deVere France S.a.r.l. are regulated by ANACOFI-CIF and ORIAS which will only recommend French regulated products.
Helen Booth works as a financial adviser for deVere France S.a.r.l. part of deVere Group, one of the world’s leading independent financial consultancies. Helen, who lives in the Deux-Sèvres region, worked in the financial services industry in the UK for 15 years and prides herself on being fully diploma-qualified for the services she provides in France.
With more than $10 billion of funds under its advice and administration, and with more than 80,000 clients around the world, deVere Group truly offers a myriad of unique products and notes that are not available anywhere else in the market. This, as Helen puts it, gives clients the pick of the crop when it comes to investing.
deVere France can advise you on ways to help safeguard and increase your wealth, as well as helping with HMRC-recognised pension transfers to a Qualified Recognised Overseas Pensions scheme (QROPS) to give you potentially more flexibility in your pension plans.
If you would like to know more about how deVere France can help you, contact Helen Booth DipPFS , EFA
Mobile: +33 (0) 77 171 2879
Email: helen.booth@devere-france.fr
Dénomination sociale: deVere France S.a.r.l, RCS B 528949837, 29 Rue Taitbout, 75009, Paris, France. Gérant: Mr. Jason Trowles. Registre avec ANACOFI-CIF (Association Nationale des Conseils Financiers). Nombre enregistré: E008176, association agréée par l’Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Courtier d’assurances ou de réassurance, Catégorie B, inscrit à l’Organisme pour le Registre des Intermédiaires en Assurance (ORIAS) numéro enregistré 12064640. Garantie Financière et Assurance de Responsabilité Civile Professionnelle conformes aux articles L 541-3 du Code Monétaire et Financier et L 512-6 et 512-7 du Code des Assurances. Registered name: deVere France S.a.r.l, registered company number RCS B 528949837, 29 Rue Taitbout, 75009, Paris, France. Gérant: Mr. Jason Trowles. Registered with ANACOFI-CIF (National Association of Financial Advisers). Registered number: E008176, association approved by the Financial Markets Authority. Insurance and re-insurance brokers, Category B, registered with the Organisation for the Registration of Assurance Intermediaries (ORIAS). Registered number 12064640. Financial and Professional Liability Insurance Guarantee conforms to article L 541-3 of the Monetary and Fiscal Code and L 512-6 and 512-7 of the Assurance Code. 6XKWSX • V1.1/230418
Welcome to the October issue of the Deux-Sèvres monthly magazine!
As we say goodbye to summer (if you can call it that), you can't help but wonder if these weather changes are part of global warming. I used to think it just meant warmer temperatures, but it also seems to bring unpredictable weather, like extra rain and sudden cold snaps. I read a report that explained warmer oceans mean more water vapour, which leads to more rain, and sometimes cold air is pushed into unexpected places that surprise us. Could this be what we're experiencing now?
The first of October sees the launch of the "Octobre Rose" campaign in France, which aims to raise awareness of breast cancer and raise funds for breast cancer research. It emphasises the crucial role of early detection in saving lives. This initiative unites people and brands in the fight against breast cancer and offers events and activities throughout the month. In our "What's on" section, you'll find a handy guide to events in the Deux-Sèvres region and neighbouring areas, as well as information on the importance of selfexamination alongside France's screening program.
The Paralympic Games have just finished as this magazine is going to press. Who can fail to have been inspired by the many amazing athletes and their families who took part in this celebration of human achievement against the backdrop of beautiful Paris. We have some dear friends with a child who has mobility problems, and we watch with pride and admiration at the love and endless patience they have. Who knows, maybe one day we’ll see him at a future games?
With Christmas fast approaching, if you have any details of Christmas markets that you would like to see included in the What’s On section then please let us know. There’s nothing worse than seeing an event just after the magazine has gone to the printers. Similarly, if you’re thinking of placing an advert then don’t leave it too late.
You'll also find pumpkin and squash recipes in this issue that are perfect for reducing food waste at Halloween. With Halloween just around the corner, we also have some creative ideas for floral decorations.
Enjoy the end of summer, and we look forward to seeing you again in November!
insurance. Before embarking on a long journey to attend a published event, it is highly recommended that you verify the event details with other sources. The Deux-Sèvres Monthly est édité par Kathleen Butler-Donnelly, 27 rue de la Madoire, Bressuire 79300 tel: 07 86 99 16 17. Directeur de la publication et rédacteur en chef: K Butler-Donnelly. SIRET: 90043034900028 Crédits photos :Adobe Stock, IStock, Pixabay sauf mention contraire. Impression: Graficas Piquer SL, 29 Al Mediterraneo, Pol. Ind. San Rafael, 04230, Huércal de Almeria, Espagne. ISSN: 2115-4848 Dépôt légal: À purition
CHURCH NOTICES
The Filling Station - PoitouCharentes. Local Christians of all denominations who meet for spiritual renewal and evangelism. Carolyn on 05 45 84 19 03 or www. thefillingstationfrance.com
All Saints, Vendée - Puy de Serre. We hold two services each month (plus Sunday school), on the 2nd and 4th Sundays at the church of St. Marthe, Puy de Serre, at 11h. www.allsaintsvendee.fr
The English Speaking Church of the Valley of the Loire (ESCOVAL) meets at the R.C. Church in Arçay every 3rd Sunday of the month at 11am (just off the D759, Thouars to Loudun).
Eglise Vie Nouvelle English service (translated into French) every week in the Salle Annexe behind Civray Mairie at 10.30am. Contact 06 25 04 36 51 www.vie-nouvelle-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
Monday a.m.
Tuesday a.m.
Wednesday a.m.
Thursday a.m.
Friday a.m.
Saturday a.m.
Cerizay 79140 place des Halles
Bressuire 79300 place Dupin
Coulonges-sur-l'Autize 79160 Centre Ville
La Creche 79260 rue du Marché
Lezay 79120 place du Marché
Niort 79000 place des Halles
Thouars 79100 place Lavault
Vasles 79340 la place du 25 Août
Celles-sur-Belle79370 Centre Ville
Niort 79000 place des Halles
Parthenay 79200 rue Jean-Jaurès
Argenton-les-Vallées 79150 place Philippe de Commynes
La Motte St Héray 79800 place Clémenceau
Niort 79000 place des Halles
Sauzé-Vaussais 79190 Centre Ville
Coulon 79510 place de l'Eglise
Melle 79500 place Bujault
Niort 79000 place des Halles
Nueil les Aubiers 79250 place Pierre Garnier
Thouars 79100 place Lavault
Airvault 79600 place Saint-Pierre
Bressuire 79300 place Dupin
Cerizay 79140 place des Halles
Champdeniers 79220 Centre Ville
Chef-Boutonne 79110 Centre Ville
Coulonges-sur-l'Autize 79160 place des Halles
Le Tallud 79200 place de l'Église
Lezay 79120 place du Marché
Mauleon 79700 place du château
Mauze sur le Mignon 79210 place de l'Eglise
Moncoutant 79320 Centre Ville
Niort 79000 place des Halles
Parthenay 79200 rue Jean-Jaurès
Saint Maixent-l'Ecole 79400 place du Marché
THE ENGLISH SPEAKING CHURCH OF THE VALLEY OF THE LOIRE “ESCOVAL”
We meet on the third Sunday of each month at the church in Arçay at 11h00. The services are multidenominational and vary between Matins and Holy Communion - both usually include hymns.
Afterwards there is usually a bring-and-share lunch. Arçay is situated between Loudun and Thouars just off the D759.
www.escoval.jimdofree.com
Contact Geoff Cornwall : gcfrance6052@gmail.com
Jim Burrows : 05 49 22 41 78
Carole Taylor : mumsikins@hotmail.com
Regular venues including:
• Argentonnay 79150
• Funny Farm Cat Rescue 79200
• Genneton 79150
• Louin 79600
• Noirlieu 79300
Remember to pick up your copy of The Deux-Sèvres Monthly!
Find us on Facebook: Oh my Lord Franck’s fish and chips or email: lordmaurin@yahoo.com
Sunday a.m.
Chatillon sur Thouet 79200 place du Parnasse
Coulon 79510 place de l'Eglise
La Creche 79260 rue du Marché
Niort 79000 place des Halles
Saint-Loup-Lamairé place du Marché
Thénezay 79390 place de L'Hôtel de Ville
Local Markets in neighbouring departments
Monday a.m. Benet 85490 place du Champ de Foire
Tuesday a.m.
Doue-la-Fontaine 49700 place du Champ de Foire
Civray 86400 place Leclerc
Montrueil-Bellay 49260 place du Marché
Mortagne-sur-Sèvres 85290 place Hullin
Surgéres 17700 rue Audry de Puyravault
Wednesday a.m. Fontenay-le-Comte 85200 place du Commerce
Lusignan 86600 place Isabelle d’Angoulême
Ruffec 16700 Centre Ville
Vihiers 49310 place Charles-de-Gaulle
Thursday a.m. Aulnay 17470 Centre Ville
Pouzauges 85700 les Halles
Surgéres 17700 rue Audry de Puyravault
Friday a.m. Civray 86400 place Leclerc
Doue-la-Fontaine 49700 place René Nicolas
La Châtaigneraie 85120 place de la République
Saturday a.m. Cholet 49300 place du 8 Mai 1945
Fontenay-le-Comte 85200 place du Commerce
La Châtaigneraie 85120 place de la République
Pouzauges 85700 place de l’Hôtel de Ville
Ruffec 16700 Centre Ville
Surgéres 17700 rue Audry de Puyravault
Sunday a.m.
Aulnay 17470 Centre Ville
Latillé 86190 place Robert Gerbier
Valence-en-Poitou 86700 place du Marché
Rain or shine: a garden party to remember!
The rain didn't dampen the spirits of the volunteers and visitors who visited the 4th Association Violet Garden Party in September. The event saw a steady influx of visitors, with a significant increase in family participation, creating a lively and heartwarming atmosphere.
Families like those of Emma and Lewis, who are supported by the association, enjoyed a memorable day out, with children eagerly interacting with horses and alpacas and taking part in a colouring competition and community mosaic project. While the little ones enjoyed their
encounters, families were treated to coffee, cake and English bacon sandwiches. Musical performances by local bands Cardinal Points, Moonshine Club and Helen & Geoff added to the festive atmosphere. The spa corner was a hit, offering hairdressing and nail services and a comedy moment ensued when yoga instructor Rebecca managed to keep her sense of humour after a gust of wind whisked away her gazebo.
Among the attractions, the alpacas and the calèche rides were the absolute favourites, along with the many different stalls. The English food stall by
La Cachette
Designer boutique specialising in:
• Handbags, backpacks, travel bags
• Cosmetic bags, cardholders, wallets
• Leather and canvas bags
• Nightlights and stained glass lamps
• Tea towels and place mats
• French, American, and Italian candles
• Toiletry gift boxes
lacachette.bressuire
05 49 74 24 38
shoplacachette79@pascalene.com
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS, RELIGIOUS AND FEAST DAYS
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
Association Violet was very popular, while the purplethemed stall with its unique lavender-filled purple doorstops in the shape of cats and chickens was a sellout success.
Association Violet’s President, Suzette Jeapes, said: “Our dedicated team did an amazing job and we had a large number of first time volunteers this year, which we are delighted about. A huge thank you to everyone who sponsored, volunteered, donated, or made a purchase. Your support helps us raise over 2,000€ for Association Violet!
The event not only raised significant funds for the children supported by the Association, but also raised the profile of the Association in the community.
After another successful garden party, there's no time to stop, as Association Violet is already gearing up for the Terves Christmas Market on 1 December, which promises to be another day of festive fun. More details to follow!
associationviolet.com
www.lapetitefermedalpagas.com
Pâques Easter Sunday Sunday 20 April 2025
Lundi de Pâques Easter Monday Monday 21 April 2025
Fête du Travail Labour Day Thursday 1 May 2025
Victoire de 1945 VE Day Thursday 8 May 2025
Ascension Ascension Day Thursday 29 May 2025
Dimanche de Pentecôte Whit Sunday Sunday 8 June 2025
Lundi de Pentecôte Whit Monday Monday 9 June 2025
Fête Nationale "Bastille Day"
Monday 14 July 2025
Assomption Assumption Day
Friday 15 August 2025
EXPOSITION "LA FÉE MÉLUSINE"
Throughout October
Echiré
Discover the enchanting world of La Fée Mélusine in this whimsical exhibition at the Château du Coudray-Salbart. Perfect for dreamers of all ages, explore magical displays and historical insights included with your château visit ticket. coudraysalbart.fr
LES CORÉADES 2024 – CONCERT D'EMMANUEL ROSSFELDER
1 October
Niort
Experience a guitar performance by Emmanuel Rossfelder, featuring works by Paganini, Tarréga, Granados, Weiss, and Mertz. Join us for an evening of classical music excellence at the renowned Musée Bernard d'Agesci. coream.org
BELLE LA DIFFÉRENCE
1 - 6 October
Bressuire
The "Belle la différence" festival in Bressuire enhances disability awareness through the medium of cinema. Engage with filmmakers and healthcare professionals to delve into themes such as the impact on families, ageing, and sports.
bld79.fr
REACTION BOOK CLUB
2 October
Fenioux
The Reaction Book Club meets on the 1st Wednesday of the month at 3pm in theCafé des Belles Fleurs, Fenioux, In October the book will be ‘The Braid’ by Laeticia Colombani. Everybody welcome. reactiontheatre.eu
PATRI VÉLO : SUR LA ROUTE DES VINS THOUARSAIS
4 October
Thouars
Explore the Thouarsais region on a 3.5hour electric bike tour. Enjoy a guided journey along the wine route, meet a local winemaker, and sample exquisite wines. Reservation required for groups of seven and more. maisonduthouarsais.com
LA FÊTE DE LA SCIENCE
4 – 14 October
Various locations in NouvelleAquitaine
Engage with the wonders of science during this ten-day festival. Discover a range of events, exhibitions, and workshops celebrating scientific exploration and knowledge. echosciences.nouvelle-aquitaine.science
FESTIVAL VOIX & DANSES
4 – 25 October
Bocage Bressuirais
Celebrate the art of artistic and human encounters at the fusion festival of Terre de Danses and Éclats de Voix. The festival includes concerts, public dances, youth programs, and practice workshops. voix-danses.fr
LA FÊTE VERTE
5 October
Niort
Discover eco-friendly shopping and workshops at La fête Verte. Enjoy fun and creative workshops, quizzes, freebies, repair cafes, appliance repair prevention, and tips on car and bike maintenance. Win a waterless cleaning for your vehicle! Take part in a "Green Walk" for cleaner streets from 2 pm to 3 pm Free entry facebook.com/lesateliersdurondpoint
OKTOBERFEST
5 October
Sainte-Néomaye
Celebrate Oktoberfest with an electrifying rock evening featuring the band "Tête de ouf". Enjoy a festive atmosphere filled with energetic music and timeless vibes, promising an unforgettable night for all ages at La Patte d'Oie. sainte-neomaye.fr
SALON BIEN-ÊTRE OCTOBRE ROSE
5-6 October
Valence en Poitou (86700)
Support breast cancer awareness at this wellness fair. Enjoy workshops, conferences, and stalls by partner therapists. Profits aid La Mélody RoseL'Art Rose and RoseUp Association. Refreshments and food trucks available. Instagram: @Ma.Petite.Pause.Douceur
POMM’EXPO 2024
5 – 13 October
Secondigny
Pomm'Expo is an annual festival that has been taking place every October for more than 65 years. The event lasts for 9 days and offers a variety of entertainment options, such as a street market, car boot sale, and a funfair. Apples are available for purchase at every entrance of the town. secondigny.fr
MARCHE PINK THOUARS LADIES
6 October
Thouars
Explore the cultural heritage and scenic landscapes of Thouars with walking routes of 4, 7, or 12 km, beginning at Square Franklin Roosevelt. Join a warmup session and participate in a breast cancer prevention workshop. The event
starts between 08h and 10h, with all proceeds to breast cancer charities. facebook.com/LC73thouars
LA FÊTE DES VENDANGES
6 October
Sainte-Verge
Description: Enjoy a delightful day celebrating the grape harvest with family and friends. Experience grape pressing and fresh juice tasting from 16:00, followed by a harvest aperitif at 18:30 and a cold buffet at the Salle Alcide d'Orbigny. sainte-verge.fr
LA RANDONNÉE ROSE
6 October
Pioussay
Join us for a hike to support breast cancer research. Choose from two routes, 7 or 13 km. Remember to dress in pink and show your support for this important cause.
tinyurl.com/PioussayRose
SALON DU VINYL ET DE LA BD
6 October
Sauzé-Vaussais
Discover rare vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, and comic books at this vibrant event at the gymnase. Engage with professional dealers and collectors. Enjoy a day filled with unique finds and friendly interactions, supported by Cthulhu Events volunteers. facebook.com/cthulhuevent
FÊTE DES PLANTES
6 October
Bressuire
The 14th Plant Festival at Bressuire
Château features over 60 professionals offering gardening advice, kids' games, bar and catering. Families can enjoy plant sales, farm animals, garden shed sales, garden tours, and workshops. Proceeds support local associations via the Rotary Club of Bressuire. Free for children under 18. fetedesplantes.net
MARCHE ROSE
6 October
Largeasse
Begin your journey at Rocher Branlant between 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM and choose between a 6 km or 12 km walking route in Largeasse. These routes include exclusive access to private grounds opened specially for this event. Delight in on-site catering and join the Palp’Action workshop for women, focusing on vital self-examination techniques. largeasse.fr
LA PARTHENAISIENNE 2024
6 October
Parthenay
Join the Charity Run and Walk for Breast Cancer this Pink October. Organised by Parthenaisienne and League 79, the event is inclusive for all abilities. Enjoy a festive "Colour Run" with sunglasses and coloured powder provided. Don’t forget to wear pink and support the cause! filles-parthenay.fr
LA MARCHE ROSE "LA NIORTAISE"
6 October
Niort
Join the Octobre Rose event in Niort! Discover two scenic routes from Parc Pré-Leroy, exploring Médiathèque du Port Boinot, Quais Métayer, Ecluses, and Jardin des Plantes. Led by a sports enthusiast, choose 11 KM (10€) or 4.5 KM (5€). Don't forget to wear pink! lesprinseinses.com
VINTAGE CAR GATHERING
6 October
Secondigny
Enjoy a free morning gathering of vintage, sports, and exceptional cars at the lac des effres. Enjoy complimentary coffee, brioche, and apple juice for car owners, plus a refreshment stand for visitors. Join the outdoor meal and explore Pomm'Expo festivities. secondigny.fr
LES CORÉADES 2024 – CONCERT
7 October
Echiré
Immerse yourself in a symphonic evening at the Salle La Baratte, with the Rousse National Opera Orchestra, conducted by Jean-Yves Gaudin. Enjoy masterpieces by Rossini, Gounod, and Schubert in an unforgettable musical experience. coream.org
31ST FÊTE DES CHAMPIGNONS
10 – 13 October
Praillés-La Couarde
Celebrate the 31st anniversary of our mushroom festival with a variety of
events including mushroom picking, a mycological exhibition, craft market, onsite catering, and games for children. prailles-lacouarde.fr
SOIRÉE MAROCAINE
12 October
Brioux sur Boutonnne
Savour a Moroccan menu with homemade couscous at Auberge du Cheval Blanc for just 23€. A children's menu is also available for 10€. Don't miss the chance to reserve your spot for a fantastic evening out.
Facebook: Auberge du Cheval Blanc
OCTOBRE ROSE - VIDE GRENIER
12 October
Chaunay (86510)
Vide grenier with free spaces (tables and chairs not provided) to raise awareness about breast cancer. Funds will go towards new treatment units in the women's cancer centre at CHU Poitiers. Refreshments and food available, event runs from 09h - 17h.
Instagram: @la_melody_rose_lartrose
CONCERT - IRISH SESSION
12 October
Parthenay
Enjoy a lively Irish Session led by Zito Baret and his companions. They will share a common repertoire of traditional Irish melodies, each taking turns to lead with a melody or a series of melodies. Lecoupegorge.fr
LA JOSÉPHINE
13 October
La Roche sur Yon
Get your pink t-shirts ready! Join the 3rd La Josephine walk/run to support breast cancer awareness. We welcome everyone, including men and children, to take part in this worthwhile event. larochesuryon.fr/lajosephine
WEEKEND ROSE - LA SEINS'GLÉE
13 October
Moncoutant-sur-Sevre
Join the 3rd edition of "La Seins'Glée" with two routes of 5 and 11 km through
the Moncoutant countryside. Open to walkers and runners, this initiative is part of our October Rose campaign, with all profits and donations contributing to the creation of the "Ma Petite Seins'Glée" Box. Remember to dress in pink and show your support! facebook.com/LesSeinsGlees
URBAN TRAIL "LA MÉDIÉVALE"
13 October
Parthenay
Join the 10th urban trail "La Médiévale", organized by Jog'Gâtine. Discover the medieval city of Parthenay through a 9km or 16.5km run, or join a 9km walk. Part of the "Terre de Jeux 2024" initiative. joggatine.fr
LA RANDONNÉE DES VENDANGES
13 October
Soulbrois - Mauzé Thouarsais
Discover the beautiful vineyard landscape of Thouarsais on two hiking trails, one 8km long and the other 14km long. Treat yourself to a refreshing coffee and enjoy delicious gourmet breaks along the way. Animals welcome! tourisme-deux-sevres.com
RANDONNÉE MOTO
13 October
Sauzé-Vaussais
Experience an off-road motorcycle adventure with two 70 km marked loops through picturesque landscapes. Enjoy a convivial hot lunch break. Open to all skill levels, the ride promises scenic views and technical challenges. facebook.com/MVS79
VÉHICULES ANCIENS À CHAURAY
13 October
Chauray
Join vintage vehicle enthusiasts at Espace Bernard Larcher. Enjoy social interactions over coffee and refreshments, with musical entertainment enhancing the experience. A perfect gathering for club members, amateurs, and curious visitors alike. niortmaraispoitevin.com
Les Hortomnales - Saint Rémy la Varenne
EXPOSITION PHOTO
15 October - 9 November
Parthenay
Explore nature's beauty through the lenses of the Caméra Nature Association. Featuring thirty captivating photos from Deux-Sèvres, this free exhibition at the Médiathèque Parthenay celebrates biodiversity with stunning colours, materials, and graphics. A visual treat for all nature enthusiasts. mediatheques-ludotheque.parthenay-gatine.fr
SALON DE L’HABITAT
18 - 21 October
Niort
A grand regional fair for those looking to build or renovate homes, find energy solutions, or seeking interior or exterior design inspiration. Meet professionals in the field over four days. salon-habitat-niort.fr
SÉLECTION D'ŒUVRES "OCTOBRE ROSE"
19 October
Coulonges sur l'Autize
Explore an art collection at La microfolie, highlighting representations of the female body for Octobre Rose. This free event offers open access from 10h to 12h, showcasing diverse artistic perspectives on femininity. coulonges-sur-lautize.fr
DISCOVERING THE HUGUENOT TRAIL
19 October
Beaussais
The 6 km Huguenot trail connects Beaussais and La Couarde, highlighting Protestant history during the "Desert" period when faith practice was restricted (1685-1789). The route, marked by the Huguenot cross, features nine secret assembly sites. Registration required: £7, £3 for ages 8-14.
museepoitouprotestant.com
SALONS DES VINS
19 - October
Lezay
Organized by the Union of Merchants and Artisans of Lezay, this fair at the La Halle aux Volailles features around thirty exhibitors including wine producers from all over France and local artisans. Enjoy on-site catering, aperitifs, and free parking.
ucal79120.fr
MARCHE OCTOBRE ROSE
19 October
Beauvoir sur Niort
Join a walk of 6km or 9km in support of the fight against breast cancer. The start will be from the place de l'hôtel de ville, with two sessions at 8:30 am and 9:30 am. Join us to support charities working against breast cancer.
Facebook: Club Sportif de Beauvoir
SORCIERS ET SORCIÈRES
19 – 20 October
Echiré
Enjoy the enchanting performances by Univers Perchés and be amazed by the close-up magic of talented magicians. With a special appearance by les Amis du Coudray-Salbart, this event promises a magical experience for everyone!
Admission £4, free for children under 5. coudraysalbart.fr
Ô MA VIGNE SALON DU VIN
19 - 20 October
Parthenay
Join us at the Domaine des Loges for the inaugural salon du vin, hosted by Ô Ma Vigne. It's an opportunity to meet 30 talented winemakers from all over France, along with local artisans. Enjoy on-site food options, a food truck, and a chance to win in the tombola. Facebook: Ô ma Vigne
LA MARCHE ROSE DE BRESSUIRE
20 October
Gare de Fret, Bressuire
AJT du Bocage is organising the traditional Marche Rose de Bressuire. With 5, 10 and 12km walks available, registration is 10€ online or 12€ on the day. Even if you can't be present, you why not register and support them. lesajtdubocage79.fr
JOURNÉE DE LA RESISTANCE
20 October
Sauzé-Vaussais
Join us for a ceremony in tribute to WWII resistance fighters, in collaboration with ANACR and the municipality of SauzéVaussais. The day starts at the monument aux morts at 10h and includes a procession, speeches, wreath laying at cemeteries, a minute of silence, and a communal gathering. mairie-sauze-vaussais.fr
ODYSSÉE NATURE VISIT
21 - 31 October
Nueil les Aubiers, Take a guided tour into the heart of the Laboratoire Science et Nature. Discover the production process of Body Nature, Prosens, Centifolia, and Guérandes Cosmetics products. Reservation required. odyssee-nature.fr
MUSIQUE DES PARACHUTISTES DE TOULOUSE
23 October
Saint-Maixent-l'Ecole
Experience an exceptional concert at the Espace Agapit, organised by the Union Départementale des Associations de
Combattants et de Victimes de Guerre du 79, featuring the renowned Musique des Parachutistes de Toulouse. An unforgettable musical event in a historic setting. saint-maixent-lecole.fr
LES HORTOMNALES
26 - 27 October
Saint Rémy la Varenne (49250) Celebrate the 35th anniversary of Les Hortomnales! Explore the Prieuré adorned in autumn hues, with a pumpkin market, local crafts, music, and food. Open 10am-6pm. Entry: 6€ adults, 5€ reduced, free under 10. prieure-saint-remy.fr
CERIZAY EN ROSE
27 October
Stade Roger Quintard, Cerizay Participate in the third 'Cerizay en Rose', a community walk and race against cancer. Let's exceed last year's 1,450 participants and raise more funds for medical research. cerizay-rose.fr
40TH INTERNATIONAL ORNITHOLOGICAL FILM FESTIVAL
29 October - 3 November
Ménigoute
This renowned festival showcases wildlife films from around the world, featuring the latest nature documentaries. The event offers film screenings, conferences, exhibitions, and environmental activities, attracting people of all ages and backgrounds. menigoute-festival.org
REACTION POETRY GROUP
30 October
Fenioux
An afternoon of poetry and drinks with Reaction Theatre members and friends. The Reaction Poem & Pints group meets every 3rd Wednesday at 3pm at Café des Belles Fleurs, Fenioux. We share our favourite poems – this month's theme is plants and trees. Everybody welcomecontact John Round at 05 49 95 03 65 if interested. reactiontheatre.eu
L'ÉTRANGE WEEK-END
31 October - 2 November
Thouars
Join us for the 7th “Weekend of the Strange" - a journey into a world of scares, large and small at the l'Orangerie du château. Explore unique rooms, experience a whirlwind of emotions, and enjoy refreshments. Surprises await... Remember, children must always be with an adult. See you there!
ajt-thouars.wixsite.com/ajt79
Carving a greener Halloween
Tackling Pumpkin Waste
As Halloween approaches, the lure of carved pumpkins and spooky decorations is undeniable. However, behind the festive facade lies a major environmental problem: pumpkin waste. Recent research by environmental charity Hubbub found that Halloween fans in the UK buy around 30 million pumpkins, of which a staggering 16 million end up in landfill. This waste equates to 95 million meals worth £26.7 million. Not only does this disposal waste resources, but the decomposition of the pumpkins releases methane — a greenhouse gas that exacerbates climate change.
It's important to understand the scale of pumpkin waste. In the UK, discarded pumpkins are a significant burden on waste management and a missed opportunity for sustainable practises.
Pumpkins are not just a Halloween decoration, they're also a valuable food source and can be easily composted.
A common misconception at this time of year is that pumpkins can be left in woodlands to be eaten by wildlife. Forestry England warns against this practise as feeding wildlife with pumpkins can spread disease and harm the animals. Instead, it's recommended that the flesh is turned into tasty dishes and the leftovers disposed of on the compost heap to enrich the soil for gardening.
In France, where Halloween is less popular, the emphasis is on avoiding food waste rather than disposing of pumpkins after the festival. The nutrient-
rich pumpkin can be creatively incorporated into numerous recipes; find out more in our recipe special on page 32.
With the new composting regulations introduced in France earlier this year, sustainable disposal is becoming more widespread. To compost effectively, you should remove non-biodegradable decorations, cut pumpkins into smaller pieces to speed up decomposition, and mix them with other organic materials such as leaves and vegetable scraps.
Looking for ways to make your Halloween greener? Here are a few simple suggestions. Instead of carving, you can paint your pumpkins to keep the flesh intact. You can also use whole pumpkins with candles in jars to create a cosy atmosphere. You can buy reusable clay pumpkins at local markets or online.
While other countries face greater challenges due to the popularity of Halloween, all nations have the opportunity to make a commitment to sustainability. Carving pumpkins and lighting them with candles is a cherished tradition, but it's also an opportunity to teach children about sustainability. Instead of promoting a throwaway culture, we can inspire the younger generation to value waste minimisation. By exploring eco-friendly alternatives, we can enjoy these festive customs while having a positive impact on the environment.
By composting, cooking and finding new uses for pumpkins, together we can reduce the pressure on landfill sites and work towards a more sustainable future. As we celebrate Halloween, let's be mindful of minimising our environmental footprint and cultivating eco-friendly traditions.
To learn more about composting pumpkins, visit compostthis.co.uk/pumpkins.
The Start of a New School Year... Lessons for Life
Written by David Murphy - Clinical Hypnotherapist and Life Coach DavidMurphyHypno@gmail.com
It’s the start of a new school yearevery September brings that air of new beginnings. Children head back to classrooms, ready for another year of learning and growing.
And life for us adults, much like school, is full of lessons - some are straightforward, while others require navigating relationships, handling setbacks, and figuring out who we are. These lessons never stop, no matter how old we are.
The Playground
Remember the playground? It’s where we had fun but also learned to negotiate, share, and sometimes, stand our ground. A place where you could let off steam and where, if you fell down it was mortifying, but regardless of the shame and pain, we got back up and recovered – our dignity returned, and our injuries healed. A lesson we sometimes
forget later in life, but we should carry it with us always.
Dealing with Authority and Bullies
Every school has its share of authority figures and bullies (and on occasions the authority figure and the bully are the same person).
Learning coping mechanisms for these people, and the situations that arise, is a great way of maintaining balance in your life – some people have more influence on our lives, and dealing well with authority and with bullying characters can bring a great deal of peace to our lives. It’s good to be respectful of authority, but it’s also good to know when to question it… and the art of standing up for ourselves is a crucial life skill.
And most importantly of all, we must learn that the moments when we are out of control come and go, but
What do you want to change about your life right now?
I'm David
email: DavidMurphyHypno@gmail.com
it’s so easy to hold on to the negative feelings they create for a long, long time.
Letting go of those moments quickly is very liberating - we can’t stop people from throwing stones into our lake, but we can control how long the water ripples for.
The Ongoing Education of Life
Life has more lessons than a kid’s dog-eared timetable, and the bell never rings for the lessons to end. There are lessons there to be learned every day of our lives, but remember, life isn’t about getting a perfect grade; it’s about staying curious and willing to learn. So, keep growing, and most importantly, keep playing the game of life with joy and curiosity and always be willing to learn.
Class dismissed!
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Everyday yoga for everyone
Rebecca Novick
Rebecca Novick was on holiday at the time of publication. Can you believe next month marks her 65th article for the Deux-Sévres Monthly? It's a perfect time to take a stroll down memory lane by revisiting her very first piece. Here's to many more insightful articles from Rebecca!
Yoga for Life
I recall the moment when I made the connection between yoga and life. I was completing my training in Rishikesh India. We were practicing Warrior Pose, a position that develops strength and balance in the legs. My teacher said: "A strong back leg is your good friend. What are your strengths? What is your back leg?"
Yoga can benefit anyone. But as a mature woman who recently discovered this path, I find the benefits all the more available to those with life experience. As my teacher would say, "Yoga is not exercise. It is a path for how to live your life."
Conserving our energy
The idea behind yoga is to exert the least effort for the maximum effect. The best progress is made without too much force or tension, when we relax into whatever it is that we are doing.
Respecting our present limitations
It is extremely important in yoga, as in life, to discover and respect our present limitations. From that point, we can then explore them and see that they are not fixed boundaries.
A little Challenge is good
As we explore our limitations in yoga we find that they shift and widen. In the same way, in our lives we find that through practice and effort, something we once thought was beyond our capacity becomes gradually easier.
Adjustment is important
In life, as in yoga, we may be tempted to give something up because it doesn't seem to be working. Sometimes a few minor adjustments in our pose-or in our life-can make all the difference.
Breathe!
Much of yoga practice concerns how to use the breath. Breathing is so simple and natural, and brings us back to the present moment. Yoga teaches us to breathe no matter what is going on.
Rebecca Novick is a writer and yoga teacher based in Parthenay. Email lavieenyoga@gmail.com for more details.
Kelly's Pampering is back!
Kelly's Pampering has reopened for business, having recently relocated to the north of the Deux-Sèvres. From this new setting and with expanded services, Kelly's Pampering is well equipped to cater for all beauty needs. Kelly herself shared her excitement, saying, “I’m thrilled to be back on the
road, meeting both familiar clients and new faces”.
Kelly's Pampering offers a wide range of private beauty treatments, while the ‘pop-up’ pamper days she often organises in collaboration with other local businesses guarantee a lovely social occasion, usually revolving
around coffee and cake - good for the mind, body and soul!
More exciting news is that Kelly is now also an Avon representative, providing access to a select range of beauty and skincare products. With bi-monthly orders, it's easy to keep up to date with the latest Avon products.
Kelly's Pampering is proud to be registered and insured in France and places great emphasis on professionalism and quality. If you're interested in the full treatment list or the Avon catalogue, you can send her an email
If you want to stay up to date, you can subscribe to the monthly newsletter with news, events and exclusive offers. Follow Kelly's Pampering on Instagram (@kellyspampering_infrance) and Facebook (Kelly’s Pampering) for information.
Are you ready to pamper yourself? Book an appointment or find out more by contacting Kelly at knight-kelly@sky. com or by phone/WhatsApp on 0033(0)777914483.
Book Club
Where do your characters live?
When and where we set our stories is essential if we are to give a sense of atmosphere and give characters a background and context. Today, readers are not generally entranced by long pages of detailed description, but like sufficient description to set a scene. Often a few pertinent details are enough.
Usually a general one, e.g. a 1950s semi, is enough for the reader to picture the type of building the character lives in. Next, a medium detail, e.g. the stairs rising from the entrance hall comes next. To clinch a scene, something small like the character’s coat on the clothes rack or a bunch of keys in a rose-patterned dish on a narrow table at the side. Now the reader sees where the character is and her context without pages of detailed description.
You only need to mention a few things, but as the writer, you should have worked out the whole setting in your imagination. In these memory joggers, I’m going to concentrate on houses but exclude barns and outhouses – that’s another whole post!
Size – A two-up, two-down terrace or a Georgian mansion, or perhaps a poky bedsit or a five-bedroom characterless newbuild on an estate?
Materials – Stone, brick, breeze block, mud, wattle and daub, wood. Is it a
troglodyte dwelling built into a natural cliff? Does it have foundations? Is it a timber frame house with beams? Is the roofing thatch, red tiles, slate, concrete tiles, lead, a tarpaulin or something else?
Neighbouring property – If it’s a flat, are there noisy or nosey neighbours? Or is it an isolated semi-ruin without another human being for miles?
Amenities, fixtures and fittings –
Consider whether it has a loft (for secrets!), a basement (for bodies!), a garden, yard or passageways. How about a creaky gate or a gravel path?
Power and utilities – How is the property heated and cooled? Does it have electricity and gas or are we in an era and place where coal, peat or wood is used? How do our characters see after dark – candles, paraffin lamps, oil lamps or modern fluorescent strip? And does it have running water or does your character use a pump in the yard or need to go to a well or spring?
Openings – Are there windows and are they glazed, such as with sash and casement windows? Do they have catches or cords and are there shutters of some kind – traditional exterior, interior folding shutters, electrical or mechanical roller? And do they have curtains, voile, blinds or something else?
Alison Morton
Doors – Are they made of wood, woodeffect, metal, or merely a heavy cloth across a door opening? Are they old and heavy with deep grain or sleek sliding glass doors?
Locks, handles, hinges and keys –Infinite variety here as all of these can play a dramatic part in a story: medieval hinges adding atmosphere, hands grasping handles, lost keys and creaking hinges. Sometimes doors have a simple latch fastening depending on place and period.
Floors – We can range from beaten mud, through stone, tiles and parquet to veined marble and silk carpets. Floors can echo or muffle the sound of steps.
Going up – Is there a grand staircase with a split landing and secondary flights going left and right, or a ladder in the corner of the hovel? Perhaps there are built in stairs with turning halflandings and newel posts or spiral metal or wood stairs.
Bathrooms/washing – If in Ancient Rome, your character will have access to public baths. If in other times, does he or she use a plain basin, or are there taps and pipes connected? And is there a bath – ceramic, steel, acrylic or a tin tub in front of the fire?
Kitchens – Sometimes the centre of the house or a huge, fitted room with every convenience with an attached utility room or scullery, other times a grate over a hearth in the main room or a gas ring in a bedsit.
Buildings provide a physical setting, but the way your characters interact with them can bring out their values and motivation. Or maybe they’re just a place to hide…
Alison has compiled a selection of articles from this column into ‘The 500 Word Writing Buddy’, available in print and ebook on Amazon and other retailers. EXSILIUM, her new historical novel set in AD 395, is now out.
This month’s book reviews Book Club
Poppy’s Parisian Patisserie
by daisy james review by Jacqueline Brown
Poppy was a little bit lost. In Devon, with lots of recent trauma to come to terms with, it was easy for her to slip into the safe world her caring and protective brothers had created around her. However, she soon realised that to move forward from the past, she needed to take control of her life and decisions, something that became easier when she arrived in Paris.
The characters she met when she agreed to help in Olivier’s patisserie were vibrant, wise and ever so French, and I loved them all. Hélène and Odette, Parisian ladies of a certain age, who were determined to live life to the full, were never shy in sharing a life tip or two. I adored everything about them from their chic style to their outlook and influence on Poppy. Camille was colourful, creative and just a bit quirky without being eccentric. Her ideas were fresh and bold, if a little risky at times, but she became a good friend to Poppy. Then there was Fabian, whose life was also on the cusp of change. Having left a lucrative career in the south of France to try and run his own bistro in Paris, he encountered obstacles he couldn’t have imagined and had tough decisions to make. Poppy and Fabian had chemistry, but they also had complicated histories, and I couldn’t wait to discover their new paths.
It might only have been a three-week favour that took Poppy to the most romantic city in the world, but the clarity and vision she gained was life changing as she began to break free from her past problems.
I was always smiling at something as I read this book; the antics of Hélène and Odette, the new experiences Poppy finds herself doing in Paris or the delicious food that played a huge role, from the savoury delights on offer at the bistro as well as the perfectly crafted, mouthwatering patisseries. Fashion and food, bookshops and bistros, plus Paris sights, all enhanced with friendship, humour and characters who came to life in my imagination and felt like friends.
This book will give you a Paris fix and a happy grin.
The Golden GALs’ French Adventure
by Judy Leigh review by Jacqueline Brown
As we join unlikely travelling companions Fliss and Shirl, plus their not so insignificant baggage, I honestly had no idea where this book would take me, aside from a small coastal town in Brittany. The two women are not close friends, neither are they returning to somewhere that has meant a lot to either one of them, and Fliss, who is the instigator of the holiday, seemed initially to float from one flaky plan to the next.
Shirl had reached a point in her life where she knew the value of hard work, had accepted her lot and had no desire to change. Fliss was lost. Her retirement was not what she had envisaged, she missed the sense of purpose working had given her and she soon realised ex-colleagues weren’t the same as friends. While I adored Shirl from the beginning, Fliss took a little time to grow on me, but a little bit of Breton magic certainly helped us both. This book plunged us into life in Brittany where food was served with love and laughter, there was a real sense of community spirit and even some colourful local characters that put a huge smile on my face. Whether the scene was an extended family meal, served outdoors with a view of the sea, or an organised event with music and dancing into the night, everyone was welcome and there was always lots of laughter, fun and friendship. It was a delight to lose myself within as the lives of old and new friends were beautifully entwined, as were French and English customs, and four generations.
This book will have you planning next summer’s holiday in Brittany.
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La Vie en France Drying out
I promise, despite the title, this is not another of my weather-related rants, or anything to do with one too many apéros over the summer, but more to do with preserving the autumnal produce from our orchard.
Those of you who have been following our adventures in this magazine, or on my blog, will remember how my spring posts used to be all about seed sowing, my summer ones all about weeding and pickings in the potager, followed by gluts of fruits and chutney making in autumn. As our lives here evolved, our passion for gardening waned a little along with the time we had available to maintain a productive potager. This year, not one tomato or courgette seed was sown, which does make me sad, but I know getting out on the bikes has given me far more enjoyment on my summer days off work, than pulling weeds in the courgette patch.
The orchard, despite not getting the most expert of care and attention in terms of pruning, still rewards us with a variety of fruits and nuts, depending on how kind the weather has been. These are always a treat added to our breakfasts, whether fresh in season or preserved and stored for winter mornings.
This year I have a new kitchen gadget, a dehydrator, given to us by friends in the village, who in turn had been gifted it by someone having a declutter. This poor dehydrator, passed from kitchen to kitchen, with nobody falling for its charms. In fact, when I opened the box, it turned out to have never been unwrapped from its plastic packaging, let alone plugged in
Jacqueline Brown
and used. Well, it has found a friend in me and helped me to remember why I fell in love with the quirky house and overgrown orchard hidden behind a pale green gate, all those years ago.
I have often dried plums and apple slices using a low oven, but the dehydrator gives a totally different flavour. I can’t really say I prefer one or the other, they are just different –the oven dried plums having a slightly jammy/cooked flavour as opposed to the dehydrated ones being fresher and more intense. Where the dehydrator wins though, is quantity. The oven was one tray at a time, whereas I can fill the five dehydrator trays in the morning and leave them drying all day, filling the house with a lovely fruity odour, and they are ready to package up in the evening. This fits in well with work, leaving us free to unfold the bikes on our days off. The only disadvantage we’ve found is that the trays are full of crevices that are not the easiest to wash, rinse the soap bubbles from or dry, but we can cope with that.
Winter might not be my favourite time of year, but with apple, pear and peach slices plus halved figs and plums ready to adorn our overnight oats, we will breakfast like kings as we await the first blossoms of spring.
Sophie Hargreaves
Autumn marks the halfway point
I’m certain I’m not the only one saying “how is it October already?” This year is speeding by, and I can now say that we have a one-year-old daughter too. No longer a teeny tiny baby, but a bouncy, babbling toddler who loves nothing more than chatting away or getting muddy helping to look after her animals.
Looking back over her first year, there have been some incredible moments, including taking her first steps in front of some customers during an introduction before their picnic, picking leaves off the trees during alpaca walks and joining us during glamping changeovers, making them just a little harder and longer (namely having to clean the full-length mirror more than once).
Now it’s time for us to navigate through childcare in France as we start her off at creche. At the time of writing this we’ve not yet picked where she’s going or even how many hours a week she’ll go for, but it’s important to us that she starts socialising with those her own age and starts hearing more of the
beautiful French language from native speakers to help her navigate her own language journey. Yes, I’m looking forward to her being bilingual, but no, I’m not looking forward to her correcting my grammar and pronunciation constantly. Hopefully there’s still a long way to go until that starts!
For the alpacas, we’re halfway through the husbandry year, which we mark the start of with shearing, which is usually in April. A couple of weeks after shearing, we start the annual vaccination programme and other care jobs and preventative treatments for the herd. Now we’re halfway through their fleece growth and I’m usually grateful that I do not have to search through their woolly fleeces to find the perfect spot for the needle. However, this year I do, as there is a virus currently causing concern for ruminating animals throughout Europe, called bluetongue disease. It used to be that this was a standard vaccination in the UK for all ruminants well before our time as alpaca owners, but this hasn’t been necessary for some time. Having kept up to date with the news of bluetongue disease in Europe, the threat of this disease has gotten closer to us, and it’s now recommended that breeding and valuable ruminating animals are vaccinated for strands 4-8; this includes our herd. Just like other diseases, new strands of the virus are born and now we eagerly await a vaccine for the new strand BTV-3. It is not a disease that can be passed on to humans, and is very unfortunate for any animal to contract, as it’s passed primarily through infected midges. We then also start the autumn and winter months vitamin and mineral supplements for them all too, to ensure happy and healthy alpacas. Yes, it’s true that their healthcare is complicated, mainly because they’re not native to Europe, but to us they make it all worthwhile.
An odd landscape change for us this month; we will clean and put away our
4m high and 7m wide glamping tent. The place looks so bare without it, and I miss seeing the tip of the bell tent up high with the trees once it’s gone. Whilst I don’t like wishing time away, I’ll be eagerly awaiting when we’re able to pop it back up again, but for now we will carefully look after the equipment and areas, and hope that this season’s weather isn’t too harsh on us, although I am looking forward to embracing the season of slow cooker meals, hot drinks and of course the start of the 2024 alpaca wool knits, but that’s a story for next time!
For more information, visit: www.lapetitefermedalpagas.com or email: hello@lapetitefermedalpagas.com
A Blot on the Landscape LIFE IN 79
In the frozen north of the Deux-Sèvres lies the picturesque town of Airvault, aPetite Cité de Caractèreno less! But on the edge of this town, the ground shakes as a behemoth awakens.
The ageing cement works, after 103 years, is having an upgrade; a new, all-singing, all-dancing, environmentallyfriendly, cement-producing machine is being built (the local disused railway lines have been reopened to transport the grey stuff around the world), producing fewer CO2 emissions and cutting water consumption. Now, I'm all for progress, but like a mythological Greek Titan pushing its way out of the earth, it rises above the skyline and can be seen for miles around (I can see it at the bottom of our road and Airvault is 9 miles away).
People get their knickers in a twist about wind turbines, but their graceful turning, I find, has a certain charm. The structure that is being constructed to house the furnace at Airvault is like the Great Eye of Mordor casting a shadow across the Deux-Sèvres landscape.
As I say, I see myself as a man of progress; I embrace new technology, am open to new ideas... okay, we don't have an air fryer but we do have a pasta machine (which we don't use), I don't have a Fitbit either because I don't want Vladimir Putin knowing what I'm thinking. But technology can seem more of a hindrance than a help in our lives. My car has a myriad of buttons and knobs on the dashboard and steering wheel which I haven't got a clue what they're for... and it's a Dacia Sandero!
My motto: 'keep it simple'. If I had a coat of arms that would be on the bottom. Life has become so complicated; everything requires a password (but you shouldn't have the same one and mustn't write it down). I'm not a savant! I struggle to remember my four-digit PIN number, let alone numerous passwords made up of numbers, punctuation, and capital letters. I can't even remember how old I am some days.
I used to work in a school designed by Norman Foster, costing millions of pounds (the roof leaked) and the technology and resources were amazing: computers everywhere, interactive whiteboards, swipe card registration, etc. It was like an enormous spaceship with 2200 pupils. The swipe cards didn't work from day one, the IT system was constantly crashing, the keyboards broke, and the teaching was hampered by students on their mobile phones. Progress?
Like so many, we moved to France for the slower pace of life, better weather, and cheap booze. Our French farmhouse doesn't have any mod cons like central heating or a damp course, but it has charm, character, woodworm, a musty smell, and a strange damp patch which appears every now and then in the understair cupboard.
Our cooking is reliant on a gas bottle hidden behind a cupboard (this usually runs out when cooking Christmas dinner or for local dignitaries).
You know where you are with a log burner, what's to go wrong? You chuck in wood and start a fire, Bob's your uncle.
Stephen Shaw
Okay, they're carcinogenic, pollute the atmosphere, our house is freezing and in winter our clothes smell of mildew and we can see our breath in bed, but we don't have to worry about thermostats, tariffs, or bleeding radiators.
We don't have a voice recognition device either. 'Alexa, make me a cup of tea', 'Alexa, what's the weather like in Guatemala?', 'Alexa, play "Billy Don't Be a Hero" by Paper Lace'... I don't know how we manage. With AI taking over every aspect of our lives we won't have anything to do; just sit on the sofa, overeat, enjoy the cheap booze, and stick our fingers in our belly buttons.
With all these advances in technology, you would have thought they would know how to dig a big hole and put the Airvault blast furnace in it!
Listen to me getting all worked up. Calm Stephen, calm. I shall have to lie down in a dark room and light a scented candle. 'Alexa, play "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon and Garfunkel'.
If you would like to read more ramblings from Mr Shaw, go to www.lifein79.blogspot.com
Only slightly shorter than the Burj Khalifa skyscraper in Dubai... the new cement works in Airvault.
5 October 1930, the R-101 airship crashes in Beauvais, resulting in a catastrophic explosion and significant loss of life. Britain's largest airship's demise due to engine failure and weather conditions prompts urgent reassessment of airship safety and technology.
11 October 1968, Apollo 7, the first manned mission of the programme, launches with astronauts Schirra, Eisele, and Cunningham. Orbiting Earth for 11 days, they achieve historic live television broadcasts, marking a significant step in space exploration.
14 October 1892, "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" by Arthur Conan Doyle is published, showcasing the detective's unmatched deductive skills. Inspired by Dr Joseph Bell, Holmes, with his deerstalker hat and companion Dr Watson, solves perplexing cases, capturing the imagination of readers worldwide.
16 October 1854: Oscar Wilde is born in Dublin. Celebrated for his wit, he wrote "The Picture of Dorian Gray," "The Importance of Being Earnest," and "Lady Windermere's Fan." Wilde was a key figure in London's aesthetic movement and literary circles.
21 October 1959, The Guggenheim Museum opens on Fifth Avenue in New York City, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Its geometric design, featuring spirals and a skylight, houses Solomon R. Guggenheim's contemporary art collection and evolves into a city landmark, welcoming thousands annually.
24 October 2003, Concorde completes its final passenger flight from JFK to Heathrow. A joint British-French innovation, it achieved speeds of 1,350 mph, reducing New York-London travel to 3.5 hours. The farewell is met with a large crowd in London and includes two other final Concorde flights from Edinburgh and the Bay of Biscay.
25 October 1415: King Henry V leads England to a remarkable victory at Agincourt during the Hundred Years’ War. Despite being outnumbered, the English triumph using longbows and strategic positioning, achieving one of history's greatest military successes.
25 October 1881, Pablo Picasso is born in Malaga, Spain. As a revolutionary artist, he co-founded Cubism and shaped modern art through his "Blue" and "Rose" periods. His legacy endures, with works including "Guernica" remaining culturally significant.
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Guernica - Pablo Picasso, 1937
Sidney Paget -’The Adventure of the Speckled Band’, 1892
By Steve Marshall
Taking Better Photographs... WhyYouShouldEdit
Taking photographs is not a single-step process. The phone manufacturers may claim their technology is so wonderful that all you need to do is point and click. But this simply is not true.
At a minimum, you must compose your shot. Just pointing at your subject may not be enough. Should a single face be offcentre? Which aspects of a landscape should be included? The questions can go on for a long time – so keep asking yourself, what is best?
You may want to set your camera to take a photograph in a particular way. So master shutter and aperture priority on a traditional camera and learn how your phone controls work. You must press the shutter release for that satisfying click –and you could do this with a finger, a timer or a remote control. Too many photographers are ready to stop at that point. Don’t be one of them – get some understanding of editing. The best of film photographers spent more time in the darkroom than they did outside taking photographs. There are a lot of free editors, so you do not need to lay out cash – just search for the best free photo editor and they will be offered. If you have never tried editing, the second-best way to learn is to search for tutorials. The best way is to get together with friendly photographers and ask them to run you through the key elements – and if you are interested, my email address is below.
But why edit – doesn’t the camera or phone sort it all out for you? Not really. Most cameras on Auto and most phones will take a perfectly reasonable picture of whatever you point them at. But it may not be what you saw or what you really want.
Digital cameras mimic film cameras where a lot of basic editing was done by Boots or wherever you got your film processed and turned into printed images.
The two things they would almost always do were to increase the contrast and increase the colour saturation. This was not by much but just enough to recover the drop in contrast and saturation caused by the technology.
The photograph of the tree was taken in February 2021 when France experienced a phenomenon rare in most of Europe, known as ice rain. Rain falling at just above zero degrees froze when it hit objects on the ground – and the ice built up.
The original photograph is rather insipid, and the background is messy and drawing the eye away from my subject. I had
deliberately taken this using a small aperture, creating a large hole for the light and a shallow depth of field. This meant the background was out of focus but did not manage its messiness.
As almost always in the editor, I increased the contrast and the saturation – not by much but just enough to start darkening the background and drawing out the colour in the branches. I then increased the shadows and the blacks in the image. This further reduced the collection of bits in the background. A touch of sharpening emphasised the ice on the branches and I was done.
Dandelions are one of my favourite subjects. The original image is a perfectly reasonable photograph of a dandelion but no one would say it was inspiring. It sits in the centre of the frame and is just there. Wind-blown dandelions can look much more dramatic.
So the editor was the answer. First, I removed all colour saturation until I was down to black and white. Then I cropped in a long way – and you can do this with modern digital images. They come with vast megapixels – my camera produces images with 24 million pixels, 6000 wide by 4000 deep. If I show such an image on a computer screen, it will throw most of this away and leave me with an image of about 2000 by 1330, a reduction by a factor of 9. So my heavy crop will not notice on screen. It might if I print it, especially if I go for a large size.
I increased the contrast to emphasise the darkness at the heart of this flower. I
then sharpened it a little to give an edge to the stems, ending with an almost abstract picture.
The sea photograph demonstrates that when you leave your camera on the wrong settings but take pictures anyway, the editor can rescue you. Here I have increased the exposure, cropped a little, increased saturation and contrast, and produced a photograph I really like.
If you would like to learn and help other photographers learn what makes great photographs, please get in touch at stevemarshall128@gmail.com
VIEW FROM THE VENDÊE
What a Super Summer of Sport!
I don’t know about you, but I’m completely exhausted by so much sport this summer. OK, so I didn’t actually take part in any of the events, but I certainly took my role as spectator very seriously! From the tennis at Roland Garros in May to the Paralympics in September, we’ve all been treated to non-stop sport of the highest level.
But for me it’s not just about the performances, it’s also about the personalities in sport. As a tennis fan of many years, I felt a touch of nostalgia as two great legends of the court bowed out of singles competition this year. After winning the French Open title an impressive 14 times, Rafa Nadal finally said goodbye to his favourite tournament. And who can forget Andy Murray’s emotional farewell at Wimbledon? He may not have won a title this year, but he certainly won the admiration of the crowd. And this year’s Tour de France didn’t disappoint either. Plenty of drama as usual in this gruelling three-week race (yes, three long weeks in the saddle!), but this year it was particularly special for our very own Mark Cavendish who finally broke Eddy Merckx’s long-standing record as he took his 35th (and surely his last) stage victory.
But for me, the biggest highlight of the summer was the Olympic Games, here on French soil. We were lucky enough to have tickets for two of the events in Paris, so we decided to make a weekend of it. The moment we arrived at Montparnasse railway station we were caught up in Olympic fever. There were posters, displays and artwork everywhere, depicting all the different sporting events. Not to mention shops and pop-up stands selling Olympic memorabilia on every street corner!
One of the big concerns before the Games, of course, was security, but apart from the arson attack on the TGV track on the eve of the Opening Ceremony, the three weeks of Olympic sport plus 11 days of Paralympics continued without a hitch. In fact, this was one of the most impressive aspects of our visit; the organisers had really pulled out all the stops to ensure that we, the public, felt totally secure as we wandered around the capital. Not surprisingly, the level of crime in the city dropped considerably during that period!
Karen Taylor
So which events did we see? Well, our first visit was to La Place de la Concorde where our tickets for the 3 x 3 basketball (see photo) also gave us access to two other sports – skateboarding and BMW bikes, three sports that we’d never actually seen before! But the main event for me was the athletics on the Saturday in the Stade de France. The stadium is huge, so we were spoilt for choice as track races ran alongside field events –non-stop action.
Of course, we couldn’t resist having a wander around the city itself whilst we were there. So we headed up the hill to Montmartre where, purely by chance, we stumbled across the cycle road race – a surprise round every corner!
Finally, I can’t compliment the many bénévoles enough, they were everywhere – on the streets, in the métro, in and around every venue… France had obviously learnt well from the hugely successful 2012 London Olympics!!
Expert Property Advice from David Smethurst
€299,500
La Mothe-Saint-Héray, Deux-Sèvres REF: BVI76188
EXCLUSIVE TO BEAUX VILLAGES!
Superbly located close to the centre of the historic town of La Mothe SaintHeray, this imposing 3-storey town house has large elegant lighted-filled reception rooms, a beautiful turned staircase, 3 / 4 large bedrooms, a kitchen opening onto its beautiful private courtyard garden and a small orchard with a separate gated entrance. The property benefits from mains drainage and a useful outbuilding which houses a workshop, a store room and wood store. It is within easy walking distance of the town’s shops, bars and restaurants. Fees: paid by the vendor Energy class: F Climate class: F
David Smethurst is an experienced independent property consultant at Beaux Villages Immobilier. He is based in the southern Deux-Sèvres and speaks English, French and German. Here he gives us his top pick of properties in the Department: Contact David by email to view any of these properties : david.smethurst@beauxvillages.com
€149,950
Loubillé, Deux-Sèvres REF: BVI74014
EXCLUSIVE TO BEAUX VILLAGES! This elegant 3-bed village property, with well-proportioned reception rooms, charming walled gardens and useful outbuildings, is situated in a peaceful hamlet with easy access to local market towns. Heating is provided via oil-fired central heating and two large wood burners and all the windows are double-glazed leading to a very creditable “D” energy rating. The beautiful gardens which lie to the front of the property are a real feature, with lawns interspersed with mature flower beds, and the lovely summer house provides the perfect spot for alfresco entertainment. Fees: paid by the vendor. Energy class: D Climate class: C
€183,600 HAI
Sainte-Soline, Deux-Sèvres REF: BVI61236
This very attractive 3-bed stone village property has been renovated whilst retaining many original features such as flagstone floors, beamed ceilings and feature stone walls. The good-sized gardens extend to the front and side of the property, are fully enclosed and are mainly laid to lawn with a patio area accessed directly from the kitchen. Situated in a popular village just a 5minute drive from the market town of Lezay, with its markets, supermarket, restaurants, bars, doctors and dentist. Within easy reach of the Poitiers with its international airport and fast TGV train connections.
Fees: 8% buyer Net price: €170,000 Energy class: C Climate class: A
LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
Emma’s Engravings
Whether you're looking for a unique gift for a friend or a keepsake for a family member, one of the most personalised options is laser engraving. With laser engraving, you can engrave photos, logos or personal messages on a variety of materials — whether it's wood, slate, glass or mirror. But how difficult can it be? We spoke to Emma Inns from Emma's Engravings to understand the intricacies and trade-offs she deals with on a daily basis.
Emma Inns founded her fledgling business in December 2022 in Amailloux, France. She offers laser cutting and engraving using a 60-watt CO2 laser, affectionately known as 'The Beast' because of its size and capabilities.
"I think there's a common misconception about what I do," notes Emma. "People often think that I just put an image in the machine and press start. In reality, the machine does the easy part!"
Once an image is delivered, Emma processes it using customised software to make it understandable for the laser etcher. "Depending on the quality of the image," Emma explains, "it can take as little as 15 minutes to get an image laser-ready, or several hours, depending on the quality and contrast of the image."
Every piece of material is different. For example, every piece of wood has a different density and grain, even if it was cut from the same batch, which has to be taken into account for every engraving.
"Slate is a natural stone," Emma adds, "and imperfections such as colour variations, textures and small surface irregularities are completely normal. These characteristics add to the charm of the material and don't affect the longevity of the engraving."
Once the image is prepared in the laser software, Emma decides where and how it should be burnt, at what speed and with what percentage of power. "Every image and material combination has a 'sweet spot' to optimise the engraving," explains Emma. "It's up to my skills and experience to find that sweet spot and deliver high quality products to our satisfied customers."
Emma creates a variety of bespoke products from gîte signs to personalised home decorations and keepsakes. Her range includes unique birth and christening gifts, wedding and birthday presents and even pet keepsakes, all made with precision and care.
Once the target material is loaded, it's time to press the big red button and start the engraving process. The time it takes varies — smaller, less detailed pieces are finished faster than large, highly detailed images. The laser engraver is a significant investment and, like a printer cartridge, the laser will need to be replaced regularly depending on the hours of use and performance.
Find the perfect personalised gift at Emma's Engravings, where exceptional quality meets local charm.
Contact Emma on Facebook or at emgravings@gmail.com to create your unique treasure today!
ASSURANCES MAUCOURT
bringing the outside in...... Halloween Flowers
Halloween is fast approaching, traditionally a time when we remember and respect the dead. There are all sorts of customs associated with this day, with their roots in various religions from all around the world. Whether you celebrate traditionally or embrace the more modern practices, as always, nature has all sorts to offer to make Halloween more special without the need for plastic gimmicks.
Take a step outside, look in your garden or the hedgerows...
By now, many of the plants around you will have probably gone to seed. It can be tempting to cut plants back before their seed heads appear, but I prefer to leave mine as the seeds provide nourishment for a variety of garden friends, whilst the empty, dried stems offer shelter to smaller animals and invertebrates. Over winter, they will, of course, rot down and nourish the soil, so if you can learn to appreciate the autumn forms your garden has to offer, you can save yourself a lot of work, and your garden visitors will be grateful too.
Dried-out plants can look mystical with dew-laden cobwebs draped between their empty stems; sometimes russet-coloured leaves fall and catch in them, appearing to be suspended magically in mid-air. You can gather a few of the attractive dead flowers, seed heads or leaves and use them for dried flower displays inside. As well as being interesting to look at, you can gently shake the seeds from them, ready to grow next year too.
Try to notice all the different shapes, textures and colours. Some may be prickly, such as dried butcher's broom stems, with leaves that can resemble fine lace, soft fluffy grasses, pompoms of wild clematis, balls of alliums in various sizes, dried artichoke flowers with their silky seeds surrounded by sturdy teeth. There are plenty to choose from... Aquilegia, Poppies, Nigella, Honesty... all have their own unique structures to enjoy, as well as many others.
I feel that appreciating the forms that our plants form once they fade is another way of remembering the dead on Halloween and throughout the autumn and winter... Death isn’t the end; it’s simply the end of this particular cycle, a time to rest, recover and be reborn when the time is right. By living in harmony with nature, we can learn many lessons that will help us live our own lives in a more fulfilling manner, adding a little peace and balance to every day.
Happy Halloween, Samhain, All Hallows' Eve... take your pick!
Please contact me via @cueilletteetdecouverte on Facebook or Instagram.
Sophie Stokes
The Importance of backing up your Computer Data and How to Do It
In today's digital age, our computers hold a treasure trove of valuable information, from cherished family photos to important documents and personal records. But what happens if your computer crashes, gets infected by a virus, or is stolen? Without a backup, you could lose all your data in an instant. That’s why backing up your computer data is crucial. Here’s a simple guide on why it’s important and how you can do it.
Why You Should Back Up Your Data
1. Protection Against Data Loss: Computers can fail unexpectedly. A backup ensures that you don’t lose your important files if your hard drive fails or gets corrupted.
2. Guard Against Viruses and Malware: Malware can lock you out of your files or destroy them. With a backup, you can restore your data to a previous, safe state.
3. Accidental Deletion: Mistakes happen. If you accidentally delete a file, a backup can save the day.
4. Theft or Damage: If your computer is stolen or damaged, a backup means your data isn’t lost forever.
How to Back Up Your Data
Backing up your data might sound complicated, but it’s easier than you think. Here are some straight-forward methods to keep your data safe:
1. External Hard Drive: This is a simple and reliable method. Here’s how to do it:
• Purchase an external hard drive.
• Connect it to your computer via USB.
• Drag and drop files or use built-in software (like Windows Backup or Time Machine for Mac) to copy your important files to the external drive.
• Remember to update your backup regularly to include new files.
2. USB Flash Drive: For smaller amounts of data, a USB flash drive is convenient.
• Plug the USB drive into your computer.
• Manually copy and paste your essential files onto the drive.
• These are portable and easy to use but have limited storage compared to external hard drives.
3. Cloud Storage Services: These services store your data on the internet, making it accessible from anywhere. Popular options include Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive.
• Sign up for a cloud storage service.
• Upload your files to the service. Many offer automatic backup features that sync your files whenever you make changes.
• Cloud storage is great for ensuring your data is safe from physical damage, like fire or flooding.
Regular Backups
Backing up your data isn’t a one-time task. Regularly update your backups to ensure all your latest files are safe. A good habit is to back up your data at least once a month, or more often if you frequently add new files.
Conclusion
Backing up your computer data is like having an insurance policy for your digital life. It provides peace of mind, knowing that your important files are safe and can be easily restored if something goes wrong. Whether you choose an external hard drive, a USB flash drive, or a cloud storage service, the key is to start backing up your data today. Your future self will thank you!
Jason Khan
Detect Early, stay healthy
Breast cancer prevention is vital for maintaining health and wellbeing. In France, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, with approximately 58,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Early detection significantly boosts treatment success, with about 87% of women surviving at least five years post-diagnosis.
The French national breast cancer screening programme is a crucial resource, offering free mammograms every two years to women aged 50 to 74. For those under 50 and not yet eligible for this programme, regular breast examinations are essential to ensure early detection and proactive breast health management.
Incorporating breast palpation or selfexamination into your routine is a simple yet effective method to identify unusual changes early. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you begin:
Visual inspection: Stand before a mirror with hands on hips and observe any changes in the shape, size, or texture of your breasts.
Touch assessment: Using your fingertips, feel your breasts while lying down or in the shower, applying varying pressure to explore all tissue layers.
Systematic movement: Move your fingers in circles over the entire breast area, including the armpit, from the collarbone to the abdomen and from the armpit to the cleavage.
Watch for changes: Report any lumps or unusual changes to a health professional immediately.
Women should examine their breasts monthly. Regular checks help you become familiar with what is normal for you, making it easier to notice new or unusual changes that a doctor
should investigate. Consider setting reminders on your phone or diary to maintain this crucial habit.
For women under 50, self examination is pivotal in taking charge of your breast health. By starting these exams early, you’ll establish a routine that complements the national screening programme once eligible. Awareness and education are key to understanding the importance of regular self examinations. By prioritising your health and integrating these measures into your routine, you can take proactive steps towards early detection.
Take advantage of the resources available in France designed to support your health and contribute to the fight against breast cancer. The UK charity CoppaFeel! stresses: "Knowing your body and what is normal for you can make all the difference. Early detection saves lives and we want everyone to know that checking their boobs could be a life-saving habit."
Useful links
• breastcancernow.org
• pinkribbonfoundation.org.uk
• cancerresearchuk.org
• macmillan.org.uk
• royalmarsden.org
• coppafeel.org
• institut-curie.org
• gustaveroussy.fr
• fondation-arc.org
• ligue-cancer.net
• cancersupportfrance.org
At the wine merchant where I currently work, I do tastings with people from all over the world and consequently get asked many questions about Bordeaux and the wines we sell. Bordeaux wines are unique in many ways and differ highly from the wines made overseas in places such as the U.S, South Africa, Argentina etc. These are the key standouts for me during my experiences for Bordeaux wines ofcalibreand are based on my opinion:
1). They taste better as they get older.
Many wines produced all over the world are made to be consumed and are called drinking wines. This is not to say that a wine produced solely with the purpose to be drunk is poorer quality, however the good quality Bordeaux wines are rarely made with the same intentions. In order to have a balanced wine, you need the following elements: tannins, acidity and alcohol and all three need to be perfectly balanced. When Bordeaux wines are young, whether they are left bank or right, the tannins are astringent and unripe, acidity is high, as is the alcohol. It almost feels like all the elements are there, but they are all trying to steal the show, and you don’t know how to feel about the wine. As wine grows older, it softens out; the tannins become velvety, the acidity reduces, and the alcohol softens considerably. In young wine also, the fruit is fresh and showing what we call primary flavours and as the wine develops it starts to show secondary (vanilla, spices, floral notes) and tertiary flavours (forest pine, tobacco, chocolate, earth). All these components make for complex , elegant wines that are gorgeous.
2). Vintage variation, quality over quantity.
While a lot of drinking wines are made in copious quantities, the taste is pretty much invariable each vintage. This is because they are produced to taste the same each vintage, so that the buyer knows exactly what they are buying and are never disappointed with the product.
Bordeaux winemakers and estate owners don’t intervene highly with the natural process of vintage
Why Buy Bordeaux Wine?
variation and actually encourage the year to show itself through the wine.
Vintages can be affected by many factors such as meteorological events during the growing seasons, climate change, and finally how the winemaker adds their personal touch in the cellar. This makes for interesting wine tastings, being able to compare various vintages and it gives the wine personality. Not unlike us humans, wine has many facets, for example it has been proven that wine tastes better on a sunnier day than it does on a stormy day, it doesn’t like extremes of heat or cold or to be disturbed while sleeping! I personally love opening new Bordeaux wines and not knowing how the wine will present that particular day. Also, if you take the same wine and try it young and then try it much older, it is fascinating to see the development.
3). The wines are a blend.
Like in other French winemaking areas such as Rhone or Champagne, Bordeaux wines are made from blended grapes. For the reds on the right bank, it tends to be a high percentage of merlot blended with a smaller percentage of Cabernet Franc or Cabernet Sauvignon or both and the opposite for the left bank. The whites of Bordeaux tend to be a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. If you take wines from different countries, such as the US, the wines are usually 100% varietals, such as 100% merlot or 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The blend makes the wine more complex, insofar as the blended grapes compliments the dominant grape, filling in the gaps. For example, Merlot is a highly fruity grape which is easier to drink as it’s more supple on the palate, softer. Cabernet Sauvignon is powerful, highly tannic, complex and has great potential for ageing, although can be quite austere when too young. The Merlot needs the strength that Cabernet Sauvignon provides, to help it become more complex and age longer. The Cab. Sauvignon requires the softness of the Merlot to reduce its austerity and enhance its elegance. The Yin and Yang of wine.
www.instagram.com/theloiregirl
The end of summer for us means the long-awaited honey harvest, where we collect any surplus honey from our hives. As I’ve mentioned before, the word ‘surplus’ is key. The bees have worked hard over the past few months to forage enough nectar to turn into honey and store for their winter food requirements. A colony of bees will typically need between 15 and 20kg of honey to last them until they can get out to forage again in spring, and if the winter is mild then they’ll need more than this. Sometimes there is no surplus for us, and we have to accept this. Some beekeepers will take the honey and then have to feed their colonies a substitute during the winter but that’s not our preferred option.
This year has been unusually wet and as a result has caused lots of problems for beekeepers and especially for commercial honey producers. The problem was one of timing – the flowers blossomed but the rain also fell, meaning that by the time the bees could fly out, all the nectar had been washed out or the flowers had died off. The extra humidity has meant too that honey this year is proving to be too
Amanda Baughen
‘wet’. The rule of thumb is that the moisture content of honey must not exceed 18%. When bees collect nectar and store it in wax cells, the moisture content can be up to 80%. An enzyme is injected by the bees into the nectar which transforms complex sugars into simpler ones, and the nectar is gradually dried by a constant stream of air being passed over it by the bees beating their wings. After a short while the moisture content will have reduced to less than 20% and the bees will seal the cells with a wax cap.
This year the French Union of Beekeepers (UNAF) has accepted that the ‘humidity limit’ of 18% is probably unattainable due to the fact that, due to climate change, extremely wet weather coupled with heatwaves has meant that the bees have been unable to reduce the humidity level of nectar stored. They have turned their energy and attention to caring for the brood. So, 20% is now being touted as the new 18%.
So why is it important to keep the moisture level of honey under 20%?
Most micro-organisms cannot grow in honey, and sealed honey does not spoil. But sealed honey and water will change. We’ve all heard about honey that’s been discovered in jars in the Egyptian pyramids that is still edible, millennia after it was stored away. We do chuckle at the food hygiene laws that insist on a ‘consume by’ date on honey labels, but we have also witnessed what happens when honey is not quite honey but processed nectar –it ferments! And whilst Kevin may like the smell because it’s just like mead or honey beer, it’s not what people are expecting from their honey.
We use a refractometer to measure the moisture content of the honey we harvest. it’s a tense time waiting to see if the level is within the designated limits. This month we were more than relieved to read a level of just under 19%, and on checking the levels of
some other local honeys we found that they too ranged from 18.5% to 20%. What can be done if the honey is too wet? The advice is to put the frames in a room with a dehumidifier for up to 5 days then test it again. You’ll find that the constant drier air will reduce the moisture, and you won’t have to worry about your honey fermenting. The other answer is to eat it quickly! If you’d like to find out more about keeping bees, please visit our website www.13bees.co.uk, phone us on 05 45 71 22 90, or email info@13bees.co.uk
OVERSEAS REMOVALS
Fortnightly deliveries to the Deux-Sèvres.
Hassle-free customs clearance
Careful removal service between UK-France-UK
Full house moves, part loads to single items and vehicles.
Free pre-move storage for part loads.
Deliveries accepted on your behalf between 8am-4pm, Monday to Friday
French-speaking crew. Owner operated since 1995.
International transport licence.
PLEASE CALL STEPHEN on +44 (0) 7966 287430 or email: smartmovers@hotmail co uk
“The end of the summer isn’t the end of the world, here's to October.” A. A. Milne.
I totally agree. Autumn has to be my second favourite season. Summer sometimes can feel a bit of a trial to me and I'm glad to be less bitten, less hot and bothered, and can pull the lightweight duvet back over me at night too. I look forward to the Autumn Equinox, and October with its harvest festivals. I often go to a local fête de la citrouille, and local growers' market all rolled into one. It's sometimes a bit too warm, but the cooler evenings and the fresher air are a joy.
“Listen, the wind is rising, the air is wild with leaves, we have had our summer evenings, now for October eves.” Humbert Wolfe.
For gardeners, it's a pleasure to watch the turn of the year, the rain has hopefully returned to help the gardens and farmers alike. At the time of writing, late August, my garden is parched, dusty and really needs a good few days of rain. Fortunately, we have water stored up still, and have only watered my newly planted rose bed, planted in February, and the big pots. We seemed to have missed the usual summer
storms this late summer, and although I don't want the damage storms can wreak, some rainwater would help no end!
I look forward to the cooler days of October, still some warmth in the sun yes, when I can tackle those jobs which I didn't do in July and August. Is it only our house or have you got extra-large spiders this year moving in rent-free?
I've just been cobwebbing upstairs and the size is surely bigger than usual! Safely removed and out of the window, let's hope they stay out. I was just finishing up and an enormous hornet flew into the bedroom, again I'm sure bigger than others I have seen this year! Back to October, I like looking forward to Halloween, I don't carve a pumpkin but I do light a candle to remember my ancestors and my friends and family gone before me. The children in the village also have a very organised trick or treating afternoon, so it's not even dark but they get dressed up and go from door to door looking for sweet treats! I usually hang a basket at the gate as we are often out when they
arrive, so they can help themselves. One year I found a little note saying “merci” in the empty basket! October is also Blindness Awareness Month, I have been thinking about sensory gardens for a while and now may be the time to plant for scent, and touch too. So thinking of highly scented plants, night-scented stocks for next summer, jasmine, lavender, honeysuckles, some roses, and for the winter garden, sarcococca is something
Clare Hill
I am planting this autumn. I usually buy hyacinth bulbs too and the narcisse paperwhite amongst others for autumn planting and will enjoy the scents over the Christmas and winter period. Don't leave it too late to order your bulbs, or you will miss the ones you really want to try this year.
Other jobs for October
• Take a look at your tools. Some cleaning, oiling and maintenance can go a long way to helping your favourite tools last for years.
• If the leaves are starting to fall, instead of raking them all away, you could rake some onto the borders, to act as natural mulch over autumn and winter. Or, put the fallen leaves into a separate pile from your compost, to create leaf mould. You could try putting them into a big plastic bag, pierce a few holes, then wait until next summer for lovely black leaf mould, perfect for adding to bought or homemade compost.
• Mushroom hunting; it seems to be a popular autumn pastime, I don't have the knowledge but books are available to check what is edible and what is not!
• Once you have weeded your beds and borders, (probably the worst year ever in my garden for weeds!) you can add a thick layer of mulch, to aid the soil, help retain moisture and nourish your plants too. You can use bought compost or homemade, the leaves we mentioned above, well-rotten horse manure, grass clippings, and let it all work its magic over the winter months.
• You can add a layer to pots too, you may need to scrape away a few cm and then refresh the pots. While you are doing this, check over the pots for pests hiding in or under the pot or plant.
• Feed winter and early spring flowering plants, like camellias, daphnes, sarcococca, and others you have.
• Take cuttings of woody herbs such as rosemary, lavender, lemon verbena and thyme.
• Divide large plants of herbs, including sage and marjoram, then replant or pass on.
• Make sure you cover salad plants with cloches or place in a cold frame to prolong cropping and avoid any early frosts we may have.
• Cut back shoots of asparagus down to soil level once they've turned yellow, then compost them.
• Clear away old crops, so they can't spread pests and diseases on your vegetable potager/beds over the winter months.
• Cut fruited/faded stems of blackberries and autumn raspberries down to the ground.
• Order bare-root fruit trees and bushes for planting from late autumn into winter, once the ground is suitable for planting.
• Carefully dig cannas to avoid frost damage, dry off the tubers and store in cool dark conditions until spring.
• Remove summer bedding plants and choose plants for winter colour, such as heathers, cyclamen, winter pansies and violas. They will soon be available at your local markets.
• Make sure you remove any saucers from underneath your pots and raise pots up onto feet to aid drainage over winter.
• Finally, reduce the height of shrub roses by around one third to avoid wind-rock damage over autumn and winter.
It’s certainly a busy and productive time in our gardens. Until November, À bientôt,
About Clare Clare, along with her husband Martin and their furry family, moved to North Vienne in 2017. With a passion for plants inherited from her family, Clare is currently studying Horticulture with the Royal Horticultural Society. Previously working in corporate and private banking, Clare now enjoys the tranquility of her garden, where she experiments and nurtures her favorite plants, especially roses. An animal lover, Clare shares her home with 4 rescue dogs and a mischievous puppy. She also loves brocantes and vide greniers and is a Reiki Master Teacher and a Tai Chi/Qi Gong teacher.
Clubs & Associations
AlcoholicsAnonymous - South West France
If you or someone you know has a drinking problem, there are now a number of English-speaking meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous in the South West of France. Alcoholics Anonymous is a Fellowship of men and women who share experiences, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.
There are no dues or fees for AA membership and AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organisation or institution. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.
For help or information, telephone: 05 31 60 90 95 or visit: www.aafrance.net
Crafts, Community and Friendship. We run regular workshops and events as well as offer community workshop space for crafting and making. Learn new skills and share your talents. New members welcome. Contact us for details: info@therepairshed.fr or telephone 05 49 80 39 57.
Airvault Conversation - Come and practice your French with a friendly group of French and English speakers. Every Wednesday at 7pm at the Salle CSC 16 rue Emmanuel Bonnet, 79600 AIRVAULT
Call Christian for more information: 05 49 63 04 78
CONVERSATION WORKSHOP FRENCH/ENGLISH IN THOUARS
An opportunity to have a friendly contact, to form friendships,and improve mutual understandings of different cultures. Come along every wednesday, from 7.30pm to 9pm, at Centre Socio-Culturel 21 avenue Victor Hugo 79100 THOUARS Contact : v.venotbonnet@gmail.com or eugene_mc_cabe@hotmail.com
French Lessons for English Speakers
Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), 4 Place Leopold Bergeon, 79150 Argenton-les-Vallées Classes: beginners or intermediate. Private lessons on request. Contact: rendez-vous79@orange.fr
CHORALE MELUSINE, PARTHENAY - French 4-part choir, established over 30 years (with 4 English members) and always looking for "new blood"! Excellent Musical Director. Come to a rehearsal on Tuesday evenings and see if it's for you. Contact Keith for info keithandcarol@orange.fr 0671 14 16 72
AFVBC - The newly formed North Charente Maritime Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club meets the second Sunday of every month at 10:15 a.m. at the Relais d'Aulnay.
Reservations with Ann and Allan at walpcs@yahoo.co.uk
PLAY and LEARN ACOL BRIDGE
If you are interested in learning or playing acol Bridge at Pause Cafe, L’Absie, every second and fourth Friday at 2pm please contact philjan9@hotmail.com
Vasles Netball Club - 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
Combined Services Support Group - CSSG is a community of ex services, police, and firefighters. We meet socially and raise funds for ex-service charities. For information, email Andrea Cornwall: andreacornwall79@icloud.com. For confidential welfare support contact Geoff Godfrey: geoffandhelen@hotmail.co.uk.
Clair De Lune Montessori School, Xaintray. Opened September 2023, ideal for English-speaking families. Contact us at 06.01.88.54.37 or clairdelune.pedagogie@gmail.com. Learn more: clairdelune-ecolea.wixsite.com/accueil. Join our nurturing educational community.
Acceuil des Villes Françaises - A French association dedicated to welcoming newcomers from all over France and abroad to their new surroundings; helping them integrate, speak French, and feel 'at home' through social events. pjhenderson@orange.fr
Craft Café Creatif - We are a craft group who meet once a fortnight on a Wednesday afternoon at Pause Café, L'Absie. Our members knit,crochet, sew, embroider etc. We craft and socialize over a cup of tea. New members welcome - contact barbarawhitehouse@yahoo.co.uk
Les Amis Solitaires is a group of people living alone in France. We organise social events and meet for coffee at The Lemon Tree in Sauze Vaussais, 11am every 2nd and 4th Thursday. Contact Pennie on pennietelford@hotmail.com
Royal British Legion - Bordeaux & South West France
Do you need help or advice?
Contact us at: rblbx.assistance@gmail.com www.facebook.com/groups/306085566632991
Are you single and living in the South Vendee? Would you like to meet others for social events with the emphasis on fun and not dating? We meet in Fontenay-le-Comte on the first Wednesday morning of each month. Occasional weekend lunches. Find us on Facebook SOLO EN FRANCE (Sud Vendée) or contact Rosalind at soloenfrance@outlook.fr for further information.
British and French cultural association consisting of theatre group, choir (Keynotes), book club and poetry appreciation. Weekly choir rehearsals at Scillé. Monthly book and poetry meetings at Fenioux. New members warmly welcome. For more information email reactiontheatrefrance@gmail.com.
WHY NOT JOIN THE RAF FAMILY?
RAFA Sud-Ouest France
Le Perail, 17250 BEURLAY, France
Tel: 05 46 95 38 89 email: admin@rafasudouest.fr
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
Clubs & Associations Submission: Include title and 40-word max entry (with contact details) and optional logos if space allows. Free ads rotate monthly; for guaranteed monthly printing, pay a 4.50€ monthly fee (54€ annually). Email submissions to: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
Clubs & Associations
Vienne & Deux-Sèvres Philip Buckle
Im writing this at a time when we have no meetings and all my colleagues are getting on with their own lives and don't contact me unless absolutely essential. So, these thoughts are just mine.
This is a very personal opinion but I have often felt that Sunday is the difficult day of the week for those suffering a long term illness, caring for a loved one or for the bereaved. I think that I could now add August as the difficult month possibly along with Christmas as the difficult festivity.
It's obvious, I know, that Sunday is often a family or friends day. The shops are closed and office staff are unavailable to answer those burning questions and queries. My wife and I have a Sunday routine whereby I phone the person I support and during that hour she puts the finishing touches to the local radio programme she records on a Monday morning. It works well for us and extremely well for my client.
This year I wanted to take August off to give myself a break. Most of August was fine but during one week I received an email from a friend in the UK. His wife had died suddenly from pancreatic cancer in January of this year. Although he has taken holidays since her death and stayed in France for two weeks in May, suddenly his network all seemed to have things to do in August. He was really feeling her passing and it was certainly one of those waves of emotions when he was definitely longing for the summers and life that they had experienced together.
Then, during that same week my client had family issues and demands to do with the probate of his wife's estate. With notaire offices closed and the English solicitor's office running with reduced staffing levels he turned to me. Of course I don't have the answers, I'm just a pair of 'trusted' ears. His anxiety levels required talking things through with a familiar voice. He wanted it to be me if just for five minutes as he knew access to me was limited and he had declined help from someone new.
No matter how busy we are or when we need a break there are some times when one still has to put things aside and help people who find themselves in a dark place. One day I might be there, needing someone to reach out that hand of support or ready to listen to my worries. I hope that if that happens volunteers will still be coming forward to give comfort when its needed. Perhaps that person might be you.
National Helpline 0800 240 200 email: helpline@cancersupportfrance.org. You can find more details about CSF Vienne & Deux-Sèvres by visiting: vienne.cancersupportfrance.org
Work has begun on the Community Garden at ShedQuarters!
Lisa Jones
As we enter into October and the joys of the autumn season such as cooler mornings and warm afternoons are upon us it is perfect timing for closing down the summer vegetable plots and our thoughts turn to harvests and preserving the bounty of the year for the colder months ahead. Although our orchard has only been in place for a few months, we did manage to get a mini harvest of plums and apples from our existing trees which are now safely tucked up in glass jars as chutneys and jams.
Our thoughts have now turned to the development of our community vegetable garden which over the autumn and winter seasons will see big stages of transformation as we build raised beds, walk ways, irrigation systems and more. We aim to have a few growing beds ready to plant early crops into the new year as well as a reserve of seeds that we can get started in the polytunnel before going out into the ground in the late spring. Whilst you are tending your own gardens, if you have any seeds, saplings or cuttings that you have a surplus of, we will happily provide them with a new home as part of our garden. Any sort of plant would be welcome but we are particularly keen on productive plants and bushes, herbs and flowering plants that support pollinators. Please get in touch if you have anything that you would like to donate.
Email info@therepairshed.fr or telephone 05 49 80 39 57.
Niort-Wellingborough Twinning Association
The Soirées Gourmandes, organised by the NiortWellingborough Association, began on 27 September with a great success: participants enjoyed a warm evening with the wonderful smell of freshly baked scones. Participants not only enjoyed the English specialities, but also took away new recipes to try at home.
While we look forward to the rest of the 2024-2025 programme, make a note in your diary for 29 November at 7pm. Discover the magic of English Christmas traditions with a focus on the much-loved mince pies. Then ring in the New Year on 24 January 2025 with a bilingual soirée celebrating the Entente Cordiale with festive dishes such as Christmas pudding and galette des rois.
These events are presented by the Niort-Wellingborough Association, which has been promoting cultural exchange and fostering friendships and cultural understanding since 1977. Consider joining the Association to share in these enriching experiences.
Don't miss our exchange trip in May/June 2025. Contact us for more information and membership by email at: wellingboroughniort@gmail.com
Lesley Emerson
Seasonal Recipes
Pumpkin Purée
After Halloween, repurpose your carved pumpkin by transforming it into a homemade pumpkin purée with this easy method. For safety, you should carve your pumpkin during the day on Halloween and roast it the next morning. Be sure not to use glitter and remove any candles and wax –better still pop the candle in a jar inside the pumpkin. This recipe not only reduces waste but also allows you to enjoy the flavour of pumpkin in various dishes throughout the season.
METHOD
• Check your pumpkin thoroughly for any signs of insects or mould. If you find any, cut the pumpkin into pieces and add it to your compost.
• Begin by preheating your oven to 160°C. Slice the pumpkin into manageable chunks and arrange them skin-side down on a baking tray that has been lightly greased with oil. If you have any leftover bits from carving, feel free to add those too.
• Place the pumpkin pieces in the oven and roast for about an hour, or until the skin becomes dark and starts to blister. Once done, let them cool until they are safe to handle. Use a spoon to help peel off the skin.
• Cut up the roasted pumpkin into smaller pieces and put them into a food processor or blender. Add a splash of water - about 4 tablespoons - to help the blending process, and purée until smooth.
• Transfer the purée into a container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze the purée in a glass jars, leaving about 1½ cm of space between the purée and the lid, which will preserve it for up to six months.
This method for making pumpkin purée will yield approximately 500 to 700 grams, depending on the size of your pumpkin and how much flesh you can salvage.
Sage & Pumpkin Scones
Enjoy the cosy warmth of autumn with these pumpkin and sage scones, a delicious blend of rich, buttery texture and warming spices. Perfectly balanced with aromatic herbs, these savoury scones are a versatile treat, whether for breakfast, tea time or as an indulgent snack.
INGREDIENTS
250g plain flour (T45)
8 tbsp pumpkin purée
80g brown sugar (cassonade), plus extra for sprinkling
85g cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 large egg, plus an extra yolk for glazing
50ml crème fraîche
30ml milk
1 sachet baking powder (levure chimique)
½ tsp salt
½tspcinnamon
½tspnutmeg
¼tspground cloves
¼tspground ginger
2 tsp fresh sage, finely chopped, plus more for garnish
A handful of chopped walnuts (optional)
A handful of grated goats cheese (optional)
METHOD
• Preheat the oven to 200°C.
• In a food processor, combine the flour, brown sugar, spices, baking powder, and salt. Pulse briefly to mix evenly. Add the butter to the mixture and pulse until the blend resembles coarse crumbs.
• In a separate bowl, blend the egg, crème fraîche, milk, and pumpkin purée.
• Gently mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, ensuring the dough remains lumpy with visible butter chunks.
• On a floured surface, divide the dough into two portions. Optionally, mix walnuts into one and cheese into the other. Form each portion into a disc about 10 cm in diameter and 2 cm thick, then cut each disc into 8 wedges.
• Place the wedges on a parchment-lined baking tray. Brush the tops with the beaten yolk and sprinkle with a little brown sugar. Garnish with a sage leaf or walnut piece if desired.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes until the scones are golden brown and fragrant.
These scones are best enjoyed warm from the oven, either on their own or with a pat of butter.
Spiced Pumpkin and Apricot Chutney
(Makes 4 200ml jars)
Savour the flavours of autumn with Spiced Pumpkin and Apricot Chutney, perfect for curries, cheese boards, and roasts. This chutney combines sweet apricots and pumpkin with a spicy kick, enhanced by star anise and cinnamon, bringing warmth to meals as it cools. Plus, it's a great way to use your Halloween pumpkin, following the same safety precautions as pumpkin purée.
INGREDIENTS
500g pumpkin, peeled and diced
100g onion, finely chopped
½ red chilli, finely chopped
50g dried apricots, chopped
50g sultanas
200g brown sugar (cassonade or vergeoise)
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
250ml cider vinegar
1 star anise (anis étoilé or badiane)
1 cinnamon stick
METHOD
• Place all ingredients, including the star anise and cinnamon stick, into a large saucepan over low heat and stir gently until the sugar dissolves.
• Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about an hour.
• Stir occasionally until the chutney thickens and a wooden spoon leaves a clear trail at the bottom of the pan. Remove the star anise and cinnamon stick.
• Spoon the chutney into sterilised jars while hot and seal.
• Allow the chutney to mature for two weeks to fully develop its flavours. Store in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, keep in the fridge and use within a month.
Pumpkin and walnut strudel
Delight in the traditional flavours of Bulgaria with this pumpkin strudel, also known as Tikvenik. This pastry combines sweet, juicy pumpkin with a hint of cinnamon and the crunch of walnuts, all encased in crispy, buttery filo pastry. Perfect for a warming dessert or a delectable breakfast treat.
INGREDIENTS
750g butternut squash or pumpkin, peeled and grated
130g granulated sugar
60g butter, plus extra for brushing
1 teaspoon cinnamon
150g walnuts, chopped
1 packet of filo pastry (pâte filo)
6 tablespoons sugar for sprinkling
Icing sugar (sucre glace) and cinnamon for dusting
METHOD
• Preheat your oven to 180°C.
• In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the grated pumpkin, sugar, and cinnamon. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the pumpkin is softened and fragrant.
• On a clean work surface, lay out a sheet of filo pastry. Brush it with melted butter, then layer a second sheet on top and brush again.
• Spread about 125ml of pumpkin filling along the longer side of the filo, then sprinkle with a handful of walnuts. Optionally, add some granulated sugar for extra sweetness.
• Roll the filo sheets into a cylinder, then shape into a coil. Place in the centre of a round baking dish (approx 25cm). Repeat with the remaining sheets and filling, arranging each coil around the previous one.
• Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
• Once cooled, dust with icing sugar and a pinch of cinnamon before serving. Enjoy at room temperature for the best flavour.
To make icing sugar at home, blend granulated sugar in a blender or food processor until it reaches a fine, powdery consistency. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes
Fish & Pumpkin Tagine (serves 4)
Delight your senses with the exotic and fragrant Fish and Pumpkin
Tagine, a dish inspired by the rich culinary traditions of North Africa. This comforting recipe blends tender fish with sweet pumpkin and aromatic spices, it's a comforting meal that's perfect for any occasion.
INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp olive oil
1 brown onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tbsp ground ginger
2 tsp ground turmeric
1 cinnamon stick
400g tin of tomatoes
375ml fish or vegetable stock
500g pumpkin, peeled and sliced into wedges
600g fish fillets, such as cod or haddock
120g green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• Heat the olive oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon stick, cooking for another 30 seconds until aromatic.
• Pour in the tomatoes and stock, crush the tomatoes with a spoon then add the pumpkin. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the pumpkin begins to soften. Season with salt and pepper.
• Arrange the fish fillets over the pumpkin mixture, cover the pan again, and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through. Add the green beans and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes until they are tender.
• As the tagine cooks, prepare the couscous. Place the couscous in a large heatproof bowl, cover with 500ml boiling water, and cover the bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork to separate the grains.
• To serve, place the fish and pumpkin tagine in one serving dish and the couscous in another. Garnish both with chopped parsley and almonds.
• Mix a ladleful of sauce with 1 tbsp harissa paste in a bowl. Serve separately for guests to add spice to their tagine or couscous.
Kabak Tatlisi
Savour the comforting flavours of autumn with Kabak Tatlısı, a Turkish pumpkin dessert that's both simple and delightful. This warm, sweet indulgence is perfect for a cosy evening or as an after-dinner treat. Bring a touch of Turkish autumn to your table with this easy dessert.
INGREDIENTS
400g pumpkin, peeled and cubed
180g granulated sugar
2 tbsp tahini
Handful of walnuts, roughly chopped
METHOD
• Begin by removing the seeds and fibrous parts from the pumpkin and cut it into cubes of approximately 3 cm.
• Place the pumpkin cubes in a saucepan, sprinkle the sugar over them, ensuring each piece is wellcovered. Cover the pan and leave it for 6-8 hours, or overnight, to allow the sugar to draw out the pumpkin's moisture and create a syrup.
• Once the syrup has formed, place the pan on medium heat and let it simmer. Stir occasionally and baste the pumpkin pieces with the syrup as it cooks.
• Cook for about 10 minutes, checking periodically. The pumpkin should be tender but still hold its shape. If needed, continue simmering until the desired softness is reached.
• Remove from heat and allow the dessert to cool to room temperature before refrigerating for about an hour.
• To serve, arrange the pumpkin pieces on a plate, drizzle with tahini, and top with chopped walnuts.
Pumpkin Loaf Cake
This cake is an adaptation of a classic carrot cake recipe. Perfect for any autumn gathering, it also has the added benefit of being gluten and dairy free.
INGREDIENTS
25ml dark rum (or dark tea if you prefer alcohol free)
• Soak the sultanas in the dark rum for about 30mins.
• Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease and line a loaf tin approximately 23 cm x 13 cm (9 x 5 inches) or use a silicone mould.
• In a large bowl, sift together the plain flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and bicarbonate of soda.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the sunflower oil, golden caster sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a creamy texture. Stir in the lemon zest and juice, orange zest and juice, grated pumpkin, desiccated coconut, chopped walnuts, vanilla extract, chopped ginger, and rum soaked sultanas.
• Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin, spreading it evenly.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
• Allow the loaf to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pumpkins Galore!
Here’s a quick guide to commonly found pumpkins and squashes, along with their French names! These versatile veggies are everywhere at this time of year, each with its unique texture and flavour.
Butternut Squash - Courge Butternut
Bell-shaped with a smooth, tan skin. Sweet and nutty, reminiscent of pumpkin. Ideal for soups, purees, and roasting.
Acorn Squash - Courge Gland
Small with ribbed skin with a dark green exterior and occasional orange patches. Mildly sweet and nutty, with a tender texture. Perfect for baking, stuffing, and roasting.
Spaghetti Squash - Courge Spaghetti
Oval with a yellow skin. Mild, with a unique stringy texture that resembles spaghetti when cooked. Great for low-carb pasta alternatives and casseroles.
Kabocha Squash - Courge Kabocha
Dark green skin with a squat, round shape. Sweet and rich, similar to a sweet potato or pumpkin. Suitable for soups, stews, and tempura.
Hubbard Squash - Courge Hubbard
Large, with a bumpy, blue-green skin. Very sweet, with a dense and starchy texture. Excellent for baking, mashing, and pies.
Pumpkin - Citrouille
Round with a bright orange skin, commonly used for Halloween lanterns. Mildly sweet and earthy, perfect for pies, soups, and roasting.
Turban Squash - Giraumon Turban
Distinctive turban shape with a colourful, striped skin. Mildly sweet and nutty, with a floury texture. Ideal for stuffing, soups and curries.
Delicata Squash - Courge Delicata
Oblong with a pale yellow skin and green stripes. Sweet and creamy, with a flavour similar to corn or sweet potato. Great for roasting and grilling.
Pattypan Squash - Pâtisson
Small and flat with scalloped edges, white or yellow. Mild and buttery, with a tender texture. Excellent for grilling, sautéing, and stuffing.
Sucrine du Berry - Courge Sucrine du Berry
Small to medium-sized with a bulbous shape and a smooth, buff-coloured skin. Dense and has a sweet, nutty flavour. Perfect for roasting, baking, and soups.
Red Kuri "onion" Squash - Potimarron
Small and teardrop-shaped with a bright orange skin. Sweet and nutty, similar to chestnuts, with a smooth texture. Ideal for soups, stews, and roasting.
TAKE A BREAK
Easy Crossword
ACROSS
1. Maker of items in copper (11)
7. French artist famous for stained glass (7)
9. Duck known for its down (5)
10. Blade used in fencing duels (4)
11. One-way mission Japanese pilot (8)
12. Leftover bits of bread (6)
14. Celery-like aromatic cooking herb (6)
17. An edible herb, often candied, that grows in Niort (8)
19. Swedish car manufacturer brand (4)
22. Young deer in Disney film (5)
23. Race as depicted in a song by Queen (7)
24. Russian pianist and composer (12)
DOWN
1. Hidden place for storing supplies (5)
2. High, level ground formation (7)
3. Flooded Welsh valley (4)
4. Spanish delicacy, from acorn-fed pigs (7)
5. Mythical multi-headed serpent creature (5)
6. Gentle wind or easy task (6)
8. King in famous Shakespeare play (4)
12. Easily irritated or bad mood (6)
13. Confident and self assertive (7)
15. Napoleon Bonaparte's Corsican birthplace (7)
16. Defector at the picket line (4)
18. Third Greek alphabet letter (5)
20. Key ingredient in "Bourguignon" dish (5)
21. Old method for connecting computer peripherals (4)
Cryptic Crossword
(with many thanks to Mike Morris)
ACROSS
1. Chiefs of pirates on board every boat could be dancing backwards! (5)
4. Venerable contents of wardrobe department? (4)
7, 10. Character in celebrated book not able to see when in front of the bench? (5, 3)
8. Exhausted possibility of getting together to embrace journalist? (7) 10. See 7.
11. Something old-fashioned about time on front half of ferry? (5)
12. Do OK, or a version of that, could be pretty substantial? (3, 4)
14. Teach, for example to put a rodent in the charts? (6)
16. Publication of ratio of drugs to thieving work perhaps? (6)
20. Tribal leaders are recognising a people are holding on? (7)
23. Being a Scotsman, perhaps, I am not in endless pain? (5)
25. Managed to get parts of camera needed? (3)
26. Practising being 14 across? No, just joking? (7)
27. Libertine chasing a large number of duck! (5)
28. Pick up 14 across? (4)
29. Beethoven's last symphony? (5)
DOWN
1. End of hell for tribes stirred up; a result of getting over-heated? (7)
2. Small room rearranged in best setting to temporarily house chewing gum perhaps? (7)
3. Talk about starting to put off white wedding, or what! (6)
4, 13. Churchillian depression for 14 across? (5, 3)
5. Look around for Latin god, taking in most of white supremacists? (5)
6. Disturbed bear in mouth of Welsh river. (4)
9. Lament being the first to dine in restaurant gourmet experiment? (5)
13. See 4 down.
14. Walk on part, possibly for 14 across? (5)
15. As quickly as possible get rid of a poisonous snake? (3)
17. Give up reason to go to festival? (7)
18. 14 across found in East Anglian inlet, going after 13 down? (7)
19. 14 across, a freeman perhaps? (6)
21.OE translation to get sound system for Murphy perhaps? (5)
22. Something to take to raise excitement level? (1, 4)
24. 14 across taking part in lost boys' meet-up? (4)
Word Scramble
French Departments - unscramble these words to solve the puzzle!
1. EETIHRTERMMCAAIN-
2. EEEVDS-XRUS
3. NVENIE
4. EANERHCT
5. NEVEDE
6. OGONDRED
7. INEGDRO
8. TAEEN-ROII-MLE
9. TQANALLREIOTUI-E
10. TSAHER
11. ARPIS
12. ETAU-VEHNNIE
Building & Renovation
Property Maintenance Service located in Coulonges-sur-l’Autize, covering a 50km radius. Our comprehensive range of services includes:
➤ Renovations
➤ Decorating
➤ House Clearance
➤ Gardening
➤ Dry Walling
➤ Flooring
➤ Man & Van
➤ Odd jobs
Call, Text or WhatsApp Owen on 06 73 50 14 41 email: kmpropertymaintenance@outlook.com
DARREN L AWRENCE
R ailing & Plasterboarding
Renovation Work Painting, Decorating & Tiling Wood Floor ing
Open 10am to 4pm, Thursdays & 1st Sunday of the Month
2 Rte de Vauthion
79190 Sauzé Vaussais Furniture Barn
Open 11am to 3pm, Thursdays & 1st Sunday of the Month
1 Rte de la Mare aux Loups Louba 79190 Clussais-le-Pommeraie
Email shopseventynine4hope@gmail.com
Facebook Groups: Hope79 Sauze-Vaussais Furniture for Sale Hope Associaton Charity Shop 79
Shop and Café Open every Wednesday 11am - 4pm
Oh my lord Francks fish and chips second Wednesday of the month from 12h00
Wednesday16October from12h00
Losing a Pet
Losing a pet can be hard. For many, their animals have been beloved members of the family for years. They are not “just” a dog, or cat, but a treasured, integral part of family life.
Grieving a Beloved Pet
When a beloved pet dies, it is normal that emotions and grief can be intense. You may feel as if you have lost a family member, it can be difficult to share these feelings with others who do not have pets or have never had that relationship with an animal. You might feel embarrassed about the intensity of your feelings and hide them away. But doing so only makes things worse in the long run.
Oh my lord Francks fish and chips le 2ème mercredi du mois à partir de 12h00
mercredi16octobre àpartirde12h00
Donations welcome é Ouvert de 11h à 16h
Monday 10am - 12pm Wednesday 11am-3pm
Les dons sont les bienvenus les lundis 10h - 12h et mercredis de 11h à 15h
Vichy, once a tiny, fragile kitten, thrived on bottle feeding and human bonding. Now lively and curious, she's ready for adoption. Vichy, along with her sisters and other cats, who are awaiting a loving home can be adopted at Association Galia.
Breed: Européen
Sex: Female
Age: Kitten
For more information, visit www.association-galia.fr email assogalia85@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/AssociationGaliaEN
Open every Tuesday 10am - 4pm and the last Saturday of the month 10am - 2pm
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
Remembering a pet and talking about him/her and your feelings with someone who understands and is prepared to listen in a compassionate, non-judgmental way can help to organise thoughts and start the healing process. The memory will always remain, but the feelings will modify over time.
Losing a Pet Hurts
Companionship and unconditional love are often what a pet gives us. Always there every night waiting as we return from work, happy to see us. The daily walks and conversations with other owners become an integral part of our daily routine. There is a constant, unwavering affection.
When a pet dies, there is a huge void in our everyday existence. The dog bowl lies empty on the floor, the cat flap stands still, the house seems so quiet when we enter it. It is natural that we feel grief and sorrow intensely. Everyone’s grief is unique and different, but it is normal to feel great depth of emotions such as sadness, yearning, guilt and confusion, when one loses a much loved pet.
What Helps?
Searching out others who have also lost an animal can be very comforting. It is sometimes a relief to hear others describe similar emotions to yours when describing their grief after the death of a loved pet. You may have to search outside of your immediate family and involve others who have had a similar loss and are better able to understand the depth of your feelings.
Finding a way to say goodbye to your pet can be very important. Have a memorial for your pet where every member of the family has an opportunity to talk about what s/he meant to them. Perhaps you scatter your pet’s ashes or bury them in a place with a special meaning.
Creating a shadow box can be meaningful. Saving and displaying items unique to your animal may keep him or her close to your heart.
Grieving your pet is an ongoing process; give yourself time to decide how or if you want to memorialise yours. There is no rush. Be kind and gentle with yourself and allow yourself to grieve at your own pace. There’s no right or wrong way, just your way.
Several of our volunteers have experienced the feelings associated with such loss. Please, if you feel we can help, do not hesitate to contact us..
We help English speaking residents throughout France to manage their bereavement or anticipatory grief. There is no fee for our time and support. Call us 06 24 50 22 74 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm bsnvar.org
LUXURY OR COLLECTION CAR INSURANCE
Allianz has a special insurance for luxury cars with some advantages not only in pricing but also with regards the cover.
Which cars : Luxury cars which are cars valued between 50 000 euro and 300 000 euros and brands such as :
Not included BMW, Mercedes, Audi and other cars such as Renault, Peugeot, VW, etc even if they are luxury versions.
If the car is more than 5 years old, Allianz does not accept diesel cars (I guess it is not luxurious enough!!) but do accept Audi, BMW and Mercedes as long as the value is above 150 000 euros and below 300 000 euros.
Premium advantages : Up to 65% discount on a normal premium for a luxury car. For example, a Porshe 911, year 1971 worth 100 000 euros would cost 620 euros per year to insure with no excess.
Breakdown cover advantages : your car will be taken to a specialist garage as opposed to the closest one if you breakdown or have an accident. And with no limit for tow costs.
«You are insured to use the car on race circuits as long as it is not for a competition.»
Who : only drivers above 30 years old (and not novice drivers) and with no more than one claim in the past 3 years (claim with bodily injuries are not accepted either).
The driver must have a “normal car” insured to drive for everyday life.
Use advantages : You are insured to use the car on race circuits as long as it is not for a competition. And we can put the car in “garage mode” when you decide not to use it for a long period (winter for instance) so that reduces the premium even more.
Conditions : You must have a recent valuation or the invoice of the car dealer to prove the value of the car.
Collection cars or bikes : If you have a collector’s car (aged over 30 years old) which is either a diesel or valued less than 50K, then we use a special company with discounted premiums (a 2CV can be inured for less than 100 euros per year). You must have a “normal day to day car insured” and if the value is more than 50K you must have a formal valuation.
Check out our website www.bhassurances.fr/en for all my articles and register to receive our monthly newsletter.
Isabelle Want.
money matters
by Helen Booth,
Diversify your Portfolio to Mitigate Risk against Declining Global Markets
According to the World Bank, the global economy is set to have its worst five-year growth in 30 years. The global market growth forecast is predicted to be 2.4%, compared to last year’s 2.6%. That’s the third year in a row. Although growth for 2025 is expected to rise to around 2.7%, it is still 0.75% lower than the average rate of the 2010s.
Chief economist and Senior vice president for the World Bank Group, Indermit Gill, says, “Without a major course correction, the 2020s will go down as a decade of wasted opportunity,”
This leads us to wonder if there is anything we can do to bolster our investment portfolios against struggling markets to mitigate risk. Are there solutions to mitigate the risk to your financial portfolio?
Diversification is basically riskproofing your investment portfolio as much as possible. It can reduce the risk of losses by spreading your assets over various areas to keep returns favourable over the long term.
Different asset classes – Spreading your assets over equities, bonds, cash and alternatives.
Different sectors – sectors react differently to market conditions, and by having investments in different sectors, you are spreading the risk if
one sector performs poorly, e.g. financials, technology, energy, commodities etc.
Different regions – Different regions are affected by global economic events differently. Some regions might show a decline in economic activity, and others improve because of the decline.
It is essential that all investment decisions are reviewed by a financial adviser.
What does a Financial Adviser do?
A financial adviser is a qualified financial professional who specialises in investment and wealth management along with estate, tax, retirement and financial planning to ensure that a financial portfolio is efficient and optimised.
. Every professional needs a solid financial plan to save for retirement and to build wealth. An adviser guides a professional from a young professional, building wealth through middle age, retirement saving, and after retirement.
• Builds a solid financial plan based on a client’s financial goals and needs.
• Ensures the client remains on track with their financial goals.
• Provides guidance and advice on all things financial, like investing.
• Reviews a financial portfolio
regularly to ensure the portfolio is performing well.
• Makes adjustments to the financial plan as the client’s circumstances change, e.g., they marry and have children or inherit money.
• Ensuring a portfolio is as taxefficient as possible. Global professionals these days have assets in multiple countries, and ensuring that these assets are in a tax-efficient solution requires the expertise of an adviser.
• Actively manages a portfolio to ensure maximum returns and reduce risk through diversification.
• Is knowledgeable on international and global financial trends and laws.
• Act as a watchman to guard against frivolous or impulsive investing on the client's behalf.
• They do the work on your behalf, so you can have financial peace of mind and not worry about the future of your family security.
Contact Helen Booth at deVere France for a free, no-obligation consultation at: helen.booth@devere-france.fr
Please note, the above is for educational purposes only and does not constitute advice. You should always contact your deVere adviser for a personal consultation.
* No liability can be accepted for any actions taken or refrained from being taken, as a result of reading the above.
Ask Amanda
I am starting to think about my retirement - I paid U.K. national insurance contributions and I’m sure I also had access to company a pension scheme. How do I know if this will be enough?
I have split my answer into two parts, the first concerning finding out how much state provision you will have. The second working out how much you need.
You can obtain a state pension forecast online with your National insurance number, a digital copy of your passport and a mobile telephone number, by following the steps here -https://www. gov.uk/check-state-pension
This will give you access to information on the amount of your pension and when it will be paid. The full U.K. state pension is £221.20 per week although you may get more or less than this
depending on your National Insurance contributions. You can buy missing years and the maximum number of years needed is currently 35.
If you have been working in France, you may be entitled to a French pension and you can find out via this portal: www.info-retraite.fr/portail-info/home
Regarding company pensions and private pension schemes, youmay, like me, have worked previously for a company in the U.K. which provides you with an income in retirement. This will still be payable to you even though you now live in France. If you can’t recall details of past pension arrangements, you can contact the Department for Work and Pensions to request a search on your behalf.
Here is the link: www.gov.uk/find-pension-contact-details
Expert advice
Next steps
We can now see how much we will receive from the state pension a when, plus money coming from previous workplaces and when. Which is a good start, but how much you actually need in retirement will depend on your lifestyle:
1.Do you pay rent or do you own your own home mortgage free?
2.How much are your current bills ? Don’t forget to add an amount for maintenance of your home.
3.What hobbies do you want to take up in retirement? How do you want to spend your time?
Aim to work out how much you have and how much you need. Do they match, or is there a gap? If there is a gap, how do we make up the shortfall?
This is where talking to a good financial adviser can help, with guidance on saving, planning and preparing for retirement.
Whether you want to register for our newsletter, attend one of our roadshow events or speak to me directly, please call or email on the contacts below and I will be glad to help you.
We do not charge for our financial planning reviews, reports or consultations.
Amanda Johnson tel : 06 73 27 25 43 e-mail : amanda.johnson@spectrum-ifa.com www.spectrum-ifa.com/amanda-johnson
Amanda Johnson works as an Independent Financial Adviser with the Spectrum IFA Group tel: 06 73 27 25 43 or email: amanda.johnson@spectrum-ifa.com www.spectrum-ifa.com/ amanda-johnson Whether you want to register for a newsletter, attend a roadshow or speak Amanda directly, please call or email her. The Spectrum IFA Group do not charge for reviews, reports, or recommendations.
« The Spectrum IFA Group » is a registered trademark, exclusive rights to use in France granted to TSG Insurance Services S.A.R.L. Siège Social: 34 Bd des Italiens, 75009 « Société de Courtage d'assurances » R.C.S. Paris B 447 609 108 (2003B04384) Numéro d'immatriculation 07 025 332 - www.orias.fr « Conseiller en investissements financiers, référence sous le numéro E002440 par ANACOFI-CIF, association agréée par l’Autorité des Marchés Financiers »
8% agency fees included paid by the buyer. Energy class: D Climate class: B
Boussais
€340,000
Ref: A28975 - 5-bedroom home with 4-bedroom gîte, pool and 1.3 acres.
Agency fees to be paid by the seller Energy class: F Climate class: C
Ref: A31314 - 3-bedroom house with outbuildings, conservatory and garden.
8% agency fees included paid by the buyer.
Our selection of properties for sale in the Deux-Sèvres welcomes you ! The Leggett family
Moncoutant-sur-Sèvre
€136,250
Ref: A31683 - 2-bedroom house with 1-bedroom gîte and charming garden. 9% agency
Sauzé-Vaussais
€328,600
Ref: A10143 - Lovely 3-bedroom farmhouse with three gîtes and pool. 6% agency fees included paid by the buyer. DPE: Not required
Gourgé
€317,234
Ref: A28805 - Barn conversion with two properties, gîte and stables.
class: D Climate class: D
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Riverside Mill House
BEAULIEU-SOUS-PARTHENAY
€480,000
Ref. BVI65140 Character property with pool, guest accommodation and views on 1.2ha Fees: Paid by the vendor Energy class: C Climate class: A
PARTHENAY - BRESSUIRE
€370,000
Ref: BVI74806 Enclosed, well-stocked fishing lake with tourism potential. 3.5ha in all. Fees: paid by the vendor Energy/climate class: NA
ARGENTONNAY
€344,500 HAI
Ref: BVI67912 Renovated school house with 5 bedrooms, 2-3 bed guest house and pool Fees: 6% paid by the buyer Net price: €325,000 Energy class: E Climate class: C
MONCOUTANT
€172,800 HAI
Ref: BVI71211 Stone house with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, outbuilding and country views Fees: 8% paid by the buyer Net price: €160,000 Energy/climate class: N/A
LARGEASSE
€214,000 HAI
Ref: BVI72135 Country property with pool, paddocks, training arena and outbuildings. Fees: 7% paid by the buyer Net price: €200,000 Energy class: E Climate class: B
L’HERMENAULT
€315,650 HAI
Ref: BVI71648 Converted 5-bed stone barn with guest house, games room, pool and views Fees: 7% paid by the buyer Net price: €295,000 Energy class: D Climate class: D
CHANTONNAY
€1,380,000
Ref: BVI75604 19thC château on edge of village, with pool and guest accommodation Fees: Paid by the vendor Energy class: F Climate class: F
MAISONTIERS
€210,000 HAI
Ref: BVI73573 Renovated character property in hamlet minutes from town with amenities Fees: 7% paid by the buyer Net price: €196,262 Energy class: C Climate class: A
