Annual Subscription Costs: 29,50€ within France, 18€ UK addresses. (Unfortunately the cheaper ‘printed papers’ rate cannot be applied to addresses within France, only when sending abroad) Full Name: Postal Address: Postcode:
Country:
Tel: Email: Please make cheques payable to SARAH BERRY.
Welcome! to Issue 39 of
‘The Deux-Sèvres Monthly’ magazine.
I love the month of May. It’s always such an exciting month. Not only have I just celebrated another birthday! but the warmer weather has arrived, bringing with it a burst of colourful flowers and an abundance of wildlife.....plus there are normally two or three jours fériés to catch up on some sleep! Workwise it’s a good month to take stock of the year so far and to start the preparations for the annual Trade Fair. This year it will be at the same location in Secondigny on Saturday 20th September (make a note in your diaries now!) and already businesses are reserving their pitches. I try to introduce something a little bit different to the fair each year, and this year will be no exception....so watch this space! Have a fun MAY and I’ll see you next month.
à plus, Sarah.
Tel: 05 49 70 26 21 Email: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
Emergency Numbers: 15 SAMU, Medical 17 Gendarmes, Police 18 Pompiers, Fire
112 European emergency 113 Drugs and alcohol
CONTENTS
What’s On.......................................................................................... 4 Getting Out & About......................................................................... 6 Le Coin Français.................................................................................10 A-‐Z of the Communes in the Deux-‐Sèvres....................................... 11 Hobbies............................................................................................ 12 Clubs & Associations........................................................................ 15 Health, Beauty & Fitness.................................................................. 16 Our Furry Friends...............................................................................19 Home & Garden.............................................................................. 21 Take a Break..................................................................................... 23 Spotlight On..................................................................................... 24 French Life....................................................................................... 27 Communications............................................................................. 28 Food & Drink................................................................................... 29 Motoring.......................................................................................... 33 Building & Renovation..................................................................... 35 Business & Finance.......................................................................... 40 Property........................................................................................... 45
THIS MONTH’S ADVERTISERS A La Bonne Vie (Restaurant)............................................................................... 31 Abattage Service (Slaughter House).................................................................... 27 Ace Pneus (Tyre Supplier & Fitter)...................................................................... 34 Affordable UK Designs (Kitchens & UPVC Double Glazing)................................. 2 AKE Petits Travaux (Builder)................................................................................ 39 Alain Miot (Sawmill)............................................................................................ 37 Alan Pearce (Plumbing & Heating)..................................................................... 36 Andrew Longman (Plumber).............................................................................. 36 An English Nursery in France............................................................................... 22 ARB French Property........................................................................................... 45 Arbrecadabra.com (Tree surgery)........................................................................ 22 Bar/Brasserie Vue du Chateau............................................................................ 30 BH Assurances / Allianz....................................................................................... 40 Bill McEvoy (Plumber / Heating Engineer)........................................................ 36 Blevins Franks Financial Management................................................................ 43
...continued. British Mobile Mechanic (John Purchase)...........................................................34 Cafe Cour du Miracle........................................................................................... 32 Café des Belles Fleurs.......................................................................................... 31 Camping La Raudiere.......................................................................................... 6 Camping Les Prairies du Lac................................................................................ 27 Caniclôture (Hidden Fencing for Dogs)............................................................... 19 Carlill-‐Strover Building......................................................................................... 37 Cheryl’s Helping Hand......................................................................................... 21 Chris Bassett Construction.................................................................................. 39 Chris Parsons (Heating/Electrical/Plumbing)...................................................... 35 Christies (English Book Shop and Tea Room)...................................................... 6 CJ Electricité......................................................................................................... 35 Cleaning Services by Karen.................................................................................. 21 Clean Sweep Chimney Services........................................................................... 38 Currencies Direct (Money Transfers)................................................................... 41 Cut 46 (Hair Salon).............................................................................................. 18 DB Electricité....................................................................................................... 35 D.W Cooper (Carpenter, Roofer, Mason)............................................................. 39 David Cropper (Stump Grinding & Jungle Busting)............................................ 22 David Watkins (Chimney Sweep)........................................................................ 38 D.J Maintenance (Handyman)............................................................................ 37 Double Glazing Installation -‐ Haynes Carpentry.................................................. 37 Down to Earth Pool Design (Swimming Pool Design & Construction)................ 45 Duncan White -‐ Agent Commerciale.................................................................. 46 EcoPower (Solar Thermal Trading Company)...................................................... 45 Electricien Anglais en France.............................................................................. 35 Emilie Baudrez (French Classes and Translation)................................................ 8 Famous Furniture in France.................................................................................21 Franglais Deliveries............................................................................................. 34 GAN Assurances.................................................................................................. 45 George Rayner Computers.................................................................................. 29 Give the Dog a Comb (Dog Grooming)................................................................ 19 Hallmark Electronique (Electricians & Sat. Engineers)........................................ 35 Holistic Therapy -‐ Soul to Sole............................................................................. 17 Homes in France.................................................................................................. 47 I C O Electricté..................................................................................................... 35 Insink Plumbing................................................................................................. .. 36 J&M Construction............................................................................................... 39 JMH French Solutions (Handmade Kitchen & Garden items)............................. 21 JM Renaudin Cave/Brasserie............................................................................... 31 John Pate (Renovations)..................................................................................... 39 Jon the Carpetman.............................................................................................. 21 Julia Hunt -‐ Agent Commercial............................................................................ 46 Keith Banks (Swimming Pool Maintenance)....................................................... 45 La Deuxieme Chance (Annie Sloan chalk paint supplier).................................... 21 Le Pub des Halles................................................................................................. 31 Leggett Immobilier.............................................................................................. 46 Le Petit Cadeau................................................................................................... 8 Le Tour de Finance.............................................................................................. 42 MCS Translations................................................................................................. 9 MFP (PVC Doors, windows and gates)................................................................ 48 Michael William Hairdressing............................................................................. 18 ML Computers..................................................................................................... 29 Motor Parts Charente.......................................................................................... 34 MSS Construction................................................................................................ 38 Mutuelle de Poitiers Assurances......................................................................... 45 Nathan Foster Building Services.......................................................................... 39 Needa Hand Services........................................................................................... 37 Pamela Irving (Massage & Reflexology).............................................................. 17 Pascale Matéo (French Tuition)........................................................................... 8 Pascale Terry (French Tuition)............................................................................. 8 Philip Irving (Mini Digger hire).............................................................................38 Plan-‐170 (Professional Scale Drawings).............................................................. 37 Point P (Builder’s Merchants).............................................................................. 35 Polar Express (Frozen Foods).............................................................................. 31 Premier Autos (Mechanic).................................................................................. 34 Première Classe Removals & Deliveries.............................................................. 34 Restaurant des Canards....................................................................................... 32 Rob Berry Plastering Services.............................................................................. 36 Robert Walker Plomberie (Plumbing & Heating Engineer)................................. 36 Ross Hendry (Interface Consulting & Engineering)............................................. 28 Sandy G Hairdressing........................................................................................... 18 sarl Down to Earth (Fosse Installations & Groundworks)................................... 38 Siddalls (Financial Advisors).................................................................................44 Silverwood Books................................................................................................ 12 Simon The Tiler.................................................................................................... 39 Spectrum IFA Group (Amanda Johnson)............................................................. 41 Simply Homes and Gardens................................................................................ 22 Steve Enderby...................................................................................................... 36 Sue Burgess (French Courses & Translation)....................................................... 9 The Craft Cabin (Handmade cards and card-‐making items)............................... 8 The English Mechanic & Son -‐ Tony Eyre............................................................ 34 The Market.......................................................................................................... 6 Trisha Mobile Hairdresser.................................................................................... 18 Val Assist (Translation Services)........................................................................... 17 Vata Beauty.......................................................................................................... 17 Venus Rose Yoga.................................................................................................. 16 Yoga Vendée.................................................................................................... 17
© Sarah Berry 2014. All rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced without permission. While care is taken to ensure that articles and features are accurate, Sarah Berry accepts no liability for reader dissatisfaction. The opinions expressed and experiences shared are given by individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the publisher. Please ensure you verify that the company you are dealing with is a registered trading company in France and/or elsewhere. <<The Deux-‐Sèvres Monthly>> est édité par Sarah Berry, La Bartière, 79130, Secondigny. Tél: 05 49 70 26 21. Directeur de la publication et rédacteur en chef: Sarah Berry. Crédits photos: Sarah Berry, Clkr, Shutterstock, GraphicStock et morgeufile.com. Impression: Raynaud Imprimeurs, zone industrielle, BP13, 79160, Coulonges-‐sur-‐l’Autize. Dépôt légal: mai 2014 -‐ Tirage: 5000 exemplaires. Siret: 515 249 738 00011 ISSN: 2115-‐4848
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 3
05
What’s On... May 2014
1st May -‐ Fête des Plantes at Le Beugnon 79130 1st May -‐ Top Hat Quiz & Curry at Chef Boutonne See www.tophatquizzes.com for more information 3rd May -‐ Free Concert by Les Chanterelles At Coulon church at 8.30pm. See P.7 for details. 4th May -‐ Fundraising ‘Ramble & Pizza' By Parents Association of Lorigné and Pioussay Schools from 9am. Followed by afternoon of games, boules etc. 9€ Adults 4€ Children under 15yrs. To reserve please ring Sam: 06 58 04 26 73 5th May -‐ Top Hat Quiz & Curry at Limalonges See www.tophatquizzes.com for more information 7th & 15th May -‐ Val Assist helps you fill in your tax returns At Pause! Café, L’Absie, 10am -‐5pm. By Appointment only 8th May -‐ Top Hat Quiz & Curry at Champniers See www.tophatquizzes.com for more information 9th May -‐ Comedy Play in Civray First ever performance of the Super Troupers play ‘For Goodness Sake’ at the Margelle, Civray. 7pm. Entrance 6,50€. For more information/ticket sales contact Carolyn Kimber 05 45 84 19 03 or Kate Britten kateandjohnbritten@gmail.com 9th & 14th May -‐ Val Assist helps you fill in your tax returns At Cafe Cour du Miracle, Vouvant. 3.30pm -‐6pm. By Appointment. 11th May -‐ Clear your Clutter for Charity A repeat of last year’s Bring & Buy Sale at Paperback Jan’s, La Ferriere-‐en-‐Parthenay. See info on P.6 12th May -‐ Fête de la Cigogne at St Denis-‐du-‐Payré Vide grenier, carriage rides, nature walks, drawing competitions. Free entry. 10am -‐ 6pm. 12th May -‐ Top Hat Quiz & Curry at Rouilllac See www.tophatquizzes.com for more information 14th May -‐ Top Hat Quiz & Curry at Aigre See www.tophatquizzes.com for more information 16th/17th/18th May -‐ HOPE Association Book Sale At Clussais la Pommeraie, 79190. See advert on P.19 for details. 16th May -‐ Belgian Night At Bar Vue du Chateau, Bressuire. See advert on P.30 for details. 16th May -‐ Supper & Live Music At A La Bonne Vie, Le Beugnon from 7.15pm. Please see advert on P.31 17th May -‐ RBL Fundraising Supper Dance 7.30pm -‐ Midnight. For details see advert on P.7 or call 05 49 29 02 59. 17th & 18th May -‐ Val de Sevre Classic Rally For info, please visit: www.automobile-‐club79.com or email: asac79@laposte.net /info@automobile-‐club79.com 17th/18th May -‐ Night Walk in Ardin The 18th year of this night-‐time walk, with a new circuit in 2014. Registration closes 14th May. See P.7 or visit: www.lesgalipotes.com 25th May -‐ Vide Grenier & Brocante 6.30am til late at 79420 St Martin du Fouilloux. See advert on P.5 25th May -‐ Fête de la Cigogne at St Denis-‐du-‐Payré With a vide grenier, painting competition for children, exhibitions, and observations of nests of storks. Free entry, 9am-‐6pm. 26th April to 1st June -‐ ‘Printemps de l’Orangerie’ exhibition At La Mothe Saint-‐Héray. Exhibition of works by Pierre and Annick Debien. Free entry. See P?? for more information. 29th May to 9th June -‐ Portrait Photography Exhibition By TTL Photography Group at Church hall in Vouvant. Find more information on P.13 31st May & 1st June -‐ Guided walk -‐ Maison de la Haute Sevre Guided walk themed ‘l’enfant au jardin’, with games, quizzes, reading and refreshments. For more information call 05 49 05 01 41.
The National Holidays, Religious and Feast Days 2014 Thursday 1st May ............. Labour Day (Fête du Travail) Thursday 8th May ............. Victory in Europe Day (Fête de la Victoire) Sunday 25th May ............... Mothers’ Day (Fête des Mères) Thursday 29th May ........... Ascension Day (Ascension) Sunday 8th June ................. Pentacost (Pentecôte) Monday 9th June .............. Pentacost (Lundi de Pentecôte) Sunday 15th June ............... Fathers’ Day (Fête des Pères) Saturday 21st June ............. World Music Day (Fête de la Musique) Monday 14th July .............. National Day (Fête Nationale) Friday 15th August ............ Assumption of Mary (Assomption) Sunday 5th October ............ Grandfathers’ Day (Fête des Grand-‐pères) Saturday 1st November ..... All Saint’s Day (Toussaint) Monday 11th November ... Armistice Day (Armistice) Thursday 25th December ... Christmas Day (Noêl) Dates in blue are celebration days, not public holidays
The Chaplaincy of Christ the Good Shepherd, Poitou-‐Charentes, hold English speaking monthly services. • 1st Sunday at 10.30am: The Little Stone Church in Chef-‐Boutonne. Followed by tea & coffee. • 2nd Sunday at 11.00am: the home of Ann White, Jassay • 4th Sunday at 10.30am: the Presbytery Rooms, rue de la Citadelle, Parthenay (opposite St Croix Church). Followed by tea & coffee, and a 'bring and share' lunch. A warm welcome awaits everyone for a time of worship and fellowship. For further information about location of churches and what else is happening near you, please take a look at our website www.church-‐in-‐france.com or contact us by email: office.goodshepherd@orange.fr.
The Filling Station ~ Poitou-‐Charentes
The Filling Station is a network of local Christians of all denominations who meet together regularly for spiritual renewal and evangelism purposes. ALL WELCOME. Please see our bilingual website for details of meetings and spring programmes www.thefillingstationfrance.com or contact 05 49 87 89 16 or email: michael.willis@sfr.fr
ALL SAINTS, VENDEE - Puy de Serre We hold two services each month, on the 2nd and 4th Sundays at the church of St Marthe, Puy de Serre, at 11am. After each service, tea and coffee is served in the parish room and everyone is invited to a `bring and share` lunch. For details of all our activities, our Services in the west of the Vendée, copies of recent newsletters and more information, please check our website: www.allsaintsvendee.fr
What’s Coming Up...
1st June -‐ Open Garden, Plant & Garage Sale + Vide Grenier 10am -‐ 5pm at 5 rue du gardou, 79330 Geay. Situated on the D938T -‐ look out for the balloons! Contact: 05 49 96 22 92 14th June -‐ Expo of Lacemaking with Bobbins At Exoudun, 10am-‐6pm. Free entry. Exhibition trade stands & refreshments. 21st & 22nd June -‐ Moving Vehicles Festival Heritage cars, motorcycles, trucks, tractors, military vehicles, fire engines at La Mothe Saint Heray. www.lefanalrouge79.jimdo.com 4 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
The Rendez-‐Vous Christian Fellowship. A warm welcome awaits you at our meetings on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of the month at 11am. La Brionniere, 85120, St Pierre du Chemin. Meetings last about an hour and are followed by a time of fellowship with refreshments.
Please contact Chris & Julie Taylor: 09 60 49 78 50 or Des & Elizabeth Vine: 05 49 74 18 27, or visit: www.therendezvous.fr
05 Paperback Jan Books in English
1st May: Brasserie Vue du Chateau, Bressuire 79300. 11am -‐ 1pm 1st May: At Jean’s house, call Jan for details, St Aubin 79450 2pm 2nd May: Bar de la Paix, Thouars 79100. 11.30am -‐ 2pm 4th May: Café des Belles Fleurs, Fenioux 79160 2pm -‐ 4pm 7th May: Cafe Cour de Miracle, Vouvant 85120. 2.30pm-‐ 4.30pm 10th May: Café Le Chauray, St Maixent l’Ecole 79400. 10am -‐ 1pm 11th May: BIG BOOK FAYRE La Ferrière-‐en-‐Parthenay 10am -‐ 4pm 14th May: Le Don Jon Bar, Moncontour 86330. 4pm -‐ 6pm 22nd May:Pause! Cafe, L’Absie 79240. 2pm-‐ 5pm 28th May: Jan’s home, La Ferriére-‐en-‐Parthenay 79390. 1pm-‐ 5pm 29th May: Le Relais des 2 Moulins, Clessé 79350. 4pm-‐ 6pm 30th May: Le P’tit Bar Boucard, Ménigoute 79340. 4pm-‐ 6pm For more info contact Jan on: 06 08 30 73 29 or email: paperbackjan@gmail.com
Mr T’s Friterie
Open 6.30-9pm
Reel Fish & Chips
Fri 2nd & 30th Bar Tabac PMU, Bouille-‐Loretz Sat 3rd & 31st Bar Vue du Chateau, Bressuire Weds 7th & 21st The Canteen, Etusson Fri 9th Bar Le Chap’s, La Chapelle Thireuil Sun 11th Paperback Jan’s Big Book Fayre Sat 17th Bar Des Sports, L’Absie Thurs 22nd Bar Tabac PMU, St Martin de Sanzay Tel: 06 04 14 23 94 ~ www.reelfishandchips.net Fish 4 Chip
Open 6 - 8pm
Mondays: Bar Tilleuls, Champniers (near Civray) Tuesdays: Sauzé-Vaussais (Main square) Wednesdays: Chef Boutonne (near Chateau) Thursdays: Sauzé-Vaussais - Evening. (Main square) Fridays: Mansle (Car park of Simply Supermarket) Tel: 06 37 53 56 20 ~ www.mobilefishandchipsfrance.com
Open 6.30-9pm
Open 6 -8.30pm
La Vendée Chippy
(incl. Bank Holidays) With regular venues at:
17770 H ilaire d e V illefranche • Aulnay 17470 (from 6pm) • St • St Jean d’Angély 17400 • Matha 17160
• Gourville 16170
Find us at the Hope Book Sale!
See www.frying2nite.com for details or call 06 02 22 44 74
Wednesdays: Bar ‘Auberge le St Vincent’, St Vincent Sterlanges Thursdays: Bar ‘La Rando’, Mervent. Fridays: Bar ‘Au Bon Coin’, Thoursais Bouildroux + 5th April: Bar Le Lys @ La Chapelle aux Lys
For more info please visit website: www.lavendeechippy.com
VIDE GRENIER & BROCANTE 25th May 2014 6.30am till late La Favrielere, St Martin du Fouilloux, 79420 Hog roast, Fish and chips Tea, coffee, beer, wine For more information and to reserve a stall (€1 per square metre, minimum 4 metres) Bookings available on the day, but book early to avoid disappointment email: david.lambert58@orange.fr telephone: 05 49 69 79 15 Directions: On the D738, go through the village towards Vasseroux 0.5 km, on the left
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 5
Getting Out & About...
l’Atelier de Leila
by Val Walmsley
Our little hamlet of Jarzay sits quietly in the midst of the Deux-‐ Sèvres countryside. With just seven houses surrounded by rolling fields, there’s a real sense that nothing much has changed here for generations. This spring though, quite a transformation has been taking place. Jarzay has now become the base for the work of two young artists -‐ L’Atelier de Leila and Les Trucs de Sam! Naturally curious to meet the newcomers and have a look at some of their creations, I popped into the atelier on their first open day. Where there was once a crumbling outbuilding, Sam has created a workshop whose rough stone walls provide an interesting contrast to the fine detail of Leila’s oil paintings. In one corner are examples of Sam’s ‘Trucs et Bidules’ -‐ sounds less romantic when translated as ‘stuff and widgets’! A standing lamp is cleverly constructed from a recycled dustbin and, looking at his blog later, I find that Sam creates sculptures in a range of materials. I’m captivated by the power of a vast acrylic portrait of a guitarist in action which dominates the space and the charming Leila then shows me photos of a mural she has created which fills the entire wall of a courtyard and leads the eye into a tranquil garden setting. Again the attention to detail is superb. It’s clear that Leila Papot is a talented young artist with a real passion for painting. She has produced trompe-‐l’oeil works in a variety of materials and sizes and will skilfully paint everything from wooden signs to furniture. If, like me, you’d like to spend some time looking at Leila’s work, you’ll find details of forthcoming exhibitions at www.latelier-‐de-‐leila.fr As I leave I’m already mentally planning for a mural for the outside of our barn, and maybe a few wooden plaques, just to be going on with... 6 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
The Big Book Fayre incorpora(ng
Clear Your Clu*er for Charity -‐ 11th May A chance to help charity -‐ Clear your unwanted clutter, and have a great day out all in one go! A new concept last year, which was so successful we decided to do it all again! Held on the same day as the massive vide grenier in the village ensures there are lots of visitors to the area. You can donate to charities on site so there will be lots of bargains to be had -‐ or have a stall yourself and donate some of the proceeds to one of the charities. The Big Book Barn will be open, teeming with books for everyone, all at a bargain price for the day. 1000s of different books in stock and donations to animal charities during the past year. Enjoy a British classic dish from Reel Fish and chips from 12 noon, plus a plethora of artisan stall holders. AUTHOR’S CORNER proved popular last year so we are bringing a group of local authors along who will love to chat about their published books. If you want a stall for yourself, you are an author or you want to sell on behalf of a charity please email: paperbackjan@gmail.com
SUMMER MARKET SUNDAY 15th JUNE Organised by Aidez Association
Salles des Fêtes St Germain-de-LongueChaume (79200) Open from 11am - 5pm Good variety of 30+ stalls Money raised will benefit local French Charities. Free Entry
Singing with Concordia In April last year I went off to Jersey (the island of my birth) with Les Chanterelles, the Coulon women’s’ choir, to sing with a Jersey choir. After many weeks of organisation we loaded our cars with enormous bags, walking shoes and lots of homemade food, and set off for St Malo and our crossing to Jersey.
The 18th edition of ‘The Return of Galipotes’ will take place on the night of May 17/18 2014. The theme of the walk is ”The Galipote revisits the history of France ... from prehistory to modern times”.
Finally we left Gallic soil and moved into unknown Channel Island territory.
A Galipote is an imaginary spooky animal,. Legend has it that after an evening of gossip amongst villagers, the Galipote would attack those who had been the most slanderous.
In Jersey, we enjoyed fame with an appearance in the local paper and a successful concert in St Helier town church. The cultural break was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Now Concordia, a Jersey choir, is paying a visit to Coulon. Concordia was formed in 1994 by a group of women who wanted to explore a wide variety of music. In addition to performing all over Jersey, the choir has performed in the neighbouring island of Guernsey and has twice visited Normandy, singing with a French choir in Coutances. In 2010, Concordia visited Bad Wurzach in southern Germany and participated in a liberation memorial service. Now the choir is greatly looking forward to visiting Deux-‐Sèvres and singing with Les Chanterelles in Coulon church on Saturday 3rd May at 8.30pm.
The walk is organised by l’Espoir Sportif d’Ardin, an organisation affiliated to the French Football Federation, who make up most of the 250+ volunteers involved in the event. Leaving Chaillot Ardin at 8pm, the expected return time is between 12.30am-‐1.00am, where a breakfast meal is provided, including Bazinière yogurt and Galipote Ardin cake. Registration for the event closes on 14th May. The cost is 12€ per adult and 7€ per child under 12 years of age. The organisers of the event are very happy to invite English speaking nationals to join the event and ‘courageously face the terrible Galipote’. For more information and to view all of the conditions, please visit the website www.lesgalipotes.com.
The free Concert will include English, French, Spanish, Corsican, Bulgarian, Japanese and Brazilian songs -‐ something for everyone! For more information contact: Marylyn Kusmirek by email: kusmirek@orange.fr
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 7
News from the Pays de Gâtine! by Julia Salvat
The CARUG and JAZZ
The CARUG is an association which helps develop cultural and artistic projects in the Gâtine. The team of technicians assist and offer advice during the different stages of a project and are there for associations, town halls and cultural organisations. Discreet and behind the scenes, they are specialists in sound and lighting. Not only is their advice free but they speakee a little English too! If you consult their website you will see that they also offer the possibility of renting equipment for events, (seating, goblets, toilets etc). They are responsible for and organise the hugely popular «Festival de Jazz» along with a team of volunteers. In their 5th year running, every Friday from 23rd May, you will be able to listen to a musical programme rich in entertainment and also at the same time discover some of the unknown beauty spots of the Gâtine, (châteaux and barns, gardens and villages). These evenings are free and known as « Commandos jazz ». Starting in Parthenay, the musicians will head for St Pardoux, Boussais and Coulonges, at different dates. One of the priorities of the CARUG is to work with school children and through workshops they have been learning the various aspects of setting up a show: performing and singing. They will be entertaining the public in Moncoutant, Chiré en Montreuil (86) and Vasles. Again, these concerts are free and open to the public. The festival will finish in Parthenay on 11, 12, 13 July on the banks of the Thouet and in the amphitheatre, with 9 concerts. Volunteers to help at any of these events are always welcome, and if you would like to come along and speakee a little Frenchee -‐ pourquoi pas? For more information on times and places please consult the website : www.gatine.org/carug/carug.asp
8 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
Small Colour Advert... only 34€
The Ice Saints
by Sue Burgess
The Ice Saints (les Saints Glaces) are a climatic episode situated, according to popular belief and traditions dating from the Middle Ages, around Saint Mamert, Saint Pancras and Saint Servais who are celebrated on the 11th, 12th and 13th of May. Farmers pray to these saints because at this time of year there is often a lowering of temperatures which may come from the phenomena of La Lune Rousse (the scorching moon). Once this period is over, there will be no more frosts (pas plus de gélées). Nowadays most calendars mention other saints on these dates: Estelle, Achille et Rolande. This change of dates back to 1960 when the Catholic church decided to replace saints associated with agricultural worries by other saints who were not linked to these popular superstitions. Saint Mamert (11th May) was the Archbishop of Vienne, who died in 474. Saint Pancrace (12th May) died in 304 at the age of 14 and is the patron saint (le saint patron) of children. Saint Servais (13th May) was Bishop of Tongres in Belgium and died in 384. Some people explain the tradition of the Ice Saints by an astronomical phenomenon which happens on the 12th and 13th May each year. They say that the Earth's orbit takes it through dust. For a few hours the dust hinders the passage of the sun's rays slightly and the effects of this can be seen in the weather. This explanation cannot be confirmed because the only possible origin of such a dust would be from a comet (une comète) or an asteroid (un astéroïde), but the Earth (la Terre) would not cross it twice a year as popular beliefs suppose.
Sayings and Proverbs / Dictons et proverbes : Saints Pancrace, Servais et Boniface Saint Pancrace, Saint Servais apportent souvent la glace and Saint Boniface often bring ice Avant Saint-‐Servais, point d'été; Before Saint Servais hardly après Saint-‐Servais, plus de gelée any summer, after Saint Servais no more frost Quand il pleut à la Saint-‐Servais, When it rains at Saint Servais pour le blé, signe mauvais it is a bad sign for the wheat Saint-‐Servais quand il est beau, tire When the weather is fine for Saint Servais, it will not rain Saint-‐Médard (8 juin) de l'eau at Saint Médard (8th June) À la Saint-‐Georges sème ton orge, à On Saint George's day sow la Saint-‐Marc c'est trop tard your barley, on Saint Mark's it is too late Saint-‐Servais, Saint-‐Pancrace et Saint Servais, Saint Pancrace Saint-‐Mamert font à trois un petit and Saint Mamert, the three hiver of them together, make a little winter
Also an astronomical phenomenon would have world-‐wide effects whereas the sayings (les dictons) and the Ice Saints are local. The passage of cold fronts (des fronts froids) at this time of the year bring cold air from the North. When the sky is clear the loss of heat is important, especially at night, and therefore cold periods occur. However, the archives of Méteo-‐France show that between 1939 and 2009, there has only been frost at the time of the Ice Saints four times. Even if they cannot be proved, the Ice Saints are still useful for farmers and gardeners. The actual dates of Les Saints Glaces vary according to the region. These beliefs are still very popular as witnessed by the following sayings and proverbs...
Small Colour Advert... only 34€
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 9
Le Coin Français Le Plaisir des Mots:
Deuxième Festival littéraire de St Clémentin
La première fête littéraire bilingue dans les Deux-‐Sèvres (2012) a attiré 600 personnes. La deuxième se déroulera du 29 au 31 août 2014. Le but est de réunir des écrivains français et anglais pour partager leurs œuvres avec un public.
Charles Juliet de Lyon (Les Lambeaux, L’Année de l’éveil) a accepté notre invitation. « Cet immense écrivain est parvenu à se faire connaître et à surmonter ses souffrances. Le miracle, c’est que son Journal, dont parait le septième tome, fait du bien à tout le monde depuis plus de vingt ans. » Elle (magazine) Un hommage sera fait à Mademoiselle Davy, ancienne habitante de St Clémentin, présenté par Madame DuTruc, archiviste de Niort. Dans les années soixante Marie Madeleine Davy, philosophe et historienne des religions, organisait des festivals dans le village de St Clémentin. En 1961 des jeunes Ukrainiens ont présenté devant un millier de spectateurs les chants et les danses de leur pays.
Les mystères de Paddington Street En 1891 au 14 Paddington street à Londres, par une nuit d ’ h i v e r g l a c é e , d e u x aristocrates anglais: Spencer Byron Westwood, pianiste reconnu et son fidèle ami Harry Cunningham, vont se trouver plongés dans une aventure incroyable. D a n s l ’ a t m o s p h è r e victorienne de cette fin de siècle, Harry et Spencer c r o i s e r o n t A n d r e w, u n majordome très spécial dont les frasques vont pousser le flegme de Harry au bout du possible. De l’univers très chic des salons du Savoy Hotel jusqu’aux souterrains mystérieux du vieux Londres, Spencer et Harry vont affronter maintes péripéties avec flegme grâce à leur humour très british plein de non-‐sens. Mais qui croire dans cette apothéose d’humour et de non-‐sens? Les apparences pourraient bien être trompeuses … Disponible pour acheter sur www.amazon.fr
ARTICLES....
2014 est l’anniversaire de la première guerre mondiale. Katherine Gallagher, poète australienne, va présenter ‘La Voix Des Enfants Pendant La Guerre.’
Nous sommes toujours à la recherche de nouveaux articles à publier pour les éditions futures.
De l’Angleterre la romancière Michèle Roberts «Celles Qui Revient, La Double Impasse, Chair de ma Chair «lisez la prose capiteuse de Michèle Roberts» Elle, Michel Cordeboeuf (conteur, chanteur) et Isabelle Soulard (Les Femmes du Poitou au Moyen Age) ont déjà accepté notre invitation. Si vous souhaitez nous aider n’hésitez pas à nous contacter: simms.gordon@orange.fr Programme/réservations: www.stclementinlitfest.com
Avez-vous une expérience à partager? Quoi qu'il en soit, que ce soit long ou court, nous aimerions vous lire. Vous pouvez appeler Sarah au 05 49 70 26 21 pour proposer des idées ou les envoyer par courriel à: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
ASTUCES MENAGERES... J'enlève les taches:
!
d'encre = tamponner avec un linge humecté de jus de citron additionné de sel, rincer. ! de gras = saupoudrer la tache de talc, laisser absorber, brosser délicatement. ! de vin = saupoudrer de farine, laisser agir quelques minutes puis brosser. Ensuite tamponner avec un chiffon imprégné de vinaigre blanc ou d'alcool ménager.
10 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
par Monique Pasquier
Je détruis les mauvaises odeurs:
! du frigo = mettre un verre de lait froid à l'intérieur, renouveler tous les 3 jours.
!
de cuisson du chou-fleur = au dessus de l'eau de cuisson, placer un morceau de pain rassis (le jeter ensuite). ! de poisson sur les mains = frottez-les avec n'importe quel objet en acier (robinet, casserole...).
A-Z of the Communes in the Deux-Sèvres... by Sue Burgess
FÉNERY Fénery is a commune situated just 10 kilometres from Parthenay. Until 1982, the commune was crossed by the Parthenay -‐ Bressuire railway line along which went the Nantes -‐ Limoges trains. Today the old railway line has been converted into the Voie Verte cycle and pedestrian way. There are 312 inhabitants in Fénery. A VOIR / MUST SEE • The Château de la Brouardière (1870) and its old outbuildings: XIXth century Neo-‐gothic chapel, and Conciergerie (servants' quarters) (private property). In 1389, the seigneur of La Brouardière was Jean Mourain. He was succeeded by Antoine Garnier, the Lord of Maurivet in Oroux. The Brouardière was given to his daughter as part of her dowry in 1652. The present château was built by Thérèse Dumoustier de Lafond, de l'Epiany de Vasles in 1870. The château was occupied during the second world war and since 1959 it has belonged to someone from Parthenay. • Saint Benoît's Church, XVth century. Built by the architect Alcide Boutaud in the XIXth century, Saint-‐ Benoît church was inspired by romanesque buildings. It is made up of a choir and a covered nave with crossed ogives. Only the lower part of the bell tower and a few other features of the original church remain. A funeral stone with a sculpted cross Photo: Communauté de Communes de Parthenay can be seen inside. • Fortified house of Longeville, 15th century (private).
FENIOUX
At the beginning of the 19th century as well as the domains of Brusson and la Braudière, which had in part been confiscated for the benefit of the nation, several smallholdings were sold as national goods. At this time there were two water mills and four windmills on the commune, a horse breeding farm, a farm for breeding baudets, the local Poitou donkey, a tile works and a cloth mill known as "trois marches". In 1821 there were 1437 inhabitants, 706 in 1982 and 720 today. The water mills were along the river Fenioux, the Saumort and the Miochette. Some are now lived-‐in but nearly all of them have lost their water wheels or mechanisms. The windmills have either disappeared or now belong to different communes. A VOIR / MUST SEE • The church of St Pierre de Fénery was built on the site of an old sanctuary that had been surrounded by a cemetery. The building of the church was ordered by the monks of Parthenay le Vieux. The octagonal bell tower shelters two bells: Marie-‐Thérèse (520kg) and Albine-‐Barbe (716kg). The church was completely restored between 2008 and 2013. • The Hosanna Cross. Built between the Xth and the XVth century in the South-‐West of France, but in particular in Poitou-‐Charentes. Hosanna crosses are funeral monuments which are generally placed over a common grave or an ossuary. The term «Hossana» may either come from the name of a bush of which parts were placed on the cross or it could come from the exclamation of «Hosanna» (the hymn sung on Palm Sunday).
The old names of Fenioux are Finiacum (about 1090), Villa Fenils (about 1122), Fenios (XIIth century), Feniosum (1299) and Fenyos (1300). The name Fenioux does not appear until 1415. The name means « place where hay grows». Fenioux would be the Poitevine form of forme «fenil» (place where the hay is stored). In the year 900, the region of Fenioux depended on the Domains of the Gâtine, the property of the lords of Parthenay. A small church was built near La Braudière, the château where the Vaucouleurs family lived. In the XIIth century, the monks of Parthenay-‐Le-‐Vieux had a new church built.
Above: The village of Fenioux. Photo: www.fenioux79.free.fr
More A-Z of the Communes of Deux-Sèvres next month...
Annual Subscription Costs: 29,50€ within France, 18€ UK addresses. (Unfortunately the cheaper ‘printed papers’ rate cannot be applied to addresses within France, only when sending abroad) Full Name: Postal Address: Postcode:
Country:
Tel: Email: Please make cheques payable to SARAH BERRY.
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 11
Hobbies... More from local writer Alison Morton... Please see back issues of ‘The DSM’ if you would like to see previous articles. Are you a pantser or a plotter? Do you sit down at the keyboard and just write, a vague idea of the characters and their story swirling around in your head? Then you’re a pantser who writes by the seat of your pants. Maybe you plan every scene and chapter in meticulous detail, paying careful attention to the rules of structure used by your genre. Undoubtedly, you’re a plotter. Well, I’m not entirely sure these extremes exist, in the same way that Elinor and Marianne Dashwood don’t, but are symbols for extremes of Sense and Sensibility. When I write, I usually start classically: a character who is suddenly faced with a terrible dilemma, but I only discover how she’s going to resolve it once I start writing her story. However, sensible hat back on, I do like to know the point she’s going to reach at the end. The story has to have some definite purpose otherwise it becomes a soup of pure muddle. But if I don’t have free rein to develop the story, let the characters spark off each other and encounter and deal with setbacks, then I don’t enjoy the actual writing. There’s no point in creating a story if you can’t have fun doing it! Now I’m drafting book four in my Roma Nova series, I’m learning how to resolve this dilemma. Yes, I’m acquainted with the main character and I want to tell her story. But that’s it. I need to let her run around in my head a bit, to have some adventures, get into trouble, struggle to get out, land in more -‐ you know the rest. More than anything, I have to get to know her, to find out what she wants, what’s stopping her, what she has to do, or Goal, Motivation, Conflict, as creative writing tutors call it. My way of doing this is to write down 30 lines of plot. Less an outline, more of a wireframe as I like the 3D analogy better. Line 1: The beginning – the inciting incident/kick-‐off Line 2: Impact and realisation of that event/situation Line 3: The plan to resolve it Line 6: First enormous set-‐back (turning point 1) Line 15: First glimmer of light (turning point 2) Line 21: Gritting on in face of terrible odds and sacrifice (turning point 3) Line 25: Despite developments, we might be getting there – the false dawn Line 28: Catastrophe/black moment – do or die Line 30: The end – the resolution and loose-‐end tying-‐up I haven’t put all the lines in, but you get the idea. It’s not fixed but it gives you a skeleton which holds the whole thing together but which will become absorbed into the finished product and never be seen by the reader. Once you have these thirty lines and accept that you might have to change or omit some of the lines and substitute new ones, then you can release your inner pantser, and create and imagine to your heart’s content. Happy writing! Alison Morton writes alternate history thrillers, blogs about wriIng and Romans at hJp://alison-‐morton.com/blog/
12 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
St Clémentin LitFest 2014
Through the Lens Photography Group
The second LitFest is set to draw an even bigger crowd than the first, attended by over 600 people. The programme is immensely varied and can be downloaded from the festival website: www.stclementinlitfest.com
If you have enjoyed the front covers of ‘The Deux-‐Sèvres Monthly’, then you will have seen some of the photos taken by our members.
an Easter update by Jocelyn Simms
In addition to readings and debates, many authors are offering workshops. Michèle Roberts, professor of creative writing at the University of East Anglia and tutor for the Arvon Foundation is giving a three hour workshop which is simply not to be missed by anyone seriously interested in writing. Michèle’s latest collection of stories Mud was chosen as Daily Telegraph book of the year.
“Witty and subversive these stories explore women’s desires, memories and loves . . .” Maggie O’Farrell. Michèle has agreed to judge the Segora short story entries, while winners of all the Segora competitions will be announced at a presentation supper. We are extremely pleased to welcome Beatrice Colin to the festival. She will be reading from ‘The Luminous Life of Lilly Aphrodite’ a Richard and Judy choice. “The story-‐telling is masterful and the language magical.” Sunday Times. Beatrice will be holding a workshop on writing historical novels. Other workshops include writing short stories and prize-‐winning poems. Local author Barbara Unkovic offers a free workshop on the art of writing short fiction -‐ an increasingly popular genre -‐ as well as reading from ‘Weeds in the Garden’, a chronicle of her time spent in Croatia. Leigh Russell will be talking about writing crime fiction. Leigh has already arranged to work with pupils at the Lycée Maurice Genevoix in Bressuire. Teacher, Noëlle Rouault, says “the pupils of Premiere L are happy to be working on detective stories that are to be exhibited at the festival. The festival is a golden opportunity for those keen to write in English to sharpen their skills”. Leigh Russell has agreed to read their efforts, strengthening their enthusiasm. This unexpected partnership between the festival and the French pupils is particularly enriching for everybody. John Hudson of ‘Toutes Direction’ fame will conduct a poetical promenade each day. Stopping at selected spots in the village, John will read poetry by some of the masters including Edward Thomas and Apollinaire. John will invite the promenaders to conjure their own poems from the stimuli provided. Wine tasting, singing, dancing, exhibitions . . . and a chance to see the very moving film: ‘And When Did You Last See Your Father?’ A faithful adaptation of the stunning biography by guest speaker Blake Morrison; starring Colin Firth, Jim Broadbent and Juliet Stevenson. The festival bookshop is the place to buy signed copies and Chez Didier the place to enjoy chilling out over a delicious meal and a glass of wine. Don’t miss out -‐ reserve your place now whether the event you are interested is free or carries a modest charge. Book it now on www.stclementinlitfest.com. Interested in helping out? We have need of ushers, cake makers, people to distribute publicity, accommodation (whether free or commercial) and anyone handy with tents or a screwdriver. Contact jocelynsmms@gmail if you think you would like to be a friend of the festival.
Want to know more about TTLP? Read on. We’re a group of English speaking amateur photographers of all levels, from novice to very experienced. We all have the same desire -‐ to improve our skills and discover new techniques. We do this by participating in monthly photographic contests, workshops to hone our skills and learn new ones, and photo walks. If you’ve got a basic camera and take pictures, or all singing and dancing sophisticated equipment, it doesn’t matter. There’s always something new for us all to discover. We’re very excited to be holding the next public exhibition of our work in the Church Hall at Vouvant -‐ a ‘must’ destination if you appreciate a pretty French village! In addition to the display we will have Portrait Photography on site and a collection of ‘Point and Shoot’ photography, demonstrating that you don’t need fancy equipment to be creative! All work on display will be on sale with profits going to Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research.
Dates : 29th May to 9th June 2014 Where:: Church Hall, Vouvant If you fancy coming along to a meeting, find out more information, and contact details, visit our website: www.ttlphotographygroup.com
«Via Musica» The Ensemble «Via Musica» presents a weekend of choral music by the great British composer John Rutter, whose powerful works have captured the imagination of singers and listeners worldwide. The Choir will be joined by the orchestral ensemble ‘Ouverture’ during the weekend of: • Saturday, May 31st at 8.30pm Church of St Jean de Liversay (17) (near la Rochelle) • Sunday, June 1st at 6pm Temple de Rouillé (86) (between St Maixent l’Ecole and Poitiers) John Rutter unashamedly composes instantly memorable tunes. In a world where so many composers believe music is no longer primarily about melody, Rutter stands out as someone who defiantly bucks the trend. Nowhere is it more evident than in his glorious Requiem. Composed in 1985, the work is reminiscent of the Requiem of Fauré in its simplicity, brevity and rich choral writing. Don’t miss this great opportunity to hear this beautiful work together with other selected anthems including ‘The Lord Bless You and Keep You’ which was commissioned for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Thanksgiving Service at St Paul’s Cathedral, London. Tickets available at the venue priced at 12€, free for children up to 15 years. www.viamusicaniort.sitew.fr
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 13
by Josie Bounds
Landscape Painting
with
Jean David
Painting the landscape in France is a time honoured and popular activity. I once read that all artists have two countries, their own, and France, and taking your paints and easel outside to paint the countryside is a great joy.
Thank you all for attending our recent play “Entertaining Angels” and to all members who worked so hard to produce a successful play and beautiful scenery.
There are a number of things to consider in approaching a plein air painting. Choosing the spot and the scene is most important and it is worthwhile taking some time to get the best vista possible rather than settling with anything and painting a boring picture.
The script reading group already have a few alternatives planned for the Autumn production and will be considering your views, which we collected during the recent performances, but let’s not talk about Autumn just yet. Let us all look forward to what we hope will be a beautiful summer.
Having chosen a suitable vantage point, I make a mental note of a number of issues which will effect the progress of the painting. These include the light conditions and the movement of the sun -‐ how are things going to change over the next few hours? What are the predominant colours I am seeing, and which ones will I put on my palette? Where are my darkest darks and lightest lights? What compositional devices can I use to make it an interesting painting? I begin the painting process with a simple block-‐in, and then proceed to lay in swathes of colour in large areas. Landscape painting is about space, and it is important to include a lot of sky area so as not to give a cramped or claustrophobic feel to the picture. There is an old painter’s saying -‐ ‘two thirds sky’ -‐ and it is a pretty good rule of thumb, unless, of course you want to achieve something different with the painting. All painting can be considered as abstract in some sense, and I try to keep my paint as loose as possible but keep a close eye on the drawing component of the picture. Also, I find it important to vary the brush and knife strokes to keep a liveliness in the painting as it progresses. I normally finish the painting session in less than three hours, as the changing light conditions will not provide a longer period of time for me to continue painting. If I have not finished the painting, I can either return at the same time of day tomorrow, or finish it in the studio from sketches, memory and photos. Jean David is an artist and oil painter recently settled in the region. Widely travelled and exhibited, he is an accomplished and commissioned portrait and landscape painter. His unique style of realism and abstraction is reinforced with a harmonious and vibrant use of colour. For further details on attending the classes, commissioning a painting, and for examples of Jean’s work, visit www.jeandavidfineart.com/contemporaryart
N.B. Life drawing/painting classes are commencing in late May/ June in 2014 Jean David ~ Email: jd@jeandavidfineart.com www.jeandavidfineart.com
14 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
Many of those involved in the recent production are also members of the Keynotes singing ensemble and will now be switching their energies to rehearsing for the many forthcoming events which we are performing during the coming months. The next performance will be in support of the Aidez Association Summer Market which will be held on the 15th June. We also have bookings for Summer and Christmas fairs, involvement in the World War 1 commemorations in Parthenay, Gardening Club produce show and we will probably repeat the very successful Christmas Cornucopia but with new material, of course. A full programme of events can be seen on our website.
The Art Scene
The art group continues to attract new members and my thanks go to the many members who have passed on their skills and talents to help us all learn and improve over the past few weeks. Artists don’t like to stop painting so I guess we will be continuing through the summer months and introducing a number of Plein Air sessions. Obviously plein air painting is very dependent on the weather and so short term planning is the norm, so if you are interested in joining any of our sessions let me have your contact details and I will keep you informed when they are arranged. The Reaction Theatre Alternative Calendar Girls calendar appeal has now closed and thanks to the additional contributions made by our fine audiences at our recent performances, we were just a little short of our 10,000 euros target. Our committee have agree to make up the difference from our funds so it is with great pleasure that I can announce that 10,000 euros will be shared equally between Leukemia and Lymphona Research in the UK and the French cancer research organisation ’Fondation de France’. Our thanks go to Tony for arranging all our sponsors and for their support, to our 26 lovely ladies and everyone who has contributed to this amazing achievement. A special thanks must go to Vernon Bouch, our treasurer, who has been continuously involved in managing this project for what must have seemed like a lifetime. Information on Reaction performances, past and future, Keynote performances and The Art Scene meetings and projects can be seen on www.reactiontheatre.fr, but if you don’t have access to a computer call me, John Blair, on 05 49 63 23 50.
Clubs & Associations... GARDENING CLUB
Craft Café Creatif
2nd Sunday Motorcycle Club
Les Amis Solitaires
We meet every third Tuesday of the month, 14.30 with free tea/ coffee & biscuits at Le Bon Vertoef, 28 Grand Rue, 79110 TILLOU. (nr Chef-‐ Boutonne). Everyone welcome for garden talk! For further information Mike Curtis 05 46 33 66 17 (eves)
Come and join us for a bike ride, or just a cup of coffee and a chat, with bike-‐minded people. As the name suggests, we meet on the 2nd Sunday of every month. New members are always welcome. For more information, visit our web-‐site. www.2ndsundayclub.fr
The Harmonics Singing Group
Based in the Salle d’Annexe in Civray. We meet each Wednesday 2pm-‐4pm. No experience necessary, just a willingness and commitment to learn. We sing all sorts of music in several languages. Contact: Dave Lee: 05 49 87 53 93 / dave.lee@cegetel.net
Do you enjoy knitting or sewing in the company of others? Join us in L’Absie for an enjoyable afternoon over a cup of tea and a piece of cake. For details contact Margaret on email: knight.margaret@orange.fr
We are a group of people living alone in France. We meet up for coffee mornings from 11am, every 2nd & 4th Thursday at The Lemon Tree in Sauzé Vaussais. More details from Gwen on 05 49 87 91 79 or email gwanshep@gmail.com
Cancer Support Deux-Sèvres
Cancer Support aims to improve the lives of people affected by Cancer in the DeuxSèvres. Contact June Searchfield on 05 49 64 59 96. Email: junesearchfield@gmail.com
Alone in France?
Book Club Thouars. Do you enjoy reading a cracking story? And talking to others about it? Do you live in north 79, south 49 or north 86? Come along to our book club. Contact Alison Morton at info@bookclubthouars.fr for details.
Capella Group
ALL GIRLS TOGETHER Calling girls 18-‐80 for fun, laughter & support. We meet alternate Wednesdays at Fontenille, 2-‐5pm. Ring Viv for further information: 05 49 27 51 98. All Welcome. 9/4: Jewellery Sale & 23/4 Coffee, chat & Restaurant Review.
We are a group of people living alone in the l'Absie area who meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 11am for coffee at the Pause! café in l’Absie. Our lunches are at different venues each month. A warm welcome awaits you. More details from Frank 05 49 69 80 47.
If you enjoy singing and would be interested in starting a close-‐ harmony group near Chef-‐Boutonne, please get in touch! Email me, Christine for further information: chezloubigne@aol.com
Combined Services Support Group - CSSG
BOOK Group...
meeting 2nd Thursday of the month from 3pm at Christies Tea Room & Bookshop, Gençay, 86160. Take a look at the Book Group page on the website: www.chezchristies.com for more information.
FRANGLAIS at Thouars
We are a French-‐English speaking group who meet at Centre-‐Socio-‐ Culturel, Anne Desrays, Thouars on Wednesdays 7.30pm – 9.30pm. We welcome English speakers who want to improve their French. Come along or contact jcbed@orange.fr for more information.
Fitness Class with James A fun & lively Aerobic/fitness class run on a voluntary basis. Tuesday evenings 7-‐8pm at Salle De Fete in La Chappelle St E[enne. All ages, na[onality & gender welcome. 15€ membership for the year which covers insurances & room. For further details please email James: jdharris247@gmail.com We meet twice a month -‐ one for workshops and the other for informal chats and a light-‐hearted competition entry. If you would like to join us, visit our website www.ttlphotographygroup.com
We at CSSG are gearing up for another busy year, already we have been to the Craft Fair at Fenioux, and are now looking forward to selling tea, coffee and home baked cakes at Paperback Jan’s in Le Ferrier-‐en-‐Parthenay on 11th May. Do come and visit us there, we enjoy meeting our old friends and making lots of new ones. We shall also have our “almost famous” tombola stand, as well as lots of brocante. Of course, our premier reason for being there is to raise money for charity but we do like to have fun at the same time. We had a big Thank You from SSAFA France at their recent Annual General Meeting for the monies received from us last year. It is good to know that the money which you help us to raise through various events has been used to help ex-‐service personnel and their families here in France. All that I can add is to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who spend their money at our events. Looking further into the summer, a Garden Party is being held on 27th July in St Pardoux, (exact venue to be advised later) and if you would like a stall there, please contact us at cssgroup@outlook.com. Pauline Tonks will be pleased to hear from you. It should be a grand event and everyone is most welcome. New members are always welcome, so if you would like to join us, please contact us at the above email address, and we will tell you all about our group and how you can help with our fund raising events, or, alternativley just come along for the fun. Terri Laverick Secretary, CSSG Contact by email: cssgroup@outlook.com
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 15
Health, Beauty & Fitness... Abbey teaching at Venus Rose Yoga Sanctuary situated at the foot of The Melusine Tour in Vouvant.
“Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.” Yoga and the Art of Doing Nothing! The practice of meditation brings countless benefits. Learning how to discipline and harness the power of your mind is an invaluable tool for creating a positive mental state that enables you to envision and create the life that you want... Not only that, those who meditate consistently look more radiant, peaceful and younger than those that don't. Indeed, recent research studies show that meditation reverses the ageing process to such an extent that a regular practitioner will have a biological age of up to fifteen years younger and will, on average, live up to ten years longer than a peer of the same age that does not take the time to practice this art... There are many different types of meditation and they all share the same goal which is to simply bring you out of your mind and back to yourself. It is this simple practice which begins to show up in your life as increased well being, harmonious relationships, success, abundance and prosperity... Regular Group and Private Classes are held at Venus Rose from Monday to Saturday. Morning Class: 11.30am-‐1.00pm and Afternoon Class: 2.00pm-‐3.30pm. Limited places available so please call and book. Call Venus Rose Yoga: 06 35 15 60 60 Email: amaradeva@thevenusyogaexperience.com Website: www. thevenusyogaexperience.com
Kahil Gibran
So to enjoy more health, more wealth and more happiness... "Don't just DO something, SIT THERE!!!"
Dhyana Meditation A great meditation for beginners, developing concentration and inner seeing... Find something beautiful like a flower or candle... Sit comfortably... Try to absorb every little detail with your eyes... Close your eyes... And bring your object to mind... Recreate every little detail in your minds eye... Open your eyes.. Namaste
For daily inspiration follow me on my new blog: ‘Beauty Is The Way’: Forthewayisbeautiful@blogspot.fr and make it part of your new beauty regime! Siret No. 798-‐232-‐781 00012
FREE INTRODUCTORY SESSION at THE YOGA SANCTUARY Centre de Yoga et de Meditation
BEGINNERS WELCOME With Our Compliments Call Now on 06 35 15 60 60 16 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
Yoga
SECRETS
Sparkle & Shine
by Claire Jones
Mother Nature is doing a pretty convincing job lately in encouraging us to ferret in the back of the wardrobe for our flip flops and capri pants. It is time, once again, to bare our legs and flash our feet to the masses. Once these long forgotten summer treasures have been unearthed, we are then faced with the prospect of tidying up neglected toes and legs that have been hidden away behind long trousers and woolly tights. It can be a daunting prospect but a job, that once done, is easily maintained either by yourself or in a salon. A good pedicure to start the season is worth its weight in gold and easily done. Once you have taken the time to properly prepare your feet, maintenance throughout the summer is a doddle. To create the best base for your polish, take some time out to clip and file toenails, push back the cuticles with a hoof stick and buff the dry skin on heels and sides of your feet. A pumice stone or a foot file will help. Follow up with a generous slick of foot cream and a pair of cotton socks, and to maximise the absorption of the cream, do this at bedtime, leaving it to work its magic overnight. Cotton socks, that can be bought in pharmacies, cost very little, but are worth every penny. In addition, investing in a base and top coat to use with your favourite coloured polish is essential if you want your varnish to last the distance. Home waxing systems are in every supermarket and vary in their application. Personally, I believe cold wax strips are one of the best options as they are portable and quick plus they are easily disposed of. They also come with a handy oil impregnated wipe that does away with wax residue post epilation. To minimise the ‘ouch factor’ ensure that once you have placed the strip on to your skin and smoothed it with your hand in the direction of your hair growth, that you use your other hand to pull the skin tight just beneath the part of the strip that you are going to be pulling. The more you stretch the skin, the less you will wince. If however, you don’t feel confident enough to do this for yourself then ring your beauty therapist and book an appointment. Never feel guilty about treating yourself to the occasional professional treatment, discard the guilt and enjoy the pampering. After all, we all deserve to feel girly!
... Make a Nooptoerganised by
rksh First Aid Wo y 5th t for Saturda SDIS 79 is se s in Headquarter July, at their r Niort). Chauray (nea a b le n ex t a ti o n a va il9 08 18 49, rm fo in re o 4 M ase call 05 month, or ple r@sdis79.fr to es .c email: a
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 17
Your Cut... Having a haircut should be a fulfilling, enjoyable experience. For some it is a necessity and for others it is a great pleasure. Whatever your feelings about having your hair cut, it is important to remember a good cut can be the basic starting point to an easy-‐to-‐manage style which looks great too. If your hair is cut in an unsuitable way you will find it almost impossible to manage it at home. Aside from finding a stylist that you are happy to work, with here are some other interesting points to ponder...
Try not to focus too much on a magazine photo, It is helpful to have
pictures of the look you desire and bring them to the salon, however, bear in mind that these pieces of inspiration might not be entirely realistic. Most of the time the hairstyles you see in magazine photos involve hours and hours of professional styling, which can make a cut look completely different. Alway feel free to talk ideas with us first. We always have lots of suggestions about similar looks you will be able to style on your own at home and ones that may be more flattering to your face shape.
Be honest about your lifestyle. Only you know how much time you
are really going to spend each morning styling your hair or how good you are at manoeuvring a brush. Before you commit to a certain style be honest, not only with us, but more importantly with yourself. It is also helpful to visit the salon with your normal, everyday hair the day of your appointment. This gives us a good understanding of how you manage your hair yourself. Your cut should be about you and your individuality. Don't be afraid to ask us what shape your face is and take advice about the techniques you are using to care for your hair in-‐between salon visits. We are always happy to offer guidance about the correct way to blow dry and style your hair to get a good salon-‐style finish. Also think about the products that Above: A classic cut created by Michael William you use to style your hair with. Using the right styling product can make a real, visible difference and you might discover that working with a product recommended to you in the salon is worth the little extra you may pay.
18 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
Our Furry Friends... The Mills Grind Slowly
by Nigel Franks, NALA
We've had the idea of doing a sterilisation campaign for cats for a while and it's turned out more complicated than we envisaged... Our original idea for the sterilisation project was to have two days a year when people could take their cats to a vet for sterilisation at a reduced rate. We had a number of vets already on board when one of them suggested that we ask the Ordre de Veterinaires for advice. So we spoke with the head office in Paris who didn't see any problems, but suggested that we contact the local office for their opinion. We did so, and had a meeting with them. Although they were, in principal, in favour of the project, they were worried about running foul of the laws on competition so suggested a more complicated procedure which would involve us bringing the cats to the vets, in order to avoid any contact between the owner and the vet. We didn't find this a satisfactory solution as it would involve a lot of work for our volunteers, it brought the risk of cross contamination between animals, the vet wouldn't be able to contact the owner directly in case of an emergency and, once the animal was back with its owner, the owner wouldn't be able to contact the vet for advice.
Tina Hatcher
In the meantime, there had been a case in the east of France where the Competition Commission had intervened on a similar matter, so the head office in Paris was now no longer in favour of our project. Time to put our thinking caps on again... and now we think that we've found a plan that will work. We will give a subsidy to owners who get their cat sterilised or sterilised and identified. The subsidy will be up to 20% with a maximum of 10 Euros for the sterilisation of a male, 20 euros for a female and a maximum of 10 euros for identification. We have reserved a budget of €1000 for this year, so if you're interested please apply soon. All you have to do is send a request with a copy of an estimate (devis) from a vet to subventions.nala@mail.com. We suggest that you ask more than one vet as prices can vary enormously. If your request is approved, we will send you a confirmation showing the amount of the subsidy. Once the operation has been carried out you will have to send us a copy of the bill and we will send you a cheque for the amount of the subsidy. And if you don't already have a cat... why not have a look at our website: www.nosamislesanimaux.com or contact Sue on 07 70 31 54 59.
Inky, one year old female, looking for a good home.
Nos Amis Les Animaux 85480 (NALA 85480). Tel: 07 70 31 54 59
Email: nala85480@hotmail.com www.nosamislesanimaux.com
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 19
MEET JAMIE..
This grand elderly gentleman, JAMIE, is a Cocker Spaniel thought to be aged between 10 and 12 years of age. He may be getting on in years, but don't be fooled, this dog has a BIG heart and lots of life in him. He is lively, busy and fun, enjoying the outdoors and his two daily walks plus playtime in the garden. After which he enjoys nothing better than snuggling down for a cuddle, be it next to you or in his basket!
If you know of an animal in need in the l'Absie area or if you would like more information about Mayday Mes Amis please email: jill.zub@sky.com HOOF (Horse Orientated Open Forum)
HOOF is open to anyone with an equine interest. You do not need to own a horse! We meet about once a month for talks, visits etc. Interested? Contact Jo Rowe on: 05 49 64 30 59
Recently he has had some teeth removed and was also found to be losing his hearing. This doesn't deter him; he has all his wits about him and loves human company, although we would recommend that he is re-‐homed as the only dog, without cats or children. JAMIE must have been looked after and enjoyed a good life once, as he is house-‐trained, well-‐mannered and used to being groomed. He also travels well in the car. We feel he would suit someone who understands older dogs and can give him a warm, loving home, lots of affection and regular walks. He has a lovely sweet nature and deserves the chance to continue being 'young at heart' -‐ he will make a wonderful companion. JAMIE has been microchipped, neutered, vaccinated and treated for worms, fleas and ticks. A generous donation will be asked for towards his veterinary costs to date and Orfée will conduct a home visit prior to adoption. If you would like more information about JAMIE please contact MARY: 05 49 50 69 41, orfeeinenglish2@gmail.com or CAROLINE: 05 45 96 02 79, orfeeinenglish3@gmail.com
APPEAL Meet Baxter/Bax. He is approximately one year old, and has not been chipped or castrated. Mum is a Boxer/ Labrador cross, dad unknown. Baxter is house-‐trained and is used to being crated. He is good with people and children, but wary of strangers although has never show any aggression to anyone. Baxter walks well on the lead and is good with other dogs but doesn't like cats or other animals. He is happy all the time, his tail does not stop wagging and he is a lovely affectionate little dog that loves being hugged and his head held close as you stroke him. He desperately needs a home that has no animals (apart from maybe another dog) and is completely escape-‐proof. Baxter is currently living near Parthenay. If you are interested in adopting Bax or require more information, please contact Emma on 05 49 64 41 81 or 06 47 85 13 25. For further information on other cat and dogs for adoption, please go to www.hopeassoc.org
20 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
MAYDAY MES AMIS
Equine Rescue France
We are always looking for new members and we are in need of donations so we may continue to help equines in France. Please support the ERF. Please contact Equine Rescue France via their website: www.equinerescuefrance.org
L’Association Galia is a recognized public utility aiding the adoption of dogs in the shelter of Fontenay Le Comte. We help dogs out of impound, found stray or abandoned to find new families. Refuge de l'association Galia Chemin des perchées (ancienne déchetterie), 85200 Fontenay Le Comte Tel : 02 51 52 06 19 or 06 28 18 13 72, association.galia@orange.fr http://association-‐galia.forumactif.com
Phoenix Association rescue and re-‐home animals in need. Please visit our website: www.phoenixasso.com for more details. Is there somebody out there for Phoenix’s ALEX? A t w o y e a r-‐ o l d B e l g i a n Shepherd X Beauceron. Alex has been at Phoenix for too long now. We’re worried people might be starting to think there is something wrong with him, but the truth is, only two people have ever asked about him! He requires a home where he receives plenty of exercise and discipline and a nice big, fenced garden, but surely there is someone out there who fits the bill?! Alex ADORES people, and LOVES to play (with people and other dogs). He’s a bit too bouncy for cats though. He didn’t have a good start in life, so now he deserves to have a really loving home with a committed and energetic family. Please contact us if you are interested on 05 53 54 94 81 (leave a message) or email sheerik@wanadoo.fr (Alex is, of course, chipped, vaccinated and neutered).
Home & Garden...
Famous Furniture
Small Colour Advert ...only 34€
Next month we
Spotlight On... BRESSUIRE Deadline: 15th May. The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 21
THE AMATEUR GARDENER by Vanda Lawrence
May is here and spring bulbs are coming to an end. They've given us a marvellous display, li„ing our spirits a„er the miserable winter, so now it's …me to give them a good feed to build them up again ready for next year. Foliar feed every 10-‐14 days and let the leaves die back naturally. This will give the plant …me to u…lise sunlight to produce sugars which will also replenish and increase the size of the bulbs. Divide perennials where necessary and take this opportunity to stake taller plants while you have easy access. Tie climbing plants to their supports too to avoid wind damage and maintain a pleasing shape. Fill empty spaces in the shrubbery and flower beds with summer bedding plants and bulbs then mulch everything to retain moisture and discourage weeds. Our tree peony is looking beautiful at the moment so I'm very glad I gave it a good 'haircut' last autumn -‐ it's definitely a better shape now. This is a good time to take stock of your shrubs. Apart from their shape are they looking healthy? Yellow/brown patches around leaf edges and between veins indicates a lack of magnesium in the soil. Plants which didn't flower/fruit/berry very well last year will benefit from extra potash, while a nitrogen-‐rich fertiliser will perk up anything looking pale and tired. Plants preferring acid soils will be happy with a little extra iron. Talking of fertilisers, you can make your own totally organic liquid fertiliser from nettles, which are a rich source of calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper and potassium. It smells pretty horrible but is good for your plants. Pack fresh nettles into a large bowl or container. Add water (approx 10 litres to 2lb nettles). Mix to ensure all leaves are covered with water then cover with clingfilm or a tight-‐fitting lid. Stir several times over the next few weeks and when rotted down strain into a bucket (the remaining solids can go straight onto the compost heap). To use, dilute 10 parts water to 1 part nettle juice. Likewise, if you have Comfrey growing in your garden you can use it in the same way. Comfrey is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potash. Time is running out for planting new roses but another tip is to add chopped banana skins to the planting hole. This adds potassium to the soil and aids moisture retention. It's time to be on the alert for Processionary Caterpillars. Their nests in pine trees look like clumps of cotton wool and as the weather warms the hairy caterpillars come down from these nests in a long line, nose to tail, ready to pupate below the soil surface. Quite fascinating to watch but beware because their hairs cause extreme irritation and can be dangerous to dogs and cats. Mosquitoes are another nuisance, so try planting Citronella grass, Horsemint (Beebalm), Marigolds, Ageratum or Catnip as a deterrent. Well, I'm off now to work on my new raised vegetable beds, but wherever you sow your carrots, parsnip, parsley, celery or celeriac don't forget carrot fly larvae which feed on the roots of these plants. Plant French Marigolds nearby or sow strong-‐smelling crops such as garlic, onions, basil etc in adjacent rows to deter the carrot fly. Cabbage root fly is another problem pest if you grow brassicas, swedes, turnips or radish. Brassica collars can be bought in the garden centre to help deal with these -‐ they stop the fly laying eggs in the soil surface close to the plant. Happy gardening. See you next month.
22 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
Take a Break... DSM Easy Crossword Across: 8. Of, or rela…ng to the moon (5) 9. Something intended as a guide for making something else (7) 10. The Japenese art of paper folding (7) 11. French monetary unit before the Franc (5) 12. Cash for day-‐to-‐day spending on incidental expenses (3,5) 13. Capital of Norway (4) 15. Close to (4) 17. Hold back to a later time (8) 21. The speed music is played (5) 22. Continuing forever (7) 24 . Kidnaps (7) 25. Hits a golf ball into the hole (5)
DSM Toughie Crossword Across: 1. Laid back, but fortunate following a turn after being tipsy (5,2,5) 7. Sail hoisted by strange man for rough characters (7) 9. Acceptable in riding equipment but revealing hind quarters (5) 10. Formerly does party with high tension turnover (4) 11. Ran without threads when reds take over (8) 12. Old lag missing from turmoil in union (6) 14. Direcnons issued about trap to get invertebrates (6) 17. Bin turned over today to find a defence mechanism (8) 19. The call to make after six? (4) 22. Choose to be included in science lecture (5) 23. Complex result of 22 appearing before the academy (7) 24. A contest following being dropped generates helpless laughter (7,5)
Quiz-tastic!
Down: 1. And (4) 2. Colours flown by a ship to show its nationality (6) 3. An act of deliberate betrayal (7) 4. Join by interweaving strands (6) 5. Lacking freshness (5) 6. Large central human bone that supports the lower limbs (6) 7. A flat, thin container for a letter (8) 12. Always on time (8) 14. Make an effort to achieve (7) 16. Large fleet of ships (6) 18. Black Sea Ukranian sea port (6) 19. Decorative (6) 20. Handheld light (5) 23. Fewer (4)
Down: 1. Lots of animals surrounding an object, it is said (5) 2. Bases of soft material absorbed in alkalis (7) 3. Really earnest embrace held for quite a long time (4) 4. Object after a relation is dirty (7) 5. Criticise if you like, but it’s only a minor accident (5) 6. Passed up a dark suit (6) 8. Bible character is in, praise the lord! (4) 12. Sets up new farm with direcnons (6) 13. Going round the globe and then most of a Mediterranean country (7) 15. Six in the opening of a test tube case (2,5) 16. Sounds like doing nothing could be something to look up to? (4) 18. That’s the sixth letter received from the tax office! (5) 20. Decide to do something with a broken crate (5) 21. Beat up a half dozen before 18 (4)
Monthly quiz by Roland Scoa.....how many can you get?
1) What was Manfred Mann’s first top ten record in 1964? 2) What was the name of the ship in which Jason went in search of the Golden Fleece? 3) Which famous partnership was created after a meeting in Manchester’s Midland Hotel in 1904? 4) Born in 1963, which English artist is responsible for the work ‘My Bed’? 5) Whose most famous piano rag was used as the theme for the film ‘The Sting’? 6) What is Sting real name? 7) In Dante’s ‘Divine Comedy’ who guides Dante through Hell?
8) Who replaced Magnus Magnusson as questioner on Mastermind? 9) Which 2013 American crime thriller film stars Jason Statham and Jennifer Lopez? 10) Who played Margot Leadbetter in “ The Good Life”? 11) Which famous character was created by Belgian artist Georges Remi? and finally... assuming you have 11 correct answers, what is the connection between them? Clue: If your answer is a name, you need the first name.
Find the answers on our website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr Copyright RJS 2014. The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 23
Spotlight On...
MELLE by Mick Austin
A small but lively town of around 4500 inhabitants
between the E5 and N10 south-‐east of Niort and a stage on one of the more important pilgrimage routes to Santiago di Compostella, Melle is packed with history and heritage. Wander through its streets and you’ll find wood-‐panelled houses, Baltard-‐style marketplaces, wash houses like the Pre de la Maladerie (once reserved for lepers), fountains, the 15th Century Hôtel du Menoc and three Romanesque churches: Saint Savinien, Saint Pierre and Saint Hilaire -‐ the latter being a UNESCO World Heritage site. But perhaps Melle’s greatest claim to fame is that it has Europe’s oldest silver mine open to the public. We might well now be living in the era of the Euro, but from the 7th to the 10th Centuries these mines were providing the royal Carolingian mint with deniers and oboles, notably when Charlemagne was emperor. By the end of the 10th Century mining operations had ceased and it was not until the 19th Century they were rediscovered. There are more than 30kms of tunnels but only 350 metres have been laid out for guided tours, where you can learn all about the history and geology of the mines as well as how the ore was mined and processed. There is also a demonstration of coin striking. Next to the mines, a Carolingian garden has been planted where more than 130 varieties have been grown, varieties previously used for medicine, food, dyes and clothes making In fact Melle is a genuinely botanical town with its two arboretums, ‘Deux-‐Sèvres through the woods’ and the ‘discovery path’ (see separate story).
Did you know? Melle is one of France’s Petites Cités de Caractère. That signifies a rural community smaller than 5000 inhabitants with a rich history and heritage. Melle is one of just 12 in Poitou-‐ Charentes and each member undertakes to protect, restore and promote their town in accordance with a national charter.
24 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
History
Melle’s old name, Metellum, is of uncertain origin. It could be a corrupted form of ‘metallum’ (mine or metal) or perhaps a derivation from ‘metula’ (a small boundary stone), but it is more likely to have come from the Celtic ‘metl’. That would tie in nicely with the town’s huge and highly important mines that supplied silver for the royal mint. Following the battle of Poitiers in 1356, Melle fell under English rule until the Duke of Berry re-‐conquered it 16 years later. The town prospered for many years until it embraced the Protestant Reformation, which proved very costly: a quarter of its population was exiled, activities ground to a halt and the town stagnated until 1770, when urbanisation began in earnest with the creation of Place Bujault by the Count of Blossac. Thanks to its status as a sub-‐prefecture (until 1926), Melle thrived again with its mule fairs, markets and belated integration to the road and rail networks. A sugar refinery -‐ since replaced by a chemical factory -‐ also contributed to the town’s prosperity.
Below: The Monet Goyon Museum, www.mellecom.fr/monetgoyon
Arboretum Chemin de la Découverte
Food and Drink
Photos: Arboretum, Chabichou cheese, Grammarstickler En, La place de la poste; Bachelot Pierre J-P Wikimedia Commons.
Like motorcycles? especially old motorcycles? Then don’t miss the Monet Goyon Museum. This beautiful exhibition of bikes dating from 1917 to 1959 tells the story of the prestigious French maker Monet Goyon. Annual themes and workshops evoke the elegant atmosphere of the 1930’s.
If you like traditional French markets you’ll love those in the Pays Mellois with their many local products as well as crafts and livestock. Melle’s market is on Friday mornings.
The area is a paradise for food lovers to enjoy the rich diversity of local products. Visit some of the many restaurants for local specialities such as young goat with garlic, dishes made with goats cheese and snails cooked with nettles. Along the ‘Route du Chabichou’ you can meet goat farmers and cheese producers who will be only too happy to show you their work. Details from tourist offices or www.routeduchabichou.fr
Things to See
Chabichou du Poitou
The Arboretum Chemin de la Découverte is dedicated to leaves from all over the world and contains more than 1400 species of trees and shrubs and more than 200 varieties of rose bushes identified and pinpointed along the circuit. It’s the third national arboretum to contain such a large number of certified collections. A walker’s itinerary around the town is divided into three circuits so a single loop can be covered in around 90 minutes. Melle is a major stopping point for lovers of Romanesque art. Among its three churches from the 11th and 12th centuries you can see superbly detailed carvings of the martyrdom of Saint Savinien, the internment of Christ, monsters, beasts and plants. The church of Saint Savinien is the oldest of the three and plays host to music festivals in May and June each year.
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 25
MELLE
FACT FILE...
La Place de la poste, Melle
Chauray: 30 mins Chef-‐Boutonne: 20 mins Lezay: 15 mins Luché-‐sur-‐Brioux: 15 mins Niort: 30 mins Sauzé-‐Vaussais: 20 mins Tillou: 15 mins
Leisure Amenities
All the usual entertainment for all the family is close by -‐ cinemas, leisure centres, tree-‐climbing, fishing, swimming, boating, canoeing, horse riding etc. Contact the tourist board for more info. It’s easy to discover the Pays Mellois either by foot, by bike, by horse or even by hot air balloon. There are four levels of walks available. There’s a gentle two-‐ hour trek accessible on foot or by bike with maps you can download free from the tourist office website. For experienced walkers there are the 7.5km-‐15km trails labelled ‘Rando in Deux-‐Sèvres’ with leaflets from the tourist office. There are two sporty Grand Randos and Le Ruban Vert, a route suitable for walking or cycling on a former rail track that connects Melle and Celles-‐sur-‐Belle. There are nine bike trails to help you discover the area’s charms and bike hire is available from Lambon. There are also four riding schools in the area, with more info from local tourist offices. Hot air balloon flights take off from Melle, next to the Mines d’Argent and booking is essential. Disabled visitors can also discover the trails of the Pays Mellois thanks to the ‘Module Tout Chemin’. This device attaches to wheelchairs to give better stability and is available free from all tourist offices.
Contacts
• Office de Tourisme du Pays Mellois, 3 Rue Emilien Traver, 79500 Melle. Tel: 05 49 29 15 10. Email: officedetourisme@paysmellois.org. Website: www.decouvertes.paysmellois.org • Office de Tourisme de Melle, 3 Rue EmilienTraver, 79500 Melle. Tel: 05 49 29 15 10. Email: tourismemelle@wanadoo.fr Website: www.paysmellois.com/Melle/officedetourisme • Melle tourist office website: www.ville-‐melle.fr • Poitou-‐Charentes tourist board website: www.visit-‐poitou-‐charentes.com Mick Austin is a freelance journalist based in the Pays-‐de-‐la-‐Loire. He has had his work published in several expat magazines and newspapers and has also written the Mayenne Tourist Board’s only English-‐language brochure. He also runs a gîte business at www.gitefortwo.com
26 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
Melle is in the dept. of Deux-‐Sèvres (79), in the region of Poitou-‐Charentes Population: 3667 in 2011 Airports: Poitiers (68 minutes), La Rochelle (72 minute s), Nantes (124 minutes) & Limoges (123 minutes).
Nearby places to visit:
• Coulon, listed as one of France’s most beautiful villages (43km) • Niort, capital of the department (29km) • Pretty town of La Mothe-‐Saint-‐Heray (18km)
Aire de Camping car
Plan d’eau Fishing Lakes Cycle Routes Picnic Locations
Bars & Restaurants Cashpoint Fuel Stations Campsite Supermarkets
French Life...
Life on the Farm...
by Peter & Jenny Sebborn.
We finally decided to give Quail a try. These small birds are fast to mature, being ready to lay and mate at just six weeks. True to form, the first egg arrived at exactly 6 weeks old. We haven’t kept Quail before so are looking forward to hatching some eggs. The cheepers or chicks (baby Quail) hatch after only 16-‐18 days of incubation and are the size of bumble bees, but we will have to wait until we have room in the incubators, as they currently contain more ducks. We bought some female geese last year but sadly had no eggs. A friend advised they were probably too young, so this year we were looking forward to having some eggs and goslings, but by mid March still no eggs. So, we checked and... yes, you guessed it, the Toulouse geese are all male! Needless to say, they are now occupying space in our freezer. We have paired up one of the Toulouse males with a Chinese goose female to see what happens. We have also increased our rabbit stock. We bought a Belgian Blue buck, originally named Bruin bear, but now called Bruno, and weighs almost 6 kilos (or about 13lb in old money). He will be a good mate for our females and we hope to see some results soon. To accommodate the increase in bunny numbers, we have erected some more hutches (the concrete clapiers) and anyone who has moved them will vouch for how heavy they are. We also have some new Berkshire pigs. A smaller pig, giving excellent tasting pork, and a more manageable sized carcass. The timing has been perfect as several friends have stripped their veggie plots and given us large amounts of cabbage, potatoes and beetroot -‐ not only good for the pigs but the goats as well. Having changed the way we feed the animals, we have a little more time available to try some things we’ve always been meaning to. Jenny has made rillets from Guinea fowl, pheasant and partridge, and Paté. Very tasty they are too. Also, just today she has bottled a batch of homemade ginger beer.... The polytunnel is in full swing with lettuce and radish ready to eat. The strawberries and new potatoes are not far behind either. We do have some competition from the slugs though, which have already seen off an aubergine, cucumber and courgette plant. Finally, before we sign off for this month, you may recall the story of Boff, our female goat. The ‘is she, isn’t she pregnant’ question has finally been resolved. Jenny noticed Boff panting and acting a bit strange. She went to have a look only to be met by a goat that was in labour. Very soon after this she produced her first kid. That was all we were expecting as she was a first time mum, but not long after this out popped a second and a third! All three are doing well, two females and a billy. (See photo at top of page). Jenny has named them after different types of curry -‐ Tikka, Rogan and Korma, I cant think why. That’s all for now but look out next month for our special on breeding rabbits, so enjoy the sunshine and see you next month.
Peter & Jenny Sebborn. Breeders of pigs, lambs and poultry. La Gauteliere, 79220, Pamplie. Tel: 05 49 28 38 57.
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 27
Communications... Protecting your PC, What is a Firewall and Do You Need One? by Ross Hendry
In computing terms a firewall is a program or device that protects your computer, and the data on it, from harm by attacks from unscrupulous persons via the internet. Much like a firewall in a building, car or aircraft which protects the inhabitants/passengers from fires or other dangers in the engines or other areas, it protects the "engine" of your computer (the operating system, applications, and of course your data). With high speed adsl and fibre optic broadband internet services that are always connected to your computer, attackers using high speed computers can try to attack millions of computers in a very short space of time. The best way to avoid being attacked is to become invisible and to hide behind a firewall. I suggest that most people actually have two firewalls, a physical one, usually their router (Livebox or neuf box for most of us in France) and a software one such as the Windows Firewall. If you have Windows XP [SP2] or higher, Windows Vista, Windows 7 or 8 or 8.1 you have the Windows Firewall and it should be switched on by default. Many Anti-‐Virus programs have a firewall as part of their armoury to protect your PC; if this is the case, they will have switched off the Microsoft Windows built-‐in firewall, in order to run their own. If you are using a free anti-‐virus program, then you may not get the proprietary anti-‐virus firewall unless you chose to purchase a paid version of the vendor's anti-‐virus software. In this case, it is imperative to ensure that the Windows Firewall is turned on -‐ for example, AVG does not include their firewall in the Free Edition.
What Does a Firewall Do?
prevent the installation program from changing important files or adding certain types of file to your PC. I regularly test my Firewall by using a program called ‘Shields Up!’, this is a free program that tests 1056 ports that permit access to your PC that are built into the Windows operating system. If all is well on my PC, the test program (probe my ports) cannot even find my PC on the www/internet. When this is the case it reports that I have passed the test and that my PC is in "stealth" mode, if you would like to test your PC you can access Shields Up! at www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2. The author of the Shields Up! program also provides many other free tools to test and protect your PC. His name is Steve Gibson and his site is well worth a visit. To learn much more about protecting yourself when using the internet, go to www.GRC.com. Please remember a Firewall is only part of the protection you need on your PC; you still need a good and regularly updated anti-‐virus program and a good anti Malware program, and of course, a range of strong passwords for the sites you have to log on to.
It acts as a filter only permitting safe information to get on to your PC, and it stops bad programs/data from leaving your PC to attack or infect others. Most firewalls are tuneable; that is to say, you may define what will and will not be permitted to pass through to your PC, but they also know what to look out for in the way of unwanted programs probing your PC for information. Many software firewalls also have the ability to be updated, to ensure that they are able to protect you from the very latest threats.
Finally, the best protection for your computer is YOU. If you didn't ask to go a particular website or if you don't bank with a particular bank, NEVER click on any link. Any reputable organisation will never ask for ALL of your security details in one go (and very rarely from an email) -‐ they would only ever ask you for bits of the security details that you may have supplied, never the whole word or phrase (as they would already have that on file).
It is not unusual for a new program you are installing to advise you to temporarily disable the software firewall on your PC whilst you are installing it. This is because a good firewall will probably
Ross Hendry is the proprietor of Interface Consulting and Engineering, who has over 42 years experience in Communications, Computer Technology and Direct Marketing. (See advert below).
28 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
Useful English Language Numbers...
Cancer Support Deux-Sèvres:
05 49 64 59 96
French State health insurance advice line:
08 11 36 36 46
Elizabeth Finn Care (Grants and advice if in Financial need):
04 68 23 43 79
Orange Helpline:
09 69 36 39 00
EDF International Customer Service:
05 62 16 49 08
CLEISS (Social security advice between countries):
01 45 26 33 41
Funeral Information (AFIF):
01 45 44 90 03 or www.afif.asso.fr
Passport Advice:
0044 208 082 4729
Food & Drink... From a French Tonic Wine by Tony Barrett to Coca-Cola The French chemist Angelo Mariani formulated Vin Mariani in 1863 after he became intrigued with coca and its possible financial potential. He concocted a beverage he called Vin Tonique Mariani which was actually a Bordeaux wine treated with coca leaves: the ethanol in the wine extracted the cocaine from the coca leaves resulting in a considerable hit of 6mg of cocaine per fluid ounce. Advertisements claimed the wine could restore ‘health, energy, strength and vitality.’ To compete with the higher content of cocaine in the United States and Europe, Vin Mariani increased the cocaine content to 7.2mg, where it became in its day very popular including such users as Queen Victoria, Thomas Edison, Pope Saint Pius X and Pope Leo XIII. Pope Leo even awarded it a Vatican Gold Medal and after sipping on this restorative tonic, cited Mariani as ”A benefactor of humanity” and also appeared on a poster endorsing it. Ulysses S. Grant wrote his memoires while high on Vin Mariani. The recommended dosage was two to three claret-‐glassfuls daily to be taken 30 min before or immediately after a meal. It was applauded as a stomach stimulant, an analgesic on the air passages and vocal chords (hence the benefit to lawyers and orators), appetite suppressant, anti-‐depressant and treatment against anaemia.
But success usually incites competition...and imitations. In 1884, an American pharmacist, John S Pemberton launched his Pemberton’s French Coca Wine in Atlanta, Georgia. This was essentially one of many imitations of Mariani’s Vin Mariani, and as one of the most successful ones, French Coca Wine sold approximately 720 bottles per day in 1887. But, in 1886 when Atlanta and Fulton County introduced Prohibition, the legal act of prohibiting the manufacture, transportation and sale of alcohol and alcoholic beverages, French Wine Coca became illegal -‐ because of the alcohol, not the cocaine. Pemberton remained a step ahead, though. He replaced the w i n e i n t h e fo r m u l a w i t h (healthier?) sugar syrup. His new product debuted in 1886: "Coca-‐ Cola: The temperance drink." The Coca-‐Cola Company declines to comment upon whether or not Coca-‐Cola contains spent coca leaves, deferring to the secret nature of the formula. Since 1929, the beverage has contained only trace amounts of cocaine alkaloids, which do not have any drug effect. The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 29
French Village Diaries Later on this year we will be celebrating our tenth anniversary of life in France and I have to say that despite the ups and downs that come with a new life I’m happy, and more importantly, feel a real sense of belonging.
by Jacqueline Brown.
I am not a particularly outgoing person, but from those first few weeks I’ve always tried to get involved in village life and help out, even when my language skills really weren’t up to the rapid fire French in meetings. My persistence paid off and my life in France is now taking me on a new challenge as I, like a number of other British expats, have been elected onto the local council.
meeting for a shared lunch in the park. This simple idea helped the commune workers, made a difference to the look of the village and was a great social event too. So many memorable village events have involved food: our bring your own picnic in the park, the meal with dance to celebrate Bastille day, the village 8km (or 15km if you are fit) randonnée followed by moules frites or the entrecote barbeque in the woods, even our spring plant swap has tea, coffee and homemade cakes on offer. The charity meal for Téléthon that I help to organise every December is a double social event as once all the preparation is finished the day before, the volunteers enjoy a relaxing meal together. New councils will (hopefully) be looking for new faces to become actively involved in their local community and I would encourage anyone to join in and give it a go. Oh, and don’t forget to enjoy the food and aperos on offer too.
As I look back over the years and remember some of the communal events and activities I’ve taken part in, it is perhaps no surprise that food has played a role in many of them. Socialising with food is something the French seem to be very good at and not just at a family level. One of the first things in the village I became involved in was helping to produce our monthly magazine. While this doesn’t involve food on a monthly basis, our old Maire always took the team out for an annual meal at a local restaurant, and yes when we had one in the village that was the one we used. I’m keeping my fingers crossed this tradition continues. We’ve already had our first council vote on whether to continue to offer a vin d’honneur and canapés following the memorial service on May 8th. The answer was a resounding ‘Oui’ and our first council meeting was celebrated with kir royales all round. One of the things on our new village council agenda is to work towards entering the Village Fleuri competition, something we haven’t done since 2006. Back then, a couple of times a year we organised volunteer weeding sessions where small teams spread out around the village to weed and tidy the roadsides, before
30 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
For recipes please email me at frenchvillagediaries@gmail.com or visit www.frenchvillagediaries.com
Small B/W Advert... only 30€
CONTACT US ‘The Deux-Sèvres Monthly’ magazine Tel: 05 49 70 26 21 Email: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr Website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 31
A Rosé by any other name
by John Sherwin
A Second Chance for Wine Scores
…or if you’re more into Gertrude Stein than Shakespeare, “A rosé is a rosé is a rosé”, thus demonstrating at one and the same time the law of identity and a contradiction thereof, because as any fule-‐kno not all rosés are made equal, which is a truth held to be self-‐evident by all good winemakers. It’s that time of year when garden furniture is being coaxed from the back of the barn, the barbecue scoured clean, or more likely junked for the latest model from Leclerc (‘they’re so cheap’), and A&E departments across the land overflow with ageing expats who have done themselves a mischief tugging at a rusty mower (‘I told you we should have got a ride-‐on’). Rain? Pshaw, what rain? Late frost? Couldn’t happen -‐ but don’t say that to your grape-‐growing chums because they will shrink back from you crossing their legs, arms, fingers, anything crossable, all the while muttering a prayer to their patron, Saint Vincent. So what makes a rosé a rosé? It is not a hubble-‐bubble-‐toil-‐and-‐ trouble of a dollop of red wine here and a splash of white there until you get the ‘right’ colour. (The only exception to this is rosé Champagne where still white and red wines are mixed before the secondary fermentation in bottle which gives the bubbles.) No, it is a matter of skin contact (and you thought winemaking was boring, Mabel?). Red grapes are either left to macerate with their skins which bleed colour into the hitherto colourless juice, or pressed quickly and the liquid siphoned off. The former method gives a darker colour, the latter lighter. The skill lies in knowing how long to maintain skin contact to achieve the required outcome -‐ and this is, of course, not only colouring but also a combination of levels of fruit, acidity, and that little bit of tannin. Tavel in the southern Rhone specialises in rosé, usually from the maceration/bleeding technique. The wines have an orangey tint with aromas of red fruit and white flowers and are rich and fruity in the mouth -‐ Grenache and Cinsault based. Bandol rosé is generally a mix of Mourvèdre, Grenache and Cinsault, again fruity with good body supported by supple tannins. Bandol and Tavel are at the top end of the rosé price range, but it’s not going to break the bank to have a go: rosé equals cheap(ish) and cheerful. As you kno. A little nearer home we of course have the rosés of the Loire. Be aware of the difference between Rosé d’Anjou and Cabernet d’Anjou. The former is normally based on Groslot, Gamay and maybe some Cabernet Franc. The latter is usually 100% Cabernet Franc and, to my taste, to be preferred -‐ fresh rosé colour with fuchsia hints, aromas of fruit drops and strawberry. I f y o u ’ r e l o o k i n g f o r something with a bit more whoomph and structure but still outdoorsy and BBQ friendly, then why not a decent Beaujolais Villages nicely chilled? To answer my own question: there is absolutely no reason why not.
John Sherwin, French Wine Tours. Tel: 02 51 66 13 05 ~ E: john@french-wine-tours.com ~ www.french-wine-tours.com
32 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
Motoring... Clandestine Carlton by Helen Tait-‐Wright
They say you can’t judge a book by it’s cover, and the same sometimes applies to cars ..... A current example would be the Audi RS6 Avant -‐ a seemingly innocent and ordinary looking estate car that hides a monster! Back in the late ‘80s another ordinary family car was undergoing a radical makeover. GM earmarked its mid-‐size Vauxhall Carlton (Opel Omega) to go under the knife to boost its pedigree, and compete with the hot saloons from Ford and BMW, the Sierra Cosworth and M5. Luckily, GM had just acquired Lotus Cars, so they handed them the Carlton and told them to work their magic. So the boys in Norfolk got down to work, starting first with the motor. The company bored the straight-‐six engine out to 3.6 litres, reinforced the block and crankshaft, revised the suspension, and fitted two Garrett T25 turbochargers to boost power output up to an astonishing 377hp and 419 lb.-‐ft. of torque. With the six speed manual transmission from a Corvette, they achieved a 0-‐60mph sprint of just 5.4 seconds, and a stratospheric top speed of 176mph -‐ making it the fastest four-‐door saloon on sale in the UK. This extraordinary performance in a “family” car caused uproar in the media. The police wanted to ban it (mainly because it was faster than anything they had), road safety campaigners despised it, and it had Daily Mail readers spluttering into their Earl Grey. I wanted one then, and I would still love one now. Another one for the bucket list. From the exterior, the car is really very similar to the standard production model; a reserved body kit included a functional rear spoiler, improved cooling ducts on the hood and bumper, side skirts, and pumped-‐up wheel arches. The car was only sold in one colour, a shade of British racing green called Imperial Green, a very dark green that in anything but direct light appears black. The Lotus Carlton made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in 1989. Production was started in 1990, and due to run until 1994; however, the run was ceased early in 1992 after sales began to wan in the wake of an early ’90s recession, and extortionate insurance premiums.
Photo: http://kepfeltoltes.hu
Lotus produced only 284 Carlton super saloons, and 666 with the Omega badging. It cost £48,000 new. Now, if you can find one, a Lotus Carlton will set you back between about £20,000 for a high-‐ mileage example and north of £40,000 for the best maintained and lowest mileage cars. Such is the Lotus Carlton’s revered status that there are plenty of them with fewer than 30,000 miles on the clock. When it was launched it had to be one of the first cars to make people question the point of a supercar, considering you could now go just as fast with four doors and a boot .... was this the car that changed our definition of a performance car? One thing is sure; this is a mighty blast from the past. A phenomenally capable super-‐saloon that’s able to hold its own with cars that are 25 years its junior. Without doubt, it’s a classic in every sense of the word. Contact Helen at: helen@stodel.org.
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 33
Small Colour Advert... only 34€
34 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
Building & Renovation...
Zone Artisanale Bellevue 79130 SECONDIGNY
Tél : 05 49 63 51 32 Fax : 05 49 95 66 30 www.pointp.fr
Gros Œuvre Menuiseries Bois Panneaux Couverture Isolation Carrelage Outillage Environnement Livraisons
Ouvert du Lundi au Vendredi : de 8 H à 12 H et de 13 H 45 à 17 H 30 Le samedi : de 9 H à 12 H
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 35
Thinking about placing an ad? Why not take advantage of our Special Packages for New Advertisers? Call Sarah for more details: 05 49 70 26 21
36 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 37
38 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
Small B/W Advert... only 30€
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 39
Business & Finance... INCOME TAX FORMS Oh no! It is that time of the year again when you have to fill in your income tax form. It’s all in French and there are lots of pages and boxes to fill in! Well, worry not, help is at hand. I will try to explain it to you and make it simpler (my boss, Thierry, is laughing….simple....income tax….bonne chance!). I will only cover the most common revenues so for more technical information, contact me directly.
1) Who and How Much
Well, here we go.. everybody who is a French resident (lives in France more than 6 months per year) whether you are employed, self-‐ employed or retired, and even if you are obliged to pay taxes in the UK, has to fill in an income tax form. If it is your first time, you have to go to the Trésor public office and ask for the form. In France you are not taxed at source. That is why we fill in a form. The advantage is that if you have children or a spouse earning much less than you, it will lower your taxable income, as you are taxed as a family and not as an individual. Adults count as 1 point, the first 2 children as ½ a point each and the third child and so on as 1 point. Here is a simplified way to calculate how much you could pay -‐ ‘N’ being the number of points (if you are married with one child it’s 2.5 points) and ‘R’ being the total revenue of your family. R/N (revenue divided by no. of points)
Revenue 2013
0-‐6011
0%
6011 to 11991
(Rx0.055)-‐(330.61xN)
11991 to 26631
(Rx0.14)-‐(1349.84xN)
26631 to 71397 71397 to 151200 151200+ The exchange rate for 2013 is 1.21
(Rx0.30)-‐(5610.8xN) (Rx0.41)-‐(13464.47xN) (Rx0.45)-‐(19512.47xN)
2) Important Dates
You have to declare your revenue for the year 2013 (January 1st to 31st of December). However, the tax office accepts that you use the revenue corresponding to the UK tax year.
Check or fill in page 4 (it is for tax reduction) and especially section 7 if you have children who go to school (you can get money back for that). If you give to charity, you also get a tax discount. • 2042C: If you are self-‐employed in France, this is where you fill in your professional revenue. This is also the form you use if you have to pay the wealth tax (if your worldwide assets are worth more than 1.3 million). It’s complicated so contact me. • 2047: This is the pink form on which you enter your revenue from abroad: Enter your pension revenues on page 1, section 1 in the box called ‘Pensions, retraites, rentes’ and the annuities on the box called ‘rente viagères à titre onéreux’. You then have to report pensions to the pension section on the 2042 (page 3, section 1). Annuities are taxed differently in France, so you have to enter the amount in the age bracket when you first started drawing it out, as the tax office gives you a discount (e.g.: if you were 62, they will only tax you 40% of the amount). In section IV, on page 2 is where you put the interest you earned on savings in the UK. And yes, ISAs and Premium bonds are taxable in France as you are French resident! So you have to fill them in at the bottom of page 2 in the box ‘interest’, then you report the amount on line A and TS (still bottom page 2). Then you report the amount in line 2TS, page 3, section 2 of the 2042. In section VI, you put the revenue from government pension (military, police, NHS, civil servant, etc) and rental income from property in the UK (those will always be taxed in the UK whether you are French resident or not). Then you report the amount on line 8TK, page 4, section 8 of the 2042. • 3916: you have a bank account outside France, then you have to declare it on that form (section1 and 4). One form per account. Don’t forget to date and sign the forms!!
4) Social charges:
If you are of retirement age from within the European Union and in receipt of the S1, the social charges are not applied to your pension income. Investment income is not exempt. Note that annuities are seen as investment income, so it is a calculation to make whether you should declare annuities as annuities (and get an income tax discount) or as a pension income (and not pay social charges).
5) www.impots.gouv.fr
You can start filling the forms online (only if it is not the first time) from the 16th April until the 27th May (Charente, Charente-‐ Maritime) or until the 10th of June (Vienne, Haute-‐Vienne and Deux-‐Sèvres). You will start receiving the paper forms from April 9th and you have until the 20th May to hand it in or send it by post.
This is the official web site of the French tax authorities. You can download tax forms, find useful information (convention between France and UK), fill in your tax form online and also set up monthly direct debit for your income tax, taxe d’ habitation and taxe fonciere.
The result (the bill!) is called Avis d’imposition and is sent to you from mid-‐August. Note that if you have to pay more than 342€ of income tax and have not chosen the monthly payment, then the tax office will ask you to pay next year’s income tax partly in advance (acomptes provisionnels). e.g: In September 2014, you have 1000€ income tax to pay, then in February and May 2015, you will have a bill of 1000/3=333€, then in September 2015 333€ minus or plus the difference between September 2014 and September 2015 tax.
If you are one of my customers, you are entitled to free help in our office: • Ruffec on Tuesday 13th May, 9 -‐ 12pm • Chasseneuil sur Bonnieure on Friday 9th May, 9 -‐ 12pm • La Rochefoucauld on Wednesday 7th May, 9 -‐ 12pm If those aren’t good, phone us to make an appointment.
3) What forms?
The 2042 is the blue form that everybody has to fill in and it is on this form that you report what you have filled in on other forms. But there are different versions of the 2042: • 2042: For the first time you declare. • 2042SK: It is the simplest version of the 2042, usually used by employed people as it is already filled in with their salaries so you only have to check these are correct. • 2042K: This is the one most of you should use as you can report revenue from abroad and you can’t on the 2042SK. Check or fill in the information on page 1 (name, address, etc). On page 2, check or fill in the information asked as they can give you allowances or discount (invalidity, number of children living with you, etc). 40 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
6) Help:
If you are not one of my customers (well, you should be!), I will be offering free help at these locations: • Lemon Tree in Sauzé-‐Vaussais on Wednesday 14th May, 10am -‐ 2pm • Bar de la La Fontaine, Gouex on Monday 12th May, 11am -‐ 3pm
Conclusion:
It is also an obligation! Please note that it is worth doing as the taxe d’habitation is linked to the income tax, so if you are on low revenue, you get a discount on the taxe d’habitation. Having your tax return form is finally a proof of French residency and revenues and lots of institutions will ask for it (CMU, RSA or CAF for instance). BH Assurances, 22 rue Jean Jaures, 16700 Ruffec Contact Isabelle Want: Tel: 05 45 31 01 61 /Mob: 06 17 30 39 11 Email: isabelle.want@bh-assurances.fr
Let’s Talk About ‘Le Tour de by Sue Cook Finance’ What is Le Tour de Finance? Are you interested in finding out how to make the most of your money in France? Do you have pressing questions about making international payments, pensions, tax, wealth or the healthcare system? Then why not take the time and come to your local event, bring some friends and make it a great day out? ‘Le Tour de Finance’ is the financial forum for British expats which will help you with a range of different financial products and services. Just as ‘Le Tour de France’ takes a route throughout the regions of France, so too does ‘Le Tour de Finance’. We want to reach expats where you live so that you can seek advice particular to your local area. Tax advice, pensions, mortgages, healthcare, schools, business advice and making the most of your assets are just some of the subjects that expats need to know more about. ‘Le Tour de Finance’ is the ideal opportunity to find answers to the most pressing questions facing British people living in France. The forum will bring together key players who assist British expats settling or already living in this country. It will also be an ideal opportunity to socialise by enjoying a free Buffet lunch and meeting people in similar circumstances in your neighbourhood. You may have seen the advert for ‘Le Tour de Finance’ happening in the area on 17th June 2014 (page 42). The event will be held at the Chateau de Saint Loup in Saint Loup sur Thouet between 10.00 & 2.30pm. We have a number of great speakers and partners, including Spectrum IFA -‐ PLUS we offer a really yummy buffet lunch after the presentations, which give you a great chance to eat, drink and socialise.......as well as having all those niggling questions answered! It is totally free, so come along and tell your friends! Full details can be found on the website www.letourdefinance.com or contact me.
Ask Amanda. “Do I have to pay French Social Charges on my Assurance Vie?” Under the most recently approved and ratified legislation, the French Government announced that certain Assurance Vie’s should be subject to annual social charges of 15.5% for gains on the investment and this charge is to be deducted at source. This is not the case for every Assurance Vie in circulation however, so it is worth reviewing any Assurance Vie you hold to understand whether yours will incur this additional taxation. This amendment here in France, coupled with recent UK budget changes around private pensions may make now an ideal time to have a free financial review. I am happy to sit down with you at a convenient time to consider your current situation in France. We will cover: • changes in legislation • inheritance tax planning • current investment returns • achieving maximum tax efficiency • pension planning & options At The Spectrum IFA Group, we believe that regular face-‐to-‐face reviews are important to ensure that your financial situation is aligned to your current needs and plans. So if you have not considered your position recently, the month of May could be a good time to remedy this.
Whether you want to register for our newsle‹er, a‹end one of our June roadshows in Saint Loup sur Thouet & Tours (www.letourdefinance.com), or speak to me directly, please call or email me on the contacts below and I will be glad to help you. We do not charge for reviews, reports or recommenda…ons we provide.
Amanda Johnson, The Spectrum IFA Group. Tel: 05 49 98 97 46 Email: amanda.johnson@spectrum-‐ifa.com
www.spectrum-‐ifa.com/amanda-‐johnson
or “Ask Amanda” at finance@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
Thinking about placing an ad? Why not take advantage of our Special Packages for New Advertisers? Call Sarah for more details: 05 49 70 26 21
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 41
42 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
The UK Budget and Pension Reform by Brad Warden, Partner, Blevins Franks By far the biggest surprise of the UK Budget was the announcement of a complete overhaul to the pension regime. Several measures were introduced in one of the largest reforms of the defined contribution pension system since 1921. The government decided that the existing pension regime perpetuated an unjust system for taxpayers who have “done the right thing” and saved all their lives. Pension holders are now being granted a far wider range of access to their funds after retirement. The following changes came into effect on 27th March 2014: • A reduction in the minimum income requirement for accessing flexible drawdown from £20,000 to £12,000. • An increase in the capped drawdown limit from 120% to 150% of equivalent annuity. • An increase in the total pension wealth people can have before they are no longer entitled to receive lump sums under trivial commutation rules from £18,000 to £30,000. • An increase to the small pension pots lump sum limit from £2,000 to £10,000, and the number of pots that can be taken as a lump sum increased to three. A key change will come into effect from 6th April 2015. Members of defined contribution schemes will have much more flexibility in how
they deal with their pension on retirement. The requirement to buy an annuity has already been removed and the 25% tax free lump sum will continue to be available, but from 6th April 2015 retirees will have three choices for the balance of their pension: 1. Withdraw their entire pension fund on retirement, with the withdrawal to be taxed at their marginal income tax rates, rather than 55% as currently the case. 2. Purchase an annuity. 3. Flexible drawdown benefits over time. Remember, it is essential that you consider local tax in France. A consultation has been launched regarding transferring out of public and private Defined Benefit Schemes into Defined Contributions Schemes. Consideration will be given to allowing individuals aged 75 and over to claim tax relief on pension contributions. The Government will also consult on increasing the minimum pension age so that it remains ten years below state pension age. HM Revenue & Customs has been given new powers to help prevent pension liberation schemes being registered, and to make it easier to de-register such schemes. This is just a summary. It is important to seek specialist, personalised advice to clarify how you are affected.
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 43
2014 Tax Declarations
All residents in France have an obligation to file a tax return at their local tax office Centre des Impôts.
When Must you Declare?
The deadline for returning your completed declaration of income earned in 2013 is 20th May 2014. Additional time is granted for online declarations available at www.impots.gouv.fr and the deadline for the Deux-‐Sèvres is 10th June. There are a few new features to this service including an immediate estimation given of the tax bill and the ability to amend your declaration before the deadline. ‘First-‐timers’ will have to collect a declaration from the tax office, or download one from the website above, declaring all income from the date you became resident. A tax assessment is normally then issued at the end of August 2014.
What Forms will you Need?
The following are the main declarations: • Form 2042: The Déclaration des Revenus is the main declaration on which you should declare your worldwide income and gains. • Form 2042C: (Complémentaire) This is an additional form which is required for a number of situations, such as income from furnished lettings or chambres d’hôtes, or where tax is paid in the UK which needs offsetting against French tax. • Form 2047: Income received from outside of France must be declared on this form as well as on form 2042. • Form 3916: This asks for details of any foreign bank accounts. Alternatively, the information can be supplied on a separate piece of paper.
What to Declare?
As a French resident, all of your worldwide income and gains should be declared on your French declaration. Any income which is normally taxed outside of France (e.g UK public sector pensions or UK rental income) will still be used to calculate your overall tax liability. The Double Tax Treaty will ensure, however, you do not pay tax twice on this income but these figures are needed to calculate the rate at which any other income should be taxed.
What Exchange Rate to Use?
Some tax offices advise to use the £/€ exchange rate at the end of the year. In theory, you should have kept a note of the exchange rates applicable to your Sterling based income as you received it. However, for income which is received regularly (e.g. a pension) the authorities will accept the average exchange rate for the year; details of which are made public from various sources.
Wealth Tax (Impôt de Solidarité sur la Fortune)
For those of you with taxable assets of between 1,300,000€ and 2,570,000€ as at 1st January 2014, will declare the asset figure on their income tax return. David Hardy is Regional Manager of Siddalls France, Independent Financial Adviser, specialised in tax, inheritance, pension and investment planning for the British community in the Poitou-‐Charentes since 1996. Tel: 05 56 34 75 51 www.siddalls.fr
44 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
CONTRIBUTIONS.... We are always looking for new articles for consideration in future issues. Do you have an experience to share? Are you a tradesman with a Top Tip? or perhaps an avid reader who would like to contribute a book review? Whatever it may be, either long or short, we would love to hear from you. You can call Sarah on 05 49 70 26 21 with any ideas, or send them on an email to: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
Property...
Small Colour Advert... only 34€
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 45
But wait! There’s more... by Joanna Leggett
With summer almost upon us, are you looking for a home that really offers more? And, if it’s somewhere eminently affordable, with in-‐ ground swimming pool to boot and further potential to improve? Then how about checking out this pretty restored detached house near Sauzé-‐Vaussais? In an elevated position, just 5 kms from local amenities, it is a well presented three bedroom house (Ref: 14193SBY79) complete with gas central heating and superb views across open countryside. Downstairs, the living room, with a chimney offering potential for a woodburner, has double doors leading to an enclosed garden and pool, a fitted kitchen, dining and dedicated study areas. Upstairs the master bedroom is en-‐suite, with two further bedrooms and a shower room. The gîte is in a renovated former outbuilding and just requires some final finishing to provide well planned visitor accommodation. This property also includes a large, purpose-‐built workshop with electrical supply. Recently reduced to 119,900€, it is exceptional value for money. Lezay is a wonderful small French country town with a buzz. Perhaps best known for its cattle market, as well as the wide variety of livestock on sale, a large open air market occupies its centre each Tuesday morning. In the middle of a predominantly agricultural area, the town flourishes throughout the summer holidays with a variety of summer festivals and open air activities. Nearby and recently reduced to 130,800€ (Ref: 32049ME79) this charming Charentaise stone cottage has a large detached barn also offering heaps of potential as a workshop or for whatever you might need. Sympathetically restored to retain its original character, this home has all necessary modern day amenities including central heating and the comfort of a wood burning stove. With its dining hall, galleried landing, large kitchen and separate living room, complemented by three bedrooms and two bathrooms (master en-‐suite), this cottage also has a delightful garden but is still only ten minutes from the market town of Lezay! Also just ten minutes' drive from Lezay we have a gîte complex for sale for 392,200€ (Ref: 35012PW79). If you are thinking of going into the gîte business, then you really couldn't want much more! The owner's accommodation comprises a spacious renovated house with loads of character, three bedrooms and even a wine cellar! Among other features, its master bedroom has French doors opening on to original stone steps which descend to a private garden. With three gîtes, each with its own individual garden or barbecue area, and potential to create two more, this expansive property has several barns, h a n g a r s a n d a magnificent in-‐ground Ref: 35012PW79 pool. Set in almost three acres and established as a business for the last 14 years, this property is really something quite special. And again there is another great big workshop! All this and you really can have more!
Joanna Leggett is Marketing Director at Leggett Immobilier. You can view their full portfolio of properties for sale in France at www.leggettfrance.com
46 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
15,000
Supply and Installation of PVC Windows, Shutters, Doors and Gates
OPEN BY APPOINTMENT