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Welcome! to Issue 50 of
‘The Deux-Sèvres Monthly’ magazine.
WOW! another milestone......our 50th issue! That’s quite an achievement, and we are very proud of ourselves :-) We hope you continue to enjoy the read for another 50 issues! So...the warmer weather has arrived - and what a difference it makes! Not only are the wildlife and fauna waking up to the warmth of the sunshine, but our spirits are lifted too. This month we continue to showcase some of the species you could be seeing out and about this month with Mick Austin’s ‘Springwatch’ style feature, plus there are some delicious homemade Easter eggs to try...but be quick - Easter is early in the month (Sunday 5th). I love Hot Cross buns, so I’ll be trying out Hazel Foster’s recipe on page 30...wish me luck! Looking forward to seeing some of you out and about very soon. Take Care.
à plus, Sarah
Tel: 05 49 70 26 21 Email: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr Website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
Emergency Numbers: 15 SAMU (Medical Advice) 17 Gendarmes (Police) 18 Pompiers (Fire Service)
112 European Emergency 113 Drugs and Alcohol
Contents What’s On 4 Getting Out & About 6 Hobbies 10 Clubs & Associations 12 Health, Beauty & Fitness 14 Our Furry Friends 17 Home & Garden 19 A-Z of the Communes in the Deux-Sèvres 22 Spring Time in France 23 Take a Break 26 French Life 27 Communications 28 Food & Drink 30 Motoring 34 Building & Renovation 36 Business & Finance 41 Property 45
This Month’s Advertisers
ABORDimmo Ace Pneus (Tyre supplier & Fitter) A Cut Above - Mobile Hairdressing with Jilly Affordable UK Designs (Kitchens & UPVC Double Glazing) AgriPelle (Equipment Sales, Hire and Repairs) AKE Petit Travaux (Builder) A La Bonne Vie Allez Français Amanda Johnson - The Spectrum IFA Group Andrew Longman (Plumbing & Heating) ARB French Property Arbrecadabra Tree Surgery Argo Carpentry Atelier JM Toledo (Rug repairs and Cleaning)
45 35 15 2 36 39 30 47 44 38 29 & 47 21 37 19
BH Assurances / Allianz - Isabelle Want 42 Bill McEvoy (Plumber / Heating Engineer) 38 Blevins Franks Financial Management 43 Buzz Transport 35 Café des Belles Fleurs 30 Caniclôture Hidden Fences 17 Chat-eau Cattery 17 Chris Parsons (Heating/Electrical/Plumbing) 38 Christies (English Book Shop & Tea Room) 6 CJ Electricité 40 Cleaning Services by Karen 45 Clean Sweep Chimney Services 40 Currencies Direct - Sue Cook 44 Cut 46 Hair Salon 15 Darren Lawrence (Renovations etc) 39 David Cropper (Stump Grinding & Jungle Busting) 21 David Pepper (Property & Garden Care) 21 David Watkins Chimney Sweep 40 Deb Challacombe (Online counsellor) 15 Down to Earth Pool Design 45 Duncan White - Agent Commerciale 46 Eco Entrepot (Discount Store) 48 Emilie Baudrez (French Classes & Translation) 9 Equi Libre Immobilier 45 Franglais Deliveries 35 French Wine Tours 33 Fresco Interiors 19 GAN Assurances 35 Give the Dog a Comb (Dog Grooming) 17 GoGo Bike Hire 6 Hallmark Electronique 40 Holistic Therapy by Soul to Sole 15 Inter Décor (Tiles & Bathrooms) 37 Irving Location - Digger Hire 36 Irving Location - Septic Tank Installation & Groundworks 36 Jb Plumbing 38 John Purchase - Mobile Mechanic 35 J.P. Lainé Chimney Sweep 40 Julia Hunt - Agent Commerciale 46 Keith Banks Pool Services 45 La Deuxième Chance (Annie Sloan Chalk Paint supplier) 19 Le Comptoir du Tapissier (Upholstery & Hardware) 19 Leggett Immobilier 46 Madame Mural (Children’s Wall Art) 37 Mandy Moat (Personal Trainer) 14 Mark Sabestini Renovation and Construction 39 ML Computers 29 Motor Parts Charente 35 M. Page Landscaping 20 Mr Piano Man 11 MSS Construction 39 Mutuelles de Poitiers Assurances 35 Nathan Foster Building Services 39 Needa Hand Services 21 Pamela Irving (Massage & Reflexology) 14 Paul Woods - Agent Commerciale 45 Photo Creativity (File Transfers to DVD or CD) 29 Plan 170 (Professional Scale Drawings) 40 Polar Express 32 Projet Piscine (Swimming Pool solutions) 45 R & A Services (Full & Partial Renovations) 38 Reiki Relaxation en Deux-Sèvres 14 Restaurant des Canards 32 Rob Berry Plastering Services 37 Robert Lupton (Electrician) 40 Ross Hendry (Interface Consulting & Engineering) 28 Sarah Berry Online (Graphic Design & Websites) 29 Sarl Down to Earth Construction (Groundworks and Micro Station Installer) 36 Sarl Faucon 36 Sat-Elec 29 Satellite TV 29 Siddalls (Financial Advisors) 41 Simon the Tiler 37 Simply Homes and Gardens 21 Steve Coupland (Property Services) 38 Steve Robin (Plumber) 38 Sue Burgess (French Classes & Translation) 9 Susan Gully (Counsellor) 15 Suzanne Cole-King (Bowen Technique) 14 The English Mechanic & Son - Tony Eyre 35 UK Paint Depot 37 Val Assist (Translation Services) 9 Victoria Bassey Jewellery Boutique 16 Yoga Vendée 14
© Sarah Berry 2015. All rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced without permission. While care is taken to ensure that articles and features are accurate, Sarah Berry accepts no liability for reader dissatisfaction. The opinions expressed and experiences shared are given by individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the publisher. Please ensure you verify that the company you are dealing with is a registered trading company in France and/or elsewhere. <<The Deux-Sèvres Monthly>> est édité par Sarah Berry, 3 La Bartière, 79130, Secondigny. Tél: 05 49 70 26 21. Directeur de la publication et rédacteur en chef: Sarah Berry. Crédits photos: Sarah Berry, Clkr, Shutterstock, GraphicStock et morgeufile.com. Impression: Graficas Piquer SL, 29 Al Mediterraneo, Pol. Ind. San Rafael, 04230, Huércal de Almeria, Espagne. Dépôt légal: avril 2015 - Tirage: 5000 exemplaires. Siret: 515 249 738 00011 ISSN: 2115-4848
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015 | 3
What’s On...
1st April - Opera at Niort ‘Grandeur et Décadence de la ville de Mahagonny’ showing at 8.15pm at CGR Cinema Niort. See P8 for details of our competion to win tickets for future showings. 4th April - Fish & Chip night in Bressuire At Bar Brasserie vue du Chateau (see P30). 4th April - Edith Piaf tribute at Le Crèche See www.chansonsdivines.com for more information. 5th & 6th April - Easter lunches at A La Bonne Vie Book early to avoid disappointment (see advert on P.30). 6th April - Edith Piaf tribute at Vasles and St Maixent l’Ecole See www.chansonsdivines.com for more information. 6th April - Journée des Plantes at Pamproux See www.culturjardin.com for more information. 11th April - Litfest Creative Writing Workshop Contact Jocelyn on email: jocelynsimms@gmail.com. 17th April - Quiz Night and Meal at Pioussay Fundraising event. To reserve ring Sam 06 58 04 26 73 or Angie 05 49 27 67 15. 18th April - Pin Up & Historical Car Rally 10am at Niort, 3pm at St Maixent l’Ecole. Car expo, pin-up parade and photoshoot. 18th April - Lively Music Show. Kath and Dad entertain you at Café des Belles Fleurs from 9pm. See advert on P.30. 23rd April - St Georges Day CSSG Event in L’Absie (see P.13) 24th April - Edith Piaf tribute at Secondigny See www.chansonsdivines.com for more information. 24th April - Restaurant des Canards Pub Quiz 25th April - Edith Piaf tribute at Thouars See www.chansonsdivines.com for more information. 26th April - Plantes en Fête at Touzac see www.jardinsduchaigne.com for more information. 26th April - Aidez Spring Market At Salles des Fêtes, St Germain-de-Longue-Chaume. Keynotes choir singing from 3pm. (See advert on P6) 29th April - Book & Coffee morning at Mauze Thouarsais Tax Returns: Please call Val Assist on 06 84 78 21 57 to arrange a meeting in L’Absie or Vouvant for help with completion of your 2015 tax returns. (Tax return deadline is mid May).
Coming Up...
1st May - Fête des Plants at Champdeniers St Denis 1st & 2nd May - Arsenic & Old Lace at Secondigny (see P.7) 2nd & 3rd May - Marché aux fleurs, Saint-Benoit (86) 3rd May - Plant swap in Loubillé 10th May - Fundraising Ramble 9am in Queue d’Ageasse, ramble, lunch and a games afternoon. Contact Sam 06 58 04 26 73. 10th May - Clear your Clutter for Charity at Paperback Jans 21st May - Start of Photofocus Exhibitions at Vouvant (See P.7)
April 2015 The Chaplaincy of Christ the Good Shepherd, PoitouCharentes, hold English speaking monthly services. 1st Sunday at 10.30am: At St Leger, near Melle. Followed by tea & coffee. • 2nd Sunday at 11.00am: the home of Ann White, Jassay • 4th Sunday at 10.30am: the Presbytery Rooms, rue de la Citadelle, Parthenay (opposite St Croix Church). Followed by tea & coffee, and a ‘bring and share’ lunch. A warm welcome awaits everyone for a time of worship and fellowship. For further information please take a look at our website www.church-in-france.com or contact us by email: offfice.goodshepherd@orange.fr •
The Filling Station ~ Poitou-Charentes The Filling Station is a network of local Christians of all denominations who meet together regularly for spiritual renewal and evangelism purposes. ALL WELCOME. Please see our bilingual website for details of meetings and summer programmes www.thefillingstationfrance.com or contact Mike & Eva Willis on 05 17 34 11 50 or 07 82 22 31 15 ALL SAINTS, VENDÉE - Puy de Serre We hold two services each month, on the 2nd and 4th Sundays at the church of St Marthe, Puy de Serre, at 11am. After each service, tea and coffee is served in the parish room and everyone is invited to a `bring and share` lunch. For details of all our activities, our Services in the west of the Vendée, copies of recent newsletters and more information, please check our website: www.allsaintsvendee.fr The Rendez-Vous Christian Fellowship welcome you to any of our meetings held throughout the month in the Deux-Sèvres and the Vendée. 1st & 3rd Sunday at 11am in The Barn near St Germain de Princay, Vendée and 2nd & 4th Sunday at 11am in two locations: one near Bressuire, Deux-Sèvres and the other near Bournezeau, Vendée. Meetings last about an hour and are followed by a time of fellowship & refreshments. Find out more by contacting Chris & Julie Taylor 09 60 49 78 50 or Des & Elizabeth Vine 05 49 74 18 27 or visit: www.therendezvous.fr The English Speaking Church of the Valley of the Loire (ESCOVAL) Meet at La Chapelle Notre Dame at Ranton every 3rd Sunday at 11.30am. We welcome and embrace all Christians from all denominations and warmly invite you to join us. Following the service, coffee is served, and for those who wish to stay a little longer, we enjoy a light, bring and share lunch. Please see our website for details www.escoval.org
LOCAL MARKETS Mondays......... Tuesdays.........
Wednesdays.... Thursdays........
Friday............... Saturdays........
Sundays............
Benet 85490 Lencloître (1st Monday in month) 86140 Lezay 79120 Coulonges-sur-l’Autize 79160 Thouars 79100 - and - Bressuire 79300 Parthenay 79200 Sauzé-Vaussais 79190 Niort 79000 La Mothe St Héray 79800 Thouars 79100 - and - Melle 79500 Bressuire 79300 Chef-Boutonne 79110 Airvault 79600 - and - Niort 79000 Saint Maixent-l’École 79400 Fontenay-le-Comte 85200 Coulon 79510 - and - Neuville-de-Poitou 86170
4 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015
The National Holidays, Religious and Feast Days 2015 Sunday 5th April Easter Sunday (Pâques) Monday 6th April Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques) Friday 1st May Labour Day (Fête du Travail) Friday 8th May Victory in Europe Day (Fête de la Victoire) Thursday 14th May Ascension Day (Ascension) Sunday 24th May Pentacost (Pentecôte) Monday 25th May Pentacost (Lundi de Pentecôte) Sunday 31st May Mother’s Day (Fête des Mères) Sunday 21st June Father’s Day (Fête des Pères) Sunday 21st June World Music Day (Fête de la Musique) Tuesday 14th July National Day (Fête Nationale) Saturday 15th August Assumption of Mary (Assomption) Sunday 4th October Grandfather’s Day (Fête des Grand-pères) Sunday 1st November All Saint’s Day (Toussaint) Wednesday 11th November Armistice Day (Armistice) Friday 25th December Christmas Day (Noël) Dates in blue are celebration days, not public holidays
Paperback Jan Books in English
Open 6 - 8pm
Fish 4 Chip + Authentic Indian meals
Find me at these venues during April: 1st: 2nd: 3rd: 3rd: 8th: 9th: 10th: 11th: 24th: 26th: 29th: 30th:
Cafe Cour de Miracle, Vouvant 85120. 2.30pm-4.30pm Bar Palais, St Aubin le Cloud 79450. 2pm - 4.30pm Bar de la Paix, Thouars 79100. 11.30 - 1.30pm Café des Belles Fleurs, Fenioux 79160. 3pm - 5pm Au Bec de Vin, St Jouin de Marnes 79600. 3pm - 5pm Pause! L’Absie 79240. 2pm - 5pm Jan’s Home, La Ferriére-en-Parthenay 79390.11am - 4pm Bar Le Chauray, St Maixent l’Ecole 79400. 10am - 12.30pm Vue du Chateau, Bressuire 79300 11am - 1pm Aidez Spring Fête, 11am - 5pm Jan’s Home, La Ferriére-en-Parthenay 79390. 1pm - 5pm Le Relais des 2 moulins, Clessé 79350 4pm - 6pm
For more info contact Jan on: 06 08 30 73 29 or email: paperbackjan@gmail.com
Top Hat Quiz & Curry
From 7pm
Dates & Venues for April: 2nd: Chef Boutonne 6th: Limalonges 8th: Aigre 10th: Champniers 13th: Theil Rabier Tel: 05 45 71 70 91 - more info at www.tophatquizzes.com
Mondays: Tuesdays: Wednesdays: Thursdays: Fridays:
Bar Tilleuls, Champniers (near Civray) Sauzé-Vaussais (Main square) Chef Boutonne (near Chateau) Sauzé-Vaussais - Evening (Main square) Mansle (car park of Simply Supermarket)
Tel: 06 37 53 56 20 - www.mobilefishandchipsfrance.com
Mr T’s Friterie
With regular venues at: • • •
Aulnay 17470 (from 6pm) Matha 17160 Gourville 16170
• •
Open 6.30-9pm
St Hilaire de Villefranche
17770
St Jean d’Angély 17400
See www.frying4u2nite.com for details or call 06 02 22 44 74
Reel Fish & Chips
Open 6.30-9pm
April (See our website for venue details) Weds 1st & 22nd - Etusson Thurs 2nd - La Coudre Fri 3rd - Bouille-Loretz Sat 4th - Bressuire Sun 5th - L’Absie Fri 10th - Passavant Thurs 23rd - St Martin de Sanzay Fri 24th - Genneton Sun 26th - St Germain-de-longue-chaume (midday) Tel: 06 04 14 23 94 - www.reelfishandchips.net
Open 6-8.30pm
La Vendée Chippy ‘The Deux-Sèvres Monthly’ magazine. Published by Sarah Berry 3 La Bartière, 79130 SECONDIGNY Tel: 05 49 70 26 21 Email: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr www.magazineanglais79.com
Weds: Bar ‘Auberge le St Vincent’, 85110 St Vincent Sterlanges. Thurs: Bar ‘La Rando’, 85200 Mervent. Fri: Bar ‘Le Clemenceau’, 85390 Mouilleron-en-Pareds. Sat: 1st Saturday of the month, Bar ‘Le Marmiton’, 85120 Antigny Tel: 02 44 39 16 73 - www.lavendeechippy.com
Visit www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015 | 5
Getting Out & About The Congregations of ALL SAINTS, VENDÉE
The Diocese in Europe English Speaking Church Services We warmly invite you to join us at any of these EASTER SERVICES or our regular services. 3rd April - Good Friday 11am Reflective Service La Chappelle Palluau 3pm Reflective Service, Puy de Serre 5th April - Easter Sunday 11am Celebration Eucharist La Chappelle Palluau
Aidez SPRING MARKET And VIDE GRENIER SUNDAY 26TH APRIL Salles des Fetes St Germain-de-Longue-Chaume Open from 11.00-17.00
All enquiries e-mail lin.adams1@gmail.com
For further details, please see our website: www.allsaintsvendee.fr
Money raised will benefit French Charities Entrance Free of Charge
Go-Go Cycling!
Hello! We’d like to introduce you to GoGo Bike Hire! We offer a bike hire service for all the family in the Vendée and Deux-Sèvres and deliver and collect bikes and accessories direct to holiday accommodation. We have bikes for all ages, from child to adult and also hire tagalongs, child seats and chariots for the little ones ... and let’s not forget the family pet; we have doggy trailers so all the family can join the fun. We moved to the Vendée in 2014 and set-up our bike hire business quite late in the holiday season. Even so, we had a really positive response to our service and are looking forward to building on all our hard work for the 2015 season and beyond. Calling all gîte and chambres d’hôtes owners! We’d love to hear from you if you own a gîte or chambres d’hôtes in the Vendée or Deux-Sèvres so we can supply you with brochures and price lists for your guest packs. It’s a great way for your guests to explore their local area and enjoy an activity for all the family. You may already offer bikes at your holiday accommodation but we can help if you require extra bikes or accessories to meet your guests’ needs.
Can Stock Photo Inc. / pressmaster
Are you a club who meet regularly and are looking for an activity for the group? There are plenty of cycle routes and trails to follow in the Vendée and Deux-Sèvres to suit all levels and we can deliver and collect bikes to/from your meeting point! Please contact us if you would like to know more about GoGo Bike Hire or require copies of our brochures and price lists.
Happy cycling! Angie & Rick Website: www.gogobikehire.com Email: info@gogobikehire.com ~ Tel: 02 28 13 01 60
ASK about our special packages for New Advertisers! They are a great way to kick-start your marketing campaign.... Call Sarah on 05 49 70 26 21 to find out more!
6 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015
SPRING 2015 SHORT STORY & POETRY COMPETITION
REACTION THEATRE proudly presents:
Are you a prolific writer, a closet writer, been published, never been published, got lots of short stories or poems filed away?
ARSENIC &
OLD LACE
Now is your chance to spread your wings.
by Joseph Kesselring
This is a BRAND NEW competition which it is hoped all writers will enter. Subject matter is whatever you wish wherever your imagination takes you!
Le Petit Théâtre
This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Limited.
Ne pas jeter sur la voie publique
Tickets: 10€ Contact Maureen on reaction.tickets@yahoo.fr or tel: 05 49 64 06 14
winning entries
All the details can be found on website: www.thisfrenchlife.com/deuxsevres/
SECONDIGNY
Friday 1st May at 20h00 Saturday 2nd May at 14h30 & 20h00
on-site
Closing date is midnight 23rd May 2015.
Teatime in the night time? “Hey T, are you having tea?” It seems that initials are a big thing here. “Sure, J” ! I was finally starting to mingle. And what better way for the locals to show they were accepting me than inviting me for tea? At first, I remember thinking that it was all a cliché, that we kept imagining them sitting in comfy armchairs, surrounded by chimney fires and old bookshelves, drinking their 5pm tea in teacups decorated with kittens. Well, it was kind of like that. The comfy armchairs had been replaced by cheap kitchen chairs, and the bookshelves by piles of unwashed dishes (some of them had been here since before my arrival - three weeks before). On top of a sticky counter, old spices (nothing to do with deodorant) were eyeing me, probably waiting to be mixed with rice, or marmite for all I knew. On the walls, various plannings for the Student Union events. I’d seen those on campus, students lived by them it seemed.
by Thomas Mombras
her calendar. So I said I had one and that I could give it to her, no big deal. But I started having wee doubts about my ability to help her when she laughed and said that she needed the calendar for her vegetables - It took a very amused J a few minutes to explain to me that colander and calendar were two very different things, and that no one used actual calendars anymore, even in England. I ended up laughing, although I was as red as a ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ poster. Who says clichés have to be negative? The people turned out to be exactly as I imagined them: warm, welcoming, chatty, witty and they were starting to make me feel quite at home. No need for beer after all, I did have some tea.
The reunion was taking place in the block kitchen, and most of the Brits that lived in the block were here, all of them enjoying tongue-burning cups of tea. As a matter of fact, I was the only non-British person in the room. So at first, I was roughly feeling like a fish out of water. A startled M was fumbling around the kitchen. For an instant, I thought I was going to be able to help her - she was asking for
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The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015 | 7
Tuesday 5th May, 8.15pm (Ballet: 2 acts, duration 2hrs 15 mins)
LIVE
Opera Season 2015
La Fille Mal Gardée by Frederik Ashton
Royal Opera House Orchestra
Fans of classical music and dance will love this! In conjuction wil the Royal Opera House, the regular operas and ballets continue to be broadcast LIVE to your local CGR cinema in Niort. The greatest tenors, sopranos and orchestral leaders come directly to you highlighting the best of this classical medium. To find other cinemas particpating in this season of live Opera, please visit the website: www.rohaucinema.fr
FREE Tickets!
A comic ballet. Lise is the only daughter of Simone, a widow and owner of a prosperous farm. She loves Colas, a young farmer - but her mother has far more ambitious plans, and has determined Lise should marry Alain, the son of a wealthy landowner. Alain seems as uninterested in marrying Lise as Lise is Alain. Simone initially takes the hard line but eventually gives Lise and Colas her blessing.
We have 2 pairs of tickets to giveaway for each live Opera showing at the CGR Cinema in Niort. For your chance to win these free tickets, simply go to our website www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr and register your name* and email address with us. A name will be drawn randomly 7 days prior to the next showing, and the winning tickets sent to you. *Only one registration allowed per person. The names will rollover to the next draw. If you don’t have access to an email address, please send your name, address and telephone number by post to: Sarah Berry, 3 La Bartiere, 79130 SECONDIGNY.
Plus a Special Discount for DSM Readers!
8 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015
Chocolat
by Sue Burgess
As Easter (Pâques) falls at the beginning of April this year, I suppose we will all find a good excuse (should we need one) for eating chocolate. For the first time this year I saw what looked like ‘English Style’ Smarties Easter eggs in a supermarket in Pompaire. Chocolate eggs in dark blue Smarties cartons! 392,000 tonnes de chocolat were consumed by the French in 2012 against 403,000 tonnes in 2010 or about 7 kg per person. In 2008, 33,700 tonnes were sold for the Christmas period. Le chocolat can refer to the confectionary product or to hot chocolat (le chocolat chaud). The word chocolat can also be used as an adjective meaning chocolate coloured. The adjective does not change its form for feminine or plural nouns. Les fleurs chocolat sont assez rares (chocolate coloured flowers are quite rare). Une barre de chocolat is a block of chocolate. Un carré is a piece of chocolate. Chocolate spread is le chocolat à tartiner. If you don’t like croissants for breakfast you could try un pain au chocolat or a chocolatine as they are known in Niort and in some parts of the Vendée. Wikipedia.com/Luc Viatour
There are different types of chocolate. Generally speaking the French prefer le chocolat noir (plain chocolate). But there is also milk chocolate (le chocolat au lait) and white chocolate (le chocolat blanc).
April begins with April Fool’s Day (Poisson d’Avril) and so the tradition is to give or eat chocolate fish. Little chocolate fish are called friture.
Small Colour Advert
only 35€
On Easter Sunday children find the Easter chocolates hidden in the garden. The chocolates have been dropped by the Church bells (les cloches) as they fly back from Rome where they have been since Good Friday for a blessing. Traditionally in France, Easter chocolats are eggs (oeufs), hens (poules) and bells (cloches). Easter rabbits (lapins) are now becoming more popular as are other shapes.
Vocabulary / Vocabulaire: Le chocolat amer ..................... bitter chocolate Le chocolat au riz soufflé ........ crispy rice chocolate Le chocolat aux noisettes ........ hazelnut chocolate Le chocolat en poudre ............. chocolate powder Le chocolat noir de dark gourmet chocolate dégustation ............................. Les éclats de chocolat .............. chocolate chips, chocolate slivers être chocolat ........................... be had Le fondant au chocolat ............ chocolate fondant Le gâteau au chocolat ............. chocolate cake La mousse au chocolat ............ chocolate mousse
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015 | 9
Hobbies More from local writer Alison Morton... Please see back issues of ‘The DSM’ if you would like to see previous articles.
Style and Tone Along with plot, character, theme, and setting, style is one of the fundamental elements of fiction; it shows how something is written, as opposed to what is written. If the style is consistent with the content, readers find the writing coherent, flowing and a pleasure to read. So what are the essentials of style? Tone refers to the attitude that a story creates towards its subject matter. It can be formal, informal, intimate, solemn, comedic, serious, ironic, condescending, etc. If a character is passionate about something, the tone of the writing will become very excited. Tone can draw the reader into the story as if they were the protagonist’s best friend, or make them cautious and respectful as if the same protagonist were a scary teacher from the first day at school. The meanings of words and phrases change based on a given context. A good technique is to see yourself in the setting you are describing and brainstorm words that convey vital elements of that setting. If your character walks alongside a river, think of the vegetation: tall trees, wildflowers, walkers, riders on horses trotting along. If the story is set in the past, you may be either the proud rider or the peasant scurrying out of the way. Closely tied with context is diction, the formal name for nailing the correct type of word. Writers will choose one particular word from a selection with similar meanings so that it fits in with their story. For instance, in a 1930s comedy of manners, the heroine may say ‘jolly good’, in the 1960s, ‘right on’ and the 1990s ‘cool’ for the same good thing. This is where playing with words becomes fun, but in nearly all cases, there is only one word that will be correct for that point in the story.
Although useful now and again, it’s surprising how many qualifiers (very, often, hopefully, practically, basically, really, mostly) can be deleted, e.g. ‘Most people usually think that many cats are generally pretty cute,’ is better as ‘Most people think cats are cute.’ Imagery means descriptive language that evokes sensory experience; a touch, smell or taste, the memory of a feeling of sadness, silk or sand, the emotions a sight of somebody or something evokes. Imagery may be in many forms including metaphors and similes but be careful not to fall into the cliché trap. And finally, good punctuation helps a style to be fast-paced, or more measured, with dashes, question marks, commas, speech marks and semi-colons. But keep the exclamation marks to a minimum! All this may seem technical and cold in relation to what is after all a creative expression, but however imaginative and profound your writing idea is and however beautifully you express it, good style techniques will support and strengthen it. Happy writing! Alison Morton has published three novels and The 500 Word Writing Buddy, the compilation of articles from this column. www.alison-morton.com 10 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015
I’m sure that you would all like to join me in saying a big Thank You to John Blair for his hard work, keeping us informed of ‘what’s what’ within the group for these past few years. He remains a very active member and, apart from the efficient running of the Art Scene, he maintains the upkeep of ‘What’s On’ on the website (www.reactiontheatre.fr), sings in the Keynotes choir and has also found time to tread the boards in our forthcoming Spring production. Hats off to him, I say.
Arsenic & Old Lace
Talking of the Spring production, the rehearsals are now in full swing and the cast is really starting to get to grips with the storyline. As usual, it has the makings of a fantastic outing for all the family. If you don’t know the play, it’s set in the early 1940’s in Brooklyn, New York. This fast-paced comedy - with many twists and colourful characters - will have you grinning all the way through. And if the plot doesn’t have you laughing, then some of the actors’ attempts at a foreign accent definitely will (possibly why I didn’t audition...).
REACTION THEATRE prou dly presents:
ARSENIC &
OLD LACE
by Joseph Kesselring
Le Petit Théâtre
SECONDIGNY
As with our last production, we will Friday 1st May at 20h00 2nd May at 14h30 & 20h00 be able to see some new faces as the SaturdayTickets : 10€ Contact Maureen on reaction.tickets@yahoo.fr or troop gathers more members who tel: 05 49 64 06 14 are willing to put themselves in the spotlight. Bravo! The show, directed by Tony Murdoch, is being held in ‘Le Petit Theatre’, Secondigny on 1st May at 8.00pm and 2nd May at 2.30pm and 8.00pm. Tickets cost 10€, and are available from Maureen. Please email: reactiontickets@yahoo.fr or call 05 49 64 06 14. (See adverts on P.5 and 7.) This amateur production is presented
by arrangement with Josef Weinberge r Limited.
Keynotes
Now Margaret Round, our trustworthy choir director, has returned to the fold (whip in hand to get us back in line after her absence) she can pick up the thread of Alan Hester’s hard work. It wasn’t easy for him as I know we are not a particularly disciplined bunch. I bet he’s glad to get back to the Bass section and keep John B company again. The lads are feeling a little lonely at the moment as they are a bit thin on the ground. So any extra Bass singers willing to join us would be made most welcome - they’d really love to see you. This year’s performances kick off on the 26th April at the Aidez Association Spring Fair in St. Germain de-Longue-Chaume. Singing starts at around 3pm. Come and join in, it’s for a very good cause.
The Art Scene
April’s full programme can be found on the website, everyone’s welcome: Friday mornings, 10am, Café des Belles Fleurs in Fenioux. Have a look at the Reaction Theatre website for information on all three groups and their activities: www.reactiontheatre.fr u u
Contact Kate Jouanneau on 06 77 51 55 16 Email: kscks9@hotmail.com
Ne pas jeter sur la voie publique
Wordiness and tightness ‘Concise and precise’ is the key to good style; weeding out unnecessary words, using adjectives sparingly and adverbs rarely, letting the nouns and verbs do their work. While polysyllabic words, alliteration, and consonance can be used to create sentences that roll off the tongue, be careful not to fall into the trap of over-flowery prose. Short, staccato words can be used to break up the rhythm of a sentence.
by Kate Jouanneau
As John Blair mentioned in his final article last month, I am taking over the responsibility for the Association’s publicity which, amongst other things, involves writing this column. As you probably know by now, I have also been elected onto the committee. What have I let myself in for? Only time will tell...
Run to Get Your Copy - Out Now! Sled Dog Run - Avie more Dreaming, by J.T. Bryde.
Jim Bryde, sled dog racer, always had the ambition to place first in the pinnacle of Britain’s sled dog racing, the competition ‘Aviemore’. This is the story of his life shared with Siberian Huskies, the trouble, love and tragedy that can come with a passion for racing and indeed for the dog themselves. Jim’s beloved dogs include the lovable Joker, stubborn Dansa, the placid and friendly Bandit, but could it be Gun, son of Fly and Maji, and Gun’s subsequent bloodline, who can finally lead Jim’s team to victory after many years of placing second? While Jim’s personal life sometimes overlaps into the world of racing, the passion for his hobby can be felt in every word of this endearing account of sled dog racing. To those interested in owning Siberian Huskies and racing sled dogs, his own individual accounts of his experiences are full of valuable tips. Published 31st March - Available in hardback and paperback from Amazon.co.uk. Priced at £14.99 & £8.99 respectively.
A New Wine Club Proposal by Brian Key
Arguably, France still offers the widest, best and most valuedriven selection of wine than any other country and being in the Deux-Sèvres, so close to the Loire, and not so far from Bordeaux, gives us ex-pat residents a great opportunity to experience a vast array of wonderful wines from a simple Vins du Pay up to 1st Growths: they all have their place and they all can give a great deal of pleasure. Retiring to the Deux-Sèvres two years ago, after having a holiday home for several previous years, we have been heavily dependent on books such as Jacqueline Friedrich‘s ‘A Food and Wine Guide to the Loire’ and John Sherwin’s helpful column in this magazine to guide us through the sub-regions, vineyards and individual producers. I suspect we are just two of many that enjoy wine and want to know more about the whys and wherefores of wine making, as well as tasting how the many and varied soils, rocks and production methods impact on the final product. That being the basic assumption, we are testing the water to see if there is any interest in forming a Wine Club of some description. We have been members of the UK’s Wine Society for many years and know of several local off-shoots across the UK where like minded people get together to learn about, taste and in some cases purchase co-operatively wine that is shared between their membership. Other groups have a dual emphasis on food too, looking at locally sourced food from artisan producers. In some cases this has lead to tasting week-ends on a residential basis with an expert to guide the group’s appreciation. Associated costs have been kept to a minimum by members creating dishes to share and wine purchase costs being done co-operatively. So, these are merely some ideas to kick a discussion off. An initial meeting would aim to clarify a way forward from those attending and establish what people want to do. If you are interested in forming such a group please contact me on email: key.brian@orange.fr or 05 49 63 12 75 or alternatively 07 50 94 51 68.
Sante!
Contact ‘The DSM’
on 05 49 70 26 21 or by email: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015 | 11
Clubs & Associations ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
We are a photography club who meet twice a month at Terves. We run work shops, and also arrange photoshoots. If you want to learn more then please go to our website www.photofocus.info
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 experience, 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 A.A. membership and A.A. 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. Telephone: Angela: 05 49 87 79 09, Roger: 05 55 76 22 65 or Nancy: 02 54 24 09 74. Email: publicinfo.swfrance@aa-europe.net or visit www.aafrancesud-ouest.com for details of English-speaking meetings.
RAINBOW WARRIERS for healing and fun. Native
American Indian Deerskin Drums. Host a drum circle at your home for free. I have 7 drums, I will travel an hour from Bressuire and we need a big space. 15€ per guest (max 5). Call Pam on 05 49 65 55 25 or email: irving.philip@wanadoo.fr
Franglais at Bressuire
Why not come and practise your French with a friendly and convivial group of French and English speakers? Each Wednesday evening (8-10pm) at the Centre Socio-Culturel in Bressuire. Phone Jan for further details 05 49 65 60 34.
CLE helps you unlock the secrets to a happy and comfortable lifestyle in France. We provide information and organise workshops, visits and charity events, enabling members to make new friends in the ex-patriot and French communities. www.cle-france.com. Tel: 05 49 87 19 85
The Phoenix Chorale. An English speaking choir. We sing 3 or 4 concerts of seasonal and classical music, often including readings and poetry. Based near Charroux (86), we are always looking for new members. If interested, call 05 45 89 14 84 or 05 49 48 29 68.
Tennis players wanted, reasonable standard, Secondigny area. Contact Mick Morris on 05 49 65 17 16 or email: mimorris@live.fr
Do you enjoy reading a cracking story? And talking to others about it? Do you live in north 79, south 49 or north 86? Come along to our book club. Contact Alison Morton at info@bookclubthouars.fr for details.
ANYONE FOR TENNIS?
2nd Sunday Motorcycle Club Come and join us for a bike ride, or just a cup of coffee and a chat, with bike-minded people. As the name suggests, we meet on the 2nd Sunday of every month. New members are always welcome. For more information, visit our web-site. www.2ndsundayclub.fr
CAPELLA GROUP
If you enjoy singing and would be interested in starting a close-harmony group near Chef-Boutonne, please get in touch! Email me, Christine for further information: chezloubigne@aol.com THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION LINAZAY, POITOU-CHARENTES BRANCH
Please visit the branch website: www.rblpoitou-charentes.fr
ALL GIRLS TOGETHER Calling all girls 18-80 for fun, laughter & support. We meet alternate Tuesdays at Fontenille, 2-5pm. Ring Viv for further information 05 49 27 51 98. All welcome.
Scalextric Racers in the Le Busseau area Anyone interested in a bit of friendly racing on 26m of digital track and a beer/glass of wine? Please contact me on 05 49 04 21 98 or email: dave4lowe@yahoo.co.uk
Book Club Thouars.
Cancer Support Vendée
Helping to improve the lives of people affected by Cancer in the Vendée. Helpline: 02 51 00 58 21 or email: presidentcsv@orange.fr
AL-ANON Support Group
Do you wish the Drinking Would Stop? Are you troubled by someone’s drinking? If so we can help. There is now an English-speaking Al-Anon meeting every Wednesday @ 2.30pm in the meeting room behind Civray Mairie. Just turn up or ring Angela on 05 49 87 79 09.
The Harmonics Singing Group
Based in the Salle d’Annexe in Civray. We meet each Wednesday 2pm4pm. No experience necessary, just a willingness and commitment to learn. We sing all sorts of music in several languages. Contact: Dave Lee: 05 49 87 53 93 / dave.lee@cegetel.net
GARDENING CLUB
We meet every third Tuesday of the month, 2.30pm with free tea/coffee and biscuits at Le Bon Vertoef, 28 Grand Rue, 79110 TILLOU. (Nr Chef Boutonne). Everyone welcome for garden talk! For further information contact Mike Curtis 05 46 33 66 17 (eves).
We are a netball team in Vasles (79340). We meet every Monday 5-6pm at the Salle Omnisports in Vasles for training with our qualified English coach. It’s fun and a great way to keep fit, so come along or contact: susan_beale@hotmail.com. Les Amis Solitaires
We are a group of people living alone in France. We meet up for coffee mornings from 11am, every 2nd & 4th Thursday at The Lemon Tree in Sauzé Vaussais. More details from Gwen on 05 49 87 91 79 or email: gwanshep@gmail.com
12 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015
Combined Services
Support Group (CSSG)
by Pauline Tonks
In February, we sent a cheque for 300€ to RAFA (RAF Association Sud-Ouest Branch). The money will be used for welfare purposes, visiting veterans or serving men and women confined to their homes or hospital. From their letter of thanks, “Last year we covered over 4200kms caring for veterans and their families and spent over 1500€, all raised by donations and local fundraising.” I hope you all agree that this is a very worthwhile cause. Our first Quiz Afternoon which was held in March was well attended with 5 teams battling it out for the top spot. Competition was fierce with only a few points separating the teams. Well done to Trevor, Jeanette and Jean who won 1st prize. This may become a regular monthly event (during the summer months this will be held in the evening). 25th April is our St George’s Day Event at Chez Chantal, 73 Route de Niort, L’Absie, 79240. Tickets 25€ to include a hot buffet with wine and coffee. Entertainment will be provided by 3 + 1 group. 26th April we will be at the Aidez Spring Market with our Tombola stall inside and lots of good quality bric-a-brac outside. We’re sure that Lin Adams and her team will have arranged a good selection of stalls and for some fabulous home made cakes to enjoy during the day. Reel Fish and Chips will also be on hand to supply a mouth watering lunch. We will be at Paperback Jan’s on 10th May for her ‘Clear your Clutter for Charity’ event. At the end of May, by popular demand we are having another Race Night at the Foyer Rural in St Pardoux. Another date for your diary is 19th July for our Summer Garden Party, also at St Pardoux. If you would like further information about our group or any of the above events please do not hesitate to speak to one of our committee or contact us by email: cssgroup@outlook.com.
Clubs & Associations Submission Guidelines Wordcount: Title of entry+ 40 words (max. including contact details). Logos can be supplied and will be added if space allows. Adverts meeting the above specifications can be added free of charge, and will be rotated on a monthly basis to allow everyone to participate. To guarantee the advert is printed each month, a small fee of 45€ per annum will be requested. How to SUBMIT your entry: 1) Complete the short form on ‘Submit Article’ page of our website (under the ‘Content’ menu) or 2) Simply email the details to us: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
A DIFFERENT FRENCH EXPERIENCE In this continuing account of my being suddenly alone at 68 in rural France and signing up with the organisation On Va Sortir (We Are Going Out), I am now beginning to appreciate it’s value, not only for expats like me, but also for the French. Talking to people, it is so evident that it is a vital part of their lives. Coming from the UK we have all marvelled at the way (rural) France closes down at 8.00pm; bars close, shutters go across; the locals feel this too. At my last concert, I sat between two ladies who lived close to each other in Chauray but until I introduced them had never met despite many mutual interests. One of them, a muslim lady, was keen to stress how much she owed to OVS. She had come from a North African culture where the women stayed at home, only to find that this was going to repeat itself in France. She worked, then came home to look after the house and her children. Then, like me, she discovered a way of going out and mixing with others that has saved our lives. For me in the past, in the UK, social networking was done chiefly through sport, but the pub also played a large part in the social life of my wife and I. Of course, not everyone in the UK goes to the pub, but in my experience no such thing as OVS exists there; because it is not necessary? Anyway, returning to the concert referred to in last month’s article, the evening was again a great success. Members of the audience were invited up to sing with the band, notably for Queen’s “We Will Rock You”; several ladies were dancing, no men (with these knees?) and encores took us past 1am. Then, in keeping with the whole French welcome ethos, six of us went back to the house of one of the group for a cup of tea. Again - illustrating why I am writing these articles in the first place - what a difference. The invitation was not for a “nightcap”, or even for a coffee. No, we were tempted back by an exciting range of Sri Lankan teas recently discovered. Conversation centred around the interests and activities we were individually involved in, ranging from primitive dance and tennis to photography and sculpture in limestone. I eventually arrived back at my house in the country at 3.30am feeling that I’d had a great evening with some lovely people. I had also improved my French, despite not always following every conversation. It may be a common experience that understanding can fade with tiredness, but there is quite often someone willing to explain in English when they notice I have glazed over. Just listening can of course help with the general gaining of an ear for a language, even if there are (in my case) many gaps in the understanding. Beyond the concerts, billiard (pool) evenings and walks, OVS has brought other opportunities. Regular tennis sessions have now led to my playing for Niort Hospital team in the local league. The young guys I play with then include me on their list when invitations go out for other kinds of events. Of particular enjoyment and satisfaction for me has been the starting of a group who want to meet together to speak English. This was set up (very bravely in my opinion) by a really nice guy in his twenties who had spent some time in Ireland and is keen to keep his English going and bring in others of a like mind. I go along to help with pronunciation, meaning etc., but of course the evenings are so much more relaxed for me and a source of real enjoyment. What I have found amazing is that we can have really deep conversations about quite complex subjects. As usual, the French have no reserve about topics discussed and it is a real pleasure to be able to talk frankly and without embarrassment on many subjects. This group are, after only a few sessions, gelling really well and we now have a group restaurant date on the calendar. I hope to be able to report on that evening in next month’s edition as well as other continuing events organised by On Va Sortir members.
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015 | 13
Health, Beauty & Fitness Reiki Relaxation in L’Absie If you have ever wondered what Reiki is and how it might benefit you, Cindy Allen is now offering sessions in L’Absie. Cindy was introduced to Reiki when she was living in Lyon and became qualified to practise it in 2007. After moving to L’Absie, she dedicated one of the rooms in her house for Reiki treatments. What is Reiki? “Reiki” is Japanese for “universal energy”. This energy surrounds us and nourishes all living things and helps us live in a state of harmony and well-being. If this energy flow is interrupted we can experience a sense of imbalance with our inner-self or with the world around us. Reiki treatments help to restore this balance by unblocking the natural energy flow in our body. Reiki is not religion-based and is open to any belief system. It treats the whole person rather than specific areas and can have emotional and spiritual benefits. It can be used alongside other conventional or complementary treatment and often helps to provide emotional support during recovery. Who can enjoy the benefits of Reiki? Reiki is for everyone. It is especially useful if you feel depressed, tired or are convalescing but, one of the great things about Reiki is that you don’t have to be any of these things to experience the benefits. What happens during a Reiki session? You simply lie fully-clothed on the treatment table and relax. There is no massage or manipulation; the practitioner gently places their hands in a series of non-intrusive positions on or near the body. Some people experience different sensations as their natural energy flow is restored. If you would like to experience the benefits of Reiki for yourself, Cindy is offering your first 45-minute session for 15€. Please see her advert for further details.
Cindy Allen: Tel: 05 49 63 96 10 ~ www.reikirelaxation.fr
14 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015
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Don’t forget to LIKE us! Send all event details on an email to: events@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015 | 15
Birthstone for April...
by Vicki Bassey
Diamonds The myths and facts associated with the Diamond transcend cultures and continents. The first known reference is in an Indian Sanskrit manuscript written 322-185 BC. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed they were tears of the Gods and splinters from falling stars. Plato wrote about Diamond as living beings. Diamonds have also been a symbol of wealth for thousands of years. Louis IX of France passed a sumptuary law reserving Diamonds for the king. Said to be “a girl’s best friend”, the name derives from the ancient Greek word ‘adamas’ meaning invincible and they have long stood for strength and courage. In the gem world, more people are employed in the mining and cutting of Diamonds than for any other gemstone. The quality of this gem’s colour, clarity and cut are more tightly measured than for any other gemstone. The 4 C’s define the quality of Diamonds: Colour, Cut, Carat weight, Clarity. This system is commonplace across the globe.
u u
Vicky Bassey on 05 49 97 01 29 www.victoriabassey.com
Colourless and near-colourless Diamonds are rare, beautiful and highly prized. Brilliant cut Diamonds account for over 80% of worldwide sales. Cut to enhance the brilliant reflections and play of light it is possible to equate carat size to millimetre size. Inclusions are tiny natural features and thus acceptable. As the hardest natural mineral known to man, measuring 10 on the Mohs scale, Diamonds can only be cut and faceted by other Diamonds and although they are extremely hard, they are also quite brittle, making them one of the more difficult gems for lapidarists to shape. Its very high refractive index is what gives the gem its famous sparkle; its strong lustre is described as an adamantine lustre. One of the main differences to other gemstones is that a lack of colour is highly prized. The closer to colourless a Diamond becomes, the better the dispersion (the splitting of light into its constituent colours) it will display. Until the late 1800s, Diamonds were amongst the rarest gemstones on the planet, and due to their incredible hardness, coupled with the belief that cutting them would reduce their magical powers, Diamonds were often not faceted. Unlike biblical gemstones such as Amethyst, Topaz, Ruby, Sapphire, very little was documented about Diamonds until the 14th century. Then in the late 1800s, everything began to change with the discovery of Diamonds in South Africa. In a very short period of time, gems from this region would account for over 90% of those on sale. Although Africa is still a major supplier of Diamonds, today it holds less than 50% of the market share. Major sources: Africa, Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, Russia. Diamonds are given on a 65th and 75th anniversary.
Annual Subscription Costs: 31,00€ within France, 20€ UK addresses. (Unfortunately the cheaper ‘printed papers’ rate cannot be applied to addresses within France, only when sending abroad) Full Name:....................................................................................... Postal Address:................................................................................ ........................................................................................................ Postcode:..............................Country:............................................. Tel:................................................................................................... Email:............................................................................................... Please make cheques payable to SARAH BERRY.
16 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015
Our Furry Friends Mission Creep
W
by Nigel Franks, NALA
e seem to have a bad case of it. We started out helping people find new homes for their pets that they were not able to look after. Then we added helping Associations place strays from animal pounds to prevent them being killed. After a while we realised that finding a solution for stray animals is a Sisyphean task and that the best solution is prevention. Prevention can be achieved by two complementary strategies: identification of pets and sterilisation to reduce the number of unwanted births. So we have introduced a program of subsidies of up to 20% of the cost of sterilisation and identification (more details at www.nosamislesanimaux.com). Clearly our efforts are only a drop in the ocean, so it’s necessary for the authorities to do something. Before approaching the authorities we wanted to know the size of the problem, so we asked them for statistics. They don’t have any. This is, of course, the classic approach to ignoring a problem: if you don’t measure it, it doesn’t exist. So we decided to use the Freedom of Information Act to get the figures from each town hall. “No problem”, we naively thought. “It’s been in force for over 30 years, so people will be used to it.” In fact, it has turned out to be a labour that has been Herculean as there are nearly 300 town halls to deal with, but one that has also its lighter side when we’ve received Pythonesque responses from mayors outraged that they have a legal obligation to reply to us. After sending a number of letters to the Minister of Agriculture, we were finally rewarded with an invitation to discuss the issue at the Ministry in Paris. Although lacking statistics from a vast majority of towns we were still able to demonstrate that something needs to be done and more importantly, it has to be done by the authorities, not the Associations: a concept that seemed to be new to them. So we went from helping individuals at local level to trying to change government policy. Unfortunately our mission creep has not ended there, because we realised that we were guilty of speciesism: we were dealing mainly with cats, but what about other animals? So we’re now involved in a project to prevent the construction of a factory farm for nearly 900 sows in the Vendée. We are concerned about the animal welfare issues of factory farming with confinement cages, lack of opportunity for expressing normal behaviour, risk of epidemics etc. There are also other issues such as nitrate, soil and air pollution, the effect on tourism, the loss of jobs etc. Therefore, we shall be participating in a peaceful demonstration at Les Sables d’Olonne on the 4th of April. Feel free to come and join us. There are more details on our website. Finally, someone who is not at all creepy, but actually rather cute and cuddly and looking for a good home: Coco. She is almost 5 years old, with long, black fur, good with children and cats.
You can find more details on our website: www.nosamislesanimaux.com
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015 | 17
www.OrfeeInEnglish.com www.facebook.com/OrfeeInEnglish
Can you help DSM reader John Pine to help animal rescue organisations? Association Ecole du Chat Libre Caillerot was established in 2011 and helps roaming cats in the Vendée. When left to their own devices these poor animals barely survive, are starving, ill, hurt or even tortured. Once rescued, we sterilise, vaccinate and socialise them. Some are released on site. These “free cats” are under contract between the association and local authorities. They are fed and protected but most of them can be adopted. To date we have taken care of over 300 cats, with 150 of them having been adopted. We desperately need homes for our little furry friends. They are not for sale, however we do ask adopting families for a contribution towards veterinary costs. For any information, please contact: Isabelle Paris by email: chatlibrecaillerot@gmail.com.
www.chatlibrecaillerot.lebonforum.com
www.laarf.com
18 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015
For no gain, and paying for his own fuel, John collects old bedding and towelling to share amongst the animal rescue charities in our area. John takes bedding to these charities where the animals can make use of all your unwanted items. All animals, from mice to horses, benefit from his efforts.... and we know how much you care about animals in distress. Sheets, pillow cases, blankets, duvets, waterproof items and towels are always needed and would be greatly appreciated. John can make arrangements for collection, and takes them in bundles to the sanctuaries. Don’t bin them..... call John on 09 66 98 36 86 or email: jonpine09@gmail.com.
The HOPE Charity Shop The Hope Charity Shop is open every Wednesday and the first Saturday of every month, 10am-5pm. Hundreds of books, all priced at 1€, CDs, DVDs, pre-loved clothes, jewellery, hand-crafted greeting cards and more. If you can volunteer to help at the shop, bake cakes, donate unwanted items for us to sell to raise money for animals in need please email: linda.burns4hope@gmail.com. Join us for a cup of tea/coffee and a slice of cake and a chat. We would welcome any old blankets, towels, bedding and dog/cat food. Find us at: Bar Route 66, Ave de la Liberation, 87320 Bussiere Poitevine www.hopeassoc.org
ECOLE DU CHAT LIBRE DE POITIERS 1 Place de Fontevrault 86000 POITIERS 05.49.01.39.25 (answerphone) Ecoleduchat.poitiers.free.fr
Facebook: ecole-du-chat-libre-de-Poitiers
ecoleduchatpoitiers.forumactif.org
Home & Garden
DRESS YOUR HOME FOR SPRING The new 2015 collection of fabrics including Designers Guild, Christian Lacroix, Jane Churchill, Colefax and Fowler have now arrived at Le Comptoir du Tapissier in Fontenay le Comte. These collections announce that spring has arrived, offering bright, cheerful colours to dress your chairs and interiors. Le Comptoir du Tapissier offer a wealth of experience and knowhow, providing an outstanding service for the restoration of chairs, contemporary styling and made-to-measure curtains, blinds, cushions and bedspreads. All upholstery and hardware are available for sale.
Copy deadline:
Great value products for all the family!
Toys, furniture, DIY products, timbers, beer, English groceries, plants, cookware, stationery.... and so much more!
of the month
See back page for more info. The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015 | 19
THE AMATEUR GARDENER
H
by Vanda Lawrence
ello again, fellow gardeners. At last, longer days and warmer temperatures - deep joy! Now we can be in the garden because we want to, not because we must, in order to fit in all the jobs. And let’s face it, there are plenty of those!
This is the month for weeding, fertilising and mulching to keep the weeds at bay. If it’s not possible or practical to mulch then make a point of hoeing on dry days so that the hoed weeds will dry off and die quickly. At the same time you will be breaking up and aerating the soil, as well as destroying new sprouting weed seeds which are not yet even noticeable in the soil. If you can do this every couple of days you will save yourself lots of back-breaking weeding and the garden will look “bloomin’ lovely”! Daffodils and Narcissi are coming to the end of their flowering season so dead-head and give them a liquid feed or sprinkling of bone-meal as they die down. Don’t cut off the leaves as the goodness from these is needed to replenish the bulbs for next year. Tulips will be flowering next so treat them in the same way to ensure more lovely blooms next year. Forsythia and other flowering shrubs can be pruned after flowering, and if you need to move any evergreen shrubs do it now, as long as your soil is not waterlogged. Take the largest possible rootball when tackling this task - sometimes very difficult but well worth the effort. Rose beds need weeding and then mulching to retain moisture and deter new weeds. Tie in new growth on climbers and ramblers - laying the stems as horizontally as possible encourages heavy flowering. If you are planning new flower beds or shrub borders please include bee and insect friendly plants and grasses which, as well as providing pollen and nectar during the warm, sunny days, will provide shelter for overwintering insects during the cold, wet months. Now is the time to think of these things.
Forsythia © Wikimedia Commons/RDSmith
Lawns need regular attention now. Mow, scarify to aerate then apply a high nitrogen spring lawn fertiliser to encourage strong growth. If there are mossy patches use a combined fertiliser and moss-killer after scarifying. April is also the month for applying a
Thinking about placing an ad? Why not take advantage of our Special Packages for New Advertisers? Call Sarah for more details: 05 49 70 26 21
20 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015
general lawn weed killer. Any bare or worn patches can be re-seeded now and this month is also ideal for sowing new lawns, although if your soil is still wet and cold germination will be poor so it’s better to delay for a couple of weeks. Slugs will be busy again now. Use crushed eggshells around plants to deter these pests. A liquid slug killer will eliminate slugs below the soil surface and you can protect pot plants by smearing a mix of salt and Vaseline around the outside rims of the pots. Apparently there is a Spanish ‘super slug’ which is gradually spreading through Europe. They can survive the winter in the garden as eggs and become active at +5 degs. They grow up to 15 cm long and one slug can lay up to 400 eggs! Be vigilant in the potager too, you don’t want to lose your vegetable seedlings and plants at this stage. Keep your eyes peeled when you are earthing up your potatoes and hoeing to keep the weeds down amongst young vegetables. In the fruit garden it’s the same thing - weed, feed with slowrelease fertiliser and mulch, especially in the strawberry bed. Straw makes a good mulch here. Lastly, back outside the birds are busy building their nests in readiness for laying their eggs so please continue to put out food for them and keep the bird bath topped up so they can get a drink. It won’t be long before we see baby birds in the garden - I love watching them, don’t you? u u
Starlings in the bird bath © Wikimedia Commons/Snowmanradio
Contact Vanda Lawrence Email: amateurgardener@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015 | 21
A-Z of the Communes in the Deux-Sèvres LARGEASSE
Largeasse is situated in the Bocage Bressuirais area near Moncoutant, Pugny and La Chapelle St Etienne. According to statistics published in 2012 there are 737 Largeassiens and Largeassiennes and I also found an alternative name in the feminine for - les Réolaises. A VOIR / MUST SEE • The site of Le Rocher Branlant (the ‘rickety rock’) Here in this magical place you can discover the huge granite rocks (les chirons pantagruéliques) which are scattered along the Sèvre Nantaise river valley. The area is full of legends about magic trees, elves, witches and giants. The natural site of the Rocher Branlant on the commune of Largeasse is sprinkled with these large granite formations. A granitic chaos allows you to see a rickety rock: le Rocher Branlant. 5 million years ago, the granite areas which retained water like sponges allowed large blocks to become round. On a slope, the swollen rocks slipped and rounded rocks rolled down and came to a stop at the bottom. The final result is a chaotic group of rocks. Sometimes one ended up precariously balanced on another and that is what we call a rickety rock or rocher branlant. And the legend of the rocher branlant? People say that the stone was used as a Judgement Stone or Pierre de Jugement, mainly for adulterous women. If they managed to rock one of the stones they were guilty and if they were innocent they were thrown into the river anyway. The Church. The church of St Etienne was built at the end of the 11th century and beginning of the 12th century, but has undergone many modifications over the centuries. It was damaged by the Huguenots in 1561. At the end of the 19th century it was restored to how it looks today. The stained glass windows were fitted in that period. Today four of the ten windows need restoring.
Photos: Sue Burgess
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The grotto of Our Lady . Just at the outskirts of the centre of the bourg on the road out to Moncoutant, you will find a small grotto dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Masses and rosary prayers are often said here. Chaos du Boussignoux. The site is classified and protected because of its geomorphological interest. ‘The Chaos du Boussignoux’ is one of the most beautiful sites of granite rocks (chirons) of the Deux-Sèvres, and is made up of a spectacular dense group of rocks in a wild and wooded part of the Sèvre Nantaise Valley. The area has been the origin of many different legends and stories and has been a site for pagan and Christian pilgrims. The site is also of botanical interest with many wild fruit trees. Access to the Chaos de Boussignoux is restricted. For access contact Mr. & Mme Laurent DUPONT - La Guérinière - 79240 Largeasse (Tel : 05 49 95 91 53).
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Belliverie Quarry. The cutting front shows a large granite cutting edge that is still being worked. ‘Rotten’ granite is visible at the surface and in the arena. The changed granite has the particularity of showing a rust colour.
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Le Logis de la Chabirandière (private manor house – listed historical building) The building dates from the 15 and 16th centuries.
22 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015
by Sue Burgess
LEZAY
LEZIACUS which was known as LEZAY two centuries later, was mentioned in the charter of the year 1060 quoted by Jean Besly in his history of the Counts of Poitou. There used to be a menhir at La Pierre Levée. What remained of it was destroyed in 1965. The barony of Lezay belonged to the Bishop of Poitiers. Louis XIII, in 1642, raised the barony of Lezay in favour of Hilaire de Laval. The marquisate of Lezay had jurisdiction over the parishes of Clussais, Lezay, Saint-Vincent-la-Châtre, Saint-Léger-lès-Melle, Saint-Coutant and Sainte-Soline. Simon de Lezay the third member of the family with that name concluded, in 1226, an arrangement with the priors of the priory of la Carte, about the rights to taxes that they pretended to hold on wheat collected from the barn of Lezay. At the time of Dujuesclin, the Lord of Lezay submitted to the King. In 1642, Louis XII, to reward Hilaire de Laval for his good services, had promoted the barony to a marquisate. On his death in 1798, the land and the chateau of Lezay was given back to his grandson the Duke of Montmorency-Laval. The Hundred Years War During the Hundred Years War, Moreau Audouin, the leader of a gang of assasins, commited a number of acts of violence in the area. The bourg of Sainte-Soline was burnt and ransacked and so were Vançais and Chenay. In 1348, the plague and famine added to the horrors of the civil war. A number of Lezéens perished. The Château Nothing is left of the château. At the end of the 19th century, there was only a large ruin surrounded by triple moats full of water. The fortress used to stand not far from the market town on the left of the road leading to Chef-Boutonne. During the Hundred Years War, the fortress had resisted several attacks by the English. The Lordship of Les Marêts extended over the parishes of Chey and Saint-Vincent-la-Châtre. The chateau of Les Marêts, built in the 12th century, was ransacked and destroyed by the English during the Hundred Years War but was then rebuilt. Of the chateau of the Marêts, which was partly destroyed during the Revolution, there remain the moats and the buildings which form a horse-shoe shape, two square towers and two vaulted rooms. The Church The church of Lezay was built in the IIth century and was dedicated to Saint Médard. It stood roughly where the market hall stands today. Today’s church dates from 1828. Reform Several lords of the Lezay area adopted the Protestant religion. At the time of the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, 250 renunciations, obtained under force, were recorded at Lezay. The King’s Dragoons stayed in Lezay in 1689, 1692, 1693 1698 and 1699. The persecutions lessened after the death of Louis XIV. LEZAY is still known and has always been known for its markets, in particular the cattle market each Tuesday morning in the cattle market hall, where young calves can be found along with huge bulls and cows. In the town centre under the market hall a lot of different local produce is sold. A huge travelling market fills the whole of the town centre. In the summer there are often between 90 and 100 stalls. Markets have been held in Lezay since as far back as the 12th century. Pigeon lofts, mills, wash-houses and other ancient buildings are sprinkled around the commune.
More A-Z of the Communes of Deux-Sèvres next month...
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Spring Time in France
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by Mick Austin
n the second of our two-part look at the region’s Spring wildlife, we give you another tiny taste of what’s out there. Reading about it is pretty good, but there’s nothing like getting out and sampling it for yourself. Springtime in France. Enjoy.
INSECTS
European honey bee (1) (Apis mellifera, Abeille domestique). These are ‘social bees’ that live as a colony containing a queen, workers (sterile females) and drones (males). Generally, as winter draws to a close the queen bee starts to increase egg/brood production and from mid-April to the end of May the colony should be at full strength – sometimes as many as 70,000 bees. European hornet (3) (Vespa crabro, Frelon, Guêpe frelon or Guichard). The largest European ‘wasp’ with females growing up to 3.5cms long. Nests, normally built in tree hollows and cavities in stone walls, are started around mid-April by fertilised queens that have over-wintered. Feeds on a variety of insects including bees and other wasps. Butterflies. Poitou-Charentes has almost half of the known species to be found in France, so there’s a great choice to be had this time of year. Watch out for the Lesser Purple Emperor (15) (Apatura ilia) especially in the Marais Poitevin, the Spotted Fritillary (2) (Melitaea didyma), the Large Chequered Skipper (Heteropterus Morpheus) and Berger’s Clouded Yellow (Colias alfacariensis). Pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa, Processionnaire du pin). Widespread in southern France but now spreading to north of the Loire. The moth is small, greyish brown, mainly nocturnal and only lives for one night – so it needs to get things done quickly! In Spring – any time between February and May – the caterpillars leave their nests (made in most species of pine trees) and go down to the ground. This is where they form their
long, nose-to-tail procession as they find somewhere in the soil to pupate. They actually touch each other to make the chain, whereas some other caterpillars follow each other in lines but don’t touch. A word of warning. The caterpillars have ‘hairs’ growing from them which in humans can cause anything from mild itching to anaphylactic shock - so don’t touch!
BIRDS Honey buzzard (7) (Pernis apivorus, Bondrée apivore). Spends the winter in Africa with a return migration through France in April/ May. Easily confused with the Common buzzard but the Honey buzzard’s wings are longer and narrower. Seen mostly in woodland areas. European bee-eater (4) (Merops apiaster, Guêpier d’Europe). Arrives in mid-May from over-wintering in either West or South Africa. About the size of a thrush and one of the most colourful birds you are likely to see on these shores. They nest close to water in tunnels in sandy soil up to two metres long and feed mainly on bees, wasps, hornets and grasshoppers caught on the wing. These are then held sideways in their beak and hit against a branch to kill them. Ortolan bunting (6) (Emberiza hortulana, Ortolan). Famous for being a coveted, but supposedly illegal delicacy in France, when it is caught, fattened on millet, drowned in Armagnac and then cooked. Costs anything up to €150 in restaurants. Arriving in Poitou-Charentes from Africa in mid-April, the Ortolan is a bit bigger than a sparrow and looks a little like a yellowhammer without the bright colouring. The head is grey/green instead of bright yellow. Hoopoe (5) (Upupa epops, Huppe). It looks a bit like a jay, sounds a bit like a cuckoo and flies thousands of miles to feed on a dung heap. The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015 | 23
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It really is a mixed up bird! It has a crest like a cockatoo, a beak like a curlew and can fire a jet of foul-smelling liquid at anything - or anyone - threatening its nest. Spot it in a field near you between April and September, when it arrives from its wintering grounds in Africa.
- laying on its back with its head twisted, mouth open and tongue hanging out! It hibernates until March or April in compost piles or under rocks and coupling takes place almost immediately. That coupling period can bring together a large group of grass snakes more males than females.
MAMMALS
Western whip snake (Hierophis viridiflavus, Couleuvre verte et jaune). You’re not likely to confuse this with any other snake in France. It’s mainly dark green with yellow dashes or bands, though various forms exist depending on its age. It grows up to two metres long and has prominent eyes with round pupils. It eats small mammals, small birds, lizards, frogs etc and has been known to eat adders and even its own species. It is non-venomous but can be aggressive, hissing and beating the ground with its tail. Comes out of hibernation (in holes in the ground, trees or stone walls) around April. Mating starts in May and can lead to fights between males for females. During mating the sexes twist themselves around each other while keep their heads in the air.
Genet (17) (Genetta-genetta, Genette). Related to the civet, they can be found in most of western France – though you can consider yourself very lucky if you spot one as they are extremely wary of humans and are rarely seen outside of captivity. The young are normally born during April and May. A useful indication of their presence is that they tend to use a toilet area, where faeces can be found in heaps. Eurasian otter (8) (Lutra lutra, La Loutre). Can be found in all departments of Poitou-Charentes and at any time of the year. Everyone knows what they are but very few of us have seen one. Keep a look out for their faeces (spraints) on rocks, flat surfaces and under bridges in rivers and streams.
REPTILES Grass snake (11) (Natrix natrix, Couleuvre à collier). Gets its French name from its characteristic collar of two half-moon bands behind its head. Wide variation in colour, from shades of grey/green to all dark grey or black. Females can grow up to two metres long. Found all over France in all types of habitat but often where water is present. It doesn’t have any venom fangs so is completely harmless, but it can still hiss loudly, puff up its head and strike. It can emit an unpleasant smell from its anal glands and can also ‘play dead’ 24 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015
Common wall lizard (9) (Podarcis Muralis, Lézard des Murailles). France’s most common lizard, it grows up to 20cms long and varies widely in colouring depending on the region. Can be found around old stone walls and close to houses. Good swimmer and climber. Hibernation ends around March/April with up to ten eggs laid under rocks or in soft soil. Viviparous lizard (14) (Lacerta Vivipara, Lézard Vivipare). Common in France, it prefers a damp or wet habitat but is also partial to a bit of sunbathing. Feeds on worms, grubs and various insects. Hibernates from October to March and reproduces between April and June. The young are able to fend for themselves immediately after birth.
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Asp viper (10) (Vipera aspis, Vipère Aspic). Found in almost all regions of France, it is small (around 30cms) and recognisable by its flat, triangular head. Back colour can be grey, light brown and various shades of orange with a dark zig-zag pattern. Can often be confused with the Viperine snake. Lives in holes in the ground and hunts mainly small mammals in their holes, killing them quickly with its venom. Hibernation ends around March and mating starts in May, along with ‘fights’ between males. Slow worm (Anguis fragilis, Serpent de verre). Found all over France, this is the lizard that looks like a snake as it doesn’t have legs. Prefers moist habitats like ditches and underneath leaves. Spring mating often leads to fights between males. Can shed the end of its tail if necessary.
AMPHIBIANS Yellow-bellied toad (13) (Bombina variegate, Sonneur ventre jaune). Easily recognised by its underside, which is brightly coloured with yellow and black. Its front feet are not webbed but its back ones are. It eats worms, molluscs and insects and when threatened it turns over and exposes its belly as a warning. The males sing all day long. Mating begins in April. Midwife toad (12) (Alytes obstetricans, Crapaud accoucheur). Small toad found all over France. Can be difficult to tell the sexes apart, although the female sometimes has red or orange spots on its sides and the male has longer rear legs. Another way of sexing them is if you see one carrying eggs it’s a male! Mating takes place on land at night between April and August, when the female lays up to 100 eggs between the male’s legs, where he fertilises them.
He then carries them for up to three weeks, bathing them regularly, until during one of the baths the tadpoles take to the water. Natterjack toad (16) (Bufo calamita, Crapaud des Joncs). Often called the running toad in the UK as it tends to run rather than walk or hop. Found all over France, it grows up to 10cms long, has short back legs with a grey/green back covered in warts with a yellow band running down the centre of its back. When threatened it can inflate its body and emit a foul smell. Hibernation (in holes and cavities) ends in February and reproduction starts in April, with females producing 3-4000 eggs laid in single strands which hatch in about a week, depending on the water temperature. 1. European honey bee © Severnjc; 2. Spotted Fritillary © Robert Flogaus-Faust; 3. European hornet © Trancelius; 4. European bee-eater © Razul Baena Casado; 5. Hoopoe young and mature © Jaiprakashsingh; 6. Ortolan bunting © Pierre Dalous; 7. Honey buzzard © Andreas Trepte; 8. Eurasian otter © Fabrice Capber; 9. Common wall lizard © Aconcagua; 10. Asp viper © Eric Steinert; 11. Grass snake © Lukas Jonaitis; 12. Midwife toad male with eggs © Christian Fischer; 13. Yellow-bellied toad © Waugsberg; 14. Viviparous lizard © Jörg Hempel; 15. Purple Emperor (female) © Andreas Eichler; 16. Natterjack toad © Christian Fischer; 17. Genet © Guérin Nicolas. Mick Austin is a freelance journalist based in the Pays-de-la-Loire. He has had his work published in several expat magazines and newspapers and has also written the Mayenne Tourist Board’s only English-language brochure. He also runs a gîte business at www.gitefortwo.com. The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015 | 25
17
Take a Break DSM Easy Crossword Across:
Down:
DSM Toughie Crossword Across: 7. The problem Ursula has is the monkeys (6) 8. To see a princess with an old instrument can make you weaken? (6) 10. Sleep in shanty town with alcohol but no illegal drug (7) 11. Steps taken to organise space given (5) 12. Southpaw guards missing fifty for amphibians (4) 13. Northern estate owner lodges tax people with local boy (5) 17. Novelpresentationofpretentiousness without prejudice (5) 18. Quite a commotion in informal prison (4) 22. TM converts a fool to a different way of saying things (5) 23. Confused wives and girlfriends carry the can for not using things profitably (7) 24. Functional and acceptable heraldic form of black (6) 25. Given the bird when gone wrong on mathematical symbol (6)
Down: 1. Has self reformed and shows off! (7) 2. Numbers put article on rides (7) 3. A lot of supports needed to make resting places for little ones (5) 4. Impress? Not exactly, but smiles weakly anyway (7) 5. Fast, but not too much, so still alive (5) 6. Crowded together in hidden secret place (5) 9. Take a rest before the hill, but collapse anyway (9) 14. Train company to take a walk to find invasive shrub (7) 15. One refusing to work to achieve goals? (7) 16. Bandit well in with rock group (7) 19. Six runners up only get a bug (5) 20. Maids mixed up with king with the golden touch (5) 21. Small snake controlling stock product (5)
8. Traditional saying, proverb (5) 9. State capital of Georgia, USA (7) 10. Obtain from someone after their death (7) 11. Cheap wine of inferior quality (5) 12. Cut off or left behind (8) 13. One of the seven deadly sins (4) 15. Slightly open (4) 17. Comic strip cat (8) 21. Danger (5) 22. Spur on or encourage by cheers and shouts (7) 24. A payment given as a guarantee (7) 25. Makes numb or deadens (5)
1. Japanese alcoholic drink made from rice (4) 2. Conclude from evidence (6) 3. Oval earthenware cooking dish with tight lid used for cooking patés (7) 4. Hostile meeting of opposing forces (6) 5. Hits with an open hand (5) 6. Not yet brought into existence (6) 7. Having very keen vision (4,4) 12. A wild rush of frightened animals (8) 14. Illegally ahead of the ball in football (7) 16. Brusque in manner (6) 18. To operate an aircraft (6) 19. Suitable for use as food (6) 20. Soft, moist part of a fruit (5) 23. ??? (4)
Well, what do you know?
With thanks to M.Morris
Monthly quiz by Roland Scott...... how many can you get?
1) What is the name of the character played by Rex Harrison in the film ‘My Fair Lady’?
8) Name the character from ‘Dad’s Army’ played by John Le Mesurier.
2) Which evil, criminal mastermind, created by author Sax Rohmer, was played by Christopher Lee in a series of 5 films from 1965-1969? A style of moustache was named after him.
9) Who played Peter Parker/Spiderman in the 2002-2007 Spiderman trilogy?
3) Which actor played Vernon Dursley in the Harry Potter films? 4) What is the title of the film in which Michael Caine plays a London gangster who returns to Newcastle to investigate his brother’s death? 5) Who played Calamity Jane in the 1953 film of the same name? 6) Which children’s TV series featured ‘Pugh, Pugh, Barney McGrew, Cuthbert, Dibble & Grub’? 7) Who played Sir Lancelot Spratt in the British ‘Doctor’ films beginning with ‘Doctor in the House’ in 1954?
26 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015
10) Which actress, comedienne and psychologist was part of the ‘Not the Nine o’Clock News’ team? 11) Featuring John Cleese and Michael Palin and originally called ‘The Pet Shop Sketch’ what is it better known as? 12) Which adaption of a John Le Carre novel, shown in 1979, starred Sir Alec Guinness as George Smiley? Finally, although this is a film and TV round, you may award yourself an extra point if you can spot the connection between your 12 correct answers or parts thereof. Find the answers on our website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr Copyright RJS 2014
French Life Our Journey to a
Greener
S
pring has finally sprung, the clocks have moved forward, and at long last, the wood burner can revert to its status as a quaint kitchen ornament and the process of spring cleaning can start!
As the days get brighter, and the sun tries to stream through rain streaked windows, the urge to remove the layer of grime that’s built up over a winter of wood burning becomes irresistible. The supermarket promotions lure you towards brightly coloured spray bottles full of toxic chemicals, promising to make it easier than ever to get your home gleaming in preparation for the summer but what to do if you want to be greener? To be honest, when we started our journey to becoming more environmentally friendly neither of us had given much thought to what that might mean as far as cleaning was concerned. Bleach used to be my best friend for most cleaning jobs before we had a fosse septique and the cupboard under the sink contained any number of spray bottles with big yellow hazard signs on them. As we thought it through, it became obvious that most of these products have only been available in the last couple of decades and we couldn’t help but wonder how people cleaned back in the “good old days”. Historical fiction proved less than helpful with its emphasis on the rich and powerful, and remembered phrases like “elbow grease” aren’t much use when you need to disinfect your loo. We found the practical advice and information we needed on the internet and on a number of social media sites, as well as an abundance of inspiration and enthusiastic support. So changing to non-toxic cleaning products hasn’t been as hard as we thought it would be, and although sometimes I feel like Ruby the scullery maid from ‘Upstairs Downstairs’, as I clean the oven with vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, I’m delighted that we don’t have an under-sink cupboard full of spray bottles with toxic and hazardous chemical signs all over them. We’ve discovered that most things can be cleaned with warm water and a good splash of vinegar. It’s great for tiled or vinyl floors, kitchen cupboards (inside and out), PVC window and doorframes, and if you put some in an old spray bottle you can clean your windows with it too. Adding a couple of drops of essential oil makes it smell nice, and no it’s not just to hide the smell of vinegar because that disappears when everything is dry. Lemon leaves a lovely smell behind, as does tea tree oil which has anti-bacterial properties and can be added to the basic vinegar and water mix to give you a disinfectant cleaner, plus it’s great for wiping down door handles, sockets and light switches as well as sinks, toilets and showers. You can also get a good clean fragrance
Life
by Louise Read & David Hammond
from lavender oil which is not only anti-bacterial but has the added benefit of helping you sleep, so great in bedrooms. Upholstery and mattresses can be freshened up by shaking bicarbonate of soda on them; again essential oil gives a good fragrance, and just vacuum off after an hour. We’ve found that between them, vinegar and bicarbonate of soda are now are our go-to cleaning materials of choice and in combination are powerful enough to clean the oven, the hob and sort out a stinky drain. We use lemons to remove stains from stainless steel and getting rid of the smell of onions or garlic from wooden chopping boards - just cut in half and rub! Lemon and salt in combination are particularly effective at removing persistent watermarks from baths, basins and toilets; again just rub it in and then leave for an hour or so for the acidic action to work, and then wash off. Vinegar is an absolute wonder, and can be used to descale kettles, just put enough in to cover the scale, boil it up, rinse well afterwards, et voila, the scale is gone! Much cheaper than any decalcifying product you can buy in the shops and you don’t feel as though you need to leave the room to stop yourself suffocating on the fumes. It can also be added to the washing machine and dishwasher to prevent the build up of lime scale if you’re in a hard water area. We found all this information on the web where it has been shared freely by people who want to make their homes safer for their children, reduce their impact on the planet and save some money in the process - we are grateful to all of them, and hope that by passing some of it on to you in this article, you’ll be able to make some changes to make your home and planet a safer place too. So we wish you happy spring cleaning and as you shop for your spring cleaning materials this month, do yourself, your wallet and the environment a favour... pop some vinegar, salt, lemons and bicarbonate of soda into the trolley as well. u u
www.etangfourreau.com Email: louise@etangfourreau.com The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015 | 27
Communications Preventative Maintenance
Windows Operating System and Programs (Part 3) by Ross Hendry
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n the last two articles we looked at how best to physically clean your computer hardware, now we need to look at cleaning the operating system and digital information.
Get Up to Date 1. Windows Operating System Windows is probably one of the most complex computer programs available, and constantly needs to be maintained as problems are found and fixed, additional features are added and drivers are updated. It is imperative that Windows updates are installed and monitored. If you find the updates are failing, check out why and try to resolve the issue. Not all failures are important, and they may be updates that do not relate to your particular set-up, but do check them out and try to put right the problem if they are relevant and you are able to. This will ensure that you have the most secure and efficient operating system for your set-up and needs. Windows usually offers you choices for when and how the updates are delivered and installed, I prefer to use “download updates but let me choose when to install them”, this enables me to monitor the updates and check their success and try resolve failed ones; it also helps if there are unknown system problems after having done updates, I know to investigate which one upset my system! Other options are :• Install updates automatically (recommended) • Check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them • Never check for updates (not recommended) 2. Anti Virus and Anti Malware It is a fact of digital life that someone will try to infect your operating system or browser at some time, whether it is by an infected email, visiting an infected website or downloading something that carries some form of malware or virus. There is no need to purchase an antivirus program for most home users, the free options available are brilliant: Avast, AVG, Bitdefender, Panda, Malwarebytes, Spybot search & Destroy, and Windows Defender/Microsoft Essentials all provide protection and are free for either the program or the updates. The top rated free program at present is Avast, depending upon the reviewers!
I have found that many users download and install these programs but do not set them up correctly. By this I mean scheduling scans of their system to run regularly and to retrieve both program and virus definition files regularly. I scan my PC every night and check every file. It is scheduled to start to run about midnight and is always finished by the time I want to logon each morning. I do not think that most home users need to do this but I would recommend a weekly scan and the collection and update of both program and antivirus definition files daily. I use two programs to protect my system: AVG basic protection and Spybot search and destroy by Safer Networking. These two seem to work well together with AVG mainly protecting my PC from viruses and Spybot keeping me safe from malware. These programs provide both real time protection and the ability to run scheduled scans. I do not usually regularly scan with spybot S&D, I tend to run this once per month or if I am worried about any sites I have visited, such as football streaming or maybe looking for a free program. I know that my browsing habits may expose my PC to infections so I am very careful about what sites I visit. In truth this is probably the best protection there is!
Programs and Applications 1. Do you really need all of the programs on your computer? Over time we add programs such as utilities and applications to our PCs and use them as we need to. However, most people do not remove the programs when they have served their purpose. I strongly recommend that you review the programs that came with your PC and that you have installed, and remove those that you do not use or are not likely to use. Most programs may be downloaded and re-installed when you need them, or you have the disks that enabled you to load them in the first place. I suggest that if you have not used a program since you purchased the PC you probably do not need it. If in doubt check on-line, simply ask “do I need PC optimiser” or “snapfish”. I find that Google.co.uk usually has good advice and make my judgement accordingly. In my experience the most commonly obsolete type of program is the sort that came with your old printer. I know you recycled the printer but did you think to uninstall the software that came with it? If possible, use the uninstall program that came with the program you want to uninstall. If there was no uninstall option, simply go to Control Panel and “programs and features”, which will list all of the installed programs on your PC and give you the option to uninstall, re-configure or repair the program. We have now got the operating system up-to-date and hopefully free of Viruses and Malware and have removed all of the unused/ unwanted/obsolete programs. Next month I shall suggest some other programs that will clean up the hidden elements of your system and help you reclaim storage space on your hard disk drives. Ross Hendry is the proprietor of Interface Consulting and Engineering, who has over 42 years experience in Communications, Computer Technology and Direct Marketing. (See advert below).
28 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015
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The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015 | 29
Food & Drink
CONTRIBUTIONS... We are always looking for new articles for consideration in future issues. Do you have an experience to share? Are you a tradesman with a Top Tip? or perhaps an avid reader who would like to contribute a book review? Whatever it may be, either long or short, we would love to hear from you. You can call Sarah on 05 49 70 26 21 with any ideas, or send them on an email to: info@thedeuxsevresmonthlyfr
30 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015
Easter
Bank holidays, daffodils and chocolate! by Hazel Foster
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id you know that when eating a chocolate Easter bunny, 76 % bite off the ears first, 5% go for the feet and 4% opt for the tail?
This month’s recipes are Easter holiday favourites, Hot Cross Buns and some special home-made Easter eggs. Enjoy!
Hot Cross Buns (Makes 15) For the dough: 50g butter 500g strong bread flour 1 tsp salt 75g caster sugar © Wikimedia Commons / Shannon Ho 1 tbsp sunflower oil bbs 7g sachet fast-action or easycan t blend yeast (fast-action or easy-blend yeas ts unlike dried yeast be added straight to the dry ingredienfirst) d liqui in which needs to be dissolved 1 egg, beaten 75g sultanas 50g mixed peel 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp mixed spice (optional) For the cross 75g plain flour, plus extra for dusting For the glaze 3 tbsp apricot jam Method heat and add butter. Leave Bring milk to the boil, remove fromeratu re. Put the flour, salt, temp hand hes reac to cool until it into a bowl. Make a t yeas and spice d sugar, cinnamon, mixe and butter mixture, milk warm the well in the centre. Pour in everything together then add the egg. Mix well, then bring y dough. Tip onto a lightly with your hands until you have a stick the dough with one hand ing hold by d knea and ce floured surfa other hand, then folding the of heel the with and stretching it smooth and elastic. Put until mins 5 for it back on itself. Repeat cling film and leave with r Cove l. the dough in a lightly oiled bow until doubled in size. to rise in a warm place for 1 hr or in the sultanas and mixed With the dough still in the bowl, tip sure everything is well dising mak h, peel. Knead into the doug until doubled in size, tributed. Leave to rise for 1 hr more,toorstop the dough getting film cling oiled wellsome by red cove a crust. s. Roll each piece into a Divide the dough into 15 even piece surface. Arrange the work ed flour ly light a on smooth ball parchment, leaving with lined trays g bakin buns on one or two r (but don’t wrap) Cove nd. expa to h enough space for the doug l, then set aside towe tea clean a with more oiled cling film, or hr. 1 for e prov to Mix the flour with about Heat oven to 220˚C/200˚C fan/gas 7. cross - add the water 1 the for paste the make to r wate 5 tbsp a thick paste. Spoon for gh enou just add you so , time tbsp at a line along each row a Pipe le. nozz l smal a with into a piping bag to create crosses. tion direc r othe the in of buns, then repeat , until golden oven the of shelf le Bake for 20 mins on the midd brown. , then sieve. While the jam Gently heat the apricot jam to melt the warm buns and leave of top the over h brus , warm still is to cool.
Homemade Easter Eggs
I came up with this idea whilst trying to think of how to make an Easter egg that wouldn't need a mould. You could display them in the egg-box like I have, or make smaller ones and put them in a chocolate nest (melted chocolate with shredded wheat was always the best way to make it look like a nest – but cornflakes works too, then shape into a nest and leave on parchment to set). You can create all the flavours you like just by adding to the ganache, so orange essence or triple sec for choc orange, peppermint essence for mint choc, chopped nuts, Baileys, peanut butter, Smarties, Nutella, coffee and you can use either milk, white or plain chocolate. Truffle Ganache Depends how many you want to make – just 3 x amount of chocolate to cream) 100ml double cream 300g chocolate, broken into pieces and put into a bowl Bring the cream just to the boil in a pan. Turn off the heat and pour over chocolate. Stir until melted, then add the flavouring you want – e.g. 3tsp peppermint essence. Cool, then chill until the mixture is firm (2-3+ hrs). Bounty Eggs Alternatively you could make this coconut filling for your eggs 200g desiccated coconut 1 can condensed milk (lait concentré sucré)(397g) Mix well then leave to firm up in fridge. Scoop out enough of the chocolate or coconut mixture for the size you want then shape into eggs. Leave in fridge to firm up for a while. Insert cake-pop stick into bottom of the egg. Melt 200g chocolate in microwave stirring at 30 second intervals until melted, or in a bowl over simmering water and allow to cool slightly(but not harden). A smaller deeper bowl will help with dipping and coating your eggs. Dip your eggs into the melted chocolate, standing them on their sticks between each coat. I found the coconut filling less firm so difficult to keep on sticks, so alternatively you can sit them onto a cooling rack over a tray and pour chocolate over (you can scrape the choc from under and remelt). Keep coating until you have the thickness you want. I covered mine in 2 coats of white choc to make them look like eggs, but you could also decorate with sprinkles, nuts or edible glitter.
Hazel Foster ~ Homechef 79 Personal Chef for dinner parties, special occasions and catering services Tel: 05 49 63 29 98 ~ Email: homechef79@gmail.com The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015 | 31
Getting My Fingers Dirty
I
by Jacqueline Brown
’m not a winter person. The twinkle and sparkle of the Christmas season really doesn’t do it for me, but the sight of the first germinated (vegetable) seed never fails to put a smile on my face. The weather is warming up, the days are getting longer, the clocks have leapt into summertime and it looks like we have survived another winter, hooray!
These small changes have made a big difference to my mood and motivation and I’m delighted to say I’ve been out and about in my veggie garden again. With the doors and windows open once more, I was encouraged to step outside and view the damage from a winter of neglect. Having germinated my first seeds, (chilli and tomatoes - most unusual for me that they weren’t courgettes or squashes) I felt that I owed it to them to get out and find where they will be planted this summer. The mild and moist weather had encouraged the weeds, which needed very little encouragement, to form a thick and bright green carpet of new growth over last years abandoned vegetable garden. It was a sorry looking sight, but it was also rather therapeutic to be breathing the fresh air, feeling the warmth of the sun and working off a few winter calories. My fingers are now grimy, my brow is sweaty but I’m happy, especially as I’ve waged a big war on the weeds and so far I’ve definitely got the upper hand. A month of slow and steady effort has made such a difference. I really can’t wait to get more seeds sown, seedlings nurtured, and once the frost risk has passed (mid May) to get the potager planted up. I like to look on the optimistic side, so with seed germination well under way, in my mind at least, it’s only a matter of time now before I can start the potager pickings. A few weeks ago I ran out of the huge quantities of courgette, squash and tomato soups and purées that filled my freezers to bursting last autumn, so this year (as every year) I’m hoping for more plants and therefore a bigger harvest to get us through next winter. I owe some of my gardening motivation to my friends at the gardening club who found me via this column a year ago and asked me to speak at their AGM. It is great to meet once a month with like-minded people and share the gardening love, especially out of season. At the recent AGM I was delighted to be voted onto the committee, so thought I’d take this opportunity to say we are a friendly bunch who meet in Tillou near Chef Boutonne on the third Tuesday of the month and new members will be welcomed. A date for your diaries, another committee I’m on (I think I have a bit of a committee addiction) is running their annual plant swap in Loubillé (south of Chef Boutonne) on Sunday 3rd May from 10.00am. Feel free to email me for any further information.
u u
www.frenchvillagediaries.com Email: frenchvillagediaries@gmail.com
32 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015
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Champagne’s First Feminist by John Sherwin Part II
I
n the March issue I left François Clicquot, his young wife NicoleBarbe and their baby Clémentine suspended in mid-air. I said, if memory serves, “a loving young couple, a beautiful baby and a prospering business - what could possibly mar the idyll?”.
Well, knowing that ‘Veuve Clicquot’ means widow Clicquot, I guess it wasn’t the greatest cliffhanger in the world. François died suddenly of typhoid fever in 1805. It’s what happened next that I’ve always found intriguing, not to say awesome. Picture the scene: young widow (27) with infant daughter; wealthy family; early 19th century. Wouldn’t the obvious dénouement be a quiet and decorous retreat to a lush house in the country? Not for the Widow it wouldn’t. I can just see this on Dragons’ Den. Duncan Bannatyne: So let me get this straight Nicky The Widow: It’s Nicole-Barbe Clicquot, widow. DB: Aye, I’m sorry for that Nee-coal, but you want one hundred thoosand poonds for a ten per cent stake in, what do you call it…? The Widow: Veuve Clicquot. We make wine with bubbles in. [DB turns goggle eyes to other Dragons] Aye, but you’re just a wee lassie with a wee bairn, no offence, could ye not leave this to the menfolk? The Widow: No. DB: Well, I’ll tell you where I am. It’s a flash in the pan business and I’m not sure you’re cut oot for it anyway. So, I wish you well Nicky, but I’m oot. Excuse the above poetic licence, but there would certainly have been the unmistakably fetid air of misogyny in and around Reims when the Widow decided to take the business in hand. Many ample male backsides sat around a comfortable fire, passing the bottle, waiting for the crazy lady to come a cropper.
My advice is avoid the shade of yellow known as Pantone 137C if you’re thinking of sprucing up the old paint in your study – or get your cheque book out. To end on a more positive note, thank the Widow when next you see a beautifully clear glass of champagne. Before Madame came along, champagne was – say it softly! – cloudy. Nebulous, foggy, hazy – take your pick. Mucky, my gran would have said. Caused by the lees (dead yeast) that no one knew how to extract from the bottle without losing the baby with the bath water. It was She who had holes cut in a kitchen table, put the bottles in upside down allowing the yeast to sink to the neck where it could be ejected, thus inventing the process of ‘riddling’. If you’d like to know more about this fascinating woman, the house of Veuve Clicquot, or visiting the Champagne region generally, drop me a line.
u u
John Sherwin, French Wine Tours 02 51 66 13 05 or www.french-wine-tours.com
Well she didn’t, as we all know. This is not the time or place to chart the business ups and downs (and ups…and ups) of that great Champagne house, but I find the character of the woman reveals itself in a strange mix of sentiment, business acumen, and hands-on practicality. As to sentiment, it is natural that a widowed mother should be more than normally loving and attentive to her daughter. In the fullness of time Clémentine was wooed by a certain Louis de Chevigné. He might have had the aristocratic ‘de’ to his name, but he certainly had no fortune. His father had died at the side of Charette in the royalist Vendée uprising and his mother soon after passed away in a Nantes prison leaving Louis in the care of well-meaning strangers. Fast forward, never forgetting that those two letters ‘de’ can open doors, Louis found himself in the social whirl of Reims. He was a charmer, not only of Clémentine but also of the Widow. At this point you might expect a ‘but’, but there wasn’t one: he was a sincere, light-hearted, frolicsome charmer without side. He married Clémentine, made her happy, gave her a daughter, and in so doing made the Widow happy. He fancied himself a wordsmith and wrote scurrilous pamphlets about Reims society. These could not be allowed to circulate, the Widow chuntered to herself, but he does make Clemmy so happy. And he is, well, quite charming. So each time a new pamphlet was published the Widow sent her agents at the dead of night to buy up every copy. Both she and Louis knew the score, and it became almost an affectionate game, not to mention a source of income for the young charmer. But if you’re searching for a single adjective to describe the Widow, ‘light-hearted’ would not be it. She didn’t take kindly to people nicking her ideas. Although she wasn’t around to see it, she would have wholeheartedly approved of her company’s successful bid in the 1920’s to copyright its well-known and instantly recognisable yellow-orange label. More precisely, the colour itself. If you ever thought it was impossible to copyright a colour, think again. Veuve Clicquot have a rogues’ gallery of attempted fakes and ripoffs at their place in Reims. I say ‘attempted’ because any such dalliance draws the attention of Champagne lawyers like bees to a honey pot with a 100% success rate when it comes to litigation. The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015 | 33
Motoring Climbing Up That Hill The tradition of motorsports in France goes back to the late 1800’s and it is renowned worldwide for hosting the greatest endurance race in the world, the Le Mans 24 Hours.
A little closer to home there is a hillclimb course at La Pommeraye in Maine et Loire, which this year hosts a round of the Championnat de France de la Montagne on the 23rd and 24th May. The course on the banks of the Loire near Angers is famous as having the fastest average speed in the French championship calendar and is not for the faint hearted. The course runs up through some very atmospheric vineyards, and the esses are negotiated at over 130mph.
One of the oldest but possibly lesser known forms of motorsports is hillclimbing, in which drivers compete against the clock to complete an uphill course.
As well as the professional meetings, one can find amateur events, and one such event is happening on the last weekend of May near Cognac. With the obligatory scenic rally on the Saturday, the cars line up to tackle a 1.5km course on the Sunday, on closed roads.
The first known hillclimb, or Course de Côte took place at La Turbie near Nice, on 31st January 1897.
We will be participating in this event with our Audi Quattro, and if anyone would like further details, please do get in touch.
The best known French courses are Mont Ventoux, which you will be more familiar with as one of the great climbs in the Tour de France, and Mont Dore.
The Quattro itself has a hillclimbing history at the Pikes Peak course in Colorado USA, which some of you may be familiar with from a recent Guy Martin Speed challenge.
Mont Ventoux was first used for a motorsport event on 16th September 1902, but has not actually been part of the Championship circuit since 1976 as a result of the spiralling costs needed to run the mammoth 13.42 mile event.
Audi won the prestigious hill climb up the legendary 4301 metre high Pikes Peak three times in succession. Michèle Mouton triumphed in 1985, the American motorsport legend Bobby Unser won in 1986 and Walter Röhrl in 1987, using the powerful Audi Sport quattro S1, with almost 600 hp.
The French love their hillclimbing so much that the French hill climb championship, the Championnat de France de la Montagne which started in 1967 rapidly became one of the nation’s most competitive national series. Back in the UK, the hillclimb held at Shelsley Walsh in Worcestershire is the world’s oldest continuously staged motorsport event, still staged on its original course, having been first run in 1905. In the UK hillclimbing differs from the events staged in many other parts of the world, in that courses are generally short - mostly under one mile (1.6 km) in length. In comparison to Shelsley Walsh’s 1000m course, the hillclimb at Saint Goueno in Brittany is 3.2km long. The Saint Goueno course attracts many British and Irish drivers, and has the feel of the Goodwood hillclimb which is an integral part of the Festival of Speed. Looking down the entry list for this year’s ‘Saint Goueno Masters’ meeting, there is a wide variety of cars, from Westfields and Lotus Sevens, to Porsche 911s, Ford Escorts and BMWs, as well as a Ford Anglia!
34 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015
The Pikes Peak Auto Hill Climb was first held in August 1916. Drivers, then and now, are challenged by the torturous road and the rapidly changing weather. Starting out in sunshine, the driver could travel through sleet, thunderstorms, wind, hail, fog, or blinding snow before finishing, causing this breathtaking event to be called ‘The Race to the Clouds’. In 2013, Pikes Peak saw one of the greatest efforts ever when Frenchman and World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb and Peugeot smashed the current record by more than a minute in his first ever attempt at this historic event. I doubt whether we will be smashing any records at the Cognac event, but it will be a lot of fun! u u
Helen Tait-Wright Email: helen@stodel.org
photo: www.gtspirit.com
F
or classic car and motorsport enthusiasts, France has long been an excellent place both to participate in and watch events, with many small French towns continuing the traditions of street racing through the summer, superb countryside for rallying and some great race circuits.
by Helen Tait-Wright
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015 | 35
Building & Renovation
36 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015 | 37
Small B/W Advert
only 32â&#x201A;Ź
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Derek Marriott ~ Plombier et Chauffagiste Tel: 09 61 40 44 60 38 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015 | 39
Siret: 533 313 508 00012
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Business & Finance The New UK Pension Regime and by David Hardy Expatriates in France
T
he new UK pension regime is just around the corner, coming into effect from 6th April. This is a major change for retirees, with the restrictions on how much income and lump sum you can take being removed for defined contribution schemes. Whether you are resident in the UK or France, everyone should review their pension holdings now to establish how they can best be utilised for their personal circumstances and objectives. This does not necessarily mean that you should make major changes though; it all depends on what you are hoping to achieve, how much risk you are in a position to take, what other assets and income you have and the tax implications. If you are, or will become, tax resident in France, then you need to understand the French tax rules, and the tax traps and opportunities. If you have a defined contribution scheme and are aged over 55, you are now free to choose how to access your funds. You could continue with income drawdown, so that you receive regular income each month and the balance remains invested. If you have not started drawing your pension, you could start by taking the 25% ‘tax free lump sum’ (though note that this is not tax free in France), and then start drawdown in the future. You could also choose to make withdrawals as and when you want, of any amount. For those who prefer to take a secure regular income through an annuity, this option remains available. As previously, you can also transfer into a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS), if this proves to be the best move for you. It is also possible to withdraw the whole fund in cash at one go, with no restrictions on what you do with the funds. However, this is a major decision and needs very careful consideration; you do not want to risk your long-term financial security. Do not forget that every pound you take out of your pension is a pound less sitting in your pension fund which could enhance or protect your future pension income, so think carefully before taking lump sums out to treat yourself.
UK government service, civil and military pensions are an exception, as they remain taxed in the UK. They are not directly taxed in France, but you still need to declare the income. It is included in the calculation of your taxable income and a credit equal to the French income tax and social charges that would have been payable is given. Large one-off lump sum payments from overseas pension funds are now generally taxed at 7.5% in France, plus the 7.4% social charges (unless you have Form S1 or if you do not have access to French health system). This is a relatively low rate of tax, and is of particular interest now that the UK pension regime gives you freedom to take large lump sums. This can present tax planning opportunities, but it is a complex area and you need to take personalised, specialist advice. This applies for all your pension options. Since for most people your pension savings are essential for your long-term financial security, it is really important that you explore all the available options now and understand how they affect you personally, before you decide what the best route is for you. Pensions are a highly specialist and complex area, with different rules for different types on pensions, so professional guidance is essential. David Hardy is Regional Manager of Siddalls France, Independent Financial Adviser, specialised in personal tax, inheritance, pension and investment planning for the British community in France since 1996.
u u
Siddalls France, Email: bordeaux.office@siddalls.net 05 56 34 75 51 or www.siddalls.net
Protect your wealth
You should be aware that if you still plan to contribute to your pension, if you use the new flexi access, unless your pension is worth £10,000 or less your annual allowance will fall from £40,000 to £10,000. This pension freedom does not apply to defined benefit (final salary) schemes. There is an option to transfer to a defined contribution scheme, but this would mean losing valuable benefits. Another element of the pension reform is that the 55% charge on death is abolished from 6th April. If you are under age 75 when you die, your beneficiaries do not need to pay any tax on the pension funds they inherit from you, whether they take it as a lump sum or income. They will pay tax if you are over 75, either at 45% if they take a lump sum, or at their marginal rate of tax if they take income. The government is considering applying the marginal rate of tax for lump sums too in the future. This also applies to annuities, but not to final salary schemes. In France, your pension income is generally added to your other income for the year taxed at the scale rates of tax, so at rates of up to 45%. The first €9,690 is tax free, and private pensions also receive a 10% deduction, with a maximum of €3,707. You also pay social charges of 7.4% on top, but this is waived if you do not yet have access to the French health system or if you have EU Form S1.
French finance in plain English
For fully compliant and expert financial advice David Hardy, Regional Manager: 05 56 34 75 51 bordeaux.office@siddalls.net
www.siddalls.net Siddalls France SASU, Parc Innolin, 3 Rue du Golf, CS 60073, 33701 Mérignac Cedex, forms part of the Blevins Franks group of companies - RCS BX 498 800 465. C.I.F. No E001669 auprès de ANACOFI-CIF association agréée par l’Autorité des Marchés Financiers et Courtier d’Assurances, Catégorie B - ORIAS 07 027 475. 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.
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015 | 41
French Income Tax
Y
ES - It’s that time of the year again - when we receive the dreaded income tax form to complete (from mid-April to mid-May).
As the forms were not available at the time of writing this article, I have decided to give you a prelude on French income tax. I will be explaining who has to fill in a tax form, what revenue you have to declare, how the double taxation treaty works between France and the UK and lots of other information. Next month, when the new forms are available, I will explain how to fill them in and give you dates and places where I will be available for free help.
Who has to fill in the tax form?
Basically everybody who is a French resident (lives in France more than 6 months per year) whether you are employed, self-employed or retired and even if you are obliged to pay tax in the UK. If it is your first time, you have to go to the Trésor public office (tax office) and ask for the forms, which are available from mid-April. In France, you are not taxed at source, which is why we need to fill in a form. The advantage is that if you have children or a spouse earning much less than you it will lower your taxable income, as you are taxed as a family, not an individual. Adults count as 1 point, the first 2 children as ½ point each and the third child and so on as 1 point. You then divide the total revenue of the family by the number of points you have, to know what your taxable income is. Unmarried couples have to fill in a tax form each.
When?
You fill in a tax form the following year, meaning you declare your revenue of 2014 in your 2015 tax form. So, if you moved to France before July last year, then you will need to fill in your first French tax form in April-May 2015, on which you declare your revenue of 2014. If your move was later than July, then you are not considered resident in 2014 and therefore you will have to fill in your first French tax form in April-May 2016, for your revenue of 2015. When you fill in a tax form in April-May, you receive the bill (called Avis d’imposition) in August-September of the same year. This is a very important document proving that you filled in your tax form and are therefore a French resident. This bill can show that you have nothing to pay.
What forms?
2047: This is a pink form on which you enter your revenue from abroad and you then transfer all those revenues onto a blue form called 2042. 2042: For the first time you declare. 2042SK: It is the simpler version of the 2042 usually used by employed people, as it is already filled in with salary information, so you only have to check that it is correct. 2042K: This the one most of you should use as you can report revenue from abroad on this one (you can’t on the 2042SK).
pay tax at source (i.e. in 2014 for 2014), it means that the first year you are in France, you end up paying tax twice but you do get it reimbursed. This will be shown on the Avis d’imposition that you receive in AugustSeptember of the year you fill in your first French tax form. Note that ex Civil Servants, police and military are taxed in the UK for their pension related to that government employment and always will be. When they fill in the French tax form, they enter their pension revenue in a special section, which gives them a tax credit equivalent to the tax which would have been due in France for the amount declared.
Avis d’imposition
This is a very important document not to be lost. It proves you are a French resident and it also proves your revenue. If you want to get some social help in France (CMU, CAF , RSA, etc), you have to show them this document. Some ISA saving accounts (LEP) are only available if you can show this document to your bank as it is only available for people with low income. These are only a few example of why it is an important document.
www.impots.gouv.fr
This is the official web site of the French tax authorities. You can download tax forms, find useful information (convention between France and UK), fill in your tax form online and also set up a monthly direct debit for your income tax, taxe d’ habitation and taxe fonciere.
Conclusion
It is an obligation. If you live in France, you have to fill in a French tax form. Next month, when the new forms are available, I will explain how to complete them and give you dates and places where I will be available for free help - so don’t panic. Finally don’t hesitate to contact me for any other information or quotes on subjects such as Inheritance law, funeral cover, French tax, car, house, professional, travel and top up health insurance, etc… And remember to check out our website where you can find all my previous articles under the ‘Practical Information’ page on the English site: www.bh-assurances.fr. You can also follow us on Twitter@charenteinsure
Double taxation
N° Orias 07004255
There is a treaty between France and the UK that means you cannot be taxed twice. But... you have to fill in the form United Kingdom/France Double Taxation Convention (SI 2009 Number 226) which you can download from the internet. However, you can only fill in this form once you have been taxed in France, as you have to put your French tax reference on the form. Once the form has been completed, you take it to the French tax office who stamp it and send it to Paris, who send it to the UK. Six months later, you will be reimbursed the tax that you paid in the UK since you arrived in France and will no longer be taxed at source in the UK. Because in France you pay tax for 2014 in 2015 and in the UK you 42 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015
BH Assurances 22 rue Jean Jaures 16700 Ruffec Contact Isabelle Want: Tel: 05 45 31 01 61 Mob: 06 17 30 39 11 Email: isabelle.want@bh-assurances.fr
Managing your Pension Savings
I
n the lead up to the major pension reforms on 6th April, there has been much discussion over what you should do with your pension now. Do you leave the funds in a pension drawdown scheme, so you can take income and leave the capital invested? Or do you withdraw all the capital to reinvest it more tax efficiently elsewhere? Or do your transfer into a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS)?
As I mentioned last month, since your pension savings are so important for your long-term financial security you need to weigh up all your options carefully to ensure you make the right decision for you, and do not take unnecessary risks. Specialist, professional advice is vital. There is another key issue to consider when it comes to looking after your retirement savings, one which has been somewhat overlooked in the excitement about the pension reforms. And that is how the underlying investments are managed. Whether you leave your pension in a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP), or transfer into a QROPS, or withdraw the funds and invest them within an assurance vie to benefit from the tax advantages, what you have, in the majority of cases, are investment funds in some wrapper or other that need to be well managed.
by Bradley Warden, Partner, Blevins Franks
You may decide to ‘do nothing’ with your pension and leave it in a SIPP - and for many this would be the right decision - but this does not mean that you should literally do nothing. This is a good time to review the underlying investments and consider if they are being well managed, and if the investment strategy is suitable for you. Some principles for successful investing include: •
The choice of investment assets should be based around your specific circumstances - including the fact that you are living in Spain/ France/Portugal/Cyprus/Malta - objectives and time horizon.
•
You should obtain a clear and objective assessment of your appetite for risk, to ensure your portfolio is suitable for you.
•
The investments should be suitably diversified over different asset types and markets to reduce risk.
It is also important to review your portfolio regularly to re-balance it. It can shift away from the one designed to match your risk profile and objectives, and your circumstances may have changed. Your pension funds were built up over a lifetime of working to provide for you in retirement. Whatever you choose to do with them now, you need to look after the underlying funds because it is these funds that provide income and financial security. For peace of mind take expert, personalised advice.
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015 | 43
On the Up!
Ask Amanda
by Sue Cook
I expect everyone has been watching the currency markets with interest over the last few months as the rate for the Pound against the Euro rises steadily. In just over two months the rate has risen by 9.2%. This means that for a transfer of £50,000 you will get an extra 5 750€. In January you would have received 63,500€ and as of the 9th March this has risen to 70,000€! The pound has recently hit its highest level against the Euro since 2007. It appears that low inflation, the ongoing Greek saga, and continued monetary easing in Europe is negatively affecting the Euro. The Euro has also continued to struggle against other currencies, falling 23% against the US dollar this year alone. So those are a few of the things that affect the markets, here are a few more examples of direct and indirect actions. A Government can influence its economy by direct control, manipulation of data or people. Direct Actions include: • Taxation • Public Spending • Setting Interest rates • Dealuation • Affiliation to international Economic organisations ie the EU • Intervention in the currency markets vie Central Banks Indirect actions include: • Key figures making statements • Political alignment • Adjusting data ie seasonal adjustments to unemployment
“I am planning to move permanently
to France, but am not sure where to go for information on the differences in regulations regarding tax, inheritance and pensions between France and my current country of residence.”
Whilst there are a number of forums and websites offering opinion and suggestions regarding the differences in French taxation from where you currently live, it is worth considering the following points before you make any decisions:
What experience does the person/site/forum have in this field?
Ensuring that the information you want is accurate, relevant to the country you will be living in and free of any personal bias and opinion, is vital in enabling you to make the right choices going forward.
Is the information you will receive regulated in the country you will be living? Rules and regulations in the country you are leaving will most likely be different to France. Making sure the recommendations you receive are based on what is best for you as a French resident is very important.
Has the person providing you the information personal experience of your questions? It is always a comfort to speak to someone who has ‘walked the walk’ and not just a casual or second hand grasp of your questions. Personal experiences can often assist people getting used to new legislations and bureaucracy.
Some of these factors have affected the recent rate hike. With very low UK inflation, a dovish Bank of England and weak Euro area economic activity, forecasts are that Sterling should stay high in the months to come. So if you are thinking of transferring monies in either direction over the coming months it would be wise to speak to us at Currencies Direct and start that conversation with your dealer so, when the time is right, you have the correct information at your finger tips and can make the most of your money. u u
Sue Cook of Currencies Direct 05 55 03 66 69 or 06 89 99 28 89
44 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015
Whether you want to register for our newsletter, attend one of our road shows or speak to me directly, please call or email me on the contacts below and I will be glad to help you. We do not charge for reviews, reports or recommendations we provide. With Care, You Prosper. Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Lausanne, Paris, Cote d’Azur, Barcelona, Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Madrid, Mallorca, Rome. «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»
u u
Amanda Johnson of The Spectrum IFA Group 05 49 98 97 46 or 06 73 27 25 43
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The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015 | 45
The Perfect Recipe.... by Joanna Leggett Just Add Butter!
C
elles-sur-Belle is famous - not only for the Abbaye Royale with its magnificent grounds - but for the magical butter it produces.
To first taste it, make sure you’ve got your natural sea salt, preferably from the nearby Atlantic coast, and perhaps some farmfresh radishes .. smear them with Celles-sur-Belle butter, sprinkle with some natural sel: from your first bite it will be abundantly clear why this butter is renowned as one of the world’s best. So, having whetted your appetite, what about the pretty town of Celles-sur-Belle itself? Not far from Melle and Niort, the Marais Potievin is an easy drive; airports are at Poitiers and La Rochelle, the junctions for the A10 and A83 motorways close by, the TGV at Poitiers and St Maixent l’Ecole. Centred around its 12th century abbey (once a famed stop on the route to Compostela) this small town boasts a weekly market (Wednesdays), shops, bars and supermarket to provide the daily necessities of life and the bread upon which to spread the butter! Accommodation is available at a number of chambres d’hôtes - the Hostellerie de l’Abbaye even boasting a micro-brewery! Close by Celles and currently for sale are two four-bedroomed properties; the first a beautiful traditional house (Reference: 47839, photo opposite) with outbuildings, large garden and swimming pool. Spread over two levels there are many south-facing doors and windows allowing natural light to flood in. Outside there is a vast Dutch barn, pool room with shower and stone barbecue and a generous-sized terrace. Almost entirely enclosed, it is on the market for 194,400€. The other is a perfect country retreat, not too isolated and well maintained: a detached village house with stunning views (Reference 21455, photo below) recently reduced in price to 212,500€. The gardens extend over 2,000 square metres and feature lawns, mature trees and shrubs. No less than three separate vehicle entrances, a garage and workshop complete the outside. Inside there is a large kitchen, conservatory and all the other things one requires from a country home (including hot air vents to maximise the warmth from the wood burning stove). Views extend out over the forest or the gardens - a wonderful family home or ideal holiday retreat.
Leggett Immobilier is one of the leading estate agents in France. You can access all our local property listings at www.frenchestateagents.
com/poitou-charentes-property u u
Leggett Immobilier www.frenchestateagents.com
46 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, April 2015