The Local Buzz March April 2020

Buzz The Local

For those living, working or visiting Dordogne, Lot et•Garonne, Gironde, Haut Garonne, Tarn et Garonne & Gers A Lifestyle Magazine & Website for • Gironde • Dordogne Lot et Garonne • LotLot, • Gers • Tarn et Garonne • N.Haute Garonne

Easter Feast

MARCH & APRIL 2020

FREE

Equestrian Focus

I’m priceless

T

Exercise Angles Pensions Update

Spring

15 PAGE REGIONAL WHAT’S ON GUIDE

is on its way

WILDLIFE partnership

WEDDINGS for all

Reader Offer • Prize Competition • Seven Wonders

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Providing expertise, advice and a tailor-made service in Gironde, Dordogne, Lot et Garonne.

Please contact us for a free quotation: Tel: 06 48 97 09 36

Email: europegranite@gmail.com

Welcome

The Local Buzz is the only A4 glossy maga-

DORDOGNE

zine and comprehensive website covering

H PERIGUEUX

these departments.

Lifestyle focused,

H BORDEAUX

the magazine is

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informative, fun and highlights what’s on

LOT

in the region.

Looking for a local

LOT et GARONNE

business, more listings of what’s on,

AGEN H

articles, blogs and local information?

Then visit our website at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

FRANCE

By the way, if you can’t issue can be read on

TARN et GARONNE H MONTAUBAN

GERS H AUCH

pick up a copy, every

H CAHORS

TOULOUSE H

N.HAUTE GARONNE

the website at www. thelocalbuzzmag.com/ read-online, and postal subscriptions are available.

Meet the Buzz team LESLEY ASHBURNER, Editorial & Managing Director PAMELA LA FORGIA, Production & Creative Director JEANETTE HYDE, Distribution & Finance Director You can read our bio’s at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/ about-us www.facebook.com/ TheLocalBuzzMag www.instagram.com/ the_local_buzz_mag

Hello from our Queen Bee Welcome to our latest issue.

One of our special features is about weddings for all, whether they be young or more mature, bi or heterosexual, religious or secular. There’s also a fascinating look back at the history of wedding photography and how the wedding album began.

Easter Treats is the focus of our food and drink pages and includes delicious asparagus, spring lamb, pears and juicy Merlot wines, plus three gorgeous recipes from our innovative Guest Chef.

We have walked through the core elements of a good exercise programme and, if you have an interest in horse riding you won’t want to miss our equestrian feature, whether you want to ride for pleasure or competitively.

Speaking of competitions, you could win

The Local Buzz • March & April 2020

a night away in the heart of beautiful Dordogne, and/or why not take advantage of our exclusive reader offer and give your feet a break!

In gardening we look at working in partnership with wildlife, and spring gardening jobs. Sue has decided to take a break from this feature and we send her our heartfelt thanks for all the hard work and support she has given us from our very first issue nearly two years ago.

Finally, apologies, there was a breakdown in communication in our last Buzz Words page which resulted in some errors. It is always our intention to bring you the very best information and we have taken measures to prevent this happening again. Allons-y indeed!

Lesley

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SPEAKING YOUR LANGUAGE Nous parlons votre langue Our lawyers Nos juristes

Legal services Services juridiques

adj. Bilingual Dual qualified Multi-talented

n. Property transactions Wills Estate planning and administration Inheritance tax and dispute resolution

Your advice needs Vos besoins en conseils adj. Sorted

Buckles Solicitors LLP Delivering bespoke advice for France, Italy, Spain and the UK www.buckles-law.co.uk • enquiries@buckles-law.co.uk

14812_The Buzz Advert International Offering Expats_final.indd 1

21/10/2019 10:13

We hope you enjoy this issue.

Please spread the word about The Local Buzz and let our advertisers know that you saw them in this magazine.

For all enquiries please contact buzzing@thelocalbuzzmag.com Editorial & Managing Director: Lesley Ashburner Production & Creative Director: Pamela La Forgia Distribution & Finance Director: Jeanette Hyde Art Director: Sarah Vernon Advertising: buzzing@thelocalbuzzmag.com Photography: Shutterstock or Jeff Ross unless otherwise stated Regular contributors: Katie Gardner, John Gilchrist, Sue Sargeant, Puzzles-to-Print

CONTENTS 28

March & April Issue REGULARS 3 Hello 7 What’s the Buzz 8 The start of our regional guide to what’s on 28 Gardening Let’s Go Wild 30 Buzz Bits 38 Food & Drink 51 Buzz Words 54 Puzzle page 61 Business Directory 66 Just Droning

Our thanks go to: our regular contributors as well as Hotel La Terrasse, Louise Bowles, La Gargantua Cookery School, Caro & Co., Akasha Lonsdale-Deighton, Sarah Thomas, Jeff Ross, Wedding Flip Flops, Buckles Solicitors, Andy Wigley, Sue Temperley, Anke de Bruijn, Andrea Glover, Tony Delvalle, Ross Beckley, Clare Durif and Dominique Slater.

Cover: Shutterstock The Local Buzz is free and is published by The Local Buzz, Labarthe, 47120 Baleyssagues.

ISSN 2516-8134. RCS AGEN Siren 842 643 173.

Printed by Rotimpres SA on paper from a renewable source.

All trademarks are trademarks of the companies concerned.

No material may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.

The general editorial and articles in this issue do not necessarily reflect the view of the editor or publishers.

Please ensure that the company you are dealing with is registered in France.

To become a distribution point, to advertise, to send us information, or for any other enquiry contact buzzing@thelocalbuzzmag.com

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Emergency Numbers: 15 - SAMU Service on a nationwide basis – call for medical assistance 17 - Police (gendarmerie) 18 - General emergency - you will need to ask for ambulance, gendarmes or service d’incendie (feu) or sapeur pompiers 112 - European standard emergency number for anywhere in EEC 114 - Text messaging service for the deaf or hard of hearing

The Local Buzz • March & April 2020

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FEATURES 32 Weddings for All 40 Guest Chef 42 Seven Wonders 45 Pool Safety 47 Local Entrepreneur(s) 50 Pensions Update 52 Ride On! 58 Legal Query WELL -BEING 56 Exercise Angles 58 Ask Katie

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PLUS… 46 Reader Offer 59 Next Issue 60 Prize Competition

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58 5

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what’s the

BUZZ

DORDOGNE H PERIGUEUX H BORDEAUX

GIRONDE LOT

LOT et GARONNE AGEN H

H CAHORS

TARN et GARONNE H MONTAUBAN

GERS H AUCH

TOULOUSE H

N.HAUTE GARONNE

OUR PICK OF WHAT’S ON IN YOUR REGION DATES FOR YOUR DIARY: Vide Greniers & Brocantes

• Libourne, 22 March (33) • Nontron, 26 April (24) • Agen, 12 April (47) • Lalbenque, 29 March (46) • Auch, 29 March (32) • Albias, 5 April (82) • Fronton, 26 April (31)

The What’s On pages are colour coded for quick, easy department identification.

Don’t forget, for lots more What’s On listings visit our website at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

CHANGE THE WORLD

Bourses de Collectionaires

• Saint-Jean-d’Illac, 28 March (33) • Champcevinel, 28 April (24) • Colayrac-Saint-Cirq, 5 April (47) • Thégra, 19 April (46) • Beaumarchés, 29 March (32) • Laguépie, 5 April (82) • Seysses, 19 April (31)

Market Days

• Pessac, Saturday (33) • Limeuil, Sunday (24) • Cancon, Monday (47) • Luzech, Wednesday (46) • Riscle, Friday (32) • Monclar de Quercy, Thursday (82) • Toulouse Le Salin, Tuesday (31)

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, an annual, worldwide event on 22 April. Kathleen Rogers, President of Earth Day Network, explains “Our campaigns are intended to activate at least a billion people worldwide to meet Earth Day’s 2020 theme of climate action”. Designed to be the largest, most diverse global mobilisation in history in defence of the environment, the campaigns range from a global cleanup and a science initiative to education, art and food. You can find out more at www.earthday.org

SHOW The joy of April

TIME The 6th annual Salon Vins et Terroirs opens on 13 March at Parc des Expositions de Toulouse for two days. A perfect event to explore the region’s finest produce! The same venue also welcomes the all-encompassing Foire Internationale de Toulouse from 17 to 26 April with hundreds of exhibitors presenting a world of ideas from beauty, food and sports to well-being, etc.

The Local Buzz • March & April 2020

If you receive an unexpected pat on the back on 1 April you might want to look in a mirror! It’s a long held French tradition for children to stick a paper fish on as many people’s backs as possible, then run away shouting “Poisson d’Avril”. April also brings Easter and a national holiday on Monday 13th.

Whilst “Good Friday” isn’t recognised here, it heralds the start of a traditional weekend of family feasting and all things chocolate, including eggs, rabbits and,

of course, fish. Oh yes, and don’t forget St George’s Day on 23 April if you have an affinity with England. Happy Easter to one and all.

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GIRONDE

WINES GALORE

what’s the

BUZZ

Around 10,000 visitors travel, every year, to the Citadel de BLAYE for the wine festival. With some 100 winemakers under the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, there’s a wide variety of vintages to sample, so please drink responsibly.

Other attractions include a

GIRONDE

marché gourmand, a train ride through the vineyards, painting workshops, boat rides, a visit to the Citadel (which is listed as World Heritage by UNESCO), and cooking courses throughout the two-day event from 10:00 to 20:00 on 18 and 19 April. www.printemps-des-vins.com

PORT TO PORT Taking you on a

journey around GUJAN MESTRAS on 13 April, the 11th edition of La Balade des 7 Ports is not to be missed. Featuring a wealth of street entertainment, nine shows, an oyster-themed

MIND BLOWING With the energy, presence and talent of a true star, Mike Starnight presents his one-man show, The Rock Machine, at Espace René Lazare in TARGON at 16:00 on 26 April. With his piano, he performs songs by Bowie, Lennon and other well-known rock stars in an intimate show that promises to blow your mind! Find out more at www.mairie-targon.com.

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game, free boat rides

JAZZ WITH SOUL

Born in Philadelphia, Monique Thomas grew up listening to African American jazz, gospel and soul and it shows! Having studied with recognised musicians such as Rufus Reid and Norman Simmons, she moved to France in 1998 and has been touring with diverse and varied musical talents across Europe.

Her group, the Monique Thomas Quartet, will be presenting their New Orleans jazz, gospel, spiritual and slightly funky repertoire at Théâtre La Dolce Vita in ANDERNOS-LES-BAINS on 17 April at 20:30. For tickets go to billetterie.andernos-tourisme.fr

between the ports, and the chance to try out a gyropod, it promises to be a fun day out for family and friends. At the Port de la Hume, for instance, you can see traditional Landaise dancing at 16:15 and juggling on a monocycle at 17:00. For full details visit www. gujanmestras.com www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

Celebrating the wonders of Asian culture, the 8th Animasia festival takes place from 10:00 to 19:00 on 25 April at L’EntrePôt in LE HAILLAN. Bringing a day rich in entertainment and taking you to the heart of Asia, it includes video games, K-pop and origami workshops as well as an Asian market, martial arts, film projections, calligraphy, exhibitions and demonstrations of the unique style of dance that is Yosakoi. You

GIRONDE

GO ASIA!

CIRQUE BARAKA NATURE RUN Themed around a physical and invisible wall, this spectacular dance and musical performance is a bit, well, off the wall, but in a seriously good and amazing way.

Combining acrobatic skills with contemporary dance and extraordinary physical strength, it will have you mesmerised.

You can catch them at the Ville de Bordeaux/Aire Rafael Padilla in BORDEAUX from 27 to 29 March, and from 3 to 5, 8 to 12 and 15 to 19 April. Times vary.

You can see a sample of their work and reserve tickets at www.cirquebaraka.com

can even have a massage whilst you are there! www. facebook.com/Animasia

For the 13th year running (pun absolutely intended), the L’Audegeoise Nature Run is taking place on 15 March at AUDENGE. With a family run of 5km, a nature course of 16km and Le Dix Kil of, you guessed it, 10km, it has something for everyone.

Subscribe online at www. sochrono.fr or turn up on the day. For fees, rules and times visit www.courir-aaudenge.e-monsite.com

Q Other events can be found at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/what’s-on and include • Exposition Afrique, Bordeaux, until 31 Dec • Muses: hip hop dance/ classical music, Andernos-Les-Bains, 13 Mar • Ballet Russes recital, St

Julien Beychevelle, 15 Mar • Rando Cousseau, Lacanau, 15 Mar • Sortie nocturne (bird watching), Braud-et-SaintLouis, 20 Mar

The Local Buzz • March & April 2020

• Kite-making, Braud-etSaint-Louis, 21 Apr • Elite Cycle Race, Val-deLivenne, 28 and 29 Mar • Fidelio live opera, Monsegur, 17 Mar

• Trail de Saint-Emilion, 30 Apr to 3 May If you just enter your region on the website and click search, you will find all types of events

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DORDOGNE

COLD? BUZZ what’s the

OPENING ACT Heralding the start of a new season at the Salle de Spectacle in JUMILHACLE-GRAND, The Fine Allies concert opens at 19:30 on 28 March and features the largest group of musicians (8 in case you are wondering) ever seen on this particular

stage. With their own blend of funk, soul and rhythm and blues, they bring together a strong rhythmic groove, a punchy brass finish and a flamboyant, inspired singer.

Dancing and having a great time are definitely on the agenda! 06 73 97 63 28.

CIRCUS REALITY Tracing the daily life of a circus troupe, the harsh reality of training, the glory of the show and the relationships between the partners, Saison de Cirque is a collaboration between an acrobatic duo and specially invited Russian artists. With a nod to tra-

ditional circus, it includes acrobatic stunts and tricks as well as the slightly waggish presence of a frail, fragile and eccentric clown. You can “catch” the artists at the Salle Culturel le Nantholia in NANTHEUIL at 20:30 on 2 April. 05 53 55 12 50.

The Local Buzz • March & April 2020

It’s not every day that you can see the National Ballet of Siberia but 20 March is one of them, if you happen to be at the Centre Culturel Michel Manet in BERGERAC that is!

Transporting you to Siberia with amazing physical ability and dazzling costumes, the soloists and corps de ballet dance with outstanding quality and incredible depth. It’s not hard to see why they have won numerous international prizes and competitions. Expect twirling ballerinas and acrobatic leaps from the male dancers as around 45 artists take to the stage in this unmissable event which forms part of their tour to over 70 countries. 05 53 63 04 09.

DORODGNE

LA CAUSETTE

VTT For this, its second year, the VTT Naturellement Périgord takes place over two days on 18 and 19 April at SAVIGNAC-LES-EGLISES. A guided 25km mountain bike hike joins hikes for those with limited mobility in the afternoon, followed by a show and concert in the evening. A range of mountain bike hikes covering 15, 30 and 52km, plus a beginner’s course of 8km, will set off on Sunday. In addition, there will be mountain bike and electric mountain bike challenges, entertainment, games, music, archery and refreshments throughout the event. 06 86 31 58 37.

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DORDOGNE

TRAD IRISH

PLANT IT It’s time to stock up on vegetable and flower plants, not to mention shrubs and trees. Le Buisson Fleurit is set to blossom into a blooming good event on 19 April at LE BUISSON-DECADOUIN. Whilst there, don’t forget to take a look at the artisanal produce also on display. 06 12 71 17 59.

Presented by the Irish quintet, The Keltas Company, ‘Juste Pour Vous’ is all about traditional Irish music and takes place at the Salle des

Fêtes, LANOUAILLE on 19 March. Violin, guitars, mandolin, bouzouki, bodhran, double bass and flutes set the tone for an acoustic, fes-

IT’S A TRAGEDY

tive performance of dance and music that alternates between fast and slow tempos with spectacular rhythm.

05 53 62 46 58.

Adapted for piano and produced by Matteo Carminati, Madame Butterfly is one of Puccini’s most famous operas and will be performed at the Château in EXCIDEUIL on 16 April. With Florence Barbara, Julia Brian, Daniel Nutarelli and Pierre-André Cabanne, there won’t be a dry eye in the house as this heart-breaking story reaches its tragic end.

05 53 52 29 79.

Q Other events can be found at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/what’s-on and include • Toutes les Mamas vocal group, Eymet, 28 Mar • Always Young Cabaret, Le Fleix, 7, 14, 21, 28 Mar and 4 Apr • African Dance Workshop,

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Saint-Astier, 5 Apr • Sinfonia, (violin and cello), Périgueux, 9 Apr • DB Clifford Festival (Soul Jazz), Bergerac, 30 Apr • Fête de Printemps, Pié-

gut-Pluviers, 3 to 6 Apr • Salon du Bien-Etre, Monbazillac, 25 Apr • Théo Ould, classic accordion, Le Buisson-deCadouin, 19 Apr

• Piano Recital by Rébecca Chaillot, Brantôme, 4 Apr If you just enter your region on the website and click search, you will find all types of events.

www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

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Ref: 8405-MO. 130,800 € HAI. DPE: E Walking distance to Villeréal this house comprises a dining room with open kitchen, separate living room, large bedroom with an attached room, bathroom and cellar. Two large covered terraces with south and north exposure on over ¾ acre of land.

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Ref: 8502-EY 466,400€ HAI. DPE: D Lovely collection of stone buildings in a quiet hamlet. The main 3-bedroom house comprises an entrance hall, lounge, dining room, kitchen, bathroom & a 2nd entrance. In addition, there is a renovated 2-bedroom studio, two outbuildings and 2.5 acres of land with a spring and an above ground pool (6% fees inc)

Ref: 8559-BGC. 402,800 € HAI. DPE: C Contemporary house with views on the countryside, pool on 2400m2 garden and just 10mn drive from Bergerac. 4 bedrooms, library, living/ dining room, open plan kitchen, back kitchen, cellar, utility, gym, study and playroom.

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Ref: 8492-EY. 349,800 € HAI. DPE: C Stylish renovation of this pretty stone property, comprising a lounge, heated conservatory, fitted kitchen, four bedrooms a bathroom, shower room and small ensuite plus a mezzanine area.

To the outside there are various outbuildings, all set in over half an acre of garden with countryside views. (6% fees inc)

Ref: 8550-EY. 197,950 € HAI. DPE: Vierge Stone 3-bedroom country property with plenty of original features in a quiet situation. Most of the renovation work has been carried out but finishing off is required. There is a large attached workshop/garage area set in one and a quarter acres of garden with an above ground pool.

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Ref:8556-VI. 360,400 € HAI. DPE: B 5 minutes’ drive from VIlleréal, this contemporary 4/5-bedroom house offers spacious and light accommodation as well as a swimming-pool and a garden of 3430m². Large double garage.

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Ref: 8553-EY. 278,200 € HAI. DPE: F Walking distance to the popular village of Eymet this renovated 3-bedroom property is stylish modern and comfortable. Large fitted kitchen, dining room with access to the garden, lounge with bar area, entrance hall, office/bedroom 4 plus laundry room.Planning for pool and garage.

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LOT ET GARONNE

MUSICAL ANGST

what’s the

BUZZ LOT ET GARONNE

VINTAGE

CLASSICS

BEST OF THE

80’S Remember Samantha Fox, Michael Jones and Ottawan?

You can relive their music and bop the night away at this Disco Funk Party. The Best of 80 concert starts at 20:00 at the Parc Expo in AGEN on 28 March and also features Franky Vincent and groups like The Confetti’s.

Full details are available at www.destination-agen.com

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The Centre Culturel at LE PASSAGE D’AGEN goes vintage on 28 March.

From 06:30 to 18:00 it will be exhibiting classic cars alongside old motorbikes, tractors and models (of the miniature car kind). At the same time, from 10:00 to 22:00. it presents Salon Vintage Passageois where, alongside the vehicles, the show presents decorative items, clothing, vinyls, games, dance and music from years gone by. The Salon continues into Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00. 06 07 67 24 64.

Continuing its tradition for opera,transmitted live on a big screen from the New York Met, the Centre François Mitterrand at VILLEREAL will be showing Wagner’s spooky The Flying Dutchman (Le Vaisseau Fantôme) on 14 March, and Puccini’s melodramatic Tosca on 11 April. The first tells the alarming story of a sailor and his daughter who are caught in a storm at sea. In short, a ghost ship pulls up alongside and

The Flying Dutchman comes aboard. The daughter is betrothed to him, vows to remain faithful and, in order to join him in his ghostly world, throws herself off a cliff. Tosca ends with another leap to the death, this time from a roof when the convoluted, often violent story of love, jealousy and intrigue ends in tears.

Don’t worry though, divine music, emotional scenes and fantastic vocals are assured. 05 53 36 00 37.

BIG BAND SOUND If you haven’t seen and heard these guys you don’t know what you are missing! The Leeds University Big Band brings jazz, swing and funky music, plus big band ambience, to the Salle François Mitterrand in VILLEREAL on 8 April at 21:00.

Listen, dance and relax with these young musicians from one of the most celebrated schools of music. 06 37 50 58 19.

www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

LOT ET GARONNE

CHORAL

WORKS

Les Chœurs d’Artichauts will be performing at Colleignes church in BOURRAN at 20:30 on 18 April. This experienced, enthusiastic choir of 23 singers presents a varied repertoire encompassing world, gospel, traditional, popular and spiritual music, including poetic melodies. You can also see them perform with Le Chœur d’Hommes d’Auvignon on 4 April in Villeneuve-sur-Lot. www.leschoeursdartichauts47.fr

FLOWERS & TREASURE A beautiful, vibrant flower market and a busy vide grenier can be found in the centre of DURAS on 19 April. Plants, shrubs, trees, garden tools and decorative items will fill the streets, as will the varied displays

of the vide grenier. Will you find “toot” or will you come across “another man’s treasure”, only you can decide. Gourmet and artisanal stalls and refreshments from 08:00 to 18:00. www. paysdeduras.com

ECO-FESTIVAL There’s going to be five days of frivolity and fun in NERAC from 14 to 19 April when the 9th Festival Garenne Partie comes to town. Exhibitions, live shows, sports and leisure activities, cinema, concerts, conferences, street entertainment, workshops and local attractions are just the start of what this eco-event has to offer. www.nerac.fr

Q Other events can be found at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/what’s-on and include • Horse trotting, Agen, 15, 19, 22, 29 Mar • Music and dance mix, Villeneuve-sur-Lot, 17 Mar • Wicker workshop, Anthé, 21 Mar

• Charity Book Fair, Monteton, 11 and 12 Apr • Spring Fair, Aiguillon, 27 to 29 Mar • Rando de Pâques, Lacépède, 13 Apr

The Local Buzz • March & April 2020

• Classical Music, Fumel, 4 Apr • Elmo Joe, Franco-British evening, Allemans-du-Dropt, 4 Apr • Asparagus and region-

al produce fair, Fargues-sur-Ourbise, 19 Apr If you just enter your region on the website and click search, you will find all types of events.

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LOT

CAPITOL

what’s the

BUZZ

BALLET Choreographed

by world famous

LOT

Kader Belarbi, an evening of exceptional ballet with Toulouse’s Capitol Ballet, awaits you at Théâtre de Cahors in CAHORS at 20:30 on 24 March.

Bringing together three scenes set to music by Prokofiev

TURN IT UP The 46th Rugissant rocks up at the Astrolabe in FIGEAC on 28 March. Ready to make some real noise from 20:30, it features Kepa, a one-man band performing rural blues and minamilist rock. Joining him will be Ko Ko Mo, a powerful, super-enthusiastic duo with an energetic guitar,

voice and drums presentation not dissimilar to Robert Plant. Custom Xperienz completes the line-up with its unusual mix of blues, swing and funk thanks to DJ Tack, blues guitar by Mr Custom and rapping

by AK Sediki. www.astrolabe-grand-figeac.fr

and Chostakovitch, amongst others, it includes separate performances that, once woven together, reveal the relationship between

ROMANY

attachment and separation. 05 65

INFLUENCES

20 88 60.

THE BIG ONE Last year 793 mountain bikers and 1,100 walkers from 38 departments took part in the Brive-Rocamadour VTT and hiking event. Now in its 24th year, this no pressure, no classification, no stopwatch event takes place on 24 March. You can choose the 10, 20 and 30km hiking

The Local Buzz • March & April 2020

courses from ROCAMADOUR, or ride the 80km VTT course from LISSAC SUR COUZE. La petite Roca VTT is a shorter course of 40km and leaves from MARTEL. Registrations can be made online until 18 March, or on the day itself subject to a small surcharge.

On y va! www.cvgbrive.fr

Inspired by Tzigan music, Romany jazz and music of the 40’s and 50’s by artists such as Django Reinhardt and Frank Zappa, Stéphane Sanseverino is no stranger to the stage. Covering decades of music and influence with his albums, he presents his reflections on society with a lively blend of rock ‘n roll blues at the Théâtre de l’Usine Avenue du Docteur Roux in SAINT-CERE at 20:30 on 30 April. www.theatredelusine-saintcere.com.

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LOT

46 in 46

Swing Baby

Spanning music and popular tunes from the 1930s to today, the effervescent Lilly’s Swing trio will be performing swing, jazz and rockabilly songs that we all know and love on 21 March. Held at the Espace Culturel Jean Carmet in LE VIGAN, this retro recital starts at 20:30 and is sure to have you clapping your hands and tapping your feet. 05 65 32 79 72.

Kicking off from MARTEL at 07:00, the 46km Grand Randonnée (GR) is just one of the four hike and ride races that will finish at Labastide-Murat in the first edition of Les 46km du 46 sur le GR on 26 April. A 35km course sets off from MONTVALENT at 08:00, 19km from COUZOU at 09:00, and 5km from MONTFAUCON at 14:00. Open to all levels of experience and all ages, the course meanders through pretty villages and heritage sites. 05 65 23 06 28.

TATANKA

Meaning bison in the Lakota Indian language, Trio Tatanka is a breathtaking group of jazz musicians that combines trumpet with piano, drums and voice to tell the story of nature in the wild. Using authentic sensitivity and deep, expressive music, prepare to be transported to far-away plains where the bison graze.

You can catch their extraordinary performance at the Salle du Bellay in SOUILLAC on 25 April at 20:30. 05 65 38 28 08.

Q Other events can be found at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/what’s-on and include • St Patrick’s Day concert, Salle des Fêtes, Concores, 14 Mar • Trail les Côtes du Lot, Pradines, 15 Mar • Capital Choir in Concert,

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Cahors, 20 Mar • Raid Multisport, Béduer, 28 Mar • Concert: Debussy and Jazz, Saint-Céré, 21 Mar • Ultra Trail and VTT,

Cahors, 4 and 5 Apr • Easter egg hunts, Padirac and Rocamadour, 12 Apr • Concours Officiel de Dressage, equestrian, Gourdon, 12 Apr

• Trio Wanderer concert, Cahors, 24 Apr When on our website, if you just enter your region and click search, you will find all types of events.

www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

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Ongoing, portable, flexible What’s more, because it’s a periodical, your study of French is always maintained and you won’t forget what you’ve worked so hard to learn; this is why Bien-dire has become an invaluable, authentic resource for thousands of teachers and students alike.

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GERS

Vines ‘n Wines

what’s the

BUZZ

Some 10 villages come together to celebrate SAINT MONT Vignoble en Fête from 27 to 29 March. Cookery demonstrations, wine tastings and the chance to meet the winemakers awaits you. Don’t forget to drink sensibly and enjoy this friendly, sociable atmosphere. You might even like to try your hand at throwing a beret! For a full programme go to www.plaimont. com/evenement/saint-mont-vignoble-en-fete

GERS

IN TWO PARTS

FLORALS FOR ALL

If you are looking to brighten up your garden, look no further than these two flower festivals. MIRANDE en Fleurs on 15 March includes workshops, advice, conferences and sales and displays of all kinds of flowers and plants. www.mirande.fr The 9th edition of the Foire au Jardinage at PAVIE is another colourful floral extravaganza where you can also pick up new garden tools and seedlings. www.jardipavie.fr

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Held at the L’Astrada in MARCIAC from 21:00 on 21 March, this jazz evening in two parts starts with an improvised and modern jazz performance by Grégory Daltin on accordion and Marco Bardoscia on double bass. This unique encounter allows both musicians to interact freely, using their love of melody and improv as their base. Next up is a concert by Omar Sosa, Ylian Cañizares and Gustavo Ovalles.

Reflecting the perspectives of two generations of Cuban artists, their songs range from being poignant to exuberant and combine poetic sensibilities with originality. 09 64 47 32 29

RUN OR WALK

The Sarah, Petite Princesse Association is holding the Foulée de Sarah walk from 09:30 and a 7 or 14km run from 10:00 on 5 April. Setting out from the Place des Anciennes Arènes in EAUZE, it aims to raise money for the Association and includes paella and refreshments. 07 82 73 23 23.

TZIGANIE!

Excitement is mounting as we await the arrival of the 13th fabulous Welcome in Tziganie festival from 24 to 26 April in SEISSAN. Featuring legendary artists and young virtuosos, it combines the brilliant copper instruments and sounds of the Balkan brass bands with the breath-taking versatility of Romany guitarists.

Together, the different styles mark the richness and diversity of the Romany culture which is unique and totally festive. Films, conferences, exhibitions, music and dance workshops and a host of other attractions join a cultural village.

Free camping and three day passes are available.

05 62 66 12 22.

www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

GERS

ON A CLASSICAL NOTE Born in Toulouse and with a distinction at the Victoires de la Musique classique 2019, Thibaut Garcia is recognised as one of the great guitarists of the moment and is a regular at international festivals. If you are a fan of the classical guitar you won’t want to miss his charming and exceptional concert at L’Abbaye de Flaran at VALENCE-SUR-BAISE on 19 April.

05 62 28 68 40.

WALL ART An unmissable part of the cultural season, the Street’Art’Magnac festival from 13 to 18 April is made special by the graphic designers who come, for this artistic weekend, to paint the walls of EAUZE, creating real works of art. Follow the signposted route to discover works from previous years and marvel at both current and past achievements.

06 84 22 74 68.

BLUES PUNK Sarah McCoy doesn’t sing the blues, she lives it. This soul diva will be performing her charismatic jazz, with a gothic twist, at L’Astrada in MARCIAC from 21:00 on 28 March as part of her Blood Siren Tour. She invites her audience into the painful intimacy of a psychedelic life in an atmospheric evening that is full of both beauty and intensity. A gothic lioness with a heart-breaking voice presents a New Orleans blues-punk storm. 09 64 47 32 29.

Q Other events can be found at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/what’s-on and include • Le bal à Boby dance spectacle, Marciac, 19 and 20 Mar • Théo Ceccaldi violinist, Marciac, 25 Apr • La Baguenaude Motorbike

Race, Marciac, 23 Mar • Concert de Chorales, Monferran-Savès, 28 Mar • Philarmonic Orchestra, L’Isle Jourdain, 25 Apr • Motor and superbike rac-

The Local Buzz • March & April 2020

ing, Nogaro, various dates in Mar and Apr • Spring Randonnée, La Romieu, 28 Mar • Tablao Flamenco, Auch, 28 Mar

• Vice & Versa in concert, Cologne, 10 Apr If you just enter your region on the website and click search, you will find all types of events.

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Now open Sundays

from 10:00 - 12:00 & 14:00 - 18:00

• • • • • • • • •

Roses Hedges Conifers Trees Shrubs Mediterranean plants Perennials Quality plants Landscape advice and realisation

www.jardineriejay.fr Rue des isserts (derrière la gare) Rocade: rond-point de Beyssac MARMANDE Tel: 05.53.64.30.12

Garden centre and gardens open Mon: 14:00 - 18:00 Tues to Sat: 09:00 - 12:00 & 14:00 - 18:00 Sundays: 10:00 – 12:00 & 14:00 – 18:00

TARN ET GARONNE

The 19th edition of the Artist Book Festival opens for nine days from 25 April at SAINT-ANTONINNOBLE-VAL. Recognised for the quality and uniqueness of the art work on display, it is one of the few festivals dedicated exclusively to artist books.

Held by the non-profit Mosaique en Val organisation, it will also include the Salon des Editeurs et des Artists on 25 and 26 April. 28 Exhibitors will be showing contemporary creations and original works made with traditional tools and techniques in various materials such as metal, stone, leather and crystal. www.facebook.com/ festivallivredartiste

IT’S HEAVY If you are into heavy metal rock, you’ll be into this trio of bands at Le Rio Grande in MONTAUBAN at 21:00 on 4 April. Spearheading the French progressive metal scene, Klone has seven studio albums and multiple concert tours across Europe to their credit. Also on the bill is Uncut, an expressive

FEEL THE

BLUES

The Local Buzz • March & April 2020

American rock band displaying touches of Deep Purple, Hendrix and Rage Against the Machine. Joining them is Wood Fence, a powerful rock band that uses strong rhythms, outstanding guitar riffs and interesting vocals.

Samples of their music can be seen and definitely heard at www.rio-grande.fr

what’s the

BUZZ TARN ET GARONNE

FLOWER POWER

TARN ET GARONNE

ART GALORE

The Place Aux Fleurs will be making sure that LAUZERTE looks bloomin’ marvellous on 19 April. With free entry from 09:00 at Place des Cornières, the colourful, fragrant flower market is joined by displays of tools and decorations for the garden, shrubs and trees, games and entertainment for all ages, and a paint and design workshop.

06 47 63 70 79. Around 50 exhibitors will also be offering their trees, shrubs, flowers, plants and garden pots and ornaments at the Fête des Fleurs in LAGUEPIE on 26 Apr. 06 70 28 59 15.

As a major “player” on the international stage, guitarist Melvin Taylor is bringing his unique style of blues to Le Rio Grande at MONTAUBAN at 21:00 on 21 March. Influenced by guitar legends such as Albert King, Wes Montgomery and Jimi Hendrix, he combines Chicago blues with a touch of the great jazz stylists, and plays with dizzying speed, wild abandon and, of course, his faithful wah-wah pedal. www.riogrande.fr

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TARN ET GARONNE

SALAM!

Meaning peace, Cie NGC 25’s production of Salam is a fascinating performance by four contemporary dancers and a talented musician at the Hall de Paris in MOISSAC on 18 March. Promising something very different, it examines the imaginary,

cultural and political borders and obstacles to peace. Using the earth as a symbol of identity and the dancers as the cultivators, able to sow, produce and share, it is sure to set you thinking. www.moissacculture.fr

LET’S HIKE Rando-Pèlerinage is a new adventure from the Adodâne Association and involves a pilgrimage from LAUZERTE to Lourdes. Its aim is to help anyone with reduced mobility to join l’Escargoline on a series of four Grand Randonnées (GR) from 24 March.

The first is GR 65 to Lectoure (81km), the second is GRP to Auch (50km), then GR 635 to Mabourquet (75km) and GR 101 to Lourdes (61km).

The plan is to arrive in Lourdes for les fêtes Pascales on 12 April. www.adodane.fr

GO AIKIDO Michel Bécart Shihan, 7th Dan Aïkikaï of Tokyo is holding an Aïkido workshop at the leisure centre in SAINTANTONIN-NOBLE-VAL from 10:00 to 12:30 and 14:30 to 17:00 on 28 March. All levels

of experience are welcome and the course is in French.

When entering the Dojo, don’t forget your standing bow, it’s an important part of the etiquette. 06 77 75 71 99.

Q Other events can be found at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/what’s-on and include • Tea Dance, Génébrières, 5 Apr • Le Bal des Copines, Bruniquel, 14 Mar • Learn to weave, Bruniquel, 16 to 19 Mar

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and 10 to 13 Apr • Soirée Gourmande, Saint-Sardos, 20 Mar • Easter Egg Hunt, Montpezat-de-Quercy, 13 Apr • Pottery workshop, Pari-

sot, 21 Mar and 25 Apr • Nat’l Dog Show, Monclarde-Quercy, 25 and 26 Apr • Le Grand Chapitre (tradition), Montpezat-deQuercy, 19 Apr

• Randonnée de Pâques, Faudoas, 13 Apr If you just enter your region on the website and click search, you will find all types of events.

www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

Precision & Procedure No two words better describe how to practise French Law.

France, like no other country, is a legal and administrative obstacle course.

This is why when you choose a lawyer to handle a French matter, you need to work with a firm who only specialises in French Law. We have English French-trained lawyers (avocats), living and working in Toulouse.

Being there on the spot is certainly practical, but the secret of Bright Avocats’ success is simple: listening, asking the right questions, and finding the most effective course to a satisfactory conclusion.

+33 (0)5 61 57 90 86 - brightavocats@orange.fr 16 place Saint-Georges 31000 TOULOUSE

www.brightavocats.com

N.HAUTE GARONNE

SLAM DUNK

what’s the

BUZZ

N.HAUTE GARONNE

GOSPEL TOUCH The Gospel Touch Festival is back for its ninth edition at TOURNEFEUILLE from 20 to 22 March. Will Barber opens at L’Escale on Friday with his old school style music inspired by Led Zeppelin, BB King and Motown. On Saturday, One Heart Gospel and Guests meet at the Le Phare for an evening of energy and emotion with traditional

and modern gospel as well as new pop arrangements.

Cyprien Zeni is also holding a gospel masterclass during the day in the Phare red room. On Sunday the velvet-voiced Corneille makes a triumphant return to the stage at Le Phare with songs from his new album. Check out their music at www. gospeltouchfestival.com

EN POINTE One of the most loved ballets in the world, Tchaïkovsky’s Swan Lake (Le Lac des Cygnes), can be seen at the Zenith Metropole in TOULOUSE on 4 April. Elegantly interpreted and performed by a new Russian company, the romantic duets, pas de deux and Dance of the Little Swans take us through the intense, emotional story of Odette and Siegfried. Will there be a happy ending? www.zenith-toulousemetropole.com

Aye Aye Cap’n

You can’t miss this!

The fabulous Harlem Globetrotters will be playing, and performing their amazing tricks, at the Palais des Sports André Brouat in TOULOUSE on 22 March. Now in its 93rd year, this famous basketball team has gone from strength to strength with their amusing, extraordinarily talented approach to the game. Watch Big Easy Lofton, Hi-Lite Bruton, Hammer Harrison and their teammates spin those balls, dribble and run rings around the opposition, and shoot with a dunk straight into the basket. Don’t blink though, you might miss something! www.fnacspectacles.com

Become Captain of your own boat, for a while at least, at Les Ti-Pirates on the Lac de la Base de Loisirs at BRUGUIERES from 11 to 26 April. Sail around the miniature port in your electric tug or Mississippi steamer replica, which can carry between two and four people. Fun, relaxation and great for families as the children can steer and the adults can, well, pedal the engine. www.lestipirates.com

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www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

N.HAUTE GARONNE

TZAR HISTOIRE Forming part of the 2nd edition of Franco-Russian musicals, and adapted from Jules Verne’s famous adventure, the story of The Courier of the Czar (Michel Strogoff) comes to the Halle aux Grains in TOULOUSE on 19 March. Set to music by Jean-François Zygel, the Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse will be performing alongside a number of guest French pianists from 20:00. www.fnacspectacles. com

ASIAN JOURNEY Fancy a trip to Asia? The 13th Made in Asia Festival is all about discovering the reality of contemporary Asia.

Produced by the Tchin-Tchine Association, it combines cinema and exhibitions with concerts, workshops, shows and conferences. It also promises many other surprises at various venues in TOULOUSE from 27 March to 4 April. www. madeinasia.fr

Holà Cuba

Discover Cuban culture through dance, music, exhibitions, film and art at the 3rd Holà Cuba Festival at Hotel Palladia in TOULOUSE from 27 to 29 March. A full and varied programme includes Havana d’Primera in concert, dance workshops, DJ sets and even a fashion show. www.holacubafestival.fr

Q Other events can be found at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/what’s-on and include • Salon Vins et Terroirs, Toulouse, 13 to 15 Mar • Christophe Maé concert, Toulouse, 21 Mar • Salon Seniors Occitanie, Toulouse, 26 Mar

• Festival In Extremis, Toulouse, until 4 Apr • Kelly’s Mashup Concert, Toulouse, 14 Apr • Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, rock concert,

The Local Buzz • March & April 2020

Toulouse, 22 Apr • Foire Internationale de Toulouse, Parc des Expos, 17 to 26 Apr • Les Arts Renaissants concert, 25 Mar, Toulouse

• Salon Vivre Nature, Toulouse, 27 to 29 Mar If you just enter your region on the website and click search, you will find all types of events.

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LET’S GO WILD! Wildlife in the garden has not always been viewed as being particularly welcome but, today, attitudes are definitely changing.

G

arden designers are inspiring us to develop initiatives that encourage wildlife to exist and thrive in our gardens. Only minor adjustments need to be made to improve the wildlife status of most gardens, they don’t have to be totally wild, just incorporate a welcoming area.

For instance, a neglected corner would be an ideal starting point for collecting materials such as logs, twigs and anything that can be recycled.

Wildflower borders or sections of a grassed area are perfect for attracting insects and birds. Choosing plants that have open flower heads help to give these visitors good landing sites.

Many seed packets now show symbols that indicate bee-friendly flowers and wildflower mixes can be bought online. Generally speaking,

it is better to sow wildflower seeds in the autumn so they experience a cold spell over winter, after which they will germinate as soon as it warms up. Of course, there is still time to sow now in early spring.

For best results rake over the ground first, removing as much of the grass and weeds as you can, then sow direct and cover lightly with soil.

Mark the area so the seedlings are easily identified. This area can now be left to go wild until late summer after the seed heads have dried and scattered for next year.

Stunning Humming Bird Hawk Moth

Our Bug Hotel is 5-Star rated!

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BY SUE SARGEANT, PASSIONATE GARDENER, NOVICE WRITER

better way to encourage their involvement in the garden and learn about wildlife.

Our 5-Star Bug Hotel was constructed in 2018 and has been a great addition to our garden. There are many smaller, more modest designs that will fit into a wildlife theme in a smaller garden space or even

a courtyard.

Log Piles Since moving to France I have been amazed at how the French country folk love their wood piles, and how attractive they can look in a garden.

I have seen

Bug Hotel A few years ago no-one would have thought that bug hotels would be given space in our gardens but they are becoming very popular, especially for children. There is no

www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

HOMES + GARDENS such a large variation of stacking styles, even using wood that has been left to season as a division in grazing fields to keep the animals in small enclosures.

Whatever the method or style of stacking, these piles provide a perfect habitat for insects, nesting birds and small creatures. Even a small collection of twigs piled up in the garden will provide hibernation opportunities.

Wildlife Hedge The best hedges are those of a mixed variety that are an attractive feature all year round with berries, flowers and cover for nesting birds.

Hazel and Hawthorne are a good combination if mixed with shrubs such as Photinia

Red Robin and the Evergreen Viburnum Tinus. The Blackbirds just love eating the berries from this shrub, we have one that visits us every day for feeding and also nests here in the spring, quite a family gathering. Hedgerows are also a favourite nesting, breeding and hibernation spot for hedgehogs.

Water Features As well as an attractive garden feature, ponds are a real boost to wildlife gardens. If you are fortunate enough to have a natural water source such as a stream or even a lake, this can be developed to include plants that are suitable for boggy areas which are perfect for wildlife.

If you aren’t so lucky then a

small pond or water feature can still be created if you choose the right site. An open aspect without any nearby trees is best. This will help to avoid leaves falling into the pond, discolouring the water and encouraging algae. The size will depend on the overall size of the garden but try to aim for a minimum of 5m².

A variety of liners are available from butyl, PVC or even concrete. The construction is the fun part, then just wait for the pond life to arrive.

You can find more than 1,000 species of animals in ponds from frogs, toads, newts and water boatmen through to beetles, dragonflies and, of course, regular visitors such as birds and dragonflies.

Hedgehogs love old woodpiles

Birds love eating certain berries

The Local Buzz • March & April 2020

29

HOMES + GARDENS

Early spring gardening jobs Spring is one of the busiest times in the garden.

Prick out seedlings

Sue Sargeant guides us on the jobs to think about right now.

• Prick out seedlings and plant separately in larger pots, ready for planting out in May. Harden off well established seedlings in the cold frame.

• Dead head spring flowering bulbs and make sure you snap off Tulip tips after flowering.

• Move and divide Snowdrops whilst still green.

• Mulch and give shrubs and Roses a general-purpose fertilizer.

Moss is good nesting material

30

• Redefine the edges of the lawns and remove any debris or moss. The moss can be put in old plastic fat ball nets and hung in trees as nesting material for birds.

• Prune shrubs like Hibiscus which flower after June.

Leave early spring flowering shrubs such as Forsythia until they have finished flowering.

• Once new shoots appear, remove last years’ stems from perennials such as Penstemon and Echinacea.

Large clumps of perennials can be divided in spring or autumn and the off-shoots potted up or replanted. Do this every two to three years to keep them flowering.

• Plant out Tomatoes in April when the soil is warm and there is no chance of frost. This can be a bit of a gamble as a cold snap can cause terminal damage to plants. Keep some large plant pots to hand to cover the new plants just in case the temperature drops overnight. Some gardeners leave planting out until May to be sure.

NEWS

NOTEW

ORTHY

BUZZ BITS

A few news snippets of interest to our region

BREXIT DEAL CARDS We realise that many nationalities read The Local Buzz but Britons, in particular, have just experienced a major transition. Amidst the reassurances came this from President Macron, “I am thinking of the hundreds of thousands of French citizens in the UK and British citizens in France who are wondering about their rights and their future. I assure them that we will protect them”.

As part of future planning the French Government has announced that it will be opening a new website for applications for new “Brexit deal” residency cards in France in July 2020. This will replace the now defunct “nodeal” site and will facilitate applications, which are expected to be free of charge, for the Titre de Séjour: Accord de Retrait du Royaume-Uni de l’UE.

Clothes Go Eco Shopping for clothes here in France? Then keep your eyes open for new labels categorising clothing from A to E, depending on how environmentally friendly the garment is. The reference denotes the carbon footprint of produc-

tion and transportation, the amount of water used in its production and the toxicity levels of both the fabric and the dye. As with electrical appliances, category A is the best and the most eco-friendly. The labelling is expected to be mandatory within the next two years. Aimed at both the consumer and the manufacturers, it is hoped that the new system will help everyone to think a little differently about how clothing affects the environment.

The Local Buzz • March & April 2020

Allez Cachahuète!

Could this be the end of the hazelnut-shaped (round) roundabout as we know it? A peanut-shaped version in the north-west of France is proving to be very successful. As well as improving visibility when approaching, joining and leaving the junction, the shape appears to be slowing traffic down and aiding a smooth transition. Not only that but the longer lorries, which often find the tight turning circle of the traditional shape difficult to manoeuvre, are finding it easier to keep in their lane, which means less accidents with cars.

GASCONY TREAT It was good news for Ian Parker, the winner of the Chateau Bellevue Gascony Treat competition in our November/ December issue. What a wonderful surprise” he exclaimed, “we were over the moon once the news had sunk in, could not believe our good luck! A great start to 2020, and something to look forward to amidst the woes of Brexit and waiting to have a new house built.”

Enjoy!

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Making the most of What could be more wonderful? A beautiful venue, delicious food and wine, and the love of your life, right here in South West France.

W

hether you are single, divorced, widowed, same-sex or heterosexual, multi-racial or multi or non-religious, there are more ways to form a committed relationship here in France than there are colours in a box of confetti.

MA RRI AG E

French weddings can go on for days, starting with the civil marriage at the Mairie, then the ceremonial wedding which might follow a day later to include a religious, non-religious or multi-faith service.

Of course, there’s criteria to be met and, if you can’t, you may have to reside in the commune where you are to be married for at least 30 days.

It could be worse! Think of all the fun you can have planning, shopping and preparing for the big day!

Or maybe you can just deal French weddings start with the civil marriage at the Mairie

32

with the paperwork and, as you might expect, there’s quite a lot of it. As well as the usual justicatifs (passport, birth certificate and electricity bill if you live here), you will need details of your witnesses and the contrat de mariage (often called the prenuptual agreement), complete with Certificate du Notaire.

If you aren’t French you may also be asked for a Certificate de Célibat to confirm you are free to marry, and a Certificat de Coutume from your home country to say that you can be married legally. Anyone divorced or widowed will, obviously, have to provide relevant proof.

again” at a notaire to ensure the right terms for their own circumstances.

French law offers a number of contracts. The Régime Légal de Communauté Réduite aux Acquêts is where whatever you owned before marriage or which you inherit during the marriage remains yours, and anything acquired during the marriage is owned jointly.

The Communauté Universelle ensures that everything before and after marriage is jointly owned and goes directly to the spouse. The Séparation de Biens means each spouse retains their own assets separately. A visit to a notaire will sort out which is right for you.

THE CONTRACT

PACS

The contract is a very important aspect of a French marriage. In fact, even when married couples move here many choose to “marry

More and more unmarried couples are choosing the Pacs (Pacte Civil de Solidarité) as a legally binding way to show their commitment. Originally designed to suit the needs of same sex couples, Pacs is now very popular amongst heterosexuals too.

Favoured by many divorcees, widowers and young people, it doesn’t affect the inheritance rights of dependents, yet allows for inclusion in the couples taxation system, for example, and is easier to dissolve than a civil marriage.

Interestingly around 40% of cancelled Pacs are because couples have decided to marry, an event which automatically dissolves the Pacs agreement.

NON-SECULAR OR MULTI-FAITH “If you consider yourself to be more spiritual than religious or are looking for a beautiful fusion ceremony that incorporates elements of two different faiths, then an interfaith minister/celebrant would be an ideal choice” says Akasha Lonsdale-Deighton, Interfaith Minister/Celebrant.

“Each bespoke ceremony can be carefully crafted to reflect your uniqueness as a couple. It is also the perfect option if one partner wants to include a religious element (perhaps to please family). Whatever the reason, the ceremony will be infused with spirituality and conducted with great warmth and professionalism. A legal marriage is still required but vows and rings can be exchanged at your special ceremony.” www.simplydivineceremonies.com

www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

WEDDING SPECIAL

f your special day

Sealed with a kiss

LET’S C ELEBRAT E!

Following the official marriage at the Mairie, there are a host of options for the celebrations, from châteaux and vineyards to salle des fêtes and even taking over a gîte complex for a complete weekend.

For some brides, organising the wedding is all part of the fun. For others, they prefer the ease that comes with a wedding planner. Many salle des fêtes and some châteaux provide nothing but the

venue, and wedding planners really do come into their own with knowledge about venues and suppliers, as well as customs, traditions and, of course, the language!

They will know their industry inside out and may well save you money and disappointment as a result. For instance, did you know that many wedding dresses are hired rather than bought, and will you know which flowers are best for both the venue and the temperatures at that time of year?

The Local Buzz • March & April 2020

BUDGETS, VENUES AND FLOWERS

A wonderful day at any time of life

Given her years of experience, we asked Sarah Thomas of And Then We Got Married and MAISON PETALI about planning a destination wedding. She also gave us some great insights into floral considerations.

“The absolute first thing to do is set your budget; even before you’ve decided on the location”, she advises.

“Every single one of the

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Ambient lighting sets the scene

planning decisions made after this point should be made with your budget in mind.

“We’ve worked a lot with couples wanting a wedding in a private property and, often, they’re surprised that the total spend for their DIY location usually exceeds what we’d calculate for an established wedding venue.

“The reason is simple: a private property isn’t equipped for events. As a minimum, you need to consider sanitary facilities (we work on a minimum ratio of one toilet to 50 guests), a generator, marquees in case of bad weather, and a prep area for the caterer. You also need to think about lighting as well as other logistics such as parking, signage etc. Once this initial work is complete and the venue has been selected, we can get on with the fun part, safe in the knowledge that there won’t be any financial stress later on.

“One of my favourite areas of the planning process is

the décor and florals”, she enthuses. “The first thing to consider is seasonality. You can, sometimes, obtain floral varieties outside of their natural season. However, do consider why they bloom naturally at a certain time of year. Anemone, for example, is a popular choice but put this fragile spring flower into the harsh summer sun and it won’t last long!

“Even some summer varieties can struggle; hydrangeas are abundant in the summer but they prefer a shady spot.

Once cut and placed in a bouquet or floral arch with no constant water source, they start looking sad very quickly.

The same goes for the beautiful but fragile sweet pea; these would be a disaster in a bouquet or boutonnière on a hot day!

“Certain key blooms are virtually impossible to find out of season. Peonies, for example, are very tricky to find in France post July. However, there are excellent alter-

natives to peonies, such as David Austin roses, and only a flower connoisseur will know the difference!

“If you’re planning on doing your wedding florals yourself” she concludes, “I’d advise taking some time to fully research your favourite florals, taking into account these key points, to avoid disappointment on the big day.” www.maisonpetali.com, www.andthenwegotmarried.com

Flowers add a special touch

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www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

MAKIN G M EMO RI ES Jeff Ross, professional photographer, gives us this insight into the history of wedding photography.

“Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were probably the most famous to issue the first wedding photos, having recreated their event 14 years after the 1840 ceremony.

The photo went global and the relatively new studio portrait industry found a ready supply of couples wanting to pose for a wedding carte de visit or cabinet card albumen print.”

He adds, “In the mid-1940’s, enthusiastic amateurs and demobbed military photographers, now armed with roll film, smallish cameras and flashbulbs, turned up at churches and registry offices, taking and selling photos to the happy couple. The static studio specialists had no

WEDDING SPECIAL

option but to join them at the ceremonies and the professional wedding photographic industry was born.

“As film became cheaper and more readily available, more elements were captured, first in monochrome and then colour. To the already popular formal group and portraits, the professional added the now standard bride arriving, bridesmaids, dress, flowers, signing the register, aisle procession, the departure and cake cutting, all produced and placed in order in the ubiquitous album.

“However”, Jeff explains, “for an industry whose income was directly linked to prints sold, there still weren’t enough shots and it wasn’t long before at home, soft focus, overlays and gimmick shots, as well as portable studios for the reception were created. By the 1980’s studios were producing sets of 80-100

prints for a tiny booking fee, earning their money from large sales of prints, reprints, frames and albums.

“Soon there was a swing to more informal wedding coverage and, with the advent of SLR, capturing the wedding in a documentary, photo-journalistic style became popular.

The pictures had more life, action and mood about them, even more so now we have digital photography. Available in colour, monochrome and spot colour, hundreds of pictures are delivered on a memory stick, allowing those happy memories to be shared via the internet.

“Without doubt,” he says, “you will have a wish list of shots for your wedding day and it’s important to itemise these thoroughly. Your photographer should have some brilliant, innovative ideas too!” www.jeffanddebzphotography. com

If you would like to improve your own photography skills, take a look at Jeff’s article in the July/August 2018 issue of The Local Buzz at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/read-online or in advice in /articles

The Local Buzz • March & April 2020

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Fizz

BUZZING CONTENT

for any occasion

With a distinctive hare logo, Château Lestevénie is known for its Lestevénie Brut adds a delicious touch to a wedding.

W

e asked Sue and Humphrey to explain why this wine, in particular, is so different and why it’s proving to be very popular at weddings and special events.

Sue tells us, “It wasn’t until 2015, when our son announced he was going to be married later that year that we thought of making sparkling wine. Humphrey makes a lovely dry wine from Semillon and Muscadelle grapes and it set us thinking.

Of course we knew that we could make fizzy wine simply by pumping carbon dioxide into it but we wanted a much more refined result. In order to make sparkling wine by the traditional method (which is what it must be called outside

the Champagne region), you make your wine, send it to your chosen company who bottle it and then add a tiny dose of yeast and sugar to allow it to produce a secondary fermentation which creates a natural fizz. The process takes several months.

We chose a long established company near Bordeaux who mature the wine in limestone caverns, whilst turning the bottles every so often. They collected our wine in January and, with the wedding mid-July, we checked on progress in June. We knew the traditional method takes months but we had not realised that the French rule of eight months is absolute, so we couldn’t have the

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full-flavoured wines and is now highly recognised for its special Brut using the traditional method.

Sue and Humphrey Temperley

wine in time! The wedding guests drank our other wines and the sparkling Lestevénie Brut waited until their baby was born a year later. It was worth the wait!

“Since then,” she adds, “it has become one of our most popular wines and is a great favourite during our vineyard tours through orchid filled meadows with hares, deer, butterflies and nightingales singing in our woods. In fact, it makes for such a magical tasting afternoon that more

and more wedding couples are now sending their guests along to enjoy the experience as part of their wedding weekend.”

“We had the most amazing time at our wedding last weekend and the wine was just the icing on the cake.

We can’t thank you enough for providing our guests with such delicious Lestévenie wine”. Ashley and Matt

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Fresh flavours and a traditional stew make this meal a treat for

Easter F any occasion, especially Easter

Fresh asparagus in a creamy sauce with puff pastry

A heart-warming Navarin of lamb

Not far from Bordeaux, Le Gargantua Cooking School offers hands-on cooking and patisserie classes for cooks who want to learn both technique as well as recipes in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. Run by Frenchborn Marlène Deparis, the residential courses cover traditional, every-day and dinner-party food. Here she gives us some recipes to try at home.

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Vol-au-Vent aux Asperges

(Serves 4) 24 Thin green asparagus 8 Thin white asparagus Puff pastry 1 Egg 20g Butter 20g Flour 250ml Good vegetable stock or milk Preheat oven to 190°C. Trim and peel the asparagus.

Cook in boiling salted water according to size (about 3-4 min if 1 cm in diameter). Cut out eight 8 cm disks in the

puff pastry. Cut out 7 cm disks in the center of four of them, to make rings. With water, wet 1 cm all around the disks, and stick the rings onto them.

Refrigerate until firm, then quickly egg-wash the surface of the rings before cooking in the oven until risen and brown (about 20 mins).

Make a bechamel: melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the flour, cook on low heat while whisking, take off the heat before it starts to colour. Progressively add stock or milk, place back on low heat, stir-

ring constantly. Let it thicken and take off the heat when it starts to boil. Season.

Reheat the asparagus briefly in a frying pan with butter.

Cut the asparagus spears to size and place in the puff pastry baskets filled with bechamel, and scatter the cuttings on the plate, drizzle with the butter from the pan.

Navarin d’Agneau

(Serves 6) 1.5kg Lamb (neck or shoulder or both), cubed 2 Onions, finely chopped

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FOOD + DRINK

r Feast Pears and almonds combine to make a delicious dessert

12 Young carrots 12 Young turnips 5 Spring onions 500g Peas in the pod Radishes 1 Bouquet garni (thyme, bay leaf, parsley stalks) 2 Garlic cloves, peeled and chopped 2 tbs Duck fat or oil 1 Lge glass dry white wine 1 Tin chopped tomatoes 2 tbs Tomato concentrate 750ml to 1L Chicken stock Preheat the oven to 180°C. Melt the fat in a heavy bottomed pan. Season the meat with salt. When the pan is hot, brown the meat on all sides and reserve in a bowl. Sweat the onions, add the garlic, return the meat to the pan. Deglaze with white wine, reduce until the almost dry. Add the cubed tomatoes, tomato paste, enough stock to cover the meat and the bouquet garni. Cook in the oven for 1h to 1h30.

Cook the vegetables separately: Throw the turnips into boiling salted water. After 8 mins add the carrots. 10 mins later add the peas, radishes and spring onions. Cook for 6 to 8 mins. Drain and cool in iced water, drain again then add to the stew.

Reheat very gently for 10-15 mins before serving. Do not forget to adjust the season-

ing before serving (salt and pepper).

Gratin de Poire aux Amandes

(Serves 4) 2 Pears, peeled and halved 1L Water 500g Sugar Juice of 1 lemon 1 tsp Vanilla extract For the Almond Cream: 2 Eggs 100g Ground almonds 100g Unsalted butter 100g Sugar ½ tsp Rum or a few drops almond essence 2 or 3 tbs Apricot jam Poach the pears in a syrup made with the water, sugar, vanilla and lemon juice for 1015 mins (until tender). Drain and leave to cool. Cream the butter with a spatula or whisk.

Add the sugar and whisk until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mix gently. Add the rum or essence, then the almonds.

Fill individual dishes half-way with the almond cream, add the pear halves, scatter with flaked almonds and bake for 20 mins, until the gratins brown. Melt the apricot jam in the microwave, strain and use to paint the gratins as they come out of the oven.

Leave to cool before serving. www.legargantua.com

The Local Buzz • March & April 2020

Merlot Magic John Gilchrist is a former UK Sommelier of the Year and winner of the Mondavi award for the best wine list in the world.

What is there not to like about Merlot? It’s soft, juicy, plummy, spicy and generally yummy. The Northern Gironde region of Blaye AOC is one of the oldest wine producing areas in the Bordeaux region, exporting wine well before the more famous Medoc region was planted. Wine critics rave about the wines in this often forgotten area known for great Merlot.

North of the town of Blaye, in the commune of Fours, are the award winning wines of Château Haut-Canteloup.

The Cuvée Prestige is a real gem. 90% Merlot, a deep ruby colour with a nose of sugary baked plums, gentle vanilla, spice and blackberry compote on the palate, with super silky tannin. chateau-haut-canteloup.com.

In North Gironde, in SaintPalais, you will find the talented Alexia Eymas at Château Maison-Neuve. The 95% Cuvée Clotilde is everything

that Blaye Merlot should be.

A deep, vibrant, garnet colour with aromas of jammy, black and red fruits. As soft as a wine can be on the palate, with a sweet plum and gentle, toasted oak finish. chateau-maisonneuve.com West of Blaye in the commune of St Mariens, Château Le Camplat and the talented Marion Reculet produce the Cuvée Prestige 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. The nose is sweet black cherry and raspberry with hints of woody vanilla. The palate is mocha, plums and cedar with a slice of spicy fruitcake, and ends with nice curranty, dry and soft tannins. chateaulecamplat.com John runs Les Caulins, a gîte and cookery school in SW France, with his wife (and chef) Emma. www.lescaulins.com Choose Merlot for a soft, fruity, juicy and spicy wine

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FOOD + DRINK Caroline and Pascal Alix of Restaurant Caro & Co in Bazas, Gironde, are true lovers of cuisine, bringing a delicious element of surprise to their menu with fresh, seasonal, organic and local ingredients.

Prawn Tartare and a Medley of Vegetables

Traditional & Modern French Cuisine for Spring PRAWN TARTARE, MEDLEY OF VEGETABLES AND CRISPY PUFF PASTRY • VEGETABLE MEDLEY 1 each of Black, yellow and orange carrots 1 Pink radish 1 Yellow cauliflower 1 Yellow beetroot 1 Green meat radish 1 Blue meat radish 2 tbs Olive oil 1 tbs White balsamic vinegar Pinch of salt and pepper Wash the vegetables, peel the

root vegetables thinly with a potato peeler, place in ice to retain their crunch. Before dressing strain vegetables and season with the oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.

• PUFF PASTRY 4 Puff pastry circles (8cm dia) Preheat the oven to 190°C, lay the pastry circles on baking paper on a non-stick oven tray, add a second baking paper sheet on top and a second oven tray to prevent the pastry from rising. Cook for 12 mins until golden

“Everything we do is homemade with love”

brown, leave to cool.

• PRAWN TARTAR 400gr Prawns (raw) 1 tbs Lemon juice or yuzu 2 tbs Olive oil 1 tsp Crushed pink peppercorns 2 Pinches salt and ground pepper Peel the prawns and chop roughly. In a bowl, combine oil, lemon juice and peppercorns, add salt and pepper. Add prawns and chill until needed.

• CURRY MAYONNAISE

4 tbs Mayonnaise 1 tsp Mild curry powder 1 tsp Honey Combine all ingredients.

• TO DRESS Fresh herbs (dill, mustard leaves, coriander) and edible flowers 4 tbs Cauliflower nibs (floret tips) Place the prawn tartare on top of the pastry shell. Delicately add the sliced vegetables, cauliflower nibs and herbs, garnish with mayonnaise. www.restaurantcaroandco.fr

Caroline has also let us have her recipes for Steak Tartare with Apple and Mustard and Local Grilled Beef with Crispy Potato Tubes which can be found online at www.thelocalbuzzmag. com/articles, together with details of where to find the more unusual ingredients mentioned.

Grilled Beef with Crispy Potato Tubes

Find this Steak Tartare recipe online

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MOMBRIER H

EXCIDEUIL H

LALBENQUE

The trees are starting to bud, more cafés are open, there’s no better time to discover the pretty villages that make up our wonderful region.

H

SAINT MAURIN H

H LAFRANCAISE

H FRONTON LOMBEZ H

7 WONDERS OF THE REGION LOMBEZ

EXCIDEUIL Originally developed around a 10th-century monastery, the remains of which are now a gothic church, EXCIDEUIL in Dordogne sits peacefully in the River Loue valley. A walk around will reveal a pretty town square, 16, 17 and 18th-century houses with an abundance of architectural styles, plus a château perched high on a rocky hillside, and the ancient Commanderie des Templiers. It is also home to one of the oldest buildings in the department, the imposing Couvent des Cordeliers which dates back to around the 12th-century.

The beautiful cathedral at LOMBEZ in Gers shares similarities with the Church of the Jacobins of Toulouse in that both were built in the 14th-century and have tapering steeples, Toulouse floors and two parallel naves separated by a central row of columns. An historic monument, this brick church has an ornate, five-tiered pink and white octagonal bell tower dating back to 1346.

Don’t miss the three stunning

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www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

OUT + ABOUT

SAINT MAURIN

ROQUECOR

MOMBRIER 15th and 16th-century glass panels in the chevet depicting scenes from the Life of Christ and the Passion.

With six châteaux, an ancient tower and a 12th-century church, there’s plenty to see at MOMBRIER in Gironde.

Various tools found on the hills around the Moulin de Puybarbe date the village back to prehistoric times but most of the architecture is now Gallo-Roman and medieval. Originally five-sided, the church was made more symmetrical in 1864 with the addition of an apse to the south and sacristy to the west. The 12th-century part is now a historic monument and includes geometric, plant and animal modillions in the north apse.

to the village, and make sure you see the round dovecote complete with skylight. The 15th-century Saint-Quintin church features a decorative altar, a single nave with side chapels and a triumphal arch with carved capitals on either side depicting Saint John’s eagle and Saint Mark’s lion.

As the only village in France with this name, picturesque SAINT MAURIN in Lot et Garonne welcomes you with half-timbered houses and an 11th-century abbey. Built

by Benedictine monks, the original abbey was destroyed during the the Albigensian

LALBENQUE

Crusade, before being rebuilt then destroyed again in the Hundred Years War. Another rebuild followed a century later but it was then attacked by the Huguenots. Parts of the abbey, with its stone relief art, still stand by the village square and are being restored. Other sights include the 17th-century hall, the old well and the castle tower with battlements.

A realistic, painted soldier marks the site of the war memorial in ROQUECOR in Tarn et Garonne, a tiny village perched on top of a hill that is virtually built around one street. With great views over the countryside and pretty houses, it is an ideal location for a stroll, taking in the church with its rose window.

Many of the houses still have their original arcades, whilst

others show pictures of how they used to look. Don’t be fooled by the Mairie with its “medieval tower” though, it was actually built in the 19th-century.

Famous for its wines, FRONTON in Haute Garonne is home to some of the oldest vineyards, with the first vines being planted by the Romans.

The typical Fronton grape that we know today, the Négrette, appeared in the 12th-century. Originally known as the Mavro and brought back from Cyprus, the grapes were owned by the order of St John of Jerusalem (Order of Malta), hence you can expect to see a Maltese Cross or two. Today, there’s a huge selection of randonnées to be enjoyed as well as Géocaching (a GPS treasure hunt) and, of course, the odd dégustation or two.

FRONTON

If you have an interest in archaeology, then a visit to LALBENQUE in Lot will certainly not disappoint. With several ancient dolmen, it also features Merovingian tombs dating back to 1010. A magnificent carved stone cross can be found at the entrance

The Local Buzz • March & April 2020

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PROPERTY “If children, adults and pets can’t access the pool area, they can’t fall in”

Andy Wigley, Director at Ammonite Design

Making a clear case for pool safety

Andy Wigley, Director at Ammonite Design, explains why glass fencing is definitely worth a look.

T

here are several levels of pool security ranging from none to poolside alarms, pool covers, sliding enclosures and fencing. The one that is right for you will depend on a number of factors.

“For instance”, explains Andy, “how far away is the pool and will you hear the alarm if someone is mowing or you are playing loud music? Small babies don’t float and, because the alarm will only sound once someone has fallen in, you need to think about how much time you will have to reach them safely. In addition, it’s not unknown for alarms to go

off randomly and for them to be switched off all together.

“Retractable pool covers and sliding Abris (enclosures) are a good solution but they are only effective against accidents when they are closed.

Most users open them in the morning and close them at night, leaving them unattended in the meantime.

“Metal fencing can be unattractive and ineffective too, especially if they have ugly posts and bars that can be used to climb over.”

A CLEAR SOLUTION “With 35 years of experience in the glass industry and with a pool and grandchildren of our own” he adds, “we realised that glass can provide an ideal solution.

With no handrails or posts, it is virtually invisible and gives you unobstructed views into the pool or out across the countryside. Reducing the wind in and around the pool, glass even helps to retain water temperatures by reducing evaporation and wind cooling. Self-closing gates

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and a self-latching, lockable mechanism ensures top level security.”

Andy continues, “We are often asked if we can supply coloured glass but the rules around safety are very strict and the associated regulations stipulate that the glass should be completely clear without signage, colour or any form of obscurity. We can treat it with a thin polymer coating which means that it can be cleaned easily with a hose or jet spray but, generally speaking, it requires no more cleaning than the windows in a house.

“As the glass is clear, people also ask what happens if a child runs into it or someone who has had one or two too many walks into it. Firstly, the metal parts at the base are visible and make this

pretty unlikely but the glass is very strong and a person, although bruised, would bounce off. In fact, I have stood two meters away from the toughened glass and fully driven a golf and cricket ball at it.

The glass didn’t break and the ball came right back at me, it’s a good job I ducked.”

As with any top of the range product, the technology and design comes at a price.

Toughened glass, precision engineered parts, installation and experience add up to a safety solution that is contemporary and aesthetically pleasing whilst being effective 24/7. This is especially true for those whose pools are at the end of the garden, who run a gîte or hotel, or for families with children and/or grandchildren. www.glasspoolfencing.co.uk

It is sobering to realise that, according to the latest NOYADES survey by Santé France Publique, accidental drownings amongst children under six years old rose from 180 in 2015 to 332 in 2018. The majority of fatal drownings took place in a private family pool.

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LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR

Themed gîtes are becom-

A beautiful setting at Mauroux, Lot

ing more and more popular but Maison de Lunel, which has been in the making for two and a half years, has taken it to a whole new level.

Maison de Lunel

Yours to Discover E

The former tractor and animal food store

Comfort ensures a good night’s sleep

xperiential in nature and designed to be a haven where people can escape and rediscover themselves, this massive project has involved a major change in lifestyle and an enormous restoration.

A labour of love born out of their best experiences from the many places they have stayed as part of their “previous corporate lives”, Ross and Neil Beckley have transformed a set of old buildings into a luxurious, relaxing retreat that offers a wide variety of courses to truly nourish the mind, body and soul.

The Beginning “It all started in 2016”, explains Ross, “with a lazy conversation about what’s next and where. Neil had always wanted to move to France and we had a yearning to create a boutique retreat so, a few days later, we were on our way to Toulouse to view 15 properties.

“At the time we were living in

The Local Buzz • March & April 2020

Dubai, running a small events business so you can see how serious we took this thirst for change and an improved lifestyle. Having travelled extensively with our work we were looking for something very special, a place where we would want to stay, and somewhere where people could escape to and rediscover themselves.

“As with all the best laid plans, our checklist of musthaves went completely out of the window when we first saw Lunel. Driving through the gates, we could see the potential immediately but, more than that, we fell in love with the place with its far reaching views and 35 acres of designated Natural Area. However, it only had 3 bedrooms, not the 12 en-suites we were looking for, but it did have an amazing stable block and a striking old barn.”

The accommodation, which is ideal for weddings as well as courses and private parties,

47

LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR

The multi-purpose studio

now comprises 10 spacious ensuite bedrooms, including two self-contained apartments and two small cottages. The stone barn was blitzed and now offers a 120m² multi-purpose studio space with fabulous French oak floors and dramatic albeit ambient lighting, whilst the former tractor and animal food store has become the communal dining room with a professional kitchen that’s ideal for external traiteurs. The design is chic and elegant and peppered

with furniture and decorative objects from small businesses and artisans from the local area as well as international craftsmen and women.

The heated swimming pool and large covered terrace combine with a lounge area and cinema wall to provide relaxation, and the professional gym offers a treadmill, bike and elliptical trainer. There’s even an infra-red sauna.

Mind, Body and Soul

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weight loss coach, and currently training to be a natural juice therapist, Ross is keen to help people discover the tools and knowledge to make a long term shift towards better physical and mental wellbeing. “No one visits us without sampling the juice of the day, especially the apple, lemon and ginger shooter”.

However, it’s not all about nutrition and lifestyle, the mind is catered for too with self-help, painting, amateur dramatics, creative writing and crafting opportunities.

“Course leaders, practitioners and teachers who are looking for a dedicated venue for their experiential courses are encouraged to come and take a look.” adds Ross. “Yours to Discover is our philosophy and, as part of our service, we take care of the menus and catering, relaxation and spa treatments, airport transfers

and, if required, bespoke excursions. The course leaders can even have their own separate accommodation to experience some private down-time.

“We have courses planned from yoga, natural juice detox and naturopathy to cycling, making natural cosmetics and mindfulness. ‘The Best Ever You – Unlock your Power and Claim your Potential’ at the end of June, for example, is an inspirational 6-day retreat for women. It aims to help women to push themselves beyond what they thought they were capable of, and understand that they are only bound by the limits they create.”

Run by a certified health and life coach with over 10 years’ experience, this is typical of the forward-thinking philosophy behind Maison de Lunel.

Experiential? Definite www.maisondelunel.com

LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR Anke de Bruijn has found her vocation

Experiencing the “slap echo” effect

Creating a

Magical vocal experience

Having experienced the joy of singing in ancient churches during a week’s holiday in France herself, Anke de Bruijn has developed a holiday retreat business with song at its core.

“W

hen looking at setting up a business here in South West France, I wanted something that would inspire me and, at the same time, help vocalists to improve their voice whilst experiencing the most wonderful moments possible.

Singing with others is both energising and uplifting but, add an ancient church into the mix and you have something truly magical”, explains Anke. “There really is nothing quite like it and I knew I had found my vocation. Singing Holidays was born.

“I was also in the perfect location. Dating back to the Knights Templars, Richard the Lionheart and the days pre-100 Years Wars, there are hundreds of stunning Romanesque churches in the Lot, many of which are closed to the public. Thankfully, the local Diocese granted special permission to our singers and we rehearse in a different medieval church every day.

with a slap, quite literally. Believed to be the sound of angels’ wings back in the 5th-Century, the ‘slap echo’ is when sound bounces off stone walls. To every “TA”, there is a softer, resonating “ta-ta” and the acoustics really are heavenly.

“This is what is known as the ‘chorus effect’, the fuller sound created by reverberation. It not only makes you sound better but it makes you sing better. To be technical for a moment”, she explains, “if you sing and hold a note in a ‘dry’ space where there is no resonance and you go slightly off pitch, you will hear it immediately. The sandstone walls create a ‘wet’ space with plenty of reverberation where the sound bounces back and forth, holding the original pitch and you can, in theory, tune to your own voice and sing in key. Your voice comes back to you, bolder and richer creating an almost out of body experience.”

THE SLAP

“Nerve tingling, awe-inspiring and emotional, singing in these churches transforms the voice

The Local Buzz • March & April 2020

THE BUSINESS

“When considering how I could attract my target audience, I knew that the We rehearse in a different church every day

choral singing and vocal coaching would be a vital part of the offering but I also realised I had to make sure that the package ensured a rounded experience. Couple the singing with mild weather, beautiful scenery, French food and wine, and the comradeship that comes with a choir and you have a wonderful themed holiday.

There is time for relaxation by the pool and even some sight-seeing too. Recognising that different people have different requirements in terms of accommodation I provide contact links so they can make their own arrangements, whether it be self-catering gîtes or bed and breakfast, etc.

“People come from all over Europe as well as North America and Australia and each class and rehearsal is conducted in English,” Anke adds. “To make the most of their time with us, our guests receive the score, sheet music and mp3’s before they arrive. This means that we can start the fun part straight away, singing together and perfecting the choir in time for our final concert, a public performance in one of the churches.” www.singingholidaysfrance.com

“Singing in these churches transforms the voice with a ‘slap’, quite literally” 49

PENSIONS UPDATE FINANCE

ANDR E A GLO V ER & TO NY DE LVAL L E INTE R NATIO N AL FINANCIAL ADVISER S

Potential changes and new rules in the UK have raised a number of concerns around the subject of retirement planning.

T

ony Delvalle and Andrea Glover are International Financial Advisers at The Spectrum IFA Group. We asked them what are the current top three ‘hot topics’ with clients, particularly affecting retirees.

UK STATE PENSIONS

Andrea commented, “The withdrawal of the UK from the EU has obviously been an area of concern regarding UK State pensions. Now the Withdrawal Agreement has come into force, it is reassuring that those covered by the Agreement will continue to benefit from aggregation of periods worked in the UK and EU, and those not yet retired will have the same benefits as current claimants.”

Tony went on to say, “UK State Pensions will be uprated every year whilst residing in France.

This will happen even if you start claiming your pension after 1 January 2021, as long as you meet qualifying conditions.”

UK PROPERTIES

Many people coming to live in France often decide not to sell their UK home, instead renting the property out to supplement their pension income. Tony explained, “We are frequently asked if this is sensible as a form of investment. Whilst there is often an emotional tie to a former home, or perhaps a client wants to keep the option of returning to their UK home, there can be punitive tax consequences to such a decision, should they then decide to sell the property as a French tax resident.”

Tony continued, “The sale of a UK property has to be declared

in both the UK and France. Although under the UK/France double tax treaty you receive a credit in France for any UK tax paid, French residents can also pay social charges on gains arising on the disposal of a UK property. There are also new rules effective from April 2020 in the UK, making such a decision even less attractive.”

Andrea summarised by saying “It really is important to speak to a Financial Adviser, particularly if you haven’t yet made the final move to France.

Dependent on personal circumstances, it may be more beneficial to sell their property and invest in a more tax efficient investment vehicle such as an Assurance Vie.”

QUALIFYING RECOGNISED OVERSEAS PENSION SCHEMES (QROPS) Tony told us that many of their clients have taken advantage of a QROPS, which enables consolidation of UK pension policies and which has attractive tax and inheritance tax

advantages for French tax residents. QROPS can also offer multi-currency flexibility.

Andrea commented, “Many clients currently considering moving their pensions are querying if there are to be any changes in QROPS legislation, in view of Brexit. Our stance on this is that we believe it is highly likely that the UK Government will, after the transition period, impose a 25% tax charge on future transfers to a QROPS, making them less desirable. So, although they may not be suitable for everyone, don’t risk leaving it too late or you may face the 25% charge.”

The article above is provided for information purposes only based on our understanding of current French tax law. It does not constitute advice or a recommendation from The Spectrum IFA Group to take any particular action to mitigate the effects of any potential changes in French tax legislation.

I’m retiring in France but I have UK assets, what are my options?

Andrea can be contacted on 06 77 99 86 74 or email andrea.glover@spectrum-ifa.com Tony can be contacted on 06 89 02 84 74 or email tony.delvalle@spectrum-ifa.com TSG Insurance Services S.A.R.L. • Siège Social: 34 Bd des Italiens, 75009 Paris • R.C.S. Paris B 447 609 108 (2003B04384) « Société de Courtage d’assurances » « Intermédiaire en opération de Banque et Services de Paiement » Numéro d’immatriculation 07 025 332 – www.orias.fr « Conseiller en investissements financiers », référencé sous le numéro E002440 par ANACOFI-CIF, association agréée par l’Autorité des Marchés Financiers »

50

www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

FRENCH LESSON

Buzz Words...

Here are some useful words and phrases that are specifically relevant to the features in this issue. Allons-y!

Weddings

May we throw confetti /rose petals here?

Peut-on lancer des confettis / pétales de rose ici ?

We would like to arrive in a horse and cart/chauffeur driven limousine Nous aimerions arriver en calèche / en limousine conduite par un chauffeur

How much is it to hire this dress/suit/outfit?

Combien coûte la location de cette robe / de ce costume / de cette tenue ?

May I take photographs in here?

Puis-je prendre des photos ici?

We would like to be married again under French law

Hi, I’m Ju les!

Learn Fre nch with me!

(You don’t pronounc e the ‘s’.)

Nous aimerions nous marier à nouveau en vertu de la loi française Can we decorate the venue the day before?

Pouvons-nous décorer la salle la veille ?

Is it okay if we tidy up the day after?

Est-il possible de faire le rangement le lendemain

Food & Drink

Is white/green asparagus in season now?

Les asperges blanches / vertes sont-elles de saison maintenant ?

How much does that lamb neck/shoulder weigh?

Combien pèse ce cou / cette épaule d’agneau?

Which is your favourite/most expensive/cheapest Merlot wine?

Quel est votre vin Merlot préféré / le plus cher / le moins cher ?

Do you have dill, mustard leaves, coriander and edible flowers?

Avez-vous de l’aneth, des feuilles de moutarde, de la coriandre et des fleurs comestibles?

Which is your best local beef for grilling?

Quel est votre meilleur boeuf local pour les grillades ?

Equestrian

May I ride my horse here?

Puis-je monter à cheval ici ?

Is this your land/field/prop-

The Local Buzz • March & April 2020

erty/right of way?

S’agit-il de votre terrain / champ / propriété / droit de passage?

Where is the nearest blacksmith?

Où est le forgeron le plus proche?

I need to apply for a horse riding licence Je dois faire une demande de permis d’équitation Hacking, schooling, trekking, dressage, eventing, showjumping, western riding Hacking, entrainement, randonnées à cheval, dressage, concours complet, saut d’obstacles, équitation western

Gardening

I am looking for mixed wildflower seeds Je cherche un mélange de graines de fleurs sauvages Hedgehogs/blackbirds/ insects/birds nest Hérissons / merles / insectes / nids d’oiseaux I need a pond liner/pond plants J’ai besoin d’un revêtement de bassin / de plantes de bassin Snowdrops/bluebells/tulips/ perennials/flowering shrubs Perce-neige / jacinthes des bois / tulipes / vivaces / arbustes à fleurs Every effort is made to ensure the correct translation of these phrases which are based on the subjects found in our articles.

51

The rolling

Great rides can be found on the Atlantic coast

countryside, beautiful valleys, Atlantic coast, lush forests, signed trails and glorious lakes mean that our region is heaven for horses and their riders.

Connemara stallion

RIDE ON! W

ith a wealth of options from private riding and pony clubs through to organised tours and trails, horse riding presents a unique opportunity to see the most beautiful scenery and historical landmarks from a totally different viewpoint.

We asked Louise Bowles, owner of La Ferme de Grand Jean, livery yard, and breeders of Connemara ponies in Creysse, about the legal aspects of riding and learning to ride here in SW France.

“Riders have the right to use a GR (Grande Randonnée) and marked paths as long as there isn’t a no horses sign (usually because it’s unsafe)”, she explains. “Maps for these paths can be found online and at the local Mairie Louise Bowles, owner of La Ferme de Grand Jean, livery yard

52

or Tourist Office. You can also ask the local farmers for access and, generally, they are happy as long as riders are respectful. The Mairie will know who owns parcels of land marked on cadastral maps. Rights of way are also shown on these maps, www. geoportail.gouv.fr/carte, and on the IGN (Institut National de l’Information Géographique et Forestière) blue 1:25000 maps which are very useful but not always reliable.”

RIDING SCHOOLS “Thankfully”, Louise continues, “there are lots of wellrun riding schools in the region, catering for all levels of experience and ability. These can be found by looking at the FFE.com (Fédération Français d’Equitation) website. If the riding school/centre équestre is labelled, this means that it can offer specialist training such as Equi-handi (riding for the disabled), Ecole Française

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!

SPORT d’Equitation (riding school), Ecurie de Compétition (competition training), and so on.

“French riding coaches will have the BPJEPS equitation mention or, as it was previously known, the BEE 1 (a sports qualification). They must also hold a carte professionelle which confirms their right to teach commercially and which also enables them to obtain the correct insurance cover.

A copy of their certificates should be on display.

LICENCES “When you find your riding school you will need your own insurance which you can acquire through the riding school via a ‘licence’. Those riding for a month or less will need the ‘licence vert’.

If you own a horse you can supplement your licence with extra insurance. Your licence is also where you register your successes with ‘galops’ (horse riding related exams). These give you the right to enter competitions.

“Competitions are entered via the FFE and a medical certificate forms part of the entry conditions. By law, all horses in France must have a passport and a microchip.

Horses are registered with the organisation IFCE (Institut Français du Cheval et de l’Equitation).

“Bio-security”, she concludes, “is very important In France and, if you have three or more horses, you will need a ‘Régistre d’Elevage’ where you record all the movements of your horses and their treatments.” www.lafermedegrandjean.moonfruit.com

Jumping, eventing, dressage and vaulting, its all here

INTERESTING LINKS A useful source of information is UNIC at www. french-horse-connexion.com/ french-horse-industry which has interesting videos, in English, about the world of horses, ponies and donkeys, as well as information on jobs and training programmes, breeding, veterinary practice, national studs and French horse riding traditions.

From jumping, dressage and vaulting through to eventing, trekking and even western horseback riding, France has much to offer. As well as hundreds of clubs and regional competitions, there’s the popular racing scene with hippodromes dedicated to flat and jump racing and the exciting harnessed-trot and saddle-trot

There’s no shortage of well run riding schools in our region

The Local Buzz • March & April 2020

events. www.lescourseshippiques.com For residents and visitors alike, one of the best ways to see the region and enjoy the sport at the same time is to take a horse riding tour or an equestrian vacation. These can be combined with a stay in a gïte or châteaux and/ or wine/food tastings. Take a look at Travel and Tourism, Equestrian holidays at www. thelocalbuzzmag.com/business-directory If you don’t ride but would

like to support horses, ponies and, of course, donkeys, either when they are retired or in ill-health, there are a number of charities that can help in addition to the local refuge centres. The larger charities include: Brantome Police Horses and Friends: www. brantomepolicehorses.com, Phoenix Association: www. phoenixasso.com, Société Protectrice des Animaux for equine and animal welfare: www.la-spa.fr, race horse welfare: www.france-galop.com

USEFUL VOCAB Mane: la crinière Tail: la queue Stallion: un étalon Foal: un poulain Hoof: un sabot

Mare: une jument Harness: le harnais Bit: le mors Reins: les rênes Saddle: la selle

Stirrup: un étrier A horse shoe: un fer à cheval Riding hat: un casque d’équitation

53

PUZZLES

Crossword

If you are planning a trip to the hairdresser or barber you may need to know some of these.

See how you do with these “coiffure” terms, they may come in useful during your next appointment The questions are in English but the answers are in French.

ACROSS 3 A haircut (3,5) 4 A mask (2,6) 6 Layered (2,7) 7 The hair (3,7) 8 Smooth (hair) (6) 9 Dyed (hair) (7) 13 A shampoo (2,10) 15 A conditioner (3,5)

16 Damaged (hair) (6) 17 A hair parting (3,4) 18 Frizzy (hair) (6) 19 A blow dryer (2,7) 20 Long (hair) (5)

DOWN 1 Dandruff (3,10)

2 Short (hair) (6) 4 Bangs (fringe) (3,6) 5 A brush (3,6) 8 The hair tips (3,7) 10 A blow dry (2,8) 11 A comb (2,6) 12 The highlights (3,6) 14 Blunt cut (2,5)

With special thanks to Puzzles to Print. www.puzzles-to-print.com.

For the crossword solution go to page 59

Wordsearch

Looking for something to do in the sunshine?

Some of the words are in the articles, some are things we come across in life. You will find them running from side to side, top to bottom, bottom to top and, just for fun, diagonally.

EQUITATION QUINTET ENVIRONMENT ECOFRIENDLY PEANUT ROUNDABOUT INDIGO ROMANY HORSE RUINS RANDONNEE PATHS HELMET GEOGRAPHIQUE

54

SPIRITUAL GREEN ONIONS TREATS SHADE NOON CRANE VENUE MARRYING DESTINATION ANEMONE SHOT WEDDING FRAGILE

GARDENING BRIDAL SWEET PEA HEAL EXERCISE ARCH PHOTOS COUPON MOOD GRU EGGS TUNE ALLIES

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EXERCISE YOUR WAY

TO FITNESS

W

hether you’re at the gym, in front of the TV or taking part in a class, exercise is not only good for your health but it can also be fun and, the more you do, the easier it becomes!

AEROBICS

Speeding up the heart and breathing rate, aerobics burns body fat, lowers blood pressure, and reduces blood sugar levels whilst reducing inflammation, increasing good cholesterol and bringing a better mood. Around 20 minutes a day of brisk walking, jogging, dancing, step aerobics cycling or even marching on the spot can help to reduce the risk of

56

a stroke, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, breast and colon cancer, falls and depression.

STRETCHING

Flexibility is improved with stretching on a regular basis, making the muscles and tendons longer and less likely to cramp or cause pain. A stretch a day, or at least three or four times a week, helps to send both blood and oxygen to muscles.

However, be sure to warm up first with a few repetitive movements before targeting specific areas such as the shoulders, calves and lower back, etc., and don’t stretch to the point where it is painful.

STRENGTHENING

Muscle power is lost as we age but strength training can help to build it back up. A few squats, lunges and pushups can stimulate bone growth, reduce blood sugar, help to prevent weight gain, improve balance, reduce stress and pain in joints and the lower back, and improve posture. To make sure you don’t overdo it and that you strengthen appropriate muscles, it is worth asking a physical therapist to design a programme just for you.

BALANCING

Falls can happen if you are not steady on your feet. This may be because your in-

www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

WELL BEING

According to many physical therapists a combination of aerobics, stretching, strengthening and balancing exercises form the core of a good exercise programme.

THE ESSENTIALS • WEAR THE RIGHT SHOES

Running and walking shoes have built-in shock absorbers, aerobic shoes cushion the balls of the feet and are particularly lightweight and absorb shocks. These will avoid ankle strains, twists and even bunions and corns. A pair of proper socks will also guard against blisters.

• DRESS APPROPRIATELY

Breathable, well fitted clothing is really important, and that includes sports underwear. You may think they look better but there’s nothing worse than loose joggers that fall down when squatting!

• KEEP HYDRATED

Water is an obvious way to stay hydrated before, during and after your workout. If you exercise for longer periods of around an hour, sports beverages or coconut water will nourish your body and replenish the lost nutrients (electrolytes) after your session.

• RECORD IT

A fitness journal will help you to track your progress and a step or calorie counter will help keep you motivated. A heart rate monitor will also ensure that you remain in the right zone and don’t overdo it.

ner ear, vision, joints and leg muscles are not as in tune as they once were. The good news is that this can be improved, if not totally reversed. Yoga and Tai Chi are obvious forms of balance exercise, or try walking heel to toe or standing on one foot, with or without your eyes closed.

However, don’t try this at home unless you have had guidance and training from a physical therapist first.

PHYSICAL FITNESS

Before embarking on any exercise programme it is essential that you check with your doctor first, especially if it has been a while since you last exercised

regularly and/or have health issues such as asthma, diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure or arthritis, etc.

Light or moderate exercise should be part of the start-up plan, gradually increasing the activity as you improve fitness levels.

If you feel dizzy or light headed, have shortness of breath, a faster heartbeat or chest pain or discomfort in your chest this is a sign that you should stop and seek a doctor’s advice.

It is no accident that, before joining a running, football or rugby club here in France, members are required to have a physical exam and be “signed off” as fit for moderate and vigorous exercise.

The Local Buzz • March & April 2020

Light or moderate exercise can be fun too!

57

ASK

KATIE!

ADVICE

Katie Gardner is a

Mindmapping Decide what canis help causing can Remain anahelp>>> emotional lytical with a distress mind map

fully-qualified CBT Counsellor and 11-year expat based on the border of 47/24.

She’s here to answer your questions. www.kgcounselling.com

Q

Malcolm W My wife and I retired here a year ago and find that we now want different things out of life. This has come as a bit of a shock after 26 years of marriage.

Hi Malcolm Even a happily married couple is likely to go through a transition period after retirement and this can

A

(and probably will) be exacerbated by moving to a different country. All those things that made you feel respected, fulfilled and purposeful (work, colleagues, long-term friends, wider family) are now not immediately accessible. You have both lost your support network and are left with each other to fulfil each and every need. You haven’t changed,

LEGAL

ADVICE Sally Dilks, Associate Solicitor specialising in French Law, at Buckles Solicitors LLP answers a query.

Tax domicile matters

58

Q

your marriage hasn’t changed, your circumstances have, radically, and it’s this that must be addressed, and in as detached, non-emotional manner as possible. In order to help you rethink what retirement looks like for you, both together and for each of you individually, try a technique called “mind-mapping” (www.litemind.com/ what-is-mind-mapping). This helps you to remain analytical (rather than emotional).

Before you start, sit together, remind yourselves what you thought life would be like, what the big differences are, then start on the mind-map.

Jane P My British father retired to France 5 years ago. Sadly, he passed away recently.

Will my brother and I have to pay French Inheritance Tax (“IHT”) on both his English and French assets?

Hello Jane Cross-border taxation of an estate following death is complex. To ascertain whether you and your brother will have to pay French IHT on your father’s English and French assets, it must be determined where he was domiciled for IHT purposes when he died, in accordance Speaking French with with French and Engfriends builds lish law. confidence

A

Bear in mind that you previously weren’t joined at the hip presumably, so why would that work now? With goodwill and a listening ear on both sides (don’t interrupt when the other person is venting and really hear what they are saying), you can do this and continue to grow together as independent people who recognise and understand each other’s needs and wants.

According to the French Tax Code, your father will be considered tax resident in France if his principal abode was in France, if he conducted a professional activity in France, or if the centre of his economic interests was in France.

The concept of tax domicile differs in France and the UK. Therefore, your father could be considered tax domiciled in both France and England when he died. If so, the following “tie-breaker” rules apply to determine where he was domiciled for IHT purposes. This is a step-bystep process, looking at criteria such as the

If you have a life concern that you would like to share, please write to Katie c/o buzzing@thelocalbuzzmag.com.

location of his permanent home(s), his personal and economic relations to France and the UK, the location of his habitual abode, and his nationality.

If your father was considered domiciled in France under the tie-breaker rules, it is likely that you will have to pay French IHT on your father’s English and French assets.

That said, under the Double Tax Treaty, where France taxes his English assets, France must allow a credit equal to the IHT charged in England on the English assets, and vice versa – to ensure that you don’t pay IHT twice on the same assets.

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Buzz The Local

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Crossword

solution Here is the solution to the crossword on page 54.

Next Issue Sunny days are on the way and let’s not forget those warm, balmy evenings, plus les jours fériés, all five of them! Here’s what we have planned for the next issue.

• Property: Swimming pools and spas • Gardening: Planting for colour, irrigation and going potty • Food and Drink: outdoor banquets • Eating out: Regional variations • Entertainment: Festivals • Sport: Taking to water

Plus Sport, What’s On, Local Entrepreneur and much, much more

• Language: Improving your French The Local Buzz • March & April 2020

59

COMPETITION

Here’s a relaxing break to be won!

thentic cuisine

A picturesque setting with au .

and great sightseeing nearby!

D

o you like remarkable views, great food and a relaxing stay in a historic building? If so, this competition is definitely worth entering! Nestled in the heart of Dordogne at Meyronne, this ancient châteaux has been transformed into the superb, 3-Star Hotel La Terrasse.

Françoise Couffignals is kindly providing a superior room for one night for two people, together with a 3-course dinner with wine, and breakfast the next day.

Whilst there, take advantage of the heated outdoor swimming pool or visit the wealth of regional historical and cultural sites that are right on your doorstep. Rocamadour, the Gouffre de Padirac and the National Musée de l’Automate are not far away, and neither are Les Grottes (caves) de Lacave, Lascaux and Pech Merle.

Rent a bike or, if the weather is right, fly over the valley in a hot air balloon. The options are endless.

This wonderful break can be taken before 31 October, excluding July/August and Public holidays, and has a prize value of around EUR 340. Closing date for entries is 8 May, 2020. No refunds or exchange allowed. This is a competition without obligation to buy – the rules of the competition are deposited with S.C.P. Laurent Rodriguez and Gaël Peyssi Bailiffs Associates, 25 rue Louis Mie, 24007, Périgueux, Cedex. These rules can also be seen online at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/win For a chance to win, all you have to do is answer the following correctly. Answers can be found in this magazine which can also be seen at www.thelocalbuzzmag. com/read-online www.hotel-la-terrasse.com

Enter online at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/win 1. A GR is a Grand what? a) Roundabout b) Roam c) Randonnée

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2. Pacs stands for Pacte Civil de …..? a) Solidarité b) Séparation c) Solitude

3. Grus fly at up to what speed? a) 90km/h b) 200km/h c) 150km/h

4. When is Earth Day? a) 26 April b) 27 March c) 22 April

www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

Business Directory To advertise email: buzzing@thelocalbuzzmag.com

Artisans & Services Euroinstallations.com

FIBREGLASS SWIMMING POOLS www.poolsdirect.online — Full range of models — Quick & simple installation

06 42 50 04 31 Stressed? Backache? Stiff joints?

Posture need improving?

Pilates or yoga may be the answer.

I’m a teacher with 14 years of experience in France.

TV WIFI Rural Broadband CCTV Cameras Audio Systems Depts 32, 47, 82 & neighbouring areas

Tel:06 80 55 06 09 Mail@euroinstallations.com

Kate Sanders

www.katesandersfitness.com 06 08 06 80 01

www.mandmblasting.com

new, exciting

Blasting away years of dirt, grime and shoddy paintwork to bring your project back to life. We undertake personal and Commercial blasting Tel: 0642233857/0555635885 Email: mandmblastinglimousin@gmail.com

To advertise email: buzzing@thelocalbuzz.com

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Business Directory

Artisans & Services

NEW BUILD & RENOVATION

A family run business specialising in removals, storage and shipping throughout Europe.

Fully registered and insured.

Please contact us for advice and quotations: www.safehandshaulage.com Email: info@safehandshaulage.com In France: 05 53 79 26 48

07 80 58 39 60 or 06 75 51 89 13 laquercyoak@gmail.com greyrobert4.wixsite.com/ email@ quercy-oak jonthecarpetman@gmail.com

www.jon-thecarpetman.com

The best place to get carpets and flooring for your French home!

Carpets, vinyls, laminate and wood flooring, and LVT (luxury vinyl tiles) from leading manufacturers.

Home visits free and without obligation in all of France

You contact us - we come to you - job done!

Or visit our new showroom, see website for details.

www.jon-thecarpetman.com Tel: 05 55 73 63 16 or 06 42 19 82 12 Email: jonthecarpetman@gmail.com

Café des Arts 5 place Gambetta Eymet

Nespresso Coffee Bacon Baguettes Full English Breakfast Veggie Breakfast Omelettes Wine and Beer

Open 9am-1pm every day

Siret: 43330378100036

FR Property Management Services (Lot) •Property Management •Garden and Pool Maintenance •Rénovation and Building Service We aim to provide a bespoke service to cater for all your needs.

FR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Languages spoken: English, Dutch, French Fred de Geus and Rachel Ridgway Tel: +33 (0)7632 471 965 Email: frpropertymanagementservices@gmail.com

www.frpropertymanagementservices.com

ENERSHOP – RENEWABLE ENERGY HEATING SYSTEMS FOR YOUR PROPERTY Enershop have been installing renewable energy systems in France since 2008. Each system designed and installed is specifically for your needs, whether your property is a new build, extension or a renovation, whether it is a cottage, chalet or château – the flexibility of our systems means there is a solution for all. We offer a free devis, with no obligation and no hard sell.

Now is the time to consider a renewable heating system. There are reduced rates of TVA available and significant tax credits (credit d’impôts) for systems installed by Enershop as we hold the QualiSol and Qualibois accreditation.

Our website www.enershop.eu has lots of information on our services which include: • Accumulation tanks • Solar thermal domestic hot water • Air source heat pumps • Wood gasification boilers • Central and underfloor heating systems • Wood / Pellet boiler stoves • Swimming pool / hot tub heating • Pellet boilers

Tel: 07 67 04 07 53

62

Email: info@enershop.eu

website: www.enershop.eu

To advertise email: buzzing@thelocalbuzzmag.com

Enershop

Artisans & Services

Business Directory

Area :

A family run business specialising in removals, storage and shipping throughout Europe.

www.safehandshaulage.com information – visit our website: The size is 44.5 x 60mms (w x h)For more www.thelocalbuzzmag.com Or email us : buzzing@thelocalbuzzmag.com

Charity Association Beauville 47470 Sous les cornières Place de la Mairie

2020 Calendar – A4, local scenes available at shop and on website www.boncoeur47.fr

We raise money through our shop (selling clothes & accessories, brocante, books…) and events like book sale / bazaars. We then pass funds on to other good causes (human and animal).

Over €75,000 gifted by Jan 2020

Boutique open: Tues, Wed, Fri – 2 -4pm

Thurs: 3 – 5pm Fri & Sun: 10 – 12noon www.boncoeur47.fr 0689 53 24 78 boncoeur@boncoeur47.fr Bon Coeur Contact us for large donations or if coming from afar

Les Bons Voisins

property management throughout france

.

no job too small, no project too large

exceptional service at competitive prices

key holding . caretaking . maintenance . supervision changeovers . cleaning . gardening . mail forwarding

. admin help . translation

friendly people providing professional help to home owners in france www.LBVfrance.com

e:info@LBVfrance.com

t:+33 (0)5 62 29 26 62

To advertise email: buzzing@thelocalbuzz.com

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Email y

Business Directory

Artisans & Services Family business offering removal services UK/France

Roy and Janet Byrne Tel: 05 53 36 34 75 maconfiture@aol.com

Excavation & Levelling Vegetation, Tree & Woodland Clearance www.marsdengroundworks.com

N AND LEVELLING ND WOODLAND CLEARANCE

Thursday – Eymet Friday – Ste-Livrade sur Lot Saturday – Villereal Sunday – Chateau Stelsia, St Sylvestre

Established for over 30 years offering a regular and reliable service.

QUOTE

• • • Specialist in Swedish and deep tissue massage DELIVERY COLLECTION •

Fully Insured Regular Service Containerised Storage Packing Services

cgrasby@gmx.co m

ENGLISH SPEAKING DEMENTIA SUPPORT SOUTH DORDOGNE

We have funding to start a new group with professional support.

If you are interested in joining us as a carer or possible volunteer please contact us.

Tel: 06 09 21 06 09 or Email: cgrasby@gmx.com

www.francealzheimer.org/dordogne

Contact us for a FREE QUOTE: Call Stephen or Ben Franklin

on 0121 353 7263 or email sales@franklinsremovals.co.uk

www.franklinsremovals.co.uk

B&B and Gite

www.hideawayfrance.com Phone: 0553 89 77 58

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Labarthe, Baleyssagues, Duras 47120

hideawayfrance@gmail.com

To advertise email: buzzing@thelocalbuzzmag.com

Artisans & Services

Business Directory •

Éco-Construction ♦ Rénovation ♦ Cabane ♦ Véranda ♦ Atelier ♦ Maison de Jardin

Charpente Traditionnelle

•

En Chêne

Le carrefour au village, 32140, Panassac 05 62 64 44 91

•

www.enchene.com Open everyday apart from Monday 06 77 21 50 72 jez@enchene.com please book when possible

Fish and chips every Friday afternoon and evening SARL 839 094 0001224160

Assurance décennale Pizzas and takeaway menus Roy and Janet Byrne Tel: 05 53 36 34 75 Eco Build ♦ Renovation ♦ Extension ♦ Cabin ♦ Workshop ♦ Guest Accommodation maconfiture@aol.com

•

For all your flooring needs

We supply and fit a wide range of carpets from the UK

We also fit Karndean, vinyl, and laminate flooring

Over 30 years’ experience, 100% customer satisfaction

Now selling a selection of wool and mixed fibre rugs

Contact Paul on 06 60 07 54 78 or 05 45 84 27 75 https://www.facebook.com/PMCarpets/

www.pmcarpetsandflooring.com

M&M Excavation

new, exciting

We are here to help with all types of groundwork, driveways, foundations, fosse installation, trenching, patios, tree and earth removal.

Plus digger, tipper, dumper and cherrypicker hire.

Tel: 0642233857/0555635885 Email: mandmexcavationlimousin@gmail.com

Join Our Growing Team!

Internal Support Person Is this you?

You will be able to work alone or as part of a team, have an excellent level of written English and pay attention to detail. With a professional, pro-active attitude, you will also be keen to learn new skills and relish opportunity for growth within a busy, exciting business.

Experience with Word, Excel and customer record management (CRM) systems will be an advantage, as will an ability to speak French. Registered as an auto-entrepreneur you will be able to work with us on a regular basis from our offices near Duras.

We can’t wait to hear from you.

Write with CV to lesley@thelocalbuzzmag.com

Buzz The Local

AM Cleaning & Property Services • Holiday Home Maintenance & Setup • Window Cleaning • High Pressure Cleaning • Gardening & Lawn Mowing • Hard Water & Calcium Stain Removal • Labouring & Handyman Adrian & Michelle Dear +33 7800 126 05

amcleaningfr@gmail.com Based in Sarlat but willing to travel Siret: 847 797 305 000 12 Sarlat la Caneda 24200

To advertise email: buzzing@thelocalbuzz.com

65

JUST DRONING

A tongue-in-cheek look at...

...the arrival of

Spring by the editor

I

’m not sure which is the most uplifting sight, the first blossom or the first sound of the grus. They usually appear around mid-March but the mild winter saw the first flight over my house on 2 February, mind you sometimes the early cranes turn back if they hit colder weather. It’s incredible to think they fly at up to 90km/h by day and night in their lust to reach their breeding grounds.

Many cross France in a day, dropping down from their flying altitude to circle and regroup, creating an amazing photo-op. I rush out but even with my mobile’s zoom lens, these huge birds always finish up looking like sparrows on my screen. I really should find my “proper camera” and have it to

hand. Mind you the end result wouldn’t be any better, I spend so much time figuring it out, they’ll have passed overhead and vanished! Maybe I ought to adopt the wildlife cameraman position and camp in the garden, zoom lens locked and loaded?

April brings another fascination: Easter and the exquisite displays in the chocolatiers.

Finely painted eggs with mirror-like finishes, decorated fish and rabbits, and bags of brightly coloured tiny eggs for hiding in the garden. They remind me of when we created our own “designs” – not always successful but always fun with that gooey chocolate going everywhere but in the mould.

It was the same with the Easter

These huge birds always finish up looking like sparrows on my screen.

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Simnel cake until a miracle happened! Yes, cake decorating pens came onto the market and the “blobs with long bits” became more like the rabbits they were supposed to be, with cute smiles, bright pink noses and wispy whiskers.

Talking of eggs, I’m toying with the idea of keeping a few chickens but what about their safety? My fear stems from when we had peacocks. Vinda and Loo (well, they were an Indian variety) were very happy roaming free until a fox started visiting at night. They let us know loud and clear from the safety of trees but chickens aren’t great at flying! Even with an enclosure, knowing me I’ll have to set up CCTV (Chicken Caretaker TV) – now there’s a marketing idea!

Have you noticed all the bill-boards for markets and brocantes? I really must sort

out my grange! Here’s a tip, if you haven’t sold all your stall items, find one of the regular stall holders and offer them your left-overs. One year, instead of a trip to the déchetterie, I made an extra €250! The plant and flower markets are great for bringing instant colour into the garden. At least that’s the plan. No sooner is a plant potted up than whoosh, it’s off for a run around the garden with one of my dogs.

So now it’s a bit like setting up for “Chelsea” in that they’re guarded until she has forgotten about her new “playthings”.

On a final, somewhat prickly subject, our adopted cat isn’t being left out either, she spent an interesting half an hour with a hedgehog, curiosity didn’t do what it threatens in the saying and, thankfully, they both got along very well.

Enjoy the spring . . .

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Q NEW ROUTE FROM APRIL 2020 BERGERAC<>SOUTHEND

AP_GOURMET_DE_FRANCE_210X270_FU.indd 1

28/04/2016 16:01

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"I love the freedom to balance family life with my business" We’re recruiting property sales agents - if you want the freedom to grow a successful business supported by an award winning team, contact our recruitment department 00 800 2534 4388 - recruitment@leggett.fr

Darren Benson, local sales agent