķѵƏƏ o bѴѴ࣐Ŋ ou;|

";r u;|

!;=Ĺ ƏƔƏƐƏ Ŋ u; ƑŊ0;7uool 1o -]; b|_ - -1_;7 0-umĺ

9% agency fees included paid by the buyer. Energy class: E Climate class: B

Good Buy!

ŨƐѵƑķƏƏƏ (o Ѵl;mঞ m

ŨƐƕƑķѶƏƏ

Agency fees to be paid by the seller. DPE: Not required

Ref: A19246 - Nicely renovated 3bedroom 3-bathroom farmhouse.

8% agency fees included paid by the buyer. Energy class: D Climate class: B

Ref: A26291- 5-bedroom house in enclosed garden with electric gates.

EXCLUSIVE

"bম m] u;

ŨƑѵƕķƔƏƏ (bѴѴ;l-bm

Ref: A08118- A 4-bedroom and a 3-bedroom property with gated access.

Superb rrou| mb|

Charming o -];

ŨƑƒƏķƏƏƏ Aubigné

Ref: A13772 - 4-bedroom house with 4 u;1;r|bom uoolv -m7 - Ѵo ;Ѵ ]-u7;mĺ

7% agency fees included paid by the buyer. Energy class: D Climate class: B

8% agency fees included paid by the buyer. Energy class: D Climate class: B

Gîte o|;mঞ -Ѵ

€78,870 (-Ѵ7;Ѵ- l;

Ref: A10396 - Cute 3-bedroom house close to a market town.

10% agency fees included paid by the buyer. Energy class: G Climate class: C

ŨƑѵƑķƐƔƏ

Ref: A20139 -Stunning 4-bedroom house with workshop and garden.

7% agency fees included paid by the buyer. Energy class: E Climate class: E

We have helped 1000s of clients buy and sell ruor;u| bm u-m1; -m7 _- ; ѶƏƏƏƳ ruor;uঞ ;v listed on our website. If you are looking to sell, contact us for a =u;; market appraisal.

. & £ f¶ § Ě² N

+33 (0)5 53 60 84 88 · Ѵ;]]; u-m1;ĺ1ol · bm=oŠѴ;]]; ĺ=u

www.beauxvillages.com

05 56 71 36 59 info@beauxvillages.com

EXCLUSIVE

LIMALONGES €172,800 HAI Ref: BVI72465 Spacious 3-bed country house near to amenities

CAUNAY €289,000 Ref: BVI73366 Stylish, renovated 4-bed, 3-bath country house

Fees: 8% paid by the buyer Net price: €160 000 Climate class: D Energy class: D

Fees: paid by the vendor Climate class: D Energy class: D

Winner of Best Estate Agency France and Best Website France

SAINT-VINCENT-LA-CHÂTRE €167,400 HAI Ref: BVI73385 4-bed equestrian property with 1.4 ha of paddocks and pasture

SAUZE-VAUSSAIS €179,000 HAI Ref: BVI73303 Pretty 3-bed, 3-bath village property close to amenities

PERIGNE €690,000 HAI Ref: BVI72269 5-bed former logis with tennis court and indoor pool

Fees: 8% paid by the buyer Net price: €155,000 Climate class: C Energy class: A

Fees: 8% paid by the buyer Net price: €165 741 Climate class: D Energy class: B

Fees: 6% paid by the buyer Net price: €650 944 Climate class: C Energy class: A

EXCLUSIVE

MELLE €104,900 Ref: BVI73129 A renovated 2-bed townhouse with garage and garden

SAINT-COUTANT €121,500 Ref: BVI67441 2-bed property with garden in sought after village

LOUBILLE €56,000 Ref: BVI72080 Pretty, 2-bed hamlet home to update with large garden

Fees: paid by the vendor Climate class: E Energy class: B

Fees: paid by the vendor Climate class: C Energy class: C

Fees: paid by the vendor Climate / Energy class: Not applicable

Join our team! We’re recruiting independent property consultants across all areas of South West France. Want to know more? Email Tina, Head of Recruitment at tina.anderson@beauxvillages.com

Information on the risks to which these properties are exposed is available on the Geohazards website: www.georisques.gouv.fr

Siret : 501 191 720 00199 - Sas Beaux Villages Immobilier au capital de 2 000 € - RCS 501 191 720 Bordeaux - CPI 3301 2018 000 027 010 Bordeaux