Annual Subscription Costs: 29,50€ within France, 18€ 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 43 of
‘The Deux-Sèvres Monthly’ magazine.
Wow! It’s another bumper issue this month including an eight page pull-out for this year’s Trade Fair. Just pull-it-out and take it with you! It’s been a very hectic month with preparations for the event and I hope it will be another success. There will be a lot to see and do, so please come along, enjoy the day and say “Hi!”. This issue also boasts some great articles with a new bimonthly addition of film reviews. We love films here at Chez Berry so I’ll be keen to keep abreast of the new releases. Well, it’s late and I have to send this to the printers, so until next month....
à plus, Sarah
Tel: 05 49 70 26 21 Email: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
Emergency Numbers: 15 SAMU (Medical Advice) 17 Gendarmes (Police) 18 Pompiers (Fire Service)
112 European Emergency 113 Drugs and Alcohol
Contents What’s On. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Getting Out & About 6 Spotlight On... 11 A-Z of the Communes in the Deux-Sèvres 14 Hobbies 15 Clubs & Associations 20 Health, Beauty & Fitness 21 Our Furry Friends 25 Pull-out Section - Trade Fair 2014. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Take a Break 34 Home & Garden 35 French Life 38 Communications 41 Food & Drink 43 Motoring 46 Building & Renovation 48 Business & Finance 53 Property 57
This Month’s Advertisers
79 Renovations Abattage Service (Slaughter House) ABORDimmo Ace Pneus (Tyre supplier & Fitter) Affordable UK Designs (Kitchens & UPVC Double Glazing) AKE Petit Travaux (Builder) A La Bonne Vie Alan Pearce (Plumbing & Heating) Andrew Longman (Plumber) An English Nursery in France ARB French Property Arbrecadabra Tress Surgery Art de la Breche (Art Gallery) Atelier JM Toledo (Rug repairs & Cleaning) BH Assurances / Allianz - Isabelle Want Bill McEvoy (Plumber / Heating Engineer)
50 45 57 47 2 52 43 49 49 35 57 35 6 37 53 49
Blevins Franks Financial Management Bois Nature Energie (Firewood and Outdoor Fencing) British Mobile Mechanic (John Purchase) Café des Belles Fleurs Camping Les Prairies du Lac Centre Régional “Résistance & Liberté” Cheryl’s Helping Hand Chris Bassett Construction Christies (English Book Shop & Tea Room) CJ Electricité Cleaning Services by Karen Clean Sweep Chimney Services Corner House Property Management Currencies Direct - Sue Cook Cut 46 (Hair Salon) David Cropper (Stump Grinding & Jungle Busting) David Watkins Chimney Sweep DB électricité Domaine de l’enchantoir Double Glazing Installation with Haynes Carpentry Down to Earth Pool Design Duncan White - Agent Commerciale D.W. Cooper (Carpenter, Roofer, Mason) Ecopower (Solar Thermal Trading Company) Électricien Anglais en France Emilie Baudrez (French Classes & Translation) Equi Libre Immobilier Conseil Franglais Deliveries French Wine Tours George Rayner Computers Hallmark Electronique Harris Homes & Gardens Holistic Therapy - Soul to Sole ICO Electricité Insink Plumbing Irving Location - Digger Hire Jeff’s Metalwork John Pate (Renovations) John Snee Groundworks J.P. Lainé Chimney Sweep Julia Hunt - Agent Commerciale Keith Banks (Swimming Pool Maintenance) Kelly’s Events La Deuxième Chance (Annie Sloan Chalk Paint supplier) Lawrence Associates (Renovations etc) Leggett Immobilier Man For Hire Mark Sabestini Renovation & Construction Menuiseries Fermeture Porge (PVC Windows, Doors & Shutters) Michael Glover Michael William Hairdressing ML Computers Motor Parts Charente M. Page Landscaping MSS Construction Musée des Tumulus de Bougon Mutuelles de Poitiers Assurances Nathan Foster Building Services Needa Hand Services Pamela Irving (Massage & Reflexology) Pascale Matéo (French Tuition) Pascale Terry (French Classes) Plan 170 (Professional Scale Drawings) Polar Express Restaurant des Canards Rob Berry Plastering Services Robert Walker Plomberie Ross Hendry (Interface Consulting & Engineering) Sandy G Hairdresser Sarl Down to Earth (Fosse Installations & Groundworks) Satellite TV SCP Louis Cagniart & Chrsitel Roy Siddalls (Financial Advisors) Simon the Tiler Simply Homes & Gardens Steve Enderby Steve Robin (Plumber) Sue Burgess (French Classes & Translation) The Craft Cabin (Handmade Cards and Card-making items) The English Mechanic & Son - Tony Eyre The Spectrum IFA Group - Amanda Johnson Tout Faire Materiaux (Building materials) Trisha Mobile Hairdresser Val Assist (Translation Services) Vata Beauty Venus Rose Yoga Yoga Vendée
54 36 47 44 39 13 37 51 6 48 37 51 37 55 22 35 51 48 45 50 57 58 50 48 48 9 59 47 44 42 48 36 24 48 49 51 52 50 51 51 58 57 6 37 52 58 37 52 50 50 22 42 46 36 50 8 46 52 36 24 8 8 57 44 43 52 49 41 23 51 42 59 56 52 36 49 49 9 8 47 55 48 22 9 23 21 23
© Sarah Berry 2014. 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, 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: septembre 2014 - Tirage: 5000 exemplaires. Siret: 515 249 738 00011 ISSN: 2115-4848
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 3
What’s On...
September 2014
The final events of the Nuits Romanes programme: 5th September - Église Ste-Catherine, Magné 6th September - Église Notre-Dame, Ardin 13th September - Place Bujault et Triade Romane, Melle
The Chaplaincy of Christ the Good Shepherd, Poitou-Charentes, hold English speaking monthly services.
5th September - Expat Camping Rally At Puy Rond Camping, Bressuire. Visit www.puyrondcamping.com for more info. 7th September - Pastyfest and Garden Fête at Puy de Serre At L’Hermitage. 11am - 5pm. For more info call 02 51 00 50 09 5th - 7th September - La Montgolfiade de Thouars The hot-air balloon extravaganza. See article on P.12. 5th, 6th, & 7th September, Open Sky Festival in Sauzé-Vaussais Festival of Arts & Musique. See advert on P.8. 10th September - A Filling Station talk “Prodigality: A picture of God’s Love for us” by Gerard Kelly, at 7.30pm. See advert on P.5. 12th September - Live Music With AVee & Andy Em At Café des Belles Fleurs, Fenioux. See advert on P.44 for details. 13th & 14th September - Balades Paysannes Farms open their doors to the public this weekend at Brétignolles, Breuil-Chausséé, Chiché, Montravers, Nueil-les-Aubiers and Terves. Contact Civam Haut Bocage on 05 49 89 80 29. Email: contact@civamhb.org for more information. 19th September - Quiz Night at Restaurant des Canards See advert on P.44. 20th September - ‘The DSM’ Anglo-French Trade Fair At Secondigny 79130 with Live music, Fish n chips, Jim’s Huskies and 70+ trade stands. See pull-out section P.29. 20th September - Book Sale At the old Salle, Linanzay. 10.30am - 3.30pm. 20th September - New Exhibition by Grace McKee At Art la Brêche, Niort. See advert on P.6. 21st September - ‘Caisses à Savon’ Races in Bressuire Forty competitors take to the streets of Bressuire to try to be the fastest driving non-motorised gravity driven vehicles. 27th September - Curry lunch in aid of Cancer Support Deux-Sèvres In Amailloux. Reservation and details from Denise & Rob Langford 05 49 64 29 83 27th & 28th September - The Hope Association Charity Shop In Bussiere Poitevine, from 10am - 5pm. See advert on P.25. 27th & 28th September - éco Festival in Parthenay Visit the website: www.eco-festival-ca-marche.fr for information. 28th September - Big Book Fayre and Arts & Crafts With Reel Fish and Chips at Paperback Jan’s, La Ferriere-enParthenay 79390. Call Jan on 06 08 30 73 29 for details. 28th September - Austrialian Girls Choir perform At St Amant de Boixe. Please see article on P.7. for further details.
• •
What’s Coming Up... 5th October - La Parthenaisienne An organised 5km walk in aid of Cancer Support Deux-Sèvres 5th October - Fête des Plants, Bressuire Event based around the Château 9am-7pm. See details on P.36. Late October/early November - the Reaction Theatre group perform a mélange of short comedy plays in Secondigny. Date TBC 31st October - CSSG Halloween Party in St Pardoux 17th-19th October - The Hope Association 3 day Book Sale In Clussais La Pommeraie. See advert on P.25.
•
1st Sunday at 10.30am: At St Leger, near Melle. Followed by tea & coffee. 2nd Sunday at 11.00am: the home of Ann White, Jassay 4th Sunday at 10.30am: the Presbytery Rooms, rue de la Citadelle, Parthenay (opposite St Croix Church). Followed by tea & coffee, and a ‘bring and share’ lunch.
A warm welcome awaits everyone for a time of worship and fellowship. For further information about location of churches and what else is happening near you, please take a look at our website www.church-in-france.com or contact us by email: offfice.goodshepherd@orange.fr The Filling Station ~ Poitou-Charentes The Filling Station is a network of local Christians of all denominations who meet together regularly for spiritual renewal and evangelism purposes. ALL WELCOME. Please see our bilingual website for details of meetings and summer programmes www.thefillingstationfrance.com or contact 05 49 87 89 16 or email: michael.willis@sfr.fr ALL SAINTS, VENDÉE - Puy de Serre We hold two services each month, on the 2nd and 4th Sundays at the church of St Marthe, Puy de Serre, at 11am. After each service, tea and coffee is served in the parish room and everyone is invited to a `bring and share` lunch. For details of all our activities, our Services in the west of the Vendée, copies of recent newsletters and more information, please check our website: www.allsaintsvendee.fr The Rendez-Vous Christian Fellowship A warm welcome awaits you at our meetings in the Vendée on the 1st & 3rd Sunday in the month at 11am. We meet at The Barn, off the D960B between Pouzauges and Chantonnay. Meetings last about an hour and are followed by a time of fellowship with refreshments. To find out more please contact Chris Taylor 09 60 49 78 50 or Des Vine 05 49 74 18 27 or visit: www.therendezvous.fr
LOCAL MARKETS Mondays......... Tuesdays.........
Wednesdays.... Thursdays........
Friday............... Saturdays........
‘The Deux-Sèvres Monthly’ magazine Published by Sarah Berry La Bartière, 79130 SECONDIGNY Tel: 05 49 70 26 21 Email: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr www.magazineanglais79.com 4 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
Sundays............
Benet 85490 Lencloître (1st Monday in month) 86140 Lezay 79120 Coulonges-sur-l’Autize 79160 Thouars 79100 Bressuire 79300 Parthenay 79200 Sauzé-Vaussais 79190 Niort 79000 La Mothe St Héray 79800 Thouars 79100 Melle 79500 Bressuire 79300 Chef-Boutonne 79110 Airvault 79600 Niort 79000 Saint Maixent-l’École 79400 Fontenay-le-Comte 85200 Coulon 79510 Neuville-de-Poitou 86170
Open 6.30-9pm
Paperback Jan Books in English
Reel Fish & Chips September
Find me at these venues during September: 3rd: 4th: 4th: 5th: 5th: 7th: 7th: 10th: 12th: 13th: 18th: 20th: 25th: 26th: 28th:
Café Cour de Miracle, Vouvant 85120. 2.30pm - 4.30pm Brasserie Vue du Chateau, Bressuire 79300. 11am - 1pm Bar Palais, St Aubin le Cloud 79450 2pm-5pm Bar de la Paix, Thouars 79100. 11.30am - 2pm Tipsy Bar, Coulonges 79160. 4pm - 6pm Pastyfest, Puy de Serre 85240 from 11am Café des Belles Fleurs, Fenioux 79160. 2pm - 4pm Le Don Jon Bar, Moncontour 86330. 4pm - 6pm Jan’s Home, La Ferriére-en-Parthenay 79390.11am - 1pm Bar Le Chauray, St Maixent l’Ecole 79400. 10am - 1pm Pause! L’Absie 79240 2pm - 5pm The DSM TRADE FAIR, SeCONDIGNY 10.30am-5.30pm Le Relais des 2 Moulins, Clessé 79350. 4pm - 6pm Le P’tit Bar Boucard, Menigoute 79340. 4pm - 6pm BIG BOOK FAYRE + Art & Craft Stalls, Fish ‘n’ Chips La Ferriere-en-Parthenay 11am - 4pm
For more info contact Jan on: 06 08 30 73 29 or email: paperbackjan@gmail.com
Top Hat Quiz & Curry
Weds 3rd & 17th The Canteen, Etusson Fri 5th Bar Tabac PMU, Bouille-Loretz Sat 6th Bar Vue du Chateau, Bressuire Thurs 18th Bar Tabac PMU, St Martin de Sanzay Fri 19th Bar Tabac PMU, Genneton Sat 20th Bressuire Golf Club Sun 28th Paperback Jan’s Big Book Fayre Tel: 06 04 14 23 94 - www.reelfishandchips.net
Open 6.30-9pm (incl. Bank Holidays)
Mr T’s Friterie
With regular venues at: • • •
Aulnay 17470 (from 6pm) Matha 17160 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
From 7pm
Open 6 - 8pm
Dates & Venues for September:
1st: 3rd: 8th: 10th: 11th:
Limalonges Chef Boutonne Theil Rabier Aigre Champniers
Tel: 05 45 71 70 91 - more info at www.tophatquizzes.com
Fish 4 Chip 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 National Holidays, Religious and Feast Days 2014 Sunday 5th October. .........Grandfather’s Day (Fête des Grand-pères) Saturday 1st November.....All Saint’s Day (Toussaint) Tuesday 11th November....Armistace Day (Armistace) Thursday 25th December...Christmas Day (Noël) Dates in blue are celebration days, not public holidays
Open 6-8.30pm La Vendée Chippy Wednesdays: Bar ‘Auberge le St Vincent’, St Vincent Sterlanges Thursdays: Bar ‘La Rando’, Mervent Fridays: Bar ‘Au Bon Coin’, Thoursais Bouildroux + 6th September: Le Clemenceau 85390 Mouilleron en Pareds Tel: 02 44 39 16 73 - www.lavendeechippy.com
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 5
Getting Out & About
Kelly’s New Enterprise Expanding upon the success of my pampering events and gift vouchers, I will now be offering regular social events, outings and excursions as well as bespoke events and gift solutions.
During the holiday season my events could prove popular with English speaking holiday guests as a simplistic way to get out and about without any language barriers. Your guests will love the convenience of suggestions of what to do and how to do it, and luxury beauty therapies in the comfort of their holiday home always goes down a treat! So if you own a gite and wish to receive a free guest information pack in time for the 2015 season, please email: kellyknight@kellyseventsinfrance.com
I have regular social events planned from September 2014 to “get us through the winter” and some special “ticket only” do’s! 2015 will see the introduction of excursions too!
Do you own a local business? If you offer a product or service that would make a lovely gift solution then email your suggestions to kellyknight@kellyseventsinfrance.com
Kelly’s Events in France (formerly known as Kelly’s Pampering Events) is a unique service specialising in events planning and gift solutions in France.
For a full list of planned events and for further information on events or group programs please visit my brand new website www.kellyseventsinfrance.com My aim is to empower English speakers in France to lead a life without language barriers. If you do not see your perfect event or prefer a more individual service, please just let me know and I will work with you to achieve your goals. As a further part of my expansion, I am teaming up with local businesses to provide a whole host of fun and inspiring gift solutions using an inventive scheme to get you a fantastic deal. Treat a loved one to something special or even treat yourself; many packages have been designed for a small group to club together and partake in something special! There are a variety of packages available as well as more traditional, gift set ideas.
6 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
Theatre Workshops for English Speakers Encore Theatre, the English language theatre company based at Loulay are arranging a series of theatre workshops this autumn and are hoping that many new members will be tempted to come along and try them out. The workshops, which will be held weekly from mid September, will be led by a professional theatre director and teacher. They are designed to involve the participants in preparing for performance in a fun and interesting way, developing skills towards presenting short pieces of theatre. “The workshops are being designed for different levels so those new to performing will be able to develop some basic skills, and participants with some experience will be introduced to some new, more advanced aspects of stagecraft” said a spokesman for the group. “We are delighted to have acquired the services of an experienced and respected teacher, who will be presenting the course”. You don’t have to be a member of Encore Theatre to take part, but new and existing members will be entitled to a reduction in the cost of each session. For more information contact: ljcassvillemorin@gmail.com. www.encore-theatre.org
The Australian Girls Choir is Coming to St Amant de Boixe As part of their 2014 International Tour, the Australian Girls Choir (AGC) will be giving a free performance in the Abbey at St Amant de Boixe (16330) on Sunday 28th September. On this, their 17th International Tour, 56 members of the Australian Girls Choir are also performing in Paris, Barcelona and Singapore, before returning to their home cities (Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney). The iconic Australian organisation has toured to destinations all over Australia and to every corner of the globe during its 30 year history; the choir will embark on its 34th tour later this year. Since the first International Tour to Canada in 1989, the AGC has travelled to a myriad of countries and performed at many spectacular locations. Over recent years the AGC has sung and performed for The Pope, Queen Elizabeth ll, President Barack Obama, Nelson Mandela, the King of Tonga, the Dalai Lama, Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres and at major locations around the world including The Sydney Opera House, St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, St Peter’s Basilica, the Hanoi Opera House and Disneyland Los Angeles and Paris - just a few of their crowning achievements. ANGOULEME - Saturday September 27th to Tuesday September 30th . The girls will be hosted by local families and by Student families of the Collège Eugène Delacroix, St Amant de Boixe. For media enquiries please contact the organisers, David and Aase Williams of St Amant de Boixe. Tel: 05 45 94 66 79 ~ email: australiangirlschoir.fr@gmail.com.
Above: The Australian Girls Choir at a recent performance. Photos courtesy of www.ausgirlschoir.com.au
Do you have a Business to promote? Call us Today - Great Rates! 05 49 70 26 21 The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 7
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF CANCER SUPPORT DEUX-SEVRES Many, many thanks to all the lovely people who have, over the past few weeks, held events to raise the much needed funds for our association. A huge sum was raised.....in excess of 2,800€.....did I hear “wow”? Because that’s what we said at our last committee meeting. Thanks go to: • Amanda Froome and Zena Sabestini, who organised the “Race for Life” around the Chateau grounds at Bressuire. • Trish and Delphine from Les Forges Golf club who took on the task of arranging a Golf Competition. • Penny Brewer and Through the Lens Photography group. • Helen McHugh Ace who kindly allowed us to hold a Tombola Stand at the Market at Luché. Over the past two years we have signed contracts at Parthenay and Niort Hospitals allowing us to visit Cancer patients and act as translators where necessary. We have donated 5000€ to each of these hospitals to enable them to purchase equipment which is not provided for the patients; aromatherapy treatments, relaxation tapes, foldaway beds to name but a few. In conjunction with La Ligue contre le Cancer (one of my ladies from Cancer Support Deux-Sèvres is on the Niort79 committee) our next donations will be going to Cancer Research in France.
Future Events are as follows... 27th September: A curry lunch with musical entertainment at Amailloux. Please contact Denise and Rob Langford on 05 49 64 29 83 for more details and reservations.
5th October: La Parthenaisienne, an organised 5km walk by les Filles de Parthenay. Contact Christine Brossard 06 84 71 07 43 http:/lesfillesdeparthenay.jimdo.com. 10th October: Domaine des Loges, 28 bd Salvador Allende, Parthenay. We will have a stand at Soins Palliatifs Event commencing at 1.15pm. Contact me on 05 49 64 59 96 for further details. On another note... L’Absie craft and knitting group are very kindly knitting and crocheting hats for our clients who are undergoing treatment and losing their hair. They are always grateful for wool etc. so please remember them if you’re having a clear out. Finally, next year will be Cancer Support Deux-Sèvres’ 10th Anniversary, so watch this space for details of how we are going to celebrate.
Once again ...thank you all for your support.
Small Colour advert only 35€
8 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
Les nouveaux mots du dicoby Sue Burgess (New words in the dictionary) It’s a ritual. Every September, it’s La Rentrée (back to school) and Le Petit Larousse and Le Petit Robert dictionaries release their new editions with some 150 new words each. Two criteria are needed for a word to enter le Petit Larousse. • Quantity: the more popular a word is, according to the number of times it is used in the media, and • Quality: the term must be up to date but must also be an expression that will last. Le selfie (digital self-portrait usually taken with a smartphone and published on the social media networks), le hashtag (before a key word on Twitter or a microblog) and la cyberattaque (act of computer piracy on internet) enter Le Petit Robert, whereas le vapotage and the verb vapoter with an e-cigarette (electronic cigarette) are recognised by Le Petit Larousse. If you believe Le Petit Robert, les trolls (internauts who try to create a debate on a chat forum or on social media) like the verbicrucistes (who make crosswords) will be able to follow MOOC (abbreviation for Massive Online Open Course, classes on internet), where it will not be in their interest to procrastiner (tendance to put things off until tomorrow, to procrastinate) if they want to progress. In Le Petit Larousse the citizen écoresponsable (who pays attention to the impact his actions will have on the environment) will be worried about la marée verte (a thick deposit of green algae and seaweed left by the tide) and more particularly about Obsolescence programmée (built in obsolescence) so that the consumer will replace his product sooner rather than later.
Vocabulaire / Vocabulary Anonymous ....................... an anonymous group of hackers
who try to denounce and get round censuring of information on internet
Anticriminalité .................. adjective – fighting against criminality Bardasser ou Berdasser .... Bardasser or Berdasser from familiar French Canadian. To make a noise/ to shake up/ to tell off
La Bistronomie .................. gastronomic cuisine in a friendly
informal atmosphere and at a reasonable price
Un Hipster ......................... young townie with unusual tastes in clothing and style
Un Pandoravirus ................ A very large scale virus Un Super-héros ................. imaginary person with superhuman powers
La Zumba .......................... method of keep fit inspired by
different latin-american dance styles. Registered trade mark.
BUT ne psychotez pas (don’t worry excessively) if your computer bogue (bugs, works badly). Rather than l’hystérisation (expressing yourself hysterically), keep your zénitude (stay zen, cool), Le Petit Larousse has planned everything. Antipasti (succession of Italian hors-d’œuvres), une bruschetta (a little Italian nibble) and un café gourmand (coffee with chocolates and mini-desserts).
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 9
COME - CONNECT - CREATE at the OPEN SKY Festival A new, informal creative arts and music forum for musicians and artists is here in the Deux-Sèvres! By sharing skills and inspiring each other, this new festival for the Poitou-Charentes will provide a relaxing environment for the public and artists to share and enjoy . The programme is on the first weekend in September and will have the theme of ‘journeys’. It will consist of two evening concerts with a variety contributors, both musical and non-musical, plus opportunities to participate in an interactive themed art project across the site. A number of alternative activity tents will be included.
So Who’s Performing? Orla Gartland - - - - - - - - - - Greta Isaac Katie Dove-Dixon
The festival is being organised by a local non- profit Association, ‘OPEN SKY’ and costs will be kept to a minimum. For this first year, contributors are being asked to participate without being paid in order to create the collaborative spirit desired. The Festival will be held on top of a small ridge facing West just outside the town of Sauzé-Vaussais. Situated between Poitiers and Angouleme and 90 minutes inland from La Rochelle, this rural location is easily accessible for visitors. The hamlet of La Montée Blanche has just a dozen houses and no shops or restaurants. The nearby town of Sauzé-Vaussais is within walking distance (2km) where there is a large supermarket selling everything that could possibly be needed by a visitor. There is also bed and breakfast accommodation and a local hotel nearby together with a pizza restaurant and English tea room in the town.
Jean-Luc Gadreau – Parole Million Miles - - - - - - - - - - - and Mouss .......to name a few
Various snacks and food will be available during the weekend and although there are no official camping facilities, attendees will be able use a nearby field to pitch tents. Throughout the festival soft drinks will be available with a bar serving beer and wine in the evenings. So why not come along, connect with new friends and get creative!
TICKETS...
FRIDAY 5th SEPTEMBER SATURDAY 6th SEPTEMBER
7€
9€
SUNDAY 7th SEPTEMBER FREE ENTRY!
10 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
La Montée Blanche - 79190 - SAUZÉ-VAUSSAIS
Reserve your Tickets now by visiting:
www.openskyfestival.fr
Spotlight On...
Thouars
Stunning flower display at the entrance to the town. by Mick Austin
Shhh!
Don’t shout it out loud but there’s a pretty French town in the Deux-Sèvres that surprisingly few people have heard of. It’s perched on a cliff, flanked by a lovely river, has many old streets and houses, churches and an imposing château. It has an abundance of cultural and historical treasures, it hosts probably the best market in the region and it’s off the tourist trail. What more could you ask for? Oh, yes, it’s name: Thouars. The main town in the Thouet Valley, Thouars has impressive credentials. It is classified as one of France’s Villes d’Art et d’Histoire (Cities of Art and History) with the highest number of listed buildings per inhabitant in the region and has Ville Fleurie four-flower status in recognition of its superb parks and gardens (especially the Parc Imbert). Part of its charm is its relative anonymity on the tourist map, but all that changes over the first week in September when the population explodes as 15,000-plus people invade the town. But more on that later… There’s so much to see and do around Thouars you can spend a week discovering its treasures, but here is a taste of a few of those ‘don’t miss’ places.
Churches/Châteaux
Eglise Saint Médard has long been the best known and most visited monument in the town. All that remains from the first early 11th Century church are small fragments of the façade and the lateral walls. Henry II of England laid siege to Thouars in 1158 and had the castle and its walls razed. He then proceeded to rebuild Saint Médard between 1170 and 1180. The church evolved over the Middle Ages and was largely remodelled during the 15th and 16th centuries. Since 2005 the southern wall has been brightened up by contemporary stained glass windows from workshops in Limoges.
Château et Pont des Chouans
The Eglise Saint Leon was founded in 1021 and is probably best known as the resting place of Margaret of Scotland, daughter of King James 1 of Scotland and wife of the future king of France, Louis XI. Don’t miss the fossils in the paving stones! Almost anywhere you go in Thouars, you can’t help but notice the magnificent Château des ducs de La Trémoille. First built in the eighth century, with later work done by Versailles architect Jacques Lemercier, it has been a barracks, a prison and now a college. Tours are scheduled from April to September by the Department of Architecture and Heritage. Check out the local tourist office for details.
Museums/Exhibitions
Interested in World War Two history and the bravery of local Resistance fighters? Then you won’t want to miss possibly the largest collection of wartime exhibits in the region at the Centre Régional Résistance et Liberté. Occupied Thouars suffered heavy fighting and bombings and a visit from the arch-Nazi himself, Heinrich Himmler. Audio guides, multimedia terminals, smallscale models and an audio-visual archive transport you back to a time when the local Thouarsais were, literally, fighting for their very existence. Musée Henri Barré hosts an art and history collection with exhibitions and activities all year long. The main attraction is a collection of French and foreign earthenware. You can also brush up on local history, particularly that of the La Trémouille dukes, whose contribution to life in Thouars was extensive. Ecomusée du Moulin de Crevant is on the Thouet river just below the town. Built in 1840, it was a farm until 1989 and run by four generations of millers from the same family. Today it has been restored and opened to the public and has a picture museum explaining the history of the water mill and includes a video made by the last miller. A guided visit shows the working methods of the mill as well as technical development since the end of the 19th Century. It’s a superb example spread over four levels with a series of 150 belts and 300 pulleys and all in perfect working order. The Centre d’Interpretation Géologique du Thoursais (CIGT) is an earth science, educational, cultural and scientific area hosting a permanent stone exhibition demonstrating the natural, architectural, historic and industrial heritage of Thouars. Display panels, video clips, models, tools and ornaments show geology in an original and unexpected manner. If you like this sort of stuff then you can also visit the two ancient open-air quarries at the Toarcien Natural Reserve (Réserve Naturelle du Toarcien) just outside Thouars.
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 11
THOUARS FACT FILE...
Food and Drink If you like French markets you’ll just love Thouars.
Rated as one of the biggest and best in the region (2000 people every Friday morning can’t be wrong), soak up the sights, sounds and smells as you wander around stalls laden with local produce including goat’s cheese, jams, the famous Thouarsais melons, fresh fish, chicken, wine, honey and loads more. Try the local aperitif Duhomard (made from aromatic plants) and the brownie-style Saint-Michel chocolate cake. There’s also a smaller market on Tuesdays.
Tourtenay: 20 minutes Moncontour: 30 minutes Airvault: 30 minutes Saumur: 40 minutes Bressuire: 40 minutes Parthenay: 45 minutes Chinon: 60 minutes Angers: 80 minutes
And now, last but not least, why some 15,000 people will invade the town on the first weekend in September - La Montgolfiade de Thouars!
Airports: Poitiers (70 minutes), Nantes (110 minutes), Tours (110 minutes) Thouars is in the North of the dept. of Deux-Sèvres (79) in the region of Poitou-Charentes Population: 9622 in 2011 Airports: Poitiers (70 minutes) Tours (110 minutes) and Nantes (110 minutes)
Aire de Camping Car Cycle Routes Picnic Locations Bars & Restaurants
La Montgolfiade de Thouars
Fuel Stations Supermarkets Campsite Plan d’eau
Contacts
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• It’s a great family day out in a festival atmosphere as around 40 hot-air balloons provide a magical spectacle in the skies of the DeuxSèvres. This year’s event - on Friday-Sunday, September 5-7 at the Hippodrome de Villeneuve racecourse - celebrates its sixth anniversary with all the crowd favourites. Expect to see bands, fireworks, a vide grenier, a parade of vintage cars and a new feature addition of three small remote-controlled balloons. And don’t miss the female trapeze artist performing underneath one of the balloons (no, not one of the remote-controlled ones!)
• • • • • • • •
Ecomusée du Moulin de Crevant. 1 promenade de Pommiers, 79100 Thouars. Tel: 05 49 68 38 59. Website: www.facebook.com/EcomuseeMoulindeCrevant?ref=ts &amp;fref=ts CIGT, Les Écuries du Château, Rond-point du 19 Mars 1962, 79100 Thouars. Tel: 05 49 66 42 18. Website: www. thouars-communaute.fr La Montgolfiade de Thouars website: www.montgolfiade.fr Centre Régional Résistance et Liberté, Les Écuries du Château, Rond-point du 19 Mars 1962, 79100 Thouars. Tel: 05 49 66 42 99. Website: http://www.crrl.fr
Local tourist offices for more info, accommodation, bookings, times, prices etc: www.tourisme-deux-sevres.com www.tourisme-pays-thouarsais.fr www.thouars.fr/vah/ www.visit-poitou-charentes.com
Weather permitting, of course, you can book yourself a ‘discovery’ flight on the Montgolfiade website, where you download a booking form. The flights cost 180€ and are due to lift off at 7pm on Friday and 7.30am and 7pm on Saturday and Sunday. You will need to be there 90 minutes before your flight to meet your instructor and prepare the balloon. If you can’t get a flight during the La Montgolfiade weekend, there are more personal baptism flights throughout the year. They cost 250€ and the booking form is also on the website. The organisers will then contact you to arrange a date and time. The website also has full programme details and a plan of parking for the La Montgolfiade weekend.
12 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
Photos: Thouars armes fleuries, WikimediaCommons: Père Igor; Thouars Château et Pont des Chouans, WikipediaCommons: Alertomalibu; La Montgolfiade de Thouars, David Brennan.
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.
Thouars Loudun Scout & Guide Group
Thouars Loudun scout and guide group is a member of Les Scouts et Guides de France association. This is a scouting association which is attached to the catholic church but open to anyone, whatever their religious beliefs, nationality or social origin. There are about 20 youngsters (most of whom are French but we do have some British children) in the Thouars Loudun group and we hold roughly two events per month throughout the school year, on Saturday afternoons, Sundays or weekend camps. The group has Farfadets (6–7 year olds) with one leader, the Farfadult, and then different parents help out with the activities on a rota basis. The Louveteaux and Jeannettes are between 8 and 11, the Scouts and Guides (11–14) and the Pionniers and Caravelles (14-17). The units camp every summer. In 2015 the Pionniers and Caravelles will be attending an international European Jamboree near Strasbourg. From September our group needs new leaders, particularly for the Scouts and Guides unit. Training can be provided and you
can work for the BAFA (state recognised youth leaders’ qualification which means you can look for paid work in out of school activity centres and holiday camps). The group can help leaders pay for their training if they sign on for 2 years and 2 camps. You need to be 17 years old to start the BAFA training. If you know anyone who might be interested in becoming a leader or in giving a helping hand now and then, please contact us through our facebook page:www.facebook.com/sgdf. thouarsloudun?fref=ts, or come and meet us at The DSM Trade Fair on September 20th. We will also be at the Forum in the Leclerc Shopping centre in Thouars on Saturday 6th September and at La Foire St Michel in Thouars during the last weekend of September. You can also phone us on 06 86 23 39 82.
Do you have a Business to promote? Call us Today - Great Rates! 05 49 70 26 21 The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 13
A-Z of the Communes in the Deux-Sèvres LA FOYE-MONJAULT A small village in the Deux-Sèvres, La Foye-Monjault is a part of the canton of Beauvoir-sur-Niort. At a height of 55 metres above sealevel and with the neighbouring communes of Vallans and Usseau, the 756 inhabitants (les Fayais, Fayaises) live on a commune which stretches over 19,1 km² . The name of the village comes from «frêne» (faya) which confirms that at the end of the 11th century La Foye was covered with woods, and in particular, beech trees. The word then became Faya Moncolis - the Monks’ beechwood and then La Foye-Monjault. The monks cleared the trees as early as 1080 in order to grow cereal crops and grapes. The commune is characterised by a large number of hamlets, three of which (Treillebois, Limoullais and le Puyroux) are quite large. The history of the commune has been built around the monks of the middle ages, water, farming and wine. Close to the old village square and the pond are traces of the former small monastery. The commune has a number of wells which means that it has always had water of a high quality. Wine and farming have been the basis of the activity of the commune over the years. Foye Monjault wines were famous very early on and remained so for a long time. Rabelais wrote about them and they were drunk at the courts of Henri IV and François I. A VOIR / MUST SEE • The ancient priory church of St Simon and St Jude. • The Benedictine monastery was given to the Abbey SaintJean-de-Montierneuf of Poitiers by the count of Poitou in 1077. The chapel is now the parish church. Partly destroyed during the revolution, it was bought by a private individual. The existing bell wall and the sanctuary were built on the same spot in the 19th century. • The water tower has been painted green. There is a 350 metre deep well near the water tower which was in fact never used as the water contained iron. The water clock (l’horloge à eau) of André Maret is 1.3m long and 1.6m high. • La Foye-Monjault holds a wine and regional produce fair on the second weekend in October.
FRANÇOIS
According to Mr François Villaneau, a former teacher, today deceased, the name of François might come from an ancient colony of Franks established on the banks of the Sèvre river during the reign of Charlemagne. Other theories say that the name may come from the word «franchise» the liberty granted to the parish. The name and spelling of François has evolved as follows: 1244 - Françoy 1300 - Frances 1390 - François 1585, 1619, 1650 - Franois (maps of Poictou) 1690 - Le François (map of the Bishopric of Poitiers) 1657 to 1788 - Notre Dame de François. This name is found from 1657 in the Parish registers but mainly refers to the church. The inhabitants of François are known as the Françiens and the Françiennes. The commune of François is crossed by several Roman or Gallic roads. Le chemin Chevalleret (at Bonneuil) is an ancient Roman road which went from Poitiers to Jard-sur-Mer crossing the old bridge at Azay le Brûlé. It crossed Bonneuil along the line of the D7 from La Crèche to Cherveux. The road crossed two rivers: the Chambon at the ford of Guerreau near the bridge that is used today and the Musson by the bridge “Pont de l’Huiilerie” shown on the 1830 map. (There may have been a ford there before the bridge). Le chemin Chevalleret is still partially visible as you come out of the village of Bonneuil towards Cherveux. Le chemin de la Brissaise (at François) is an old Roman road which went from Rom to Jard- sur-Mer. There were three water mills on the commune. The moulin de l’Ilôt and the moulin de François were on the river Sèvre. The mills still exist today but are now no longer used. 14 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
by Sue Burgess
The moulin de l’Etang was on the Musson river and worked with a series of locks. Only the mill race and a pile of stones remain today. The mill has disappeared. Three of the four wash-houses can still be seen on the commune. During the second world war the commune was the home to several families of refugees from the Ardennes.
FRESSINES
The name Fressines is certainly related to the presence of numerous «frênes» (ash trees). The name “FRAZINA” appeared for the first time in 1259, the commune became Saint-Martin de Fressines, and then Fressines after the Revolution. Around 1530 there were numerous mills all over Poitou. Flour from Bagnault, which was very famous, was transported on the backs of mules to Niort and then along the waterways to Marans, La Rochelle and Rochefort. To get from Bagnault to Niort, the muledrivers went along the Roman road which followed the main road through the village, crossed the river at Pontreau or Pont Charrault, and then turned towards Papeau and on to Niort. This is the old route to the sea or the «chemin des saulniers» (salt-workers’ road) which passed through Fressines. Several mills which have since disappeared were spread over the valley. The surrounding fields were worked by labourers who worked the wheat fields. The 16th century was a period of religious conflict. Calvin’s protestantism anchored itself in the area. The edict of Nantes put an end to the conflicts which opposed the catholics and the protestants. The protestants set up strongholds in Thouars, St Maixent and Niort. Louis XIV decided to unify the country to fight off invaders and obliged the protestants to turn back to «the true religion». A new method of oppression «the dragonnades», was invented. The king’s soldiers, the dragons, lived with protestant families and persuaded them to renounce protestantism and sign the «rôle» of new converts. Fressines was in the majority protestant and therefore the seat of some of the famous «dragonnades». In 1681, under the persecution of the king’s dragons, 328 inhabitants of FRESSINES denied their religion. In 1685, Louis XIV revoked the edict of Nantes. The pastors had to flee France. The protestants who wished to practice their religion met at night in the woods, the forests and the fields. In Fressines meetings were held at Bois-Martin and la Chesnaye. The dead were buried at night in small plots of land belonging to private individuals. Here we can find the origin of the small cemeteries which can be found on the commune of Fressines and all over the area. Another sign of the presence of the protestants is the number of temples. In the protestant villages, no statues of Christ or Mary can be found and there are no stone crosses at the angles between the fields. However, the landscapes are often punctuated by stone pines. This tree which originated in the south of France, owes its presence here to hawkers and traders who sold bibles and other protestant works which were forbidden. They gave seeds and asked people to sow them to show their friendship with the protestants. Houses with this tree were a safe refuge for protestants. A VOIR / MUST SEE • St Martin’s church: A romanesque style building begun in 1260. The church is dedicated to St Martin (the bishop of Tours). It was a priory which depended on the Abbey of Lesterps (16). The old bell tower was destroyed by a sonic boom in 1967. The present bell tower holds a bell dating from 1878. The protestant temple was destroyed in 1970. It stood where the hairdresser’s is today. • The Pigeon Loft (remains): The 17th century pigeon loft belongs to the château of Bougouin which is in fact on the commune of la Crèche. It is a private property.
More A-Z of the Communes of Deux-Sèvres next month...
Hobbies More from local writer Alison Morton.... Please see back issues of ‘The DSM’ if you would like to see previous articles.
The Bones of your Book
Writing exciting scenes is thrilling. And once you have set up your characters, they start developing their own story lines. Your narrative is thundering along and your story is flying.
But… you the writer, your characters and the readers need to take a break. So how and what?
A break within a chapter
A line space gives a visual signal that the scene will end or change location/time/lead character. You can cut out the dull bits of life (getting from A to B, climbing the stairs, having a meal, doing the bins) and tell the story without dropping the pace. If you can link the end of one scene across the bridge of the break line to introduce the next scene, then that’s good writing technique.
New chapter
Sagas, historical novels and space operas will generally have longer chapters than romance and thrillers. Mind you, Tom Clancy seems to break this rule, but he has a lot of scene breaks within his chapters. I keep my chapters short, generally 5 to 8 pages, approx. 2,000 to 3,200 words, depending on how the narrative is flowing. Breaking for a new chapter allows the writer to finish on a revelation/cliffhanger/surprise/danger point and then drop into the middle of an entirely separate scene in the next chapter which pushes the story forward. Again, adding a link where the same object, phrase, weather or location is at the beginning of the next chapter but in a different context can be used here to great effect. I like starting a new chapter in the middle of a conversation and then revealing where we are and what’s happening; this keeps the momentum up especially in a thriller. Having said that, sometimes the beginning of a new chapter is a perfect place to put a little background detail as long as it contributes to the story and isn’t an info-dump.
Parts
If you have quite distinct parts of a story, then you can split the novel into parts. These big separators are often used to cover intervening periods, or to show that one phase of a person’s life has finished and they’re moving on to something or somewhere else. Classically, parts are three, like acts in a play, but can be any number, though five or six is probably the maximum. All breaks can be used in a story with two timelines or in the same one to switch between different characters’ points of view, e.g. from the protagonist to antagonist, but it has to be done carefully or readers will lose patience and skip ahead to continue the tale they were enjoying.
Huge Thanks to Kind Friends Last year Jennifer Smethurst and her husband bought a maison secondaire near Thouars. They couldn’t have managed it without the help of their wonderful friends and Jennifer has written this poem for them. Elizabeth and Charlie Cormack, Susan Rusee, Andrea Gibson and Jim McComisky, this is for you....
Merci! by Jennifer Smethurst. They gave us kettles, toasters, towels, A coffee machine cos we liked it, Various bath mats and a shaggy rug, Found another on the market. We got tarpaulin and directions Of where to find that sofa, Wicker chairs and blue glasses A chest of drawers that we could go for. And they brought pans and cold champagne, Lent us ladders, paint and rollers, Told us what the French were saying, They said, “Anytime, just call us!” They did the legal stuff, the bills, Insurance, phone line, banking, Dug up shrubs and flowers and bulbs, And told us when we should be planting. Wrote emails and made phone calls, Met us at Ikea, Found bargains on Le Bon Coin Said how great it was we’re here! Appeared a soap dish and a hoover, A toilet brush and bin, They said as they’d be passing by They’d of course be popping in. Lunches provided on our journeys, Came when we blew a gasket, Sent magazines with local news, Brought cake and a log basket. Found us builders, shops with sales on, Their kindness never ends! We share our “food and cheer and song...” And wine of course! Thanks, friends! P.S. It was our fan belt that went - but it didn’t rhyme with ‘basket’!
Prologues and epilogues
Think whether or not you really need these as they can appear like dangly bits with no definite purpose. Could the information in the prologue be dripped into the story instead? Sometimes a hint of a deep buried secret or an event in a much earlier period of time is fine in a short prologue if it would seem out of place elsewhere in the novel. And finally, could the epilogue be integrated into the last chapter or do you need that last?
Happy writing!
Alison Morton writes alternative history thrillers, blogs about writing and Romans at http://alison-morton.com/blog
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 15
MOVIES
by James Luxford
There’s sex, thugs and rock ‘n’ roll this month as there are all manner of racy goings on at your local cinema. But which is the best of the bunch? Here’s our look at the biggest September releases…
DELIVER US FROM EVIL (3rd September)
A mix of horror movie and crime thriller as ‘Star Trek’ actor Eric Bana plays a policeman who enlists the help of a priest specialising in exorcism (Edgar Ramirez) in order to solve a series of crimes with a supernatural feel. While creepy enough to deliver some mindless chills, the edge that separates truly scary horror films from the rest of the pack is missing here. Not without its jumpy moments, but certainly nothing memorable.
SEX TAPE (10th September) Cameron Diaz and Jason Segel play a couple who decide to create a sex tape, only for the video to leak among their friends, sending the pair on a madcap quest to rescue the errant copies. As a mainstream film with little opportunity to fully explore the premise, ‘Sex Tape’ peters out into an average farce that has its moments, but ultimately disappoints. A waste of the fine comic talent on offer (which also includes Rob Lowe and comedian Rob Cordry in supporting roles). SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR (17th September) It’s taken a few years for the sequel to Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller’s murky comic book adaptation to get a sequel, but finally a host of stars (including French actress Eva Green) play the various untrustworthy citizens of Basin City. Three loosely connected stories unfold in a raw, violent, but brilliant piece of filmmaking that certainly isn’t your average comic book movie. As memorable as the first film, it won’t be for everyone but fans of the black and white crime saga will not be disappointed.
YOUR Book Reviews
Thank you to Wendy for sending us her book review. This sounds like a good one!
‘TheForgotten Seamstress’ by Liz Trenow I would like to highly recommend this book. I purchased it one Saturday morning on my kindle and started reading that evening, and it’s one of those books that you do not want to put down. I got up Sunday morning and started reading again, finishing by midday. The story starts in 2008 when Caroline finds an old patchwork quilt in her mother’s attic. It was left to her by her Grandmother and it brings back memories as she remembers it from her childhood. Caroline asks her mother the story of the quilt but she is in the throes of dementia and not much help. When Caroline asks her friend Jo, who is an expert on historical fabrics if she knows anything about it, they discover something amazing about the silk used in the quilt, which makes Caroline determined to find out the story behind it. There are many twists and turns along the way and a few heartbreaks for Caroline who has lost her job, split with her boyfriend and discovers her mum is not capable of living by herself anymore. Maria’s story unfolds as she tells it to a research student in 1970, who is recording the interview on a cassette recorder. She is doing research work on an old Asylum called Helena House and interviewing people who lived there. Maria and her friend were orphans in a nunnery and were seamstresses who got picked to work at Buckingham palace. The story of what happens is heart breaking and had me in tears. At the end of the book, if you go to the author’s website you can download the quilt pattern and instructions for free. This brought back memories for me as my Granddad was in an asylum most of his life due to things he saw in the war. I remember being taken to see him by my Nan several times and never forgot him. This is the first book I have read by this author but it wont be my last...
GET ON UP (24th September)
Not content with playing legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson in last year’s ‘42’, Chadwick Boseman brings another icon to the screen in the life story of James Brown. His rise to fame, notoriety and dark side are all portrayed in a tremendous performance from Boseman, who may be an early contender for the Oscars, and given quality support from Oscar winner Octavia Spencer and Dan Akroyd. It may not reach the heights of music biopics such as ‘Ray’ or ‘Walk The Line’, but is a fitting film for an unforgettable performer.
‘The Deux-Sèvres Monthly’ magazine Published by Sarah Berry La Bartière, 79130 SECONDIGNY Tel: 05 49 70 26 21 Email: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
Release dates are nationwide in France.
Where is Your Nearest Cinema?
We list below a number of cinemas in the departement. Our research shows that they present films in ‘VO’ (version originale), but it is suggested to check before travelling. Parthenay Le Foyer , 1 rue Denfert-Rochereau, 79200 Parthenay Visit: http://cinema.foyer.cc-parthenay.fr/foyer Niort Méga CGR, Place de la Brèche, 79000 Niort 05.49.79.66.33 Visit: http://www.cgrcinemas.fr/niort/# 16 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
Melle Le Méliès, Place Bujault, 79500 Melle 05.49.29.15.83 / 05.49.29.15.50 Visit: http://www.lemelies-melle.info Bressuire Le Fauteuil Rouge, Espace bocapôle, 79300 Bressuire 05.40.24.20.88 Vsit: http://www.lefauteuilrouge.fr To search films showing ‘version originale’ in the Deux-Sèvres, visit: http://www.allocine.fr/film/
Combined Services Support Group by Terri Laverick (CSSG) In late October and early November we are presenting a mélange of short comedy plays for your delight from playwrights such as Alan Ayckbourn, Lyndon Brock, Michael Green and Phil Wood. Plays will last from 10 - 25 minutes and be packed with laughter. This takes us slightly away from our normal routine but will allow members of Reaction Theatre, who have previously had little opportunity, the chance to try their hand at directing, producing and of course acting and at the same time give you, our audience, the opportunity to see a number of new personalities on our stage in Secondigny. This might be just the chance you have been waiting for. Fancy coming along and auditioning for a small part? Get in touch ASAP, I guarantee you will have lots of fun and laughter.
Keynotes
After a quiet month in August the Keynotes will be back in earnest in September; getting ready for a number of events later in the year with World War 1 songs for the 14th November at the museum in Parthenay, Christmas songs for the Terves Christmas Fair and a repeat of our very popular Christmas Cornucopia show in December where Margaret Round will be introducing lots of new songs and comedy sketches.
The Art Scene
Although I told you we were closing down for August it didn’t turn out that way. The artists made me carry on with our Friday morning session AND some plein air meetings as well - they’re so keen. My thanks go to Kathy and Maureen for their fine demonstrations during this period. A new programme will be on the website soon for the September - December period. Information on Reaction Theatre membership, Reaction Theatre and Keynotes performances past and future and The Art Scene meetings and projects can be seen on www.reactiontheatre.fr or contact me for more information.
Don’t forget if you fancy being one of our stars of the stage let me know, John Blair. (Tel: 05 49 63 23 50)
I hope you have all been able to make the best of the summer. It seems to have been a strange one this year, but those of us working behind the scenes at CSSG have been beavering about organising events and thinking of ways to entertain you over the next few months. The Summer Garden Fair was well attended, and our thanks to those of you who came along on a very hot and sunny day. We raised plenty of money for our two named charities and had fun at the same time. The Keynotes Choir and 3 Plus 1 entertained us during the afternoon, and the kitchen ran out of ice cream and lollies. Personally, I enjoyed my fish and chips followed by a cup of tea and slice of cake. Once again, our thanks to those of you who helped, supplied the cakes, came along to sell your goods or, just simply, to have a good time. A reminder to our members, our next meeting will be on 6th September, at the Café des Belles Fleurs in Fenioux, beginning with a British style breakfast. We will be at The Deux-Sèvres Monthly’s Trade Fair in Secondigny on 20th September, so if you are interested in joining us, come along for a chat. Another highlight in the year is our Tea, Coffee and Cake stall at Paperback Jan’s in La Ferriere on 28th September. Once again we’ll be requesting our faithful cake makers to get baking. The CSSG Tombola Stall will be there, so do please come along with plenty of cash. Halloween is party time for CSSG as we are holding a party in the Salles des Fete in St Pardoux (31st October). There’s a prize for the best Witch, Wizard or Ghoul and also a prize for the best carved and illuminated Pumpkin. Supper will be a Chicken or Vegetarian Curry. If you are interested, please contact us via email: mick.laverick@gmail.com and we will be happy to sell you a ticket at €7.50 per person. Once again, if you are interested in joining us, get in touch at cssgroup@outlook.com and we will be pleased to meet you at any of our meetings or events.
The Local Art Scene
by John Blair
There is a surprising number of highly talented artists in our region and I thought it would be a good idea if I found out a little bit more about them and reported back to you. We all have different views and opinions on what we consider to be good art. A couple of years ago I went to ‘The Pompidou Centre’ in Paris with a few friends and we all came out speechless until someone said, “What rubbish”. I then decided that I would try my very best to better understand and appreciate a wider range of art. I will be talking to a wide range of artists about their chosen art genre. I believe in constructive criticism, with the emphasis on the word constructive and am not frightened of saying what I think, it must be the Yorkshire in me. I will go into each session with an open mind but will expect each of the artists to be equally open.
Contact ‘The DSM’ magazine... Call Sarah on 05 49 70 26 21 or email: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
Why me, you might ask? Well, it was my idea. You probably remember artist Tracey Emins installation called ‘My Bed’? I always thought it was ‘My unmade Bed’. Well someone once said “I could have done that” but the response was “Ah, but you didn’t did you?”. Once we get started your views will be most welcome, but don’t expect everyone to agree with them. Contact: johnblair@btopenworld.com The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 17
Part 2 of 4
100 Years On....
by Rob Berry
From my last article you will know that on 4th August 1914, in response to Germany’s invasion of neutral Belgium, the UK declared war on Germany. This declaration automatically brought in to the war several dominions of the British Empire including Australia, Canada, Newfoundland, New Zealand and South Africa. On 4th August 2014, numerous events took place across the UK and mainland Europe to commemorate the centenary of the start of the First World War (WW1). You may have seen some of the coverage in the media, but what happened on and after 5th August, one hundred years ago? On 5th August 1914, FM Lord Kitchener was appointed Secretary of State for War. At the time the British Army had approximately 710,000 men of which 250,000 were professional soldiers, far fewer than those of France and Germany, and was the only European Great Power without conscription. Kitchener foresaw a long drawn out war and ordered the recruitment of 100,000 volunteer soldiers. Recruitment offices were overrun and by the end of September, 750,000 men had volunteered; one million by January 1915. Eventually Kitchener was responsible for the recruitment of the largest volunteer army the world had seen; his image on recruiting posters demanding “Your country needs you!” is still recognised today. On 5th June 1916, Kitchener, on his way to Russia to attend negations, was one of 600 who drowned when HMS Hampshire struck a German mine and sank west of the Orkney Islands. By 5th August, Germany was deploying 7 armies totalling 1.5 million soldiers. Of these the German 1st, 2nd and 3rd Armies (34 divisions of men) were being aligned along the Belgium and French frontiers ready to initiate the Schlieffen Plan. Basically, the Germans believed that they could not attack France without Russia coming to her aid, and vice versa. Whilst forces had been mobilized against both powers, Russia had always been seen as a secondary threat and France would always be attacked first. To do this the Germans would need to march through Belgium as this would bypass the heavily fortified Franco-German frontier. Once France was defeated, the invading German armies would be moved to the East in order to attack Russia. This Plan was expected to last no more than 40 days. Similarly, Russia had to mobilize and protect its borders against both Germany and Austria-Hungary as war against one would automatically mean war against the other. The gateway into Belgium was through the city of Liège. This was heavily guarded by 12 fortresses, six on each side of the river Meuse, along a 30 mile stretch. On 5th August, 6 brigades of the German 2nd Army attacked Liège and its 35,000 garrison troops. Confident of an easy victory with little resistance, the Germans expected to take Liège quickly whist the remaining German armies continued to assemble. However, Belgium put up stubborn resistance after King Albert urged his country to protect Belgium’s neutrality at all costs. It took the deployment of Germany’s most powerful artillery, the 16.5 inch siege cannons, before headway was made. Heavy shelling began on 12th August and with the destruction of the final fortress three days later, Liège fell. The main German advance into Belgium began on 18th August, much later than expected. In France enthusiastic crowds cheered off train after train of soldiers deploying towards the Germans. The French plan was simple – advance and attack the Germans whatever the circumstances. On the morning of 7th August, advancing towards the city of Mulhouse near the Swiss border in Alsace, previously a French province lost to Germany in the Franco-Prussian war in 1871, Gen Bonneau and his 7th Corps attacked Altkirch swiftly taking the town with minimal casualties. Cautious at the lack of German defence, Bonneau hesitated fearing a trap. Having been ordered to do so, Bonneau continued and entered Mulhouse but was later counter-attacked by German reserve forces that were encircling the city. Overpowered, Bonneau withdrew only to be relieved of his command for being too tentative in offense. In the UK the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) made up of 4 infantry divisions and one cavalry division of professional soldiers, moved to embarkation ports using 1800 trains. On 7th August, secret 18 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
Above: Lord Kitchener calls upon British citizens to enlist for the First World War.
landings into France began and elements of the BEF began moving towards Mons in preparation to enter Belgium. Over the next two weeks the Germans continued to advance until their 4th and 5th Armies were squared off against the French 3rd and 4th. Four bloody conflicts known as the Battle of the Frontiers followed in as many days. On 20th August, French forces were destroyed at Lorraine by the advancing German left wing. Two simultaneous battles took place on the 21st and 22nd August around Ardennes and the village of Charleroi. At Charleroi the French 5th Army was forced into retreat by the German 2nd Army. On 22nd August alone 27,000 French soldiers were killed at Ardennes and Charleroi. The French 5th Army should have been supported by the BEF but due to delay and bad relations between commanders, on 23rd August the BEF was forced into its own action at the Battle of Mons. This battle saw 35,000 soldiers of the BEF attacked across the Mons canal in Belgium by the advancing German 1st Army. Outnumbered, the BEF withstood 6 hours of intense shelling and infantry assault. The decision was then made to retreat to stop German forces enveloping the BEF. This first day of combat action for the British ended in bitter disappointment and 1,600 casualties. The German victory at the Battle of the Frontiers gave them great confidence and they continued their advance through Belgium and into northern France. For the French this four day battle was a costly failure with around 70 divisions, about 1.25 million men, engaged in combat and 140,000 casualties. In less than a month allied armies were in retreat. On 24th August a new 6th Army was created from reservists and soldiers from regrouping other armies. Following several other battles including the First battle of Ypres, the German advance stalled and trench warfare followed with each side dug in along a 350 mile front from Switzerland to the Belgian coast. This front, The Western Front, remained mostly unchanged for four years during which time large battles, preceded by massive artillery bombardment, took place. Neither side made a decisive breakthrough nor little ground was gained. The human cost was slaughter on an unprecedented scale. The very industrialization that allowed Europe to dominate the world soon turned on itself and the destructive capacity of industrially produced weapons was terrifyingly demonstrated. Next month I will summarise events that took place on The Eastern Front and across the rest of the world, finishing with my final article in November with how WW1 came to an end and its aftermath.
And the French Went to War in Taxis
by Tony Barrett
puzzlement from the duty officer. Around 4am. on September 7th the expedition, now supplemented to over 400 vehicles, was directed to Dammartin to await further orders from the 6th Army. Patience prevailed at Dammartin while more empty taxis arrived from Paris. Finally the entire convoy, including Paris autobuses, trucks, limousines, and even racing cars, drove to a rail siding to load the arriving infantrymen of the 103rd and 104th regiments. Departure for the front was at dusk. Soldiers tried to sleep and drivers strained to see the road without auto lights. Most of the cabs were sent back to take a second load. Each trip by a vehicle brought five soldiers close to the front ready for deployment.
One of the single most important legacies of the First World War for the French was the story of the heroic action by the ‘Taxis de la Marne’, the French Renault AG1 Landaulet, that made history on the nights of September 6th & 7th, 1914 when all the taxi drivers in Paris assembled on the Esplanade des Invalides, by the order of Gallieni (the military governor of the Paris Region). Unable to requisition the rail network as the trains were in a state of total disorganisation, another means was necessary to transport troops to the front in a frantic attempt to stop the Germans who were nearing Paris. Gallieni requisitioned what was available: AG1’s Renault Paris taxis, to take the troops to the front, which was only around 100km from Paris in the area of la Marne. The First Convoy (the first 250 vehicles) were assembled around 10:00pm on the Esplande des Invalides. They departed under the command of Lieutenant Lefas around 11:30pm, heading towards the Place de la Concorde and on to the rallying point Tremblay Les Gonesse, where they arrived at 2am on the 7th September awaiting further orders.
By September 8th, two days after Gallieni had had his brilliant idea, the taxis of the Marne had transported approximately 4,000 badly needed soldiers to reinforce the 6th Army facing the Germans at the crucial point of battle near Nanteuil. With Paris saved, France had a new legend in the Taxi Cabs of the Marne showing its national ingenuity and determination. “What about the fare?” asked one of the taxi drivers. Compensation eventually did materialize at 27% of the meter reading! This was a huge turning point in the war and the immortal legacy of the Taxi de la Marne was born. These ‘Taxis de la Marne’ were, for the most part, Renault Type AG-1 whose design dates back to 1904. 2.20 metres high, 1.60 metres wide and 3.70 metres in length, it weighed 1,100 pounds and it’s 1250cc engine could achieve 8hp. It travelled 25 km/h on average for the transport of troops, the Parisian Taxi could exceed 45 km/h at maximum speed. The last Paris Taxi de la Marne driver Kléber Berrier, died in 1985. As for Taxis de la Marne, they will remain forever in the history books.
The Second Convoy, which was to transport the 103rd Regiment of Infantry, left the Esplanade des Invalides and drove through Paris to their destination of Gagny to pick up passengers. The advance of the first column under Lefas was slow, breakdowns occurred and no orders awaited him at the Tremblay, only
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Clubs & Associations
Alone in France?
We are a group of people living alone in the L’Absie area who meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 11am for coffee at the Pause! café in L’Absie. Our lunches are at different venues each month. A warm welcome awaits you. More details from Ros 09 67 49 21 44
AL-ANON Support Group
Do you wish the Drinking Would Stop? Are you troubled by someone’s drinking? If so we can help. There is now an English-speaking Al-Anon meeting every Wednesday @ 2.30pm in the meeting room behind Civray Mairie. Just turn up or ring Angela on 05 49 87 79 09.
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-europe.net or visit www.aafrancesud-ouest.com for details of English-speaking meetings.
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Health, Beauty & Fitness Abbey teaching at Venus Rose Yoga Sanctuary situated at the foot of The Mélusine Tour in Vouvant.
“Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.” Kahil Gibran
The Shiva Experience
Yoga and the Art of Freedom in Flow...
Yoga
This blissful meditation in movement is, in SECRETS its essence, a ‘Salutation to Shiva’, Shiva Namaskara... This sacred dance is performed in adoration to our Shiva Being... Shiva, at its highest expression, being transcendant, limitless and eternally free... To view ‘The Shiva Experience’, our sacred dance Shiva Namaskara see our YouTube Channel: YogaDeva TV And dance your way to ultimate freedom... Om Namah Shivaya...
The Venus Rose Yoga RETREAT WEEKEND ‘The Shiva Experience’ Experience the true magic of enlightenment with the timeless teachings of Vedanta wisdom amidst the enchanting natural beauty of the medieval walled artists village, Vouvant, la Vendée, renowned as being one of the prettiest villages in France and steeped in folklore and legends... Experience the miraculous and mystical power of the most important and profound meditation at the heart of the Vedas... Achieve the attainment of ‘Yoga’, the union with your Divine nature, and connect with your Divine Teacher, your Satguru... And discover the miracle of who you really are, your destiny and your dharma, your purpose in life... This experience will transform your life forever... Namaste...
For more information on Accommodation, dates and availability contact us by email: amaradeva@thevenusyogaexperience.com Charming Chambres D’Hotes from 38€ (Special Rates May Apply)
Private and Group Classes running weekly at The Yoga Sanctuary. For your FREE introductory session please call Abbey on 06 35 15 60 60 COMPETITION - COMPETITION - COMPETITION - COMPETITION
WIN
A VENUS YOGA EXPERIENCE!
We are offering you the chance to win a Venus Yoga Experience Retreat Weekend for 2 people to include 4 yoga sessions with Abbey in The Yoga Sanctuary at the foot of The Melusine Tour, Vouvant. TO ENTER: Simply nominate a friend telling us why you wish they could win this beautiful experience... Entries by email including your contact details to amaradeva@thevenusyogaexperience.com (Quoting reference DS-WIN) Closing date: 1st October 2014. The Winners and Runners-Up will be notified by Abbey no later than 31st October 2014. This prize is open to all (No purchase necessary)*Accomodation and meals not included. Please contact us by email for T&C.
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Manicures....
A Look Through the Hands of Time by Nicola Warren
If you think that enjoying a manicure at the salon is relatively new, think again. 5000 years ago the ancient Egyptians were great fans of pampered nails and used the manicure as a status symbol. Through the years it has always been a huge salon culture. The word manicure comes from the Latin manus (hands) and cura (care). Early manicures were done by rubbing oils, incense and strengthening herbs onto the nails with henna being used to colour the nails dark. The oldest manicure set dates back to 3200BC and did not change very much in style until an American doctor invented the traditional emery board in 1830. Since then the emery board has played an integral part of every manicure and features in many ladies handbags for those nail emergencies.
The invention of nail polish as we know it comes from a very well known fashion house which still exists today. The French manicure was especially popular in the ‘20s and ‘30s, when it was first introduced in Paris. Ladies then moved this idea on by using car paint to add colour and soon after another very famous fashion house developed the first coloured nail polish. This became especially popular in the ‘40s and ‘50s when colour television allowed ladies to see the rich and famous flaunt their fashionable coloured talons. During the ‘60s and ‘70s, bright colours became less popular in the nail world, even when bright colours were popular in fashion. Pastel colours became desirable and the French manicure made a comeback for the more discerning lady, again as a status symbol. When the ‘80s brought in perms and padded shoulders, the power reds and pinks came back along with a fashion for longer nails until the ‘90s and ‘00s. Then shades turned darker with purples and blacks being at the tip of the rock/punk fashion. Now the manicure is as popular as ever with ladies and even some men. Having perfectly manicured nails can really add style to your hands, whether it be a simple manicure to perfect the natural nail and take care of the hands, or with a colour added to the nail and even with nail art and gems to add extra sparkle and style. ENJOY A PROFESSIONAL MANICURE WITH NICOLA FROM JUST 20€
Michael William Hairdressing Tel. 05 49 07 11 48
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Do It Yourself
by Claire Jones
I’m heaving a sigh of relief, only three weeks of the summer school holidays remaining. Along with the sense of relief comes the realisation that, after the expense of having the children home for eight weeks, I am now having to find extra bucks to fund the children’s return to school.
I know that I am not alone here. This got me thinking about homemade beauty products as a way of easing the squeeze on my purse. These really do work too! •
Yoga
•
in Marillet 85240 •
“Anybody can breathe, therefore,
•
anybody can practice yoga”
Traditional style yoga classes for men and women of all ages
~~ SUMMER CLASSES ~~ ~ Tuesday
10am - 11.15am
~ beginners
1.45pm - 3pm
~ Ashtanga 1
6.45 pm – 8pm
~ yoga for men
~ Thursday 9.45am - 11am ~ Friday
~ beginners
6.45pm -8pm
~ mixed ability
10am—11.15am
~ beginners
8 e per class/12 e two classes weekly Individual and group classes available
Holiday visitors welcome ~ call first
Call ~ CLARE 02 51 69 71 46 ~
• •
•
•
•
Kick puffy eyes into touch by damping two cotton wool pads, laying them flat in the freezer until ice cold. Place the chilled pads over your eyes, lie back and relax for 10-20 minutes. Soothe sore, irritated eyes by cutting two slices of cucumber (fresh from the fridge) and applying to the eyes for 5-10 minutes. Run out of toner? Don’t panic, turn on the cold tap and splash the chilled water on. Rough elbows can be softened with lemon juice. Next time your recipe book calls for fresh lemon juice, hang on to the squished lemon halves and rub on the end of each elbow. Rinse well afterwards. A Hand/foot exfoliator, make a simple paste of olive oil and fine granulated sugar to bring back its glow. For sunburn relief, soak cotton pads in cold green tea. Place the cotton pads over the burn to cool and soothe. Yellow mustard works a treat too (if you can handle smelling like a hotdog for a few hours). Body exfoliation couldn’t be cheaper or easier. Mix 3 tablespoons of coarse salt (sea salt works well) with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of lemon juice. Massage into your skin whilst you shower, rinsing off well. Oily skin needs a nourishing face mask. Grab an egg yolk and mix with a tablespoon of honey, then mix in enough oatmeal to make a soft paste. Smear the mask over your face, take a load off for 15 minutes whilst it does it’s magic. Catherine Zeta-Jones is, allegedly, a fan of the Strawberrry Bleach Mask to keep her smile zingy white. Crush a ripe strawberry and mix with ½ teaspoon of baking soda. Using a toothbrush, paint the mixture onto your teeth and let it set for 5 mins. Follow this up by brushing your teeth with your usual toothpaste. Repeat once a week.
Ah, how my wallet is relaxing… as am I.
email ~ clare@yoga-vendee.com ~ FB yoga-vendee ~ Qualified and insured to teach in France
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Holistic Therapies... What are Holistic Therapies:Holistic Therapies involve natural, non-invasive treatments which are relaxing and can help in many areas towards promoting good health. Balancing the body is key, so that it can work more efficiently, allowing its own natural healing system to work more beneficially for wellbeing. Healing in the form of Holistic medicine considers the whole person - body, mind, spirit, and emotions - in the quest for optimal health. If everything is working in harmony and balance is achieved, the body can work like clockwork. The human body is amazing. Yet we do not always treat it with the respect that it deserves and only when something starts to go wrong do we take any notice of what our bodies are trying to tell us, then we start to think that maybe we should do something about it. Does this sound familiar? Why not take a little time and take note of your own needs. Whether it is to address an existing condition or for preventative measures.
Tai Chi Chuan
What is ‘Reflexology’?
For several years now there have been Tai Chi classes in Bressuire (Deux-Sèvres) and also in Le Breuil Barret (Vendée), but what exactly is Tai Chi Chuan?
Reflexology is a method of activating the natural healing powers of the body. It is a unique system of foot massage based on holistic principles and evolving from the same roots as acupuncture. All organs, systems and glands of the body are mapped onto the feet focusing on specific areas called reflex points.
It’s correct name is actually Tai Ji Quan or Taiji for short. It was created in Northern China by General CHEN Wangting towards the end of the Ming dynasty as an effective martial art which utilises the philosophy of complimentary opposites : yin – yang.
By locating, massaging and stimulating the reflex points, which relate to the different parts of the body, a reflexologist can help a client to redress the imbalance of energy which can cause stress and ill health. ‘Like acupuncture without the needles!!’ By helping to restore and maintain the body’s natural equilibrium, this encourages the body to work naturally to restore its own healthy balance. Today’s forward thinking doctors have recognised this therapy to supplement conventional medicine. Other available alternative treatments can be seen in my advert below. Please call for a brochure in English or French or to discuss your needs further :- Debbie Haynes, Soul to Sole, Holistic Therapy: 05 49 64 22 69.
Today however, most people practise Taiji not for fighting, but to improve their physical and mental well-being. Age isn’t an obstacle to Taiji … 50, 60, 70, 80 or more … it is possible to practise Taiji! It is composed of a sequence of choreographed movements that are, for the most part, carried out in a gentle and slow manner …but one can optionally perform some of the movements more vigorously. To an observer, the elegant, gentle movements of Taiji can seem to require no effort, however nothing could be further from the truth! Your body and mind (inc memory) are exercised when you practice Taiji. You can expect to improve your circulation, balance and stress levels etc as a direct result of practising Taiji.
The very best way to answer the question “what is Taiji?” is to attend a few classes (for free!) and discover the answer yourself! No particular uniform is required - just loose, comfortable clothing and flat soled footwear. Taiji classes (September-July) are held on Tuesday evenings in Bressuire and on Friday afternoons in Le Breuil Barret. For more information see: www.chentaiji-fr.com or contact Terry on 05 49 65 60 34.
Thinking about placing an ad? Why not take advantage of our Special Packages for New Advertisers? Call Sarah for more details: 05 49 70 26 21 24 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
Our Furry Friends Summer Leavin’... happened so fast or You’re the one I don’t want... by Nigel Franks, NALA
What a summer, with its ever changing weather! As I write this, at the beginning of August, in the last 24 hours we’ve had tempestuous wind, rain falling like stair rods and scorching hot sun. Quite entertaining to watch whilst safely ensconced behind my keyboard, but not so nice if you’re an abandoned pet. Apparently, the French are world class standard at abandoning animals when going on holiday with about two thirds of the 100,000+ pets abandoned each year being abandoned during the summer holidays. French legislation treats cats and dogs the same and the same procedures are supposed to apply to handling strays but in practice, the authorities take calls about stray dogs more seriously than cats. Maybe it’s because stray dogs are perceived as being capable of inflicting more damage by attacking people and livestock or by causing an accident with a vehicle. So, if you phone up about a stray dog, then someone will most probably take action. It’s a totally different story for cats as many town halls don’t have facilities for looking after stray cats. A call about one is likely to be brushed off. We’ve heard of town halls saying that because someone gave a stray cat some food it now belongs to them... can you imagine them saying that for a dog? Others just tell the caller to let it go and ignore it and it will take care of itself. I’m not sure if they really believe that or if they’re just hoping that it will conveniently starve to death and solve the problem by itself. It is of course a fallacy to think that pet cats (and dogs) can fend for themselves. The authorities know that abandoning a pet will probably lead to its death, which is why it carries a penalty of two years in jail and a 30,000€ fine. A couple of years ago the compulsory identification of pets was extended to all cats over seven months old. It was a welcome move as it makes abandoning a pet much more difficult as its owner can be traced. The downside is that as it is difficult to enforce, it is probably more honoured in the breach than in the observance. Notwithstanding my pessimism, we have noticed that this summer we have been contacted less often about stray adult cats. However, for kittens we have been aplenty. One is called Jade. She’s very cuddly, sweet natured and likes to be around people; here’s her pin-up shot. Difficult to tell from the photo but she’s quite small, so cheap to run, but the downside is that she won’t keep you so warm in winter. More details can be found at www.nosamislesanimaux.com.
Jade...
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LILO is a four and a half year old female English Setter. This pretty lady was brought into the pound together with STITCH, the male English Setter also presently for adoption and it would be lovely if they could be re-homed together but... LILO is a little shy at first, but once she gets to know you, very affectionate and cuddly. She seems to understand some basic commands and although she hasn’t been fully assessed yet, seems good with other dogs. LILO has been micro-chipped, primo-vaccinated including rabies, so she has a passport, and has been treated for worms, fleas and ticks. Unfortunately, when she arrived at the pound she came into season so it wasn’t possible to sterilise her, but she will be operated on very soon. An adoption fee of 180€ will be asked for towards her veterinary costs to date and Orfée will conduct a home visit prior to adoption. If you would like more information about LILO or any of our other Dogs for Adoption, please contact: MARY - 05 49 50 69 41 - orfeeinenglish2@gmail.com CAROLINE - 05 45 96 02 79 - orfeeinenglish3@gmail.com www.orfeeinenglish2.wix.com/orfeeinenglish
Appeal for BESS - a 4 month-old kitten who needs a home. Bess is a friendly little girl who was born in April to a tabby-point siamese mum, Sissy, in the grounds of a hotel. Safely in Phoenix care, she is seeking a home. She’s a happy kitten who gets on well with other cats and humans. She adores fuss so if cuddles are your thing, she’s your girl! She has an inquisitive, impish side too and will no doubt bring a smile to your face! Bess is chipped (250268500709860) and vaccinated. Please contact Lynda at lapuille@gmail.com or call 05 53 81 30 44 if you can give Bess a home.
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MAYDAY MES AMIS At an extraordinary general meeting held on the 4th August, the committee decided to close the association. There are now other larger associations in the nearby area and it was felt that these associations could make better use of the money that Mayday has raised. The 475€ remaining in the association’s account will be given to Association Galia. Mayday wishes to thank all those who have supported it and its fund raising events over the past three years and hope that people will continue to support animal rescue work in the area.
Meet Dobby, he’s a cross Basset/Griffon Vendeen. He’s two years old and is ready to go to a new family. He gets on well with other dogs and is good with cats. He walks well on the lead and is house-trained. On walks he will need to be on a long-lead and he will need an enclosed garden. He loves to romp and play and is brilliant with children. Dobby loves to be cuddled and fussed. For further information please contact Julie on 05 45 68 91 25. www.hopeassoc.org
3 ANGLO-FRENCH PULL-OUT TRADE FAIR 2014 rd
side setting! Don’t miss this hugely popular event at a fabulous lake After two successful years we continue to host this popular event showcasing many local exhibitors and their services or products. As with previous events, we will have a wide range of products and services available. Items such as jewellery, British foods, painted pottery, plants and clothing, plus services including financial advice, solar powered products, builders and beauticians to name a few. In fact there are more than 70 exhibitors in total, so there is certainly something for everyone. We will be open all day from 10.30am allowing visitors to come and go and use the other facilities available at the lakeside venue. Once again we will have translators available throughout the day to help with any language difficulties between visitor and exhibitor (just wave a flag or grab a badge-wearer for some assistance!) plus lots of goodies, games, prizes and music to keep you entertained. The salle over-looks the lac des Effres in Secondigny and has lots of parking! Situated off the D748 Niort-Bressuire road, it’s easy to find... just look out for banners and signs!
Saturday 20th September, 10.30am-5.30pm Salle Alauna, 79130 SECONDIGNY
and we have LIVE MUSIC!
Kate Stone, pictured right, is an 18 year old singer/
songwriter born in Derby and raised in the french countryside. It was at the early age of 12, when she picked up a guitar for the first time, and from then it was clear to all music was her calling card. From covers of popular songs to her own material, Kate brings a pop/indie sound which is completed by her unique voice. Inspired by the likes of Fleetwood Mac & KT Tunstall, she knows how to get the audience going.
PLUS! there will be Jazz, vocal group,
‘The Salt Pin-Ups’ and singer Anne Kennel Dessens... Come along and enjoy an all female line-up, from lunchtime Saturday 20th September!
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Come and Meet Jim Bryde’s Racing Siberian Husky Team... Jim has owned and raced Siberian’s for 27 years, breeding World Championship winning dogs and also supplying the dogs for ‘Tomb Raider’. He retired to France in 2012 after finally (after 7 second places) winning Europes biggest race, Aviemore. He is now awaiting the publication of this event after writing ‘Sled Dog Gun....Aviemore Dreaming’, due out at the end of this year. He now runs his dogs just for fun, although they are still trained at the same intensity. This means four times a week running them behind a motorised Quad at an average of 20mph. Running them on the racing rig, which weighs around 12kgs, does not provide the security he needs training in areas frequented by small animals. The Siberian Husky is a very friendly dog and loves human contact. Jim will be present during the day - please come and give them a hug and perhaps a small treat, and they will be your friend for life. He will also be demonstrating the speed of his racing team - so keep watch! The Siberian Huskies are superb hunters and are the one domesticated dog that can look after itself in the wild (see the film ‘8 Below’), therefore they see anything small as lunch! For this reason, it is important to note that when the dogs are running, please keep all dogs out of sight of the team. Having arrived in France with one cat, Jim and his partner Cherry now have four, by picking up strays. Consequently Jim also fundraises for the cat organisation NALA, and will be doing so in this capacity at the event. Any donations can be made to him on the day and would be greatly appreciated.
La Deuxieme Chance
When Annie Sloan invented her unique paint over 20 years ago, she had just one aim in mind, to transform her furniture in a day. Painting in the morning, with little or no preparation, waxing in the afternoon and returning it to its place before evening. Transforming your home and furniture is still that easy. We offer a choice of either Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™ or Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint. Both these eco-friendly, water based paints allow surfaces to breath and are perfect for old French houses. With books, brushes and waxes, we have everything you need for your project. We also offer workshops being personally taught and approved by Annie herself and Miss Mustard Seed. These superior paints, which we believe are the best you can buy, are suitable for furniture, walls, floors, woodwork, beams and ceilings as well as exterior use, with excellent coverage - normally in one coat. Come and see them and us at stand N°17.
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WE’VE GOT IT COVERED When it comes to bias, then we have to admit, Deux-Sèvres has got it all ... With a fabulous micro-climate, historic towns and pretty villages our wonderful countryside and fabulous food provide a veritable feast for all the senses! At Leggett, we’ve got the district well covered too - with ten agents spread throughout the Deux-Sèvres we offer discerning home buyers the best selection of properties available - whether you’re looking for your very own château to a simple lock-up-andleave; a modern apartment or town villa to a countryside retreat, we’ll find the property to best suit your particular needs. We help buyers every step of the way through the purchasing process - and with more expats choosing to buy through Leggett Immobilier than any other agency in France, we certainly have the ground covered! When it comes time to move on to your next dream home then Leggett will work with you to sell your house. Each year we promote our properties internationally - through the media and internet we will focus on selling your property. We’re also high profile at all the biggest and best international property exhibitions in the UK and in Europe.
And we’ll be at the Trade Fair, Stand 44.
It’s that marketing focus which really gives us the edge when it comes to buying and selling property. And now we’re expanding our influence into the Vendée - such is the growth of the property market, especially with more British buyers seeking properties again in France - that we too are growing our team. If you’re passionate about property and looking for a rewarding career, then why not give us a ring?
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 29
INDOOR Exhibitors Exhibitor Stand numbers: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 60 61 62
Paperback Jan Pam Irving Equi Libre Immobiliser International Study Centre / Usborns Books Nathan Foster Building Services Taylor Made Beauty De Sylva Therapies LeonieLynne.com Cym Cards Alison Morton Blevins Franks LouLesBelles Atelier et Comptoir du Tapissier Savons et Senteurs Dave Bowring Electrician La Maison de Bougie Buzz Transport Leggett Immobilier JMH French Solutions Batidiag SkyBlue Langues Kelly Knight Pampering Events Photo Creativity Chimney Sweep Service Papillon Bleu Currencies Direct & Le Network The Spectrum IFA AIP GAN Assurances Léon Art & Stories Bleu Marine Immobilier • Phoenix Cards • Emyssalie Mosaîque • Interface Consulting & Engineering • Neals Yard •
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63 64 65 66 67
Petites Puces Gonflables Abord Immo Barney the Dog Books Blacktower Financial Mgmt Ltd Polar Express
• •
68 Sue Burgess 69 Rob Berry Plastering Services
Stage : Artist Jean David Expo
OUTDOOR Exhibitors Catering: • • •
Mister T’s Friterie La Boite Deliceuse Crêpe O’Beure
Exhibitor Stand numbers: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
1 John’Son & Light 4 Motor Parts Charente 5 Yoga Vendée 6 Le Jardin de Marian 10 An English Nursery in France 11 Pamela Jayne Photography & RobIT 12 sarl Prince 13 Fresco Interiors 14 Kingfisher Krafts 15 Monique Gerber-Maher 16 Chez Tante Mabel 17 La Deuxieme Chance 17a Fosse France Solutions 18 Need-a-Hand Services 19 LGF Autos & Barge Painting by Debbie 20 Billaud-Segeba 21 Red, White & Blue 22 Easy French Life 23 Haynes Carpentry 23a Val Assist 25 AMC Contracts 70 sarl Bois Nature Energie 71 Down to Earth 72 Ecopower
Local Associations: • • • •
CSSG Aidez Association ORFEE Association Reaction Theatre
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 31
Stand 55
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The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 33
Take a Break DSM Easy Crossword Across: 8. Mediterranean evergreen tree (5) 9. The wide part of a river where it nears the sea (7) 10. Umpire (7) 11. Restrict or confine (5) 12. Where planes takeoff and land (8) 13. A republic in the Middle East (4) 15. Female horse (4) 17. Disconnect or separate (8) 21. Incapable of compromise or flexibility (5) 22. A room where works of art are exhibited (7) 24. Explosive powder (7) 25. Supply food ready to eat (5)
DSM Toughie Crossword Across: 7. Drink a good glassful to an excellent harvest? (6) 8. We drop amendment, take one and leave (6) 10. A word of agreement about bungled raid of W.I. gang (7) 11. Sleazy result of unknown following stitch-up (5) 12. We are told baker’s action is something we can’t do without (4) 13. Home gathering to unveil the last letter (5) 17. Leaves the scene in little jumpers, so they say (5) 18. Obscene becomes merely obscure after RE conversion (4) 22. Stand up, man! You think that’s funny! (5) 23. Gears Royal Navy up to be a big team in Scotland (7) 24. Type of currency included in directions for cell (6) 25. Action about wrongly hung is over the top (4-2)
Quiz-tastic!
Down: 1. 60 minutes (4) 2. Steal from others (6) 3. A native of Newcastle-upon- Tyne (7) 4. Make visible (6) 5. Lacking freshness (5) 6. Hand tool (6) 7. An aura of heightened interest or value about a person or thing (8) 12. A competition between nations to have the most powerful weapons (4,4) 14. Assemble or get together (7) 16. A feeling of friendship and esteem (6) 18. A solid lump of precious metal (6) 19. As much as necessary (6) 20. Allow to enter; grant entry to (5) 23. A unit of length equal to three feet (4)
Down: 1. Yielding to a strange yen to get lost in wild Gobi environment (7) 2. Turned out better, so was definitely brighter? (7) 3. Natural treatment for wood found in fire-singed surroundings(5) 4. A great many get older while one is kidnapped for trade? (7) 5. Decree that a number be included in revision (5) 6. Formerly beams following on carts (5) 9. Regimental sergeant-major may yet be reduced to a disorderly state. (4) 14. Relocate without a mix-up; it’s his choice (7) 15. Friend includes an amount of work in feeling of aversion (7) 16. Spent, or dissipated, in north- west town (7) 19. Little able to perform central part of holy man (5) 20. The French love the queen not to be in protective clothing (5) 21. Something to smoke inside the nose? (5)
With thanks to M.Morris
Monthly quiz by Roland Scott...... how many can you get?
1) Which snooker player, born 1964 in Liverpool, won World and UK championships in 1991? 2) What symbol is used on maps to represent battlefields? 3) Which imperial unit of mass/weight is equal to 6.3503 kg? 4) Who is the villain in 101 Dalmations? 5) Written by Steven Sondheim for the musical ‘A Little Night Music’, which song has been recorded by Frank Sinatra, Judy Collins, Cher, Barbra Streisand, Shirley Bassey among others? 6) Which American TV series was a spin-off of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and starred David Boreanaz? 7) What is the name of Ernie, the Fastest Milkman in the West’s horse? 8) What three objects were used in the church ceremony of Excommunication? 34 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
9) Which BBC radio programme, first broadcast regularly on 1/1/1951, was originally described as “an everyday story of country-folk”? 10) Which London Theatre, built in 1599, was rebuilt in 1614 after a fire the previous year; closed in 1642 and was demolished then reconstructed and re-opened in 1997? 11) What is the title of the mariner whose job is to guide ships in hazardous waters, particularly into and out of ports? 12) Where does cartoon character Yogi Bear live? Finally, for an extra point, assuming you have 12 correct answers what is the connection between your answers or parts thereof? Find the answers on our website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr Copyright RJS 2014
Home & Garden
THE AMATEUR GARDENER by Vanda Lawrence
I was recently asked for advice regarding the care of an established grape vine which is trained up an outside wall. I have no experience growing vines but agreed to do a bit of research and pass the info on to other amateur gardeners out there too. My goodness, it’s much more complicated than I could ever have imagined. Wine grapes or dessert grapes? Rod and spur pruning system or Guyot system? Indoor cultivation or outdoor? And that’s before we come to pests and diseases. For this article, basing it on the original query, I’m going to concentrate on an established vine, trained up an outside wall and presumably a wine grape variety (because dessert grapes should be grown in a greenhouse to ripen properly). Grapes grown outdoors need well-drained soil and a warm, sheltered, sunny site - a south or south-west facing wall is ideal. Ideally, new vines should be planted between October and March. Remove all flowers for the first two years after planting. Allow three bunches of grapes to form the next year and five or six on a four-year-old vine. After this the vine can be allowed to produce as much as possible. Mulch the plant with gravel in spring while the soil is still moist. This will suppress weeds but also white gravel reflects sunlight into the canopy of the vine while black gravel or slate absorbs sunlight, thereby warming the soil. The choice is yours. Do not use manure because this can be high in nitrogen and salt which can stunt or kill grape vines. Now to the pruning. The main pruning time is November-December, but training and pinching out new shoots, as well as thinning the fruit should be done in spring and summer. Therefore, beginning in spring, pinch out the tips of flowering side branches, leaving two leaves beyond the flower cluster. If you have a dessert grape vine allow only one flower cluster to develop per side branch. For an established wine grape vine leave as many as you like. Tie each flowering side branch to a support wire then pinch out non-flowering side branches to five leaves. Lastly pinch out side shoots growing from these side branches to just one leaf. I told you it was complicated, didn't I?
Vines can suffer from Botrytis (‘botrys’ in Ancient Greek means ‘grapes’ plus ‘itis’ for disease), a fungal disease causing grey rot. This is the result of consistently wet or humid conditions resulting in the loss of the affected grape clusters and is why it is so important to find time to do the summer pruning, thereby allowing plenty of air to circulate around the vine. Hopefully your grapes are growing well on the vine, but when to harvest? Are they ripe yet? Just because your grapes have changed colour does not mean they are ripe. It takes 1-3 weeks after turning colour to be considered ripe for harvest. Apparently, there are early, mid-season and late varieties depending on how many days it takes from full flower bloom to ripeness. You need to taste the grapes to judge ripeness. If they taste good - pick-em!! The seeds of the grape also indicate ripeness - green or light tan = not ripe; ripe grapes have brown seeds. Also, ripe grapes can be pulled from the cluster with little resistance. Now to throw a spanner in the works ... not all grapes ripen at the same time; berries in different parts of the cluster ripen at different times and clusters don’t all ripen at the same time either! Those in sunshine ripen quicker and bunches at the base of the shoot are ahead of those towards the tip of the shoot. It’s certainly a learning curve isn’t it? Take heart though, if your vine survives all this then it’s easy work in December to do the final prune and tidy everything up by cutting back the side branches to two buds from the main stem. Good luck! It will be worth all the trouble when your homemade wine is ready to drink.
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 35
FÊTE DES Plantes
The 4th Plant Festival will be held on Sunday 5th October in the grounds of the Chateau at Bressuire. From 9am until 7pm, 3€ entry for adults, free entry for children. There will be 60 plant stalls and in the region of 200 poultry of different breeds, many of which will be for sale. In the Chateau building there will be a display of Bonsai with a demonstration of their preparation and care. In addition there will be a display of pumpkins decorated for Halloween and a sale of second-hand gardening items. The Festival is organised by the Rotary Club of Bressuire in partnership with the town of Bressuire, the Poultry Association of Thouaraise and Credit Mutual.
1/4 page colour adverts only 75€
36 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
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French Life Batting for Success!
by Mick Austin
France and cricket are not normally two words you’d use in the same sentence, but a young English schoolgirl from the DeuxSèvres is rapidly putting the country on the map in that sport.
Since then, cricket has been a big part of the Blake family’s life. Rebecca trains most weeks in Saumur, either at the cricket ground or in a gym over the winter months, while father John is the chauffeur. He and Rebecca’s mother, Greta, regularly make the 100km round trip to Saumur, clocking up around 6000km a year and that’s without any international matches!
Fifteen-year-old Rebecca Blake, who lives in the tiny village of Miremont, between Thouars and Bressuire, is a rising star in the French ladies national cricket team and has just returned from an international tournament in Germany with an award for best emerging player under 21 years old. “It was incredible,” says Rebecca, also know as Becky or Becks to her schoolfriends at the Lycee Alienor d’Aquitaine in Poitiers. “The whole atmosphere of the tournament was just great. When the teams were playing we were enemies, but as soon as the games were over we were all friends. ” The seven-team tournament - played over four days in the shadows of the Berlin Olympic Stadium - was a great success for the French side and for Rebecca personally. France finished third behind Italy and Germany and over six games Rebecca was ranked sixth Most Valuable Player out of more than 90 players. “I was really pleased to have batted and bowled as well as I did,” she says. “My team-mates were all happy for me, but then again as one of the team’s vice-captains it is important that I do well.” Rebecca began the week on a high, scoring 30 not out in a defeat against the host nation, and ended it in the same fashion, hitting 31 in a comfortable victory over Gibraltar. She finished the week with 94 runs and six wickets. “It was by far one of my best cricketing experiences,” says Rebecca, “Given that the tournament was over several days, but scoring my maiden international 50 against Belgium a few weeks ago is also a moment I’ll always remember.” Rebecca has packed quite a bit into her short cricket career. She first picked up a bat and ball four years ago at an impromptu ‘France v Rest of the World’ match at a picnic. She was just 11 years old. Hooked on the game from then, she joined the Saumur Cricket Club and is now a regular in the club’s only team – the men’s! She’s the youngest and the only girl. Her prowess with both bat and ball soon got her noticed by the French national squad and she played her first games for them (two matches against Jersey) in August 2011 aged 12. She was the youngest ever to play for the national team and has been a regular ever since. “The games were at Saumur and were the first ever played by a French national ladies team,” remembers Rebecca. “I was a bit nervous and in the first match none of us played particularly well. But in the second I got two wickets and the best bowler award.” Below: Rebecca bowling in Berlin. Photo: Patrick Demaerschalk and Right: Rebecca being awarded ‘Best Emerging Player’. Photo: Sevil Oktem
38 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
Celebrating a wicket. Photo: Sevil Oktem
A lot has happened in just four years and there’s been plenty to take in, but how does Rebecca see her cricketing future panning out? “Quite simply, I’d like to be the best I can possibly be. I’d love to captain the French national side. My first ambition is to play at English county level with a view to someday playing for England if I’m good enough. Professional cricket is definitely something I’m looking into but for now I’m not sure what I want to do.” “For sure, cricket is a big part of my life, but I do enjoy horse riding although since starting high school a year ago I’ve had little time for it. I spend most of my spare time with friends and colleagues and playing other sports like basketball and handball. I’d say I’m much like any other 15-year-old.” Until she gets a cricket ball in her hand, perhaps! 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 gite business at www. gitefortwo.com
“
I was a bit nervous and in the first match none of us played particularly well. But in the second I got two wickets and the best bowler award.
”
21 days, but as we had swapped her eggs for duck eggs, which take 28-31 days, they were left to go cold. As soon as we spotted her out and about we took the abandoned eggs and popped them in the incubator and luckily all three hatched. We also picked the giant pumpkin before it got any bigger, which, at 20 kilos, will do us for plenty of soup and a pumpkin pie or two. It is suggested you don’t pick them until after the first frost but by then it would have been impossible to move or use.
Life on the Farm After many weeks of family and friends visiting we are finally visitor free. It’s nice seeing people but it’s nice to see them go - if you know what I mean! We have had a couple of really helpful visitors (we won’t discuss the third one), one of which was Axelle, who has visited us for the third year running, and Lauriane, our neighbour’s friend, who both came to improve their English but also both helped lots on the farm. Both girls helped out with the animals and also in the garden weeding, harvesting and processing vegetables. It means we have plenty stored for the winter months, especially beans, which have done exceptionally well this year. As part of their stay Jen teaches them how to read recipes and understand cooking terms as well, something they enjoy doing. They did find the idea of vegetables in cakes rather strange (like courgette cookies and courgette in a fruit cake) but I was happy to sample the finished result. They also learnt how to make the good old English favourite, a Yorkshire pudding, which they really enjoyed. They have already cooked them for their families and sent photos of the end product. I have to say that their first solo attempt was a whole lot better than mine many years ago. Apparently, the next step will be to fill them with cheese; apologies to all the Yorkshire folk out there!
We are currently getting ready for the chasse picnic. I hope the weather is as kind as it has been in the past. This year’s pig won’t be cooked in the ground as it has been other years, but will be cooked in just four hours in an amazing wooden box. The cooking box is lined with thin metal and the pig is placed in a cage inside with the charcoal on the top. Having trialed a mini one with a leg of pork, the large box was made and successfully used at a friend’s picnic a few weeks ago. The added bonus of cooking in the box rather than in the ground is you get some amazing crackling. Winston, the Suffolk ram, is in with the girls strutting round in his raddle. The raddle is a coloured pad which is strapped to the ram’s chest. This tells us the date each ewe was tupped (mated) so that we have an idea when it is due to give birth. We change the raddle colour every 15 days. If the ewe gets marked again it means that the first mating was unsuccessful. We will probably need to have three colours. Strangely, he has tupped the girls in the same order that he did last year. If you haven’t already booked, don’t forget to order your freerange turkeys and geese for Christmas. We have repeat orders year after year, so book early to avoid disappointment. See you soon for more Life on the farm. Peter & Jenny Sebborn. Breeders of pigs, lambs and poultry. La Gauteliere, 79220 Pamplie. Tel: 05 49 28 38 57
LOCAL ADVERTISER
They also learnt how to make pickled onions and blackberry jelly (which was the best) which went nicely with a slice of cake. With the use of the windfall apples they also made some apple chutney. The pigs haven’t missed out on the apples either... the crop this year is not good and it seems that we have more on the floor than on the trees. With the plums that also needed harvesting (it was a busy two weeks) they made plum jam and fruit crumble and as the rhubarb is still in full swing, a rhubarb tart or two as well as a raspberry Eton mess. We have also learned some new French recipes including a very indulgent chocolate cake. There has certainly been no shortage of cakes, puddings and desserts over the last few weeks. The tomatoes in the polytunnel are still doing well, which is a good job as the outside plants have now all suffered from the dreaded blight - a consequence of rain and warmth. We continue to hatch more quail and I’m still stunned by the size when they hatch, but also at the rate they grow and they are hardy very quickly. The first batch that we hatched will be ready to process very soon and some are destined for the smoker. Lilly, the New Zealand white rabbit, has had her second litter this year and this time a much better litter size of 11. They are now two weeks old and are finally opening their eyes and venturing out of the nest. Strangely, all the rabbits are black, yet mum is white and dad, Bruno, is brown! The broody hen decided she wasn’t broody after all and gave up after about 25 days. Had she been sitting on chicken eggs it wouldn’t have been a problem as they would have hatched after
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 39
Our Journey to a
Greener
W
e told you about finally finding our dream house in France last month, and so sparkling with enthusiasm and excitement we returned to a very grey, damp England at the end of September 2012. Our heads were spinning with ideas for what we would be doing in our new home and garden.
Before leaving we’d photographed every room at least ten times, including the airing cupboard, and had captured the garden from every possible angle and vantage point - we were fully equipped to bore the pants off of anyone who could sit still for more than 10 minutes! The sense of anticipation and our general level of excitement became more manageable as work and day to day living stepped in, but really we were walking on air. We made all the necessary calls to let everyone know our plans, including our removal company, confirming that we expected to be moving before Christmas and assured them we wouldn’t need them to take the lorry down a tiny mud track, and no, it didn’t have a narrow front door. All we needed was the moving in date. We waited impatiently for every letter and email; diligently translated reams of reports about lead paint, water sources, wood worm and termites before each initialling every page in triplicate and bundling them back in the post. Birth, marriage and divorce certificates were tracked down, copied, notarised and sent off and still we waited for a moving date. After what seemed like weeks, we were told that the French Agricultural Ministry (SAFR) needed to clear the purchase, because the house and garden were part of a larger farm and as such local farmers were to be given the option to match our offer and purchase instead of us. In practice this meant that we couldn’t move in before Christmas and potentially we wouldn’t be moving in at all.
Life
We comforted ourselves that the house had been on the market for quite some time and if a farmer had wanted to buy it, surely they’d already have made the offer. This worked to an extent, but it was still a tense time. To take our minds off the possibility of losing the house, we decided to do two things for our future life in France. The first and most important was to get married - we’d been living together for 17 years - we weren’t entirely comfortable with the implications of French inheritance legislation and “making it legal” seemed a sensible thing to do. The second was to set out our very own Green Manifesto, in reality, a list of aspirations that we would try and live up to as part of our desire to live more kindly with the environment. The wedding was easy - as soon as we knew we couldn’t move in before Christmas, we arranged to visit family in the Bahamas and in bare sandy feet at sunset we were married to the sound of gently lapping waves. Our Green Manifesto was proving more difficult, but after much soul searching we settled on three main themes: • Encourage bio-diversity • Reduce our consumption of plastic and fossil fuels • Re-use as much as possible Having accomplished our pre-moving goals we were delighted in early January to find out that SAFR had approved the sale and our signing date was the 4th February. We arrived in France a few days later, the day before the removal van would arrive, excited to be camping out in our new home. As we turned the corner and the house came into view, we held our breath and pinched ourselves, we were really here, about to live our dream and ready for the real adventure to begin!
Join us next month to see how our journey continues... For further information please email: louise@etangfourreau.com or visit our website: www.etangfourreau.com. Also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/etangfourreau
Photos Left and below: Turning the corner to their new home, Etang Fourreau - as it was; and Right: The cold snaps of winter
40 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
by Louise Read & David Hammond
Communications Bad USB... New Security Fears on the Use of USB Devices by Ross Hendry
During the past twenty years USB devices have revolutionised the connectivity between personal computers and a plethora of other equipment. Of course the USB memory stick has replaced the floppy disk as the medium for the temporary storage and transport of our data too. Almost any computer peripheral, from storage and input gadgets to health care devices, can connect over this ubiquitous technology. And many more device classes connect over USB to charge their batteries.
Further that this code is probably undetectable at present and it is quite possible for this code to be uploaded to your device whenever the devices are connected to another. Until reading this news article I thought, as most did, that by carefully protecting my USB memory Sticks, photo cards etc and scanning them regularly, it would prevent the spreading of malware. This research has shown that ALL USB devices are capable of carrying and propagating malware even a simple keyboard or mouse, camera or scanner.
The ability of USB devices to store data and interconnect devices is controlled by imbedded control programs called firmware. This enables the USB devices to function defining their class and tasks, giving them their enormous flexibility and connectivity. Recent extensive research by two specialist researchers for the security consultancy, SR Labs, called Karsten Nohl and Jakob Lell, has discovered that the firmware on USB devices could carry malicious programs such as viruses, trojans and other more sinister malware.
The security implications are quite alarming, considering that we exchange USB Memory in the form of sticks/dongles and photo cards freely between one and other, in the future I am certainly going to be far more careful with whom I exchange USB devices.
Firmware is simply a program and this means that these devices may be reprogrammed. Here lies the problem: by reprogramming a USB device, unscrupulous people can turn one USB type into another, possibly a malicious one. Nohl and Lell have called this ‘BadUSB’.
In fact, there is no defence for the BadUSB problem at present, simply because anti-malware scanners cannot access the firmware area of a USB device. I am certain that this will be addressed very soon by the Security Industry.
Once the device has been reprogrammed it can be turned into an active malicious device, so a simple beneficial device may be turned bad in many ways :
The USB working party, who are the group responsible for USB Standards have not yet commented on the issue raised by Nohl and Lell, save to say that USB manufacturers control the security of their devices. Current specifications do allow for additional security so it may be possible to reduce the threat in the future.
1. A modified USB memory stick or external hard disk can, when it detects that the PC is starting up, install a small virus that infects the computer’s operating system before the boot up process has completed, turning your computer into a potential slave to the malicious author’s will. 2. The USB device could emulate a network card and change the computer’s settings to redirect all internet traffic. For example to the writer’s PC to log your keystrokes, steal your data or identity etc. 3. The device could be used to implement code on your PC that could infect any USB device connected and turn that into a malicious device, to onward infect others, who knows where it could end. This information was released in Las Vegas at the annual Black Hat security conference in the first week of August 2014. This means that there is currently no defence that has been created for the problem. Anti-virus/anti-malware programs cannot access the firmware on USB devices. Firewall software has not been designed for blocking this type of threat.
The best defence against this potential threat is to control the use of USB devices on your electrical devices from your PC to your SatNav, including your mobile telephone and digital camera. Think before using any USB device, do you know and trust the source? Here are my guidelines for safety: Simply do not plug in a USB device you are not 100% sure of. Do not exchange USB devices unless you trust the source/recipient. Only purchase USB devices from trusted sources. If you suspect a USB device, do not use it. Watch out for your children’s use of USB devices, including games. I am confident we will hear much more about this problem, let’s hope it is the AV industry advising us that they have a solution! 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).
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 41
Don’t forget our deadline:
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What would you like to see in future issues? info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
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)
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42 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
Food & Drink French Village Diaries
by Jacqueline Brown
Not every year is going to be a good year for every crop. This is one of the lessons about growing our own in rural France that we learned fairly early on. Nature gives but I think it also likes to discourage us from being too greedy. One year we will have kilos of cherries to store in the freezer and as jam, but the plum, pear or quince harvest might be poor. Some years the tomatoes are fantastic, but the cucumbers bitter or the garlics too small, and we have learned to live with this. Much as it would be great to have huge quantities every year, we appreciate far more what we get in a good year and to be honest we would probably need yet another freezer if every year was a bumper one. We have an underground rainwater storage tank to aid our irrigation system and by pumping in winter rain to use during the summer, it is a great way to save from using tap water on the garden. This summer, when it’s rained it has poured, but I don’t need to tell you that, and we have only had to pump out of the sump twice. The rain has worked hard, regularly watering the potager and keeping the water butts topped up. This year, the weather provided nice enough days to cycle locally, decent temperatures for a challenging few days on the bikes in the Pyrénées and even enough sun to squeeze in a river valley bike ride in Normandy, but it hasn’t been the best for the produce. The cherries were very disappointing, the plums almost nonexistent and there will be no quinces, but the pear crop was superb, probably the best we have had in ten years in France. The courgettes, once I got over the disappointment of most of the seedlings failing and bought in a few young plants from market, have been amazing. Every time we went away for a few days we came home to bucketfuls of the blighters. I’ve made soup in vast quantities that has all but filled the new freezer and I have enough chutney and relish to keep an army in tasty sandwiches this winter. The tomatoes, however, have suffered despite us scrupulously tending to their every need. Generous planting distances, regular removal of side shoots and excess foliage should have ensured plenty of air circulation and discouraged blight. However it still struck at the beginning of August, almost overnight. We wasted no time in removing every infected leaf, fruit and some whole plants and got rid of them rather than composting them. We were lucky that some of the fruit continued to ripen, but on the worst affected plants we had to harvest the green tomatoes. Thankfully we also had an abundance of windfall apples, so it’s been a bumper year for my Green Tomato and Windfall Apple Chutney, with an added hint of Piment d’Espelette that we brought back with us from the Pays Basque.
For recipes please email me at frenchvillagediaries@gmail.com
or visit www.frenchvillagediaries.com
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 43
The English Patient The Wines of Pissotte by John Sherwin
Flight-Lieutenant Bobby James was none too happy. OK, he’d bombed some German U-boats in La Rochelle. Half the mission accomplished with a nice shiny gold star. The other half not so good. Flying low on the way home, fire from nowhere, right engine gone, parachute out and hope. Now he’s in a filthy ditch with a twisted ankle, a banged-up head and a billowing, silky parachute round his face reminding him he should be in Leicester Square with his girl. Just great. “Shut up and I’ll help you. Make a sound and we’re both goners.” Bobby only remembers being shoulder-hoisted, painfully, but stifling back the cries. He wakes in daylight in a barn. “Here, coffee. Some bread.” There were barrels and a smell of grape juice turning to wine. Jean Coirier saved a life and made a friend that day, and Robert James, over the days of his recovery, learned about wine and winemakers. He learned that the quiet passion of wine-making is not an oxymoron but - one hopes - a truism. Robert went on to become a wine importer working from (and I’m not making this up) 15 Grape Street, London WC2. Jean would ship barrels of white wine to Robert in London; Robert would keep some for himself to sell on, bottling the rest to send back to Jean. Jean and Robert have slipped away to the tasting room in the sky, but the Coirier family continue as the sole producers of AOC Pissotte wine. In fact, the wine-making here dates back to 1895. Just 24 hectares producing, on average, about 100,000 bottles per year. But the important thing for me is that this remains a family concern like the Orions of Chantonnay I reviewed last month. That means pride, attention to detail, commitment to the best possible product in the bottle for the lucky client. Their vineyards are at the southern edge of the Vendée plains. Good terroir: lots of sun and an interesting blend of clay and silica in the soil. If you are now nodding and smiling and thinking “What the heck is he talking about”, then fair enough. It all adds up to a good drop. Their basic range is ‘Origine’. Nicely fruity whites combining Chenin and Chardonnay: lovely aperitif and, natch, great with seafood. The red is from Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Negrette and it would be a sin not to drink it with duck or roast pork. The rosés are, for me, the must-have this summer: the smell of wild strawberries from your youth that just makes you well up with pleasure and heady remembrance. If you’re going to swing by and meet Mathieu, grandson of Jean, and leave with only one bottle, then it must be the red ‘Mélusine’. This is an incredibly elegant mix of Pinot Noir, and Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon, aged for twelve months in barrels from the nearby forest of Mervent-Vouvant. If, however, you would like to explore this and other Vendée vineyards in my company, then please see the ad on this page. I would be very happy to escort you on a memorable day of discovery. So raise a glass to Jean and Bobby, in thanks for the life of freedom and joy they gave us.
John Sherwin, French Wine Tours. Tel: 02 51 66 13 05 ~ E: john@french-wine-tours.com www.french-wine-tours.com
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RECIPE CORNER Easy-Peasy Pickle
This quick and easy pickle is perfect just with bread (oh, and butter)! and is an ideal way of using up your excess veggies.
1. In equal measures, simply alternately layer thinly sliced cucumber, onion and apple (sour is best). Seasoning as you go (salt and pepper, or cayenne or paprika if you like spice). 2. Add a wine-glass measure of sherry or pineau to half a pint of vinegar and a very generous splash (couple of tablespoons) of soy sauce. 3. Leave to stand for a few hours before enjoying.
Pumpkin Sauce with Pasta
1. Using a large heavy-based pan, melt a knob of butter and fry some finely chopped shallots. 2. Sprinkle with a little salt, cover and simmer until very soft (around 30 mins). 3. Add chunks of peeled and deseeded pumpkin and season to taste. Cover again, and cook on a low heat until the pumpkin is pulpy (around 40 mins). 4. Stir in 200ml of a cream of your choice, a generous amount of grated parmesan and some freshly chopped parsley. 5. Remove from the heat. 6. Prepare your pasta (a wide ribbon pasta such as wide fettuccine or pappardelle) and drain, reserving some of the cooking liquid. 7. Add the drained pasta to your pumpkin mix, adding in reserved water if the sauce is too thick. 8. Sprinkle with more parmesan to serve.
Delicious! The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 45
Motoring COOL CALIBRA
by Helen Tait-Wright
It is interesting isn’t it, how quickly we forget .... cars that used to be a daily sight on the road are superseded and before you know it, they have become rare and collectors are searching out good examples as future classics. A friend of mine has recently purchased a Vauxhall Calibra to add to his GM Vauxhall Opel collection, which shocked me as I drove a Calibra up until 10 years ago; but it is true, you rarely see them now. The Calibra should become a classic as it lays claim to its own little piece of automotive history. In 1989 when it was launched, it was the most aerodynamic production car in the world, with a coefficient of drag of 0.26, a title which it retained for the next 10 years. The Calibra, designed by Erhard Schnell, was based on the Opel Vectra, and added a sports car to the Vauxhall Opel range, filling the gap left by the demise of the Opel Manta. It was a popular model in Europe, and offered several engine options, including a top of the range 4x4 Turbo model. Just like the Mazda MX-5, the Calibra revolutionised the market sector it competed in. The Calibra was great-looking but was also practical, with a hatchback, large boot, and roomy four seat interior, meaning it could also star on company car lists… The Calibra also featured in many racing series around the world, with the most high profile being the German Touring car series, or DTM, where Manuel Reuter won the 1996 Championship, in the distinctive white and yellow liveried car. This spawned one of the many Special Editions that intersperse the Calibra’s history. My Calibra was the 4x4 model, and I loved her. With the seats down the carrying capacity was impressive, she sat nicely on the road and was fun and entertaining to drive. A different animal to the Manta which she was designed to replace, but still worthy of a place in my personal favourites. There aren’t many cars from the 1990s that still look fresh; as the Calibra limbers up to celebrate its quarter-century it still looks perfectly proportioned, athletic and sharp, but finding a good one is a challenge. There are estimated to be less than 3000 left from the 239000 that were made, and values are dictated by condition more than spec. Outside the club scene, most Calibras change hands for under £1,000. Typically high-mileage, these cars often aren’t cherished; for something worth buying expect to pay at least £500, although doubling your budget to £1,000 will secure something significantly better that’ll prove cheaper to run in the long term. The most collectable Calibras are the V6s and Turbos, exceptional examples of which can still command £5,000 and £2,500 respectively. If you can find a really superb 2.0-litre car, be prepared to hand over all of £1,500 to make it yours. As most of the Calibra’s parts were Cavalier/Vectra sourced, there is a cheap and plentiful supply of parts to keep them going. If you are in the market, whatever you buy will also be practical, spacious and well-equipped, and it’ll cost you peanuts.
Photo: www.cavalierandchevetteclub.co.uk
What’s not to love?
Contact Helen at helen@stodel.org
46 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
Top Transporter for Expats Franglais Deliveries have fast become the ideal and preferred transportation service for many expats living in the Deux-Sèvres. They offer a regular door-to-door service for either a single item, part load or a full removal service between France and the UK. Their vehicles are well maintained and checked regularly and are “large enough to cope but small enough to care”.
Simply arrange to have your items delivered to their manned, secure UK Depot in Dorset for onward transportation to France. All items are stored for free until they are transported to France. Regular deliveries are taken from DFS, M&S, John Lewis, Bathstore, Victoria Plumb, Dreams to name but a few. You will be notified within hours of your items being delivered, offering you total piece of mind. Deliveries are operated with two drivers at all times, perfect for heavier items such as sofas, which we will happily place in your room of choice. Franglais Deliveries are fully registered and fully insured with AVIVA here in France, so you can rest assured your goods are in safe hands from start to finish. They offer a professional, regular and reliable service at competitive prices. “Most of our work comes via recommendation from previous customers and we have been rated 5* by our customers on our Facebook page. We really do take pride in our work, from that first phone call or email to the delivery day, we keep our customers up to date throughout, and regular communication is paramount” explains Michelle. If you have any items you would like transporting from the UK to France or France to the UK, or are moving back to the UK then contact Michelle on 05 49 07 24 85 or email: franglaisdeliveries@gmail.com. www.facebook.com/Franglaisdeliveries?ref_type=bookmark
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Building & Renovation
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Thinking about placing an ad? Why not take advantage of our Special Packages for New Advertisers? Call Sarah for more details: 05 49 70 26 21
Small B/W advert only 32â&#x201A;Ź
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Business & Finance SCHOOL INSURANCE Yes, it’s September and that only means one thing: Back to school!!
But note that if your child breaks a window, this is covered by the public liability insurance which is included in your house insurance contract. So things not covered by the school insurance can be covered by another of your insurances.
And you must wonder why the school ask you for a certificate of assurances for your child, so let me explain what it is, what it is for and how much it costs!
How Much Does it Cost?
Not much actually! Depending on the age of your child, cover can cost between 23€ and 50€ per year. And if you have more than one child, there is usually a discount.
What is It?
It is an insurance for kids and students. The assurance scolaire is not an obligation but most schools won’t accept your child unless they have one. In any case, your child won’t be able to go on school trips if he/she does not have this insurance, so it is better if the child has one. There are 3 ages: • Baby: 0 to 3 years old • Junior: 3 years old to end of school • Etudiant: Further education
So there it is, school insurance is a must especially for just 3€-4€ per month. It’s not worth depriving your child of a fantastic school trip to a goat cheese factory!! As usual, do not hesitate to contact me for anything else from French inheritance law, pensions, savings, taxes and all kinds of professional or private insurances. Starting this September and until the end of December, we are offering two months free on all new car and top-up health insurance contracts.
What Does it Cover?
It is a personal injury insurance for your child, so if your child has an accident at school or anywhere else for that matter, the insurance company pays a lump sum of 3800€ for death or between 100,000 and 200,000€ for invalidity (amount depends of % of incapacity).
And check out our web site where you can find all my previous articles under the page “practical information”: www.bh-assurances.fr
It can also cover damages to teeth (305€ per tooth), hearing aid (770€), glasses and contact lenses (153€) as long as there is a medical certificate proving the child was injured. So, if the child broke his/her glasses playing football and he is not injured, the insurance won’t pay.
You can also follow us on Twitter @charenteinsure
It can also pay for a bed so one of the parents can stay in the hospital room with the injured child. Another cover is the cost for search and rescue of the child following an accident or any other events endangering the child’s life. The insurance can also cover robbery up to a certain amount (only clothes, sport equipment and school bags) but you will need to have kept the original receipt! Needless to say we have never had a claim for that! As nobody keeps receipts forever. Lastly but not least, is what we call ‘école continue’ so that if your child is injured and can’t go to school, the insurance pays for 6 hours per week of private tuition in your house. The child must be absent from school for medical reasons for more than 15 days. It does not cover loss or breakage so if your child loses or breaks his mobile phone, tough luck!
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
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Visit our website: www.bh-assurances.fr The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 53
The Keys to Successful Investment
by Bradley Warden, Partner, Blevins Franks
In today’s world it is harder for investors to create and manage a portfolio which will achieve returns that outpace the erosive effects of inflation and taxation, while matching their specific needs. Nonetheless, if you follow some basic rules and take professional, personalised advice, you will achieve a portfolio that gives you peace of mind.
If it Looks Too Good to be True… it Almost Certainly Is!
Too many investors are seduced by investment schemes claiming to offer the alluring combination of high returns with little or no risk. However as they discover time and time again, the bubble invariably bursts and they lose their money.
Obtain Best Advice
There are thousands of banks and investment companies claiming to be leading experts in the management of financial assets. It is hard for private investors to establish which are the best managers and funds to meet their needs, so specialist advice is essential.
A Tailor-Made Approach
Everyone has different objectives, time horizons and attitude to risk. It is vital that your portfolio is created and managed to meet your particular aims, objectives, and income requirements. Reassess your profile regularly and adjust accordingly.
Understand your Risk Profile
Some risk is unavoidable to achieve a return that will outpace
inflation. However, to avoid undue risk, obtain a clear and objective assessment of your personal risk appetite.
Asset Allocation to Match Your Risk Profile
The starting point in creating the most appropriate investment portfolio to match your risk profile and objectives is the allocation of assets between money market, bonds, equities and real assets. It is widely acknowledged that asset allocation is of far greater importance than the selection of individual stocks and shares.
Diversification
The higher your concentration in particular assets, the higher the risk. The tried and tested strategy to mitigate risk is diversification: a well spread portfolio of investments, not only asset classes, but also geographic regions and market sectors, to limit your exposure to any single sector.
Access to the World’s Best Investment Managers
No investment organisation excels in the management of all asset classes. The key to success is a thorough, critical analysis of funds and managers to select the best managers for each area of investment. Multi-manager funds have several different managers, selected for their expertise in specific market sectors.
Tax Planning
To achieve the best real returns, and protect your wealth, use arrangements which shelter capital from tax; provide a tax efficient income, and facilitate the transfer of capital to your beneficiaries with minimum of inheritance taxes. Always seek personal advice for your specific situation and objectives.
AUTUMN SeMiNAr
removing the myths With so many tax changes affecting British nationals in France, we separate fact from fiction. Our seminar covers forthcoming legislative changes in France and UK and explains how to enhance your current situation through strategic financial planning. Alternatively contact us to arrange a private appointment.
We will be discussing...
PuS01-fr
Succession law, tax and 'Brussels iV' What do next year’s changes mean to you and your family? UK pension reforms How will they affect you? investment strategies Are you sure your investments match your risk profile?
SAiNTeS, Tuesday 23 September Le Relais du Bois Saint Georges 10 for 10.30am until 12 noon
Book your place now by phone email or at www.blevinsfranks.com
05 49 75 07 24
bradley.warden@blevinsfranks.com
Blevins Franks Financial Management Limited (BFFM) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK, reference number 179731. Where advice is provided outside the UK, via the Insurance Mediation Directive from Malta, the regulatory system differs in some respects from that of the UK. Blevins Franks Tax Limited provides taxation advice; its advisers are fully qualified tax specialists. This promotion has been approved and issued by BFFM.
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by Sue Cook Talk to us.... ? Are you a small business owner in France? you need to transfer money to pay bills or order ? Do supplies?
?
Do you have clients who need to pay you for gite or bed & breakfast bookings?
?
Does your bank really understand your Foreign Exchange needs, or is it more a case of just getting the job done?
Ask Amanda
“I understand that the recent “Le Tour de Finance” were really informative. When are you next planning an event?”
For anyone who missed my recent seminars, I will be at The Deux-Sèvres Monthly Trade Fair on Saturday 20th September from 10.30am to answer any questions you may have. Our ‘Le Tour de Finance’ seminars covered many areas of finance expats encounter whilst living in France, including:
We’re willing to bet it’s the latter.
•
The reason for this is that banks don’t have the time (or the inclination) to provide a specialist currency service. We, on the other hand, don’t do anything else! International payments and foreign exchange is all we’ve been about since 1996, and in that time we’ve learned a lot about what businesses need.
•
Working with us will give you access to a dedicated currency specialist who can talk you through any deals or decisions. It doesn’t matter how big or small these chats are – we can help whether it’s an instant transfer to an international supplier, or you’d like to discuss next year’s hedging strategy. Either way, you’re safe in the knowledge that our experts are in your corner, helping you find great exchange rates (up to 5% better than the bank) and never charging any hidden fees. This means you can time your trades perfectly and will always have sight of how the markets might affect you. That can only mean good things for your bottom line! Talk to us today and find out how we can help your business. Contact Sue Cook on 06 89 99 28 89 or email: sue.c@currenciesdirect.fr
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Recent budget changes in UK pensions and the effect on expats - recent changes have opened up a number of new options however, specialist advice is important to ensure you receive recommendations right for your situation The tax efficiency of your current investments - many people had tax effective investments whilst UK residents, but are these still best value now you live in France? Where should I pay my tax? - This is becoming an increasingly asked question due to where you and your family are actually domiciled. Whilst the UK and France have a double taxation treaty, your domicile can have an effect on the social charges you are liable for. Regulation - Having a relationship with a company who are regulated in the country where you live is very important for financial peace of mind Value for Money - In today’s competitive economy, it is important to receive value for money, for any advice you receive.
In addition to the above I can also talk to you about how you can plan for your pension now that you are working in France and how recent changes in social charges could impact your current investments and rental income you receive in France or the UK. Whether you want to register for our newsletter, attend one of our road shows or speak to me directly, please call or email me on the contacts below and I will be glad to help you. We do not charge for reviews, reports or recommendations we provide.
With Care, You Prosper. Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Lausanne, Paris, Cote d’Azur, Barcelona, Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Madrid, Mallorca, Rome. «The Spectrum IFA Group » is a registered trademark, exclusive rights to use in France granted to TSG Insurance Services S.A.R.L. Siège Social: 34 Bd des Italiens, 75009 «Société de Courtage d’assurances» R.C.S. Paris B 447 609 108 (2003B04384) Numéro d’immatriculation 07 025 332 - www.orias.fr «Conseiller en investissements financiers, référence sous le numéro E002440 par ANACOFI-CIF, association agréée par l’Autorité des Marchés Financiers»
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 55
La Rentrée - Time to Stop
Putting Off Those Tricky Decisions
by David Hardy
As Summer visitors start to drift away our thoughts turn to all those jobs that we have put off during the holidays. Why not make “the job” for this year’s rentrée the time when you finally put your finances in order? Just run through the following list and see whether you have ever said any of these things. If so, it might be worth having a rethink as taking no action could be an expensive mistake for you and/or your family.
I am still resident in the UK, so don’t need to make any financial arrangements in France
It is a common misconception that residence is a matter of choice. Whilst, of course, we can choose where to live, fiscal residence is a matter of fact. Many people split their time between the UK and France and quite legitimately claim that they are still UK resident. However, there are also a large number of people who spend almost all of their time in France whilst remaining ‘UK resident’ for tax purposes. Whilst each country has its own set of rules regarding residence, the tax treaty between the countries will determine where you are fiscally resident. Put simply, whilst splitting your time between countries, where you spend more time is likely to be considered your place of residence.
Whilst the Euro has weakened recently, it is understandable if some people do not wish to exchange Sterling for Euros. With proper financial planning for life in France, however, tax-efficient options exist for those not currently wishing to invest in Euros.
What’s the point in bothering? I will eventually go back to the UK
Whilst the longer term plan may well be to return eventually to the UK, doing no planning now could mean unnecessarily heavier taxes on your income and big headaches for your heirs if you die whilst still resident in France. With proper, French regulated advice it is perfectly possible to structure your affairs so that they are tax-efficient for life in France now, without having to undo all that planning if you move back to the UK in the future. David Hardy is Regional Manager of Siddalls France, Independent Financial Adviser, specialised in tax, inheritance, pension and investment planning for the British community in the PoitouCharentes since 1996.
David Hardy, Siddalls France Tel: 05 56 34 75 51 ~ Email: enquiries@siddalls.net
www.siddalls.fr
I will pay far more tax in France than Britain
Whilst France has long had a reputation for high taxation, French income tax compares favourably with the UK. One area which concerns British people is wealth tax which is a tax on your capital assets exceeding €1,300,000. However, your ‘principal residence’ is discounted by 30% and, furthermore, all new residents do not need to declare any ‘non French’ assets for the first five years. For those living in France without declaring themselves resident because of tax worries could not only be a mistake, but could create problems with the authorities and could mean paying excessive tax.
The French system is too complicated and I just want an easy life
French bureaucracy may be renowned, but with proper advice and guidance, the French system need not be that daunting. In any case, ignoring a potential problem because it seems too complicated to sort out generally exacerbates the problem.
I have written a Will in the UK and my family knows my wishes
Living permanently in France means that your worldwide assets are subject to strict French inheritance rules and taxes in the event of your death. The only exception is British property (real estate), which will still be subject to British rules and taxes, with your UK Will remaining valid as far as that property is concerned.
My money is in Sterling and I don’t want to change it to Euros We would always advise people to have at least some income and/ or capital in Euros for buying your baguette and other essentials.
CONTRIBUTIONS... We are always looking for new articles for consideration in future issues. Do you have an experience to share?Are you a tradesman with a Top Tip? or perhaps an avid reader who would like to contribute a book review? Whatever it may be, either long or short, we would love to hear from you. You can call Sarah on 05 49 70 26 21 with any ideas, or send them on an email to:info@thedeuxsevresmonthlyfr 56 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
Property
Small Colour advert, only 35€
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 57
Roses, Cheese and Silver...
Magic in the Deux-Sèvres Countryside by Joanna Leggett
Set in the heart of the beautiful countryside of Deux-Sèvres, with ancient streets and lovely houses, the pretty market town of Melle first flourished in medieval times, best known then as the home of the French mint! In fact, the first Aachen penny of Charlemagne was minted here - these silver mines still exist, but only as a tourist attraction.
LEGGETT
IMMOBILIER
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE YOU CAN TRUST
BUYING OR SELLING A PROPERTY ? CONTACT THE BEST ESTATE AGENCY IN FRANCE
Today Melle is better known for its own particular goat’s cheese ‘chabichou’. It’s also a major hub for neighbouring villages and smaller towns with a thriving business community, supermarkets and lycée. Architecturally the town is fascinating with medieval houses and churches built in the 11th and 12th centuries including the UNESCO World Heritage listed Saint Hilaire. Its surrounding area has much to see with Romanesque châteaux, mills, fountains and ancient wash houses.
Ref: 44973DW79. Traditional farmhouse renovated to very high standard with 4 bedrooms, large garden and attached land. Clave €249,999
Ref: 43969DW79. Sweet house in a little hamlet needing some interior decoration. Garden and valley views. Gourge €88.900
Ref: 42760DW79. Partially renovated town house with 2 bedrooms (could create more). A good lock up and leave. Assais Les Jumeaux €60,000
Ref: 44162BB79. Characterful one bedroom detached house on this chateau estate. Tennis and pool - ideal for rentals. Les Forges €141,700
At its heart it remains a rural town, best experienced at its Friday market where stalls groan with fresh produce, cheeses and many other delicacies, as well as the obligatory clothing and household goods beloved of the French marketplace. The countryside provides a glorious backdrop of beautiful forests of chestnut, walnut and parasol pines. Melle also has a stunning 6km walk known as the Chemin de la Découverte with over 1,000 species of trees and shrubs and a collection of hundreds of roses. Set in idyllic countryside, just ten minutes away, is a delightful Charentaise stone farmhouse set in four acres for sale €455,800 (26836PW79 - see photo below). With five generous bedrooms and three bathrooms it comes with useful outbuildings and a beautiful in-ground pool. Approached by its long tree-lined drive and through a large courtyard, the walled formal gardens lead to the front door.
It boasts an extremely large light and airy living room, double aspect windows; its Charentaise stone fireplace provides both warmth and character, the superb kitchen maintains original features with bread oven and large stone ‘mixing bowl’ - the rest of the generous accommodation is spread over two floors. Just 5kms from Melle is a charming cottage within walking distance of a small village. Its traditional style provides rustic charm, three of its four bedrooms are accessed off a landing large enough to use as a library or snug (42214JH79). Priced to sell at €149,875, outside it has a heated swimming pool set in pretty gardens. Leggett Immobilier is one of the leading estate agents in France. You can access all our local property listings at www.frenchestateagents.com/poitou-charentes-property
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Tel: 06 77 35 91 79 or 0800 900 324 www.leggettfrance.com