Annual Subscription Costs: 33,60€ within France, 28,80€ UK addresses. (Unfortunately the cheaper ‘printed papers’ rate cannot be applied to addresses within France, only when sending abroad) Full Name:.................................................................................................. Postal Address:........................................................................................... ................................................................................................................... Postcode:..................................... Country:............................................. Tel:.............................................................................................................. Email:.......................................................................................................... Please make cheques payable to SARAH BERRY.
Welcome! to Issue 64 of
‘The Deux-Sèvres Monthly’ magazine
Hi everyone, I hope you are all keeping well, despite the strange, unsettled weather we are having! As I write this, it is mid-May and we are still lighting the fires in the evenings...
Dare I predict that by the time you read this, we will have the warmth and sunshine that we have become used to? I hope so, as there are lots of great events coming up.... (fingers crossed!)
In this month’s crammed issue we celebrate a royal 90th Birthday, promote charitable requests close to many readers hearts, and feature our regular writer, Helen Tait-Wright, in her endeavours to achieve success rallying in Morocco. There’s also a wide selection of picture gardens to visit, and as always we have the regular help and advice. With low interest rates and the referendum looming, our finance experts may have advice you need. I hope you have a great June and I look forward to seeing you out and about... PS. Next month I promise I won’t talk about the weather!
Tel: 05 49 70 26 21 Email: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr Website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
à plus, Sarah
Emergency Numbers: 15 SAMU (Medical Advice) 17 Gendarmes (Police) 18 Pompiers (Fire Service)
112 European Emergency 113 Drugs and Alcohol
Contents What’s On 4 Getting Out & About 6 Hobbies 12 Clubs & Associations 14 Our Furry Friends 18 Health, Beauty & Fitness 20 A-Z of the Communes in the Deux-Sèvres 22 Food & Drink 25 Where We Live 28 Communications 32 Home & Garden 34 Motoring 38 Take a Break 41 Building & Renovation 42 Business & Finance 49 Property 53
This Month’s Advertisers
ABORDimmo Ace Pneus (Tyre Fitting) Affordable UK Designs (Kitchens & UPVC Double Glazing) AgriPelle (Plant/Machinery Purchase & Hire) AKE Petit Travaux (Builder) Alan Pearce Plumbing & Heating Amanda Johnson - The Spectrum IFA Group Andrew Longman (Plumbing & Heating) ARB French Property Arbrecadabra Tree Surgery Argo Carpentry Assurances Maucourt (GAN) Atelier J.M. Toledo (Rug Repairs & Cleaning) Bar Le Clemenceau BH Assurances / Allianz - Isabelle Want Bienvenue Bed and Breakfast Bill McEvoy (Plumber/Heating Engineer) Blevins Franks Financial Management
53 40 2 47 47 42 51 43 55 37 46 40 34 8 49 34 42 52
Brian Fox (Web Designer) 33 Building & Renovation Services 44 Café Bonbon 24 Camping Courte de Vallée 26 Caniclôture Hidden Fences 18 Carlill-Strover Building 44 Chat-eau Cattery 18 Cherry Picker Hire 47 Chris Parsons (Heating, Electrical, Plumbing) 43 Chriss Bassett Construction 44 Christies (English Book Shop & Tea Room) 6 Cindy Mobey (Freelance Writer & Marketing Consultant) 50 CJ Electricité 46 Clean Sweep Chimney Services 43 Cottage Services (Garden Maintenance) 35 Creature Comforts (Home Repair Service) 18 Currencies Direct - Sue Cook 51 Darren Lawrence 45 David Cropper (Stump Grinding) 37 David Watkins Chimney Sweep 43 Deano’s Bar & Grill 26 Deb Challacombe (Online counsellor) 20 Derek Marriott Plumbing and Heating 43 Down to Earth Pool Design 53 Franglais Deliveries 34 Fresco Interiors 35 Ginger’s Kitchen 26 Go Go Bike Hire 9 Hallmark Electronique 46 Haynes Carpentry (U.P.V.C Double Glazing) 45 Helen Booth, deVere France 50 Home2bchic (Interior Design Services) 34 House Sitters 79 18 Inter Décor (Tiles & Bathrooms) 42 Irving Location - Digger Hire 48 Irving Location - Septic Tank Installation & Groundworks 48 James Moon Construction 48 Jeff’s Metalwork 46 John Purchase - Mobile Mechanic 40 John Spray Maçonnerie 46 Julian Dor-Vincent (Farrier) 18 Keep It Simple (British Paints in France) 34 Keith Banks Pool Services 53 La Deuxième Chance (Annie Sloan Chalk Paint supplier) 34 La Petite Noisette Bar & Restaurant 26 Leggett Immobilier 54 L’Emporium Shop, L’Absie 35 Le Regal’on Bar & Restaurant 24 Lorraine Wallace (Health Coach in France) 20 Mandy Moat Personal Trainer 21 Mark Sabestini Renovation & Construction 44 ML Computers 33 Motor Parts Charente 40 M.Page Ladscaping 37 Mutuelles de Poitiers Assurances 40 Needa Hand Services 35 O’Bistrot (Bar & Brasserie) 23 Pamela Irving (Massage & Reflexology) 20 Paul Woods - Agent Commerciale 53 Plan 170 (Professional building plans) 44 Plombier Anglais en France 42 Polar Express (Frozen Food Supplier) 26 Projet Piscine (Swimming Pool solutions) 53 Pure Heart Yoga Retreat 21 Quedubois (windows and doors) 45 Restaurant des Canards 23 Rob Berry Plastering Services 47 Robert Lupton Electrician 46 Ross Hendry (Interface Consulting & Engineering) 32 Sarah Berry Online (Website Design) 33 Sarl Down to Earth Construction (Groundworks and Micro Station Installer) 48 Satellite TV 33 Short Cuts (Mobile Dog Grooming) 18 Simon the Tiler 42 Simply Homes and Gardens 37 Steve Coupland (Property Services) 42 Steve Robin (Plumber) 43 Strictly Roofing 44 Sue Burgess (French Classes & Translation) 10 The English Mechanic & Son - Tony Eyre 40 Three+One Band 8 Val Assist (Translation Services) 10 Yesbays.info (free ads website) 56 Your Local Gardener 37 Zumba Gold Classes 20
© 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: juin 2016 - Tirage: 5000 exemplaires. Siret: 515 249 738 00011 ISSN: 2115-4848 TVA: FR 03 515 249 738
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016 | 3
What’s On...
WEEKLY EVENTS: Quizwitch Quiz - every Thursday pm At le Chaudron, 79320 Chatemerle from 8pm. 2.50€ p/p. Monies raised in aid of Cancer Support Deux-Sèvres. Annie Sloan Workshops - every Tuesday & Thursday am Personally trained by Annie Sloan to help you get the best from her paints and products. Please see www.ladeuxiemechance.com 1-26th June - Patrimoine-Heritage Expo At La Commanderie des Antonins, St Marc-la-Lande. Further details can be found on P.12 3-5th June - Rendez-vous aux jardins Please see www.poitou-charentes.culture.gouv.fr 3-5th June - Carnet de Voyage Exhibition at Vouvant Please see P6 for details. 4th June - Live Music Evening at Bar Le Clemenceau From 8pm. See advert on P.8 for information 5th June - Opening Season Home Cricket Match At Maillé Cricket Club, Maillé. All welcome. 5th June - Live Music & Traditional Sunday Roast At Restaurant des Canards, Chef Boutonne. See advert on P.23 8th June - ‘Ian’s Orange Day’ cream Tea afternoon At Les Gibaudieres from 3pm. Please read further details on P.21 9th June - Traders Day at Pause! Café 2pm-5pm: plants, cushions, Naked Curries, books and much more. 11th June - Concert by the Melleran Chanteurs At Melleran Church, 8.30pm 12th June - Pastyfest and Garden Fête In aid of Association Galia. See advert on P.6 14th June - Quiz Night At Bar/Restaurant Le Regal’on, 79130 Allonne. More info on P.24 15th June - Concert by the Melleran Chanteurs At Messé Church, 8.30pm 18th & 19th June - Exhibition at Mouilleron Saint Germain To commemorate it’s 70+ dead in WW1 and the 150th Anniversary of the Fire Station, the small town of Mouilleron Saint Germain have organised a free exhibition. See info on P.8 19th June - The 7th Marais Poitevin Marathon in Coulon Please see www.maraisthon.fr 24th-26th June - St Clémentin Bilingual Literary Festival A 3 day event offering talks, activites, workshops etc. See P.9 for details or visit the website www.stclementinlitfest.com 25th June - Opening of the restored windmill, Le Beugnon At 11am, Le Vent de Galerne, les Vignardières, 79130 Le Beugnon. Tours are available. 25th June - Concert by the Amity Singers of Jersey Please see P.8 for details 25th-26th June - 11th Grand Prix Automobile Historique, Bressuire 26th June - Les Chanterelles in Coulon Church Perform a free concert from 6pm with special guests The Amity Singers of Jersey. Please see P.8 for more details. 27th June - CSSG Quiz in St Pardoux 27th-30th June - Health & Wellness Retreat Body Positive & Healthy Cooking Retreat, hosted by Lorraine Wallace - Health Coach & The Secret Garden-France Cookery School. An experience of a lifetime that will positively transform your life forever! Vallée du Loire 72150 www.lorrainewallace.com/juneretreat. See advert on P.20 29th June - Fundraising Tea Party At Chez Tante Mabel, Pers 79190. See P7 for more details.
What’s Coming Up... 2nd July - Vasles Netball Club’s Race Night. See P.8 for info 2nd - 6th July - Young Zulu Warriers European Benefit Tour 6th - 17th July - Photography Exhibition by Fotofocus4fun At Salle d’exposition, Vouvant. 10th July - CSSG Summer Fair including Keynotes concert 10th July - Phoenix Chorale Summer Concert in Lezay 16th July - Annual Reaction Theatre Summer BBQ 23rd - 24th July - Magné Painting Festival 30th July - Le Vanneau Floating Market 31st July - British Day at Maillé
June 2016 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 11am: 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 (+ Sunday school), 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 St Hilaire de Voust, Vendée and 2nd & 4th Sunday at 11am in two locations: one near Bressuire, DeuxSèvres 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
The National Holidays, Religious and Feast Days 2016 Sunday 19th June Tuesday 21st June
Father’s Day (Fête des Pères) World Music Day (Fête de la Musique)
Thursday 14th July Monday 15th August
National Day (Fête Nationale) Assumption of Mary (Assomption)
Tuesday 1st November Friday 11th November Sunday 25th December
All Saint’s Day (Toussaint) Armistice Day (Armistice) Christmas Day (Noël)
Sunday 2nd October Monday 31st October
Grandfather’s Day (Fête des Grand-pères) Halloween
Dates in blue represent celebration days, not public holidays.
4 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016
Celebrating our 10th Year! Reel Fish & Chips June
(See our website for venue details)
1st & 15th Etusson 2nd La Coudre 3rd La Chapelle Thireuil 11th Secondigny 17th St Martin de Sanzay Tel: 06 04 14 23 94 - www.reelfishandchips.net
Open 6-8.30pm
La Vendée Chippy
LOCAL MARKETS Benet 85490 Lencloître (1st Monday in month) 86140 Tuesdays......... Lezay 79120 Coulonges-sur-l’Autize 79160 Thouars 79100 - and - Bressuire 79300 Wednesdays.... Parthenay 79200 - and - Celles-sur-Belle 79370 Thursdays........ Sauzé-Vaussais 79190 - and - Niort 79000 La Mothe St Héray 79800 Friday............... Thouars 79100 - and - Melle 79500 Saturdays........ Bressuire 79300 - and - Champdeniers 79220 Chef-Boutonne 79110 Airvault 79600 - and - Niort 79000 Saint Maixent-l’École 79400 Fontenay-le-Comte 85200 Sundays............ Coulon 79510 - and - Neuville-de-Poitou 86170 Mondays.........
PLEASE DON’T FORGET TO MENTION ‘THE DSM’ when responding to an article or advert... Thank You
Weds: Bar ‘Auberge le St Vincent’, 85110 St Vincent Sterlanges Thurs: New venue Bar ‘Au Fil de l’eau’, 85200 Mervent Fri: Bar ‘Le Clemenceau’, 85390 Mouilleron-en-Pareds Sat: 1st Saturday of the month, Bar ‘Le Marmiton’, 85120 Antigny
Sat 11 - Salle des fêtes, 85210 La Chapelle Thémer. 6.30-9pm Tel: 02 44 39 16 73 - www.lavendeechippy.com
Top Hat Quiz & Curry
From 7pm
Dates & Venues for JUNE: 2nd: Chef Boutonne 6th: Limalonges 8th: Aigre 13th: Theil Rabier Tel: 05 45 71 70 91 - more info at www.tophatquizzes.com
Mr T’s Friterie
Open 6.30-9pm
With regular venues at: • • •
Aulnay 17470 (from 6pm) • Beauvais-sur-Matha 17490 • Gourville 16170
St Hilaire de Villefranche 17770
St Jean d’Angély 17400
See www.frying4u2nite.com for details or call 06 02 22 44 74
Fish 4 Chip + Authentic Indian meals
CONTACT
Sarah Berry on 05 49 70 26 21 Monday - Thursday 9am - 1pm & 2pm - 6pm Email: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
Mondays: Tuesdays: Wednesdays: Thursdays: Fridays:
Bar Tilleuls, Champniers (near Civray) Sauzé-Vaussais (Main square) Chef Boutonne (near Chateau) Sauzé-Vaussais - Evening (Main square) Mansle (car park of Simply Supermarket)
Tel: 06 37 53 56 20 - www.mobilefishandchipsfrance.com The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016 | 5
Getting Out & About
Summer in Vouvant! European Benefit Tour
The Young Zulu Warriors return to Brion près Thouet for a rare visit to France as they continue to dazzle audiences internationally with their foot-stomping, pulsating and meaningful song and dance, which portrays aspects of their lives and homeland – including showcasing their rich Zulu culture. They will be hosted by the International Friendship Association ‘Amitiés Etambé et Tembe’. All funds raised through the public performances and sale of African crafts and Zulu beadwork goes to South Africa to support the continuing work of the ‘God’s Golden Acre Children’s Centre’ in KwaZulu-Natal. Dates for Your Diary.... 2 - 3 July: Performing at the 18th annual ‘BOUILLE FESTIVAL’ At Bouillé-Loretz and Bouillé-Saint-Paul 5 July: Showcase Concert (8pm prompt start) At Brion près Thouet Community Stadium Entry 5€ (children under 11 years FREE) 6 July: Gospel Concert (8pm prompt start) At the Saint-Médard Church, Thouars Free entry
(a collection for donations will be made during the evening)
Curving, winding circles, and eyes, intertwined with architectural elements burst forth in an explosion of geometric colour - Vouvant, once again, revisits the legend of Mélusine, for its outdoor summer exhibition. The artist Blandine le Pallec, uses these three elements to create a contemporary and geometric exploration of the legend of Melusine in a fresco, measuring roughly 40 x 5½ foot, and painted on the walls in the courtyard of the Espace Lusignan. She skilfully weaves these three elements into a spectacular display of colour and design, and accompanies her fresco with an explanatory text describing the inspiration behind her work. Quixotic and playful sculptures by Vendée artist Roger Rousseaux will appear alongside the fresco in the courtyard of the Espace Lusignan. These lively and innovative sculptures often contain similar design elements to those found in the fresco. The fresco and the sculptures, on exhibit for summer, from July, will delight your senses and inspire your imagination. The first weekend in June, the 3rd, 4th and 5th, Vouvant’s first ‘Carnet de Voyage’ exhibition will take place. Invited artists will exhibit sketchbooks and paintings done on their travels, give short talks about their work, and guide sketching tours around the village. There will be music and dance on Sunday - come and enjoy the festivities! In June and July, artist Daniel Doutre brings his time machine to Vouvant along with his paintings of how the future might appear in 3010. And in August and September, the well-known collective of watercolour artists, Oz Art, will exhibit their works in Vouvant, giving a series of workshops, and conferences as well. It’s happening in Vouvant this summer! All details online at www.vouvantvillagedepeintres.com.
For more information, contact Stephen Bourne on 05 49 67 75 84 or stephen.bourne@sfr.fr 6 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016
Come and visit!
FREE CONCERT
The Chanterelles Choir of Coulon is singing with the
Amity Singers of Jersey Channel Islands
!
Come and enjoy our varied programme of Jazz... Gospel...Classical & Folk music from around the world
Coulon Church Sunday 26th June at 6pm The Amity Singers will also give a short concert at Le Vanneau Church on Saturday 25th June at 6.30pm
Chez Tante Mabel Tea Party
Grand Prix Historique BRESSUIRE 79
Fundraising Event for Cancer Support Deux-Sèvres on Wednesday 29th June 2016, 12.30 - 4.30 at Fondemoulin, Pers 79190
In the heart of our region, Bressuire hosts its ‘Grand Prix Historique’ on 25th and 26th June.
(Directions on Chez Tante Mabel website)
This event is a homage to the glory days of the early 50’s when the biggest names of their day in motorsport raced around the town, fresh from Le Mans. The event was revived in 2005 for 1950’s cars, including single seaters, and once again this year you can come and see all the action.
Think dainty doilies, pretty napkins and granny’s finest bone china - a special afternoon tea to support this important charity. We will have a selection of hats for you to wear to get in the mood, or bring your own. Musical ambience provided by MackenZie and Norman. Donations of savoury finger-lickers (sandwiches, sausage rolls etc) or sweetie treats for afters (scones, cakes, traybakes etc) would be very welcome. Please bring them to the event or we can arrange collection. Further details from Bev Email: cheztantemabel.com Tel: 05 49 29 19 07 Pam - Email: pamela.bishop@orange.fr Tel: 05 49 07 90 19
The circuit is a mere 0.75km, but is tight and demanding for the drivers and provides great viewing, excitement and action for the spectators. The cars race in four classes; A. ‘Tourisme’ for vintage saloon cars. B. ‘Grand Tourisme & Sports’ for post WW2 sports cars. C. ‘Monoplace’ for single seat racing cars. D. ‘Cyclecar’ for pre WW2 sports cars.
In true French style the event is free and the paddock can be explored freely giving everyone a chance to see the cars close up as well as watch the track action from behind the straw bale barriers. Photo: David Brennan
Not only can you smell the hot engine oil, you can touch it!!
SHARE YOUR EV ENTS ! Entries into the What’s On Listing (P.4) are free! (12€ for businesses) + we can add your event to our Facebook page....
Simply email us:
events@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016 | 7
Vasles Netball Club is holding a
Race Night On Saturday, 2nd July at 3, Les Fosses,
CHANTECORPS An evening of fun and laughter in aid of Vasles Netball Club funds.
Doors open 6pm for the first race 7pm Tarifs including welcome drink, bread and cheese: Adults 7€, under 12s 3€
Reserva'ons please: 05 49 94 67 63 or 05 49 95 28 73
British Ties In Mouilleron-Saint Germain this month, there will be a free exhibition to commemorate the fallen of WW1 and the 150th anniversary of the local fire station. Family exhibits and postcards will be on display and the organisers have arranged items about the British Army, particularly about the Battle of the Somme. British Ex-pats will be warmly welcomed at this exhibition as it is known that the 93eme infantry regiment fought alongside the British... Captain DE LATTRE received a Britsh medal in WW1 and it is hoped that whatever political decisions are taken, the local residents have the friendliest ties with the English expats who have chosen to live in the area. The local museum, ‘Musée des Deux Victoires’ in Mouilleron will offer free entry during this exhibiting weekend. It is probably the smallest State Museum in France. Mouilleron is the birthplace of CLEMENCEAU, the French Prime Minister who was able to convince the allies to have a combined military command and who was able to build the armies of the orient who beat the Austrians and their allies, bringing WW1 to its end. Also born in Mouilleron-Saint Germain was Major General DE LATTRE who commanded the 1st French Army under DE GAULLE, consisting of 6 to 8 divisions. The 1st French Army fought from Saint Tropez to Berschesgaden during 1944-45 and he was the French representative at the German surrender. English guides will be available from 2pm-6pm. Contact Georges by email: georges.lateve@sfr.fr or via Bar Le Clemenceau: info@leclemenceau.net.
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. 8 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016
Our region has a vast selection of cycle routes for all ages and abilities. Here are a selection of websites that may help you plan your days out... www.freewheelingfrance.com www.bikemap.net www.routeyou.com/en-fr/poi/search www.visit-poitou-charentes.com/en/Cycling/Bike-rentals
If you like visiting Vide grenièrs and Brocantes, you may be interested in this website: www.brocabrac.fr
It lists all such events for the whole of France. Just select your department on the map, and off you go.... Happy bargain hunting!
A unique feature on our Saturday programme will be Posture for Writers. Local reflexologist Pamela Irving will give tips on how to avoid common problems and demonstrate the use of a ‘magic’ pen.
St Clémentin, Voulmentin 79150
(15 minutes north of Bressuire, direction Argenton-les-Vallées)
40 authors, 60 events
Mid-summer, Shakespeare’s 400th anniversary, and YES, it’s the Litfest! Come to St Clémentin and celebrate the power of words. “A people that cannot read and write can never be free.“ This quote is from James Miranda Barry by Patricia Dunker, a vivid, entertaining, award-winning novelist whose presentation is at 2pm on Friday afternoon. We welcome English literary translator Ruth Ahmedzai Kemp who will talk about translating the Syrian civil war, the sexual revolution in Jordan as well as work she has accomplished on the art history of horses. Ruth will discuss translation from Arabic and German. Italian students will present French translations of poet, Alphonso Gatto followed by Gavin Bowd who will talk about translating Michel Houellebecq. On Saturday morning meet our keynote speaker, Lemn Sissay, brought up in a Care Home under an abusive regime. He made a remarkable journey from window-cleaner to international celebrity by way of music and poetry. He’ll be interviewed by BBC presenter and novelist Roisin McAuley who later introduces her new crime novel. The Monkseaton Morris Men perform in the village square before the afternoon’s events which feature presentations by popular local authors Alison Morton (the Roma Nova series) and Edwin Apps of All Gas and Gaiters fame. A troubadour recounts the tradition of courtly love from Langue d’oc and story-teller and accordionist Chloe Martinez invites people to join in circle dancing. Take aperitifs and sample Loire Valley wines with Richard Lee before an entertaining evening with Les Amuse Bouches, an Anglo-French quintet, presenting songs by the Beatles and other ‘pop poets.’
History features with Erica Lainé and Isabella of Angoulême, the Tangled Queen and Peter Hoskins recounting the Black Prince, the 100 Years War and the Battle of Poitiers. On Sunday, prominent French historian Reynald Secher puts forward his viewpoint on the Vendéen Wars. Local authors Francis Carpentier and Monique Guérin-Simmonaud share personal histories of WW1, and Noëlle Pouplin reveals the fascinating truth about the clandestine practices of the Catholic Dissidents in this locality during the 19th century. On Sunday morning there is a creative writing workshop, Fêtes des Mots, with Lise Lundi Cassin (places limited so please reserve). There are two free workshops: drawing for youngsters with author/ illustrator Philippe Gaufreteau, and Origami: the art of paperfolding including Hidden haiku, secret sonnets with Mike Shearing. Writing workshops include ‘You Couldn’t Make it Up’ with Ian Mathie of the much praised Africa Memoir series: inspiration for those who want to shape real-life encounters into exciting prose. Festival organiser Gordon Simms, poet and playwright, presents ’Duologues,’ exercises for collaborative writing of dialogue. Katherine Gallagher offers ‘Masks,’ exploring the concept of disguise. Roger Elkin holds his Masterclass, and a tribute to the late Linda Lamus from Brenda Henderson gives insights into the creative process behind poetry writing. Our pop-up bookshop will be stocking close on a thousand books and organising author signings. Book launches include: Poems for a Liminal Age, an anthology in support of Médecins Sans Frontières, Gavin Bowd’s The Last Communard, Howard Needs, Maisons paysannes et patrimoine de pays en Deux-Sèvres and John Hudson’s The Road Taken. An impressive art and photography exhibition is open each day in the Salle des Fêtes and you can relax and refuel during the day at The Copper Kettle pop-up Tea Shop. Check out the full programme on www.stclementinlitfest.com
Follow us... Facebook: Stclementinlitfest and Twitter: @StClemlitfest or Join the LitFest team! The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016 | 9
Rendez-vous aux jardins by Sue Burgess
T
his year’s «Rendez-vous aux Jardins» will be held from the 3rd to the 5th June. In 2015, 1.8 million visitors discovered the 2,300 private and public gardens open all over France. In 2016 the «Rendez-vous aux Jardins» have the theme of «Les couleurs du Jardin» (the colours of the garden).
A series of posters has been produced, representing the cycle of nature at each season. «Printemps» (spring), «été» (summer), «automne» (autumn), «hiver» (winter). There are of course different types of gardens and parks. «Un jardin public» is usually a park in a town. «Un parc» is a private garden, often a château garden for example and can also be translated by the word grounds. «Un square» is a small pedestrian square or area in a town or village or between blocks of flats, often with grass and flowers, «Les jardins ouvriers» are allotments, «un jardin partagé» is a communal garden. «Un potager» is a vegetable garden or vegetable plot. «Un jardin anglais» or «un jardin à l’anglaise» is a landscaped garden whereas «un jardin à la française» is a formal garden. A botanical garden is of course «un jardin botannique» but it can also be «un jardin d’acclimatation» or «un jardin des plantes».
ht
«Un jardin d’agrément» is an ornamental garden and a «jardin d’ornément» is a flower garden. A walled garden is «un jardin clos» and a «jardin d’hiver» is a winter garden conservatory. If you have an inner courtyard then you can have a «jardin d’intérieur».
ht
Not all «jardins» have plants. «Un jardin zoologique» is a zoo. «Un jardin d’enfants» is a kindergarten and «Un jardin secret» is your inner world or private world.
un jardin fruitier .............................. fruit garden un jardin intérieur .......................... inner courtyard garden un jardin suspendau ...................... hanging garden un meuble de jardin ......................
piece of garden furniture
le mobilier du jardin.......................
garden furniture
le nain de jardin ............................. garden gnome un parc à thème .............................. theme park un parc animalier ........................... zoo un parc aquatique ........................
water park
un parc éolien ..............................
wind farm
10 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016
“
‘The DSM’ Advertiser Feedback...
We are pleased with the service and the advertisement - it has really helped bring in new custom.
“
Vocabulary / Vocabulaire:
JUNE and ‘Les Calendriers Des Mois Romane’
J
by Howard Needs
une, July and August are the months of confusion if one looks at the painted calendars because each has its specific activity represented and the tools involved look similar in the dark of an unlit church. This confusion is compounded by the shift in growing season from north to south, especially if the UK and Italy are included. June is the month of hay making in France and the use of the scythe is practically the only activity shown in the church calendars. What we see in the photos are scythes of slightly different types; more curved or less so, a heavy back ridge or not and with a side handle or not; technological advances in the course of the centuries. One of my photos shows a scythe being sharpened with a whetstone made of schist or another fine grain stone, but only a part of the story of hay-making is told in the church paintings. In illustrated manuscripts such as ‘Les Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry’ where we find the women in the background gathering the cut grass preparatory to drying and subsequent stacking and three peasants bare-footed, but with hats on, cutting the hay. In other manuscripts the grass is being cut by a row of workers or by groups each tackling their own part of the field and sometimes just a single worker. In later illustrations you can find a scythe being sharpened by peening, hammering the edge of a fine thin blade, this to enable a fine cutting edge to be kept of course. However, it also saved metal on a metal rich tool and it tempered the edge of the blade by work hardening and thus enabling more cuts between sharpening. According to one source, a peasant could cut an area of 100m2 in a day. To me that seems rather little, perhaps by a factor 10, after having used both scythe and weed wacker in the past.
Photo above left: Église Ste-Feyre, Saint-Feyre, Creuse. Above right: Église Notre Dame, Clairavaux, Creuse. © Howard Needs
normally fed to horses. However, as horses came into use so did the heavy horse collar and the three field rotation system, both of which much improved farming efficiency and perhaps contributed to migration to the towns and their subsequent growth. In the early part of the medieval period hay was grown on ground near rivers, lakes or marshy areas less suited to grain crops; the best land being reserved for grain and vegetables so necessary for the peasants’ own all year round sustenance. In Carolingian times hayfields were seen as being more precious a possession than arable land. I have not found out much about ownership of the hay fields but it is certain that the surface area was large and the peasants would not have owned it. It seems that they had rights over some of the hay cut and grazing rights after the cut. However, they were obliged to temporarily enclose the land to stop incidental grazing or theft. As I look out of the back window towards the Sèvre I realise that the hay and grazing fields are still next to the river.
More next month...
Photo above left: Église St-Étienne, Paulnay, Indre. Above right: Blade being sharpened, Église St-Germain, Allouis, Cher. © Howard Needs
Other June activities were sheep shearing, harvesting fruit and clearing the fields of weeds and in particular of thistles. To remove thistles two tools were used together, one for holding and cutting the thistle and the other for getting the root out. This had to be done with damp soil and before the thistle seeded and thus at the end of May or beginning of June before the hot weather started that was so necessary to dry the hay. Thistle clearing is not very much in evidence in the French calendars but in the UK it is more prominent. Even today in France there is an obligation to remove thistles from your property before they can flower. In the middle ages the peasants used cattle as motive power on their land and of course for milk and meat. These beasts were sustained during the winter by hay and thus it was an important crop for the peasant personally. Later, as horses became more common on the farm and in general use for transport and in the cavalry, hay was also used to supplement the oats that were
CONTRIBUTIONS... We are always looking for new articles for consideration in future issues. 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, June 2016 | 11
Hobbies More from local writer Alison Morton... Please see back issues of ‘The DSM’ if you would like to see previous articles.
Preparing to Speak
Y
our writing has been recognised and you’ve been invited to speak at an event. How exciting! Whether it’s a solo talk about your books and writing, contributing to a panel or running a workshop, there are several things to consider. Being a panel member means you have been invited for your experience; you can talk on a variety of subjects around the panel topic and draw on your background, writing field and also give the audience a true story or tips from your writing life that can help theirs. A solo talk can be about your writing process where you can bring in several aspects, or a specific area, e.g. character, setting, research, plotting. You may be asked to talk about your experience of publishing, or to talk about your own books (harder than you think!). Leading a workshop is the most challenging of all as you are actively teaching writing craft. And you will need to do the most preparation for this event. But as well as refreshing your own knowledge, it will enhance your reputation, plus you’ll have fun interacting with other writers. What to put in your talk Whatever type of event, remember the audience has come to see and listen to you because you might say something useful to them. A workshop will focus on writing skills and be participative. Attendees expect to learn and take away fresh ideas to assess and improve their writing, so you’ll need to prepare information and exercises and lead feedback sessions. While you can use titbits from your own experience, this is not about you. If you are entertaining the audience with a solo talk, you’ll need to prepare like a demon. Talking sensibly for twenty minutes is a long time; forty minutes a lifetime. I usually focus on five main points in a half-hour time slot. Hopefully, your audience will ask questions and you should allow 10-15 minutes for this. However, prepare a back-up topic in case there are only one or two. In this type of event, you can bring in personal anecdotes and mention your books, but beware of wandering off topic or being too ‘salesy’. On a panel, your answers should be short and informative. Resist the urge to tell a rambling story, but distill the essence of it if it illustrates your point. A succinct comment or light-hearted aside usually goes down well. A good chairman will keep the panelists in order, but it’s a faster-moving format than the other events. Practical preparation Ask the organiser about the likely audience (numbers, age, experience) and check whether your contribution is part of a larger event and how it will fit in. Will you be able to bring books along to sell and is lunch provided? Discuss what equipment (projector, flipchart + stand, etc.) they will provide and what you should bring. Make sure you have the full address of the venue and the organiser’s mobile number. Five quick tips • Try not to do ‘And then…’ • Be natural – you’ve been invited, after all. People want the real you • Over-prepare your materials and information • Give out handouts, cards and, if you have them, pens • Take extra paper and pens for workshops Happy speaking! Alison will be talking at the St Clémentin Littfête on 24th June (Indie publishing) and 25th June (Roma Nova alternative history thrillers) 12 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016
Heritage of life and buildings in the Deux-Sèvres.
M
by Howard Needs
id way between Mazières-en-Gâtine and Champdeniers you will find a small, quiet farming village dominated at its centre by what looks like a church or rather large chapel. This is the village and commune of Saint-Marcla-Lande and the church called a Collégiale is part of a greater complex called La Commanderie des Antonines. The Antonines were a religious order of Hospitalers which fused with the Order of St John of Jerusalem in 1776. They were specialized in nursing those suffering from St Anthony’s fire – a fungus that grows on rye – and suffering they were - it was painful and deadly. The curious thing is that I had never heard of them until I came to this part of the world but I find that at one time they were a large and powerful nursing order. These days the Commanderie buildings, but excluding the Collégiale, are managed and used by an association called Maison du Patrimoine with many activities – concerts, courses and workshops, nature walks, exhibitions and so on. There is a medicinal herb garden, an orchard with many different varieties of apples and pears and there is the beautiful interior of the Commanderie. Their activities extend to the animation of a natural garden – Val de Flore at Soutiers. Here one can walk and find many flowering plants in a natural surrounding and some educational material for the children and I have spent very many hours in the garden photographing plants and insects in the quiet of a spring or summer’s afternoon. One of their exhibitions, a double one, will take place in June with a theme Patrimoine – Heritage which is at the heart of their activities (but in a wider sense than just buildings). The first is ‘La Construction en Pierre au Moyen Age’ (Building with Stone in the Middle Ages), conceived by Atemporelle in Parthenay in the form of a travelling exhibition using large panels to display information and photos. Many aspects of the large medieval buildings, churches, abbeys, the fortresses of course and other buildings, are shown in detail using old manuscripts, text, photos and drawings. Sources of information, financing of the works, architecture, architect and master builder, tools and machinery, the working and sourcing of the stone and so on are all covered. If past experience is anything to go by, I am looking forward to spending some time, and many hours, reading and understanding this excellent exhibition.
The other is ‘Maisons paysannes et patrimoine de pays en DeuxSèvres’ (Country dwellings and countryside heritage in the DeuxSèvres), echoing a book published last September by Geste Editions. The book, containing some 300 pages and 700 photos, was written by the previous president of Maisons Paysannes de France – DeuxSèvres and is full of explanation and information - more a reference book than a tourist’s book. I and Regis Bernet, another photographer from the association, took the photos for the book and we have created this exhibition to show the best of the photos in a bigger format hoping to be able to share our love of photography and our enthusiasm for the remains of the life and doings of the rural population of the past. Both exhibitions will have room for visitors to move at ease in the beautifully restored old building which has been outfitted with lighting and fittings specifically required to deliver quality exhibitions. If you choose to visit the Commanderie at St Marc and see the expos, take some time out to look around the orchard and herb garden – they are both thoroughly worthwhile.
Expo: 7 May to 26 June, Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 7pm La Commanderie des Antonins, St-Marc-la-Lande.
The Commanderie, St Marc-la-Lande
SINGING IN THE MARAIS
T
by Marylyn Kusmirek
wo years ago The Amity Singers of Jersey, Channel Islands took the ferry from Jersey to St Malo and drove down to Coulon to spend a most enjoyable weekend in the Marais Poitevin.
They came at the invitation of Les Chanterelles, a choir of women, who had visited Jersey in 2013. The two choirs gave a superb concert in Coulon church, which was greatly enjoyed by the audience, who gave the performance a standing ovation. The Amity Singers was founded in 1973 by John Farnon, mainly to sing music from the Renaissance. But now, after 40 years, the repertoire has broadened and includes Folk Songs, Negro Spirituals, and twentieth century religious and secular music. They also sing popular Jazz and Blues numbers from the big band era.
Melleran Chanteurs Melleran Singers
by Maggie Geal
W
e are an amateur choir, set up in 2008 and headed, since 2009, by Christophe Blugeon. Singing tutor and choir master at Melle School of Music, founder and artistic director of Sanxay Soirees Lyriques (3rd most popular open-air operatic event in France) and head of several amateur regional choirs, Christophe, as a singer in his own right, has recorded several CD’s and we feel privileged to have him as our choir master. The choir gives several concerts each year, some performed with other choirs Christophe is master of. These are well-attended, and are often held in local churches to take advantage of their wonderful acoustics. During term time, we meet at 6.45pm each Monday at Melleran Salle des Fetes and sing a wide range of songs in several languages from French to German, English, Hebrew and Russian. With Christophe’s professionalism and eye for detail, what initially seems almost impossible becomes a work of art (to our ears at least!). As with any group we are always in need of new members and would particularly welcome tenor and bass voices, although anyone who enjoys singing would be received with open arms. Despite having just 14 singers we still manage to produce some beautiful music but it would be great to have more voices to swell the musical waves. You don’t need to be able to read music to sing with us – I certainly can’t!
FREE CONCERT
The Chanterelles Choir of Coulon is singing with the
Amity Singers of Jersey
Above: The members of The Amity Singers of Jersey (in no particular order): Hilary Grant, Tanya Howard, Judy Egre, Gillian Sawyer, Elaine Doublet, Karen Spencer, Elizabeth Farnon, Simone Garton, Michael Carnegie, John Farnon, Roy Picot, Robert Casalis de Pury, Stephen Higginson, Duncan Miller & Fred Benest.
Channel Islands
!
Come and enjoy our varied programme o f Jazz... Gospel...Class ical & Folk music from around the world
Coulon Church Sunday
26th June at 6pm
The choir has always received fulsome praise at the Jersey Eisteddfod for its ability to move comfortably from one musical style to another. They often visit other regions of France during the summer to sing in some of Brittany and Normandy’s beautiful churches and aim to include a lot of French music in their programmes. The Amity Singers will also give a short concert at Le Vanneau Church on Saturday 25th June at 6.30pm
Elizabeth took over the direction of the choir when she retired from music teaching and her husband John can now just enjoy singing! Having loved the excellent acoustics in Coulon's church during the summer of 2014, they are delighted to be back for another weekend of singing – and to join Les Chanterelles in a concert in Coulon church on Sunday 26th June at 6.00pm Don’t miss this free Concert, which will include English, French, Russian, Corsican, German, Finnish and Czech songs – L'Entente Cordiale with Something for Everyone!
Above: The Melleran Chanteurs
If you are interested, just turn up on a Monday evening or failing that, phone me and I can give you more information and hopefully twist your arm! Contact Maggie Geal, proud member of Melleran Chanteurs on 05 49 07 11 69
Forthcoming concerts Saturday June 11th, 8.30 pm at Melleran church Singing with choir from St Leger de la Martinière. Wednesday June 15th at 8.30 pm Messé church Singing with choir from Rom These concerts are usually free, although sometimes there may be a collection plate.
For further information Contact: Marylyn Kusmirek by email: kusmirek@orange.fr or tel: 05 49 76 75 45 The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 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. Melleran Chanteurs – Amateur singing group meeting every Monday 6.45pm in Melleran Salle des Fetes. French & English members, singing in many languages. New voices always welcomed, particularly tenor and bass. For more information contact Maggie Geal 05 49 07 11 69
“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
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 Carole on email: carole.stocking@gmail.com
Woodturners/Woodworkers Amateur woodturners/woodworkers interested in joining our association “Faisons des Copeaux”. Any level of ability from debutant to experienced. Contact Roland 05 49 96 44 10, preferably evenings. Shamanic Drum circle for laughter and health.... held in Chanteloup Salle (near Bressuire - department 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
Chorale Mélusine, Parthenay
French 4-part choir established over 30 years (with 2 English members) always looking for “new blood”! Excellent Musical Director. Come to a rehearsal and see for yourselves. Contact Keith for more info: keithandcarol@orange.fr or 05 49 69 14 89 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
Franglais Anglo-French Group Thouars - Centre Socio-Culturel
Thanks to the support of the Centre we meet every Wednesday 7.30pm-9pm, at 7 rue Anne Desrays, for conversation in English & French, for a mutual understanding of each other’s language and culture. Contact 05 49 66 35 11 or the Centre 05 49 66 76 40 email jpc.allorent@orange.fr or eugene_mc_cabe@hotmail.com
14 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016
GARDENING CLUB
We meet every third Tuesday of the month, 2.30pm with free tea/coffee and bscuits 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).
2nd Sunday Motorcycle Club Come and join us for a bike ride, or just a cup of coffee and a chat, with bike-minded people. As the name suggests, wet meet on the 2nd Sunday of every month. New members are always welcome. For more information, visit our web-site. www.2ndsundayclub.fr
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 email: theatrivasles@gmail.com
JUST BRASS 79
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. THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION LINAZAY, POITOU-CHARENTES BRANCH
Please visit the branch website:
www.rblpoitou-charentes.fr
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.
ThouarStMed’Arts - Association that aims to bring together 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
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
FANCY A KICK ABOUT?
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 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. Cancer Support Deux-Sèvres
Aims to improve the lives of people affected by Cancer in the Deux-Sèvres. Contact June Searchfield on 05 49 64 59 96 or visit www.cancersupportdeuxsevres.com
Combined Services
Support Group (CSSG)
O
by Terri Laverick
n the way home from choir yesterday I was pondering on what to write for the June edition, and realised that since CSSG became an Association, I have not described who we are and what we do. So here goes...
We are a group of expats who decided to raise monies for the Charities who support our ex-Service community here in France. The Rules and Regulations of our Association also allow us to give to local Charities, and we have twice given money to the local Pompiers family charity. We have also sent money to the Army of Angels (holidays for Service personnel and their families, a UK based Charity), the Ghurkha Trust, Combat Stress UK, RAFA and SSAFA France. The money is raised by holding summer garden parties, markets, christmas fairs, quiz nights, horse racing evenings and selling tea, coffee and cakes at various events. One of this year’s fund raisers has been cancelled so we are looking to replace the funds through some other event and we are looking for new members and helpers, we always need helpers!! Any ideas for fund raising events are always welcome; in fact our Committee would be thrilled to hear from you. Our next big event is the Summer Fair/Market in St Pardoux, on 10th July at 11am. Unfortunately, the Archery display has had to be cancelled due to the archer’s work commitments. I hope the Sheriff of Nottingham is not reading this!! We also have a quiz night in St Pardoux on 27th June. We start at 7pm and it’s great fun, especially for me as I know all the answers! There are posters out for the Summer Fair/Market, if you would like a table, please let me know. Or just come along and have some fun. My next job? Painting the bottoms of 50 little yellow plastic ducks, for the Hook a Duck. I know how to have fun. If you would like to join us, or help in any way, please contact me by email: terri.laverick@outlook.com or by telephone on 05 49 64 07 24.
Clubs & Associations Submission Guidelines Wordcount: Title of entry+ 40 words (max. including contact details). Logos can be supplied and will be added if space allows. Adverts meeting the above specifications can be added free of charge, and will be rotated on a monthly basis to allow everyone to participate. To guarantee the advert is printed each month, a small fee of 54€ 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
F
by Kate Jouanneau
irstly, as many of our members already know, our elected Chairman, Tony Murdoch, decided to step down from this postion. We would like to wish him all the best and know the committee will not be the same without him. Speaking of the committee, it has been organised by the other members to continue ‘leaderless’ for the remainder of the year and divide the numerous tasks between us. Following on from that we will seek a new Chairman. Tony is still a very active member of Reaction Theatre and proved this by kindly lending his dancing and tutoring skills to the group during a social evening of Scottish Dancing held at Café des Belles Fleurs in Fenioux. Everyone agreed it was a great night out and encouraged Tony to organise a future date where folks can put what they’ve learnt into play. So it’s June already and Summer is on our doorstep! With the warmer weather RT is getting ready for its different events that are on the agenda this season. It’s something about the lovely sunshine that really gets everyone’s creative juices flowing. Last month saw Keynotes join a brilliant workshop along with two other French choirs with the aim of learning some new singing techniques and mingling with new singers with completely different styles. Starting out as a bit of a challenge for some of our less fluent speaking members, they all soon found themselves swept up in the atmosphere and threw their awkwardness away. Once their self-consciousness had evaporated, everyone let their hair down and began to overcome the language barrier, allowing them to finally start to enjoy themselves. Margaret Round was especially proud of everyone’s efforts and was really chuffed that everybody loved the experience and would gladly do it again. Keynotes will be performing two concerts in their usual fun style of music this July on the 10th at the annual CSSG Garden party, chez Sue & John Blair in Saint Pardoux, and on the 16th at Le Lac in Secondigny. Members and friends are welcome and hope you enjoy yourselves at these up and coming events. Margaret is constantly on the look out for new talent so, if you’d like to join the choir, you can reach her at keynotesdeuxsevres@gmail.com. This June is all about paints for the ArtScene. Members will be learning numerous techniques in oils and acrylics leading them to future workshops with different abstract styles. John Blair is always available for more information and if you’d like to join the group, feel free to contact him at johnblair@btopenworld.com. If you have any further questions you can visit our website www.reationtheatre.fr or contact me directly at kscksc9@hotmail.com or 06 77 51 55 16
Contact Kate Jouanneau on 06 77 51 55 16 Email: kscks9@hotmail.com
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016 | 15
Association Gatin’Émois
by Carolynn Grimaldi
Gatin’émois was created by a group of people involved in tourism in the Gâtine area. In 2016 the association is widening its membership to encompass traders of various talents as well as those directly involved in tourism, with the aim of creating an extensive network to encourage visitors to this beautiful, little-known area, and at the same time assisting in creating a vibrant local economy.
Anyone for Cricket? by Hugh Armitage
Sunday 15th May, probably the first Sunday of this year when the weather has been dry enough for cricket, and Maillé Cricket Club had organised an ‘indoor’ cricket tournament!! For those of you not familiar with the indoor version of cricket, it is a series of matches of 9 overs per innings with 6 players on each team. Runs or ‘points’ are scored by hitting the side, back and front walls of the hall and running between the wickets. It is fast, frenetic and fun! Each match lasting about an hour. This was the first tournament that Maillé C.C. have organised and even though a few of the invited teams dropped out at the last minute, a great day was had by those taking part. After a few very close games with only a few runs separating the teams, the eventual winners, beating Maillé in the final, was Nantes C.C. Our sponsors, ‘Blevin Franks’, presented the newly commissioned trophy to the victors, with a promise to make this an annual tournament.
Coulonges-sur-l’Autize market. © John Wardrop.
If you have a small business and are interested in increasing your activities to both locals and tourists, this association could be for you. Covering the Gâtine local to Parthenay, extending north to Airvault, south towards Niort and spilling over into the Vendée in the west, there are no fixed boundaries. Amongst the ambitious projects being undertaken in 2016 is the introduction of the Gatinelles, a local currency (1 euro = 1 Gatinelle) to be used by members of the association as well as visitors and local residents for trading within the association. To help fund this project the association has launched a crowdfunding appeal via J’adopte un projet – a Poitou-Charentes based platform. See here for details about how a local currency works and how you can contribute: www.jadopteunprojet.com/decouvrez-les-projets/ detail/les-gatinelles Other exciting projects include a new bilingual website with interactive map, an online shop, where members can sell their products (in euros and Gatinelles!). A smartbox, Gâtine box, to be introduced this summer, containing a range of exclusive offers of local products and services of members of the association. Social activities include ‘journées-rencontres’ which take place regularly in the off-season. A day out visiting local tourist facilities (including gîtes and chambres d’hôtes, artisans workshops, local producers, etc) with lunch in a local restaurant. A good way to get to know other members and oil the network (and exercise your French!). Interested? Get in touch …. Contact Carolynn Grimaldi Email: grimaldica@orange.fr ~ Tel. 05 49 95 94 87
Are you a bit of a Bookworm? If you are an avid reader and would like to share your book reviews with us, we would love to publish them! Please send to us by email:
info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr Reviews should be 150-200 words long.
16 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016
Our outdoor season commences on June 5th with a home match at Maillé against Loire C.C. We would welcome visitors to come and support and are always on the lookout for new playing members. Above: The winning team, Nantes C.C. A London touring team will be visiting us on the last weekend of June. A great weekend of cricket is guaranteed! Anyone interested in learning more please contact Hugh Armitage on 07 80 05 66 97 or email: hugharmitage@yahoo.co.uk
“I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.” That broadcast to the Commonwealth on April 21, 1947, was on the 21st birthday of Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor. Five years later she was to accede to the throne upon the death of her father, King George VI. Sixteen months after that – on June 2, 1953 – she would be crowned Queen of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Union of South Africa, Pakistan and Ceylon. So began the public life of one remarkable lady. A lady who, despite being third in line to the throne, was never expected to become Queen as it was assumed that her uncle, Prince Edward (the future Edward VIII who was to abdicate and marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson) would marry and produce the next heir. A lady who celebrated her 90th birthday this year as Britain’s longest reigning monarch, surpassing Queen Victoria’s reign of 63 years, seven months and two days. A lady who is still busier than royals in their 30s. In 2015 she carried out 306 engagements in the UK and 35 abroad. Only the Princess Royal and the Prince of Wales had busier schedules. The Queen celebrated her 90th birthday on April 21, but her ‘official’ birthday comes this month and a weekend of events starts on June 10 with a televised Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral, followed by the Trooping the Colour. Otherwise known as The Queen’s Birthday Parade, it’s a chance for the Queen to inspect soldiers from the Household Division and takes place on Horse Guards Parade, behind Whitehall, in London.
One is a Very Special Lady by Mick Austin
It would take volumes to chronicle the life of one of the world’s most famous women, so we thought we’d give ‘The DSM’ readers the chance to give their thoughts on a monarch whose enduring popularity has been confirmed by recent YouGov research, with a resounding 68% of the British public believing the institution to be good for the country. “A wonderful addition to the UK. Every other country seems envious of this gracious lady and her family. She’s still keeping to the promise she made all those years ago, to serve us all. Well done, Your Majesty.” Kirsty-Anne Bissell
Did you know…?
The Queen is believed to be the only monarch in British history
who has been properly trained to change a flat tyre or a spark plug, having served in the wartime ATS as 2nd Lieutenant Elizabeth Windsor. The then-princess Elizabeth used ration coupons to buy the material for her wedding dress. In Maori language, the Queen is known as Kotuku, which means ‘the white heron’, while in Papua New Guinea pidgin language she is known as ‘Missus Kwin’ or ‘Mama belong big family’. She was the first member of the royal family to be awarded a gold disc from the recording industry. The live CD recording of 2002s Party at the Palace concert to celebrate her Golden Jubilee went on to sell 100,000 copies. She is the most travelled monarch in British history. She has never given a press interview (so no chance for the DSM, then!). She is well-known for her solid-colour overcoats and matching hats, which allow her to be seen easily in a crowd. She speaks fluent French!
“Her commitment to her country is unwavering. Even when semiretired she probably has a work schedule that would make strong young things tremble. I’d like to be (a) alive and (b) capable of working even some of the time at her age. I do think she’s a national treasure – our national treasure. Hats off to Her Majesty!” Lyn Pigney “Whether you are for or against the monarchy, it’s fair to say that throughout her reign, the Queen has demonstrated unwavering dedication and commitment to duty and loyalty to the nation. Respected the world over, she is at the forefront of all that makes Great Britain great.” Rob Berry Photo credits from top left: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Coronation portrait, June 1953, London. Princesses on the footplate during the 1947 Royal Visit to South Africa. HRH Princess Elizabeth in the Auxiliary Territorial Service, April 1945 standing in front of an ambulance. Her Majesty Queen, aged 81 in NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland, USA. Military band, Queen's Official Birthday parade,Horse Guards parade, London, 2007. © Jon, Wikimedia. President of the US Ronald Reagan & Queen Elizabeth II horseback riding at Windsor Castle. Reagan riding Centennial and the Queen is on Burmese.
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016 | 17
Our Furry Friends
18 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016
“Catting” Lessons
F
by Marit de Haan, NALA
rance seems to be the European Champion in the number of abandoned pets. The vast majority don’t survive: starvation, disease, exposure, accident, being shot by hunters etc. all take their toll. Because of the perceived danger that they present to people and livestock, dogs are normally rounded up and put in animal pounds, where the majority, who are unidentified, face an uncertain future. Abandoned cats are less likely to be captured and, if they are unsterilised, those that manage to survive quickly reproduce and create “colonies”. According to French law, such colonies are the responsibility of the mayor. It is recognised that the best way of dealing with such colonies is a campaign of capture, sterilisation and release with someone keeping an eye on them. This was recently emphasised in the “Order” of the 3rd of April 2014, which came into effect on the 1st of January 2015. Just killing them is not only an expensive solution, but is ultimately futile, as within a short time the unoccupied ‘des res’ will soon be recolonised. Recently we were asked to help some people deal with a colony in their town. However, rather than approach the mayor ourselves we decided to offer them our help, but not to participate directly in the meetings with the mayor. There were two main factors that influenced our decision. The first being that such an initiative is more likely to be received if it comes from locals (voters) than from some interfering busybodies from outside. The second is that it requires a relatively long-term commitment to keep an eye on the colony after the campaign and we didn’t think that it would be fair to saddle our potential replacements with such a commitment. The procedure is quite straightforward and we have published a guide in French on our website. In brief: first get a number of concerned citizens together to agree to contact the mayor and continue to look after the colony. Then contact one of the large associations for the protection of animals that give subsidies for sterilisation of strays. If they are prepared to help, it makes it easier to convince the mayor as the impact on his budget is much less. In the case above, 30 Million d’Amis offered subsidies of 60€ for a male and 80€ for a female, leaving the mayor having to fork out about 40€ for a female and 30€ for a male. That’s quite a saving on the approximately 150€-200€ charged for trapping and “disposing” of strays by the traditional method. It’s also neccessary to contact a vet who is prepared to carry out the sterilisation and identification to find out the cost. Once all the information is assembled, the next step is a meeting with the mayor to explain to him the advantages of the proposed solution. All (s)he has to do is organise the finances and confirm arrangements with the vet and the association that’s giving the subsidy. Once that is done, an official notice must be published informing the surrounding area that traps will be set during a certain period, so pet owners should take care that their own pets are not caught by mistake. The campaign above has nearly finished as I write this article, most of the cats have been captured, sterilised and released. It all went very smoothly as the neighbourhood was completely in favour of the action. And we’re pleased that instead of having to do all the work ourselves, with just a little bit of advice and guidance (and the use of the traps) the townspeople learnt how to permanently solve the problem themselves.
Chester
a 1-2 year old Spaniel x This beautiful boy is loving, gentle and affectionate, friendly and playful with other young dogs and loves people! He is very faithful and likes to have a “special” person to follow around. He is obedient and craves affection although he will flinch at sudden hand or foot movements, we can only guess at why. Chester is not a big dog, he weighs around 12.5 kilos. He is clean in the house, sits on command and takes his treats very gently. His recall is good but he can become distracted, understandable as he has spent three months in the pound, so everything is still VERY exciting! He walks well on lead and his training is coming along nicely. He is so desperate to please you! Chester has been known to steal things if left alone but he is crate trained and happy to be left, or to sleep, in his crate. He would be happy to have another dog to play with but, as long as he has a loving owner he will be a loyal and loving companion. He is chipped, castrated, fully vaccinated, worm and tick treated and ready for his forever home. If you are interested in this loving boy, please either call Jackie and Andy Axford on 05 53 52 06 23 or email: jackie.axford@gmail.com www.phoenixasso.com
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
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016 | 19
Health, Beauty & Fitness Meal Planning will transform your Life!
I
by Lorraine Wallace
t’s 6pm. You’ve got your head stuck in the fridge wondering what to make for dinner. Inspiration doesn’t hit you so after a lot of shuffling around the kitchen, you settle for beans on toast… again! Sound familiar?
Meal Planning Will Transform Your Life! This might sound a bit of a dramatic statement, but seriously, it will! Reasons for keeping one • To simplify shopping by buying ahead • To make use of leftover ingredients in another meal • To ensure variety • To simplify preparation time • To inspire you to try out something new • To plan for meat free days • To plan appropriate meals for guests or for when you know time will be short • To avoid the stress on the day • To have the enjoyment of looking forward to your meal How do I plan? • Start by creating a list of all your favourite meals (healthy or not). • Think about which meals will work on which days depending on kids clubs, working late etc. • Work the week to get a good variety so you are not over consuming one food or food group. Eg, if you have several meals with potatoes, mix it up so that one night you have a meal with rice, salad, pasta or chickpeas for example instead. Or if you eat a lot of red meat, swap one for chicken or fish. Getting a good balance will give you an interesting variety and ensures you get the benefits of the nutrients that each meal has to offer. • Try to incorporate one or more meat free days. • Plan for a new recipe each week. If weekly is daunting then fortnightly or monthly is fine. • Make a note of ingredients needed. Check stocks and make a shopping list. Will it take a long time to prepare? Not after the initial exercise of listing your favourite meals. Your Favourite Meals list will now be invaluable. As you learn to make more healthful meals and choices, cross off those meals that no longer serve you each week and add on new recipes that have been a hit. Simply refer to this list each week to complete your next planner. You’ll find that you begin to develop an appetite earlier in the day for the planned meal. When you leave the decision until that evening it is tempting to cook the same old things that are quick and easy and satisfy a craving. There are no hard and fast rules with meal planning and it will be subject to change because life doesn’t always go according to plan. But if you stick to your planner the majority of the time, you won’t ever need to be stressed about dinner time coming around and preparing the meal will be far more enjoyable!
DONT FORGET! Deadline:
On my website there is a free extended guide with meal planning sheets to get started. Visit www.lorrainewallace.com/free-stuff/ FB: www.facebook.com/lorrainewallace.hc/
www.lorrainewallace.com Email: lorraine@lorrainewallace.com ~ Tel: 05 55 68 15 77 20 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016
of the month
Ian’s Orange Day On Monday 25th April 2016 a rendezvous was by Caroline Self made to hand over a cheque for 1,200€ to be handed to La Ligue Contre Le Cancer in Angers. My friends Penny Homewood (photographer) and Antoine Fruchard (translator) accompanied me to meet Professor Francis Larra, the head of La Ligue Contre Le Cancer, spending nearly an hour conversing in both English and in French. He was very grateful for the donation, as he was aware of how generous the English can be once they have received good treatment in their own or their family’s healthcare. It is very important that there is continued support for Cancer Research as a need for a cure for all cancers is a long and costly process. On June 8th this year I will be hosting a Cream Tea at 3pm at my home in Les Gibaudieres, and I will raffle off 10 orange buckets full of donated prizes, including a teddy bear in each one. Raffle tickets and a limited number of badges are available from Cafe Cour du Miracle in Vouvant, Café Des Belles Fleurs in Fenioux, Pause! Café in L’Absie and also A La Bonne Vie in Le Beugnon. Please contact me by email: caroline.self@sfr.fr if you wish to attend the function on 8th June for catering purposes (as the cream tea is free, just buy a raffle ticket which will also be available on the day) and if you need directions to where I live. Thank you.
Fitness For You
by Mandy Moat
During the 80’s and 90’s whilst working a full and part time job I also worked as an aerobic instructor teaching ‘Jane Fonda’ style classes where leotards, leg warmers and headbands were considered fashionable!! My passion for fitness began when I attended my first aerobic class in 1983 after having my first child. 3 months later I was training to teach and was required to attend classes most evenings and intense training sessions for 8 hours every Saturday! When I turned 50 and I was planning to move to France I decided to return to teaching to enable me to work here doing what I love the most, but as a personal trainer instead, so that I could work on a more personal level and hopefully motivate others to learn to love exercise as much as I do! I have a particular interest in working with people who are new to exercise or who have confidence issues. Three years on and I’m now fully qualified as a personal trainer with certificates in circuit training, outdoor training and nutrition, and I’m planning my first circuit training classes and bursting with enthusiasm to offer support and encouragement to anyone wanting to improve their fitness. Circuit training is suitable for all fitness levels and improves general all round fitness by combining strength and cardiovascular, pulse raising exercises. It involves moving around the circuit performing a series of exercises using different equipment for a specified time. Participants can work at their own intensity level and in pairs if preferred, which can make this more fun and appealing especially for those who are new to classes and prefer to pair up with a friend. If you would like to find out more about personal training or circuit training, please contact me for a friendly chat!
Above: Caroline Self (right) and Antoine Fruchard (left) presenting the cheque to Professor Francis Larra (centre). Photo © Penny Homewood.
I have been given the privilege by Danny Cleavely, Roz Cleavely’s husband to add her name to Ian’s Orange Day for Cancer Research. Roz too suffered with Primary Liver Cancer and lost her fight for her life on 24th April, 10 months after being diagnosed. So for Ian and Roz and all of you out there suffering with this dreaded disease, let’s raise some money for Cancer Research and maybe one day in the not too distant future they will find a cure. Ligue National Contre Le Cancer. Comité Départemental des Deux-Sèvres, 40 Avenue Charles de Gaulle, 79021 Niort. Tel: 05 49 06 96 60
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016 | 21
A-Z of the Communes in the Deux-Sèvres by Sue Burgess
M
essé is is a small village with 194 inhabitants. Surrounded by the communes of Vanzay, Couhé et Brux, Messé is just 3km south-west of Rom. Messé is at 135 metres above sea-level. There is a large vide grenier every year on the 15th August around the Marzelles lake.
MISSÉ The commune of Missé lies on both sides of the river Thouet. As the crow flies the commune is only 3km south-east of Thouars A voir / Must See • Le Cirque de Missé is a natural site formed by a meander of the river. From the viewpoint, which is situated above the loop in the Thouet, there is a fabulous view of the Thouet valley. •
The château of Marsay which was built in the XVllth and XVlllth century belonged to Madame de Montespan, the last mistress of Louis XIV. The château is a listed historical monument and has a chapel in a tower, a pigeon loft and an archway with a tower on each side.
•
The former XVth century fortified mill known as the Château de Missé is also a listed building. It housed a disco until it closed in 2009.
•
Along the road to Saint Jean de Thouars, an old windmill can be seen.
•
Saint-Pierre church dates from the Xth century. It was restored in the XlXth century. In 973 Guillaume, the Duke of Anjou, left the chapel to the Abbey of St Jean de Bonneval. The most remarkable element of the church is perhaps the XlVth century polychrome wooden statue of Christ. Traces of wall paintings can be seen in the choir. They probably illustrate the martyrdom of Saint Catherine. The altar was probably a gift from Madame de Montespan who probably donated it first of all to Oiron. To the North, a tiny chapel is dedicated to saint Mathurin. The altar is surmounted with a naive representation of that Saint. Very popular in the Middle Ages, Saint Mathurin was the patron saint of clowns and jesters and was also invoked to heal fools, hence their nickname of mathurins. In Missé, he was renowned for being able to treat toothache.
•
•
Louis XIth stayed in Missé in a hunting lodge built by the local lord, Louis de Beaumont, in exchange for exemption from taxes on his mills. The house still exists today and is a private property. There is a plaque commemorating the visits of Louis Xlth which is visible from the street. A local legend tells the story of the knight and the Devil. Acton, Lord of the Castle of Marsay at the end of the 18th century, was torn between his passion for good wine and his lust for young women. Invited to a ball at the Castle of Oiron, he was asked by a young woman if he wasn’t afraid to return to Marsay alone at night. Acton answered “were I to meet the Devil himself, I wouldn’t be afraid”. On his way back home, he was challenged to a duel by a mysterious rider. They agreed to meet at Auzay Cross at midnight. Acton, suspecting some business with the Devil, made sure he had dipped his sword in holy water. At the given hour, the duel began. Drawing his sword, Acton drove it into the Devil who screamed at the contact with the holy blade. For the prize of his victory, Acton received the Devil’s mule, with the instructions that it should be fed only with thorns. The tireless beast did him great service, including carrying stones for the construction of his castle. When Acton died, his nephews discovered the mule and, feeling sorry for it, filled its trough with oats. The animal went wild, hurled itself against the stable walls and killed them. Satan, satisfied and avenged, took the animal back with a roar of laughter. If you don’t believe me, go and see the Acton Cross pedestal where he left his footprint…
22 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016
MONCOUTANT Nearly 50 million years ago, the area around Moncoutant was on the edge of a wide river, the Yprésis. An ancient granite sculpture in the form of a ram’s head can be seen. Moncoutant has been settled since Neolithic times. Several «lieux-dits» suggest the presence of megaliths. «La Pierre plate» flat stone, «la Pierre» the stone, «les Pierres» the stones, «les Pierres folles» the crazy stones, «la Grosse Pierre» the great stone and «la Pierre Blanche» the white stone. When the church was demolished in December 1888, several stone sarcophagus were removed. The stone was so crumbly that it was not possible to conserve them. The Abbot of Maillezais nominated the parish priest. The castellany of Moncoutant depended on the deanery and baronry of Bressuire, on the jurisdiction of the senechal of Poitiers and on the land of Thouars. Moncoutant was, from 1380, one of the bailiwicks of the jursidiction of the senechal of Bressuire. The Canton of Moncoutant was created in 1790, and was first part of the district of Châtillon-sur-Sèvre, and then of Bressuire. In 1790 the canton was made up of the communes of Moncoutant, Le Breuil-Bernard, Pugny, La Chapelle-Saint-Étienne, La ChapelleSeguin, Les Moutiers-sous-Chantemerle and Saint-Paul-en-Gâtine. Later the cantons of La Chapelle-St-Laurent, that is to say the communes of La Chapelle-Saint-Laurent, Chanteloup, Clessé, Largeasse and Trayes were added. From the XVIIIth century, an important textile industry developed in Moncoutant. Mills were built along the Sèvre Nantaise river to wash the wool. Later on the mills were used to mill flour. The railway arrived in Moncoutant at the end of the XIXth century with the construction of the Bressuire-Niort line along which coal from Faymoreau was carried. The line was connected to Fontenayle-Comte which made it easy to get to La Rochelle. The line is no longer in existence. During the Second World War there was a group of resistants in Moncoutant. Five of the village resistants were killed during the occupation. Of the legend of «Pas du Loup» the rock is still visible alongside a small stream in the heart of the commune. Between Moncoutant and Courlay, at the ford across the river at La Guérinière, there used to be a narrow stone passage for pedestrians. A servant arrived there one evening and saw in front of him, blocking the way, an animal that he supposed was a wolf. He needed to get past. The stream was too deep to cross. Strong and brave as he was he went on, ready for a fight. His knife ready, the animal backed off and the servant crossed. But once he had crossed the wolf suddenly jumped on him and the man was unable to use his knife and the was killed by the wolf. A voir / Must See •
Saint-Gervais and Saint-Protais church. The church was extended between 1865 and 1867. It is a mixture of flamboyant Gothic and Romanesque styles. The base of the bell tower seems to be Romanesque. The nave is paved with XVllth century tombstones. The stained glass windows are the work of G.P. Gustave Pierre Dagrant.
•
Pescalis is a nature and fishing centre which offers 100 hectares of lakes on an area of over 250 hectares. Different types of fishing are available all with a NO-KILL policy. The «sentier des Étangs» pathway takes you on a pleasant walk or bike ride around the lakes. There is also the aquarium full of European fresh water fish.
More A-Z of the Communes of Deux-Sèvres next month...
Photo: Église Saint-Gervais et Saint-Protais ,Moncoutant © Wikimedia: Patrick Despoix
MESSÉ
Food & Drink La Sarthe
L
by Jacqueline Brown
ast month as I wrote my column, I was packing my panniers and getting ready to depart on my first cycle touring holiday in La Sarthe. Well, I survived and completed 455km in six days, spending up to four hours each day in the saddle, burning off an additional 16,000 calories and enjoying every mouthful of the local produce waiting to revive me each time I stopped. I discovered that La Sarthe has plenty to offer the discerning palate and they are not shy about promoting it either. The rillettes on menus were Rillettes du Mans, the chicken was Loué chicken and when a kir was made, the local Jasnières white wine was used. For many years now I’ve only bought outdoor-raised chickens, thanks to Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and seeing my happy chickens enjoying their outdoor life. Many of the free-range chickens available in my local supermarkets have the Loué label on, but I had no idea Loué was a place in La Sarthe. As I cycled the rural landscape, that wasn’t dissimilar to Deux-Sèvres, with rolling fields of green wheat, freshly mown hay and bright yellow rapeseed, I certainly spotted lots of chicken farms with the Loué sign, as well as lots of smallholdings with donkeys to chat to as I cycled past. In the town of Loué, where I stopped for a coffee on a very cold morning, it was odd to see far fewer chicken farms there than elsewhere in the department. Those whose chickens I could see enjoying themselves outside, were friendly and curious. When I stopped to watch them scratching and pecking, they came running to the edge of the fence, gently clucking and muttering to themselves and I could have watched them for hours, if I hadn’t had another dinner reservation to cycle to. Pork is another celebrated local product and as they don’t like to waste anything from the pig, rillettes, andouille sausage and fromage du tête (brawn) featured on many menus. Thankfully I managed to avoid the andouille, but the fromage du tête was surprisingly tasty, accompanied with a local wine and good company. It is the Rillettes du Mans that has become a firm favourite though, and although not quite as tasty as the local rillettes I bought at the Jacobins market in Le Mans, I can at least buy it here, unlike the local wine. The Côteaux du Loir and Jasnières wine are two small appellations that are unique to the Loir region in the south of La Sarthe. I especially enjoyed the Jasnières; a dry, fruity white, with a honey flavour that isn’t too sweet. It would be perfect for summer aperos on a shady terrace, if only it was known outside of the department. It has been disappointing searching my local wine caves and supermarkets, asking for Jasnières and being met with blank looks, but I’m not ready to give up yet. I had such a great time, I’m prepared to return by car, see the sights I missed and stock up on wine.
www.frenchvillagediaries.com Email: frenchvillagediaries@gmail.com
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016 | 23
Le Regal’on Re-Opens! by Heather Bell
After arriving in Allonne 9 years ago (not speaking a word of French), Heather and Eddie Bell have gradually become part of the community, and are now proud to tell you that the Restaurant and Bar, Le Regal’on, is now re-open. Situated in the pretty village of Allonne (79130), you will find the small family-style restaurant and Bar. Open from 9am ‘til 9pm Tuesday to Sunday, this friendly venue offers a selection of meal choices, and events to mark in the diary!
Café Bonbon NEWS As our first anniversary approaches on Bastille Day*, 14th July 2016, we are happy to introduce our new look and a new member to Café Bonbon…..Chef, Ken Thompson. Last year we tasted his Lemon Meringue Pie, we knew then we had to have him! Ken agrees with Café Bonbon’s philosophy….. “Great Quality shouldn’t mean Great Expense” So our reputation of “value for money” will remain intact!
What will Ken bring to our tables…..?
During the week, Le Regal’on offer a menu of the day for 11,30€ including wine (served Tuesday to Friday from Midday - 8.30pm). A weekend menu at 15€, wine not included, is available from midday - 8.30pm Saturday and Sunday. Handmade pizzas are made to order and available all week, either eat-in or to take-away. (last order for pizzas 8.30pm). Full English Breakfasts are available from 9.30am ‘til 11am, 6 days a week (Tuesday to Sunday). Every second Tuesday of the month there is a Quiz night (next one, 14th June at 8pm). Why not come along, have a drink and a bite to eat and meet up with your friends and new people at the same time? Behind the restaurant there is a safe, secure beer garden where you can relax, let the children run round, and have a drink or two. When summer arrives we will be holding BBQ nights. During winter nights we will be holding themed evenings such as Curry & Chilli nights. Fresh Baguettes and bread are available every day for you to take away and very soon we will stock those basic grocery essentials too. No more running out of milk and having to wait until 9am the next morning when the Supermarket opens!
Pop in and see us at : 2 Place De L’Eglise, 79130, Allonne Give us a call on: 05 49 63 07 61 Or find us on Facebook: Le Regal’on
24 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016
Professionally: Training to be a Chef is extremely hard work, but for Ken it was his vocation. He has gained a wealth of experience over 40 years, ranging from owning a cafe with his daughter, an outdoor catering business for major events and BBQ’s for South Yorkshire companies and a Fish and Chip Restaurant. In addition he has worked within food preparation for Harrods, Marks and Spencer’s and high-end hotels/restaurants. He has spent the last eight years as a Chef in a Private Hospital. Personally: Ken has many passions in life, but his main one is food (alongside his wife, Jan, of course!) Interested in other cultures, he worked for three years under the guidance of a first class Indian chef. Although this remains one of his favourites, he also diversified into Italian, Chinese, Greek and of course French, the latter enhanced with regular visits to his daughter and her family, who live here. Then last but by no means least, ‘Best of British’! Ken’s goals: Move to France, where he will convey his love, knowledge and experience to a range of mouth-watering dishes to tantalise your taste buds at Café Bonbon, where he and Jan will also be closer to their family.
Invitation Welcome Ken & Jan to France and Café Bonbon with a glass of Fizzy Friday 3rd June, 7pm Chat about favourite foods and the delights coming our way. Sunday 26th June 12pm-2.30pm – Sunday Lunch, Reservations required Launch Offer – Complimentary Glass of Wine * Bastille Day Celebrations – join us as we take a step back in time – Fun, Food and Entertainment for all the family.
Cafe Bonbon, 85120 La Chapelle aux Lys Tel: 09 80 41 44 57
Aardvark to Zip-a-dee-doo-dah
T
hese are just two of the words you won’t find in the fourth edition of The Oxford Companion to Wine, edited by Jancis Robinson, but you will find therein pretty much anything you ever wanted to know about wine. And things you never realised you needed to know. For example, you might have thought that California sprawl is something you might essay, probably inadvisably, in your Speedos on Malibu beach. But nooo: it is the ‘term commonly used to describe the canopy of a vine trained on a simple trellis system although such trellis systems are not restricted to California’. So now you know.
And that’s the point. With this 800-odd page tome in hand you can run where you will through the wunnerful world of wine. Well, when I say ‘run’ it would probably be more of a jog or a plod - the phrase ‘the weight of knowledge’ could well have been coined for this encyclopedia. Now I guess at this point you kindle users (I refuse to aggrandise the gizmo by using a capital ‘K’) are sitting smug. And yes, if you really wish, you can get this marvellous artefact in that format. But can you flick idly through a kindle? Can you shuffle the pages and fondle it? Can you refer back and forth while exercising your biceps? These are simple rhetorical questions as the answer to each is ‘no’. You can’t stick your nose in a kindle and recognise an aroma like you recognise a wine. I came across a book in my library the other day, a Spanish Grammar from my school days which I must have, ahem, forgotten to give back. I opened it and the feel of it, the smell of it, took me back to echoing corridors, school dinners, and girls. (Bless you Isobel Brassington of 2ii, hope you’re a happy grandma by now.) Can you kindle that? But I’m getting sidetracked. Now you might think that an encyclopedia, with its connotation of rather fusty alphabetised entries, would be a dull read. OK, it’s not exactly a thigh-slapping romp, and Ms Robinson is not, thank God, Jilly Cooper, but it has style. Take, as a random example, part of the entry on ‘storing wine’. This refers to the usual factors of temperature, light and humidity, but adds one rarely mentioned: security. The entry concludes, “The need for a secure storage space is obvious, especially since bottles of alcoholic drink seem to be widely regarded as common currency rather than private property”. Wow. Is it just me, or is that not just a teensy-weensy bit catty? You can imagine Jancis giving a dinner party where a guest has played too fast and loose with one of her favourite bottles in the kitchen. Well alright, maybe it is just me…
by John Sherwin
But Jancis, although penning numerous entries herself, is ‘editor’ of the whole show which means she musters a gallimaufry of talented contributors. There are, natch, more Masters of Wine than you can shake a grape at, but there are loads of other experts – from Sarah Ahmed, ‘a recognised authority on the wines of Portugal’ to Bruce Zoecklein, ‘Professor Emeritus and former head of the Enology-Grape Chemistry Group at Virginia Tech’. These are not people who had a glass of wine once and quite liked it; they really know their onions. The thing I most like about this book is that it takes you on a journey. Where an entry refers to a term explained elsewhere in the book, that term is highlighted in red. To take a simple example, the entry for ‘grape’ has, unsurprisingly, many cross-references, but to take just one ‘journey’: ‘grape’ leads you to ‘table grapes’ which leads you to ‘berry size’ thence to ‘flavour compounds’ and on to ‘aroma’ where we take a swerve to ‘bottle age’… and so on and so on. This is a book which should last you a lifetime. If you fall in love with it so much that you just have to get the next edition when it appears, and let’s say that’s in five years, then even at £40 rrp that works out at roughly 2p a day. Less than a wee glass of wine at your local. One final plug for Expat Radio, set up in the Vendée by Dave Hailwood, which started broadcasting just a few weeks ago. Thanks to digital technology it has a growing world-wide audience. Check it out at www.ex-patradio.fr. Apart from yours truly blabbing on about wine every Friday from 12.15 to 12.45, it has a great playlist. 1 Laville, P., ‘Le Terroir, un concept indispensable à l’élaboration et à la protection des appellations d’origine comme à la gestion des vignobles : le
John Sherwin, French Wine Tours 07 50 90 02 00 or www.french-wine-tours.com
cas de la France’, Bulletin de l’O.I.V., (1990). Pretty damned impressive, huh?
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016 | 25
Don’t Forget! Copy deadline is the 15th of each month
26 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016
GER
GRILLED GRAPEFRUIT WITH GIN
TRI-COLOUR GNOCCHI This is a recipe I created for a theme-menu based on the French flag.. Ingredients (for 4 people) One 3-4 person pk of gnocchi 250 grams of cherry tomatoes Olive oil 30cl double cream 200-250g of Roquefort or Freshly ground black pepper other strong blue cheese Finely grated parmesan. Preheat your oven to around 200˚C and in a fairly shallow oven dish heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil, place the cherry tomatoes in this and grind black pepper over them. Return to the oven until the tomatoes are just starting to soften. Cook the gnocchi according to the instructions, (usually a few minutes in lightly salted boiling water), drain well. Crumble about a quarter of the cheese over the tomatoes then cover with the gnocchi. (If this has gone cold, place in the oven for a couple of minutes before the next stage.) Crumble or slice the rest of the cheese and mix with the double cream. Pour this mixture over the tomatoes and gnocchi and then bake in the oven for around 15 to 20 minutes or until the sauce is very hot and bubbling. Take care not to allow it to brown too much, golden is nice! Serve with a green salad and lots of fresh crispy baguette and of course, a nice glass of red wine to compliment the cheese.
Summer Time... by Lynda Gee
CHOCOLATE STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE Ingredients 1 x 200g packet of Speculoos 120g of cooking chocolate 50-60g non-salted butter 400g tub of mascarpone cheese 3 dessert spoons icing sugar 15 - 20cl double cream 200 - 250g fresh strawberries chocolate flakes. Firstly crumble the pack of Speculoos, not too fine (putting them into a plastic bag and hitting them with a rolling pin works well!) Put these into a microwave-proof dish with knobs of butter and the chocolate (broken into pieces) on the top. Depending on the power of your microwave, heat this for a minute or two, until the butter and chocolate are melting, then mix well before returning to the microwave until fully melted. Careful not to burn the biscuit. Thoroughly mix and, if not very pliable, add a little more softened butter. Line a 10” shallow cake tin or flan dish with greaseproof paper and press the biscuit mixture flat into this. Leave to cool whilst making the topping. Mix the icing sugar into the mascarpone and then stir in the cream little by little to be sure it doesn’t become too liquid. Spread this mixture over the biscuit base and top with the washed and hulled strawberries. Depending on the size of the fruits I either halve them or simply cut a slice off their tops and place them on whole. Sprinkle with flaked or grated chocolate and place in the fridge for one or two hours before serving.
Lynda is better known as ‘Ginger’s Kitchen’ and provides a full at-home catering service. (See advert on P.26)
Tel: 06 23 00 72 04 ~ Email: gingers.kitchen@orange.fr
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016 | 27
Flickr.com
efruit knife, ease the Cut the grapefruits in half and, using a grap , and then separate shell it’s e insid it fruit from the skin leaving the segments. efruit easing some Spread the ginger jam over the cut grap kle with the sugar. sprin then and ents segm the een betw down pass under a hot and tin Place the fruits into a foil-lined ovenlight ned. This also brow ly and ling bubb are tops grill until the , 200˚C, for oven ed heat prea in place to works, if you prefer, around 15 minutes.
©AnneCN,
Ingredients for 4 2 ‘pamplemoose rosé’ 4 teaspoons of Demerara sugar, 4 dessert spoons of ginger jam.
Where We Live...
A look at what makes France so special
A beautiful g is a work of
Pont-l,Evêque
This washed-rind cheese is probably the oldest Norman cheese still in production. Since the 1600s it has been called Pont-l’Evêque after the market town in Calvados, which became the principal distribution point. Local legend has it that it was first made in a Norman abbey around the 12th Century. A manuscript from the time says a good meal always finishes with a dessert d’angelot, which may have been the old name for Pont-l’Evêque. It is an uncooked, unpressed cow’s milk (raw or pasteurized) cheese, square in shape, usually around 10cm square and 3cm high, weighing 400g. It takes three litres of milk to make one 400g cheese. The central pâte (everything within the rind) is a soft, creamy pale yellow with a smooth, fine texture and has a moderately strong smell. This is surrounded by a washed rind that is white with a slight orange-brown colouration. The flavour should be rich and tangy. Avoid cheeses where the rind is brittle or cracked. Best eaten at room temperature, it goes well with Pomerol or Saint-Émilion wine, or cider. Affinage (maturation) takes place at least two weeks from production, although six weeks is more usual. As the cheese ripens, the rind grows sticky and reddens and small holes spread through the pâte. Further ripening results in a pâte that glistens with fat when cut. Production may be fermier, artisanal, coopérative or industriel. However, only around 2% are fermier cheeses. It is around 45% fat as a percentage of dry matter and is manufactured throughout the year. Acclaimed manufacturers include Lanquetôt, Levasseur, Lepeudry and Bisson et fils. Pont-l’Evêque is recognised as an Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) cheese and regulations include the following: * The milk must come from a controlled area around Pont-l’Evêque extending to the departments of Calvados, Eure, Manche, Mayenne, Orne and Seine-Maritime. * The curd must be divided, kneaded and drained. * During affinage the cheeses must be washed, brushed and turned. * The cheeses must be one of three sizes – Petit, Demi or Grande. Photo above: © Coyau / Wikimedia Commons
28 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016
You don’t have to have green fingers to enjoy all the magnificent gardens just a short trip away. The sights, the smells, the sheer relaxation. Heaven on a warm summer’s day. Your DSM has found a few to tempt you… DEUX SÈVRES (79) Jardin Médiéval de la Guyonnière
A drawbridge leads to the castle courtyard and then out onto an island surrounded by a moat, on which the medieval garden sits. It features nine different gardens appropriately planted with flowers, vegetables, medicinal and aromatic plants, old roses and fruit trees. There are vine and rose-covered arbours, a 500-yeard-old oak and an orchard of old varieties of apples and pears.
Parc de La Sayette
Four enclosed gardens spread over three hectares. It includes a courtyard of topiary, a classic 17th Century garden with lawns and two 300-yearold sundials, a walking and discovery garden and a vegetable/orchard garden surrounded by 40 espaliered pear trees.
Where: 79340 Vasles. When: Every day July 29–Sept 6, 1330–1930. Cost: Adults €5, children free. Contact: Tel: 05 49 69 94 93. Where: 79420 Beaulieu-sous-Parthenay. Visit website When: June 1–July 8, Aug 20–Sept 30, 0930–1200, 1430–1800. Jardins du Domaine de Tournelay Cost: Adults €3, under 16s free. Thirty hectares of landscaped park with Contact: Tel: 05 49 64 22 99. exceptional views over woods, ponds, Visit website the river and a 6000sqm vegetable garden. Oh, and a 100-year-old wind Jardin Val de Flore Seven acres of flower gardens on the turbine! Trees include various oaks and banks of the La Viette river. Here’s a conifers, cypress, cedars and sequoias. place of beauty rather than uniqueness. Where: 79250 Nueil-les-aubiers. Wet and dry areas sit side by side in a When: July 14-August 25 every day garden where the visitor can savour 1200-1800. All year by appointment. both smells and colours. Cost: Adults €4, under 18s free. Contact: Tel: 05 49 65 61 13. Where: 79310 Soutiers. Visit website When: June and September: Wednesday-Friday 1400–1600, Parc Imbert Saturday and Sunday 1500–1830. Public terraced gardens offering a July and August: Wednesday-Sunday 1500–1630. beautiful panorama of the Thouet Cost: Free. Valley. Traditional flowering, with Contact: Tel: 05 49 94 02 76. annual and biennial plants in one part Visit website of the gardens and a range of perennials
by Mick Austin
garden heart!
willows, rowans, currant bushes and lime trees. Includes a water garden and wildflower maze. Where: 79500 Melle. When: All year by appointment. Cost: Adults €4.50, children under 16 free. Contact: Tel: 05 49 29 19 10. Visit website
CHARENTE (16) Jardin de l’abbaye de Fontaine Vive-Grosbot English-owned and a beautiful English-style garden set in a monastic landscape. Features masses of roses, herbaceous borders and an organic vegetable garden and orchard. Where: 16380 Charras. When: June 3,4,5 and every day from July 18-August 30 except Mondays, 1200-1800. Cost: Adults €6, under 13s free. Visits with English cream tea €12,50. Contact: Tel: 05 45 23 02 00 Visit website
Les jardins du Chaigne
Vive-Grosbot © fontainevive.com
and succulents in the other. Where: 79100 Thouars. When: April-November 0800-2200, November-April 0800-1900. Cost: Free. Contact: Tel: 05 49 68 16 25. Visit website
Jardins du Gué
Beautiful gardens complement the 19th Century manor house in this Cognac producing area. Whites and greens dominate, roses are planted between small trees, a gentle water path and sweeping views of the surrounding vineyards. Plenty of topiary to admire.
1400-1800. Cost: Adults €4, under 16s free. Contact: Tel: 05 45 23 94 30. Visit website
Les jardins du Logis de Forge
Like water? Then you’ll love this place. Several contemporary gardens linked by bridges and ornamented by bronze sculptures and inspired by its owners’ trips to Japan. Trees and shrubs in abundance and natural flowers whose colours are based on a rural landscape
Where: 16120 Touzac. When: To October 31 every day but Wednesday and Thursday mornings, 1000-1200 and 1400-1800. Cost: Adults €5, under 12s free. Visit website
Where: 16440 Mouthiers-sur-Boëme. When: May 1-September 30 by appointment. July 1-August 15 daily except Saturdays, 1000-1200, 1400-1800. Cost: Adults €6, under 10s free. Contact: Tel: 05 45 67 84 22. Visit website
Les jardins Ephémères
Jardin Monastique Médiéval
On marshland on the banks of the river Aume, these gardens are flooded every winter only to burst back into life in the Spring. Original works of plant art are created, with a new theme every year. Also games designed for children.
This award-winning floral park of four hectares consists of seven gardens on the banks of the river Thouet in the heart of the Gâtine. Almost 2000 varieties of plants on view as you meander through the rose garden, a pine forest, wooded meadow, Where: 16140 Saint-Fraigne. When: June 1-September 30, Wednesdayorchard and herb garden. Sunday, 1400-1930. Cost: Adults €3, children €2. Where: 79390 Lhoumois. Contact: Tel: 05 45 21 57 65. When: Every day until October 31, 0900–1200, 1400-1800. Visit website Cost: Adults €5. Contact: Tel: 05 49 69 88 52 Parc et Jardin de l”Abrègement Visit website Notable for its walled vegetable garden in which all the vegetables and flowers are either yellow Arboretum du Chemin de la Découverte or orange in colour. There’s also an arbour for A series of walks totalling 7kms takes you gourds and marrows of the same colour. Also round more than 1400 different species of features an exhibition of land art made from trees and shrubs from throughout the world. trees uprooted during the 1999 gales. More Birches, hornbeams, ash trees, chestnuts, than 170 varieties of oak. Where: 16700 Bioussac. When: June 3-5, July 30-September 18 1100-1900. Rest of year by appointment. Cost: Adults €4, children €2. Contact: Tel: 05 45 31 84 73. Visit website
Jardin de Saint-Florent
An enclosed garden just a few hundred metres from the Château des Ducs and the river Tardoire. Small themed gardens with around 700 plants, including rare shrubs and roses. Val de Flore © tourism-gatine.com
Logis de Forge © jardinsdulogisdeforge.com
Where: 16110 La Rochefoucauld. When: May-September, Tuesday to Sunday,
Superb example of a medieval monastery garden, including a scent garden, a boutique garden, orchard, vegetable garden and even a witches garden! Excellent educational value. Where: 16140 Tusson. When: All year, Wednesday-Sunday, 1400-1800. Cost: Adults €4, under 12s free. Contact: Tel: 05 45 31 68 77 Visit website
CHARENTE MARITIME (17) Jardins du phare de Chassiron
There are not many places you can get a bird’s eye view of a garden, but here is one. It’s designed around the points of a compass with a lighthouse in the centre and the choice of plants and layout are skilfully used to combat the forces of the ocean. There’s also a lighthouse museum. Where: 17650 Saint-Denis-d’Oléron. When: Booking required. See website. Cost: Free. Contact: Tel: 05 46 75 18 62 Visit website
Les jardins de la Boirie
A small, walled garden that boasts a wide variety of plants including an amazing collection of 150 species of sage! Where: 17310 Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron. The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016 | 29
La Boirie© lesjardinsdelaboirie.com
Phare de Chassiron © Wikipedia/Louvremuseum
When: Tuesday-Saturday 1000-1200, 1500-1900. Sunday 1500-1800. Cost: Adults €5, children €3. Contact: Tel: 05 16 65 44 36 Visit website Jardin du Château de la Roche Courbon Known as Sleeping Beauty’s castle, this magnificent garden dates from 1920 and is one of the department’s must-sees. Formal gardens laid out around a lake with an avenue of lime trees. Seventeen types of apple and pear in the orchard. Where: 17250 Saint-Porchaire. When: Every day 1000-1200, 1400-1900 (1730 in winter). Cost: €6. Contact: Tel: 05 46 95 60 10 Visit website Les Fontaines Bleues du Château de Beaulon Be impressed by the stunning colour of the water in a network of pools caused by red algae present in the Spring. The Jardin Bleu has swathes of blue plants like lavender and rosemary and on the edge of a wood lie the mysterious blue fountains. Where: 17240 Saint-Dizant-du-Gua. When: May-September every day, OctoberApril Monday-Friday, 0900-1200, 1400-1800. Cost: €4. Contact: Tel: 02 46 49 96 13. Visit website
Jardin de Château de Ransanne
Château Roche Courbon © larochecourbon.fr
Where: 17250 Soulignonne. Where: 17250 Trizay. When: July 1-10, August 17-31, September When: June 15-September 20, Tuesday-Sunday 1-30 (all except weekends) 1500-1900. September 21-October 30 0900-1200 and 1400-1700. 1400-1800. Cost: Adults €4, children €2. Cost: Adult €3,50, under 14s free. Contact: Tel: 05 46 93 15 79 Contact: Tel: 05 46 82 19 64 Visit website Visit website
Jardin de Pomone
Fruit-tastic! Discover edible fruits of moderate and Mediterranean climates. Weave between VENDÉE (85) fountains to see a variety of fruit trees and shrubs set in beds and trailing over pergolas. Jardin de La Logis de La Chabotterie The orangerie is dedicated to tropical fruits. Historical garden restored from old drawings and now as you would have expected to find Where: 17400 Saint Denis du Pin. it in the 17th and 18th centuries. Flowerbeds, When: July-September. box and yew borders, vegetable, herbs and Entry: Adults €7, children 5-12 €5. medicinal plants Contact: Tel: 05 46 32 32 38. Where: 85260 Montreverd. Visit website When: October-March 1000-1230, 1400-1800. Closed Tuesdays. June-August every day 1000Jardin de Diktynna Features a box maze, arbours, mosaics and 1230, 1330-1800. September every day 1000stone carvings. Three paths take you through 1900. Cost: Adults €7, under 18s free. black, white and red themed gardens Contact: Tel: 02 51 42 81 00 Visit website Where: 17470 Dampierre-sur-Boutonne. When: June and September every day 14001800, July-August every day 1030-1830, Le Jardin des Olfacties October and November Sundays and public Scents are the theme of any visit here. Almost 3500 varieties of flowers and plants are divided holidays 1400-1730. into ‘room smells’, inviting visitors to touch and Cost: €6, under 13s €3. smell the plants. Includes a tropical garden, Contact: Tel: 05 46 24 02 24 Japanese garden and a bamboo village. Visit website
Jardins de Compostelle
High on the shores of the Lac du Bois Fleuri Walled flower garden with an impressive (lake of the flowery woods) sample olive collection of hydrangeas, an English rose groves, precious flowers, rare plants and produce of the land. garden and… chickens!
30 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016
Where: 85220 Coex. When: April-October every day 1000-1900. Cost: Adults €7, under 13s €3. Contact: Tel: 02 51 55 53 41. Visit website
Parc Floral et Tropical de la Court d’Aron
An exotic trip for the whole family. Orchids, iris, papyrus, eucalyptus, banana, waterfalls, ponds, rose gardens etc. Where: 85540 Saint Cyr en Talmonsaid. When: June-August every day 1000-1900. September 1000-1830. Cost: Adults €10, children €6. Contact: Tel: 02 52 43 14 31 Visit website
Le Potager Extraordinaire
A botanical garden that collects plants from around the world. Almost 1500 varieties of plants other than cucurbits. See an exploding gherkin and a plant that emits a foul smell to attract flies! Where: 85150 La Mothe-Achard. When: July-August 1000-1900, September-October Friday-Monday 1400-1830. Cost: Adults €7,50, under18s €4. Contact: Tel: 02 51 46 67 83 Visit website
Le Jardin Dumaine
Cited among the most beautiful gardens in France. Sumptuous alley of yew trees dating from the 1830s. At dusk in July 3500 lamps are lit and concerts are held in the outdoor theatre. Where: 85403 Luzon. When: Every day. Summer 0900-2100, winter 0900-1900. Cost: Free. Contact: Tel: 08 99 23 14 79 Visit website
Jardins de la Maison de la Vie Rurale
Nestled at the foot of the highest point in the Vendée are the gardens of the Permanent Centre of Initiatives for the Environment. Fun and education awaits with organic gardening and the tastes of ancient vegetables. Where: 85700 La Flocellière. When: April-October every day 1000-1800. Cost: Free. Contact: Tel: 02 51 57 77 14 Visit website
La Roseraie de Vendée
If you like roses you won’t want to miss this three-acre garden by the sea. More than 8000 roses and 950 varieties. Colours and scents that will amaze you. Where: 85220 St Révérend. When: May-September 1000-1900. Closed Sunday and Monday from August 20. Cost: May-June €4,70, July-September €2,80. Contact: Tel: 02 51 55 24 03 Visit website
Jardin de la maison Georges Clemenceau
Famous French journalist and former Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau created this impressionist garden along with his friend artist Claude Monet. Where: 85520 Saint-Vincent-sur-Jard. When: May 15-September 15 every day 0930-1230, 1400-1830. September 15-December 31 (closed Monday) 1000-1230, 1400-1730. Cost: Adult €5,50, under 18s free. Contact: Tel: 02 51 33 40 32 Visit website
Mick Austin is a freelance journalist based in the Pays-de-la-Loire. He has had his work published in several expat magazines and newspapers and has also written the Mayenne Tourist Board’s only English-language brochure. He also runs a gîte business at www.gitefortwo.com.
DID YOU KNOW ? At 3pm on Saturday, June 18 the world will go mad when a quarter of a million people cram into a corner of the Sarthe, partying like crazy. Booze, barbecues and blisteringly-fast racing cars. This is Le Mans! Le 24 Heures du Mans is quite extraordinary. Petrolheads look on it as an annual pilgrimage where they can breathe in the fumes and talk turbos as their heroes flash by, lap after lap, for almost 3000 miles. Others treat it as one big carnival, soaking up the atmosphere, drinking, eating and meeting old friends. You don’t have to be a car nut to appreciate Le Mans, but you’d have to be from another planet not to have heard of the famous names associated with the event: Audi, Porsche, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz etc. Perhaps even the famous Mulsanne Straight? If a day or more without sleep gets you bleary-eyed, spare a thought for those racing. Flat-out speeds hour after adrenalinepacked hour means little or no rest for the drivers and their mechanics. Pit-stops for fuel and driver changes, mechanical breakdowns, accidents. But even the most hardened car nut has to take a break some time and the organisers spare no effort to make the party go with a swing. The circuit has its own temporary little village of shops, stands, restaurants, funfairs and fireworks. * If that’s all a bit too hectic for you, Le Mans stages another fantastic car event on July 8-10. The Le Mans Classic is a chance to see Le Mans 24-hour cars of yesteryear in full race action – non-stop, day and night. It brings together drivers, enthusiasts, clubs and exhibitors in a more genteel atmosphere than the regular 24-Hours. It only happens every two years, so don’t miss out. More information: www.24h-lemans.com & www.lemansclassic.com
On this month June 2, 1740: The Marquis de Sade is born in Paris. An aristocrat and philosopher, he became notorious for acts of sexual cruelty in his writings as well as in his own life. He spent more than 30 years in prisons and asylums, mostly as a result of violence and sexual depravity involving prostitutes. His acts of extreme cruelty resulted in the term sadism coming into being to describe gratification in inflicting pain on others. June 7, 1848: French painter Paul Gaugin is born in Paris. He worked as a stockbroker before becoming a painter in middle age. His work inspired artists such as Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso. June 11, 1910: Undersea explorer Jacques Cousteau is born in SaintAndré-de-Cubzac, in the Gironde. In 1943 he helped invent the first underwater breathing apparatus, the aqualung. His award-winning TV series, The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau, on his ship the Calypso, premiered in 1968.
Paul Gaugin, self portrait 1903
June 6, 1944: D-Day, the largest amphibious landing in history, begins in the early morning as Allied forces land on beaches in Normandy – Americans on Omaha and Utah and British and Canadian forces farther east on Gold, Juno and Sword. By the end of the day, 150,000 Allied soldiers and vehicles had landed, with 15,000 soldiers killed or wounded.
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016 | 31
Communications Windows 10 Free Upgrade Offer ends 29th July 2016 - Have you got yours yet?
M
icrosoft’s offer to licensed Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 users, to upgrade their PCs for free ends on 29th July, so you have 9 weeks from when this magazine was distributed to get yours, if you qualify. 300 million users have done so to date.
Desktop PC Operating System Market Share
In April 2016, Microsoft’s Windows 10’s market share rose to 14.35%, now the second most used PC operating system. The leader is Windows 7 whose share of the market fell by 3% down to 48.79%; still in third place with 9.66% is the beloved Windows XP, even though the support for this product ended well over 1 year ago! Windows 8.1 is 4th with 9.16%; 8.0 is 5th with 2.95 and Vista 6th with 1.34. Microsoft still have 89.23% of the desktop and laptop PC operating system market with Apple having 9.20% , Linux has just 1.56%.
Local Uptake of Windows 10
Locally over 50% of my customers have chosen to upgrade to Windows 10 and most have had a successful upgrade; there have been some problems, but as it turns out many of these perceived problems were created by Microsoft. For example, the November 2015 update (build 10586) reset browser changes, and many other settings heavily promoting Microsoft products and in some cases removing third-party products completely. February 2016 saw a status change for Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 users, the optional Windows 10 upgrade has now become a “recommended update”. This is very sneaky in my opinion because it means that if you have Windows updates set to install all recommended updates then Microsoft will automatically install the Windows update even though some users have said no to the “nagging” screen reminding you to. If you want to stop this happening then you can change the Windows update settings to notify you before any updates are installed. At least this way you may veto the Windows 10 or indeed any other upgrade you are not happy with. For those of you who want to completely remove the ‘Get Windows 10’ icon and all it entails use the GWX Control Panel, you may download it here http://ultimateoutsider.com/downloads/.
Why upgrade?
There are many reasons to upgrade. The main one is because it is the future of desktop and laptop computing. The operating system is secure, fast and very useable. As with all new Microsoft operating systems you will need to look for things, they will probably still be there or you can download the latest Windows 10 compatible version from the Windows store, normally for free. Microsoft will, I am certain, be requiring a subscription in the future to use their software. The way Windows 10 has been written is to get most users to sample then buy software, games etc from their store; they will be, for the first time, being much more restrictive as to how you may use their operating system and what software will work with it. I have just heard that the search box built into the task bar on Windows 10 will only display ‘Bing’ results. Even if your default browser is Chrome, Safari or Firefox and you prefer the Google search engine, you will not be able to get Google results from the taskbar search feature.
Want to wait - what is Windows 10 likely to cost?
Currently Windows 10 home is selling at $119 in US, in the UK £86 and for Pro $199 in US and in the UK £156. I have no idea what Microsoft will charge as an annual subscription, but I suspect around £1.00 per week for the home/consumer version going up to may be £10 per week for professional versions depending on the version, although when they decide to do this is unknown.
What is the Future for Windows 7 and 8/8.1?
I have recently seen that Microsoft will not be likely to provide upgrades for these operating systems to cope with the new hardware due out from the likes of Intel and AMD the two main 32 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016
by Ross Hendry
processor and chipset manufacturers. So, although Windows 7 is going to be supported until 2020, that may not be on the latest hardware. The same for Windows 8 that will be supported until 2023. I should note that mainstream support for Windows 7 ended on 13th January 2015 and will end for Windows 8 on 9th January 2018. Windows 10 is the future of traditional desktop computing as we know it. At present, most businesses will continue to use it until something better comes along. If you are going to work for a living you will need to be able to use Windows at least for the foreseeable future, because although Microsoft have dropped below 90% of all of the desktop operating systems, they are really still the only game in town for a growing business. I cannot see schools moving to any other operating system, so our children will be brought up with it as well.
Older Operating Systems
If you have an older operating system, with a little help you can probably have windows 10 and for free. Contact your IT support person for how to do so. However, the fact that you still have Windows Vista or XP or older means that you may not be able to run Windows 10 on your hardware. Your computer support person will know or be able to check this for you.
Upgrade or Clean Install
It is now possible to do a clean install of Windows 10 rather than upgrading your existing system. A good way of installing the new operating system. I have done this myself as I wanted to start from scratch with Windows 10. So I purchased a new Hard Disk Drive for £40.00 and loaded Windows 10 from the internet onto a completely new hard disk, and I was able to enter my Windows 7 licence code to activate it. This was a great opportunity to completely reload my programs and other software, and is a great way of speeding up your system and getting rid of any file corruption, dormant viruses and other nasties. The drawback is reloading everything from scratch and the time it takes. Once the new operating system is loaded and working properly, I can get the my precious data from the previous hard disks it is on and tidy it up as I reload it to my computer. Once I do this I am not able to legitimately use the previous version of Windows with the same codes.
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).
Prices ht
“
‘The DSM’ Advertiser Feedback...
I get new clients on a regular basis from The DSM. It is a very good place to advertise if you want to be seen by the English speaking community living in the area.
“
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
Have you LIKED us on Facebook?
We post regular updates, things to do and promote special offers on our page, so why not pop over and say “Hello”! www.facebook.com/thedeuxsevresmonthly
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016 | 33
Home & Garden
Delivering Top Brand Paints, Quality and Service to your Front Door We are the premier distributor of British paints in France, supplying quality British brands such as Dulux, Leyland and Craig & Rose to the Ex-Pat community. If you need British paint in France, whether it’s white paint or vibrant colours, emulsion paint or gloss, look no further. We have a vast selection to choose from: Chalky emulsions, Chalk & Furniture paint, Designer Flat matt paints, Period colours, Vinyl matts, silks and Trade paints... If you don’t see your colour or product on our website, please contact us. We offer a superb 3-day delivery service with full tracking details direct from the U.K. to your home address in France. Visit our website: www.kis-uk.com to find out more.
34 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016
Authorised Stockists of
Autentico Chalk Paints NEW Girandoise Wax Perfect for all wooden surfaces Available in nine colours
Amadeus Tableware & Tables Hand-made crafts Individual furniture Stencils Two paint workshops a month 9 Rue du Duc d’Aquitaine, 85120 Vouvant T: 09 66 92 57 95 E: info@frescointeriors.fr W: www.frescointeriors.fr/en Open Tuesday - Sunday, 10.30am - 7pm
HOW TO... paint skirting boards Preparation Before painting you will need to prepare your skirting boards. Bare wood skirting board needs to be treated with a knotting solution and wood primer first. If your skirting is already painted or varnished, you will need to thoroughly clean and abrade the surface using wet and dry paper and a mild detergent. Before you start painting run a strip of masking tape along the floor. Paint For the decorative coat, use any paint designed for wood and metal such as gloss, satin or eggshell.
Painting Start painting across the top, use the edge of a 2” brush to cut in with long sweeping movements. Now move onto the flat side. Load your brush and introduce it to the board making short vertical movements before a long sweep with the flat of the brush along the length of the board. Work in easy to manage sections. When moving to the next section, start at the far side and brush into the section you just painted to ensure an even finish. Remove the masking tape before the paint dries to prevent any peeling away.
Thanks to English Paint supplier, Lesley Sutherland of La Couronne, for this handy hint. Tel: 06 04 15 79 16, Email: lez.sutherland@hotmail.com
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016 | 35
THE AMATEUR GARDENER by Vanda Lawrence
• Brussel Sprouts - as your young plants grow look out for the Flea Beetle/ Altise parasite which will rapidly devour the young leaves. They hate humidity so deter them by keeping your plants, especially the leaves, very well watered. You can also spread wood ash around the plants - it has a repellent effect. • L ettuce can be sown from Jan-Sept but choose the correct variety for each season - it’s now time to opt for a summer variety which can withstand heat, such as Batavia ‘Great Lakes’ or ‘Marsala’. Remember to protect the young plants against slugs.
H
ere we are again, the month of June with warmer days and longer evenings. And we certainly need those longer evenings to fit in all the jobs. So gird your loins, mes amis, starting in the flower garden, here goes …
• Sweetcorn, courgettes, peas & beans are all good neighbours in the veg plot: Peas & beans turn nitrogen in the soil into a usable form, courgettes shade the soil and sweetcorn provides support.
• Once Irises have finished flowering it is advisable to cut the leaves down to about 6” to avoid their roots being loosened by the wind.
• Strawberries - Begin harvesting strawberries as they ripen and, if you wish to increase your stock plants, encourage runners to root by anchoring with a stone or piece of bent wire. Remove runners if you prefer to grow isolated plants, because it’s too easy for the strawberry bed to become overcrowded. Botrytis (grey mould) is probably the worst problem encountered with strawberries so be vigilant and remove affected fruit/foliage immediately. Of course, there are over-the-counter chemical controls available* but for those who prefer natural remedies it helps if you water the soil only, keeping the plant foliage dry, so that they are not in the midst of a very humid atmosphere.
• Give roses a good feed after the first flush of blooms. Deadhead regularly and spray against blackspot, mildew and rust. Also against aphids, of course - greenfly and blackfly are a real pest but inter-planting roses with Alliums, Catnip, Parsley or Thyme will help deter them.
Still with the vegetable garden in mind there are several herbs and flowers which will repel troublesome insects :
• Lift your spring bulbs as the leaves turn yellow. Place them in shallow boxes and dry in a well-ventilated shed. Later you can remove the dead leaves, roots and skins and store in a cool, dry shed until Autumn.
• Dead-head Delphiniums and Lupins to encourage a second flush of flowers later in the summer. • Sow your Sweet Pea seeds in their growing position. When they come into flower remember to dead-head, because once the plants start to set seed flowering will be curtailed. Now on to the vegetable garden: • As the leaves turn yellow you can start lifting your garlic. Choose a dry day, then leave them to dry on top of the soil for 2 or 3 days before storing away somewhere dry and well-ventilated. • Potatoes are coming up nicely, but it’s necessary to spray them with Bordelaise (Bordeaux) Mixture to prevent mildew. This mix leaves a bright blue sediment on the plants so you can see where you have treated. It is also effective on tomatoes and strawberries*. • Pinch out the side shoots on your tomatoes, and stake them to keep them upright and support the weight of the fruit. Keep them well-watered and feed regularly. Insert a 4” plant pot into the ground beside each plant. Fill with water each time you pass by and you will be rewarded with lovely plump tomatoes and no split skins. The same idea works with other plants and shrubs too, as well as window boxes and garden tubs: try cutting the base off a plastic milk bottle, remove the lid and sink the bottle, neck-first, into the soil next to the plant. Fill with water which then seeps into the ground close to the roots, encouraging roots to head deeper into the soil. • Beetroot - sow seeds until mid-June for crops until November. Sow varieties ‘Crapaudine’ or ‘Rouge Globe’ if you wish to store your beetroots during the winter months.
36 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016
*Bicarbonate of Soda can be used against fungal diseases too: 1 tbsp bicarb + 4 cups of water + half-tsp of liquid soap mixed together. Spray every two weeks.
• Chives, Onions and Garlic repel ants, aphids and flea beetles • Rosemary and Sage repel cabbage moths and carrot flies • Basil and Borage keep tomatoes pest-free • Radishes repel cucumber beetle • French Marigolds repel whitefly, blackfly, greenfly, tomato hornworms, slugs • Nasturtiums repel whitefly After the ‘June drop’, which is the natural shedding of weak fruit on your apple trees, you will be able to judge where to thin out the rest. When developing fruits are about the size of a nut, remove the smallest of each group, keeping 2 or 3 apples per group. The same applies to your pear trees. Lastly, the pond. Our fish are up looking for their food each evening and the water lilies are coming along. If you have a water lily or other pond plant in need of division, now is the time to do it - another little job to fit in during these longer evenings. We have several local cats who love to come into our garden – no problem but they drive our two little Westies to distraction, so I was very pleased to find Coleus Caninus plants in the local supermarket with the sign saying that they deterred cats and dogs from the flower bed. To my nose they have quite a strong odour, but what a disappointment – I’ve seen one of the dogs cocking his leg up against the plants and the cats just wander past, quite unperturbed. I’ll just have to keep trying – apparently, Aniseed plants deter cats, as does Lemongrass and Helichrysum Italicum (aka the curry herb plant). You can also spread the peel of citrus fruits in areas where you wish you discourage cats or dogs from lounging and flattening your plants. Good luck!
Small Colour Advert
only 35â&#x201A;Ź ht
Rendez-vous aux jardins
Rendez-vous aux jardins is a national event, organised by the Ministry of Culture and Communication in close cooperation with the CPJF. This event takes place every year on the first weekend of June. In all regions of France, parks and gardens, private and public, open their doors for 3 days.
The public can meet owners and gardeners, and attend proposed activities: workshops, exhibitions, concerts etc. This year the 14th edition of Rendez-vous aux Jardins will take place from 3 to 5 June 2016. Visit www.poitou-charentes.culture.gouv.fr for more information.
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016 | 37
Motoring
S
ince the 8th century, France and Morocco have had a turbulent but ongoing relationship, culminating in Morocco becoming a protectorate of France in 1912. Even though independence was granted to Morocco in 1955, France remains the primary trade partner (supplier and customer) of Morocco.
Today the French influence is apparent everywhere - French is widely spoken, the electrical sockets are the same, and there is no problem in finding croissants for breakfast! This ongoing liaison also gives rise to a number of motorsports events which are run in the majestic Moroccan desert, the Sahara. Morocco is famous for its large seas of dunes known as Ergs. The Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga are indisputably one of the greatest sights of Morocco and part of the route for many Desert Raids. As I mentioned in the article about the Dakar rally in January, these are real off road events, crossing dunes, mud, camel grass, rocks, and broad, flat areas of desert covered with wind-swept sand with little or no vegetative cover.
Even an amateur driver can experience this amazing form of motorsport, as I have been finding out …
tyre tracks in the Moroccan desert
they smashed the rear axle on a rock, while lying in 10th position. After a long wait for the mechanics to reach them, the axle was patched together enough to enable them to continue, but worries over its strength forced them to take the easiest and least challenging routes, resulting in an overall unclassified finish because not enough checkpoints had been reached.
STUDENTS BRAVE THE DESERT At the end of February, while in Marrakech, I was lucky enough to see the cars arriving in the city for the finish of the 4L Trophy. Established in 1997 on the initiative of Ecole Superieure de Commerce de Rennes, the 4L Trophy is an humanitarian rally that only students under 25 years of age can join, run exclusively with Renault 4 cars.
Knowledge of orienteering and navigation is clearly essential, but Sacha’s team mate had been a Scout which gave them a head start in that department and no doubt contributed to their high placing prior to the mechanical trouble.
Its objective is to drive across the Moroccan desert in order to provide Moroccan children with school supplies. Every day, the competitors’ aim is to win the day’s stage using the Road Book, a map of Morocco and a compass. The ranking is based on the teams’ ability to drive in the desert and to reach the checkpoints as required; the aim is not to be the fastest team but to be able to reach the finish point by doing as few kilometers as possible.
Sacha told me about the effects of the sand, which gets everywhere, as you would expect! The interiors of the cars we saw in Marrakech all had a good amount of sand in them! He said that driving in the sand was very challenging in a two wheel drive car, and one unexpected thing that he found was that the sand made his hair brittle. He said on arrival in Marrakech the greatest pleasure was to have several long showers!
As luck would have it, one of the teams was from the Deux-Sèvres, and recently I met up with Sacha Martin from Coulonges Thouarsais to ask him about his experience. In the 8 months prior to the Rally, Sacha was busy raising sponsorship for the event and sourcing a car. He found a car which had previously done the rally, but realises in hindsight that there were things which could have been done to improve the car and his chances. One of the problems with the 4L is the lack of ground clearance, and this coupled with shock absorbers which weren’t firm enough, nearly ended Sacha’s rally near Merzouga. In a rocky area of the desert, 38 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016
by Helen Tait-Wright
Overall he enjoyed the challenge and experiencing the scenery and sunrises in the desert was magical, but in 2017 he will be contesting the Europ’Raid in a Peugeot 205, which is run on tarmac roads, with a team of 3 people. Above: Desert pause for Sacha. Middle: Sacha in action © Sacha Martin. Below: 4L Trophy cars arriving in Marrakech © Helen Tait-Wright
We wish him luck with the next challenge!
FUTURE GAZELLES As I hinted at earlier in the year, I will be contesting a desert rallye raid in 2017, the ‘Rallye des Gazelles’. Although this event is well known in France and extremely well known and respected in Morocco, where it is under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, it is much less known in England, but with my step-daughter, Hannah, we will be running as a UK team. Hannah was born without her right forearm and hand, and has spent her adult life as a professional Paralympic sailor competing in the Sonar class. After the Paralympics this year in Rio the sailing classes will be dropped from the Paralympic schedule, so Hannah was looking for a new challenge and it seemed like a perfect opportunity for us to do something together. The Rallye des Gazelles is an authentic offroad rally, strictly for women only, which has been run across the Moroccan desert since 1990. The challenge is real. It allows each woman to push her limits, get back in touch with her basic humanity and have a great adventure. No one says it is going to be easy! The Gazelles plot their route using traditional dead reckoning navigation using a compass and 1:100.000 scale maps. There is no GPS allowed. Over 8 days of competition, approximately 1,300 km are covered and the objective is to reach all of the day’s checkpoints while covering the shortest distance possible. We want to fly the flag for the UK in 2017, and raise awareness of the event, while promoting both women in sport and disability in sport. “Why should the French girls have all the fun?“ The event is also funded through commercial sponsorship, and at the moment with less than 10 months to go by the time you read this, we are in the thick of the sponsorship search, hoping to attract one big UK brand to come on our journey with us.
enga and nisers, Mai azelles orga G s de lle Ra Photos ©edia.com
Wikip
Helen Tait-Wright Email: helen@stodel.org
Then we have orienteering and off-road driving courses to complete before the Rallye departs from the south of France on 17th March 2017. The Rallye des Gazelles is just one of three events which supports the Coeur des Gazelles, a registered non-profit organisation in existence since 2001. The workers for the Coeur des Gazelles provide ethical, responsible and sustainable help to people living in Morocco’s most remote communities. This comes in the form of medical aid, educational support, environmental development and the distribution of clothing, shoes, hygiene products and childrens toys. Nearer the time we will be having a collection of items for distribution. For now we would appreciate your support by following our progress: Twitter: @RallyeTeamVirgo Facebook: www.facebook.com/Team-Virgo -1085072548221623/ You can also find more information on our website www.teamvirgo.com The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016 | 39
FIND the CHEAPEST FUEL prices in your area. This government run website provides comparative petrol and diesel prices in all areas of France. Just simply select your department from the map, and voila... www.prix-carburants.gouv.fr
40 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016
Take a Break
DSM Toughie Crossword Across: 1. Smallest part of cricketer getting nought in total (7) 5. One of several here today; a national treasure, some say! (5) 8. Asian one I muddled up between Italy and Greece (6,3) 9. Another 13ac to find in smallest organic compound (3) 10. Gurkha killer wearing a drab colour? (5) 12. Some of 13ac are found at meetings of VIPs (7) 13. Extremely rotten fish reportedly, a theme of this puzzle! (4,4,5) 15. Seaside villain gets out of bed for a fight? (5-2) 17. Gold comes first for a very small flier, another fitting in here (5) 19. Scream when drug is taken for a creature of the night (3) 20. Make a case for taking pastel out the wrong way round? (9) 22. Run about, keeping within the action plan, for another 13ac (5) 23. Advance with drug before the queen can be arduous (7)
Down: 1. The sister of your mother or father (4) 2 An ancient Greek city famous for military prowess (6) 3. Failure to attend school (7) 4. An industrial city of Japan and make of a car (6) 5. Mock or make fun of playfully (5) 6. The qualities of a hero or heroine (6) 7. Someone who spends a great deal of time reading (8) 12. Card game (8) 14. Give evidence in court (7) 16. Cuban Marxist socialist leader (6) 18. Within a shorter distance (6) 19. An exclusive circle of people with a common purpose (6) 20. To eat quickly and greedily (5) 23. Divisible by two (4)
Down: 1. Well co-ordinated oil spill? (5) 2. Large number missing from fold, but a Scottish one is found to fit in here (3) 3. Nonsense about misapplied help is detestable (7) 4. Moss stings! Sip cocktail! Straight to hospital, avoid getting lost; don’t do this! (4,4,5) 5. Reach a small haven, concealing the very opposite of 13ac (5) 6. Certain it will become very complex? (9) 7. Predict minerals will be included in amount charged? (7) 11. Publicity about kidneys at home can stimulate excitement (9) 13. Prove I’m able to avoid the English and get into choice accommodation (3-4) 14. Ancient Scottish Midge is something to see! (7) 16. Large mammal found in trendy
mail organisation? (5)
With thanks to M.Morris
18. Article found in front of tax office belongs to them (5) 21. Another fitting here, found in its usual place (3)
Well, what do you know?
Monthly quiz by Roland Scott...... how many can you get?
1) In the first series of Golden Shot, hosted by Jackie Rae, who loaded the crossbows? 2) Who joined John Noakes and Valerie Singleton as a Blue Peter presenter in Nov. 1967? 3) What term was coined by Archbishop Desmond Tutu to describe South Africa after the first fully democratic election? 4) In mammals, which tooth is situated between the incisors and the molars? 5) Which British comedienne used the catchphrase “Am I bovvered?” 6) Name the drummer of the group Cream. 7) What was the name of the Suffragette killed by King George V’s horse at the Epsom Derby, 4th June 1913?
8) Which actor played Air Raid Warden Hodges in Dad’s Army? 9) Who is chief executive of the F1Group, organiser of Grand Prix motor racing? 10) Which part in Star Trek is played by DeForrest Kelly? 11) Now owned by C&C group, which brewers found and operated the Wellpark Brewery Glasgow and produce Scotland’s best selling lager? 12) Who designed the Queen’s wedding dress when she married in 1947? Finally what connects your 12 answers, assuming you have 12 correct answers? Copyright RJS 2016 The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016 | 41
Answers on P.47 and our website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
DSM Easy Crossword Across: 8. Higher in place or position (5) 9. Perennial herb also known as wild marjoram (7) 10. Localised violent windstorm (7) 11. Frighten or scare (5) 12. A stick of black carbon material used for drawing (8) 13. Three people considered as a unit (4) 15. One twelfth of a foot (4) 17. A communication system linking different rooms within a building (8) 21. The simplest form (5) 22. Sitting with legs on either side of something (7) 24. Tall African land mammal (7) 25. Wind instrument (5)
Building & Renovation
ht ht
42 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016
DONT FORGET! Deadline:
of the month Annual Subscription Costs: 33,60€ within France, 28,80€ UK addresses. (Unfortunately the cheaper ‘printed papers’ rate cannot be applied to addresses within France, only when sending abroad) Full Name:.......................................................................................... Postal Address:................................................................................... ........................................................................................................... Postcode:..................................... Country:..................................... Tel:...................................................................................................... Email:................................................................................................ Please make cheques payable to SARAH BERRY.
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016 | 43
The roof, the whole roof, and nothing but the roof Malcolm has been working in the roofing industry for over 40 years. His experience has been sought after in America and Germany, where his roofing skills have been called upon in the construction of stately and unusual homes. In the UK he has re-slated many English Heritage buildings, churches and some of the UK’s finest properties. Since moving to France with his family, Malcolm has been very busy responding to anything from an emergency leak to replacing entire roofs. For a free estimation please call: 06 32 19 50 53 / 05 49 07 67 04.
ht
44 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016
Help! I’m too busy - thanks DSM!
“
“
‘The DSM’ Advertiser Feedback...
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016 | 45
“
‘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...
“
46 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016
Take a Break - SOLUTIONS Easy Crossword: Across: 8. upper 9. oregano 10. tornado 11. spook 12. charcoal 13. trio 15. inch 17. intercom 21. basic 22. astride 24. giraffe 25. flute. Down: 1. aunt 2. sparta 3. truancy 4. toyota 5. tease 6. valour 7. bookworm 12. cribbage 14. testify 16. castro 18. nearer 19. clique 20. scoff 23. even Toughie Crossword: Across: 1. subatom 5. cliff 8. ionian sea 9. tor 10. khaki 12. summits 13. very high place 15. punch up of 17. crest 19. owl 20. postulate 22. munro 23. steeper. Down: 1. slick 2. ben 3. toadish 4. miss sign posts 5. chasm 6. intricate 7. foresee 11. adrenalin 13. vip room 14. picture 16. hippo 18. their 21. alp
Well, what do you know?: The connection:- Dr. Who. 1) HEINZ (the bolt). (Fraser Hines appeared in 117 episodes as Jamie McKinnon) 2) PETER PURVES (played Steven Taylor, a companion) 3) The Rainbow NATION (Terry, creator of the Daleks) 4) Canine Teeth (K9 robot dog) 5) Catherine Tate (a companion) 6) Peter Edward (Ginger) BAKER (Dr. Who no 4 & 6 Tom, Colin) 7) Emily DAVISON (Peter, Dr. no 5) 8) Bill PERTWEE (Jon, Dr. no 3) 9) Bernie ECCLESTONE (Chris, Dr. no 9) 10) Dr. McCOY (Sylvester, Dr. no. 7) 11) TENNENT’s (David, Dr. no 10) 12) Norman HARTNELL (William, Dr. No 1) The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016 | 47
48 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016
Business & Finance Marketing Matters by Cindy Mobey
Accidental Insurance
by Isabelle Want
I
am really sorry about this month’s article but to be truly honest, I have been very busy with tax forms and have not had time to prepare anything more interesting. Saying that, I do consider this insurance to be VERY important, especially if you happen to be accident-prone but more importantly, if you are renovating your house (I know many of you are, as I often hear English speaking customers in the builders’ merchants!).
Create a Buzz with a Newsletter
Are You Covered Against Accidents?
When you place an advert, people will look at it if they’re interested in the subject, but it will bypass many. A newsletter, on the other hand, is a powerful tool and goes right to the heart of your business, reaching all your customers. You know your customers are interested in what you do as they have bought your products or used your services. A newsletter will not only keep your customers informed about what’s going on in your business, but you can include special offers and highlight some of your products.
Each year, 11 million people meet with personal accidents in France. A bad fall, a burn, a bike accident, a dog bite, a DIY or gardening accident, etc. The examples are unfortunately all too frequent and in 4 out of 5 cases, the victim is the sole liable party in the accident.
Newsletter Goals What do you want your newsletter to achieve? Is it to send traffic to your website or online shop or create a buzz for a new product or service perhaps? Knowing your goals will help you create more effective content. For example, if you want to send more traffic to your website, you could include an excerpt from an article that will generate interest in your products, then direct readers to the full article on your website….or, you could just send an introductory paragraph from the newsletter, but keep the full newsletter on your website. Similarly, if you want to generate interest in a new product or service, you could give a taster in the newsletter, but point them to your website or online shop for more details…then customers see all your products or services.
For death: • Funeral cost • Loss of revenue for the close family • Expenses for the close family due to the death • Compensation for emotional distress for the close family
Grab the Attention of your Reader Whether you decide to send out your newsletter online or in print, monthly or quarterly, it’s important that the content is relevant and timely. For example, I worked on a newsletter for a garden centre…as well as including news on new stock and special offers, I also included hints and tips on jobs that needed doing each month in the garden. I also ran a series of articles on how to plan the garden for the year – this ran over a number of months, so encouraged customers to look forward to the next issue… it kept their interest. If a newsletter doesn’t keep the interest of customers, they will either hit the ‘delete’ button or unsubscribe.
For example: Thierry, 37 years old, injures his hand using an angle grinder doing DIY at home. This results in a disability of 12% on his hand and would be entitled to a total compensation of 54,189.12€. Broken down this equates to:
A good headline is important too… on average, 8 out of 10 people will read a headline, but only 2 out of 10 will read the rest, so you need something eye catching.
Are you renovating your house? Doing a lot of DIY or gardening?
Our family package insurance means you and your family are entitled to compensation in case of injuries resulting from day to day accidents like the examples above, but also for sporting accidents, or simply taking a fall (note that the age limit for subscription is 68 years old). Solo packages are also available. What compensation is covered?
For permanent disability: • Future and actual loss of revenue • Temporary or permanent functional deficiency • The assistance from a third person • The cost of adapting the house and vehicle to your disability • Compensation for endured suffering • Compensation for the loss of leisure activity (like not being able to do gardening anymore or sport, etc.)
4,500 for the endured pain 1,500 for the esthetic compensation 20,000 for psychological compensation 1,200 for needing a carer 15,000 for loss of future revenues 19,890.12 for actual professional loss
Don’t hesitate to contact me if you require more information about Accident Insurance, or to get a free quote for other insurances. And also 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.
Include good images in your newsletter. People are often drawn to something because of the pictures… this is why social media sites like Pinterest are so popular.
N° Orias 07004255
Finally, always proofread your newsletter. It’s crucial that there are no spelling mistakes, that your grammar is good and that the newsletter is easy to read. Do you send a newsletter to your customers? If you do, I’d love to hear your thoughts on how useful they are. Until next time….. Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Contact Cindy Mobey Tel: 05 45 31 13 86 ~ Email: cindymobey@outlook.com See advert on P.50
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-assurance.fr The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016 | 49
Help us to Help Your Business Small B/W Advert
only 32â&#x201A;Ź ht
Use Facebook alongside other advertising methods to boost coverage. Create a Business Page and keep it updated! We have a busy, interactive Facebook page and advertisers can receive extra publicity as part of our advertising service. Call us for more info
50 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016
Ask Amanda
“How important is independence when talking to a financial advisor?”
This is a question I often get asked when I first meet new customers. There are a number of banks and financial companies who offer French residents financial advice and services, so why is independence important and what should you ask your adviser? Independence is important because you want to ensure the advice you receive is not limited to choices made solely from the company/bank’s own products, but gives you access to a wide range of the industry’s best providers and their services. This does not mean that an independent adviser works with every supplier in the market. However, it does allow them to work with companies who can demonstrate a good track record and also allow them to change suppliers should “better” products become available. Some questions worth asking are: • How many of your preferred suppliers receive more than 10% of your companies business per annum? • Do any of your directors or senior management sit on the board of companies whose funds you offer? • How much choice do I have over where my money can be invested? • Why have you recommended this company to me? • What happens if a supplier offers your company short term incentives to promote their products? Independence, financial regulation and the level of service you receive are three of the key areas when choosing your financial adviser. These ensure you get a wide range of choice, have a framework of protection in place and are able to regularly sit down with your adviser and ensure that any changes to your circumstances are reflected in your investments. Whether you want to register for our newsletter, attend one of our road shows or speak to me directly, please call or email me on the contacts below and I will be glad to help you. We do not charge for reviews, reports or recommendations we provide. With Care, You Prosper. Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Lausanne, Paris, Cote d’Azur, Barcelona, Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Madrid, Mallorca, Rome. «The Spectrum IFA Group » is a registered trademark, exclusive rights to use in France granted to TSG Insurance Services S.A.R.L. Siège Social: 34 Bd des Italiens, 75009 «Société de Courtage d’assurances» R.C.S. Paris B 447 609 108 (2003B04384) Numéro d’immatriculation 07 025 332 - www.orias.fr «Conseiller en investissements financiers, référence sous le numéro E002440 par ANACOFI-CIF, association agréée par l’Autorité des Marchés Fin
Amanda Johnson of The Spectrum IFA Group 05 49 98 97 46 or 06 73 27 25 43 Email: amanda.johnson@spectrum-ifa.com
With the Increase of VIE/VIA, Expat and Student Exchange Programs, Will the Need for International Money Transfers become more Prominent?
by Sue Cook
Over the years, various work programs and student experiences have been developed to give everyone the opportunity to expatriate across the world. Starting in 1987, the ERASMUS program, dedicated to students looking for an international experience, has quickly become successful and now counts more than 3 million participants since its launch. Later on, in March 2000, France has seen the introduction of the VIE and VIA (Volontariat International en Entreprise/en Administration) enabling any person between 18 and 28 years old to be sent abroad by a French company to complete a placement lasting up to 24 months. Amongst numerous benefits are the easier insertion in a different country and culture, the learning of new languages and the valuable experience gained in another environment. Those experiences have become so important that many universities and private schools (such as business schools) are making it mandatory in order to graduate. Apart from the obvious benefits, some people are also looking at the financial aspects of such opportunities; a VIE or VIA offers paid travel expenses, international health insurance plus the absence of taxes on salaries…. However, it is very important not to forget that the salary will be paid to a French bank account. Wherever one expatriates, whether it is for a student exchange or for a work opportunity, the question of moving money from one country to the other is always present. From parents who need to send money to their children to pay rent and fully enjoy their stay in a foreign University, to VIE workers who need to transfer their salary to their local bank account, they all require regular overseas transfers. Choosing a specialist to transfer money overseas rather than a traditional bank could save a significant amount of money in these situations, especially for regular transfers. At Currencies Direct, we can help you moving your money abroad, whether it is a oneoff payment or if you need to set up regular money transfers, you can choose to make your transfers over the phone or 24/7 via our online platform. We’ve been around since 1996, have offices across 9 countries, and have helped over 120,000 people save money on their international transfers. Find out how we can help you today. Let’s talk currency - www.currenciesdirect.com
Sue Cook, Currencies Direct 05 55 03 66 69 ~ 06 89 99 28 89 Email: sue@currenciesdirect.com
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016 | 51
If it Sounds Too Good to be True...
W
ith interest rates so low,
investments offering high returns sound tempting. Structured products, or structured notes, claim to offer the highs of riskier assets without the lows.
Structured products combine investment in a low-risk asset, like bonds, with a high-risk asset, like equities. Some or all of your investment (your ‘principal’) is protected so that you get it back at maturity. If various conditions are met, you can also receive returns from the high-risk asset. So far, so simple. However, we have talked to people who have lost money through structured products; in one case their pension fund shrunk 75% within a year. If you scratch the surface you can see just how complex – and risky – these investments can be. First, how protected is your principal really? Structured products are not covered by any compensation scheme, so if the issuer fails, you could lose your entire investment. You can only get your principal back if you see the investment out to maturity, so it is highly illiquid. If you need to exit early, you may not be able to sell without making a loss. If you do get 100% back, with inflation it could be worth much less than when you put it in. It can also be eaten away by charges for dealing, hedging and other hidden extras.
52 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016
by Bradley Warden, Partner
Potential returns usually depend on scenarios too complicated to fully understand. Some high-profile banks have been fined for misleading customers on structured products that have failed to deliver. While structured products can shelter investors from market shocks, they also limit growth. For example, returns could be capped or you might only receive anything if strict conditions are met. With some products, if growth goes above a certain level, the issuer may recall it before maturity – it can be cancelled for being too successful! Investors who want to access riskier assets without feeling too exposed may find structured products useful. For others, the diluted returns make it less attractive. The trick for any investor, whether for their investment portfolio or their pension, is to find the right balance of risk and reward. This should be based on an objective assessment of their risk profile, their personal situation and aims. Remember that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Make sure you understand all the implications of any investment by speaking to an experienced and regulated adviser. They will carry out thorough due diligence in recommending authorised funds to suit your individual circumstances and risk appetite. This article should not be construed as providing any personalised investment advice. To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world, check out the latest news on our website www.blevinsfranks.com
Property
Don’t forget our deadline!
ht ht
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016 | 53
Could this be the Best Investment you’ll ever make? by Joanna Leggett
B
uying your first home can seem like an impossible mountain to climb but as the saying goes ‘the best investment on earth is earth’, so it’s well worth the effort! But where to start and how much could it cost to get your feet onto the first rung of the property ladder? Well, here in Deux-Sèvres, we’ve found several highly affordable options which might just be enough to whet your appetite and could well be easily within your reach! Vancais is a small village south of Poitiers and the market town of Lezay is just 7kms distance for all your local amenities. Here a pretty three bedroom, two bathroom house (Leggett reference 35381, photo left) is on the market for 71,500€!
This property has been well maintained – downstairs is open plan with wood burner, beams and a tiled floor – the main ensuite bedroom is on this level, complete with outdoor access. Upstairs there are two bedrooms with an attic which could potentially be another! Outside gates secure the terrace area and there’s a separate plot of land over the road complete with garage! But if it’s a real bargain you’re looking for – and one with potential then a town house in Assais les Jumeaux (Leggett 42760, photo top right) is for sale at just 33,000€! With its new roof and all major internal renovations undertaken,
54 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2016
this two bedroom home could easily have four (or even more) bedrooms when completed. Downstairs are a large lounge, dining room connecting to the fully fitted kitchen, a utility room and bathroom. Upstairs the two bedrooms overlook the street; however, here there are two further generous rooms (one with a balcony) ready to be completed, and then there’s the attic offering even more scope! Green fingers will be itching to get going in the walled courtyard garden once you put down the paintbrush but this house is ready to move in now! A chance to create a lovely family home at a knock-down price! And then there’s a three bedroom riverside chalet just perfect for family adventures (Leggett 60026). With 20 metres of river frontage, the chalet is on raised foundations which provide lockable storage for boats and fishing equipment and two open garages. There’s ample room outside for the ultimate escape – perhaps more a holiday home than first home it offers plenty of options in a great location. On the market for 77,000€! If you’re fishing for a new home investing in one of these is a highly affordable option!
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
Leggett Immobilier www.frenchestateagents.com