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Welcome! to Issue 60 of
‘The Deux-Sèvres Monthly’ magazine.
Hi everyone and welcome to a ‘lovely’ issue for February. I know I haven’t gone for a fluffy, pink cover shot this month that is so typical for Valentines, but my selection goes a little deeper. Wood - a gift given to celebrate 5 years of marriage....and I do feel like I’m in a second marriage with this magazine sometimes, so as our 5th anniversary approaches, it seemed the perfect choice! Inside you’ll definitely find some more traditional items for Valentine’s Day, inlcuding a romantic menu offered by Ginger’s Kitchen and Mélusine’s medieval love story. But there’s also plenty without with the fluffiness! So do continue reading.... I hope you’re keeping the fires burning....not long until we can reopen the shutters! Stay warm and look after yourselves. As always - I’d like to thank you all - readers, advertisers and contributors for your continued support.
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’ Getting Out & About A-Z of the Communes in the Deux-Sèvres Hobbies Clubs & Associations Our Furry Friends Communications Food & Drink Of Legend, Love and...Coffee? Health, Beauty & Fitness Take a Break Home & Garden Motoring Building & Renovation Business & Finance Property
This Month’s Advertisers
ABORDimmo Ace Pneus (Tyre Fitting) Affordable UK Designs (Kitchens & UPVC Double Glazing) Agence Immobilier A.I.P AKE Petit Travaux (Builder) A La Bonne Vie (Restaurant and Auberge) Alan Pearce Plumbing & Heating Allez Français Amanda Johnson - The Spectrum IFA Group
4 6 10 12 14 16 18 20 24 26 27 28 32 34 41 45
45 33 2 46 38 21 37 47 42
Andrew Longman (Plumbing & Heating) 37 Anne Dessens Vocal Coaching 13 ARB French Property 28 & 47 Arbrecadabra Tree Surgery 30 Arbres et Abeilles Plant Nursery 30 Argo Carpentry 34 Assurances Maucourt (GAN) 33 Bar Le Clemenceau 6 Beaux Villages Immobilier 47 BH Assurances / Allianz - Isabelle Want 41 Bill McEvoy (Plumber/Heating Engineer) 37 Blevins Franks Financial Management 44 Building & Renovation Services 40 Café Bonbon 6 Camping Les Prairies du Lac 45 Caniclôture Hidden Fences 16 Cherry Picker Hire 35 Chris Parsons (Heating, Electrical, Plumbing) 36 Christies (English Book Shop & Tea Room) 6 CJ Electricité 39 Clean Sweep Chimney Services 39 Currencies Direct - Sue Cook 43 Cut 46 Hair Salon 26 Darren Lawrence (Renovation work) 40 David Cropper (Stump Grinding) 29 David Watkins Chimney Sweep 39 Deb Challacombe (Online counsellor) 26 Derek Marriott Plumbing and Heating 37 Down to Earth Pool Design 45 Duncan White - Agent Commerciale 46 Ecopower Europe (Solar Power) 39 Finagaz (Gas tank suppliers and installers) 37 Franglais Deliveries 33 Frenchic Furniture Paint 28 Ginger’s Kitchen 21 Hallmark Electronique 39 Haynes Carpentry (U.P.V.C Double Glazing) 38 Ian Horton (Fosse Septiques & Renovations) 34 Inter Décor (Tiles & Bathrooms) 36 Irving Location - Digger Hire 35 Irving Location - Septic Tank Installation & Groundworks 35 James Moon Construction 35 Jb Plumbing 36 Jeff’s Metalwork 34 John Purchase - Mobile Mechanic 33 La Deuxième Chance (Annie Sloan Chalk Paint supplier) 28 Leggett Immobilier 46 L’Emporium Shop 6 Le Tour de Finance 42 Mark Sabestini Renovation & Construction 38 ML Computers 19 Motor Parts Charente 33 M. Page Landscaping 29 Mr Piano Man 13 MSS Construction 38 Mutuelles de Poitiers Assurances 33 Naturalis Pools 48 Needa Hand Services 29 Pamela Irving (Massage & Reflexology) 26 Plan 170 (Professional Scale Drawings) 39 Polar Express (Frozen Food Supplier) 20 Projet Piscine (Swimming Pool solutions) 45 Restaurant des Canards 20 Rob Berry Plastering Services 40 Robert Lupton Electrician 39 ROC Fleuri School 5 Ross Hendry (Interface Consulting & Engineering) 18 Sarah Berry Online (Websites & Graphics) 19 Sarl Down to Earth Construction (Groundworks and Micro Station Installer) 35 Sarl PCEM (Plumbing, heating & Electricity) 36 Satellite TV 19 Simon the Tiler 38 Simply Homes & Gardens 29 Smart Services (Home & Garden Services) 29 Steve Coupland (Property Services) 38 Steve Enderby (Painter, Decorator, Carpenter) 36 Steve Robin (Plumber) 36 Sue Burgess (French Classes & Translation) 8 Tersannes Timber (Gates & Fencing) 30 The English Mechanic & Son - Tony Eyre 33 Val Assist (Translation Services) 8
© Sarah Berry 2016. 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: fevrier 2016 - Tirage: 4500 exemplaires. Siret: 515 249 738 00011 ISSN: 2115-4848
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, February 2016 | 3
What’s On...
2nd & 4th Wednesdays - Children’s Activities At Café Bonbon, Chapelle aux Lys. 2pm-4pm. See advert on P.6. 5th February - Irish Music Acoustic Session At Bar Tabac Le St Paul, Parthenay. See advert on P.7. 5th February - Reaction Theatre AGM At the salle under le petit théatre, 7.15pm. All welcome. 6th February - Start of RBS 6-Nations Championships See www.rbs6nations.com for all fixtures and news 8th February - Chinese New Year The year of the Monkey 9th February - Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras) Will it be pancakes or just generally ‘gorging’ before the fasting period of Lent? 11th February - Darts Night At Bar Le Clemenceau. See advert on P.6. 13th February - 3 course Dinner with Bubbly & Quiz At Café Bonbon, La Chapelle aux Lys. See advert on P.6. 13th February - Grumpy’s Fun Quiz at Ste. Gemme Email roland.scott@wanadoo.fr for more details 14th February - 4 course Valentine’s Lunch with Live Jazz At Restaurant des Canrds, Chef Boutonne. See advert on P.20. 15th February - CSSG Quiz At the Salle in St Pardoux 17th February - Cancer Support Deux-Sèvres AGM At Voyageur Auberge, Menigoute at 10.30am. Open to all. 21st February - Traditional Sunday Roast At Bar Le Clemenceau. See advert on P.6. 19th-21st February - Fête du Mimosa, Ile d’Oleron A bright and fun festival - Free admission. See article on P.7 for more information. 27th February - Hope Assoc. Charity Shop Reopens 10am - 4pm. See advert on P.16. 27th February - Curry Night At Bar Le Clemenceau. See advert on P.6. 28th February - Fundraising Walk At Clavé. Raising monies for Vasles Netball Club.
What’s Coming Up...
5th March - CSSG AGM at Café des Belles Fleurs, Fenioux 9th March - Le Tour de Finance in Poitiers See advert on P.42. 10th March - Frenchic Paint Workshop. See advert on P.28. 17th March - Financial Seminar by Blevins Franks 10am start, at Domaine de Griffier, nr Niort. See ad on P.44 6th April - ORFEE Charity Shop opening
The National Holidays, Religious and Feast Days 2016 Tuesday 2nd February Tuesday 9th February Sunday 14th February Thursday 3rd March Thursday 17th March Sunday 27th March
Chandeleur (Fête des Crêpes) Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras) Valentine’s Day (Saint Valentin) Grandmother’s Day (Grands-mères) Saint Patrick’s Day Easter Sunday (Pâques)
Monday 28th March Sunday 1st May Thursday 5th May Sunday 8th May
Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques) Labour Day (Fête du Travail) Ascension Day (Ascension) Victory in Europe Day (Fête de la Victoire)
Monday 16th May
Pentacost (Lundi de Pentecôte)
Sunday 15th May Sunday 29th May Sunday 19th June Tuesday 21st June
Tuesday 1st November Friday 11th November Sunday 25th December
The Chaplaincy of Christ the Good Shepherd, Poitou-Charentes, hold English speaking monthly services. •
1st Sunday at 10.30am: At Chef Boutonne. Followed by tea & coffee. • 2nd Sunday at 11am: the home of Ann White, Jassay • 4th Sunday at 10.30am: the Parish Church at Pompaire 79200 (rue du Baille Ayrault). 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: office.goodshepherd@orange.fr Further information from the Chaplaincy Office 05 49 97 04 21 or from John & Barbara Matthews 05 49 75 29 71
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 visit: www.therendezvous.fr
The English Speaking Church of the Valley of the Loire (ESCOVAL) Meet at the R.C. Church in Arçay every 3rd Sunday at 11.00am. 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
Pentacost (Pentecôte)
Mother’s Day (Fête des Mères) Father’s Day (Fête des Pères) World Music Day (Fête de la Musique)
Thursday 14th July NationalDay(FêteNationale) Monday 15th August Assumption of Mary (Assomption) Sunday 2nd October Monday 31st October
February 2016
Grandfather’s Day (Fête des Grand-pères) Halloween
All Saint’s Day (Toussaint) Armistice Day (Armistice) Christmas Day (Noël)
Dates in blue represent celebration days, not public holidays.
4 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, February 2016
CONTACT
Sarah Berry on 05 49 70 26 21 Monday - Thursday 9am - 1pm & 2pm - 6pm Email: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
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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 Celles-sur-Belle 79370 Sauzé-Vaussais 79190 Niort 79000 La Mothe St Héray 79800 Thouars 79100 - and - Melle 79500 Bressuire 79300 - and - Champdeniers 79220 Chef-Boutonne 79110 Airvault 79600 - and - Niort 79000 Saint Maixent-l’École 79400 Fontenay-le-Comte 85200 Coulon 79510 - and - Neuville-de-Poitou 86170
Mr T’s Friterie
CLOSED FOR JANUARY & FEBRUARY REOPENS 3RD MARCH 2016 See www.frying4u2nite.com for details or call 06 02 22 44 74
Reel Fish & Chips Now in our 10th Year! February 20th - Salle de Fete, SCILLÉ 19.00 - 22.00 Tel: 06 04 14 23 94 - www.reelfishandchips.net
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, February 2016 | 5
Getting Out & About
Association Orfee - New Shop News... by Jan Smith
The Orfee Shop transformation is still ongoing, although a little held up by the bad weather and illness over recent weeks. The back half of the barn floor was successfully cemented at the end of December and looks super smooth, just like a dance floor. Completing the front half will be the the first priority once we are able. February’s tasks are to paint the walls and get all the fixtures and fittings in place. This is where you come in, if you can. Anyone with spare painting equipment, masonry paint, shelving, rails or racking looking for a new home... for loan, free or very cheap, please feel free to contact orfeeshop@ gmail.com - thanking you in advance. We do have some shelving and rails donated, but still need some more. If you can help us it would be very much appreciated. March’s task is to stock the shop ready for the April 6th opening. If you have donations of goods to sell in the shop, could we ask you to hold onto them a little while longer please, until the end of February/early March. Until the walls and floors are done, we don’t have the facility to store things in a safe and dry place. Thanks again. Before I start (to end) the Orfee Shop catch-up, we have sad news to report. Orfee volunteer, Pauline Tonks, died very suddenly and unexpectedly early in January. Pauline was the first person to volunteer help when the call went out, and came along full of enthusiasm. She was a great animal lover and was looking forward to new challenges. Pauline we will miss you in our new endeavour..
That’s all for now, more next month.. The Assocation Orfee In English Contact Caroline: Tel: 05 45 96 02 79 Email: OrfeeInEnglish3@gmail.com Visit the website:
www.orfeeinenglish.com
6 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, February 2016
SHARE YOUR EV ENTS ! Entries into the What’s On Listing (P.4) are free! + we can add your event to our Facebook page.... Simply email us: events@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
Blooming Mimosas!
by Julie Tee
Since the first Mimosa Festival of Saint-Trojan-les-Bains in 1959, this bright yellow flower brightens the streets of the southernmost village of the island of Oleron every February. The annual folk tradition brings together all generations, to watch the parade of floats decorated with mimosa. Acacia dealbata (also known as mimosa, or blue or silver wattle) is, in fact, a species of Acacia. A fast-growing evergreen tree which can grow up to 30m tall, it produces large groups of small bright yellow ‘bobbly’ blossoms. Native to Australia, thus flowering in the Australian summer months, the species typically bloom from mid-January to mid-March. The flowers are sweetly scented and are often harvested for use as cut flowers. First introduced to St Trojan in the autumn of 1892, Mimosa is now found across most of the Island of Oleron.
PROGRAMME Friday 19th February 8pm Free concert by the Philharmonic Oléronaise at the church Saturday 20th February 6am to 7pm: Brocante (flea market) 10am, 11am & 3pm: tourist train journeys (1h30 , paid) 8pm: ‘Ball’ with orchestra at the village hall Sunday 21st February: 10am & 11am: tourist train journeys (1h30, paid) From 11 am: All day carnival From 2pm – the procession of floats - finishing at the salle around 4.30pm
It was in 1954 that the first Mimosa Festival was organised. However, with temperatures dropping to -9˚C that February, the festival was a disaster. The strong frosts of the following year resulted in another failure, with the -15˚C temperatures destroying many of the trees. It took another 4 years until the young shoots recovered sufficiently to flower again. Finally, on February 8th 1959, the first festival took place. A modest attempt, with just a few stands in front of the Casino displaying their bouquets, nearly 2,000 cars are recorded to have crossed the water (then by ferry, as the road bridge wasn’t introduced until 1966) with the ‘tourists’ buying up all of the mimosa. The festival was considered a success and written into the history of Saint-Trojan les Bains. In 1985, the 26th festival was again cancelled due to the weather. The following year saw the introduction of a procession of floats and musical bands, and this is the carnival theme which has continued. If you are keen to visit this year’s festival - it takes place from the evening of Friday 19th February through to Sunday 21st February. See the programme opposite for details of events, or visit the Fête du Mimosa website: www.lafetedumimosa.com FÊTE DU MIMOSA, Centre ville, 17370, ST TROJAN LES BAINS, Isle d’Oleron. Mimosa bloom: Jim Hutchison of GT Photography Group, Floats: www. lafetedumimosa.com and Oleron Tourist Office: www.ile-oleron-marennes.com
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, February 2016 | 7
by Sue Burgess
Spring Clean
S
pring Cleaning (le grand nettoyage de printemps / le grand ménage de printemps) was/is a thorough cleaning of the house that was/is carried out at the end of winter or the beginning of the spring.
«Le ménage ou nettoyage de printemps» is an expression which exists in many different languages and cultures and is something that has been done since the dawn of time. «Faire le ménage de printemps» is a very old tradition which has its origins in the agricultural world where it was necessary to empty and clear out cellars and attics (caves et greniers) to make room for the harvests to come. There is possibly a religious origin too. The Jews (les juifs) thoroughly clean their house before Passover (la Pâque juive) taking care to remove any traces of yeast (levain) and bread crumbs (miettes de pain). «Le nettoyage de Pessah» Passover Cleanout corresponds to a Spring clean to which is added the destruction of «hamets». This word regroups different kinds of cereal crops (blé, orge, avoine, épeautre, seigle) (wheat, barley, oats, einkorn and rye) «Le ‘hamets», represent our selfishness which must be got rid of.
Nowadays in a lot of families this «grand nettoyage» is done as soon as the heating is switched off. « Le ménage de printemps » needs to be done when the weather is good enough for us to be able to open all the windows and air the house (aérer en grand la maison). Some vocabulary you will need if you are going to « faire le grand nettoyage de printemps » : throw away (jeter), sort (trier), tidy up (ranger), wash (laver), clean (nettoyer).
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The famous Spring Clean «grand ménage de printemps» comes from the days when we knew how to take the time to do things (prendre le temps)! Spring Cleaning is the essential of the «Larousse de la bonne ménagère» (Good Housekeepers’ Dictionary) and other such books which used to be given as wedding presents to newly weds.
You might need to buy: bin liners (poches/sacs poubelles), sponges (éponges), a squeegee (raclette à vitres), steam cleaner (nettoyeur à vapeur), vacuum cleaner (aspirateur) and mop (serpillère). Erratum from January issue A leap in the dark should read «saut dans l’inconnu» in French
Vocabulary / Vocabulaire:
to make one's bed
faire son lit
to clean............................
to iron
repasser
to sweep........................... balayer
to mend (clothes)
raccommoder
to dust.............................
to set the table
mettre le couvert
nettoyer épousseter
to vacuum......................... passer l'aspirateur
to clear the table
débarrasser la table
to wash............................. laver
to look after
s'occuper de
to rinse.............................
housewife
Une ménagère / une femme au foyer
to throw away / out.......... jeter
cleaner
Une femme de ménage
to tidy (up)........................ ranger
home help
Une aide ménagère
to put away one’s things... ranger ses affaires
a maid
Une bonne
rincer
8 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, February 2016
FEBRuary and ‘Les Calendriers Des Mois Romane’
T
by Howard Needs
his time of the year was the time of fasting (no meat or poultry) which, before the Council of Trento in 1563, lasted 100 days and everyone was dependant on fish. Sea fish was not available inland due to the transport times and local fishing industries were important. Monasteries had extensive fish ponds and one supposes that the villages too had their ponds. However, fishing is not an activity depicted in the painted church calendars, perhaps because it is not localised to one individual month. The most usual wall painting portrayal for February is the countryman warming his feet in front of a fire. However, other activities are found here and there, such as the pruning of trees, the sowing of spring grain and once a misplaced Janus. A young noble woman with candles seems to be confined to a relatively small proportion of paintings in manuscripts and probably has a significance other than the work of the year. After the end of the 15th century she was replaced by a young shepherdess with her sheep – traditionally Ste Genevieve. This last can be seen as a separate wall painting in the private chapel St Guillaume à Ste. Gemme, Deux-Sèvres. The old man or woman, feet bare, is warming in front of a blazing fire with socks hung up to dry in a rather bare room with little furniture; always muffled up in warm clothing, often with a hood up, even indoors. Sitting usually on a stool but sometimes in a chair with a back – luxury in those days I should think. Later paintings can show a peasant watching a cauldron hanging above an open fire. Pruning of trees is the next most common activity seen mostly in manuscripts together with collecting firewood. Associated with this, is the repair of dwellings; these, even for the country folk, varied from the most primitive – little more than half pit and half roof above - to more substantial wood frame buildings with wattle and daub walls.
During the high middle ages the forests were open to all, but from 13th century, restrictions became more and more stringent. The peasant used the forest as a source of firewood and building timber, as grazing for his sheep and pigs, as a source of food - berries, nuts and so on and as a source of fern bedding for his animals. As these restrictions increased, his life became increasingly difficult and at the same time reference to forestry in the calendars reduced. In general, in the painted church calendars, the only forest reference is October and collecting of acorns for the pigs. There are not that many images of February and even less of January because of the traditional position low down on the left hand side of the diaphragm arch where deliberate destruction or vandalism was easy.
CONTRIBUTIONS... We are always looking for new articles for consideration in future issues. Photos Top and Bottom left: Église Saint-Étienne, Paulnay, Indre, Bottom middle: Église de l’Assomption de Notre Dame, Clairavaux, Creuse and Bottom right: Lignières de Touraine Église St Martin, Indre et Loire. © Howard Needs 2016.
You can call Sarah on 05 49 70 26 21 with any ideas, or send them on an email to: info@thedeuxsevresmonthlyfr The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, February 2016 | 9
A-Z of the Communes in the Deux-Sèvres
by Sue Burgess
A voir / Must see
Belvédère des Rouleaux Photo: www.mazieres-en-gatine.fr
MAZIÈRES-EN-GÂTINE
T
he inhabitants of Mazières are the Mazièrois and the Mazièroises. The Gâtine vendéenne is an area of granite valleys and wooded countryside on the south eastern side of the Armorican uplands. The word « gâtine » means « terre gâtée » (spoiled land), that is to say « mauvaise terre » (bad land). Mazières-en-Gâtine is situated at the south of the Gâtine, at the gateway to the Plaine (Plains) in Niort and Saint-Maixent l’Ecole area, 25 km north of Niort, and 15 km south of Parthenay. Mazières-en-Gâtine was originally an ancient Gallic then GalloRoman village. It was ransacked during the barbarian invasions. In the Middle Ages the Sires of Mazières were the Vassals of the Lords of Verruyes, who themselves depended on the Lords of Parthenay. In the Renaissance period, Mazières-en-Gâtine depended on the counts of Breuillac. The latter built the Château du Petit-Chêne. The commune was set on fire during the Vendée wars. For a long time isolated, overpopulated and poor (the land is covered with gorse and heather which makes farming difficult), the commune began its economic rise in the second part of the 19th century because of the roads joining Niort, Parthenay and Saint-Maixent. A local legend says that the ‘Chemin des Chaussée’, the remains of a Roman road joining Périgueux and Limoges to Nantes and crossing the Gâtine, is a natural barricade for storms. Mazières can be found on a map in the collection of maps of the Abbey of Saint-Maixent dated between 1040 and 1060. In this document Mazières is written Macérias, which means «ruin» in Latin. The spelling “Mazières” is found in 1093 in the same series of maps. There is the idea of a village since the church is mentioned. The church belonged to the Abbey of Saint Maixent. Mazières is not very big nor very well-known. However, it is the home of several well-known people: • Léopold Goirand was born in Melle. He was a local councillor and then an MP. In 1894 he proposed a white paper which aimed to ensure that married women could benefit from their salaries. He became a senator in 1906. In 1907 he became Mayor of Paris (first arrondissement), and spent his time between Paris and Mazières where he owned the Château of the Petit Chêne which he had bought in 1890. • René Verriet de Litardière (1888 – 1957) was born in Mazières-en-Gâtine on 24 June 1888. He became a botanist and is renowned for his work on grasses and ferns. • Roger Thabault (1895 – 1979). Roger was born in Mazièresen-Gâtine. His father changed his career and from clog making, became a grain merchant. Roger went into teaching and then became a Teacher Trainer and School Inspector. From 1945 – 1955 he was School Inspector in Morocco. On his return to France he became general inspector for the Ministry of Education. He wrote a lot of school textbooks, reports and studies. Mazières’ secondary school is named after him.
10 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, February 2016
• Saint Barnabé Church Saint Barnabé church was built at the beginning of the 12th century and then enlarged during the 19th century. The only remaining Romanesque feature is the apse. On the walls inside the church, there is a well preserved 17th century «litre funéraire» (painted funeral ribbon) and 2 polychrome wooden statues. The stained glass windows of the nave and the transept date from the end of the 19th century and were made by the Guérithault brothers, two local craftsmen.
Photo: Louise Morgan
The interior of the church was renovated in the sixties and the outside stonework has recently been cleaned and renovated. The church is open for visits every day except when there is a service in progress. Although technically speaking on the commune of Saint Marc la Lande, the private gardens of la Ménardière (which belongs to the old people’s home) is the meeting place for the Mazièrois. The château, which houses the old people’s home, had the particularity of getting its water supply using a hydraulic ram. This machine was invented by Montgolfier in 1796 to lift water above the height of the water fall. It was built and fitted in 1877 and brought the water into a cistern fitted in the attics of the Château. It could propel water a distance of 170m – from the ram to the Château – and raise the water by 23.3m. • The Town Wash-house Mazières has several different wash-houses which you can discover by following the walk known as the Rand’eau. This signposted ramble starts in front of the Town Hall. It is 4km long and takes about 1h30. The town’s website www.mazieres-en-gatine.fr proposes two other pleasant walks, one to the North of the bourg and one to the South. The details of the three walks and maps can be found and downloaded from the website. • Belvédère des Rouleaux From this viewpoint (photo, top of page) you can see the Kléber Moreau quarry. The viewpoint has been fitted out on a hillock at a height of 210m. The diorite is a quality blue stone used today for the high speed train line from Paris to Bordeaux. An information panel at the viewpoint explains how the stone is extracted and takes you through the different stages of production. • The Petit Chêne golf course At the golf course there is an 18 hole course par 72 – 6021m, a 6 hole Pitch & Putt par 18 – 400m, and a practice range with 30 stations, twelve of which are covered. The golf course surrounds the Château du Petit Chêne and is situated 3km from the village as you go out of Mazières towards Niort.
More A-Z of the Communes of Deux-Sèvres next month...
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, February 2016 | 11
Hobbies More from local writer Alison Morton... Please see back issues of ‘The DSM’ if you would like to see previous articles.
You Can Tell a Book by Its Cover
I
f you want to sell your beautifully written and edited book you need to nail title, cover and description or few will pick it up or download it. Last month we looked at titles; now we investigate what makes an enticing cover.
First, collect a selection of covers you like. I copied thumbnail images from Amazon into a Word document over several months. (see graphic opposite). When I analysed them, I could see I liked a strong central image and bold colours. This is a way to clarify what you like; your publisher may have a different view, but at least you’ve firmed up your own ideas. Next, think about your book theme. Is it a light romance, a deep, gritty investigation into a psychological issue, a historical story, an exciting thriller or non-fiction? The following aren’t prescriptive rules, but tendencies and what readers generally expect: Romance: pastels, soft lines, idealised sometimes cartoon characters, real photographs with period costume if historical romance, lovers embracing, skin, curling patterns, flowers, light landscapes, a female figure turning. Thrillers: solid dark colours, including black, archway/gateway or narrow gap between buildings, iconic symbol or building, night time or at least shadows, weapons, binoculars, playing cards, dice, dark water, e.g. lakes in winter. Crime: Blood pooling or stains, dark designs as in thrillers, figures in shadow, rotting wood, bleak moors. Historicals: historic buildings, full or partial people in period costume or armour, famous paintings, weapons, especially swords, battlefields, carved patterns with Gothic or old style lettering, clothing and furniture, sailing ships, tapestries. Sci-fi: futuristic buildings and costume, planets, spaceships, dystopian themes, light and colour patterns, digital lettering, cyborg military, stylised female figures, horizons, strange landscapes and plants. Paranormal: vampires, ghosts, often romantic couples, skin, werewolves, range of colours, but tending to darker. Fantasy: elaborate landscape, dragons, swords, stylised figures, male and female, fire, red, leather clothes and wristbands, clockfaces, play with light. Literary: artistic, sometimes transgressive, individual design For non-fiction, images directly associated with the book subject, plain colour, strong, clear design, photographs to the edge if about a location or special building, historical paintings/mosaic, large photograph of subject if a biography.
12 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, February 2016
Some Design Guidelines
I heartily recommend you commission a professional designer; they will lift your book to a different level. If you decide to DIY, keep it clear, simple and uncluttered – one person, symbol or object on the front and the same colour background on the back. Less is more. Photographs/illustrations/paintings should go across the whole front cover and not hover in the centre. Use an appropriate font – strong, bold and large without serifs for crime and thrillers, thinner serif ones for general fiction and chicklit, stylised for historical fiction, according to period, but not so elaborate they are unreadable. Contrast the font as much as you can with the colour behind it and really try to avoid scarlet, orange, yellow, light green or light blue lettering. Black, white, gold or silver are all good standbys. Use the same colour and style of font on the back as on the front and check it’s readable. And finally, if you’re selling in any online store do check the cover looks good as a thumbnail.
Alison has compiled the articles from this column into The 500 Word Writing Buddy, available on Amazon. Her fourth novel, AURELIA, is out now
YOUR Book Reviews Small Colour Advert
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Huge thanks go to regular reviewers, Dennis Walby and Patricia Mc Avoy for more great book reviews. If you’d like to share a book review with us, please email: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
‘I am Malala’ by Malala Yousafzai aided by Christina Lamb There is no doubt about the bravery of this petite girl living in a country that is sandwiched between China, Afghanistan and India. To make matters worse, she lived in the region of the Swat valley. Her story is told with simple candour and determination. Firm in the belief his girl would receive an education, her father experienced all manner of obstacles and even threats to ensure that she did. It is obviously where she inherited the same resolve and was equally sure of the right for women to be educated. Although the story that made the news was stirring enough, the background and insight to life in that part of the world is equally riveting. In keeping with ‘The DSM’s’ new year resolutions I learned one thing, a new poetic form called tapey. Two lines of 10 or 11 syllables, it strains the ability for conciseness. The two lines should also rhyme. More traditional epic Persian poems use the same line structure but have been known to last hours! Malala’s mother, herself illiterate, was never so sure that girls should be educated. Her loyalty to family ensures this view slowly changes and it is an interesting sub-plot to the events that made the news. This brave girl had to have her face remoulded in a British hospital and her resolution to continue her fight for the right to education is inspiring. Anyone interested in the story behind news stories that fade quickly, should read this. With that may come a little more understanding about people who live in an area where dogma is used as a political weapon. by D.Walby
‘The Sunrise’ by Victoria Hislop This well written novel is set in Cyprus in the 70s when Turkish and Greek forces fight to gain control. Most Cypriots want only to live in peace and this is typified by two ordinary families, one Greek the other Turkish. The two mothers are firm friends. Both suffer the pain of a son running away to fight. The wealthy owners of the Sunrise hotel live a totally different lifestyle from the two families, but when the wife begins an affair with a son from the Greek family all become intertwined. Like the island this is a story of division. Of love and hatred, wealth and poverty, loyalty and betrayal, generosity, kindness and brutality. In these circumstances will love survive? Can friendship endure? Read and enjoy.
1/8 Page Colour Advert Only 40€
by Patricia Mc Avoy
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, February 2016 | 13
Clubs & Associations ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS 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-€pe.net or visit www.aafrancesud-ouest.com for details of English-speaking meetings.
TheatriVasles
A vibrant group based in Vasles (79340) offering quality theatre productions. New members always welcome. Contact www.theatrivasles.com, find us on Facebook or call Richard on 05 49 63 41 09. CLE (Charente Limousine Exchange) is a non-profit organisation for exchange of news, views and information. We work to protect member’s best interests, run social activities, events and clubs, helping members to make new ex-patriot and French friends. Barry Leech 05 49 87 19 85 contact@cle-france.com www.cle-france.com.
Bilingual LitFest: 24-26 June 2016, Voulmentin 79150
We would welcome volunteers to distribute publicity, act as marshals, offer technical support, transport or accommodation. To join the team and register as a friend of the festival contact Howard Needs: needsho@cc-parthenay.fr
Shamanic Drum circle for laughter and health.... held in Chanteloup Salle (near Bressuire - dept. 79) Wednesdays 3pm - 4.30pm Price 15€ To book your place or for more information please call Pam on 05 49 65 55 25 or email: irving.philip@wanadoo.fr
RAFA provides direct, practical support, comradeship and friendship to all serving and former RAF personnel and their loved ones. Contact RAFA Sud-Ouest France email: rafasof@orange.fr or Tel 05.46.95.38.39 Website Short URL: http://goo.gl/ut80T
Woodturners/Woodworkers
Are there any other amateur woodturners/woodworkers out there who might be interested in forming a club to share ideas, tips etc? Any level of ability, beginners to experienced. Contact Roland 05 49 96 44 10, preferably evening. THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION LINAZAY, POITOU-CHARENTES BRANCH
Please visit the branch website: www.rblpoitou-charentes.fr
GARDENING CLUB
ThouarStMed’Arts - Association that aims to bring together
JUST BRASS 79
FANCY A KICK ABOUT?
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).
A British style band, who meet each Tuesday at 8pm, at the Salle de la Cendille, Limalonges (just 1km from the N10). All levels welcome. Contact www.justbrass79.fr or call Penny on 06 38 78 99 92 or Christian on 05 49 29 78 84.
Craft Café Creatif
Do you enjoy knitting or sewing in the company of others? Join us in L’Absie for an enjoyable afternoon over a cup of tea and a piece of cake. For details contact Margaret on email: knight.margaret@orange.fr
Acceuil des Villes Françaises A French association dedicated to welcoming newcomers, from across France & abroad, to their new environment; helping them to integrate, speak French and feel ‘at home’ through social www.avf.asso.fr events and activities. pjhenderson@orange.fr
“You speak French as bad as I speak English?”
Then we are made for meeting each other together with other French and English learners. We meet once a month in a bar in Niort at 11am, over a cup of tea/coffee, to speak and improve our French-English talks. Contact Joseph for further details joseph.aubineau@laposte.net 06 73 70 14 21
Tai Chi in Bressuire and Le Breuil Barret
Each Tuesday evening (8.30pm-9.30pm) at the Centre SocioCulturel in Bressuire. Each Friday afternoon (3pm-4.30pm) at the Salle Communale in Le Breuil Barret. Simply turn up in loose, comfortable clothing and flat soled footwear. Phone Terry on 05 49 65 60 34 or visit: www.chentaiji-fr.com 14 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, February 2016
people from the historic town of Thouars (Quartier Saint Médard) for a new development of artistic activity. Exhibitions, galleries, brocantes, creators, cultural events etc. Visit the website: thouarsaintmedarts79.asso-web.com
We are a small group of footballers who meet on Thursday evenings at 7pm in L’Absie for an informal kick about in the park. New players of all ages and abilities always welcome. For details email: john.etherington@orange.fr
COME and PRACTICE your FRENCH
with a friendly group of French and English speakers. Each Wednesday at 7.30pm at the Salle des Fêtes, St Loup sur Thouet 79600. First lesson: 9th September. Call Christian for more details: 05 49 63 04 78
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
Come KNIT/CROCHET with us every Friday at 3.30pm in the Café des Sports, Chef-Boutonne. Beginners to Experts - all welcome. Contact us via Facebook (Girls that do knitting and crochet) or Melanie on 06 65 17 89 16.
Combined Services
Support Group (CSSG)
T
by Terri Laverick
his is the second time that I have had to write this article beginning with sad news. Mrs Pauline Tonks, one of our long standing Committee Members passed away in January; we shall miss her very much. Pauline gave so much time and energy to supporting CSSG and its aims. She, and her late husband John, ran our Tombola stand and regular quiz nights, and who can forget the fun of their Race Nights? On the 8th January, John Blair (Chairman CSSG) and myself handed over a cheque for the sum of €1,000 to the l’Amical de Pompiere in Mazière-en-Gâtine. The money goes to help the children of Pompiers who have died in the course of their work. A very worthy cause. The regular quizzes will continue, but on a monthly basis. The date for this month is 15th February in the St Pardoux Salle. Please come along for an evening of fun; who knows? you may win the first prize, and now that Mick and I are organising it, you may even stand a chance of winning the wooden spoon. Next month is the CSSG AGM, which will be held on 5th March in the Café des Belles Fleurs in Fenioux at 11.00am. If you would like a British-style breakfast at 10am, to build you up for the excitement, please contact Joy at least a few days beforehand. Email: cafedefenioux@gmail.com, or telephone the café direct on 05 49 28 12 39. Another of our regular events is in the organisational stage the Summer Fair. The date is set for 10th July, at Chambord, St Pardoux. Once again, our Chairman has kindly offered the use of his garden and barn. The Keynotes Choir have agreed to sing, Reel Fish and Chips will be along to supply lunch, and 3+1 will be singing well loved songs from my youth. Stallholders are needed, and if any of you have any Fête-type games, please let us know and I am positive we can accommodate you. We aim for the traditional British Fête feel. Email me: terri.laverick@ outlook.com if you would like a spot. If you would like to join us, or require any information about CSSG, please contact me. We often need a little help at events, and would love to have more people who could give just a little time occasionally.
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.
J
anuary has already flown by and I can’t quite believe it is still so mild outside. This was especially good for all the people who went to the brilliant Christmas show at ‘Puy Du Fou’ back in December. It was a roaring success and we plan, as a social group, to try and do the odd similar outing along the same lines. Our social secretary, Ralph Bramley, is already putting together this year’s social events and so, with the usual Summer party, a possible quiz night is being discussed along with some other fun ideas. For anything that you think might be of interest to the social side of things then do let Ralph know so he can look into it. This month sees us meeting for our AGM, to be held on the 5th February at 7:15pm in the salle below the Petit Théâtre, Secondigny. Our current (and long suffering) chairman, Malcolm Daniels, has decided to step down and although he will be sorely missed, he has assured us he will still be very much a part of Reaction Theatre Association, as will his very active and handson wife, Sue. He will, of course, chair the meeting. I’m sure, as many have already expressed, you would like to join me in saying a hearty “Thank You” for all he has done for RT over the years – his input and diplomatic manner have saved the day on many occasions – I don’t know what we’ll do without him... A new chairman will be elected during the evening. If you would like to be considered for the position, would you please make yourself known to a member of the committee. Many of our members will already know that we have been granted permission to put on the excellent and funny play ‘Quartet’, by Ronald Harwood, for this Spring’s production. I’ll do a more detailed write up about it next month, but know that we have a superb Director and capable Producer in the people of Margaret Round and John Blair. This duo is sure to bring together a strong performance from the actors and behind the scenes team alike. The cast will be in place by the time this goes to print, so I’ll be able to give more information then. If you would like to get involved in any way, please contact Margaret or John to find out more. ‘Keynotes’ and ‘The Artscene’ have both gone back to school after the Christmas break and will be meeting at the ‘Café des Belles Fleurs’ in Fenioux for the foreseeable future due to work being done in the library in Secondigny. Agendas for both groups can be found on the RT website www.reactiontheatre.fr and new members, as usual, are always welcome.
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
by Kate Jouanneau
For further information you can contact a committee member...we would love to hear from you.
u u
Contact Email:
Kate Jouanneau on 06 77 51 55 16 kscks9@hotmail.com
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, February 2016 | 15
Our Furry Friends Working on the Chain Gang
T
by Nigel Franks, NALA
he French are very fond of their traditions. In the Vendée, for example, it is a tradition (especially in rural areas) for dogs to be kept on a chain 24/7. This has been regulated since at least 1982 by a law that defines the minimum length of the chain and the obligation to provide a suitable shelter. (See Arrêté du 25 octobre 1982 relatif à l’élevage, à la garde et à la détention des animaux Annex 1, Chapter 2). Unfortunately, even after more than 30 years, this law seems to be virtually unknown. In fact, in a recent meeting that we had with the Department for the Protection of Animals, we had the impression that the responsible person was not aware that this law applied to all owners of dogs. This “tradition” does not go down well with younger people i.e. under the age of sixty and “foreigners” and by that I mean people from other areas of France as well as from other countries. We occasionally get calls throughout the year from people concerned about dogs on chains but this winter we’ve had an exceptionally large number, especially about dogs who have inadequate shelter. We raised the matter with the authorities but they were not particularly helpful. As far as they’re concerned, as long as the animal is not in any immediate danger of dying there isn’t a problem... event though the law clearly says that animals should not be kept in conditions that put their health at risk or cause suffering. However, that might change, as we recently learnt that the person who advocated that policy has left the Vendée. We’ll keep our fingers crossed. French law does not give any power to associations for the protection of animals for dealing with cases of neglect or cruelty. We can’t intervene directly and confiscate animals at risk, all we can do is alert the authorities and hope that they take it seriously. This can be a cause of frustration to the general public who expect us to jump in with all guns blazing and rescue the poor animal. In fact, legally speaking, the associations have no real role to play in such cases: at local level it’s the mayor who is responsible, then the prefecture etc. all the way up to the relevant ministers. All we can do is try to make the authorities more active and help to find a solution. As always, when dealing with the authorities it’s best to go armed with verifiable facts and figures, so to this end we’ve set up a Facebook event called “Chien attaché ou enfermé (en Vendée)! Attention danger!” There, people can leave details of dogs that are kept on chains or in cages. We’ll use these reports in our next meeting with the authorities. Of course, this is not of much use to the poor animal who may be suffering or in danger now. So what can we do? Well what we can’t do is take the dog away from its owner: that requires a decision from a judge. Without such a decision, it’s theft, no matter how well intentioned. We know of someone who saved a dog from death by neglect, yet was prosecuted and ended up with a €700 fine. If we have proof in the form of photos, videos and/or a signed witness statement, then we can contact the mayor and ask him/her to contact the owner. Ideally we would try to find a solution in cooperation with the owner either by improving the conditions or finding a new home if the owner is willing. If that doesn’t work then we can file a complaint with the Prosecutor, but it’s rather a long shot as cases can take years to be resolved. Here’s a case that we hope will get resolved much quicker than that: O’Malley is a friendly, neutered 3 yr old Tom cat who is FIV+ (feline Hiv). He is very friendly with people and gets on well with other cats and dogs. He also likes to roam at his leisure, so is looking for a new slave, oops sorry, I mean owner, who can give him unfettered access to a safe outdoor environment. More details can be found on our website: www.nosamislesanimaux.com 16 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, February 2016
Gus
an 8 year old Brittany Spaniel boy Poor Gus was dumped when his owner moved house. Extraordinary that someone can keep a dog for 8 years from a puppy and then abandon it when they move! Like all Brittany Spaniels, he’s lively and loving. This handsome chap is fine with other dogs, loves children and people, but would undoubtedly chase cats and poultry. He travels well in the car. Gus would love a family home with a large, fenced garden....he may be 8 years-old, but he’s still full-of-beans! He is tattooed and neutered and will be vaccinated on adoption. If you’d like more details about this lovely lad, or would like more information, please contact Sheelagh on 05 53 54 94 81 (leave a message) or Email: sheerik@wanadoo.fr
www.phoenixasso.com
LOST CAT
SECONDIGNY 79130 Animal Association offering help to cats and dogs in need. Always looking for help, volunteers and foster carers. Call 06 71 03 63 08 or email: Pasapattes79@hotmail.fr ECOLE DU CHAT LIBRE DE POITIERS 1 Place de Fontevrault 86000 POITIERS 05.49.01.39.25 (answerphone) Ecoleduchat.poitiers.free.fr
LOUIS: Grey tabby, 18months old, micro-chipped. Lost since 11th January 2016.
Facebook: ecole-du-chat-libre-de-Poitiers
ecoleduchatpoitiers.forumactif.org
Please check your garages and outbuildings... ct For anyone who finds a lost cat, please conta your Mairie and register it on website:
over You can post lost and found cats here - for all rs owne tes reuni and site lar popu very a France. It’s with their lost cats. I’m hopng it will work for us too.
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, February 2016 | 17
Communications What is a VPN and Should You Use One? Part 2
by Ross Hendry
supplier that is able to offer you the same service for whatever device/s you use. Check out that they can do this for all of your devices. Price Do you really need to pay for your VPN? How often do you need these services? For most of us there are free alternatives. Those of you that have been here for more than a few years will probably have tried ‘Hotspot Shield’. It was a free VPN that worked! However, the overhead was the pop-up adverts that would open and annoy you whilst you were using the service. The current free VPN I recommend is ‘Hola’. It works well with Google Chrome and has a fabulous range of exit countries. When using the free service, you agree to Hola using your current IP address for other free clients that need a French IP address. Clearly this is only if you are not using your IP at the time so it will not restrict your use.
Choosing a VPN provider, how do you spot a good one?
You can use a VPN for business, school work, if you want to circumvent the geographic restrictions of living in France, if you travel or want peace of mind when using “Public” internet services. There are many VPN services available and the best of them offer a balance of services, here is what to look for: Protocol I am sure you have heard of SSL or Secure Socket Layer, and when you were setting up your router you may have seen settings like TLS, PPTP, IPSec, L2TP. These are different methods of one computer talking to another, like languages. Your chosen VPN provider should have a good range of these. Provider and Exit server locations Exit server locations are where the VPN provider is able to leave the internet via a server in the country that you wish to “pretend” to be. Depending on your use of the VPN, your VPN provider and its service locations are important. If you simply want to watch catch-up TV from one country say, USA, and your VPN provider does not have exit locations in that country, they are not suitable for you. If you need it for business or wish to do research on data that your country censors, then you need an exit location in a country without the censorship. Anti-Spyware/Malware Some providers include anti-Spy/Malware with their packages, this may be great, or it may restrict what you are able to download. Supported Devices Many of us have devices that connect to the internet that are not PCs. Mobile telephone, IPads, IPods, Kindles, tablets, watches, cameras, gaming machines and smart TVs. Ideally you need a
18 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, February 2016
In reality, if you are just circumventing the country restrictions to log on to ‘Marks & Sparks’ to order something occasionally, you do not need to pay - however, if it is crucial to you to see ‘Home and Away’ daily as it is released to the Australian audience, you may want to subscribe to a VPN Provider. These start from around $4.00 (£2.80 - £3) per month or around $40.00 per year, (£28 to £30). This is a very easy way for Service providers to generate income, so please be careful on the provider you choose. Do your research and please, if you have any doubts, get advice from your preferred computer person. Please also be aware that the companies that restrict you from using information if you are not in their country also have responsibilities. For example, there are International broadcast licences and agreements, so the TV companies have to prevent use from outside the UK for certain material that they provide. So they are always trying to prevent access via VPN and they work hard at it, so what works today may not do so tomorrow. Finally, if you use a VPN like Hola, do not use it for all of your connections. Some email providers will not allow VPN access because using a VPN is a way of masking your true ID. My advice for all VPN use is to turn on and use your VPN when you need it, then switch it off afterwards and surf normally. 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).
Be Organised in 2016
VALUE Your Time, It can never be regained! Learn to say ‘No’ or ‘Not now’ - give genuine, realistic deadlines so that you do not disappoint or put yourself under too much pressure. When you pick up a task - finish it. Log out of email for a set period to allow you to focus 100% on the task in-hand. If you need to re-access email for the task, don’t read new mail. Log out of Social Media - schedule time for those important business updates via social media. List the top 3 tasks that MUST be completed today. How to choose? • It was promised • It will bring most benefit • It has financial implication These tips are provided by Julie Tee, Freelance Administrator. www.need-office-help.com
Useful English Language Numbers... Cancer Support Deux-Sèvres
05 49 64 59 96
French State health insurance advice line
08 11 36 36 46
Elizabeth Finn Care (Grants and advice if in Financial need)
04 68 23 43 79
Orange helpline
09 69 36 39 00
EDF International Customer Service
05 62 16 49 08
CLEISS (Social security advice between countries)
01 45 26 33 41
Funeral Information (AFIF)
01 45 44 90 03 or www.afif.asso.fr
Passport Advice
0044 300 222 0000
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The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, February 2016 | 19
Food & Drink A Jam-Packed January... by Jacqueline Brown
J
anuary was supposed to be a month of soup and small portions with meat, wheat and wine saved for weekends only; a healthy start to the New Year after the excesses of Christmas, but it didn’t go quite to plan!
In France, January seems to be one of the most social months of the year and mine consisted of lots of kissing, lots of wishing “bonne année et bonne santé” and lots of events with food and drink aplenty. The first was the ‘Voeux du Maire’ or mayor’s New Year wishes, where as a reward for attending his public information meeting we were treated to a selection of aperitifs and bite-size nibbles. Then there was the delicious almond and butter flavour of the galette des rois that made an appearance at almost every meeting in January, not that I complained. My first meal out was organised by the Maire to celebrate another successful year on the village council. The salle des fêtes became our own private restaurant where we dined on a fourcourse meal with pigeon the star of the show, all prepared by one of the councillors, who is often to be found in the kitchen. Then the Garden Club annual meal saw me tucking into pork cheeks at a local restaurant and chatting excitedly about sowing this year’s potager seeds. Next up was the soirée pizz-a-gogo (an eat as much as you like pizza night) at a local auberge where resistance was futile, as pizza is my food weakness. Another local restaurant, whose amuse-bouche starters never disappoint, was the venue for the meal offered by the Mairie to those of us who volunteer at the library and on the village magazine. It is a good thing February is looking more restrained.
u u
www.frenchvillagediaries.com Email: frenchvillagediaries@gmail.com
20 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, February 2016
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Advertising with The DSM was a great way to launch and boost our business. Incredibly friendly, professional and helpful service.
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Soup did feature in our diet, but unfortunately for all the wrong reasons, as it was to help fix my poor husband who got struck down with real flu, for the very first time. He was bedridden for over a week and his appetite was affected too, something that was very noticeable in a family who love their food. I made sure he had plenty of my homemade chicken stock soup, gently spiced with chilli, fresh ginger, garlic and onions, all good ingredients to help with his recovery. I’m sure chicken stock has magical healing powers and as it is light and easy on the stomach it is perfect for when you are poorly. I also think it helped me to stay reasonably healthy during the cold and germy spell January threw at us. I made sure I bought lots of fruit for smoothies, especially kiwis and bananas. I also made sure I had plenty of local honey, the thick stuff that comes from real bees and is sold by real beekeepers, rather than the supermarket runny stuff. Freshly squeezed oranges and lemons mixed with honey and warm water make my Nan’s go-to-bed drink for when illness strikes and I still use her comforting recipe today.
This recipe was shared by Mum’s neighbour, Dany, after she had
QUICHE WITHOUT PASTRY Ingredients: • 4 eggs • 100g grated cheese (Gruyère) • 100g flour • 1/2 litre milk • 1 slice ham cut into small pieces Method: Brown the ham slightly in butter and add it to a greased tin. Beat the eggs, and add in the remaining ingredients. Pour into the greased tin, covering the ham pieces. Bake for 40 minutes at 200˚C. You could also make small individual quiches using the same method. Muffin tins/moulds work perfectly as an alternative.
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‘The DSM’ Subscriber Feedback...
This is our favourite magazine and when in the UK it is a fight to see who gets to read it first! When in France we get an extra copy from Super U Moncoutant, so peace reigns...
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offered them as an aperitif one evening. They are simple, tasty and you can easily change them to suit your tastes... Enjoy! (I thought it would be nice to show Dany’s version...but if you’d prefer it in English, see below).
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, February 2016 | 21
“No-one Understands Me”, Burgundy Sobbed
S
he wasn’t distraught or overcome by a fleeting, cruel slight; it was more of an habitual moan. “Even in the loathsome February weather there’s still work to be done, finger-numbing, back-aching pruning,” she added. “Does anyone think about that? No, all they complain about are things they don’t understand - labels and climats, grand cru this premier cru that, Uncle Thomas Cobblé and all.” She spat in the grate, which I thought unseemly for a lady of great age.
Remembering my NY resolution to be even more chivalrous than usual, I hereby take up the cudgels on her behalf. The most irritating thing about Burgundy is the label on the bottle. If you know what you’re looking at it tells you a lot; if you don’t you’re left confused and irritated. It doesn’t even tell you that it’s Pinot Noir for reds or Chardonnay for whites. But now you know: there are minor exceptions, but Burgundy wines are not blends. OK, you might think that 100% of a grape variety is going to give you very samey wines. Not so. This is where the notion of terroir comes in, the particularity of a plot of vines – the soil, subsoil, slope, exposition, rainfall, sun-hours, wind, susceptibility to frost and/or disease, the excellence or otherwise of human intervention – that makes it different from its neighbours. Each parcel of vineyard (in Burgundy called a climat) has its own terroir, and therefore makes wines which range from subtly to widely different. Not convinced? Think of hydrangeas (huh? – wrong section. Ed) – an acid soil gives blue flowers, a more neutral soil pink. The destiny of a grape lies in on what and where it feeds. These climats have been studied and evaluated over many centuries and sub-divided into grand cru, premier cru, village, and regional. Think of a pyramid of quality with grand crus at the top (2% of Burgundy production), premier crus at the next layer (12%), villages at the third layer (37%) with regional making the broad base (49%). And of course price goes down as we descend the pyramid.
by John Sherwin
This is all well and good in the abstract, but let’s take a look at a concrete example. The commune of Gevrey-Chambertin, a few kilometres south of Dijon, is one of the most famous red wine producers in Burgundy. (Incidentally, when you see such a double-barrelled place-name in Burgundy, the first word is the original village name, the second the name of its most famous vineyard – an example of late 19th century marketing.) It has 409ha (roughly 1020 acres) of vines: 85ha of grand cru; 80ha premier cru, the rest in village and regional. On the label, the nine grand crus must have the words Grand Cru immediately below the name of the plot, which in this case always contains the word ‘Chambertin’, eg Chapelle-Chambertin, Griotte-Chambertin. In the case of the premier crus, the name ‘Gevrey-Chambertin’ or ‘Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru’ may be followed by the name of the climat. The village wines will simply have ‘Appellation GevreyChambertin Villages’ on the label, except where the name of a specific plot (climat) has been added. Where this is the case, there will be no mention of ‘premier cru’. The latter cases, of which there are about 70, I find a bit sneaky, in fact close to ‘passing off’. The label, with its sexy plot name, looks like a premier cru at first glance, but if it doesn’t say premier cru it isn’t one. Why does this matter? Quality and price. Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru, 15ha or so, is on a hillside which drains quickly and where grapes ripen sooner than some neighbouring plots. Wines are extremely expressive from their youth but will of course mature for many years. Prices can top 300€, but look for a Domaine Bart at a mere 95€. Right next door is the premier cru of Bel-Air, higher than Clos de Bèze, so cooler, so longer to ripen. It’s regularly considered worthy of grand cru status – look for Domaine de la Vougeraie at 46€ or Domaine Philippe Charlopin at 55€. Madame poked at the fire. “You’re not bad for an English chap. In fact you remind me of a good Gevrey – delicate texture, full-bodied and meaty…” Something about her demeanour persuaded me to make my excuses, take my leave, and brave the harsh Burgundian night. u u
22 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, February 2016
John Sherwin, French Wine Tours 07 50 90 02 00 or www.french-wine-tours.com
arly inter or e be mid w y is always n a c ry a ow Febru easy ntine’s Da s we all knt, whichever, Valeuggest a light andjoy the u s n b e to g to ing sprin s you free So I’m go chen! at heart. meal which leaveot locked in the kit e n n d ti n n a le e a v ved on of your lo company mood : create theg, light cocktail: to ly st ir F shin l’ - a refre ‘Rose Peta to a se syrup in ro f o fill m c n e Pour 1 - 2agne flute and th ec s p im m a e h c led d with a chilling wine. spark
A
Enjoy!
Avocado with Dressed Crab (serves 2) avocados 1 large or 2 small ripe, but still firm crabe) de ttes (mie t mea crab of 1 small tin aise onn 1 dessert spoon may 1 dessert spoon double cream freshly ground black pepper 1 small fresh lemon then, in a bowl, mix Firstly drain the crab meat well and per and a squeeze of pep k blac , aise onn may the with this e. fridg the in chill to e Leav . lemon juice and remove the s way th leng half, in s ado Split the avoc flesh from the the en loos n spoo ert stones. Using a dess skin but leave in place. of the filling and top Fill each half with a generous helping with a twist of lemon. ming discoloured. Serve quickly to stop the avocados beco
Chicken and Pineapple ‘Cordon Bleus’. (serves 2) 2 chicken breast fillets of 150 - 180 grams each 1 slice of boiled or roast ham (jambon de Paris) 3 tinned pineapple rings 3 tablespoons of the pineapple juice 25 grams unsalted butter freshly ground black pepper Preheat your oven to 200˚C. With a sharp knife, either open the chicken fillets butterfly fashion or, cut a deep pocket into each one. Cut two pieces from the ham, about the same shape and size as the fillets, and cut one of the pineapple rings in half. Place a small piece of butter inside each fillet, then the part slice of ham followed by the half pineapple ring with a grinding of black pepper and close over. Put the two filets side by side in an oven-proof dish, small enough to hold them close together and closed over their filling. Spread or dot the top of each one with the remaining butter, place the other 2 pineapple rings on top, spoon over the juice, cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 -25 minutes. These are delicious served with sweet corn and broccoli, any vegetable of your own choice, rice or pasta.
For Your Valentine by Lynda Gee
Sweetheart Fondue (serves 2) 200 grams of co ing chocolate try intensity, milk fook a mixture of plain r subtlety and wh- ite for Approx 20 cl. doub fo r frivolity! 1 small chopped bale cream 1 or 2 peeled an nana available, marshmd segmented clementines, strawbe allows rries if Melt the chocolat style) add a teaspoe in a fondue pan (or in a bowl bain becoming too thickon of hot water to prevent the ch marie ocolate or sticky, add the stirring all the tim cream over the he e un at, til fu lly ble lovers amongst , add a splash of nded. For the alcoholbrandy, rum or orusan yo ur pr eferred tip ge liqueur all com plement the tasteple Keep the chocolat ! e m ix warm over the fo a ‘night light ’ wa ndue rner or dip in your choicermer and using fondue or dessbu t forks, romantic, serve ea of fruit and or marshmallow er - and be ch other!
Lynda is better known as ‘Ginger’s Kitchen’ and provides a full at-home catering service. (See advert on P.21)
Tel: 06 23 00 72 04 ~ Email: gingers.kitchen@orange.fr The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, February 2016 | 23
Of Love,
Legend and ......... by Helen Tait-Wright
Deep in the fantastical world of Medieval legend is a story of love and betrayal, of magic and curiosity, centering around a fairy called Melusine.
I
t is a story which has shaped the architectural fabric of our region, and to an extent the history of France. In actual fact there are many versions of this story depending where in Europe you are, but the most famous version is based here in the Poitou region of France, and was first written down by Jean d’Arras in the late 14th century. In his account, he gives historical notes, dates and background to the story. It turns out that just like most of us, Mélusine was not a French native. Her father, Elynas the King of Scotland, married a beautiful fairy lady called Pressyne, whom he met in a forest. The condition of this marriage was that he must not enter her chamber when she birthed or bathed her children. She gave birth to triplets, and inevitably, in the fullness of time, Elynas violated this condition. Pressyne left the kingdom, together with her three daughters, and travelled to the lost Isle of Avalon.
Mélusine was the eldest of the girls and on their fifteenth birthday, asked why they had been taken to Avalon. Upon hearing of their father’s broken promise, Mélusine sought revenge. She and her sisters captured Elynas and locked him, with his riches, in a mountain. Pressyne became enraged when she learned of what the girls had done, and punished them for their disrespect to their father.
Condemned to the form of a serpent As a result Mélusine was condemned to take the form of a serpent from the waist down every Saturday. Her new quest was to find a man who would marry her, but promise never to see her when she was in her changeling state. Our “handsome prince”, (for every good fairy tale must have one) is Raymond of Poitou, in fact just a nobleman, who came across Mélusine in the forest of Coulombiers, just south west of Poitiers, following a day’s boar hunting. It would seem that a forest was the ‘in’ place to meet beautiful women in the Middle Ages! Sadly, during the day’s hunt, Raymond had accidentally killed his Uncle, the Count of Poitou. Returning home, sad and terrified, contemplating his fate, he chanced upon three maidens dancing around a fountain by the light of the moon at a bend in the road on the outskirts of La Font de Ce, quite near Lusignan. Mélusine was one of them; she spoke to him; he was smitten and proposed marriage. Mélusine was delighted to find a husband and accepted, promising him wealth and riches, but, just as her mother had done, she laid down her condition: that he must never enter her chamber on a Saturday. 24 24 || The The Deux-Sèvres Deux-Sèvres Monthly, Monthly, February February 2016 2016
Coffee?
Once back at court, Raymond tried to assuage his guilt by blaming the boar for the death of the Count. However, he still needed lands and a castle for his new bride. During the ceremony of homage to his cousin, the new Count of Poitou, Raymond, on Mélusine’s advice, asked for as much land as would fit into a deerskin. The assembled Lords thought this a ridiculous request. However, to everybody’s consternation, the deerskin was cut into narrow strips and laid end to end and marked out an enormous area. “Never mind” said the lords, “he still hasn’t got a castle”. However, their complacency was short-lived because in the space of one night, with an apron-full of stones and a mouthful of water, Mélusine built the splendid castle of Luisignan, right in the middle of the territory. Well, she is a fairy, so she can do stuff like that! Tour Melusine at Vouvant © Jon Crocker
The broken promise Why was Mélusine so beautiful? How had they had acquired such great riches and power, and also why did Mélusine shut herself away every Saturday? Eventually Raymond, being only human after all, let his curioisity get the better of him, and one fateful Saturday he broke the promise and, peeping through a crack in the door, saw her in her bath in the form of a part-woman, part-serpent. Raymond said nothing, being embarassed by his weakness and betrayal of his promise, and Mélusine, although realising what had happened, said nothing, clinging to the hope that her secret might never be revealed. It is documented that in 1232 a Lord of Lusignan named Geoffroy started an extended conflict with the Church and severley damaged the Abbey at Maillezais. The legend tells us that this was Mélusine’s wicked son, and his actions were as a result of learning that his brother, Fromont, had joined that monastic community. The Abbey and all those in it perished. Raymond, in his grief, let his guard down and publicly branded Mélusine the “treacherous serpent” from whom his deformed offspring originated, thus revealing what he had seen, and forcing her to leave. Mélusine then revealed in her farewell speech her desire to be free of the curse, but put a curse on all the castles she had built before transforming herself into a dragon, and flying out of the castle window in the direction of Lusignan, where she circles the town shrieking and lamenting, before departing. After this, she would return at night to visit her children and then vanish. Raymond was never happy again. Mélusine appeared at the castle, wailing, whenever a Count of Lusignan was about to die or a new one to be born. Even today, the inhabitants of Lusignan are called Mélusins and Mélusines, but the castle itself was destroyed during the Wars of Religion, and today only its foundations remain.
Les Tres Riches Heures du Duc de Berry An illustration of the magnificence of the castle, in its day, can be seen in ‘Les Tres Riches Heures du Duc de Berry” with the dragon form of Mélusine flying over. The town of Melle is also said to owe its name to Mélusine but here too the castle she is alleged to have built no longer exists. Les Tres Riches Heures du Duc de Berry © mars/wikimediacommons
La Fée Bâtisseuse Following this, and thus ensuring that her husband would be the most powerful lord in the region, she amused herself on further nights by studding the surrounding hills with mighty fortresses at Pouzauges, Tiffauges, Mervent, Chateaumur and Vouvant, earning her the title of ‘La Fée Bâtisseuse’. Raymond and Mélusine had 10 sons, but 8 were afflicted with strange physical characteristics. One had only one eye, and that was in the middle of his forehead. Another had a lion’s claw on his cheek; another one an enormous ear; and yet another Geoffroy, Mélusine’s favourite and, it was said, the most wicked, had a huge tooth protruding from his mouth. Having said that, under Mélusine’s guidance and magic, her sons went on to achieve great things and positions of power. Her children included the King of Cyprus, the King of Armenia, the King of Bohemia, the Duke of Luxembourg, and the Lord of Lusignan. Gradually, rumours and speculations, fuelled by jealousy, increased, asking why this should be the case.
Vouvant and Mervent are of course closely entwined into the legend with the ‘Tour Mélusine’, the 15th century watch tower which is all that remains of the ancient castle of the Lords of Lusignan, in Vouvant, and the fuedal castle of La Citardiere in the immense forest of Mervent-Vouvant. Mélusine is also credited with founding the town of Parthenay, building the walls around La Rochelle and the construction of several churches, including those at Saint-Paul-en-Gâtine and Clussais-la-Pommeraie. The importance of the legend is borne out by the existence of the ‘Ordre Royal de Mélusine’ at Lusignan, where a rather wonderful carved stone plaque in the church wall commemorates her. In French history, many royals all the way back to the days of Charlemagne have claimed to have descended from Mélusine’s family lineage. In fact, the Plantagenet families, Angevin lineage and the House of Anjou and Vere still claim lineage that date back to the story of Mélusine. It was said that the noble line which originated with Mélusine will reign until the end of the world. And one last interesting fact. We all know Mélusine without even realising it, for it is she that smiles at us every time we go to Starbucks. Look at their logo and the carved figure of Mélusine in the church at Parthenay le Vieux .... ! The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, February 2016 | 25
Health, Beauty & Fitness
Food Intolerances
by Sarah Berry
Do you ever feel bloated, have stomach cramps, migraines or itchy skin? If so, you might be suffering from a food intolerance. A food intolerance is not to be confused with an allergy - it’s actually more subtle than that, and symptoms less obvious to diagnose. An allergy occurs when the body’s immune system produces antibodies against a harmless substance. (ie. nuts). But an intolerance occurs when we cannot produce enough enzymes to aid proper digestion of some food types. Common food intolerances are dairy (lactose intolerance) and wheat (gluten intolerance). A cow’s milk intolerance occurs as the molecules are much larger than those in other types of milk (goat, sheep) and can therefore be hard to digest and can cause problems as a result. Eating too many dairy products, too often, can give you symptoms of a blocked nose and excessive mucas production. Wheat on the other hand contains a protein called gluten - made up of gliadin - known to be an intestinal irritant. For most people a small amount of this can be tolerated within a balanced diet, but with it being consumed by many people on average 3 times a day (in Britain) in the form of toast, biscuits, cereals, pastry and pasta, it’s now known to be a common problem. If you discover you have a gluten intolerance, it’s best to avoid it altogether.
Cancer Support Deux-Sèvres The Annual General Meeting of Cancer Support Deux-Sèvres will be held on Wednesday 17th February 2016 at the Voyageur Auberge in Menigoute . The meeting will commence at 10.30am followed by lunch in the restaurant of the Voyageur. The AGM is open to anyone wishing to attend and to join us afterwards for lunch. Please contact the Auberge to make a reservation... 05.49.69.13.66 June Searchfield, President
26 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, February 2016
Food intolerances can be tested using a blood sample, or by hair analysis. I’ve tried the hair analysis, and for me it highlighted some items that 1) I don’t eat often because I don’t really like them 2) items that over the period before testing I seemed to be eating a lot of. The results suggested groups of foods to avoid (remove from the diet altogether) and to watch (keep an eye on and allow once a week) for a two month period. For me personally, it certainly helped identify some foods that were the cause of discomfort. Now I choose to eat them on an occasional basis, if I want them. Food intolerances can usually be managed by staggering them in your diet. If you can determine which food type is causing discomfort, completely remove it from your diet for a two month period, then reintroduce it occasionally. If you’ve managed without it for two months, you will have found other meals and foods to eat in it’s place and you’ll find it’s not difficult to stick to. Especially if you are feeling much less bloated, or have more energy as a result. Always consult a healthcare professional before making radical dietary changes.
Take a Break Down: 1. A sign of something about to happen (4) 2 Cause to move forward with force (6) 3. Lacking stiffness in form or posture (7) 4. Come into view (6) 5. Timepiece (5) 6. A passageway through or under something (6) 7. A recent arrival (8) 12. Informal term for a type of domestic pet (8) 14. A system of conveying post by aircraft (7) 16. Type of manual calculator (6) 18. 2nd largest continent (6) 19. A cloth having a criss-cross design (6) 20. Join together (5) 23. Fencing sword (4)
DSM Toughie Crossword Across: 1. Group of teachers, or just the head? (3) 3. Pressure within the ministry to manufacture narcotic (4) 5. Spike eg.? (4) 9. Revive injured small bird with drug (5) 10. Watch it! That’s his job! (4-3) 11. Musical fact; IOU a medley and a variety of chips thrown in (5,7) 14. Tasers or Tazers? The latter spelling is confused and false (6) 15. Second rate 19d, so got legless instead! (6) 18. Her lakes will be adapted for sea mammals (6,6) 21. A short month for classical greetings, but got a string of notes (7) 22. Hiding place is in diamond country (5) 23. Uses FT exchange to expose swindle from agent (4) 24. Sighted in Buffalo! Only an exotic bird! (4) 25. Directions for article leave American behind (3)
Down: 1. Beginner does his best to embrace computer expert (4) 2. It takes X number of academics to make strong tissues (7) 3. Result of three union members being expelled? (4,2,6) 4. Not unhealthy growth of afterthought on modern college (6) 6. Switch to indefinite relationship (2,3) 7. Hairy beast in light metal; what a turn-up! (3) 8. I am thrown into laconic confusion to put things right (12) 12. Six hundred and fifty disturbed over nothing; a little piece of earth! (4) 13. Sudden movement can give you a bit of a lift (4) 16. Now, there’s a thought (3,4) 17. Soot we stirred up hasn’t settled yet? (4,2) 19. Game in which you have a lot to gain? (5) 20. Tree products, possibly American, but found all around here! (4) 21. Go after a home for simpleton; one of many in these parts! (3)
Well, what do you know?
With thanks to M.Morris
There is a little something new this month, which you may need to spot to understand all the clues, particularly 20 and 21 down. You may find it easily; if not, look carefully at the answers in the grid, especially the short words!
Monthly quiz by Roland Scott...... how many can you get?
How much can you remember about British T V and radio game shows? 1) Who was the original presenter of Take Your Pick (1955)? 2) From 1955 to 1968 what was the maximum prize money on any game show? 3) On Crackerjack, what was the quiz where a wrong answer won you a cabbage?
7) Which show was the first programme shown on Channel 4 in 1982? 8) Who were the 3 presenters of Blankety Blank? 9) Who were the team captains on Give Us a Clue? 10) Which character in ‘Red Dwarf’ is played by Chris Barrie?
4) During Bob Monkhouse’s tenure, who loaded the crossbows on The Golden Shot?
11) Who created and was the original presenter of University Challenge?
5) Which Granada TV show, hosted by Gordon Burns, combined physical challenges, puzzle solving and quiz questions?
12) Celebrity Squares and which other quiz show used the noughts and crosses grid, and ran from 1957 to 1967?
6) “Can I have a pee please, Bob?” was a popular saying on which tea-time TV show?
Copyright RJS 2016 The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, February 2016 | 27
Answers on our website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
DSM Easy Crossword Across: 8. A painting that is applied to a wall surface (5) 9. Make impure; contaminate (7) 10. In Roman mythology, the God of the sea (7) 11. Someone who is critical of the motives of others (5) 12. Small fatty fish usually canned (8) 13. Being of slender build (4) 15. Deprive of by deceit (4) 17. Type of heater (8) 21. Desire strongly or persistently (5) 22. A feeling of deep regret (7) 24. Operating, living or growing in water (7) 25. Feeling or showing extreme anger (5)
Home & Garden DONT FORGET! Deadline:
of the month
HOW TO... Lesley Sutherland of La Couronne (selling English Paints at English Prices) gives us another handy hint. This month, how to.....
Paint a Ceiling
When painting a room, ideally you should paint the ceiling first to avoid getting paint on the walls or woodwork. To get started, cover the floor with a dust sheet and remove all furniture or place it in the middle of the room. Cut in at the edges using a 2” brush. Use the brush on its edge and work in long sweeping movements. After cutting in, finish the job with a roller attached to an extension pole, dampen the roller first to help pick up the paint. Start in one corner applying with a ‘w’ motion. Work in square sections across the ceiling overlapping each one by a third. Contact Lesley on: 06 04 15 79 16 Email: lez.sutherland@hotmail.com
HOW ARE WE DOING? Do you enjoy reading ‘The DSM’? Would you like to see something new? How can we improve? Please send us your FEEDBACK to: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr or add a REVIEW on our Facebook page. 28 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, February 2016
DÉCHETTERIES Do you forget the opening hours for your local déchetterie? Visit the website
www.smc79.fr for details: For waste disposal outside of the DeuxSèvres there’s an alternative website
www.decheteries.fr
ASK about our special packages for New Advertisers! Call Sarah on 05 49 70 26 21 or visit our website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr to find out more!
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, February 2016 | 29
Gate Expectations Looking for a new gate or some fencing, then look no further as Tersannes Timber specialises in providing quality timber products here in France. Steve and Tracey Hull supply a wide range of timber gates and fencing products throughout central France from their Limousinbased family business. Established in 2005, Tersannes Timber, running alongside the family farm, was a natural progression for the couple who found they could not find traditional five bar gates in France or source the quality of fencing that they required. “We arrived here in 2004 and immediately needed to put up new gates and fencing on the farm. Straight away we were faced with a very limited choice, which was pricey and, most importantly, we were shocked by the poor quality of treated timber in France. So we set about finding alternative sources for ourselves” explained Steve. “As people saw what we were putting up on the farm, they wanted the same and the timber business began” Steve and Tracey have spent a lot of time ensuring that their products can cope with the varied climatic conditions of France. Everything is pressure treated to class IV with Tanalith to ensure a long life free of rot and the gates are made of larch, which is a relatively heavy, robust softwood that copes well with changes in temperature and humidity. The handmade gates, finished with strong mortice and tenon joints, are supplied complete with a galvanised hanging set and latch. They come in a range of designs and sizes, from 3ft (0.9m) up to 12ft (3.65m), while larger openings can be accommodated with a pair of gates. The full range of gates and fencing is generally in stock, which is often a pleasant surprise for clients, who are expecting to have to wait for the gates to be ordered in. “Often we receive an order and the gate is delivered in the same week or the clients sometimes prefer to pick up. Customers like to get what they want straight away” said Tracey. Always happy to supply advice, the couple are confident that their gates are of the highest quality possible and are happy to welcome visitors to their farm to show off the range, which can also be checked out on the website.
To contact Tersannes Timber call: 05 55 60 14 18 or visit their website: www.gatesinfrance.com
30 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, February 2016
Trees and Terraces
by Anne Clark
As spring approaches, the early blossoming trees are starting to burst into growth and flower buds are breaking. We have a special offer of a 10% reduction on all the ornamental trees bought during February from our tree display at the nursery. Flowering cherries, pink Judas trees, tall birches and colourful crab apples, we have a large variety of trees and shrubs for you to choose. Our choice of perennials is wide, from ground cover to small shrubs and grasses, with new varieties added each season. As a stockist of natural sandstone from Chez Pierre Naturelle, we have several display areas for customers to view the range of calibrated stone paving, many in stock but all available to order. Visit the website www.c-p-n.fr for up-to-date prices or why not come and see the real thing here and discuss your requirements at the nursery.
THE AMATEUR
Vegetable Artichoke Asparagus Aubergine Beetroot Broad bean Cabbage Carrot
S
GARDENER
by Vanda Lawrence
ome time ago I mentioned that I had been told about the ‘Calendrier Lunaire’ ergo ‘gardening by the moon’. I had logged on to the website (www.calendrier-lunaire.fr) and was interested to see what day it was recommended to do different gardening tasks during each month of the year. At the end of 2015 I was lucky enough to come across the 2016 edition, which I bought and have been studying. It is very complicated, and not only because it is written in French! This calendar covers everything, and I mean everything - there is even a section showing good and bad dates to cut or colour your hair, cut your fingernails, even good and bad dates for having your teeth descaled!! Whatever next? I’ve also mentioned before about crop rotation, as well as good and bad neighbours in the vegetable plot, so, as this is the time to be sowing and planting our vegetables and herbs it’s the ideal time to remind ourselves - the chart to the right might help. It’s also worth noting that many plants repel insects, nematodes, slugs and other pests which is possibly why they are considered to be good neighbours. Plant Basil Borage Catnip Chamomile Chives Citronella Coriander Dill Fennel French marigold Lantana Lavender Leek and Lettuce Lemon Balm & Lemon Thyme Narcissus Nasturtiums Onion Radish Rosemary Thyme Tomato
Pests e, fly, asparagus beetl Mosquitoes, carrot whitefly ato hornworm Cabbage worms, tom beetle, cabbage ese an Ants, aphids, Jap looper, cockroaches
Flying insects beetle, aphids Carrot fly, Japanese s oe Insects, mosquit beetle , Colorado potato Aphids, spider mites ato tom r, pe loo , cabbage Aphids, spider mites hornworm s Aphids, slugs, snail Whitefly Mosquitoes s Moths, mosquitoe Carrot fly Mosquitoes Moles per etles, cabbage loo Whitefly, aphids, be per Rabbits, cabbage loo cumber beetle cu ot, gg ma e ag Cabb rot fly, slugs, snails Cabbage looper, car fly bage maggot, white Cabbage looper, cab Asparagus beetle
Celery Chard Chervil Chives Cucumber Fennel
Good neighbour Broad bean Kidney bean, leek, tomato, parsley Haricot bean Dill, kohlrabi, kidney bean, onion Dill, artichoke, sweet corn Beetroot, celery, cress, spinach, kidney bean, lettuce, mint, potato, rosemary, sage Garlic, dill, cabbage, chives, endive, lettuce, onion, leek, pea, radish, tomato Cabbage, spinach, kidney bean, leek, pea, tomato Carrot, cucumber Dill, basil, celery, spinach, fennel, kidney bean, lettuce sweet corn, onion, pea Cucumber, endive, lettuce
Bad neighbour Spinach Garlic, shallot, onion Fennel, onion, tomato, strawberry Mint
Leek Radish Potato, radish, horseradish, tomato
Kohlrabi, coriander, shallot, haricot bean, pea, tomato Garlic Beetroot, carrot, lettuce, leek, Cabbage, broad bean, tomato, strawberry haricot bean, pea Haricot bean Aubergine, beetroot, carrot, celery, Garlic, shallot, fennel, cabbage, cucumber, spinach, onion, leek, pea, sweetcorn, potato, strawberry tomato Kohlrabi Beetroot, spinach, leek, pea, radish, Fennel, harico t bean, tomato, strawberry tomato Leek Carrot, celery, spinach, lettuce, onion, tomato, strawberry Lettuce Dill, carrot, cauliflower, cucumber, Celery, parsley squash, leek, radish, strawberry Melon Cucumber, squash Onion Garlic, dill, beetroot, carrot, Cabbage, broad bean, cucumber, lettuce, tomato, parsnip, haricot bean, leek, strawberry pea Parsley Asparagus, tomato Lettuce Parsnip Onion Pea Carrot, celery, kohlrabi, cucumber, Garlic, shallot, onion, spinach, haricot bean, sweet corn, leek turnip, potato, radish Potato Garlic cauliflower, cabbage, broad Carrot, squash, onion, bean, haricot bean, sweet corn, pea, tomato horseradish Pumpkin Sweet corn, lettuce Cucumber, potato (squash) Radish Carrot, spinach, haricot bean, Chervil, hyssop lettuce, pea, tomato, strawberry Shallot Beetroot, lettuce, strawberry Broad bean, haricot bean, pea Spinach Beetroot, cabbage, haricot bean, lettuce, tomato, pea, strawberry Squash Sweet corn, lettuce Cucumber, potato (courgette, pumpkin etc) Strawberry Spinach, kidney bean, lettuce, Cabbage thyme, tomato Sweet corn Cucumber, squash, broad bean, leek, pea, potato Tomato Garlic, asparagus, basil, carrot, Beetroot, cucumber, celery, cress, spinach, onion, gherkin, fennel, parsnip, parsley, leek haricot bean, potato Turnip Pea, mint, rosemary -
I hope this proves to be useful, it’s certainly something to think about... email: amateurgardener@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, February 2016 | 31
Motoring Homage to the Silver Lady
W
by Helen Tait-Wright
henever we think of the best of something, there is a tendancy to brand it the “Rolls-Royce” of the genre, which says a lot about the image that this particular car brand represents.
With a shared ambition to make the future of motoring extraordinary, the Honourable Charles Rolls and Sir Henry Royce joined forces in 1904. Despite being from very different backgrounds, the founders of Rolls‑Royce Motor Cars formed an unlikely partnership – one forged from a shared passion for engineering and a desire to create the “Best Car in the World.” 112 years on, I think we can agree that they created a brand that is synonymous with the best, the most luxurious, and top quality engineering; one that is renowned the world over. Aside from the name itself, and the double ‘R’ logo, the other instantly recognisable symbol of the marque is ‘The Spirit of Ecstasy’, the distinctive bonnet ornament found on all Rolls-Royce cars. The story behind this sculpture is intriguing and carries a story about a secret romance which ends in tragedy. The sculpture was designed by Charles Robinson Sykes, a friend of John, the second Baron Montagu of Beaulieu, a pioneer of the automobile movement. The model for the sculpture was a lady called Eleanor Thornton, who was the Baron’s secretary. The Baron had met and fallen in love with Eleanor in 1902 when she worked for him on the motoring magazine ‘The Car Illustrated’, of which he was the Editor. Their secret love was to remain hidden, limited to their circle of close friends, for more than a decade. The reason for the secrecy was Eleanor’s impoverished social and economic status, which was, in those days, an obstacle to their love, and the teeny tiny fact that Montagu had been married to Lady Cecil Victoria Constance Kerr since 1889. By 1910 personal bonnet mascots on cars had become the fashion of the day. Montagu commissioned his friend, Sykes, who worked in London under the nobleman’s patronage, to sculpt a personal mascot for the bonnet of his 1910 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost and chose Eleanor as his model.
Sykes originally crafted a figurine of her in fluttering robes, having placed one forefinger against her lips - to symbolise the secret of their love affair. The figurine was consequently named ‘The Whisper’ and is on display at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu along with other Spirit of Ecstasy figurines. At around the same time, Rolls-Royce were concerned to note that some owners were affixing inappropriate ornaments to their cars. Claude Johnson, then managing director of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, was asked to commission a more dignified and graceful mascot. He also turned to Charles Sykes to produce a mascot which would adorn all future Rolls-Royce cars and become generic to the marque, with the specifications that it should convey “the spirit of the Rolls-Royce, namely, speed with silence, absence of vibration, the mysterious harnessing of great energy and a beautiful living organism of superb grace...” Sykes chose to embody this by modifying ‘The Whisper’ into a version similar to today’s ‘The Spirit of Ecstasy’. Claude Johnson devised the description of ‘The Spirit of Ecstasy’; he described how Sykes had sought to convey the image of “the spirit of ecstasy, who has selected road travel as her supreme delight......she is expressing her keen enjoyment, with her arms outstretched and her sight fixed upon the distance.” In February 1911, Sykes presented ‘The Spirit of Ecstasy’ to RollsRoyce. The sculptor’s signature appeared on the plinth and were either signed “Charles Sykes, February 1911” or “Feb 6, 1911” or “6.2.11”. Although it seems unchanged today, the mascot has in fact had eleven main variations in its life. But what happened to the star crossed lovers who were at the centre of the story? Well, you already know that it ends in tragedy. In 1915, Eleanor was accompanying Lord Montagu, who had been directed to assume a command in India. On 30th December, they were on-board the SS Persia when she was torpedoed by U boat U-38 south of Crete. Eleanor died, and Montague was thought to have been killed too, but in actual fact he survived and was saved after several days adrift in a life raft. But I suppose the beauty of this story is that Eleanor didn’t die completely - her likeness lives on today, on “The Best Car in the World”. u u
Above: Eleanor Thornton: www.photo-voiture.motorlegend.com. Photo sources: www.2luxury2.com
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Helen Tait-Wright Email: helen@stodel.org
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, February 2016 | 33
Building & Renovation Here are some of our tips for hassle-free solar hot water;
E
The Future is Solar….
copower is a family run company with the aim of helping you towards energy independence and reducing your bills. We specialise in solar systems (PV, solar thermal and solar ventilation) that are practical and affordable by searching out the best products and technologies so you don’t have to. In this difficult market we have to be very good at what we do, offering an excellent installation and after care service. With this in mind we have launched our solar hot water servicing and maintenance service. We have worked extremely hard to gain our Accreditation with Kingspan Solar and are proud that we are amongst only a handful of companies accredited for domestic solar installations in France. We also carry out Warranty replacement and repairs, insurance and litigation surveys and are Décennale insured.
“Solar thermal hot water systems are low maintenance systems, generally able to look after themselves if installed correctly” says Paul from Ecopower. “However, there are a few common sense checks you can make in order to ensure the long life expected”. • •
• •
• • • • •
Watch out for solar fluid leaks, you may smell the antifreeze. Make sure your solar system is doing what you expect. If it’s sunny but you have no hot water check the pump is working. The panel sensors could be rodent damaged, making it seem like the pump, so check that first. If the pump is running but the water is cold check for airlocks. Occasionally check the pressure on the system. Normal is 1-2 bar although it can drop to 0.5 in cold weather as fluids contract and as high as 3 if very hot. If the pressure falls and stays, there may be a leak. If the solar fluid overheats it will become dark and grainy. Clean the tubes to remove grime every couple of years. Check the vacuum is intact. If not the tube may appear cloudy on the manifold end. In very hot weather put your system into ‘holiday mode’ for overnight cooling. If you have any doubts about your system’s performance give me a call and I will be happy to talk you through some simple checks.
“For peace of mind we can carry out all of the above for you” says Paul of Ecopower. Tel: 05 45 32 65 57 ~ paul@ecopowereurope.com www.ecopowereurope.com
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Small B/W Advert Only 32€ HOW ARE WE DOING? Do you enjoy reading ‘The DSM’? Would you like to see something new? How can we improve? Please send us your FEEDBACK to: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr or add a REVIEW on our Facebook page.
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ASK about our special packages for New Advertisers! Call Sarah on 05 49 70 26 21 or visit our website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr to find out more!
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Business & Finance French Tax on Pension Lump Sums
A
fter last month’s grim article on terrorism, I promised you to be more cheerful for February so......... I decided to do an article on tax. No, it is not my favourite subject. But in the wake of the new Law on pensions in the UK, I get lots of questions on how things are taxed in France now that it can be tax free in the UK.
1. UK or French Tax
If you are French resident (meaning you live in France more than 6 months per year), you must declare your worldwide income to the French tax authorities once a year (in May for the previous year). So, if you cash in a pension lump sum and are a French resident, you must declare it and it will be taxed in France. It should not be taxed in the UK, thanks to the double taxation agreement between both countries (as long as you have filled in the HMRC France UK individual form to tell them you live in France). That means that the UK tax-free lump sum will be taxed in France. If you are thinking of moving to France or are in the process of doing so, I think you should cash it in while you are still in the UK.
2. How you are Taxed on it in France
In the UK, the lump sum is taxed at source (not for the tax-free part). In France, you declare the amount on your income tax form once a year, in May (2047 and 2042 forms). The amount is added to your normal, usual income (pensions, salary, rental income, interest, etc...). Therefore, you are taxed according to your total annual income and the % you are taxed depends, not only on the total amount, but also on how many people are on the tax form or tax credits (you can get extra allowance for children or even ecological work done on your main residence). However, you can also choose different ways for it to be taxed, depending on what kind of pension you are cashing in.
3. The 4 Ways to Declare It
I) Declare it all in one year: It is the simplest way but probably also the most costly. You simply declare it in one go, so if you cashed in the lump sum this year, you declare it all on the 2017 tax form for the revenues of 2016. This is probably OK if it is a small lump sum or if you have a low regular income e.g. you are a couple and your regular income is 20 000€ per year. You cash in a lump sum of 20 000€ so you would have to pay 2 368€ of income tax the year after you cashed it in. Normally you would not pay income tax as your income is lower than 26 000€. II) Only declare the profits: If you can get a statement from the pension fund company showing how much you put into it yourself and how much interest your pension has generated, you can choose to declare the interest only. e.g. You cash in a pension lump sum of 100 000€ Euro and only 20 000€ is interest and 80 000€ is what you have contributed to it over the years. Then you only have to declare the 20 000€ interest.
by Isabelle Want
You cannot do this without a statement proving the interest part or if it was your employer that contributed to it by putting money in instead of you. I realise that it is not straightforward to get a statement from the pension company. III) Spread the declaration over 4 years: YES YOU CAN! The French tax authorities allow you to spread the declaration of the lump sum over 4 years to lower the impact on the income tax. This is what they call a revenue exceptionnel, an exceptional revenue, meaning it is unusual and it is not recurrent every year so you can divide the amount in to 4. E.g. You are a couple with a regular income of 30 000€ per year and one of you cash in a lump sum of 100 000€ in 2015. In 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 you will declare an income of 30 000€ + 25 000€ (100 000/4) so you will pay 4 468€ of income tax during those 4 years. Whereas, if you declare it all in one go, you would have to pay 26 610€ of income tax (about 10 000€ more) in 2016. IV) Tax at 7.5%: For certain pensions, you can choose to be taxed at 7.5% on the lump sum. BUT there are conditions: • The payment is done in one go and not spread out. • The contributions that you or your employer put into the pension scheme gave you a tax advantage (were deductible from your taxable income). Those conditions are clearly stated on page 100 (out of 378) of the French income tax guide. So just because there is a line saying pensions de retraite en capital taxable à 7.5% on line 1AT of the 2042, it does not necessarily mean that you are entitled to it. In France, we have a pension scheme called PERP and the contributions you make to it are deductible from taxable income. e.g. I earn 20 000€ per year and put 1 000€ into my PERP, then I am only taxed on 19 000€. When I cash in my PERP, I can have it taxed at 7.5%. If you have a similar scheme in the UK or elsewhere, you can ask for it to be taxed at 7.5% instead of being added to your income and taxed accordingly.
Conclusion
OK, I know it can get pretty confusing but basically option B or C are the best ones for you, apart from cashing the lump sum in before you move to France. And obviously, if you need advice (free), email or phone me and I can estimate the tax you would have to pay and the best way for you to declare it. Furthermore if you cash in your pension and have not spent it all on renovation, contact me for advice on investments (free as well). Don’t hesitate either to contact me for any other subjects such as funeral cover, inheritance law, car, house, professional and top up health insurance. And check out our website www.bh-assurances.fr for my previous articles on the ‘Practical Pages’ of the English site.
N° Orias 07004255
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 ~ Visit our website: www.bh-assurances.fr The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, February 2016 | 41
Ask Amanda
“Very little has changed in my life during the last 12-18 months, why should I review my finances?”
When and how often you should review your financial position is a question I often get asked by people attending my financial surgeries. There are several questions which I feel are important to consider when looking at whether you are due for a financial review: 1. When did you last sit down and fully review your finances? If you have not had a review for 12 months or more, you may not be aware of legislation changes or new opportunities which may be open to you. 2. Have your personal plans and aspirations changed since your last review? Are you now looking at retirement closer or wish to look in more detail at inheritance planning? Perhaps you are looking at downsizing and want to make any surplus monies work efficiently for you 3. Are you fully aware of changes in French laws which may have come into force since your last review? In 2015 there were changes in will legislation in France, personal pension options in the UK and how social charges have been applied to UK pensions. Whilst in 2014 French authorities applied social charges to growth on certain investments which had previously been exempt. 4. How are any investments or savings you hold performing against your expectations? When you took out an investment or savings plan, it is likely you looked at how they had performed and this past performance made a sizable contribution to your choices. That information is now out of date and replaced by more recent information. Reviewing this new data is vital in ensuring your money is still working for you to its best ability.
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Just because your last year feels fairly standard, you should not underestimate how external factors can have an effect on your financial security and your ability to make the best use of any money you have worked hard to earn. The next ‘Le Tour de Finance’ event is 9th March in Poitiers. Email me if you would like to book a place. (See advert below) 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 & 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 Fin
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Amanda Johnson of The Spectrum IFA Group 05 49 98 97 46 or 06 73 27 25 43
Repatriate Your Funds out of France the Bright Way
USEFUL FRENCH VOCABULARY
FINANCE
by Sue Cook
Sending money back to your home country should be a simple process, but all too often it’s not. If you are unprepared, it can turn out to be very expensive and you can end up losing a significant slice of your savings. If you’re moving back to the UK, sending money to loved ones or investing in a secondary property, Currencies Direct could help you make a saving of up to 5% compared to transferring your money with your bank. Better still, we provide a service that is personalised to you. We think it’s important to take the time to understand your situation, and tailor our products and services accordingly. If you are planning to move in a year but you think the exchange rate now looks pretty favourable, you could opt for a forward contract that would secure today’s rate for up to a year. Equally, if you have a rate in mind and you are in no rush to move your funds, we can offer a Rate Watch service - where one of our friendly staff will keep an eye on the market so you don’t have to. They’ll call you when your ideal rate is close to being hit, so you can decide if you’d like to transfer right then and there, or wait a bit longer...
agio (m) - bank charge ancien solde (f) - previous balance assurance (f) - insurance assurance-vie (f) - life insurance assuré - insured s’assurer - verb - to take out insurance assureur (m) - insurer bancaire - banking banque (f) - bank carte bancaire (f) - bank card chèque (m) - cheque chèque de banque (m) - banker’s draft chèque sans provision (m) - bounced cheque chèquier (m) - cheque book code confidentiel (m) - PIN number code guichet (m) - branch code compte (m) - account compte à terme (m) - deposit account compte bancaire (m) bank account compte courant (m) - current account compte d’épargne (m) - savings account crédit hypothécaire (m) - mortgage crédit relais (m) - bridging loan découvert (m) - overdraft dépôt (m) - deposit endosser - verb - to endorse a cheque faire faillite - verb - to go bankrupt frais bancaires (mpl) - bank charges impôt (m) - tax livre sterling (f) - pound sterling marché monétaire (m) - money market monnaie (f) - coins/change/currency
The other important piece of information is that we have a French account for clients wishing to transfer from France to anywhere else in the world. Many people struggle with notaires and French banks to get transfers done out of France, but with Currencies Direct they are transferring to a French account and we then do the switch to sterling or other currencies and send the monies on for you. One less hassle to cope with. Ready? Let’s talk currency.
prélèvement (m) - direct debit prêt personnel (m) - personal loan reçu (m) - receipt rejeter un chèque - verb - to bounce a cheque relevé de compte (m) - bank statement remise (f) - remittance responsable de mon compte (m) - person in charge of my account retrait d’argent (m) - withdrawal of money solde (f) - account balance taux de change (m) - exchange rate taxe foncière (f) - property tax taxe habitation (f) - habitation tax tirelire (f) - moneybox virement (m) - bank transfer Phrase of the month.... il est temps de joindre le geste à la parole put your money where your mouth is.
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, February 2016 | 43
The Challenges of Estate Planning In France by Bradley Warden, Blevins Franks
f you have made France your permanent home you need to review your wealth management to ensure it is designed around your new life in France. Besides considering how to achieve advantages for your lifetime, it is also essential to get your estate planning in order.
I
is uncertainty as to how the rules will be interpreted. Adopting UK law could negatively affect your existing succession planning arrangements, and may mean your estate becomes liable to UK inheritance tax as well as French succession tax.
Estate planning in France is complex and challenging. The “forced heirship” regime does not allow you to freely distribute assets on death, and succession taxes can be as high as 60%. Arrangements that worked in the UK are unlikely to achieve the same results here and could have unexpected consequences.
Succession Tax Whichever law you opt for, succession tax continues to present a significant hurdle. Spouses/PACs partners are exempt, and children receive a €100,000 allowance each, with tax rates up to 45%. For everyone else the tax rates get higher and the allowances much, much lower. If, for example, you pass assets to step-children, they pay tax at 60% and only get a €1,594 allowance.
Succession Law French succession law protects your children above anyone else. This can prevent you leaving all your wealth to your spouse, or assets to other relatives, step-children, friends etc.
There are structures you can use here in France that can provide significant succession tax planning benefits. Look to accomplish tax advantages for yourself at the same time. Make sure the structures achieve what you wish, in the way you wish. While some arrangements may appear similar, small differences can have big implications.
The 2015 EU succession regulation, ‘Brussels IV’, gives UK nationals the ability to opt through their will for UK law to apply on death instead. However, this is not necessarily the best route for UK nationals. It remains obligatory for a French notaire to handle your estate, and in this case he will have to administer it under a law he is not experienced with. The UK opted out of Brussels IV, and there
semina rs
You need to have all the facts and consider your options carefully. There may be options available under French law that achieve your aims without complicating matters.
Estate planning in France is a very specialist area and it is essential to take professional advice from an experienced wealth manager. Summarised tax information is based upon our understanding of current laws and practices which may change. Individuals should seek personalised advice.
Book your place now by phone, email or from our website
“Estate planning in France worries me. How can I ensure the right money goes to the right hands at the right time?” Talk to the people who know. Succession tax can be high in France and its forced heirship laws are very restrictive. The European Certificate of Succession comes with pitfalls; there are other options but care must be taken. Our seminars examine all the estate planning issues you need to be aware of and advise on how you can have control and certainty. They also cover recent tax and pension changes affecting UK nationals in France. book your seat now
Thur 17 Mar | Domaine du Griffier GRANZAY-GRIPT (near Niort)
PuS01 - fr
coffee at 10am for a 10.30am start, ending 12 noon
0 805 112 163 (No Vert) france@blevinsfranks.com
Blevins Franks Group is represented in France by the following companies: Blevins Franks Financial Management Limited (BFFM) and Blevins Franks France SASU (BFF). BFFM is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK, reference number 179731. Where advice is provided overseas, via the Insurance Mediation Directive from Malta, the regulatory system differs in some respects from that of the UK. Blevins Franks France SASU (BFF), is registered with ORIAS, register number 07 027 475, and authorised as “Conseil en Investissement Financiers” and “Courtiers d’Assurance” Category B (register can be consulted on www.orias.fr). BFF’s registered office: Parc Innolin, 3 Rue du Golf, CS 60073, 33701 Mérignac – RCS BX 498 800 465.
FR A NCE
S PA I N
P ORT UG A L
C Y PRU S
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U N I T E D K I N G D OM
w w w. b l e v i n s f r a n k s . c o m
Property
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)
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The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, February 2016 | 45
If Music be the Food of Love.....
T
by Joanna Leggett
hen St Valentine might say perhaps it’s time to find a romantic home where you can make beautiful music.
And if it’s a fairy tale little pied-a-terre in unspoilt landscape you’re thinking might be just the ideal, then a sweet one bedroom cottage is on the market for just 77 000€ – surely a fairy tale price! In a very quiet spot, close to the village of Aubigny, you’ll find this hidden gem (Leggett reference 50441). The front door leads into generous open plan living complete with log burner – while there’s just one bedroom it’s possible to put another on its mezzanine. Outside the covered terrace looks out over the country, ideal for whiling away romantic evenings – and the garden even has room for vegetables. In excellent condition this could steal your heart! Each year in Sanxay there’s an annual opera festival performed in the Roman ampitheatre – how romantic is that? Not far away, Ménigoute also boasts its own festival - of ornithological films - so perhaps this next property, again with beautiful garden, might be ideal for those who love opera or birds of the feathered persuasion! Set in lovely grounds, overlooking a quiet church square, this pretty stone house (ref: 52041) has four bedrooms and has also been very well maintained. Generous proportions offer comfortable living and the ensuite master bedroom could be the ideal spot to tuck yourself away with your loved one – on the market for 141 700€.
REDUCED to 87 500€
Laubreçais - 125 000€
DUNCAN & DEBRA WHITE AGENT COMMERCIAL duncan@leggett.fr 0033 (0)6 38 82 91 20 Siren 799 271 382
BASED GOURGÉ COVERING NORTH EAST DEUX-SÈVRES
With its medieval castle complete with pointed towers, Cherveux looks the stuff of fairy tales! Sitting in an elevated position on its edge, a gorgeous stone house (ref: 58676) seduces with the promise of fire-lit cosy winter evenings in the romantic sitting room after a meal lovingly prepared in its pretty kitchen. This four bedroomed, two bathroom property has been beautifully renovated and even retains an original stone presse. The terraced gardens promise the delights of summer evenings spent around the heated swimming pool or large terrace! But wait, there truly is more, a range of outbuildings could be developed and there’s even a stream at the bottom of the garden – this could be yours for 315 650€! 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
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Leggett Immobilier www.frenchestateagents.com
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