The Local Buzz December 2020 - January 2021 by Buzzing

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

DECEMBER 2020 & JANUARY 2021

FREE

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The Racing Line POSITIVE THOUGHTS

REGIONAL WHAT’S ON GUIDE Working from home What’s Streaming? Stocking Fillers & Last Minute Gifts Energy Savers

Festive Fun! Gardening • Prize Competition • Food and Drink

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Welcome The Local Buzz is the only A4 glossy magazine and comprehensive website covering these departments. Lifestyle focused, the magazine is informative, fun and highlights what’s on in the region. Looking for a local business, more listings of what’s on, articles, blogs and local information? Then visit our website. By the way, if you can’t pick up a copy, every issue can be read online and postal subscriptions are available. You can find all the details at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com.

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

DORDOGNE H PERIGUEUX H BORDEAUX

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H CAHORS

TARN et GARONNE H MONTAUBAN

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N.HAUTE GARONNE

Hello from our Queen Bee In this issue we bid farewell to a trying year and say hello to what, hopefully, will be a much improved 2021! Helping us with this transition which, we know, isn’t going to be easy for everyone, our well-being feature offers suggestions from three experts on how to stay positive and make the most of the situation, despite the restrictions. In Buzz Bits we hear news of the other big transitions in our lives; life after Brexit and, fingers crossed, the availability of a vaccine against COVID. We step into the world of wood-fired hot tubs, hear about surprising singing waiters, and play around with some of ye olde favourite parlour games from the past. Not only that, we have a three-page special on stocking fillers and last-minute Christmas gifts and, for a bit of down-time, review a selection of streaming TV and films (popcorn recipe included). Our food pages are all “wrapped up”, with chef Emma providing mouth-watering recipes for pigeon in red wine served with root vegetables encased in a salt crust pastry, whilst our guest chef spoils us with

The Local Buzz • December 2020 & January 2021

succulent Carré d’Agneau smothered in a ceps mushroom crust. John, our sommelier, presents his suggestions for some excellent, reasonably priced “fizz” to enjoy during the festivities. The environment is always on our minds and we take a look at the new scheme from MaPrimeRénov for those looking to save energy. We also include some personalexperience tips for working from home scenarios and, for those working in the garden, you may find our feature on bone structure helpful when planning for next year. Meanwhile, at the front of the magazine we have our What’s on pages and regional Did You Know sections that highlight strange, amusing or little known facts. Don’t forget to check out the reader offer for a great read, the puzzle page for some relaxation and help with eco-friendly French and, of course, our prize competition. Here’s wishing you a wonderful Christmas and a much, much happier New Year.

Diocese in Europe French Residency Support Project Funded through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Ofﬁce’s UK National Support Fund

FREE HELP AND INFORMATION FOR UK NATIONALS APPLYING FOR RESIDENCY IN FRANCE All UK Nationals who wish to secure their Withdrawal Agreement residency rights to live in France after 31 December 2020 must obtain the new Residence Permit whether or not they already hold a Carte de Séjour.

OUR FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL SERVICE PROVIDES:

• • • • • •

Information on eligibility requirements for residency in France

Guidance on the application process, for example, gathering relevant documentation

Support with completing online residence permit applications Help in preparing for the required visit to the Préfecture

Casework to assist with more complex circumstances relating to residence permit applications

Signposting to wider sources of information and support

OUR SERVICES CAN BE ACCESSED THROUGH:

• •

Our contact form on: www.frenchresidencysupport.org Our telephone helpline: +33 5 32 80 00 05

OUR SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE TO: All UK nationals throughout France* and their direct family members who are:

• • •

aged 18 or over currently resident in France or expect to be living in France by the end of the transition period (31 December 2020)

www.frenchresidencysupport.org

OUR TEAM OF

NATIVE ENGLISH

SPEAKERS IS HERE TO HELP ON

05 32 80 00 05 Monday to Friday 09:30 -12:00 & 13:30 - 16:00 Tuesday evening 17:30 - 20.00 Saturday 09:30 - 12:00 *We have a particular focus on those aged 65 and over and living in NouvelleAquitaine but our website and helpline services are available to all UK Nationals seeking residency in France.

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: Pamela La Forgia Distribution & Finance: Jeanette Hyde Layout: The Magazine Production Company Advertising: buzzing@thelocalbuzzmag.com Photography: Shutterstock or Jeff Ross unless otherwise stated Regular contributors: Katie Gardner, Emma and John Gilchrist, Sue Adams, Puzzles-to-Print

CONTENTS December & January Issue

Our thanks go to our regular contributors as well as Sarah Bright, Dominique Slater, Alexandre Marre, Théophile Hamelin, Circuit Paul Armagnac Nogaro, Hilary Sunman, Claire Laborde, Christine Haworth-Staines, Le Grand Hotel. 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 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 119 - National helpline for children in danger

REGULARS 3 Hello 7 What’s the Buzz 8 The start of our regional guide to what’s on 26 Gardening – bone structure 28 Gardening jobs for winter 32 Food & Drink 49 Buzz Bits 50 Puzzle Page 51 Buzz Words 54 Business Directory 58 Just Droning FEATURES 30 Fun & Games 34 Guest Chef 46 35 Eco Hot Tubs 36 Stocking Fillers & Gifts 39 Streaming Films & TV 40 Music to Entertain 42 Working from Home 46 Motor Sports 48 Energy Savings 34

WELL BEING 44 Positive Thoughts 53 Ask Katie

PLUS… 29 Reader Offer 52 Prize Competition 57 Reader Survey

The Local Buzz • December 2020 & January 2021

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 Avocatsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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

BUZZ

H PERIGUEUX H BORDEAUX

GIRONDE

DORDOGNE

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LOT et GARONNE AGEN H

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TARN et GARONNE H MONTAUBAN

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OUR PICK OF WHAT’S ON IN YOUR REGION DATES FOR YOUR DIARY: (Hopefully) Vide Greniers • Saint-Maixant, 10 Jan (33) • Biras, 27 Dec (24) • Villeréal, 13 Dec (47) • Cahors, 23 Dec (46) • Lectoure, 9 Jan (32) • Montauban, 20 Dec (82) • Toulouse, 26 Dec (31)

Bourses d’Objets

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

KING AND QUEEN MARCHÉ DE NOËL

• Arès, 20 Dec (33) • Eymet, 24 Jan (24) • Lafitte-sur-Lot, 3 Jan (47) • Figeac, 27 Dec (46) • Lectoure, 12 Dec (32) • Nègrepelisse, 13 Dec (82) • Toulouse, 24 Dec (31)

Marchés Traditionnels • Floirac, Wednesdays (33) • Périgueux, Mondays (24) • Aiguillon, Tuesdays (47) • Salviac, Fridays (46) • Saramon, Saturdays (32) • Montech, Sundays (82) • Colomiers, Thursdays (31)

Here’s a chance to be King or Queen, every day for a week from 6 January, with a Galette des Rois and its golden crown. Celebrating

the Epiphany and dating back to the 14th-century, this sweet French tradition is said to be a “nod” to the three kings who followed the star to Bethlehem. The youngest child hides under the table whilst the galette is sliced and served, calling out the name of each recipient. Hidden inside is a small ceramic, porcelain or plastic figure known as La Fève. Whoever discovers it is appointed Le Roi or La Reine and wears the crown for the day!

THE SALES ARE ON!

Try as we might we just can’t find out which Christmas markets are definitely going ahead. So, rather than raise expectations, we can only suggest that you check with your local Mairie or Tourist Office to see if your favourites are taking place. Our understanding is that Father Christmas has completed his COVID training and plans to attend as many as possible, but will we recognise him in his mask? Ho ho ho!

This year’s Les Soldes d’Hiver take place from 6 January to 2 February so look out for the Promotion or Soldes signs and take advantage of the slashed prices. You may be lucky and receive 30-50% off, or you could take a chance and wait until the sales are nearly over when the stock is often reduced even further to 70% or more. That’s what we call a bargain!

Are you buzzing?

Don’t forget to add your event, for free, to our What’s On pages at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/whats-on

The Local Buzz • December 2020 & January 2021

GIRONDE

what’s the

BUZZ GIRONDE

Cats ‘n Dogs

If you ever wondered if your dog is left or right “pawed” or why your cat is scratching the furniture, this Chiens et Chats exhibition at CAP Sciences in BORDEAUX could hold the answers. Immerse yourself in the mental and sensory world of dogs and cats, see how their physical abilities compare to ours and understand their place in our society. It’s paws for thought! Reservations required. www.billetterie. cap-sciences.net

Whilst correct at time of writing, these events may be subject to change. Please be sure to check the event status before attending. More events, including virtual versions, can be found at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/what’s-on.

A CLOSER LOOK

Offering a rare glimpse into the techniques used to create some of the world’s most famous products, the “Unintended Beauty” exhibition is a photographic exploration that goes right to the heart of manufacturing and production. Featuring generally hidden

workplaces and infrastructures in companies like Bang & Olufsen, Adidas, Boeing and Playmobil, you can see Alastair Philip Wiper’s fascinating work at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design until 10 January, 2021. www.madd-bordeaux.fr

Artisan Treasure Jungle Beat

Think Jungle Book without Disney and then add voice. “Jungle” is a gripping, wild opera that follows Rudyard Kipling’s famous book and the story of Mowgli, an apprentice about to face an encounter with the unknown. Ideal for families and children over 7, this musical gem provides food for thought at Salle du Champ de Foire in SAINT-ANDRE-DE-CUBZAC on 19 January. www.bbte.fr/en/parties-and-events/jungle/

More than 40 second-hand brocanteurs, professional antique dealers and artisans are now showing their wares every week from Wednesday to Sunday, excluding les jours fériés, at RAUZAN’s new Village Antiquités Brocante. It’s the place to go if you are looking for repairers, upholsterers, painters and decorators as well as brocante treasure and antiques. Open from 09:00 to 18:00. 05 57 84 07 73.

On Board!

Discover vines and green paths in a fun, exhilarating way with “bike-boards”, a three-wheel cross between an electric bike and a scooter. This hour-long tour takes you through the rich history of BOURG and the Côtes de Bourg vineyards, and is followed by a wine-tasting at the Maison du Vin. Leaving from Port de Bourg at 10:30 and 17:00 every day until 27 December, bike hire is included and other locations are available. www.bikeboard-compagnie.com

www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

The famous oceanographic explorer, Jacques-Yves Cousteau was born in Saint André de Cubzac in 1910. Forced to cut short his naval aspirations when he broke both arms in a car accident, his passion for the ocean took him underwater, performing experiments from Calypso, the ship he leased for one franc a year! As a pioneer of marine conservation and diving equipment, he also directed films and wrote several books, the most famous being The Silent World which he adapted for the big screen, winning the first Palme d’Or for Documentary Film in 1956. He died at the age of 67.

DID YOU KNOW? LIGHT UP

The last remaining offshore lighthouse in the world can be found right here, where the Gironde estuary meets the Atlantic. The amazing Phare de Cordouan is an historical monument, its rich past imprinted in the marble floor of the King’s apartment, the stained glass of its chapel and the 311 steps up to its beacon. Open to visitors, this is certainly no ordinary lighthouse!

Reverse!

This was a bad bit of parking by the green, early 1960’s Mark II Jaguar at Bordeaux’s Cours Victor Hugo! Seriously, what started out as a somewhat boring car park was renovated by designer and architect Jean-François Dosso in the early 1990’s when he added what was, at the time, going to be a temporary public art feature. The vintage icon is still there, balanced “precariously”, half-way up the building, highlighting the purpose of the modern, somewhat bland, structure.

Bordeaux Liberty

GIRONDE DORDOGNE

In Deep

Designed by French sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, the original Statue of Liberty went to the USA in 1886. Around the same time Bartholdi was commissioned to design a new fountain for Place Picard in Bordeaux. It was finished in 1888 complete with a smaller replica of the celebrated statue. From WWII its history is sketchy, involving a possible trip to Germany for a meltdown. Apparently it didn’t arrive but it did eventually reappear in Soulac-Sur-Mer. In 2000 a resin replica was erected at Place Picard where it still stands today, surviving vandalism by anti-American protestors and having undergone more restoration eight years ago.

Read more about the region at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/area-info/ The Local Buzz • December 2020 & January 2021

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Nordic

IT’S A FAIRY TALE

You can choose from two distances on these weekly Nordic Walks in VAL DE DRONNE. Friday events meet at 13:30 and, at between 8 and 9 km, are the shorter of the two. On Thursday and Saturday, the walkers meet at 08:30 ready for a distance of between 12 and 15km. You will need strong walking boots but the batons can be hired during the initiation. Dates and departure locations vary. 06 38 24 80 01.

Princess Aurora is coming to BERGERAC on 22 January in this Russian ballet performance of La Belle au Bois Dormant (Sleeping Beauty). Once upon a time, her parents snubbed a nasty fairy, Carabosse, at her Christening and, taking umbrage, she cast a spell saying the Princess would prick her finger on a spindle and die on her 16th birthday. Thinking quickly, the kind Lilac Fairy changed the curse to sleeping for 100-years before being woken by the kiss of a handsome prince. The rest, as they say, is history but this magnificent ballet and musical score will never grow old. 07 68 48 11 12.

SNUFFLE A TRUFFLE If you don’t “have a nose for these things”, you can be sure to find the finest truffles at these upcoming Truffle markets. Brantôme, Fridays from 11 December to 29 January, Sundays in Monpazier on 20 and 27 December, Excideuil every Thursday from 10 December until 4 March.

DORGOGNE DORDOGNE

what’s the

BUZZ DORODGNE

Pianissimo

Schumann, Beethoven, Chopin, Verdi and Liszet will be sharing the stage at this piano recital by Claire Désert in PERIGUEUX on 29 January at 20:30. Celebrated for the beauty of her touch, this concert promises romanticism and sheer brilliance across everchanging emotions. www. sinfonia-en-perigord.com

CREATOR’S CORNER Le Coin des Créateurs at the Tourist Office in ISSIGEAC until 3 January is an exhibition of local art featuring stained glass, wood turned sculptures and ceramics using the Raku technique. 05 53 58 79 62. Works from the same artisans (Mme Castanier, M. Maignan and M. Bouldouyre) can also be seen at the Tourist Office in EYMET during the same period. 05 53 23 74 95.

The Local Buzz • December 2020 & January 2021

DORDOGNE

CALL ME KING

Born in Chourgnac in 1825, lawyer and adventurer Orélie-Antoine de Tounens took himself off to Araucania after reading La Araucano. Arriving in Chile, he learned Spanish and moved to Bio-Bio where he met Mapuche tribal leaders. Promising arms and France’s help, Orélie-Antoine was made Great Toqui, Supreme Chieftain. In 1860, he decreed himself King of Araucania and Patagonia but was arrested two years later and imprisoned by the Chilean army before being declared insane and sent back to France. He made three more attempts to return to “his kingdom” but was sent home each time. Although he died childless, there are still French pretenders to “the throne” today.

DID YOU KNOW?

Nutty Remarkable Idea? Bamboo Like walnuts and cheese? Then you’ll love Trappe d’Echourgnac! A natural version of this firm cheese arrived in Dordogne in 1868 with Trappist monks from Port du Salut who built the Echourgnac Abbey. The monks moved out and the Cistercian Sisters from Espéra de l’Agly moved in and continued with the coveted recipe. In 1999 a visionary Sister, Jeanne d’Arc, hit on the idea of including wine in the process and, after several experiments, chose liqueur de noix. When and how much liqueur is added is a secret but thank goodness the cheese isn’t!

Nearly 240 species of Bamboo and 100 other Gramineae from all over the world provide a tropical ambience at PlanBuisson Bamboo Gardens at Le Buisson de Cadouin. Proving that bamboo can be controlled, this 2ha botanical treat also includes rare trees and shrubs, medicinal plants and flowers. Which variety of bamboo is right for your garden? You can also visit the nursery for advice, planting suggestions, and take home a plant.

THANKS ROBOT It’s been 80 years since the discovery of the Lascaux Caves. How did it feel to walk through the original caves and discover the prehistoric drawings? What do the drawings reveal? How has ancestral art impacted on technological achievement? These and many more questions are answered at Lascaux IV, the new, complete replica of the Grotte de Lascaux near Montignac. You’ll experience the sights, sounds and sheer wonder that met 18-year old Marcel Ravidat and three friends after his dog, Robot, fell into a hole.

Read more about the region at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/area-info/ 12

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www.agence-eleonor.com Agence Eleonor Estate Agency, 36-38 rue du Temple, 24500 EYMET Tél. : 05 53 27 83 45 info@agence-eleonor.com

Other offices at Villeréal, Bergerac, St. Cyprien, Monpazier, Lalinde, Issigeac

Ref: 9154-EY. 318,000 € HAI. DPE: E Stunning, partially renovated, water mill comprising three en-suite bedrooms, large sitting/dining room and new kitchen. 3 further bedrooms need renovating. In the basement is a garage, a room housing four turbines, an old kitchen area and wine cellar. (6% fees inc)

Ref: 9137-MO. 401,740 € HAI. DPE: Vierge A-typical, 4-bedroom house with swimming pool, garden and attached outbuilding, located in the heart of Belves village. Fantastic views on the rolling countryside thanks to its’ elevated position. This house still has a lot of potential to develop further. (6 % fees inc)

Ref: 9113-EY. 145,800 € HAI. DPE: E Pretty 2-bedroom bungalow with a studio, lounge with a fireplace and cosy woodburner, kitchen & utility room. Set in just under three quarters of an acre of mature gardens with a garage and a shed. (8% fees inc)

Ref: 9052-VI 110,000 € HAI. DPE: D In the centre of a small village with some services, this 4 bedroom village house offers spacious and light accommodation as well as outside space benefitting from spectacular views over the countryside. Adjoining outbuilding + large basement. (8% fees inc)

Ref: 9091-EY. 199,280 € HAI. DPE: D A beautiful 4-bedroom house located in the village of Eymet. The house has a large living room and a fully equipped kitchen. The quarter of an acre enclosed garden is mainly lawn with shrubs and trees, with a summer house and a garden shed. (6% fees inc) EXCLUSIVE TO AGENCE ELEONOR

Ref: 9135-MO. 129,600 € HAI. DPE: D Charming stone property with outbuildings situated in a small hamlet. Comprising a dining, kitchen with fireplace and 3 bedrooms. There is an attached barn and a workshop set in just over a quarter of an acre of garden. (8% fees inc)

Ref: 9058-EY. 269,770 € HAI. DPE: D Situated in an elevated position this modern bungalow has recently been renovated. 3-bedrooms, fitted kitchen/dining/living room, garage, pool and a pretty garden of just under an acre with lovely rolling views of the countryside. (6% fees inc) EXCLUSIVE TO AGENCE ELEONOR

Ref: 9116-VI. 178,080 € HAI. DPE: Vierge In the heart of Villeréal, this 4-bedroom house has a large garden and a garage. The livingroom / dining-room and kitchen open to a lovely fenced and mature garden with a well. In the basement, the large garage includes cellar space. (6% fees inc) EXCLUSIVE TO AGENCE ELEONOR

CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR YOUR LOVED ONES ? OUR CHOCOLATES & DELIGHTS VISIT OUR DURAS SHOP WHICH REMAINS OPEN DURING THE LOCK DOWN OR ORDER ONLINE FOR DELIVERY OR COLLECTION WWW.MAISONGUINGUET.COM

CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

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LOT ETDORDOGNE GARONNE

what’s the

BUZZ LOT ET GARONNE

Here’s hoping

When asked about this performance, the I MUVRINI duo said that they wanted the show to be about light and resistance. Neither modern nor traditional, they sing about anger, hope and love and speak to the world saying “No, your happiest day has not yet come”. Let’s hope they are right. You can catch them at AGEN Expo Congrès at 18:00 on 24 January. www.agen-expo.com 14

THE MAN WHO LAUGHS Knock Based on the novel by Victor Hugo, L’Homme Qui Rit, Le Musical, is the latest production from Le Road Movie Cabaret Cie and La Marguerite Aux 4 Vents. With a storyline about a fairground monster who becomes a celebrity and finds love and comfort with a blind girl, it promises to rekindle the flames of the imagination. It probably will if you don’t speak French but, nevertheless, there’s music by John Lennon, Saez, Bob Dylan and, amongst others, Barbara. It can be seen on 30 and 31 December as part of the Tous en Scene series at La Tannerie in AGEN. www.billetweb.fr/lhomme-qui-rit/

Just Dance

Taking you right through to May, these dance classes will soon have you dancing rock, cha cha cha, tango, waltz, pasodoble, rumba and bachata. Aimed at beginners from 19:30, intermediates from 20:30 and advanced dancers at 21:00, it also includes salsa and kizomba at 22:00. You can join in every Wednesday at Salle Jean Goujon in FUMEL. 06 03 27 92 27.

Knock

How about making your own Christmas wreath this year with these online classes or, if you prefer not to zoom, step-by-step instructions? Boxed DIY kits will be provided in a colour of your choice and all you need are an apron and a pair of strong scissors or secateurs. Two classes are available on 5 December at 10:00 and 14:00. To find out more and to order your kit email amaryllisflowers@icloud.com.

Morning Hike Burn some calories before the festivities with this 5km (max) hike around the village. Leaving at 09:30 from the Salle des Fêtes in MONTIGNAC-DE-LAUZUN on 20 December, it will end with an aperitif and, possibly, a picnic outside. Good walking boots and a face mask are essential. 05 53 93 32 90.

www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

This is the land of prunes! According to health reports we should be eating at least 100 grams of prunes a day, but which ones? With around 3% market share, the mi-cuit variety is where the dried prune is less rehydrated. Pruneaux , however, receive increased rehydration which produces a very rich, flavoursome, soft fruit. So for softness, pruneaux are the way to go!

DID YOU KNOW?

LEGENDARY

Underground Farmers found much more than they had bargained for when they dug for a well in Sainte Colombe de Villeneuve-sur-Lot in 1878. Hoping for water they came across 25 million year-old natural limestone caves housing stalactites, stalagmites and incredible limestone tapestries. With seven different chambers, La Grotte de Lastournelle is, today, one of the region’s most visited caves.

Eleanor of Aquitaine’s life as a crusader and wife would be remarkable today. At 13, she married King Louis VII of France and, even amid rumours of shenanigans with her uncle, was refused an annulment. After two daughters and no son, the King finally agreed. She then wed the Duke of Normandy, who became England’s King Henry II, and bore him eight children, disregarding his infidelities. Supporting son Henry against the King landed her in prison until her son, Richard, became King 16 years later. Incredibly, Eleanor outlived both husbands and all but two of her children and died at the age of 82.

LOT ET GARONNE DORDOGNE

WHICH PRUNE?

Colour and Sound! Dramatic History

In his time Clément Maurice would definitely have been an A-lister. Born in Aiguillon in 1853 he developed sound cinema (Phono-Cinema-Theater) with Henri Lioret. Filmed in 1900, tinted with colour, and in synch with a wax cylinder recording his Cyrano de Bergerac production is thought to be the first film with both colour and sound. You can see this 2-minute screening at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4zbZzqc5sQ

Founded in 1195 by Richard Cœur de Lion, the bastide, toll town of Marmande was besieged three times during the Albigensian Crusade, finally captured and its inhabitants massacred in 1219. Returned to France under Louis IX, the English took over in 1447, it survived Henry IV’s attack in 1557 and resisted Wellington’s army in 1814. Today Marmande is best known for its succulent tomatoes, its World Championship motorcycle long-track, and for welcoming thousands to the famous Garorock music festival.

Read more about the region at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/area-info/ The Local Buzz • December 2020 & January 2021

DORDOGNE LOT

what’s the

BUZZ

LOT

LET’S PARTY

Go Kart!

Worldly Jazz

The result of four years of work, Krystal Mundi is the new project from double bassist, Simon Mary and can be seen at Théâtre de l’Usine in SAINT-CERE on 18 December at 20:30. Bringing together four musicians (violins, cello and trumpet) and music inspired by different continents and styles, this mix of contemporary and traditional chamber music plays to a groove which reflects the pulsating world. www.theatredelausinesaintecere.com

Here’s a bit of fun where you will definitely be trying to keep your distance! Les 2 Heures de Noël is an endurance race for teams of 2 to 4 adult drivers in 270cc, 9cv Karts! A 30-minute practice session determines the positions at the Le Mans-style start ahead of the 1h30 race at Karthors Parc in CIEURAC on 13 December from 08:30 to 12:30. The prizes are 100% chocolate and registration is already open but places are limited. www.karthors.fr

Dig Truffles?

Oh Oh! Mime, acrobatics and live music, make up Oh Oh, a celebration of the clown tradition at Théâtre de CAHORS ON 21 January at 21:30. Two characters in a wandering and naïve state fill the stage with their expressionism and clownish dynamics. Strong and uncertain at the same time, this performance from the Baccalà Company depicts a stage in the duo’s lives they freefall into discovery and transformation. 05 65 20 88 60. 16

Following their memorable concert in FIGEAC in 2017, Trans Kabar returns to l’Astrolabe in FIGEAC with a tropical party of a performance that is tribal yet refined, wise yet wild, urban yet rooted. This new Luxe Misère opus encompasses the mystical rites of the Réunion Island with traditional voices, songs and airs of the Maloya music genre and the Sèrvis Kabaré festival. Party to their rock rhythms and electric island blues on 16 January at 20:30. www.astrolabe-grand.

Tis the season for les truffes and there are, hopefully, several opportunities to pick up a few of these prized delicacies. The 14th Truffle Fair comes to CUZANCE on 12 December with truffle displays, refreshments, walks and cookery and sourcing demonstrations. Other markets include CRESSENSAC-SARRAZAC on 10 January and MARTEL a few days later on 16th. 05 65 38 13 87, 05 65 37 82 57 and 06 37 69 28 54 respectively.

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The Lot has seven natural regions. To the north east we find the Segala, part of the Massif Central and home to the highest point of the department at 783m high in Labastide-du-Haut. The narrow Limargue, also known as Terrefort, sits between Segala and Causses of Quercy which consist of limestone plateaux (Martel, Gramat and Limogne) and river valleys. The Bouriane to the west is known for its abundant vegetation. To the south is Quercy Blanc with small white limestone plateaux and agriculture. The Valley of the Lot river, known for its vineyards and vegetables is in the south whilst, in the north, The Valley of the Dordogne river is recognised for its walnut groves and meadows.

DID YOU KNOW? Healthy Fungi Truffles are not only rich in important nutrients, high in carbs and fibre, and contain both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids but research shows they are a complete source of protein, providing all nine essential amino acids. Also high in antioxidants, they can lower the risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other chronic conditions, and may reduce inflammation. Shave onto salads, soups, pasta, risottos, meat and seafood, or mix into olive oil and butter. Sadly they are expensive but the good news is that a little goes a long way!

On Track

LOT DORDOGNE

SEVEN AREAS

Dark Triangle

There are not one but two museums dedicated to trains in the Lot! Just the ticket for railway fans, the Musée du Rail de Cajarc can be found in a former goods hall and is full of railway signs, telephone equipment, station master caps and lanterns, etc. For those interested in days gone by, a trip to the Musée de Rail de Clairac will reveal 100 years of Lot Valley railway history complete with models, video and sound. Tchou tchou!

In addition to pretty villages and great architecture, the Causses de Quercy is the place to go to see the night sky. At the top of the village of Carlucet, towards the Lacomte windmill, you will come across an astronomer’s dream, a celestial viewing table. Sat right in the middle of the “dark triangle” where there’s no light pollution, it’s the ideal place to check out the stars and your “astronomical” knowledge.

Read more about the region at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/area-info/ The Local Buzz • December 2020 & January 2021

GERS

what’s the

BUZZ

Näss

Give and Take

GERS

JUST NOTES The title says it all in this Opéra Sans Diva by the Quatuor Anches Hantées (Haunted Reeds Quartet). Yes, there is no Diva. Just a quartet of clarinets with multiple sounds that present an original, sparkling and charming performance that needs no words. Listen to the music telling its story at L’Astrada in MARCIAC at 16:00 on 17 January. www.lastrada-marciac.fr

Rhythm and energy are what this performance by the Massala Company at CIRCa in AUCH on 19 January is all about. Seven men in an intense and acrobatic dance share the stage to add a deeply ritual and sacred aspect to the popular and urban dimensions of hip hop. Näss means people in Arabic and refers to the poetic and anti-conformist Nass el Ghiwane group which brought about the emergence of Moroccan rap in the 70s. www.circa.auch.fr

PRÉCOLOMBIENNES From the north of Mexico to the south of Peru, this exhibition at Musée des Amériques in AUCH is said to present the second largest collection of pre-Columbian works in France. Ceramics adorned with feathers and gold can be found amongst the sacred objects which depict the history and beliefs of the “Amérindien” people. Check hours in December, closed January. www.ameriques-auch.fr

This friendly golf competition is called Give and Take because that’s exactly what happens. Held on 19 December at Golf de Barbet at LOMBEZ, participants bring gifts which are presented as take-home prizes during the award ceremony. Each team plays 9 holes and golfers can enjoy a Christmas meal afterwards. 05 62 61 96 61.

KENDO Well it usually involves a mask, albeit of a different kind! Traditional d’Escrime Japonaise (Japanese fencing or Kendo) classes are scheduled to take place until 30 June in FLEURANCE. Held at the Dojo Municipal by Katori Shinto Ryo Hatakeyama Ha, adult classes take place at 18:30 on Wednesdays, and children over 12 can develop their skills on Saturdays at 14:00. Email sakuranohana.dojo@ gmail.com

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What do port, sherry and Floc de Gascogne have in common? They are all mistelles, a wine to which distilled spirit has been added. Both rosé and white varieties are produced and drunk as an aperitif or with dessert, and are served cold or over ice. Floc, which means floral bouquet in Occitan is, naturellement, fortified with Armagnac and both the wine and the Armagnac must be produced by the same vineyard within Armagnac/Côtes de Gascogne. Drink responsibly, it contains between 16 and 18% alcohol!

DID YOU KNOW? PETIT LOUVRE

Where can you go to find works by Cézane, Chagall, Monet, Picasso and Renoir all under one roof? Built in the 12th century by the Cistercian monks, the Abbaye de Flaran near Valance-Sur-Baise is not only one of the best preserved abbeys in the south west of France, but it is home to a magnificent collection of art and sculpture loaned by Michael Simonow. With over 250 works, it’s no surprise that the abbey is also known as le Petit Louvre de la Gascogne!

Paradox

GERS DORDOGNE

SALUT!

Middle Age Take a close look at the stone in the medieval village of Laressingle and you’ll see a number of names that you won’t be expecting. Thanks to the Duke of Treviso, Laressingle was saved from ruin at the beginning of the 20th-century when he encouraged American donors, mostly from Boston, to help restore “the smallest fortified village in France”. His work in the USA was continued in 1920 by Edouard Mortier and, today, many of the benefactors’ names are engraved for all to see. As well as the Pilgrim’s Stopover Museum, a stage on the way to Santiago de Compostela, two museums depict life in the middle ages and there’s an unusual three-storey castle with its trapezoidal shape and pentagonal tower.

In a region where rich food is featured so highly, it’s interesting that Gascons are recognised as having one of the longest life expectancies from birth, and suffer less heart attacks than almost any other regional population in France. This sums up the “French Paradox”. Could it be that the balance of a gourmet diet of patés, foie gras, cheese, saucisse, wines and Armagnac, when combined with local fruit and vegetables, thermal spas and fresh air, add up to an ideal lifestyle? We’ll leave that one with you to ponder.

Read more about the region at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/area-info/ The Local Buzz • December 2020 & January 2021

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BETHLEHEM

Every year, more than 60 volunteers and friends of Les Amis de Gandoulès gather to present the Crèche Vivante. This living crèche is a celebration of the Nativity and, with meticulous detail to costume and its surroundings, transforms the small hamlet of GANDOULES into Bethlehem. You can join them at this free, joyous display on 27 December at 15:00 and 20:30. 05 63 02 05 55.

Creative Christmas

Extraordinary

Nuit de la Danse with Ciac Boum and Bal Trencadit is no ordinary dance night! The Ciac Boum trio presents mostly Poitevine music as if, it seems, their lives depend on it with old melodies meeting eternal youth to bring fun, energy and celebration. Then, combining traditional music with rock, cosmic and electronic sounds, comes Trencadit with pop music that meets the astral hum of the Gascony forests. Intrigued? Experience it from 21:00 to 23:00 at the Salle des Fêtes in LIZAC on 11 December. www.moissac-culture.fr

Ludo Calls

Fancy some new Christmas decorations? This two-hour workshop will have you making personalised pine cone tree decorations to delight all the family. Focusing on natural elements, the Créatif de Noël takes place at the MOISSAC library on 16 December from 14:00. 05 63 04 72 33.

Sorry, if you are over 120 years old you’ll have to pay to attend this Soirêes Jeux à la Ludo! Well that’s what they say but it’s just part of the fun to be had at this Ludo game night. It’s all in the roll of a single die as you race across the board. Will you be a winner? Find out at the Ludothèque in CAUSSADE on 19 December from 20:00 to 23:30. 05 63 26 16 66.

The Local Buzz • December 2020 & January 2021

what’s the

BUZZ TARN ET GARONNE

Mr Mat

TARN ET GARONNE DORDOGNE

The Orchestre National de Barbès has performed around the world and returns to MOISSAC at 21:00 on 29 January for this musical concert mixing the sounds of North Africa such as châabi, raï and gnawa with rock, reggae and, amongst others, ska. Joining them at the Hall de Paris is Mister Mat with his guitar and haunting voice in a performance where, it is said, “simplicity is matched only by the power of his interpretation”. Sounds fascinating, or should that be fascinating sounds! www.moissac-culture.fr

TARN ET GARONNE

BEE DID YOU KNOW? HAPPY MECHANICAL WONDERS New How did we collect honey before modern day hives? In ye olde days beekeepers often squeezed the honeycomb with their fingers, a task that was a bit hit and miss for both the keeper and the bees! Then came rustic presses based on artisanal Roman oil presses. How do we know? We love bees and took a look at the Musée de Miel in Gramont where they take you through the ages, right up to today where ecology and the significance of bees can be seen in the Terres d’Api 82 project.

Remember Meccano? Did you build cranes, trains, cars or boats, or were you skilled enough to build something truly mechanical? Relive your early days and visit Montauban’s Musée des Jouets where you will find more than 2000 examples along with precision games and models. Whilst there, see if you still bring the magic and try your hand with puppetry at the Guignol theatre.

Paris in a Garden

France

Born in Saint-Nicholas-dela-Grave in 1658, Antoine Laumet left France at the age of 25 to explore the New World. He spent four years trading alcohol and furs whilst exploring the country, learning native habits and languages. Creating a new identity as Antoine de la Mothe, sieur de Cadillac, he excelled in politics, founding Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit (now Detroit) and became Governor of Louisiana before hitting a “few bumps in the political road” and moved into mining. The Cadillac car is named after him, as is Cadillac Mountain in Maine and Cadillac town in Michigan. Returning to France he became Mayor of Castelsarrasin and died there aged 72.

You can visit Paris all year round without even leaving Tarn et Garonne at Le Petit Paris, a miniature reproduction of the capital city set in a garden in Vaissac, just 20km from Montauban. Built to the scale of 1:130, the Eiffel Tower dominates the scene as it sits amongst 40 replica monuments and icons such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Notre-Dame, the Champs Elysées and the Musée de Louvre. Created by Gérard Brion over 14 years, it provides a helicopter-view of this fascinating cityscape, including illuminations at night!

Read more about the region at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/area-info/ 22

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#gladtoseeyouagain

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N HAUTE GARONNE

what’s the

BUZZ

AIR MAIL!

A Real Feast

N.HAUTE GARONNE

INVENTIVE MIX A flying dancer and an imaginative musician take to the stage in Obstiné.e.s, a mixed art piece where dance, theatre, music and aerial dynamics tell the story of how a group of orphaned children on a Pacific Ocean island find the strength to rebuild themselves. A joyful world of fantasy and games awaits at this free performance for all the family by the Concordance Company at La Grainerie in BALMA on 15 January. Seating is limited. www.la-grainerie.net

Celebrating the 120th anniversary of his birth, the Antoine de Saint Exupéry: Un Petit Prince Parmi Les Hommes exhibition takes off in the aircraft hangar he used for his first international postal flights. Portraying the key moments of his life, you can also discover a life-size replica of La Ligne’s first aircraft, the Salmson 2A2. A pioneering airmail pilot, he also flew test flights and air raids during WWII. Find out more at La Piste des Géants at MONTAUDRAN, Toulouse until 29 August. www.lenvol-des-pionniers.com

NUREYEV LIVES ON

Produced by Kader Belarbi, star of the Nureyev years at the Paris Opera, Dans Les Pas de Noureev is a tribute to the great Rudolf Nureyev. Celebrating his magnificent career and incredible skills, it allows the Ballet du Capitole dancers to present a remarkable exercise in style, sophistication and elegance. Replacing the scheduled ballet, La Bayadère, the performance runs from 19 to 31 December in TOULOUSE at the Théâtre du Capitole. www.theatreducapitole.fr

Were medieval feasts and customs all they were cracked up to be? You can find out at this new Exposition Le Festin de Fébus at the Couvent des Jacobins in TOULOUSE until 24 February. Based on an actual feast given by Comte Fébus in 1390, it allows visitors to better understand the different dimensions of 14th-century entertaining, including the food, serving implements, performers and music etc. www.jacobins. toulouse.fr/lefestindefebus

A l’Escale moment Why not combine a Sunday market or a morning walk before relaxing in the l’Escale in TOURNEFEUILLE for this exploration of musical heritage? Violins, viola and cello feature in Les Clefs de Saint Pierre, Hors Les Murs Concerts du Marché : L’heure Soviétique, a performance of classical music that starts at 11:00 on 10 January. www.mairietournefeuille.fr/lescale

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The Toulousain Violet is no ordinary violet! Introduced to France by Napoléon III and now a protected species, it has between 30 and 40 petals with a white heart and a very special scent. Originally cultivated in Lalande but now grown in greenhouses from November to March it has become one of the emblems of Toulouse and can be found in various forms. If you haven’t tried candid violets and violet honey, syrup, ice cream or liqueur, don’t miss out, they are delicious. In fact, you could visit the violet festival in February and find violets in biscuits and cakes, soaps and perfumes, on clothing, ceramics and in various forms of art.

DID YOU KNOW? TWO MILLION+

Where can you see the skeleton of a man riding the skeleton of a horse? Then, in almost the next breath come face to face with an elephant and a giraffe under the impressive skeleton of a gliding Quetzalcoatlus! That will be at the interactive, Musée d’Histoire Naturelle in Toulouse where, along with a wide variety of science games, laboratories and greenhouses, you can also visit a botanical garden. Over two million exhibits await!

Comte de Toulouse The title of Count of Toulouse was abandoned after the death of King Philip III in 1285 but was revived in 1681 by Louis XIV for one of his many sons by his six mistresses. Louis Alexandre was born in 1678 to Françoise-Athénais, Marquise de Montespan, legitimised in 1681, and was number 19 in a line of at least 22 children! At the age of five, he became Grand Admiral of France before becoming Governor of Guyenne amongst other titles.

N HAUTE GARONNE DORDOGNE

SWEETLY SCENTED

Roger That

Home to Toulouse airport, not everything takes off at Blagnac, as a visit to the Ailes Anciennes (Ancient Wings) Association exhibit will show. Put together over 40 years and including airplanes, helicopters, gliders and engines, the collection is one of the largest in France and is maintained by a team of passionate and dedicated volunteers. Check out the Mirage III, the Caravelle, F-1011B Voodoo and other glorious aircraft, including those currently being restored.

Read more about the region at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/area-info/ The Local Buzz • December 2020 & January 2021

HOMES + GARDENS

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about

the bone structure 26

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HOMES + GARDENS

Sue has lived in SW France for 15 years and founded the website French Properties Direct. Busy creating her second French garden, she wants it to be eye catching, filled with interest, and productive, regardless of the season.

Now is the perfect time to reassess your garden in terms of the previous year’s successes, your future ambitions and your plans for structural changes. Ahead of next year, the fallen leaves from deciduous trees and shrubs have been swept up and added to your leaf mold bins, and annuals are, similarly, rotting down in your compost bins. Many perennial herbaceous plants have died back and are either displaying winter stems and seed heads or have been cut back and composted, and most of the vegetable harvest has been safely gathered in. Your garden is at its most stark and sparse. Add to this the peculiar quality of cold, low, slanting winter light and you have the perfect conditions in which to critically re-evaluate the design and balance of your

garden and plan what changes you want to make over the next year. In no particular order, here are four elements to consider when giving your garden its annual appraisal: VISTAS Study the lines of your garden. You will want any paths or border arrangements to lead somewhere. It may be to a practical destination (like the front door) or it could be to some focal point, such as a favourite pot, statue or water feature. You may also want your vista to draw the eye to borrowed landscape features (something beyond the boundary of your own garden). This could be a view, or distinctive tree, or maybe an attractive building on the horizon. BEDS The edges of flower beds become untidy during the year, planting plans may change and existing plants mature, all of which mean that your beds may no longer be the right shape or size. Use a rope or hosepipe to reshape the border and form an outline. Then stand back, even looking at it from an upstairs window, and reshape until you are happy. Next, go along the edge of the rope/hose with your border spade or half-moon shaped edging iron and dig out a shallow trench marking the new outline. Do this for every border that you plan to change and, when you are satisfied with how they relate to one another, start to dig over the reshaped bed(s). Remove the top layer

of turf with your spade (or turfing iron) and re-use it to fill in bald patches in your grass, build up hollows in existing lawn or create a turf stack. If you store the turfs upside-down they will gradually rot down and create some topsoil for future use. Dig over your new border at the beginning of winter, turning the earth over to bury any remaining grass, and any frosts will help break up any clods and kill unwanted greenery. HARD LANDSCAPING Hard landscaping is the non-plant element of your garden (terracing, paths, walls and structures). These permanent features come into their own in winter when much else has died back. Think about the texture (stone, brick or wood structures, gravel, paved or grass terraces etc.). Try to marry the material to its environment. For example, a meandering bark path through a woodland garden would be more sympathetic than tarmac. Think also about practicality and purpose. A boundary wall is immediate and will provide greater privacy than a hedge and although it costs more initially, it needs less longerterm maintenance. However, if you are creating a barrier against the wind then a hedge will be more effective as it filters the wind, whilst a wall will create turbulence.

evergreens give colour and shape all year round and form a pleasing contrast to the comings and goings of bulbs and perennials during the year. When clipped, Hornbeam will keep most of its dead, brown leaves throughout the winter adding extra colour and texture. Some deciduous trees have wonderful barks. The birch tree Betula Utilis, for example, has a ghostly white trunk whereas the paperbark maple (Acer Giseum) has a spectacular peeling bark that turns orange/red in winter. Both trees also have attractive leaves and form which extend the interest throughout the year. As seen with the great gardens of France, good design looks good all year round. We may not have a garden on the scale of Versailles or Villandry but we can ensure that our own patch of France has a bone structure that enables us to enjoy its appearance throughout the year. You can see more of Sue’s gardening advice at www.thelocalbuzzmag. com/meet-the-bloggers and in our online articles section.

STRUCTURAL PLANTS These come into their own in the winter months when they are starkly revealed. Tightly clipped

The Local Buzz • December 2020 & January 2021

HOMES + GARDENS

December and January

Gardening

Gardening in winter The end of one year and the beginning of the next. There’s a lot to do at this time of year. In fact, the more you accomplish now the more your garden will benefit next year. Wrap up well, go outside and make a start on your 2021 garden. • Move or plant new deciduous bare rooted trees and shrubs. • Continue pruning deciduous trees and shrubs where appropriate. • Take hard wood cuttings of deciduous shrubs. • Check protective covers on tender plants in the garden. • Remember to water and, if need be, feed (sparingly) tender plants which are undercover. • Regularly put out food for the birds. • Order “in the green” snowdrops and aconites. • Clean your garden tools and pots.

• Continue to weed and mulch where necessary. • Reassess the design of your garden whilst at its most bare. • Carry out planned maintenance of your compost bins. • Sow seeds which need a period of winter cold in order to germinate. • Dig over bare beds, allowing the frost to help break down the soil.

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Following the Letters W

hen a cache of over 100 letters were found by Hilary Sunman in the cellar of her semi-derelict mill house in the Lot, she had no idea they would lead her on a path to writing this intriguing, moving and sometimes, shocking book. Drawn into a beguiling world of discovery across two world wars, the dusty, fragile letters shed light on the lives of two very different families. One was aristocratic, the other made wine and farmed. The emotional, insightful and descriptive letters tell personal, rich and revealing stories of the lives and deaths of people who each experienced the tough, turbulent years of the early 1900s.

In her painstaking research, Hilary travelled around France, studying parish registers to understand more, not only of the characters who so touchingly expressed themselves, but also of their intriguing lives in this remote corner of the Lot. Hilary is kindly offering readers of The Local Buzz a discount on orders of her paperback book, which is usually priced at €9.48 but which, from 1 Dec to 31 January will be discounted to €7.80 on the Amazon France site. To order go to https://amzn.to/36FbnWy

Give yourself a treat and curl up with this good book about love, life and war in south-west France...

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The Local Buzz • December 2020 & January 2021

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

e m a G e h t g Playin This is likely to be a Christmas and New Year unlike any other and presents an ideal opportunity to relive the parlour games of the past, or bring “new life” to some of our family favourites. TIPPIT How’s your poker face? You will need a good one for this centuries old Welsh bluffing game. The idea is that the “hiders” make the “guessers” choose the wrong hand when finding a hidden coin. So tom-foolery, misleading looks and verbal banter are definitely the order of the day, steering them in the wrong direction. Two teams of two or more face each other across a table (or tables if online). A coin toss decides who goes first and the hiders secretly move the coin between their hands under the table. When ready, the team captain knocks the table three times and the hiders place their clenched hands on top (one containing the coin). One by one, the guessers say either: a. “Left/right hand away”. If there’s no coin the hand is no longer in play and the guesser goes again. If it’s there, the hiders win a point and it’s their turn to hide. b. “Tippit left/right”. If the coin is revealed, the guessers have won and they become the hiders. If not, the hiders score a point and hide it again. The winning team is the first to reach a pre-determined score of at least 11.

TUNE UP Traditionally you would play the first few bars of a tune and have people guess the name or the next line, but you could also try clapping the tune out (don’t forget syllables and length of notes), or humming it instead. Or why not give a kazoo a go! It could be a song by a 90s girl band or a Christmas carol, pick something that lets you pick up the beat and stay true to your inner music mogul!

JUICE PONG This could be messy so is best played outside or where the floor can be mopped! Place 6 or 10 plastic cups at each end of a table, in a triangle. The teams take turns in throwing ping pong balls into the opponent’s cups. If successful, the opposing team drink the (remaining) contents and the cup is removed. The first team to eliminate the other team’s cups is the winner. You can make up your own rules about whether bounces and swatting away bouncing balls are allowed, and the order of play. Are you sure you are leaving the best ‘til last? Of course, as well as juice, this game could be played with beer or wine but, as they say, please drink responsibly!

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E N T E R TA I N M E N T

A TO Z

PIÑATA SURPRISE Piñatas are a lot of fun on their own but they can be combined with other games too. As well as tiny treats, why not stuff them with Pictionary cards, jigsaw pieces, “who am I” cards, etc? Blindfolded one at a time, players are turned three times before smashing the piñata, the “smasher” keeping what they release, ready for the next game.

This is so simple but it will have you laughing out loud, regardless of your age. Simply select a category such as animals, vegetables, makes of car, cooking implements, etc., and, one after the other and in alphabetical order, name something in that category. If you can’t you’re out (or could face a forfeit) but will the others recognise the word you just made up?

J A B C D EF G H IT K LM N O P Q R S UVWXYZ

UP JENKINS This is another bluffing game with a coin in a clenched fist, passing it along under the table as in Tippit. However, when the guessers shout “Up Jenkins” the hiders place their elbows on the table, clenched fist towards the ceiling. On the command “Down Jenkins” their palms are slammed face down on the table. The idea is to hide the clink of the coin and be “the last palm standing” as the guessers try their best to locate it. Commands such as “Creepy Crawlies” require hands to be curled and moved like a crab and “Open Windows” mean that selected fingers are opened to reveal a gap. Last palm standing results in a forfeit for the guessers (could be a drink or a task) or, if it is revealed, the hiders take the forfeit.

We wish you a very merry Christmas and the happiest possible New Year. The Local Buzz • December 2020 & January 2021

FOOD + DRINK

e v i t s e F y l s u o i c i l De A new take on the traditional feast with pigeon and bubbly wines from Emma (chef) and John (sommelier) Gilchrist

Emma writes “I thought it would a good time to try a different kind of bird, so decided on Pigeon. Many people think it will be hard to cook or they won’t like it but, instead, it’s wonderfully tasty, especially when cooked pink. I also love the sweet, earthy, starchy flavour of winter root vegetables. The “on-trend” way to cook them is in a simple salt crust pastry, enhancing the sweetness and making them the star of the show. Celeriac, beetroot and orange or heritage carrots have such lovely vibrant colours. Swede, turnip and pumpkin varieties can be used too. To finish, here’s my favourite alternative Christmas dessert from the Lake District, the decadent, wonderfully sweet and sticky toffee pudding with caramel sauce.

Roast Pigeon

(Serves 4) 4 Pigeons 4 Garlic cloves, peeled 1 Whole garlic bulb, cut across in half

Handful fresh rosemary 200g Butter 1 Drizzle extra virgin olive oil 250ml Local red wine (Cabernet is great) 1 Pinch sea salt 1 Pinch freshly ground black pepper Preheat the oven to 220°C. Season each pigeon cavity and push a garlic clove, a sprig of rosemary and a knob of butter inside. Place the pigeons close together, breast side up, in a high-sided roasting pan. Dot with the rest of the butter and rosemary. Drizzle with olive oil and pour in half the wine. Cover loosely with foil and roast for 10 mins, then reduce the oven to 180°C. Remove the roasting pan from the oven and discard the foil. Turn the birds over

and add the rest of the wine, then roast for a further 20 mins, uncovered. Leave to rest in the pan for 10 mins. Reduce the wine jus in a small saucepan until it coats the back of a spoon. Check for seasoning and serve.

Salt baked root vegetables

550g Strong white bread flour, plus extra to dust 175g Fine sea salt, plus ½ tsp 3 Free-range egg whites 1kg-1.2kg Unpeeled assorted root vegetables 200 ml Cold water Mix the flour and 175g salt in a large bowl. Add the egg whites and water and quickly mix to form a dough (if it’s too stiff, add a little extra water). Knead in the bowl for

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a minute or so, form a smooth ball, then flatten into a disc. Wrap in cling film and chill for 30 mins. Heat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan. Roll the dough to about 1cm thick on a lightly floured surface. Cut the vegetables to the same size, place on the dough and use your hands to wrap the dough around, pressing the edges together to seal. Use a little water on the end of your finger as glue if necessary. Put the doughwrapped veg on a baking tray lined with baking paper and bake for 1 hr until the dough is hard and the veg inside are tender (test with a skewer). Once cooked, slice open the salt crust and either discard the top or leave it on and serve on a platter as a centrepiece (don’t eat the dough). Emma and John Gilchrist have been running their gîte and cookery school, Les Caulins, in Lot-etGaronne since March 2016. Emma has worked with great chefs in some of the best restaurants around the world and John, a former UK Sommelier of the Year and winner of the Mondavi award for the best wine list in the world, is an enthusiast for the smaller wine producers. www.lescaulins.com

Sticky Toffee Pudding with Caramel Sauce

(Serves 4) 50g Unsalted butter 175g Granulated sugar 175g Chopped, stoned dates 275ml Water 1 tsp Bicarbonate of soda 2 Free-range eggs 175g Self-raising flour (Farine Gateau) ½ tsp Pure vanilla essence 600ml Thick cream* 75g Demerara sugar 2tbs Black treacle *Creme Entiere de Normandie (30% Matre Gras or more) Boil the dates in the water until soft and add the bicarb of soda. Cream the butter and sugar, beat the eggs into the creamed mixture, fold in the flour, dates, liquid and vanilla essence. Pour into a deep greased cake tin or soufflé dish, or individual pudding basins, cover loosely with foil and bake for 40 to 45 mins at 180°C (less for individual puddings). To make the sauce boil the cream, sugar and treacle until you have a golden caramel sauce. When cooked, turn the pudding out, pour the sauce over and serve with vanilla ice cream.

Festive Fizz

FOOD + DRINK

John tells us “I’m not a great fan of fizz but I do like Crémant and there are many great Crémant de Bordeaux on our doorstep. Crémant It is often less fizzy, creamy in texture and is a delicious, affordable alternative to Champagne. Here are the ones that we’ll be opening during the festivities.”

In Saint Caprais de Blaye in the North of the Gironde, Vignoble Rageunot makes the very elegant Crémant de Bordeaux Phillipe Rageunot. 100% Semillon, a golden yellow colour, very fine bubbles with stoned-fruit flavours and brioche, and a delicate creamy finish. 9€. www.vignoblesraguenot.fr

Jaillance produces Crémant in many wine regions in France and their many different fizz can be sampled in Peujard. The stand out one is the limited edition Cuvée Icône Blancs de Noir made with 100% Cabernet Franc. Very fruit-driven with flavours of strawberries, raspberries and creamy custard. 12€. www.jaillance.fr

Near Langon in southern Gironde, Domaines Tich & Grava make the perfect festive wine, a beautiful rosé Cuvée 1854, 100% Cabernet Franc. Bright, lively red fruit flavours, toasted almonds and peach with a lovely lemony zing. 10€. www.domainestichetgrava.com

The Local Buzz • December 2020 & January 2021

GUEST CHEF

Showcasing local products from the Lot, Le Balandre restaurant at the centuries-old, family-run Terminus Hotel in Cahors offers stunningly delicious cuisine. Mixing traditional and original creations with the finest ingredients, Chef Alexandre Marre prepares his food without artificial additives or superfluous ingredients, allowing the true flavours to be savoured. A gourmet feast for the eye as well as the palate!

QUERCY FARMED CARRE D’AGNEAU IN A CEPS MUSHROOM CRUST (Serves 4)

Quercy rack of lamb, trimmed* 500g Ceps 200g Breadcrumbs 6 Egg yolks 25g Butter 1 Bunch flat parsley Salt, pepper, Espelette pepper *Ask your butcher to French trim the rack (le manchonnage)

THE CEPS CRUST

Fry the mushrooms in hot olive oil. Add the breadcrumbs, butter, egg yolks, parsley leaves, 15g of salt and 5g of Espelette pepper and pass everything through a mixer (un cutter) to obtain a homogeneous and grainy dough. Note: do not put the crust in the fridge, it will become hard and you will no longer be able to work it.

r u o v a l F e h t g n i r u o Sav THE RACK OF LAMB

Season the lamb and brown it over high heat in a baking dish. Remove the rack from the dish and let it cool to room temperature. Keep the dish, complete with the cooking juices, for later. When the lamb has cooled, place the crust dough over the rack by hand, carefully shaping it to form an even layer. Gently place the rack in the dish and cook in the oven at 200°C for 14 mins. Then let the rack cool in a serving dish at room temperature. Bring it back to temperature in an oven at 100°C before going to the table.

FOR THAT LITTLE EXTRA:

Deglaze the rack’s baking dish with a little chicken broth and reduce to obtain an accompanying juice called “jus de rôti”.

Carré d’Agneau is a delicious cut of meat and looks stunning on the plate.

Alexandre has also sent us his fabulous recipe for Lobster and Beetroot Salad with Lemon Oil which can be found online in the Guest Chef section of our articles at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/articles

www.balandre.com

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BUZZING CONTENT

A HOT Topic!

Nicola and Tim based their new business on one of the reasons why they made the move to France in the first place: total relaxation. sustainable wood, they help to reduce harmful emissions and save energy. As a result, they fit France’s ethos of caring for the environment perfectly.”

Nicola McCabe tells us, “With a holiday home in France, initially we wanted to have a swimming pool to keep cool in summer but installing a pool was too expensive for us. We came across Cotswold Eco Tubs in the UK and, surprised at the low cost, we shipped one across. Our idyllic life in France was even further enhanced, and it didn’t take long before thoughts turned to a permanent move and a new business idea.” “We didn’t have to think too long or look very far. In fact, just as far as our garden. We were so taken with our own hot tub that we approached the company. A year later we are now importing hot tubs on a regular basis. “The importation regulations are changing because of Brexit, but the French authorities have been really helpful. Our products are made from

Eco-Friendly Wood is a renewable and sustainable fuel source and, when it burns, it releases no more CO² than if it were left to rot, so it’s carbon neutral. Any type of wood can be used as long as it’s dry and fits in the burner. Because wood is used to heat the water, a standard power socket is only needed for the optional air bubble and LED systems. So there’s a real cost saving as well, when compared to all-electric tubs. Determined to be different to the norm, Nicola’s team offer a personal

The Local Buzz • December 2020 & January 2021

service where they not only install the tub but they stay with the customer until they’re comfortable operating it. The tub is delivered to its final position, not the kerb, with no additional charges for installation. There’s nothing complicated about it either. Working like a regular wood burner, the water heats in about 90 minutes. Once up to temperature, it can be regulated for a couple of hours by closing the boiler vents. Need more heat? Just add another log. Hygiene is simple too. Whilst treatments with salt, bromine or chlorine are possible, the 800/900L of water can be changed on a regular basis and, if at a gîte, could even be refilled between guests. In a range of colours to complement shutters and garden furniture, this quiet, luxurious experience is good for the body as well as the mind. The wonderful woody aroma combines with the healing effects of hydrotherapy, relieving stress, enhancing relaxation, and reducing aches and pains. An eco-friendly business idea that provides the perfect solution for gently easing away the stresses and strains of everyday life. www.hottubsinfrance.com

SHOPPING

All Wrapped Up? Stuck for ideas? How about these stocking fillers and last-minute Christmas gifts?

Let someone know you are thinking of them with a Big Hug Gift Personalised Candle. Available in 12 fabulous fragrances, the wax is hand poured into the apothecary style jar and burns for 25 hours. €18.31 from www.notonthehighstreet.com

There’s nothing common about these unusual, colourful and stylish Organic Cotton Face Masks. Lightweight, reversible and eco-friendly at €31.95 for a pack of 5, they are washable too. Solid colour one side, pattern on the reverse. www.uncommongoods.com

You won’t need to be green fingered with this delightful Grow It Bonsai Tree pack. Containing UK origin mixed bonsai seeds and five starter growing pots, markers, compost discs and instructions, just plant, water and watch them grow. £10.99. www.iwantoneofthose.com Help your family and friends to sit back and relax with A Butterfly On My Wine Glass. From the countryside and off the beaten track to towns, this anecdotal travel guide by Annie Jefferies explores the real Gironde and Dordogne. Kindle and paperback at www. Amazon.fr

Give a taste of honey with this sweet Panier Dégustation. Produced by a traditional beekeeper in Gironde, it comprises a pot each of creamy Miel d’Eté, caramelly Miel de Forêt and fruity, almondy Miel de Bourdaine et Bruyère. €19. www.lemieldemonpetitrucher.fr Timeless appeal and understated texture go hand in hand with this chic Dawn Navy & Black Lace Clutch. In a classic envelope style with a jeweled brooch, inside slip pocket, press stud fastening and detachable silver chain. £175. www.lkbennett.com

You could secretly place this one on the tree for a real surprise. A Set of 4 Edie Rings, layered on a blue cleaning cloth in a beautiful gold display tube that’s ready for hanging. Pretty goldcoloured rings that any young lady will love. €67. www.anthropologie.com See yourself (and others) in a better light with the OlumiRing™, said to the most versatile ring light in the world. Ideal for selfies, zoom chats and make-up, you can take this portable, clippable and rechargeable LED light anywhere! €20.43. www.oluminate.com

Fancy being your own cake boss? This Introduction to Cake Decorating Four Part Online Course by industry experts is all you need to create winning recipes and finish them off with the perfect toppings. £22.00. www.experiences.lastminute.com

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SHOPPING

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a pair of gloves but not only are these made from supersoft Alpaca wool, they have a fold over top and thumb so you can use your mobile phone without taking them off! Alpaca Motif Tech Friendly Flip Gloves. €30. www.duprem.com

Spoil the lady in your life with these stunning Bijou Gemstone Gold Drop Earrings, €185. They also have a matching necklace, €195. One in a home-made cracker and one under the tree? See the entire collection at www.chateauchicboutique.com

Let your ball of fluff have a good scratch, without landing themselves in trouble, with this Griffoir “Joyeux Noël”. Ideal for kittens and full grown cats, it not only looks good but it’s robust and ideal for apartments as well as larger homes. €49.00. www.homycat.com.

Give A Kiss Under A Bunch Of Grapes with this amusing A4 print from Perry Taylor. This is just one of the many humorous drawings of French country life from this genius artist who the locals call the “Anglo-Gascon”. €24. www.perrytaylor.fr

A great gift for chefs of all ages, this artisanal Coffret 4 Huiles includes hazelnut, black truffle, almond and walnut oils. Made in Neuvic, Dordogne and part of a family tradition dating back to 1857, they are aromatic, rich and delicious. €40. www.moulindelaveyssiere.fr Toulouse is famous for its violets and this Coffret GM Decouverte Gourmande demonstrates that there’s much more to it than flowers. Packed with violet flavoured honey, syrup, tea, bonbons and the ubiquitous crystallised violets, the gift box is €30. www.lamaisondelaviolette.com

Aromatherapy Associates The Refinery Shave Oil penetrates and rejuvenates the skin, ready for a soothing shave with no oily residue. Power packed with essential oils, just 4-5 drops of this masculine, lightweight face saver is all he needs. €35.45. www.lookfantastic.com.

The heart chakra is the centre of sympathy, empathy Any puppy or dog will adore this Jouet and love. Feel in perfect KONG Wild Knots Ours pour Chien. harmony with this Chakra™ A grrreat playmate that’s designed to 4 Balancing Body Mist last with a furry outer, minimal stuffing Harmony combining and, inside, knotted rope to keep them sandalwood, organic mandarin, amused for hours. €5.99. zooplus.fr. palmarosa and other pure flower and plant essences. €38.50. www.aveda.eu Simply wonderful! This hand poured soy wax candle will fill the house with Christmas scent. Joyeux Noël is the latest creation from Bougies D’Aquitaine and mingles roasted chestnuts with bitter orange, white chocolate, cinnamon and cloves. £17.50. https://buff.ly/2SCbPOLm

The Local Buzz • December 2020 & January 2021

SHOPPING

We thought this was just a cute cuddly toy but it’s really a message to friends, family and colleagues. This Peluche Poulpe Réversible Mini Octopus Officiel® displays either a grumpy or happy face. It says it all! Choose from eight colourways. €14.99. www.adopte-un-doudou.fr A chocolate saucisson with a flavor to savour! In amongst the hundreds of chocolates on this site, you will find the incredible Chocisson in milk and dark chocolate as well as our favourite flavoured with Piment d’Espelette. Miam miam. €4. www.maisonguinguet.com

How delicious does a fountain of chocolate sound? It’s quick and easy with the RETRO FUN Fontaine à chocolat blanc which.thankfully, can be used with dark and milk chocolate too. Let it flow, let it flow, let it flow! €29.95. www.fr.casashops.com

Up for some trivia fun with all the family? The Beat The Grown Ups Game contains two sets of cards, one for adults and one for younger contestants, with questions on a range of topics such as films, music, art and science. £5.00. www.marksandspencer.com

The sky really is the limit with this helicopter tour that “highlights” the past with a bird’s eye view of your choice of Dordogne chateaux, medieval bastides or the best of Périgord Noir. From €69pp. ULM flights are also offered from €55pp. www.airchateaux.com

Calling all dog lovers. Be playful with this framed British Dogs Wall Art by illustrator and designer, Hanna Melin. Inspired by daily living, her illustrations offer a unique perspective on everyday subjects and are printed on fine art paper. From €98. www.anthropologie.com

This one’s on our list! An Artisan Gin Kit that lets you craft your own gin in less than 24 hours using artisan botanicals. Gin aficionados will love it. Imagine, their own unique bottle of gin in their spirits collection! €40. www.anthropologie.com A pack of wooden sticks that you throw down and then pick up! This Traditional Pick Up Sticks Game for the Whole Family – Boxed Gift is not as easy as it sounds. Instructions and wooden sticks included. Are you deft enough? £2.88. www.littlecraftybugs.co.uk We think this is a great idea but, of course, we’re biased! Until 31 January, we are offering price reductions on postal subscriptions for The Local Buzz magazine. A great Christmas present for friends and family and, dare we say, for you too! www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/subscriptions

This Boîte à Outils pour Vélo is what every cyclist needs! Stainless steel screwdrivers, wrenches and hex keys in a beech wood box complete with anatomical diagram. No more loose pedals or technical mishaps! €45.83. www.lesraffineurs.com

Feeling crafty? Create your own care package with this Hand Sanitising Gel Home Crafting Kit. Containing all you need, including a fragrance, to make one handbag sized product plus two refills it is £15 from www.experiences.lastminute.com

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STREAMING TV AND FILMS

Feet Up & Relax!

There’s something for everyone in this streaming line-up so grab the popcorn and enjoy! TREMORS, SHRIEKER ISLAND

EMILY IN PARIS

A giant, carnivorous, tunnelling worm takes the lead in this actionpacked sci-fi movie. Can the scientists find a legendary monster hunter able to battle the massive mutant creatures who have moved in to an island nature preserve? It will have you on the edge of your seat for 103 minutes. Rated TV-14.

Billed as a sexy, soap serial, this first season follows the life of a young American woman (Lily Collins), a social media specialist/marketing executive whose job is transferred from Chicago to Paris. Not only will you laugh, but you will pick up some (probably) new French words and saucy expressions, enjoy the fashion and learn a lot more about the beautiful city of Paris. Rated 15+.

IN A VALLEY OF VIOLENCE KNIGHTFALL

Some Westerns are good, some are bad and some are ugly. This film starring Ethan Hawke and John Travolta probably combines them all. A quiet drifter arrives in a small town and is bullied by the locals who turn increasingly nasty. He retaliates and, in so doing, upsets the local Marshall who, in turn, begins a vendetta. Rated R for violence and language.

This high-action, historical fiction drama is based on the life, beliefs and work of the Knights Templar. Portraying how they went from success to persecution and suppression during the rule of King Philip IV of France and the guidance of Pope Boniface VIII, it is unflinching in its realistic battle scenes. Starring Tom Cullen as a chivalrous, romantic, seasoned warrior, it carries a 15+ rating.

BRAVE BLUE WORLD CHICO BON BON: MONKEY WITH A TOOL BELT

The supplementary title of this thoughtprovoking documentary is Racing to Solve Our Water Crisis. Exploring new innovations across five continents, this made-for-TV 50-minute programme is all about building a future for sustainable water from reuse to energy generation. Starring Matt Damon and Liam Neeson, it has a PG-rating.

REBECCA

PERFECT POPCORN

A sinister housekeeper and the hauntingly dark shadow of her new husband’s late wife makes Rebecca’s move to his imposing estate a bit of a nightmare. There’s drama, mystery and romance in this thriller which is based on the novel of the same name by Daphne Du Maurier. Do you believe in ghosts? Sit back for a couple of hours and see if you change your mind. Rated PG-13.

1 tbs coconut oil, corn kernels, butter, salt, 1 large, heavy-bottomed pan. Heat the oil over medium heat, add 4 kernels and, once popped, add the rest. Cover the pan, remove from the heat, wait 30 seconds, and heat again, slightly opening the lid to allow steam to escape. Allow them to pop, gently shake the pan and, once the popping stops, pop them into a bowl. Add melted butter, sprinkle with salt, toss to mix and serve! For a step- by-step video go to www.simplyrecipes.com/ recipes/perfect_popcorn/

The Local Buzz • December 2020 & January 2021

If you have a problem, do you know who to call? It has to be monkey mechanic Chico Bon Bon and his Fix-It Force! Armed with tools and engineering gizmos, this cheeky, clever chappie and his team are ready whenever the banana phone rings! Educational, problemsolving cartoon fun for all the family. Now in its third season. Rated 4+.

CALL MY AGENT Made for TV as Dix Per Cent (the original title), this French comedy is enjoying its fourth season. With popularity ratings still rising. Call my Agent is full of hilarious quips and innuendos. Great for keeping up or improving with your French language skills, it can be viewed with English subtitles. The story is about a leading talent agency trying to keep their top clients happy, not to mention their business afloat, following an unexpected crisis. Rated at 13+.

BUZZING CONTENT

Hitting the

! s e t o N h g i H

Springing surprises via a professional musical performance can lift any event beyond the norm From the age of seven when she first took to the stage, singing and dancing in a pantomime, Paula Heron Phillips has both recognised and experienced the power of song. She knows, first hand, the joy, not to mention the wonderful memories that a professional music performance can bring. “Music can tell a story, convey a message, create cherished moments and even fill a gap,” she explains, “which is why I created and now run Singing Waiters In France. “As a surprise musical entertainment act we have a wealth of professional singers ready to liven up any event. Performing at weddings, birthday parties, corporate events and even exhibitions, our cast of varied singers have appeared on Voice in France, been finalists on Nouvelle Star and successful on the Eurovision Song Contest. Others have also performed in musical theatre productions from Joseph, Guys ‘n Dolls and Starlight Express through to Grease. “Unique in France, the idea is that the talented singers appear to be part of the waiting staff, mingling with the guests as they serve cocktails and canapes. Making sure they are noticed, they stand out from the crowd in a good way and, when the surprise is ready to be sprung, burst into song. The guests love it and

are always amazed that they had been taken in. It’s an ideal scenario to prevent a lull too, that point when the speeches are over and no one really knows what happens next.” Paula laughs as she recalls, “We had one booking where the guests thought they were going to a birthday party but our singers shocked them by revealing that, in fact, the hosts were married that morning. Another event asked for a musical theatre performance after the meal and speeches, before the evening dancing started. “Booked in advance, we do all the preparation to make an event just that little bit special. If there’s a particular song that a client would really like us to sing, which is not necessary well known but a favourite, we will learn and perform it. Every event is unique and requires a completely different approach, fine-tuned to meet individual needs and covering all forms of musical genre. It’s fun, it’s personal, it’s professional musical entertainment, carefully designed to ensure happy memories. With over 20 years’ experience in the events industry for a blue chip company, Paula knows how to make it happen and is passionate about bringing this innovative approach to France. www.singingwaitersinfrance.com

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WINNER OF ‘BEST REAL ESTATE AGENCY FRANCE’ SEVEN YEARS RUNNING

LEGGETT IMMOBILIER

Over 14,000 properties on our websites • Thousands of clients ready to buy • Global visibility through top-ranked websites

Dordogne €136,250 Ref: 116541 - 3 bedroom house on 3 levels with covered balcony. Possible to turn property into 2 separate ﬂats.

Dordogne €141,700 Ref: 116144 - Detached 3 bedroom house with large lounge and huge basement for extra accommodation.

Lot-et-Garonne €162,000 Ref: 68439 - Bungalow with 3 bedrooms, fabulous outside pool and countryside views.

Lot-et-Garonne €199,500 Ref: 76626 - Half-timber 4 bedroom home on a quiet spread of land, near a golf course.

Gers €76,000 Ref: 63553 - 2 Bedroom detached house with garage and garden, within walking distance of a market town.

Dordogne €152,600 Ref: 115270 - A real gem! Pretty 4 bedroom property with garden, garage and outbuilding. 5min to Eymet.

Dordogne €104,500 Ref: 115916 - Sweet 2 bedroom stone cottage with large garden, nice views, barn and garage.

EXCLUSIVE

Gironde €189,000 Ref: 110319 - Gorgeous 3 bedroom house with large living space, kitchen, patios, garden and views.

EXCLUSIVE

Gironde €288,900 Ref: 116289 - Attractive 3 bedroom house and an apartment to create. Walking distance to shops and train. EXCLUSIVE

Tarn-et-Garonne €194,400 Ref: 92489 - Pretty 4 bedroom country cottage set in 5000m² of gardens. Tastefully decorated.

Lot €194,400 Ref: 101846 - Spacious 7 bedroom stone farmhouse with 335m² stone barn and hangar, on 2000m² of land.

Lot €215,890 Ref: 112470 - Old schoolhouse with 3 bedrooms and renovated to a high standard, with original features.

Gers €174,900 Ref: 112914 - Spacious 4 bedroom townhouse with secluded garden. Perfect as a holiday home.

Haute-Garonne €244,000 Ref: 115873 - Beautifully renovated house in a village, with a large garage, garden and 3880m² of land.

Haute-Garonne €265,000 Ref: 88428 - Priced to sell ! Beautiful 5 bedroom home in the centre of Aurignac.

EXCLUSIVE

Tarn-et-Garonne €249,950 Ref: 94538 - Restored 4 bedroom house with pool in a small village.

www.leggettfrance.com info@leggett.fr +33 (0)5 53 60 84 88

‘‘

I love organising my positive work-life balance

‘‘

We’re recruiting - 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

Steve Pangli, sales agent

ADVICE

WORKING FROM HOME

Whether your home office is in a bedroom, garage, garden room, corner of the house or a purpose-built extension for multiple personnel, it’s important to compartmentalise work from your domestic life.

Our editor, has “worked from home” for over 30 years having built offices for 16 at her family home and then moved to France where the pigeonnier was converted to a professional workplace environment. She has also experienced working from home, alone. If you are not used to it, it can take some adjustment. We hope these tips help you to maximise the enjoyment, and success, that home working can bring. IT’S ALL IN THE MIND “It could be a walk through the garden, a staircase or a doorway”, Lesley highlights “but I still travel the “M25 motorway” when I go to work. This mental journey helps to keep my two worlds apart and enables me to retain my focus whilst at work. A tall screen or even a curtain would work just as well if your workspace is in your living room for instance.

TECHNOLOGY “It depends on your type of work”, she adds, “but if you are used to an all-singing, all-dancing PC with a full keyboard in the workplace, you may find it difficult to manage with an iPad, notebook or laptop on a full-time basis at home. I certainly can’t write at the same speed on my iPad and laptop and, for this reason, I have an additional full size keyboard and mouse which are both wireless to avoid an IT spaghetti junction!

“Whilst you may have been able to split screens easily at work, it may not be quite so easy at home. So, if you have space, an additional monitor is a major bonus. They aren’t expensive and really do stop you going dizzy and losing work as you flip from one view to another, or try to read tiny text on a split screen. “Working from home may mean that you are less protected against power outages, especially if you live in rural France. A small UPS (uninterruptible power supply) can give you those all-important

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ADVICE few minutes to save your work and power down safely. No lost reports and no lost Wi-Fi, until you are ready to switch off! “Printers are now pretty cheap so choose one that incorporates an efficient scanner. Ink cartridges can be expensive so try to go paperless as much as you can, storing documents online, and avoiding the need for a filing cabinet as an added bonus. “Many French houses have thick internal walls, often requiring plug-in WiFi boosters for reliable connections. “Whichever system you use, perform regular back-ups and make sure that, although working from home, you comply with data protection regulations”. HEALTH AND SAFETY “The sofa, a kitchen chair or a stool will have your neck, back and shoulders aching in no time,” she explains, speaking from experience. “You don’t sit transfixed to the spot in the office and the likelihood is that you won’t be doing that in your home workplace either. It’s well worth investing in a proper chair

that supports your back and enables you to move around and swivel. “If you suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) now’s the time to switch on your therapy lamp, bathing you in “daylight” and lifting your mood. If the home office isn’t separate, you will need to accommodate for different uses during the day, layering lighting by using an overhead pendant or spots, as well as wall, desk and/or floor lamps for task lighting. If the light is too harsh it will drain your eyes, possibly triggering migraines and, if it’s not bright enough, can cause eye strain and headaches. Equally, a dark office is not only depressing but it certainly doesn’t make for an inspirational environment and enhanced productivity. Working late? Switch on a couple of side lamps and or a task light behind the computer screen to reduce eye fatigue and work comfortably. “Don’t forget to stay hydrated and eat! It’s very easy to work away, not realise the time and, before you know it, you are parched and feeling tired.

“Don’t forget to move either! DVT’s aren’t just a concern on airplanes, you need to regularly leave your desk, stretching your legs, rotating your shoulders and giving your arms a rest. Maybe that’s a good reason to position the coffee maker or water that bit further away?” LARGER HOME OFFICE ENVIRONMENTS “Where there are several people working in a home office extension, and unless you want your colleagues traipsing in and out of your house (which probably won’t meet regulations anyway), don’t forget to include appropriate toilet facilities and a kitchen space. A separate entrance with a lockable door to your personal accommodation is essential if you want to maintain your privacy. “You will need to obtain the necessary local approvals and public liability/ workplace insurance as well as the correct heat and lighting to meet fire, health and safety regulations. Access needs to be easy, especially for clients and customers, with space for parked cars on firm ground and outdoor lighting for safety and security.” In conclusion, she adds “It is perfectly reasonable for the company to reimburse you for additional gas, electricity and water bills, etc., but do check with an accountant before charging for the work space itself. Rent can be a tricky issue and can have taxation consequences in terms of both your income and when you come to sell your property.”

“Home working doesn’t necessarily mean working alone” These comments are based on personal experience only. Always check with your local authority, Mairie and employer if in any doubt about the requirements for working from home.

The Local Buzz • December 2020 & January 2021

WELL BEING

Positive

thoughts & actions The festivities are nearly here and, with all the concerns over COVID, we may find ourselves feeling less festive than usual. Help is at hand!

We asked three experts to give us their views on how we can make the most of this time, even though we may be missing family and friends, coping alone, and/or feeling sad or depressed.

Change of plan? Katie Gardner is a fully-qualified CBT Counsellor This has been a year that most of us want to forget. It has caused, and is continuing to cause, a lot of loneliness, stress and worry.

The essence of hope Claire Laborde is a practicing psychotherapist and personal coach As we approach the festive season many of us may feel daunted at having to cope alone or already feel isolated. Useful recommendations are to check–in regularly with friends and loved ones, join an online community, share your feelings, learn something new or do

Normally by now most of us would be looking forward to the Christmas holidays, getting together with family from near and far, and all the preparations and travel arrangements that go with that. It hasn’t helped that, until now, retail therapy has been difficult except for online. Even if you’re someone who doesn’t particularly “do” Christmas, perhaps because you are on your own or you’re out of touch with your family, this time of year and restrictions just highlight the feeling of isolation. So, you have a decision to make: do you cancel Christmas completely or do you just delay it, deciding on a potential date for a get together in the New Year? If you decide on the former it would

make sense to avoid as much Christmas TV as possible, choosing instead to bingewatch streaming TV and films, learning something new (how to play backgammon online for instance) or downloading books you know and have loved onto your Kindle. Make yourself cozy, settle in and indulge yourself. (If you don’t have a streaming app or Kindle now would be the time to get both. They’re good company in my experience.) For the latter, just do as much prep as you are able and meet up online on the day (FaceTime/Zoom are easy to set up and are free), then set a date in the New Year. Whatever you decide, please do bear in mind that this too shall pass. www.kgcounselling.com

more of what you enjoy. However, these activities need desire and energy, which are often lacking when we feel alone. Adopting a hopeful attitude will help us to stay enthusiastic. Hope is the positive expectation or belief that fulfilment is possible, that something good will result and events and circumstances will turn out well. Hope emerges more strongly when there is despairing, as it opens up to new and creative options. Hope gives coping a sense of liveliness, filled with the expectation and belief that we can attain our goals.

It may seem unrealistic to plan farahead, but short-term fulfilment can be beneficial. Tackle the present challenges by making provisions. Make plans and be creative in making them happen. Short-term goals are sources of hope. So plan small delights that bring comfort such as preparing a fire for later or an indulgent (usually forbidden) pudding, take time to read a book, and be mindful of looking after yourself and others. We can also project our future-self and ask “What can I do now, that will allow me to look back with pleasure and pride as to how I braved the situation?” www.clairestokeslaborde.com

www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

WELL BEING

Be creative Christine HaworthStaines is a UK Chartered Psychologist and French registered Psychologue The COVID virus has impacted on us all and, as the year ends, the usual advice on how to handle family gatherings or loneliness is in the context of imposed restrictions. The solutions lie in creativity, thinking of others and acceptance. If we can’t be with others physically, be creative. Use technology to talk, celebrate and play party games together

online, send virtual hugs or messages with cute icons. Online shopping, home delivery and take-aways are all things to be grateful for, as is easy access to hobbyist and learning apps. Reach out to others with similar interests and join online groups and forums. Did you know that expressing gratitude also improves our mood? So, embracing technology is not only practical, but appreciating it releases pleasurable chemicals in the brain that can keep our spirits up. Remember “giving is better than receiving”? Evidence shows that the happiest people are those who do things for others. So it’s a win/win if you look out for someone living alone

The Local Buzz • December 2020 & January 2021

who might appreciate a small home-made gift or a phone call. Acceptance of this new way of being is also important. Looking back nostalgically is not a recipe for happiness. We do better when we enjoy the moment. If we like sharing old photographs over the internet that’s fine but yearning to return to that time can engender negative emotions. Remember to take your daily exercise, enjoy the small things, and the rules enforced upon us might result in a very happy Xmas after all! To hear more download Christine’s podcasts at www.getmentallyhealthy. com/podcast www.counsellorandpsychologist.com

SPORT

Racing Lines

We asked the driving experts at Circuit Paul Armagnac in Nogaro, Gers about motorsport here in France. This is what they had to say.

www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

SPORT

How has motor racing progressed in France? Historically, France is a stronghold of world motorsports and still retains a strong influence to this day. For instance, the headquarters of the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) is in Paris and its president, Jean Todt, is French. Both the World Endurance Championship and the European Le Mans Series are organised by the ACO (Automobile Club de L’Ouest), and the most prestigious endurance race in the world is the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In addition, the world’s leading organiser of GT races is SRO (Stéphane Ratel Organization). We also have some great drivers in the flagship categories with Pierre Gasly, Esteban Ocon and Romain Grosjean with the Renault team in F1, Fabio Quartararo and Yohann Zarco in MotoGP and the Tech3 team, also in MotoGP. Eco-changes ahead However, motorsports suffer a bad reputation in France because of the ecological aspect, even though it’s better than many of our European neighbours. On the contrary, countries like Spain and Great Britain have a real motorsport culture. Although ecological awareness has put the brakes on motorsport popularity it can also be an opportunity for future development. Circuits and motorsports can help with this transition by testing new systems for integration into every vehicle. Today, French motorsport is more orientated towards a reduction of costs and a reduction in the environmental impact by using less “guzzler” engines. Do I need to join a club? As with any sporting activity, joining a club is compulsory when taking a license. The club acts as the link between the license holder and the Federation, advises on the type of license to take and offers many advantages. Here at Nogaro, which is the second largest club in France behind the ACO, these include reduced rates on club days, reductions at the circuit shop and with our partners. Members also receive free entry to all our events organised by the Association Sportive Automobile and Motocycliste Armagnac Bigorre, as well as participation in the club championships. Do I need a license? Motorsports are dangerous activities and the license is important to cover yourself and other users in terms of insurance. Then, whether by

motorbike or car, there are two main licenses: training and competition. The training license allows license holders to ride on track days. For those wishing to participate in a race, a competition license is required. There are different types of license depending on the level of the races: regional, national, international. What will I learn on a circuit? Obviously there is a huge difference between driving on a circuit and driving on the open road. A good circuit course won’t be performance orientated. Instead, vehicle control and safety should be core to the learning experience, whilst drawing a parallel between the advice given on the racing circuit and experiences on the road. Many aspects can be transposed such as the driving position, eye orientation, recognising and understanding trajectories, learning to anticipate, braking techniques and visualising dangers, etc. Can I drive at Nogaro? Anyone with their own car or motorbike can drive on the circuit. As well as riding on club or private days they can also take a driving course. Apart from being able to drive a vehicle, no specific experience is required for the driving days, which are based on a driver’s level of experience, including beginners on moto days. Auto days are classed by vehicle: Sedans, Sport Sedans, Various (prototypes), and Single-seaters. Driving and sporting licenses are not compulsory but we do recommend a driving course first to gain familiarity with the track and to receive advice from an instructor. As the oldest driving school in France, we have a track record in helping drivers to stay safe. Accompanied by experienced instructors and in complete safety, those attending the driving course can choose from a range of vehicles including Clio RS, Megane RS, Single-seater, Caterham and Porsche, each of which will have passed rigorous mechanical and safety checks. Courses for motorbikes can also be arranged. Anyone over 16 years of age can take part. Depending on the level of experience and expectations, the instructor adapts to help drivers to gain confidence, improve their driving, or to learn to drive on the track, etc. www.circuit-nogaro.com

The Local Buzz • December 2020 & January 2021

ADVICE

WELCOME MaPrimeRénov From 1 January, everyone can apply for the MaPrimeRénov energy-saving grant, irrespective of their income and regardless of whether or not they occupy or rent the property out. Whilst the much talked about and very successful meanstested EUR 1 renovation scheme is set to end on 31 December, 2020, home owners can still benefit from “savings on energy savings” thanks to French Government aid. Since its launch on 1 Jan 2020, MaPrimeRénov has been a huge success with over 100,000 applications and has recently received a further injection of €2bn over two years. Headed by nationale de l’habitat (Anah), it also includes specialist advice from FAIRE (facilitate, accompany, inform for energy renovation).

IS THIS RIGHT FOR YOU?

The amount of the grant is based on the owner’s revenue and the energy savings gained. To see if your project and the work involved is eligible, and to apply: 1. Verify your eligibility at www.faire.gouv.fr/ aides-de-financemenet/ simulaides 2. Check that the works are listed, and calculate the aid available 3. Register

ELIGIBLE WORKS AND REIMBURSEMENT

Designed to enhance comfort whilst reducing energy bills and harmful gas emissions, the scheme covers a wealth of options around heating, ventilation and insulation. Colour coded in line with revenue ceilings, the

DEFINING YOUR REIMBURSEMENT LEVEL No of residents

Revenue fiscal 6

MaPrime Bleu

MaPrime Jaune

MaPrime Violet

MaPrime Rose

Up to 20 593

Up to 25 068

Up to 38 184

Over 38 184

Up to 30 225

Up to 36 792

Up to 56 130

Over 56 130

Up to 36 297

Up to 44 188

Up to 67 585

Over 67 585

Up to 42 381

Up to 51 597

Up to 79 041

Over 79 041

Up to 48 488

Up to 59 026

Up to 90 496

Over 90 496

Addit’l person

+6 096

+7 422

+11 455

Co-proprietor details can be found on page 22 of https://bit.ly/35RboHy works lists indicate the reimbursements for each type of work. The forfait (flat rate) can also be combined with other aid packages such as certificats d’économies d’énergie (CEE) to further increase the benefit. As well as energy reductions in homes and common areas in apartment blocks, bonuses have been available under the “France Relance” banner since 1 October, 2020. These cover properties with an energy certificate of F or G, projects seeking to achieve an A or B energy certificate, and a grant for specific project management support. For modest households Anah also offers Habiter Mieux Sérénité which guarantees full support for a global renovation project.

CHOOSING A SUPPLIER

For a complete list of works go to page 15 at the above link.

THE REGISTRATION PROCESS

The first step is to register at www.maprimerenov.gouv.fr. Then, the recommendations are that you visit your local authority for advice (Anah can provide details of your nearest consultation centre) and/or meet with RGE suppliers for an initial conversation. In any event you will want to compare and carefully check quotes before deciding if both the scheme and the supplier are right for you. Once that decision is made you can submit your own application or appoint an agent to carry out the process for you.

The most important proviso is that the works must be carried out by a registered RGE (reconnues garantes pour l’environnement) organisation. This ensures the quality of the work to a government-specified standard. To find a local RGE supplier go to www. faire.gouv.fr/trouvez-unprofessionnel

USEFUL LINKS BOX: L’Agence nationale de l’Habitat (Ahah) : www.anah.fr French Govt site: https://bit.ly/2UMA0ek Other Government aids (new cars, back to school, solar panels, etc.) https://bit.ly/3kML4mn MaPrimeRenov info: www.primesrenov.fr

www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

NEWS

NOTEW

ORTHY

BUZZ BITS

A few news snippets of interest to our region

IT’S OFFICIAL

de Séjour Permanent is valid for 10 years and requires renewal, the right to stay in France is for life as long as certain criteria are met. https://bit.ly/36cuM2d

The French Government has now published its decree covering the rights and responsibilities of British residents in France. Applying to those in residence by 31 December 2020, it’s the first time that specific details have been put in writing officially. In case you have been worrying, it explains, amongst other important topics, that whilst the Carte

WILL YOU OR WON’T YOU? list, behind USA at 63% and the UK at 79%. Averaging the results for the 15 countries polled, 73% said they would be vaccinated. Other reports have stated that the older people are, the more likely they are to want to have the vaccine, and men are more positive about it than women.

France has pre-ordered 90 million doses of vaccine ready for its Covid-19 vaccination programme due to start end Dec/beg Jan. Yet, according to a recent Ipsos poll, just 54% of the French population will be taking up the offer. In terms of rankings, this places France at the bottom of the

FINANCE

Buzz The Local

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

POSITIVE THOUGHTS

The Racing Line FREE

I’m priceless

Coming15up POOLS15 PAGE PAGE DECEMBER 2020 & JANUARY 2021

ROSES!

REGIONAL WHAT’S ON GUIDE

Working from home Taking care What’s in the sun Streaming? Insurance Stocking thoughts Fillers & Last Renovation Minute Gifts Theme it! Energy Savers

Summer

JULY & AUGUST 2020

& Spas REGIONAL SPECIAL Going Potty in the Garden

MAY & JUNE 2020

REGIONAL WHAT’S ON GUIDE FREE

Outdoor Banquets

I’m priceless

Improving your French

✴

Property Update FREE

I’m priceless

Taking to water FestiveApéro Fun! Treats

Postal Subscriptions click here

Local Entrepreneur • Seven Boredom Wonders • Reader OfferCompetition • Financial Advice •2020 Prize Gardening • Prize Competition • Food and Drink The Local BuzzBusters • May & June 1

The Local Buzz • December 2020 & January 2021

Dear Expat

The UK Government has written to thousands of Brits living in Europe ahead of the end of the transition period, informing them about residency, healthcare, driving and passport validity. Letters have been sent to 365,000 people registered on the Department for Work and Pensions database, over 67,000 of whom are living in France. If you haven’t received yours, you can read a copy at https://bit.ly/3nZFPli

Send by Post

Barring any further pandemic restrictions, our Feb/Mar issue will be printed. You can receive yours direct to your door with an annual postal subscription. Until 31 January, we are offering a price reduction to 30€ within France, 42€ to other EU/EEC countries, and 50€ to the rest of the world. Make sure you never miss a copy and, for friends and family, it would make a great Christmas present! www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/ subscriptions/

PUZZLES

Crossword

Sit back and save some energy of your own with this energy-saving themed crossword. Is your French “hot” on this “cool” subject? The clues are in English but the answers are in French!

ACROSS 4. T he solar collector 5. The double glazing 7. The heating 8. The insulation 12. The air conditioning 13. The heat pump 15. The roof

16. Savings 17. The work 18. Green

DOWN

6. The window 9. The water heater 10. Renewable 11. Boiler 14. Clean

1. The attic 2. The bonus 3. The estimate

With special thanks to Puzzles to Print. www.puzzles-to-print.com. For the crossword solution go to page 56.

Wordsearch We bet at least one of these will have you scratching your head! 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. Enjoy!

HERBACEOUS

EMILY

TREAT

BREAKFAST

RUGS

SAFETY

ROSEMARY

VALLEY

RELIGION

GREEN

GRAND THEATRE TODAY

PIGEON

BEAUTY

ENGRAVING

POPCORN

BRAVE

BAIT

REBECCA

RELAX

SENSE

LIME

GRAVADLAX

PEELS

ESPELETTE

ANAH

LOBSTER

ROWER

CONTINENTAL

BEETROOT

ICICLE

NOGARO

SEAT

REACH

STEM

KNIGHTFALL

BOAR

SLEEPING

STRING

MELON

BREADCRUMBS

CHRISTMAS

FAKE

RACE

EVE

MOTORWAY

EVIL

ALIVE

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!

Government Scheme Wood panelled ceiling/ loft/cellar Un plafond lambrissé / un grenier / les combles / une cave Roof insulation/wall insulation Isolation du toit / isolation des murs Underfloor heating/ wood/pellet burner Chauffage au sol / un poêle à bois / à granulés Double or triple glazing Double ou triple vitrage I would like to apply for the scheme Je souhaite profiter des aides gouvernementales My property has an energy rating of … Le DPE (diagnostic de performance énergétique) de ma maison est…. I am looking for a grant for project management support Je recherche une aide financière pour un accompagnement en gestion de projet Tax relief on work improvement to save energy Le Crédit d’impôts transition énergétique (CITE)

Food and Drink Where will I find bicarbonate of soda? Où vais-je trouver du bicarbonate de soude ? I would like to buy a pigeon/goose/turkey/ pheasant/guinea fowl

Je souhaite acheter un pigeon / une oie / une dinde / un faisan / une pintade Are these lobsters/ prawns/oysters/ crabs/whelks/cockles/ periwinkles/crayfish fresh? Ces homards / crevettes / huîtres / crabes / bulots / coques / bigorneaux / écrevisses sont-ils frais/ fraîches ? Would you French trim the rack of lamb please? Pouvez-vous faire le manchonnage au carré d’agneau s’il vous plaît ? Are these ceps or another type of mushroom? S’agit-il de cèpes ou d’un autre type de champignon ? Are these mushrooms safe to eat? Ces champignons sont-ils bons à manger ?

Miscellaneous Are you open over Christmas and New Year? Êtes-vous ouvert à Noël et au Nouvel An ? When do you go back to work after Christmas? Quand retournez-vous travailler après Noël ? Is your sale starting as usual? Vos soldes commencent elles comme d’habitude? What time do you close on Christmas Eve/ New Year’s Eve? A quelle heure fermezvous la veille de Noël / Nouvel An ? Are you able to deliver direct to my home?

Pouvez-vous livrer directement chez moi? Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Joyeux noël et bonne année

Sport

Hi, I’m Learn Béa! Fre with m nch e! (You pr my na onounce me Be y-ya.)

I would like to buy some motorbike leathers Je souhaite acheter des cuirs de moto and a helmet, gloves and boots et un casque, des gants et des bottes When will the gym be open again? Quand le gymnase sera-t-il de nouveau ouvert ? How much is gym membership? Combien coûte l’abonnement à la salle de gym ? Are numbers limited in the gym/swimming pool? Le nombre de participants est-il limité dans le gymnase / la piscine ? When is the next hike/ run/cycle ride? Quand a lieu la prochaine randonnée / course / balade à vélo ?

Every effort is made to ensure the correct translation of these phrases which are based on the subjects found in our articles.

TheLocal LocalBuzz Buzz••March December 2020 & January 2021 The & April 2020

51 51

COMPETITION

Win a night .

at Le Grand Hotel in Bordeaux!

itting in the Place de la Comédie, opposite the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel is an icon in itself. For more than 200 years it has been the doorway to luxury travel, combining history with elegance, comfort and unbeatable customer service. The winners of this fabulous prize competition will be able to experience a night for two in a Superior Room complete with breakfast, right in the heart of this great City. From the minute you enter, you’ll see that nothing awaits you but excellence, with each of the hotel’s Superior Rooms having their own identity and featuring an exceptional décor and sumptuous bathrooms inspired by the 19th-century. Immerse yourself in la “Belle Epoque” in your own luxurious, cosy and refined world before emerging into the streets of Bordeaux, complete with its stunning architecture and fabulous shops. There are hundreds of restaurants and cafés nearby but why not visit the Bar l’Orangerie for a cocktail, or enjoy dinner at the Michelin 2* Le Pressoir d’Argent Gordon Ramsey or Le Bordeaux restaurant where the emphasis is on local cuisine. Relax in style at the Bar L’Orangerie for a cocktail or, during the

summer, take in the magnificent views at Night Beach, the hotel’s roof top bar. The prize has a value of EUR 300, is subject to availability and covers the room (excluding extras), breakfast and access to the Guerlain Spa. Closing date for entries is 8 February, 2021. 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 questions correctly. Answers can be found in this magazine which can also be seen at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/read-online

Enter online at

www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/win 1. MaPrimeRénov is aimed at a) Energy saving b) Daylight saving c) Time saving 2. Anah is l’Agence Nationale for a) Hotels b) Habitat c) Hibernation 3. H ow many letters did Hilary Sunman find? a) Less than 30 b) Over 100 c) More than 1000

www.bordeaux.intercontinental.com/en/

4. “Left hand away” is an expression in a) Juice Pong b) A to Z c) Tippit

www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

ASK

KATIE!

FINANCE ADVICE

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

You don’t have to answer

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

Janice P writes: I haven’t spoken to my family much for years but a lot of conversations between my friends and colleagues are now about how they miss seeing their families. I don’t open my mouth because I don’t know what to say and I think they think that’s odd. What do I do?

Hello Janice I’ve heard this several times over the years but more so recently with the Covid situation. I think you’d be surprised how many people do have at least one family member with whom there’s little to no contact. Considering this, most would not find a lack of contact particularly “odd” and, if they did, that’s their judgement;

LEGAL

ADVICE Sarah Bright Thomas is an Avocat Associé and Partner at Bright Avocats. www.brightavocats.com

how much does that matter? It could be helpful to have a “stock” response, tailored to your circumstances. Any explanation will only prolong the interrogation so something short, and not likely to engender pity or a sense of loss, will suffice; something like “Oh, we’ve gradually lost contact over the years and that’s okay with all of us.” Even if that’s not the case and you find the separation hard, unless you want to get into the emotional stuff, the deflect approach will move

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

Rosemary J writes: My husband and I are divorced and, whilst I remain here in France with three children, he has returned to the UK. He is supposed to contribute financially but we’ve received nothing now for 6 months. He hasn’t contacted the children either. What can I do? Hello Rosemary, Fortunately, there are procedures in place which will allow you to recover the money, before and after Brexit. Before Brexit, the UK has ratified the EU Speaking French with n°4/2009 regulation friends builds from 18 December confidence

Recover missed financial support

the conversation on. If you feel emotionally “safe”, the alternative is to open up a little but be prepared for questions that may upset you. It might be beneficial to share any angst if it exists but remember, you owe noone an explanation if you don’t wish to give it.

The Local Buzz • December 2020 & January 2021

2008. After Brexit the UK has ratified the New York Convention of 20 June 1956 on the Recovery Abroad of Maintenance so that both then and now your ex-husband could be forced to contribute. The processes are similar as you need to address your request to the “Bureau de Recouvrement des Créances Alimentaires” of the Foreign Office (Ministère des Affaires

Etrangères) in Paris and they will recover the sums for you. As there are several forms to fill and documents from the court to be certified to request that the French Foreign Office recovers the funds for you, an Avocat is often needed to help fill in the forms and retrieve the relevant documents so that your file is complete when they send it.

Business Directory

NEW BUILD & RENOVATION 07 80 58 39 60 or 06 75 51 89 13 laquercyoak@gmail.com greyrobert4.wixsite.com/ quercy-oak

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

To advertise email: buzzing@thelocalbuzzmag.com

Artisans & Services Euroinstallations.com

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

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

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

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

FRANCE

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been providing lifelong support to our Forces and their families since 1885. We understand the unique demands of service life, whether it’s on UK soil or overseas. Support is available for people at any stage in their military career – no one’s service is ever forgotten.

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: 09 63 56 23 10 or 06 42 19 82 12 Email: jonthecarpetman@gmail.com

Buzz The Local

Email: france.branch@ssafa.org.uk Tel: 05 53 24 92 38 ssafa.org.uk/france

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JUST DRONING

ok at...

A tongue-in-cheek lo

A different time

by the editor A

s it’s unlikely to be our usual Christmas, “my lot” are asking for something different this year. A pyjama day, Shepherd’s Pie (topical I suppose), to sit down and watch TV with lunch on our laps. They want to make it memorable in a new way but is that it, really? Will we wake up on Boxing Day and have missed our ham and turkey, pigs in blankets, bread sauce and sprouts? Last year we heated the brandy and almost set fire to the tablecloth, Nana did the most fabulous save with a flying cracker keyring and we all accused each other of cheating in the board games. Apart from the religious and traditional aspects, isn’t that what it’s all about? Being together, treasuring the rituals, the habits, the things that make it “our” special day?

So, the turkey may not be gobbled up but we may stuff some pork with apricots and the goose will be well and truly cooked and served along with prunes in Armagnac, not for medicinal but regional support purposes only! Thank goodness we can attack the shops and it’s not a whole different kind of wild goose chase. Piped Christmas music, hunting for a parking space, mulled wine, trawling the clothing racks, smelling the scents, the over-heated stores, the twinkling lights. Who wouldn’t miss that? That’ll be me and, probably, you so it’s on with the CDs (that ages me), out with the pan and spices and I’m up for some shopping, both locally in person and online for shops further afield. I wonder when “smelly vision” will arrive via our PCs? Imagine that - not

just perfumes and skin care but Indian take-aways, even ground coffee. Some stores have already set up a virtual assistant to suggest gift ideas or, for those who don’t want to go out, even offer virtual tours through their departments. I do hope they include a slow ride up the escalator, giving us chance to see all the glitzy decorations and, as voyeurism is not just permitted but actively encouraged, what others are buying. I love that time on Christmas Eve when I leave at the crack of sparrows to be amongst the first to take their pick of the fabulous array of seafood and oysters. This year, if we have to stand two metres apart we’ll be all the way out of the supermarket and onto the main road! Masked warriors fighting for the right to shell out on shellfish galore!

To be serious for a moment, COVID has a lot to answer for and, as I write, I am reminded of all those who have been sick or have lost family, friends and loved ones during the pandemic. Our heroic health services have been stretched to the limit and businesses have struggled to stay afloat. It has been and still is a very difficult time. We mustn’t let it ruin Christmas, regardless of where we are or who we are missing. As for New Year, let’s celebrate as best we can. Hopefully it will bring a light at the end of the tunnel which will turn out to be all our pearly white teeth as they reappear from behind the masks. How wonderful that will be! Keep strong, keep safe and have a lovely Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year.

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The Local Buzz December 2020 - January 2021

Articles inside

Positive Thoughts & Actions During a Christmas with Covid

Working from home - from personal experience

Motorsports in France

Defining the garden's bone structure

Fun Christmas Party Games From Yesteryear

Win a night in Bordeaux

Hitting the High Notes!

A HOT Topic! Eco-Friendly Hot Tubs.