Annual Subscription Costs: 31,00€ within France, 20€ 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 52 of
‘The Deux-Sèvres Monthly’ magazine.
Here we are again, this time with a busy June issue for you. The town of Bressuire features highly this month as there are two large events taking place. The first is the biannual Highland Games (13/14th) which this year incorporates the International World Championships, and the second is a favourite of ours, the Grand Prix Historique (27/28th), which in it’s 5th year will be running nightime demonstrations! We are looking forward to attending both these events and hope to see many of you there too. In between these dates, I’ll be busy preparing the July issue as usual, but also I’ll be playing in a Netball tournament in Toulouse! I joined Vasles Netball Club earlier in the year and am loving the weekly training sessions as we prepare for the tournament. You can read more about our club on P.20 and I’ll keep you informed of our progress.... I hope you enjoy the Fête de la Musique celebrations....there are many events listed in the What’s On section for you to visit and enjoy - and don’t forget to keep in touch on Facebook and let us know how they went and any feedback! Until next month, have a wonderful June. Tel: 05 49 70 26 21 Email: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr Website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
à plus, Sarah
Emergency Numbers: 15 SAMU (Medical Advice) 17 Gendarmes (Police) 18 Pompiers (Fire Service)
112 European Emergency 113 Drugs and Alcohol
Contents What’s On 4 Getting Out & About 6 Hobbies 13 Take a Break 16 Clubs & Associations 18 Health, Beauty & Fitness 21 Our Furry Friends 23 Home & Garden 26 A-Z of the Communes in the Deux-Sèvres 29 Communications 30 Food & Drink 32 Motoring 36 Building & Renovation 39 Business & Finance 45 Property 49
This Month’s Advertisers
79 Renovations Abattage Service (Slaughter House) ABORDimmo Accents (English language skills) Ace Pneus (Tyre supplier & Fitter) Affordable UK Designs (Kitchens & UPVC Double Glazing) AgriPelle (Equipment Sales, Hire and Repairs) AKE Petit Travaux (Builder) A La Bonne Vie Allez Français Amanda Johnson - The Spectrum IFA Group Andrew Longman (Plumbing & Heating) ARB French Property
42 33 49 11 37 2 44 42 35 51 48 40 51
Arbrecadabra Tree Surgery 27 Argo Carpentry 41 Atelier JM Toledo (Rug repairs and Cleaning) 26 BH Assurances / Allianz - Isabelle Want 47 Bill McEvoy (Plumber / Heating Engineer) 40 Blevins Franks Financial Management 45 Building & Renovation Services 42 Buzz Transport 37 Camping Les Prairies du Lac 49 Caniclôture Hidden Fences 23 Chat-eau Cattery 23 Château du Pont Jarno Pépinière 27 Chris Bassett Construction 41 Chris Parsons (Heating/Electrical/Plumbing) 40 Christies (English Book Shop & Tea Room) 6 CJ Electricité 43 Clean Sweep Chimney Services 43 Currencies Direct - Sue Cook 48 Cut 46 Hair Salon 21 Darren Lawrence (Renovations etc) 41 David Cropper (Stump Grinding & Jungle Busting) 27 David Watkins Chimney Sweep 43 Deb Challacombe (Online counsellor) 21 Down to Earth Pool Design 49 Duncan White - Agent Commerciale 50 Ecopower Europe (Solar Power) 43 Emilie Baudrez (French Classes & Translation) 10 English Paints, English Prices 41 Franglais Deliveries 37 French Tuition with Pascale Terry 10 French Wine Tours 34 GAN Assurances 37 GoGo Bike Hire 11 Hallmark Electronique 43 Inter Décor (Tiles & Bathrooms) 39 Irving Location - Digger Hire 44 Irving Location - Septic Tank Installation & Groundworks 44 Jb Plumbing 40 Jeff’s Metalwork 41 John Purchase - Mobile Mechanic 37 J.P. Lainé Chimney Sweep 43 Julia Hunt - Agent Commerciale 50 Keith Banks Pool Services 49 Kelly’s Cleans 26 La Deuxième Chance (Annie Sloan Chalk Paint supplier) 26 La Germondière (Private Fishing Lakes and Holiday Gites) 15 La Vendée Chippy 33 Leggett Immobilier 50 Madame Mural (Children’s Wall Art) 26 Mad Hatter’s Kitchen 34 Mandy Moat (Personal Trainer) 21 Mark Sabestini Renovation & Construction 42 ML Computers 31 Motor Parts Charente 37 M. Page Landscaping 26 Mr Piano Man 15 MSS Construction 42 Mutuelles de Poitiers Assurances 37 Nathan Foster Building Services 42 Needa Hand Services 27 Pamela Irving (Massage & Reflexology) 21 Paul Woods - Agent Commerciale 49 Plan 170 (Professional Scale Drawings) 43 Projet Piscine (Swimming Pool solutions) 49 R & A Services (Full & Partial Renovations) 40 Restaurant des Canards 35 Rob Berry Plastering Services 41 Ross Hendry (Interface Consulting & Engineering) 30 Saint Pardoux pension pour chats 23 Sarah Berry Online (Graphic Design & Websites) 31 Sarl Down to Earth Construction (Groundworks and Micro Station Installer) 44 Sarl Faucon 44 Sat-Elec 31 Satellite TV 31 Siddalls (Financial Advisors) 46 Simon the Tiler 39 Simply Homes and Gardens 27 Steve Coupland (Property Services) 40 Steve Robin (Plumber) 40 Sue Burgess (French Classes & Translation) 10 The English Mechanic & Son - Tony Eyre 37 The Perfect Pig Company 33 This Month’s Advertisers 3 Val Assist (Translation Services) 10 Victoria Bassey Jewellery Boutique 22 Yoga Vendée 21
© Sarah Berry 2015. All rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced without permission. While care is taken to ensure that articles and features are accurate, Sarah Berry accepts no liability for reader dissatisfaction. The opinions expressed and experiences shared are given by individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the publisher. Please ensure you verify that the company you are dealing with is a registered trading company in France and/or elsewhere. <<The Deux-Sèvres Monthly>> est édité par Sarah Berry, 3 La Bartière, 79130, Secondigny. Tél: 05 49 70 26 21. Directeur de la publication et rédacteur en chef: Sarah Berry. Crédits photos: Sarah Berry, Clkr, Shutterstock, GraphicStock et morgeufile.com. Impression: Graficas Piquer SL, 29 Al Mediterraneo, Pol. Ind. San Rafael, 04230, Huércal de Almeria, Espagne. Dépôt légal: juin 2015 - Tirage: 5000 exemplaires. Siret: 515 249 738 00011 ISSN: 2115-4848
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015 | 3
What’s On...
Until 7th June - Exhibition - La Mothe-Saint-Heray By Martine Hoyas as part of the Printemps de l’Orangerie. Open Thursdays-Sundays and bank holidays afternoons. Until 21st June - Exhibition - Parthenay Parisian artists Michèle Taupin and Simon Bohbot exhibit at the Museum in Parthenay. 6th/7th June - Arc en fil (Lace & Embroidery) Exhibition See P.6 for details. 6th & 12th June - La Chantonge Choir’s Summer Concert 7th June - Garden Party in aid of NALA. At 12 Rue du Bourg Chasteigner, 85390 Cheffois from 2-5pm. There will be cream teas, cakes, “pick a prize”, plants etc. All welcome! 7th June - Fête de la Gatinelle, St Martin du Fouilloux See P.6 for information. 7th June - Vide Grenier at Fenioux Held on the Auto-Cross site, on the Ardin road. Tarif 1,50€ p/m For further info please contact: 05 49 75 21 18 / 06 37 39 31 61 10th June - Live Opera at CGR Cinema Niort ‘La Bohème’ at 8.15pm. See P.9 of the MAY issue for discounted tickets! 12th June - Mad Hatter’s Ball Black Tie event at the Caunay based Bar/Restaurant. See ad on P.34 12th June - 60’s Music Night Live music with 2 course dinner at A La Bonne Vie, Le Beugnon. Please see details on P.35. 13th & 14th June - Highland Games 2015 at Bressuire Held in the grounds of Bressuire castle. See article on P.9 for details. 13th & 14th June - Fêtes des Plantes At Domaine de Peré, Prisse le Charrière. 18th June - Film in English, ‘The Imitation Game’ At L’échiquier cinema in Pouzauges at 3pm. See ad. on P.11. 19th June - Quiz Night At Restaurant de Canards, Chef Boutonne. Details on advert on P.35 20th June - Keynotes Concert at Fenioux Church, 3pm 20th June - Summer Fayre in La Chapelle Thireuil At Bar Le Chaps. 10am-5pm, books, gifts, jewellery & crafts. See advert on P.8. 20th June - Summer Fête in Courcelles See advert on P.8. 20th June - 12th July - Les Nouvelles Metamorphoses Contemporary art exhibition in La Mothe St Héray. For details please see article on P.7. 20th & 21st June - Patchwork, Broderie & Couture Expo at Ligne (16) 10am-6pm. Free entry. Tea/coffee shop, all monies going to Fleur d’Isa. See article on P6 or email: suereeve16@yahoo.co.uk 21st June - Fête le Pain en Musique at Fenioux See advert on P.8. 21st June - Celebration Banquet Organised by Association Franco-Anglaise de Bonne Entente. See P.19 for information. 22nd June - Film in English, ‘The Imitation Game’ At L’échiquier cinema in Pouzauges at 8.30pm. See ad. on P.11. 27th & 28th June - Grand Prix Historique de Bressuire A Weekend of classic car demonstrations around the town, plus a chance to browse the vehicles. See advert on P.7. 28th June - Traditional British Summer Fete A fun-filled afternoon at Pause! café, L’Absie from 12pm - 5pm. See advert on P.8 for details.
What’s Coming Up...
June 2015 The Chaplaincy of Christ the Good Shepherd, Poitou-Charentes, hold English speaking monthly services. 1st Sunday at 10.30am: At St Leger, near Melle. Followed by tea & coffee. • 2nd Sunday at 11.00am: the home of Ann White, Jassay • 4th Sunday at 10.30am: the Presbytery Rooms, rue de la Citadelle, Parthenay (opposite St Croix Church). Followed by tea & coffee, and a ‘bring and share’ lunch. A warm welcome awaits everyone for a time of worship and fellowship. For further information please take a look at our website www.church-in-france.com or contact us by email: offfice.goodshepherd@orange.fr •
The Filling Station ~ Poitou-Charentes The Filling Station is a network of local Christians of all denominations who meet together regularly for spiritual renewal and evangelism purposes. ALL WELCOME. Please see our bilingual website for details of meetings and summer programmes www.thefillingstationfrance.com or contact Mike & Eva Willis on 05 17 34 11 50 or 07 82 22 31 15 ALL SAINTS, VENDÉE - Puy de Serre We hold two services each month, on the 2nd and 4th Sundays at the church of St Marthe, Puy de Serre, at 11am. After each service, tea and coffee is served in the parish room and everyone is invited to a `bring and share` lunch. For details of all our activities, our Services in the west of the Vendée, copies of recent newsletters and more information, please check our website: www.allsaintsvendee.fr The Rendez-Vous Christian Fellowship welcome you to any of our meetings held throughout the month in the Deux-Sèvres and the Vendée. 1st & 3rd Sunday at 11am in The Barn near St Germain de Princay, Vendée and 2nd & 4th Sunday at 11am in two locations: one near Bressuire, Deux-Sèvres and the other near Bournezeau, Vendée. Meetings last about an hour and are followed by a time of fellowship & refreshments. Find out more by contacting Chris & Julie Taylor 09 60 49 78 50 or Des & Elizabeth Vine 05 49 74 18 27 or visit: www.therendezvous.fr The English Speaking Church of the Valley of the Loire (ESCOVAL) Meet at La Chapelle Notre Dame at Ranton every 3rd Sunday at 11.30am. We welcome and embrace all Christians from all denominations and warmly invite you to join us. Following the service, coffee is served, and for those who wish to stay a little longer, we enjoy a light, bring and share lunch. Please see our website for details www.escoval.org
LOCAL MARKETS Mondays.........
5th July - Keynotes concert at La Caillère 11th July - Concert by ‘The Portraits’. At Bar Le Clémanceau, 26 Rue Clémenceau, 85390 Mouilleron-enPareds on 11th July. www.leclemenceau.net. 19th July - CSSG Garden Fête
Tuesdays.........
The National Holidays, Religious and Feast Days 2015
Wednesdays.... Thursdays........
Sunday 21st June Father’s Day (Fête des Pères) Sunday 21st June World Music Day (Fête de la Musique) Tuesday 14th July National Day (Fête Nationale) Saturday 15th August Assumption of Mary (Assomption) Sunday 4th October Grandfather’s Day (Fête des Grand-pères) Sunday 1st November All Saint’s Day (Toussaint) Wednesday 11th November Armistice Day (Armistice) Friday 25th December Christmas Day (Noël) Dates in blue are celebration days, not public holidays
4 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015
Friday............... Saturdays........
Sundays............
Benet 85490 Lencloître (1st Monday in month) 86140 Lezay 79120 Coulonges-sur-l’Autize 79160 Thouars 79100 - and - Bressuire 79300 Parthenay 79200 Sauzé-Vaussais 79190 Niort 79000 La Mothe St Héray 79800 Thouars 79100 - and - Melle 79500 Bressuire 79300 Chef-Boutonne 79110 Airvault 79600 - and - Niort 79000 Saint Maixent-l’École 79400 Fontenay-le-Comte 85200 Coulon 79510 - and - Neuville-de-Poitou 86170
Small Colour Advert
only 35€
Paperback Jan Books in English
Open 6 - 8pm
Fish 4 Chip + Authentic Indian meals
Find me at these venues during June: 3rd 2.30pm - 4.30pm 85120 Vouvant. Cafe Cour de Miracle. 4th 2pm - 4.30pm 79450 St Aubin le Cloud. Bar Palais. 5th 11.30 - 1.30pm 79100 Thouars. Bar de la Paix. 5th 3pm - 5pm 79160 Fenioux. Café des Belles Fleurs. 7th 1pm - 5pm 79240 L’Absie. Chez C&K, 64 rue de la République 10th 3pm - 5pm 79600 St Jouin de Marnes. Au Bec de Vin. 11th 2pm - 5pm 79240 L’Absie. Pause! café. 13th 10am - 12.30pm 79400 St Maixent l’Ecole. Bar Le Chauray. 17th 2.30pm - 4.30pm 85390 Mouilleron-en-Pareds. Le Clemenceau 20th 10am - 5pm 79160 La Chapelle Thireuil. Le Chap’s Bar 21st 7am-6pm 79160 Fenioux. Fête du Pain 25th 4pm - 6pm 79350 Clessé. Le Relais des 2 moulins. 26th 11am - 1pm 79300 Bressuire. Vue du Chateau. 27th 1pm - 5pm 79240 L’Absie. Chez C&K, 64 rue de la République 28th 12pm - 5pm 79240 L’Absie. Pause! café SUMMER FÊTE For more info contact Cindy on: 06 08 30 73 29 or email: paperbackjan@gmail.com
Top Hat Quiz & Curry
From 7pm
Dates & Venues for June: 1st: Limalonges 4th: Chef Boutonne 8th: Theil Rabier 10th: Aigre 11th: Champniers Tel: 05 45 71 70 91 - more info at www.tophatquizzes.com
SHARE YOUR EV ENTS ! Entries into the What’s On Listing (P.4) are free ! (Businesses pay 10€) Plus free entry onto our Facebook page.... www.facebook.com/thedeuxsevresmonthly
Don’t forget to LIKE us! Send all event details on an email to: events@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
Mondays: Tuesdays: Wednesdays: Thursdays: Fridays:
Bar Tilleuls, Champniers (near Civray) Sauzé-Vaussais (Main square) Chef Boutonne (near Chateau) Sauzé-Vaussais - Evening (Main square) Mansle (car park of Simply Supermarket)
Tel: 06 37 53 56 20 - www.mobilefishandchipsfrance.com
Mr T’s Friterie
With regular venues at: • • •
Aulnay 17470 (from 6pm) Matha 17160 Gourville 16170
• •
Open 6.30-9pm
St Hilaire de Villefranche
17770
St Jean d’Angély 17400
See www.frying4u2nite.com for details or call 06 02 22 44 74
Reel Fish & Chips
Open 6.30-9pm
June (See our website for venue details) 3rd, 7th & 17th - Etusson 13th & 14th Bressuire Highland Games 4th - La Coudre 18th - St Martin de Sanzay 5th - Bouillé-Loretz 19th - Genneton 6th - Bressuire Tel: 06 04 14 23 94 - www.reelfishandchips.net
Open 6-8.30pm
La Vendée Chippy Weds: Bar ‘Auberge le St Vincent’, 85110 St Vincent Sterlanges. Thurs: Bar ‘La Coussotte’, 85570 St Martin des Fontaines. Fri: Bar ‘Le Clemenceau’, 85390 Mouilleron-en-Pareds. Sat: We are not at bar ‘Le Marmiton’, 85120 Antigny this month. Back first Saturday in July. See our advert on page 33 for further info or visit our website Tel: 02 44 39 16 73 - www.lavendeechippy.com
Visit www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015 | 5
Getting Out & About
Patchwork Expo for Fleur d’Isa Fleur d’Isa, founded in 2008 is a cancer charity whose objectives are to improve the conditions of daily life for people affected by cancer. The charity’s symbol is a poppy, the flower preferred by Isabelle, whom the charity is named after, who lost her life to breast cancer.
The Loire Business Network Group
We are a support group for businesses who are based within easy travelling of the Loire River. This is typically those in departments 85, 86, 37, 79 & 49.
Several patchwork clubs in the Charente create works that they offer to the association, and organise exhibitions to raise money for the charity. One such event is happening over the weekend of 20th/21st June in Ligne (16). The patchwork group (which also includes broderie and couture) will be exhibiting their works, all of which include the red wild poppy emblem. Alongside the expo there will be a traditional ‘English’ Salon de Thé, served in proper china cups and saucers which the members of the group have sought out at various vide greniers, and home-made cakes. Last year, the event raised 300€ for the charity.
Our aim is to use this group as a means for small businesses to discuss issues they face and share ideas they may have, as well as mutual promotion of our enterprises. Our members are both French & English speaking and share a desire to make the best of business life in France. Whether you are a person running a single gite, are planning to open a business in the near future, or are an enterprise with employees, we hope you will find our support network beneficial. It is a platform to raise awareness of events, portes ouvertes & special promotions, whilst avoiding becoming a place for direct sales, as we feel that there are better sites on the web for selling products. To compliment this Facebook group we also intend to choose a venue in one of the departments each month to meet up for coffee and moral support. These will be as events on the group page and we look forward to seeing you there. If you do not have access to Facebook, please contact us and we’ll keep you informed by email of our monthly events. We are looking for venues, so please contact us if you have a something suitable! Karolyn Chauvigné: Tel : 06 23 83 58 92 ~ Email: karolyn.c@currenciesdirect.com Amanda Johnson: Tel : 06 73 27 25 43 ~ Email: amanda.johnson@spectrum-ifa.com
6 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015
festival d’art contemporain l’orangerie à la-mothe-saint-héray (79)
14e édition
ouverture les et
20 juin 21 2 0 1 5
plus de 70 artistes spectacles vivants 10h - 19h
www.nouvellesmétamorphoses.fr
expo p e r m a n e n t e jusqu’au
12
juillet 2015
metaphorums 14h30 - 18h30
s' e t o n ey rt
K
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sique u M de la e t ê F e 3pm
n e usic u J 20 «Feel groyoodnme from p e th
v po for e ns to » hym c... musi
entrée libre
contact mairie
05 49 05 01 41
re St Pier e s i l g x L'E Feniou 0 6 1 9 7
www.reactiontheatre.fr Facebook: Reaction Theatre Association
Can You Spot the Serpent Mélusine? Last year Vouvant was invaded by a series of colourful and fanciful birds. Visit Vouvant this year and you can follow the tail of the serpent Mélusine, winding its way in and out of the waters of the river Mère and creeping up onto and along the land. The Vendéen artist, Myriam Roux, who uses plants to create sculptures, was invited by the Vouvant Village of Painters Association to create a monumental work of art for the village. This work is called ‘L’Aeve’, which means ‘water’ in the Poitevin dialect. It is composed of seven domes constructed from braided strands of living willow. The forms symbolise the giant tail of the fairy Mélusine, and the braiding resembles the scales of a serpent’s skin. The feminine forms of “L’Aeve” also provide a link between the past and the present, between legend and reality, and between land and water. These living sculptures have taken root and are growing. The strands of woven willow will thicken, bind themselves to the earth, and continue to enhance the beauty of the village for several years. The Association also offers a series of exhibitions throughout the summer at the nef: • 5 June - 28 June: exhibition of paintings by Guy Ribière • 3 July - 25 August: exhibition of textile sculptures by Eva Demarelatrous • 27 August - 20 September: “Féminitude” • 26/27 September and 3/4 October: the Salon d’Automne, works by artists in the Association. Also a photo exhibit of the domes by Michael Arnold is on exhibit in the Office de Tourism, and artists’ studios and galleries are open throughout the village as well.
Les Nouvelles Métamorphoses 20 June to 12 July 2015 The rural world and contemporary art are not opposed. ‘Le festival des Nouvelles Métamorphoses’ proves this by hosting its 14th edition of this popular event showing works of 52 artists from Poitou-Charentes, Paris and abroad. As every year, a theme embodies the exhibition and this year it is “Life on a Wire”. Throughout the Exhibition visitors will discover a diversity of interpretations through oils, photographs and sculptures ... “The diversity of approaches by the artists is amazing. It varies from the use of wire to create stuctures to figurative meanings of “life on a wire” comments Daniel Aubin, chairman of the event. The Orangery, a 17th century listed building, will serve as the setting for the exhibition, but the whole town is ready for the occasion. Nearly 80 volunteers participate in the event. They welcome the public, organise the festivities, even accommodate the artists who can be available throughout the festival’s duration to share and chat with visitors. “The whole town contributes to the cultural and tourist attractiveness of La Mothe Saint-Héray whose objective is to support the artistic creation, making it accessible to all audiences,” said Alain Delage, the mayor of La Mothe St. Héray. The exhibition offers guided tours, workshops and chance to share with passionate artists ... Les Nouvelles Métamorphoses Exhibition Open Every Day: 2.30pm - 6.30pm at l’Orangerie de La Mothe-Saint-Héray (79800). Entry to the exhibition is free.
For further information, please call: 05 49 05 01 41 or visit the website: www.nouvellesmetamorphoses.com The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015 | 7
LES 3A GATINAIS
CHAPLAINCY OF POITOU CHARENTES
CHAPLAINCY OF POITOU CHARENTES
SUMMER FÊTE To be held in and around The Salle de Fêtes in COURCELLES
20th June 2015 From 10.00 to 15.00 Other Attractions include Jewellery stall - Clothes and accessories (good quality) Bric-a brac (good quality) - Plants - Bottle - Patchwork and handmade crafts -Toy stall/
KERMESE d’ETE Come along to FENIOUX for this
VIDE GRENIER Sunday, 7 June 2015
busy wekend event..
Aura lieu
Bread making, myriad demonstrations la Salle des andDans entertainments, local Fêtes produce, children’s rides, bands, vide grenier, COURCELLES food andde drink, buffet....
Le 20 juin 2015 PLUS: A FloralDeBicycle 10.00 àDecorating 15.00 Competition for Children.
Email before 15th June: Les autres Attractions Bijouxcomite.des.fetes.fenioux@hotmail.com - vêtements et accessoires (haute qualité)-Bric à brac - plantes – gâteaux et conserves - patchwork et objets artisanaux- tombola – jouets – puériculture for details andet entry boissons barbecue form
children’s and baby equipment (good quality) teas and coffees
This event will be held on the Auto-Cross site of La Girardiere which is on the Ardin road – (from Coulonges take the road towards Fenioux and after Puy Hardy follow the signs to the Pépiniere, Cedric Netier) Tariff: 1,50 € per metre Buffet-style refreshments and drinks will be available on the day. For further information please telephone: 0549752118 or Mobile: 0637393161
Saturday 20 June 10.00 -17.00
Have you LIKED us on Facebook?
We post regular updates, things to do and promote special offers on our page, so why not pop over and say “Hello”! www.facebook.com/thedeuxsevresmonthly
8 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015
Bressuire Bagpipes
& by Mick Austin
T
he Château de Bressuire, built 1000 years ago on a rocky outcrop dominating the town of the same name, has an impressive history as a site of great military importance in the struggles waged in Poitou by French and English kings over three centuries. And now it is set to make history all over again. Fast forward to the weekend of June 13/14 and its ruins will reverberate to the sounds of marching bands, bagpipes and Celtic folk music as the town plays host to the International Highland Games Federation’s world championships – the first time the event has been held in France. The ancient castle’s panoramic views will provide a spectacular setting and an atmosphere to make you feel you’ve stepped back in time. A Celtic music festival will also bring a touch of the Highlands to the Deux-Sèvres, with Scottish and Irish dancing and traditional Scottish and French food. But why Bressuire? What makes this small town hitch up its kilt and go Tartan crazy over all things Scottish – and the Highland Games in particular? Well, it all stems from the fact that it has been twinned for more than 20 years with the Aberdeenshire fishing port of Fraserburgh. From those links came a passion for the Highland Games and the first event took place in 1996, to mark the fifth anniversary of the twinning. And things have snowballed from a small cultural event to a huge party attracting 12,000-plus spectators and the honour of hosting the 12 best throwers on the planet for the world championships. Their fantastic feats of strength will include tossing the caber (throwing a 120lb telephone pole end over end so it lands in the 12 o’clock position), heaving 56lb weights over a bar for height and then for distance and throwing the hammer. This is not just huffing, puffing and grunting, it’s a combination of balance, speed, strength and technique. And the line-up, from nine countries, includes two world champions in Dan McKim and Matt Vincent, both from the USA. McKim was the 2011 and 2013 world champion and twice world caber champion, while Vincent won the world crown in 2012 and 2014 and is recognised as a real strength athlete competing in different arenas including track and field, powerlifting, strongman and weightlifting.
Sportsman Larry Brock, 2010 World Champion at Bressuire in 2010. Photoscredits: © Association AJEF AJEF Photo Association
Scotland is represented by Craig Sinclair and Sinclair Patience. Craig Sinclair is already well known in Bressuire, having won three events there in 2009, while Patience won the world amateur Highland Games championship in 2009, aged 21, before turning professional two years later. England’s lone representative, Scott Rider, one of the world title favourites, is also well known locally. In April he flew to Bressuire to teach the local throwers some tricks of the trade and how to improve their technique. France doesn’t have an entry in the world championships but the weekend also hosts the French championships. Throwers from the home town of Bressuire – known as the ‘Bockers’ – will be in action wearing their very own Tartan kilts. Another competitor to look out for is New Zealander Jono MacFarlane. Not only is he a compulsive thrower of cabers and hammers, he’s also twice been in the Guinness Book of Records for throwing a person (4.87 metres) and a washing machine (4.015 metres). Though not at the same time, apparently! There is also plenty of action away from the games over the weekend, with 150 musicians and dancers from Scotland and Ireland, five pipe bands, Soldat Louis in concert (at the Bocapôle on Friday night), Celkilt in concert on Saturday, the Clann year Drama troupe from Scotland on Sunday, Celtic products on sale and no doubt the occasional haggis or two! More information: Local tourist website: www.tourisme-bocage.com Tel: 05 49 65 10 27. www.highlandgames-france.eu www.highlandgames.canalblog.com
Larry Brock, 2010 World Champion Photo credit: Association AJEF
Bressuire’s double bill Bressuire will be in the limelight again just two weeks after the Highland Games when it holds its Vintage Car Grand Prix on 27th/28th June. In the past such famous marques as AC Cobra, Aston Martin, Bugatti, Panhard and Peugeot have sped through the streets on the Circuit Alain Métayer around Place St-Jacques. And entry to the event is free!
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. The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015 | 9
Got It?
by Sue Burgess
The twentieth edition of La Fête du Pain (bread festival) will be held between the 11th and 17th May 2015. La Fête du Pain is the opportunity throughout France to meet bakers and discover their profession and their produce in a festival atmosphere. The theme of this year’s festival is Le Pain et les Enfants (Bread and Children) and it aims to encourage people to understand the importance of le petit déjeuner (breakfast) and le goûter (a sort of elevenses that children have when they get home after school). The other day somebody asked me how to translate the word ‘get’ into French. There is no one word to translate ‘get’. Take any English dictionary and you will find several pages of expressions based on the word ‘got’. So how do you translate ‘got’? Well it depends on the exact expression and the context. The basic verb ‘to get’ (meaning ‘to obtain’ ) can be translated by obtenir, trouver, prendre, avoir or more formally by se procurer. ‘Have got’ is translated by avoir. If ‘to get’ means ‘to receive’ then we can use recevoir. You can ‘get’ something from somewhere or ‘get’ someone from the station. (Aller chercher quelqu’un a la gare). To ‘get’ an illness is attraper. To get the flu for example attraper la grippe. When you ‘get better’ you aller mieux or se rétablir. But if you get better at something because you improve then the verb to use in French is améliorer. If you want to ‘get back in shape’ you must retrouver la ligne. But if you ‘get back on your feet’ you se relever. You can ‘get a bus’ or a train (prendre un bus/un train). Then when you ‘get there’ you can use the verb arriver in French. If you ‘get around’ (travel a lot) you voyager or bouger but if you ‘get around to doing something’ you arriver à faire or trouver le temps de faire. Before you ‘get carried away’ (s’emballer) by all this vocabulary, perhaps you will ‘get completely hooked on’ (devenir complètement accro) the different ways to translate the simple word ‘get’. Got it? (compris?) There are numerous ways to translate the word ‘get’ and you need to look for a translation that corresponds to the meaning you want to express. Vocabulary / Vocabulaire: easy to get along with ............
facile à vivre
get a fix .................................... avoir sa dose get a foothold .......................... avoir un point d’appui, trouver un point d’appui get a foothold (get settled) ....
s’implanter
get a grip ................................
se ressaisir, se reprendre
get a haircut ............................ se faire couper les cheveux get a job .................................. trouver un travail get a kick out of (sth/sb) ......... Prendre plaisir à get a life .................................. t’as rien de mieux à faire? get a shock .............................. avoir un choc get a thrashing ......................... se faire tabasser get a whiff of (sth) ................... sentir un parfum de get a word in ............................. en placer une get along (be friends ).............. bien s’entendre get along (cope) ...................... se débrouiller
10 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015
Small Colour Advert
only 35€
GRAND PRIX HISTORIQUE BRESSUIRE Hear the engines roar, the smell of oil, fuel and burnt rubber....they’re under starter’s orders at this year’s Grand Prix Historique in Bressuire! For the weekend of 27/28th June, the town is taken over by the noisy engines of classic cars such as Aston Martin, Bugatti and the Renault 4CV. The highlight for this year’s event (their 5th) is the introduction of night-time demonstrations. We’ve visited this event for the last four years and enjoyed the noisy, fun atmosphere - and this year I’m really looking forward to this new stage in the demonstrations!
Saturday 27th:
Drivers check-in and prepare their vehicles from 9am. From 2.45pm the drivers will take to the circuit and demonstrate their vehicles, usually class by class. There will be a break from the noise from 7pm and they return for more driving from 9pm until midnight.
Sunday 28th:
Demonstrations last all day from 10am (with a break for lunch 12.30-2.30pm). The final parade is at 6pm.
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015 | 11
Sunday 5th July, 3.45pm (Opera: 4 acts, duration 4hrs)
LIVE
Guillaume Tell by Gioachino Rossini
Opera Season 2015
Royal Opera House Orchestra and Choir
Fans of classical music and dance will love this! In conjuction wil the Royal Opera House, the regular operas and ballets continue to be broadcast LIVE to your local CGR cinema in Niort. The greatest tenors, sopranos and orchestral leaders come directly to you highlighting the best of this classical medium.
The Swiss hero William Tell longs to liberate his people from the cruel Austrian occupation. When he helps a Swiss prisoner escape Austrian justice he comes to the attention of the governor Gesler – who sadistically forces Tell to shoot an apple off his son’s head. As Tell is arrested his fellow revolutionaries, led by the young patriot Arnold and his Austrian lover Mathilde, gather forces to fight for Swiss liberty. Tell escapes in time to lead the victorious uprising.
To find other cinemas particpating in this season of live Opera, please visit the website: www.rohaucinema.fr
We have 2 pairs of tickets to giveaway for each live Opera showing at the CGR Cinema in Niort.
FREE Tickets!
For your chance to win these free tickets, simply go to our website www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr and register your name* and email address with us. A name will be drawn randomly 7 days prior to the next showing, and the winning tickets sent to you. *Only one registration allowed per person. The names will rollover to the next draw. If you don’t have access to an email address, please send your name, address and telephone number by post to: Sarah Berry, 3 La Bartiere, 79130 SECONDIGNY.
Plus a Special Discount for DSM Readers! T H E R O YA L O P E R A
YOUR TICKET TO THE OPERA
WILLIAM TELL
13 19
ONLY
€
INSTEAD OF NEW PRODUCTION GERALD FINLEY JOHN OSBORN | MATHILDE MALIN BYSTRÖM
WILLIAM TELL ARNOLD MELCHTAL
DIRECTOR
OFFER VALID ON PRESENTATION OF THIS COUPON IN YOUR CGR CINEMA OF NIORT
MUSIC GIOACHINO ROSSINI DAMIANO MICHIELETTO | CONDUCTOR ANTONIO PAPPANO
LIVE FROM LONDON 5 JULY 2015 AT 3.45PM
12 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015
www.cgrcinemas.fr
€
Hobbies More from local writer Alison Morton... Please see back issues of ‘The DSM’ if you would like to see previous articles.
Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Crime, mystery and thriller fiction - is it a genre? Previously regarded as the poor relation of literary writing, these novels have been wildly popular from Conan Doyle to Stieg Larsson and Val McDermid, Erskine Childers to Ian Fleming and Robert Harris. Now, with writers like PD James, Ian Rankin and the late Ruth Rendell, nobody can doubt their quality. So what do we mean by crime, mystery and thriller, or CMT for short? Whodunits and detective fiction are the classics, but all CMT stories give us excitement, fear, suspense, danger, and knowledge of body parts, state secrets and crazy people we would never normally experience. Broadly, crime fiction deals with crime, detection, criminals, and their motives. Subgenres include police procedural, legal thriller, CSI/forensic, courtroom drama and hard-boiled fiction. The protagonist can be the criminal, a police officer, an amateur detective, a female sleuth, but the story centres on finding out ‘who’ and ‘where’ after a crime is committed and bringing the perpetrator to account through the justice system. Writing can be fast-paced, thoughtful and profound, or even ‘slow and lazy’, depending on the characters, setting and style. Readers increasingly love the technical side of crime writing, so research carefully! Thrillers use suspense, tension, and excitement as their main elements and push readers’ emotions to an intense level of anticipation, heightened expectation, uncertainty, surprise, anxiety and terror. A thriller provides the sudden rush of excitement and exhilaration that drives the narrative, sometimes subtly with peaks and lulls, sometimes at a constant, breakneck pace. It keeps the audience on the edge of their seats as the plot builds towards a climax. Red herrings, plot twists, and cliff-hangers abound. Thrillers are usually driven by a villain which can be a physical person, an organisation/government, the setting, internal conflict, or just a revolutionary or mad axe person who throws obstacles in front of the protagonist but which the protagonist has to overcome to save the world, family, way of life or cat. Common subgenres include psychological, historical, erotic, spy novels, comedy thrillers, romantic suspense, military, technothrillers, alternative history(!) and sci-fi thrillers. Writing in this genre tends to be succinct, gritty, rousing and fast-paced; the focus is on the plot. But woe betide a thriller writer who only produces cardboard characters. People in thrillers may be cynics or innocents, special forces or ordinary people on the street, but their personal stories and backgrounds must be reflected in the narrative and affected by it. And mystery... who doesn’t like an Agatha Christie or M C Beaton? Mystery fiction often involves a mysterious death, disappearance or a crime to be solved. In a closed circle of suspects, each suspect must have a credible motive and a reasonable opportunity for committing the crime. The central character is normally a detective like Poirot, who eventually solves the mystery by keen observation and logical deduction from facts neutrally presented to the reader. Unlike hardboiled detective stories full of action and gritty realism, mystery fiction focuses on the puzzle or suspense element and its logical solution, and can sometimes involve a supernatural or paranormal element. Writing has to be precise and the plotting absolutely pinned-down or canny readers will spot any gaps or mistakes. Happy writing! Alison has compiled the articles from this column into The 500 Word Writing Buddy, available on Amazon. Her fourth novel, AURELIA, is out now
by Kate Jouanneau
I can’t quite believe we are in June already. How did that creep up on us so quickly? Well, they do say time flies when you’re having fun... The Spring production of Arsenic & Old Lace went down a treat with a brilliant turnout for all three dates. A big bravo to Sue Daniels for her two-storey set that was amazing and surpassed all expectations. And thank you to everyone who made a donation to those in need after the tragic earthquake that hit Nepal last month. We raised 327€ and a cheque will be sent via the Rotary Relief Effort for Nepal.
Keynotes
Keynotes is now very much on everyone’s mind with all the Summer concerts lined up. We have been busy warbling away each week under strict guidance from Margaret (Round) who has put together a lovely compilation of songs from well known musicals, the odd hymn and the uplifting classics we all know and love. You can next see us singing our little hearts out for La Fête de la Musique on the 20th June in the Saint Pierre Church, 79160 Fenioux at 3pm. Afterwards, we will all then most certainly be parched, so you are welcome to join us next door at Le Café des Belles Fleurs for a well-deserved drink. Our following concert is in La Caillère in the Vendée and is in aid of the local Volunteer Jeunes Sapeurs Pompiers. They sadly lack training equipment and proceeds from the concert will help go to supplying them with a much needed crash mat. The perfomance is to be held in the Salle Municipale, 85410 La Caillère on Sunday 5 July at 3pm. The programme will include songs in French and English – so there is something for everyone! For further details and ticket prices please contact Margaret at keynotesdeuxsevres@gmail.com. If you love singing in the shower or accompanying your favourite band in the car at the top of your lungs (that’s how I started), maybe you would like to be part Keynotes? We meet every Friday from 2-4pm at Le Café des Belles Fleurs in Fenioux. Margaret caters for everyone and if you feel like more of a challenge there’s a more experienced group from 4-5pm. So, instead wasting your talent, why not come and join us...go on, we know you want to....
The Art Scene
The Art Scene has recently started off listing subjects members would like to do in the future. If you would like to cover anything specific concerning arts and crafts please let John Blair know. New volunteers are also needed to take the group for a day, so if you do something that you feel would be of interest please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Along with our website, www.reactiontheatre.fr, we are re-vamping our Facebook page «Reaction Theatre Association». This page is open to everyone (members and non members alike) and we encourage you to leave your comments and photos for other readers to follow. We want you to join it, like it and add to it – the more the merrier .... For further details concerning our different groups please visit our website or if you have anything you’d like to share, email me directly. u u
Contact Kate Jouanneau on 06 77 51 55 16 Email: kscks9@hotmail.com
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015 | 13
Death and Hell – La Mort et l’Enfer
A
by Howard Needs
curious title perhaps for an article in a magazine that in general shows the cheerful side of the life of ex-pats in France. It is however a continuation of my previous three articles on the church wall paintings – fresques or ‘peintures murales’which are to be found all over France. Some churches have few and some have many remaining paintings and the themes painted are varied - mostly the life and deeds of Jesus or various Saints but also a number of theological themes and sometimes an everyday scene. With the number of churches involved and the number of complete or partial scenes, a hobby involving fresques could become an obsession indeed, however I have managed to avoid this by staying with the photographic side of the subject and limiting my reading to that which is necessary to understand the subject in general. The Last Judgement is something that concerned the Church and its Congregations mightily in the middle ages and later, and even these days the imagery of hell holds sway over whole populations. In those days that imagery was to be seen in the parish churches and cathedrals all over Europe – an imagery that was not for the soft hearted and undoubtedly would have a 16+ rating these days. The general subject of Death and Hell has two main themes, one the daily reminder of how close death was to all in a time when medical knowledge was very limited and the other, the sins of the living and the punishments or fate to be expected either on death or at the Last Judgement. Three themes show the closeness of death. ‘La Danse Macabre’ can be found in a number of churches but the magnificent paintings of L’Abbaye Bénédictine de Saint Robert, La Chaise Dieu, HauteLoire are probably the best in France with 24 figures of all ranks of society ranging from the Pope to the Beggar, each with a skeleton representing death looking over the shoulder or pulling on them. The church also has a very fine series of tapestries of the life of Jesus, rich still in colour and detail. ‘Les Trois Vifs’ et ‘Les Trois Morts’ was a much more popular subject and is found in some 87 churches in France including L’Église de Notre-Dame, Antigny, Vienne. Three young gentlemen, sometimes on horseback and sometimes not, meet three dead, represented usually by skeletons, with the dead saying, by tradition, “We were as you are and you will be as we are now.” a nice reminder of mortality. ‘La Mort’, a fresque found in L’Église Abbatiale Saint-André, Lavaudieu, Haute-Loire, is most curious and is unique in that a woman is portrayed as death - painted entirely in red, she stands throwing arrows at a crowd of standing or kneeling figures around her – she is death and the arrows represent the black death killing at random. The other theme - judgement – is principally represented by ‘Le Jugement Dernier’ which is to be found in many places, but one very complete mural can be seen in L’Eglise Saint Austremoine, Issoire, Puy-de-Dôme. When we visited it I walked into the church with camera and tripod and looked around and then walked around again and could see no sign of fresques at all – some decorated capitals yes but nothing else, and then I noticed that my wife was also missing and when I did find her the problem of the fresques was solved as well. A side alcove of the porch had been appropriated as abbey shop and there on the wall was an almost complete Last Judgement with St Michel weighing the souls of the dead, a devil pulling the scales down, the dead climbing out of their coffins, the “goodies” being lead off to heaven and the “baddies” being pulled into hell by devils and demons and one hapless person tied to a wheel being rotated into the fire of hell. The painting was immense and the room small and I had to set camera and tripod up behind the counter and take photographs when there were no heads obscuring the view. The staff were very amused but understanding. Within the theme Last Judgement there are a number of sub-themes that seem to be often represented separately in churches (or maybe the rest has been destroyed). ‘La Descente en Enfer’ is a common one and varies from devils pushing people into a fiery cauldron to a veritable descent into a fiery pit. L’Église St Martin, Chapniers, Vienne, and L’Église de Notre-Dame, Antigny, Vienne both have examples of these scenes as does L’Égllse Saint-Étienne, Paulnay, Indre. Now we approach my own favourites ‘Les Sept Péchés Capitaux’ and ‘Le Cortège des Damnés’ - two related but separate themes. A particularly fine traditional Seven Deadly Sins can be found in L’Église
14 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015
Above: ‘La morte’ at L’Église Abbatiale Saint-André, Lavaudieu in Haute-Loire. Right: ‘Greed is a middle aged man hands crossed over his purse riding a wolf’ at L’Église St Martin, La Pommeraie in Vendée. Photographs: Howards Needs
St Martin, La Pommeraie, Vendée and a very different one in L’Église St Sulpice, Roussines, Indre. In both these churches the seven sins are represented by a person, an action and an animal; for example, L’Orgueil, pride, is a king with crown riding a lion and L’Avarice, greed, is a middle aged man hands crossed over his purse riding a wolf. Usually the full painting is of seven figures each riding an animal being lead and pushed by two demons towards hell represented by the gaping maw of an animal with flames coming out. They are joined by a chain around their waist. The Procession of the Dammed being taken to Hell is a similar representation with demons and the mouth of hell but the personages come from the different strata of society i.e. a king or a merchant, in total six or seven and the males and females are in two separate processions with chains around their necks and all are usually presented naked. Our own Deux-Sèvres has a good example of this cortège in Chiché, La Prieuré de la Poraire - these fresques have been recently discovered and the priory chapel was open to the public for the European Heritage days in September 2014. L’Église St Genest, Lavardin, Loir-et-Cher has a similar painting which is almost lost in the richness and quantity of other wall paintings in the church. Also associated with the Last Days are ‘Les Quatre Cavaliers d’apocalypse’; they are not often to be found but on a trip down to the Ardèche we came across La Basilique Romane Saint-Julien, Brioude, Haute-Loire where after some searching I found a dome with an ill lit scene which could be interpreted as the four horsemen. After some experimentation with my camera, I was able to capture a photograph, although the colours were a little tainted. Saint Julien, Brioude, is richly decorated and much of the church – principally the columns of the nave - and a mezzanine are covered with paintings and it is well worthwhile visiting. The whole area of the Haute Loire is rich in Romanesque heritage and we have found many delightful churches and abbeys still with their fresques instead of a bare stark interior. In fact there are many areas rich in this pictorial heritage but the Deux-Sèvres and the Vendée are not among them. Some remain but most are gone probably due to the religious conflicts of the 17th and 18th century – a pity but also an encouragement to explore further afield.
Bonne Pêche
by Simon Tee
Catch and Release, with CARE! Part II Continuing on with fish welfare, I’ll mention just one more point before you cast out. Avoid snags. Whatever species, once hooked, a fish will head for safety into the nearest snag or weed-bed. It may be tempting to cast a bait to what could be described as ‘adventurous’ positions, but always ask yourself “What if I do hook a fish here? Can I land it safely?” Each winter, we go around our lakes and remove all snags from below over-hanging trees. This means we still provide shady areas for the fish that are aesthetically pleasing for customers, but without the risk of snags. One over-hanging tree has been left intentionally, to provide the fish with some sanctuary and natural feeding territory, and we ask inexperienced anglers to avoid fishing in this area. OK, you have a fish on... so what next ? Don’t just swing the fish in. Use a net, one that is not abrasive to the fish (rubber coated or lightweight mesh), because fish can easily damage themselves in a hard plastic-style net. Don’t stab the fish with the net in an attempt to get it on the bank too soon. Wait until it comes to the surface of the water, and opens its mouth for air, then it’s ready to be gently brought across the top of the net and scooped in. When you are ready to lift the net, bear in mind that the fish is still hooked, this is the most common occurrence of mouth damage. Ensure your line is slack and not pulling against the fish and make sure the hook is not caught up. Use a padded landing mat or cradle. In the water, the bulk of the fish is supported by water, but out of water, it becomes vulnerable to an internal injury if it flips or is dropped. There are never any ifs and buts on this rule for almost every fishery. “No mat = No fishing”. ALL of this equipment should be kept WET.... as should your hands. Always have a small bucket of lake water (not tap water) to keep the fish and your equipment wet (especially if it is hot). Until next month....Bonne Pêche
YOUR Book Reviews
A big ‘Thank You’ to Terry Hawker for this month’s book review. We love to receive your reviews....please do keep sending them to us! ‘The American Boy’ by Andrew Taylor A mystery to me is why I had not come across the works of Andrew Taylor sooner. Those of us who admire the works of Dickens, and that of his chum Wilkie Collins, will certainly enjoy ‘The American Boy’. However, Taylor is a modern writer, this novel being published in 2003 is set in the early part of the nineteenth century and tells of crimes, passion, families and class divide. The research undertaken is alone remarkable, not only into the speech and mannerisms of the Regency period, hence the above comparison, but also the historic geography of London and Gloucestershire.
Images Simon Tee
His main character, Thomas Shield, recently demobilised from the Napoleonic war is recommended for employment as a tutor at a small private school in Stoke Newington. From here, the threads of his life develops through two of his his charges and their wealthy parents, one of whom is the adopted Edgar Allan Poe, later poet, and of mysterious lineage. Fraud, murder, bankruptcy, deceit and Shield’s adoration of Sophie Frant, recently widowed mother of his other pupil, well above his social status, are all brilliantly plotted. The American Boy is a historical novel that should have received an award, (unlike some that I could mention), as it is full of originality, only touching lightly on the life of Poe, describing scenes, people and buildings that long afterwards make you think - was that a film I saw, or a book, truly the arbiter of a great read.
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015 | 15
Take a Break DSM Easy Crossword Across:
8. Synthetic fabric (5) 9. A person who has served in the armed forces (7) 10. Self-consciously timid (7) 11. Seaside resort in the Charente- Maritime (5) 12. Exciting, suspenseful play or story (8) 13. A plan of action; an intention (4) 15. Went up (4) 17. Adjustable opening in an optical instrument (8) 21. Piece of leather used to sharpen a razor (5) 22. Force or drive back on attacker (7) 24. Life-size dummy for displaying clothes (7) 25. A shoulder firearm (5)
Down:
1. Refuse to acknowledge (4) 2. Within a shorter distance (6) 3. Simple, jointed bit for a horse (7) 4. Develop over time (6) 5. Set in motion (5) 6. Tattered along the edges (6) 7. Fill quickly beyond capacity (8) 12. So lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness (8) 14. Educate for a future role or function (7) 16. Loose, brightly coloured South Pacific skirt (6) 18. Carnivorous freshwater fish (6) 19. Fill with high spirits (6) 20. Bicycle wheel part (5) 23. Divisible by two (4)
DSM Toughie Crossword Across: 8. Don’t have ideas above this, you might catch something? (7) 9. Measure queen dropping-off a bit! (5) 10. DT exchange to take palm from Sarkozy’s forehead (5) 11. Wave with one hand in plastic
3. Takes care of the marbles? (5) 4. Can’t take a penny out of a bundle in a predicament (6) 5. Palace worker in queer little
12. In case article is removed from the smallest? (4) 13. Ref seals outcome of confusion; very brave of him! (8) 16. For a period of time heather is applied for young racer (8) 19. Beau stratagem makes a good context for a novel (4) 22. Small butterfly taking the wheel? (7) 23. Infant Capone gets everything! (5) 24. Cereal on time in one of these is immediate (5) 25. Websites for purchasing strong ladies? (7)
6. Bring down the equipment? (6) 7. Brouhaha in prison? (4) 14. Sees slam in a way that’s barely noticeable (8) 15. Docked in a perfectly correct English style? (7) 17. Non-basic US and UK police org- anisations shuffled together (6) 18. Usual content of minor malformations? (6) 20. Removal of drug from sentiment is subject to debate (6) 21. Formerly on track but now just hot air? (5) 22. Tests for children in constituencies
cup (7)
Down: 1. Exploit 100% gainfully? (8) 2. Minor lords getting old in farm
buildings (6)
railway arrangement (7)
without education (4)
Well, what do you know?
Monthly quiz by Roland Scott...... how many can you get?
1) In the film ‘Batman and Robin’ (starring George Clooney), which character was played by Arnold Schwartzenegger?
8) Which detective was played on film by Richard Roundtree and Samuel L Jackson?
2) According to Greek mythology, what was the name of the Titan who carried the Celestial Spheres on his shoulders?
9) Which counting instrument consists of a frame with sliding beads and rods?
3)
10) Which term, coined during the Spanish Civil War, refers to a group which disrupts from within and has come to mean saboteurs?
Which American record label, founded in 1942 by Johnny Mercer, had artists Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and the Beach Boys, and released the Beatles’ records in America?
4) What was the name of ventriloquist Peter Brough’s puppet? 5) Which zodiac/astrology sign occupies April 20th to May 20th? 6) Which American actor starred in ‘Mutiny on the Bounty’, ‘Gone with the Wind’ and ‘The Misfits’? 7) Founded in 1823 by the surgeon Thomas Wakely and published weekly, what is the name of this medical journal?
16 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015
11) What is the name of the system originally developed to prevent ‘burn-in’ on computer monitors? 12) Which fictional police force was created by Mack Sennett and featured in many silent movies? And finally, assuming you have 12 correct answers, for an extra point, what is the connection between those answers or parts thereof? Find the answers on our website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr Copyright RJS 2014
Answers on our website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
With thanks to M.Morris
DSM Wordsearch.... Have a little look for the following Deux-Sèvrian words - Good Luck!
C OWSYIAHEEWZJENVXSYESYJTXZEZCM P DVANZAYSLRXRCSDUJPSTUPLGKCYPL E CBGGFUIYILIFFKVOHMSKSNTDAHSMF O XVRICATMOUEAPFQINGAZNHSGGICKN S XMRDTPDNSMPMZQRNWBGCOIWHRRLCE H IOQNAKJSDVIXZMBEUJRUKHKPIEWWZ F BAAOCBEZBQFLCMZFAHAGHSDQCNFSA Z RNNCKRPAMPROUXLIHRLQFEZZOXEIS S AOHEBORCHARDIYRMSSVDOPUPLYFEE F VZVSHELUTMMFHVVCTNRUTVDPEFEOL N IUOLETKGXUEQAHJKCOPKORYKRGLGP Q EAUMSKRTPLJUVCEWELOGMEBEYCHAP D PARTHENAYALCPACILEGNATSUSZVGA E NITAGGVGP TMMOJSGPMPGNIKNABGTF T GMCAZAKLXDFPMUPLLPMPTZQFVKIXI G ZMQFMCSLESCBLRLKEZQJJHORNRTLA T YLCNVKKPHEGJDIPODSOHELFOQTETY I VAFQXJAGZBSBEWEENCWIERKMUCSBD D TIRDCRAGMYHMWSGVLLDZEIQYKLOLM T FCXYTMJZPRKECHEVREANKLQBCLREH Q EWUMAHSSGKCUOXYATYCMTXALMTHFS V NUEQWHBGEUOZUAZJRHQAUQUXHEHVE Y INSFVGCVJTYDOIBEMVXFUZGEYKXHG S TLQENINVIPZMPNTFJVEQOFQXVMTNH G TNLISLAOVMUZPTVTNATUOCNOMRIVU M MURENRPLVOSBURDVQQPEVVDTBHEOX T HUNHMPOEYSVBKAHEVUH AYTTYSIDHB P SUVLVACHRIHRCYSKZOMTCEHIXISCC C ZBCDAVIYPSMKJETCACFCGGFUSTVCB D QZTHPWZNCEKLJVLKIRCFDAMSIRUOT
AGRICOLE AIFFRES AIRVAULT ANGELICA APPLES BANKING BRESSUIRE BUTTER CHAYRAY CHERVEUX CHEVRE COULON COWS DEPARTMENT ECHIRE FENIOUX FISHING FRENCH GATINE GITES HORSES LARGASSE LEZAY LOUIN MELLE MELONS MONCOUTANT NANTAISE ORCHARD PAMPLIE PAMPROUX PARTHENAIS PARTHENAY PERS POITOU ROM SECONDIGNY SEPVRET SOMPT SUNSHINE SURIN THOUARS TOURISM VANZAY VASLES VILLEMAIN WALNUTS XAINTRAY
What Is It?! 1
2
3
Answers on our website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015 | 17
Clubs & Associations ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
We are a photography club who meet twice a month at Terves. We run work shops, and also arrange photoshoots. If you want to learn more then please go to our website www.photofocus.info
If you or someone you know has a drinking problem, there are now a number of English-speaking meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous in the South West of France. Alcoholics Anonymous is a Fellowship of men and women who share experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership and A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organisation or institution. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. Telephone: Angela: 05 49 87 79 09, Roger: 05 55 76 22 65 or Nancy: 02 54 24 09 74. Email: publicinfo.swfrance@aa-europe.net or visit www.aafrancesud-ouest.com for details of English-speaking meetings.
TheatriVasles
A vibrant group based in Vasles (79340) offering quality theatre productions. Coming this autumn: France’s first International Ten-Minute Play Festival. New members always welcome. Contact www.theatrivasles.com, Facebook or Richard on 0549 634109.
Alone in France?
We are a group of people living alone in the L’Absie area who meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 11am for coffee at the Pause! café in L’Absie. Our lunches are at different venues each month. A warm welcome awaits you. More details from Ros 09 67 49 21 44.
Franglais at Bressuire
Why not come and practise your French with a friendly and convivial group of French and English speakers? Each Wednesday evening (8-10pm) at the Centre Socio-Culturel in Bressuire. Phone Jan for further details 05 49 65 60 34.
Bilingual LitFest: 24-26 June 2016, Voulmentin 79150
We would welcome volunteers to distribute publicity, act as marshals, offer technical support, transport or accommodation. To join the team and register as a friend of the festival contact Howard Needs: needsho@cc-parthenay.fr THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION LINAZAY, POITOU-CHARENTES BRANCH
Fitness Class with James
Please visit the branch website: www.rblpoitou-charentes.fr
A fun & lively Aerobic/fitness class run on a voluntary basis. Tuesday evenings 7-8pm at Salle de Fete in La Chappelle St Etienne. All ages, nationality & gender welcome. 15€ membership for the year which covers insurances & room. For further details please email James: jdharris247@gmail.com.
Woodturners/Woodworkers
Are there any other amateur woodturners/woodworkers out there who might be interested in forming a club to share ideas, tips etc? Any level of ability, beginners to experienced. Contact Roland 05 49 96 44 10, preferably evening.
RAINBOW WARRIERS for healing and fun. Native
American Indian Deerskin Drums. Host a drum circle at your home for free. I have 7 drums, I will travel an hour from Bressuire and we need a big space. 15€ per guest (max 5). Call Pam on 05 49 65 55 25 or email: irving.philip@wanadoo.fr
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.
AL-ANON Support Group
Do you wish the Drinking Would Stop? Are you troubled by someone’s drinking? If so we can help. There is now an English-speaking Al-Anon meeting every Wednesday @ 2.30pm in the meeting room behind Civray Mairie. Just turn up or ring Angela on 05 49 87 79 09.
ARE YOU A MODEL RAILWAY ENTHUSIAST?
If so, join a group of like-minded friendly modellers who meet on a monthly basis to visit member’s layouts and swap information. If you are interested please contact Gerry Riley for more information on 05 49 63 34 01.
Cancer Support Vendée
Helping to improve the lives of people affected by Cancer in the Vendée. Helpline: 02 51 00 58 21 or email: presidentcsv@orange.fr
Craft Café Creatif
Do you enjoy knitting or sewing in the company of others? Join us in L’Absie for an enjoyable afternoon over a cup of tea and a piece of cake. For details contact Margaret on email: knight.margaret@orange.fr
GARDENING CLUB
We meet every third Tuesday of the month, 2.30pm with free tea/coffee and bscuits at Le Bon Vertoef, 28 Grand Rue, 79110 TILLOU. (Nr Chef Boutonne). Everyone welcome for garden talk! For further information contact Mike Curtis 05 46 33 66 17 (eves). 2nd Sunday Motorcycle Club Come and join us for a bike ride, or just a cup of coffee and a chat, with bike-minded people. As the name suggests, we meet on the 2nd Sunday of every month. New members are always welcome. For more information, visit our web-site. www.2ndsundayclub.fr CLE (Charente Limousine Exchange) is a non-profit organisation for exchange of news, views and information. We work to protect member’s best interests, run social activities, events and clubs, helping members to make new ex-patriot and French friends. Barry Leech 05 49 87 19 85 contact@cle-france.com www.cle-france.com.
Les Amis Solitaires
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
18 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015
Association Franco-Anglaise de Bonne Entente
by Garry Holding
After six months since the creation of our Franco-English Association of ‘Bonne Entente’ based at Lorigné in Southern DeuxSèvres, we are pleased to have 44 members – 20 French and 24 English speakers – and to have already held some very successful events ! On 21st December 2014, the village church was full with a congregation coming to celebrate Christmas 2014 in memory of the Christmas Truce in the WW1 trenches in 1914 and to honour the soldiers of the epoch. Through French, English and German secular carols, poems and readings we celebrated the Christmas message of Peace in the presence of the local parish priest. The mulled wine and seasonal snacks which followed, rounded-off an evening appreciated by many. On 20th March 2015 we welcomed two members of the local language association ‘Parlanjhe Vivant’, to celebrate the arrival of Spring. They explained the origins and history of the PoitouSaintogeais and we were regaled with humouristic tales. A fine cold-meat supper with wine was served, followed by a fun Parlanjhe-English quiz. Our third event will be a « Banquet to Celebrate 200 Years of Peace » and friendship between the French and the British . This will take place at noon on Sunday 21st June in the village hall and will consist of dishes enjoyed by Napoleon and Wellington. There will also be a light-hearted, bilingual, anecdotal quiz to test your knowledge of the epoch, and we hope to have bilingual songs and sketches for your entertainment. All will be welcome (bookings on 05 49 07 70 45) We shall also be at the Lorigné antique fair/jumble sale on Sunday 7th June with a bring and buy stall as well as a candyfloss stall. The event is always very popular and we’d love to meet new members. The association is open to all who seek good relations with their French and British neighbours. We are always looking for suggestions for events for the association, so please do not hesitate to get in touch. A.F.A.B.E, 8 rue des fayes, Le Sauvage, Lorigné 79190. Tel: 05 49 07 70 45 or email: Garry.Holding@wanadoo.fr
Clubs & Associations Submission Guidelines Wordcount: Title of entry+ 40 words (max. including contact details). Logos can be supplied and will be added if space allows. Adverts meeting the above specifications can be added free of charge, and will be rotated on a monthly basis to allow everyone to participate. To guarantee the advert is printed each month, a small fee of 45€ per annum will be requested. How to SUBMIT your entry: 1) Complete the short form on ‘Submit Article’ page of our website (under the ‘Content’ menu) or 2) Simply email the details to us: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
A DIFFERENT FRENCH EXPERIENCE In my ongoing adventures with On Va Sortir, I made a big step forward this month. I was nominated to organise and publicise the next English speaking group meeting. I found it surprisingly easy; the website is so well set up. It is now up to regulars and any new members to subscribe online and we have another lovely evening in prospect. Our next sortie as a group is to be a picnic, as soon as the weather improves. This month I have also seen 4 very good films at Le Moulin de Roc cinema; 2 in French, but, thankfully, 2 in English with French subtitles. I have had mixed experiences with other “spectacles”! One event was outstanding, and I had been very reluctant to go at all. A dance performance always appeals to me, but the music was billed as Hip-Hop and the setting a night club for young people. As it turned out, I loved it. The music was, in fact, “electric” but quite varied, the dancing was indeed spectacular and the well deserved standing ovation was enthusiastic and sustained. The next dance event was a lot less inspiring and at the end was quite comical. Some people left before the final curtain and many of the rest of us rose to leave as soon as it finished, only to be trapped standing in our places by those enthusiastic French who feel a standing ovation has to be part of every performance, regardless of merit! The cast must have been impressed with their reception; the whole theatre standing. In the same week I was treated to another typical French experience. An excellent art exhibition by local painters and sculptors, in an absolutely stunning setting, was marred by a complete lack of organisation and forethought. A long speech about exhibitors and sponsors was reduced to a debacle as the speaker had obviously never before been introduced to a microphone. Furthermore, the prize winning artists had not been pre-warned, so we had several 5 minute waits each time one was announced and found not to be present at all. Hey-Ho! This column is taking a break as I am having a replacement knee operation; a lifetime of sport is taking its toll I’m afraid. Once mobile again, I should be able to return to the activities that will still be possible for me; no more tennis, but apparently I will be able to swim and play the piano afterwards; amazing what they can do nowadays! In the meantime I will leave you with a few facts about On Va Sortir. There are over a million active members in France; they boast of a new member every minute. Since starting 5 years ago, the Niort branch has attracted 4625 active members; 1344 events have been organised this year alone, with 6811 participants. A sister organisation has now opened up in the UK; London has 438 members, Birmingham has 22. Members are private individuals but there is a professional side too; regular sessions in Qi Gong, Relaxation and Voyance are classed as “Good Deals” and available for a fee. Subscribing to all other events is free, but there are, of course, entry fees to pay for the cinema and some, but not all, concerts etc. You can also go on holiday at special rates with OVS. Participants come from all over France, but I imagine that the best way to use that facility would be to encourage a few from one’s own branch and go as a bunch of friends. I personally won’t be able to take anybody along to events for a while but if you are interested, I will help all I can or just log on to On Va Sortir.com
Contact ‘The DSM’
on 05 49 70 26 21 or by email: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015 | 19
Combined Services
Support Group (CSSG)
by Pauline Tonks
We held our St George’s Day party in April and all those that attended said it was a great evening - good food, good company, and listening and dancing to the fabulous 3 + 1 group. We held the Grand Prize Draw during that evening. Congratulations to all the winners: 1st prize: The signed book - Linda Snellin. 2nd prize: Tiger Moth painting - Kath Hainsworth 3rd prize: Hogwarts Express postcard, signed - Terry and Beryl Dennett 4th Prize: Champagne - Glynis Best 5th Prize: Crystal Brandy glasses - John Blair 6th Prize: Three bottles of effervescent wine - the family of Christine and Frank Bacon. We are currently selling a quiz sheet of 30 cryptic clues to towns and cities in the UK, for 5€ each. The prizes are shopping vouchers valued at 50€, 20€ and 10€. Completed sheets must be returned to us by 11th July, and winning entries will be drawn at our Summer Garden Fête in July. (Available from Paperback Jan – Cindy, at any of our fund raising events or by contacting us by email). On 28th June, we will be at Pause! café L’Absie, with our usual brocante and tombola stall. We will also have some games with us, but would like some volunteers to help man these stalls. Any offers of help would be appreciated, if only for a few hours during the day. Our Summer Garden Party on 19th July will again be held at St Pardoux. Any traders, charities or if you want to sell your own brocante, who would like a stall on the day (10€), should contact johnblair@btopenworld.com. It should be a good day with lots going on: games, hot and cold drinks, home-made cakes, brocante, tombola and much, much more.
Vasles Netball Club Vasles Netball Club started in Spring 2014 when Paula Stokes (UK netball coach) gathered a small group of ladies on the outdoor basketball court at the Mouton Village, Vasles. The ladies had so much fun that by autumn time the club officially registered as an association becoming only the 4th team to exist in France! Fully insured with a weekly slot at Vasles’ Salle Omnisport, Vasles Netball Club were ready to recruit, and, after a successful first year, we now have 16 members and many sideline supporters. We are proud to be attending our first tournament in Toulouse next month and have worked hard to obtain sponsorship to fund a team kit for this special occasion. With agreement from the Mouton Village we are adopting their infamous “Sheep” as our official logo and are really pleased to have been supported so graciously by the local community. Vasles Netball Club would like to thank ‘MKR menuiserie’ and Sue & Tim Fitzgerald for sponsoring the club skirts and t-shirt embroidery. A team photo and tournament update will be in the August issue! Between now and the end of June we are inviting people to play netball with us for free and be our ‘opposition . We are practising hard for the tournament and now is a great time to come along, meet the team and give netball a test run! Open to women (and men until the tournament!) from 13 to 50+ years of age and of all nationalities. Whether you are a beginner or returning after some years, please come along and see what it’s all about. It is great fun and a great way to keep fit!
Our next meeting will be held on 6th June at the Café des Belles Fleurs, Fenioux, at 11.00 am. A full English breakfast will be available before the meeting at a cost of 7.50€ per person. If you would like further information about our group please contact us by email: cssgroup@
Every Monday at 5pm at the Salle Omnisport, Vasles, with the added bonus of an ‘après-Netball’ drink at the local bar for those who wish.
outlook.com
For further information please contact susan_beale@ hotmail.com
Exciting New Play Festival in October TheatriVasles is proud to announce the launch of France’s first ever 10-Minute Play Festival on October 16th, 17th and 18th. This bilingual Festival is one of the most exciting and innovative theatre projects ever to take place in the region – so what exactly is it all about?
WHAT? Each play, whether it is performed in French or English, can only last a maximum of 10 minutes. So just think about your favourite play or film and imagine how exciting and intense it would be to tell that story in just 10 minutes. Ten minutes to introduce the characters, develop the plot and then tie it all up at the end – whether it’s a comedy, a thriller, a love story, even a panto, our job is to make sure you enjoy each play, like savouring a delicious morsel, before moving on to the next one. WHY? The 10-minute play concept is hugely popular worldwide, with festivals in countries including Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Dubai, even India, to name but a few. We think this is a fabulous format for people who like fast-moving, lively theatre. But if you’ve never been to a live theatre performance before, then this is the ideal opportunity to try it out – because everything only lasts 10 minutes! 20 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015
WHO?
Writers and performers from around the world are invited to participate. Several performing groups, both locally and from abroad, are already making plans and writers have been sending in plays on an almost daily basis recently. It probably won’t be as big as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, or even the Cannes Film Festival, this year – but it is definitely going to be just as exciting!
WHERE and WHEN? The festival is being held on 16th, 17th, 18th October at the modern purpose-built theatre in the centre of
Vasles, just 10 minutes from Parthenay.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Writers and performers who want to participate in the Festival should email theatrivasles@gmail.com for an information pack and application form. Closing date for entries is 31st July 2015.
Health, Beauty & Fitness
Kidney Health
by Sarah Berry
Did you know that most of us go about our everyday, busy lives with poorly functioning kidneys? I’ve read that it’s possible to lose up to 90% of kidney function without realising! I don’t like to do it too much! but I look in the mirror occasionally...and over the past two or three months, I’ve noticed that however much sleep I seem to have, I’ve had dark circles appear under my eyes. On research, it seems that this is a symptom or poor kidney function. Now - this isn’t kidney ‘failure’, so please don’t panic! It is (from what I understand) a simple shout for help for us to remember the good ol’ kidneys in there. The kidney’s job are to filter the blood by removing waste products, to control the body’s fluid balance and to regulate the electrolytes. If the kidney is not in tip-top condition you will notice a number of symptoms such as the dark circles, tiredness and problems sleeping, changes in urine output, lack of concentration ........ It seems that simple diet changes can help boost function and get you back on track. Certain vitamins and supplements will help, as will eating some of the following ‘kidney-loving’ foods. • • • •
• • • • • • •
Cranberries or cranberry juice kidney beans sweet rice salmon
walnuts onions & spring onions chives beetroot parsley celery blackberries
Apparently eating these foods for a period of a week should boost function and you’ll start to see some improvements in your daily living. Making a conscious effort thereafter to include these into the diet on a regular basis, should keep things on an even keel. Please note that my research is by no means conclusive and you should always consult a Doctor before making any radical changes to diet and/or taking supplements.
WOOL WANTED! L’Absie Craft Group is proposing to make beanie hats for premature babies in the UK (can’t find where to donate in France)... The group would welcome any donations of wool which you may have and no longer want..... Please email us: info@ thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr and we can forward your details on.
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015 | 21
Birthstones for June... Moonstone
by Vicki Bassey
The Moonstone was popular with Romans who thought it was formed out of moonlight. It was believed to be solidified rays of the moon. This gemstone is full of superstition, suspicion, humour and romance. It is a highly prized gift for lovers and is valued for its delicate ethereal quality. It is believed to arouse tender passion and legend has it that a Moonstone placed in the mouth when the moon was full gives lovers the power to read their future together. In India the Moonstone is considered a sacred zodiac gem and is set in the forehead of a four handed Indian god who represents the moon. Moonstone is a potassium-rich member of the Feldspar group of minerals. It is closely related to Sunstone and Labradorite. It shows a blue-white opalescence called adularescence. This is sometimes described as a billowy light or shimmer that glides over the surface of the gem. They are usually cut as cabochons to maximise this effect.
Pearl In ancient Rome only the ‘higher class’ citizens were allowed to wear pearls. Julius Caesar was an expert in Pearls and could ascertain their value by weighing them in his hand. Demonstrating her wealth to Marc Anthony, Cleopatra crushed a Pearl into her wine to drink the wealth of her nation. The oldest known Pearl was found in the sarcophagus of a Persian princess who died in 520 BC. Pearls are associated with the mind, heart and purity. The Pearl begins life as a foreign body making its way into a marine mollusc, usually oysters or clams. The mollusc coats the object with a ‘nacre’, a slightly iridescent substance. The depth of nacre coating determines the colour of Pearls. The best u and most prized Pearls come from Tahiti and Japan. Cultured Pearls are produced by u introducing a foreign body into a mollusc. The Chinese were cultivating Pearls as far back as the 12th Century. Pearls are classified as gems although not of the earth.
Vicky Bassey on 05 49 97 01 29 www.victoriabassey.com
Pearls can be given on a 3rd and 30th anniversary.
Annual Subscription Costs: 31,00€ within France, 20€ 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.
22 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015
Our Furry Friends Responsibilities...
J
by Nigel Franks, NALA
ust recently we’ve helped a mayor deal with a colony of stray cats. The plan was that we would capture them, have them sterilised and then release them in the same area, where volunteers would keep an eye on them. Originally there were 11 cats, but before we could even start, another heavily pregnant female who we suspect was abandoned, appeared.
This event encapsulates three issues that we are often confronted with. In the first place it is obligatory for cats born since 2012 to be identified once they reach the age of seven months and since 1999 it has been obligatory for dogs older than 4 months. It is also an obligation for cats and dogs to be identified before they change owner, even if given away for free. (Article L212-10 Code rural et de la pêche maritime) Abandoning an animal is an offence punishable by 2 years in prison and a fine of €30,000 (Article 521-1 of the criminal code). Dealing with unidentified stray/abandoned animals is very expensive. It’s difficult to get accurate figures but there are about 2,000 stray animals found per year in the Vendée. Only about half (those that are identified) are reunited with their owners. If a private pound deals with them, it costs the town hall about €100. If they are not returned to their owners, it can cost the town hall about €250 and the animal its life. We estimate that the cost for the tax-payer in the Vendée to be over €300,000 per year. Finally, if people do have pets, then they have to be responsible for dealing with the consequences of their reproduction. Vets and association/foundations for the protection of animals all agree that it is better for your pet cat or dog to be sterilised as soon as possible. There is no need to wait for it to have a litter before carrying out the procedure. It is irresponsible to let your pet get pregnant and then give away the kittens/puppies or abandon them or even kill them yourself. The black cat mentioned below, who we have in a foster home and who is now known as Justina, was clearly someone’s pet and had been a stray for only a matter of days before being found. She could have produced 10 kittens per year who would start to reproduce after about 6 months, as would their offspring. It can lead to a huge problem: which the tax-payer has to pay to solve. We have asked the Ministry of Agriculture to carry out an information campaign to encourage people to sterilise and identify their animals. We have also decided to make a practical contribution by offering a subsidy of up to 20% for the sterilisation of cats, up to a maximum of €20 for a female and €10 for a male. We also subsidise identification of cats up to 20% with a maximum of €10.
Justina You can find more details on our website:
www.nosamislesanimaux.com
23 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015
NALA NEWS & DIARY DATES!
From 2-5pm on Sunday 7th June having a Garden Party in aid of NAL, Sue & Stuart Marshall are A. There will be cream teas, cakes, “pick a prize”, plants etc. Bourg Chasteigner, 85390 CheffoisIt. will take place at 12 Rue du All welcome - Please come along en masse! Last year we attended a concert by ‘The Portraits’ in McNulty’s pub, La Rochelle. www.theport raitsmusic.com During the interval we chatted with the artists, they generously offered to put on a Lorraine and Jeremy, and show for NALA for free! This concert will take place at the Bar/ 26 Rue Clémenceau, 85390 MouRestaurant Le Clémanceau, illeron-en-Pareds on 11th July. www.leclemenceau.net. The Bar opens from 6pm and the concert starts at around 8pm. We inte NALA’s 5th birthday and to thank evernd this concert to celebrate ybody who has supported the Association so entry is FREE round for Jeremy and Lorraine.) ! (Although we will pass a hat The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015 | 23
Hermione’s Honeys
Above from left to right, owners and dogs: Lorraine with Ginny, Melanie with Lucy Long Legs, Jo with Lily, Anne with Ron and Adrian with Molly. Photo: Sarah Berry. Photos right: Melanie Chipperfield.
M
by Mick Austin
eet Hermione’s Honeys. Five bundles of energy and waggy tails, all from the same litter, brought together again for the first time through Facebook!
The mother, a Poitevin hound, was left abandoned and heavily pregnant a year ago with the real risk of having to be put to sleep. But if that wasn’t bad enough, the story of Hermione’s Honeys has an even more tragic background. In 2012, Verity Lineham got involved with Hope Association, an animal fundraising group in the Charente, then with her local animal refuge and eventually became a foster carer for the Phoenix Association, mainly for mums and pups who would otherwise have been put to sleep. Throughout 2013, the Linehams had numerous dogs trooping in and out of the house, with daughter Maddie taking promotional photos of the pups, laying on the floor with them for a head shot or posing alongside them for the cute ‘selling shot’. Then, in January 2014, Maddie suffered what was later confirmed as an anaphylactic shock while eating a health food bar. She was not known to suffer from anaphylaxis or have any serious allergies.
Facebook. Three of the pups became ill with hook worm but recovered after a worrying week for dogs and owners alike. However, the new owners had enjoyed chatting online about their dogs, comparing weights, progress etc, so the Hermione’s Honeys Facebook page was formed. Five of the nine pups – celebrating their first birthday – finally got together for the first time since they left Verity’s care (two were ill en-route). Unfortunately, Verity was unable to make the reunion as she was in England cheering on her husband, Neil, while he ran the London Marathon to raise funds for the Anaphylaxis Campaign. Before deciding to enter this year’s event, Neil (46) had only done one 10km fun run but so far he has raised an impressive £22,500 in Maddie’s memory. It has been a short but so far eventful life for Hermione’s Honeys, all originally named after Harry Potter characters. Seven of the owners keep in touch via Facebook, the other two pups went to the same family, while Hermione herself was also re-homed and is thriving.
“Not knowing what was wrong, we went to our local doctor,” says Verity. “Maddie walked in with me chatting, I walked out alone.”
Hostess of the Honeys’ reunion, Melanie Chipperfield, was pleased with how the day went: “It was wonderful seeing all the dogs together, so very similar in character and so well behaved. I hope we can all get together again as it was so much fun.”
Maddie died just two months short of her 11th birthday.
Maddie would have been so proud.
Her death shocked the local animal rescue community, where she was well known, and Verity’s involvement with them understandably came to a halt. Eventually Phoenix sent Verity a picture of Perdy, a mum due to be put to sleep along with her five pups. “I couldn’t say no, so in she came. But I struggled with advertising the pups and the social contact, preferring to withdraw into myself, so after Perdy I said ‘no more’.” Until Hermione. Heavily pregnant, severely underweight with a non-existent future. “Her face haunted me, so I said yes. It was as if she knew she had been saved because that night she gave birth to nine pups and the following morning the whole family arrived chez moi.” For eight weeks they thrived with Verity. “It was hectic, but I needed them as much as they needed me. Hermione was my reason to get out of bed each day.” And then it was off to their new homes, including mum. Verity kept in touch with the new owners on an individual basis through 24 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015
A dog’s life for Verity
Verity Lineham’s life is still very much taken up with dogs, in her home, refuges and fundraising. She is an active member of Les Amis des Animaux des Refuges en France (LAARF) and is the new president of Hope Association, an English fundraising association helping animals in need and offering advice on any animal-related problems. She is also a regular volunteer at her local Mornac SPA refuge in the Charente. Phoenix Association: phoenixasso.com Les Amis des Animaux des Refuges en France: www.laarf.com Hope Association: hopeassoc.org Mornac SPA: www.refugeangoumois.forumgratuit.org 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.
GASPARD www.laarf.com
The HOPE Charity Shop The Hope Charity Shop is open every Wednesday and the first Saturday of every month, 10am-5pm. Hundreds of books, all priced at 1€, CDs, DVDs, pre-loved clothes, jewellery, hand-crafted greeting cards and more. If you can volunteer to help at the shop, bake cakes, donate unwanted items for us to sell to raise money for animals in need please email: linda.burns4hope@gmail.com. Join us for a cup of tea/coffee and a slice of cake and a chat. We would welcome any old blankets, towels, bedding and dog/cat food. Find us at: Bar Route 66, Ave de la Liberation, 87320 Bussiere Poitevine www.hopeassoc.org
Phoenix Association rescue and rehome animals in need. Please visit our website for more details.
www.phoenixasso.com
GASPARD is a stunning example of an Anglo Hound: tall, slender and very handsome. He is just over 3 years old and around 35kg. This gorgeous boy is affectionate and cuddly and he is blind. As with most visually impaired dogs, GASPARD is calm and gentle, needing reassurance, closeness and trust rather than ‘mollycoddling’ or smothering. A blind dog does not mean problem dog. They live very normal lives once they are familiar with their surroundings and routine and the bond that develops between dog and owner is always something ‘extra special’. GASPARD is fully house trained - he is calm, quiet and nondestructive, and he is also obedient knowing the basic commands. He is a very affectionate lad and good with children. He also gets on well with other dogs but would be best suited to a family with a docile female dog for a companion. GASPARD has been neutered, micro-chipped, vaccinated (including rabies) and has been treated for worms, fleas and tics. An adoption fee of 100€ will be asked for towards his medical costs to date. If you would like to have more information on GASPARD then please contact Caroline on 05 45 96 02 79 or by email at OrfeeInEnglish3@gmail.com.
www.OrfeeInEnglish.com www.facebook.com/OrfeeInEnglish
ECOLE DU CHAT LIBRE DE POITIERS 1 Place de Fontevrault 86000 POITIERS 05.49.01.39.25 (answerphone) Ecoleduchat.poitiers.free.fr
Facebook: ecole-du-chat-libre-de-Poitiers
ecoleduchatpoitiers.forumactif.org
CONTRIBUTIONS... We are always looking for new articles for consideration in future issues. Do you have an experience to share? Are you a tradesman with a Top Tip? or perhaps an avid reader who would like to contribute a book review? Whatever it may be, either long or short, we would love to hear from you.
You can call Sarah on 05 49 70 26 21 with any ideas, or send them on an email to: info@thedeuxsevresmonthlyfr
For any information, please contact: Isabelle Paris by email: chatlibrecaillerot@gmail.com or visit the website: www.chatlibrecaillerot.lebonforum.com
Contact ‘The DSM’
on 05 49 70 26 21 or by email: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015 | 25
Home & Garden
Copy deadline:
of the month
Thinking about placing an ad? Call Sarah for more details Tel: 05 49 70 26 21
DÉCHETTERIES Change of Opening Hours Within the area of the SMC79 (Haut-val-de-Sevre and Sud-Gatine), there’s been a change of opening hours of déchetteries since 4th May 2015. To view these changes, please visit their website:
www.smc79.fr
For disposal points outside of this area, there’s an alternative website
www.decheteries.fr/79/
26 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015
New Garden Centre in Fabulous Setting! Château du Pont Jarno Pépinière is a new family-run business set up here in the Deux-Sèvres by Debbie and Colin McIssac. We had been in the horticultural business in the west coast of Scotland for 30 years... when one day we thought, “there must be an easier way to make a living without the driving wind and rain in your face, day in and day out”. We love the job and our passion is all about plants - so we decided to take our experience to a better climate in which to live, and to create gardens and a nursery. So we came here to France. The climate, cheese, wine and the easy going French people - we couldn’t ask for any more. The pépinière is set in the Château’s walled garden in beautiful, tranquil surroundings, making it a pleasure to browse our wide range of shrubs, grasses, ferns etc. Our plants are very competively priced, and in addition, we offer a 10% discount, if you spend over 200€ in any one visit. There is also a prompt delivery service at reasonable charges. We are expanding the range all the time but if you are looking for a specific variety which we do not stock, we will try our utmost to source it for you. We can offer trade prices to private sector landscapers, garden centres, market retailers, landscape contractors and alike who are buying regularly in large amounts. (Please bring along proof of bonified business details, eg SIRET number, Business cheque Book or letterhead, to qualify for the trade discount). Come along for a browse.... you can be assured of helpful, experienced, and friendly advice. We are located just North of Champdeniers at Les Groseillers, off the D748.
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015 | 27
THE AMATEUR GARDENER
by Vanda Lawrence
Our best friend in the garden, apart from bees, is the earthworm. Who’d have thought it? A worm is a nematode which is a garden pest, but the common earthworm does not eat living plant tissue so is no problem. Did you know that they wriggle around with the aid of tiny hairs on their bodies? They are hermaphrodite, having both male and female reproductive cells but still need another worm in order to reproduce. They lay eggs which hatch into tiny worms and can live for up to 10 years. If you accidentally cut an earthworm in half whilst gardening the fatter, pinker half will survive. Worms eat their own weight in organic waste and soil and excrete their own weight in castings which makes compost and enriches the soil. Earthworm© Wikimedia
Flowers and vegetables in harmony © Wikimedia Commons/Arnaud 25
S
unny days, warmer temperatures, longer evenings, BBQ’s and picnics - June is here, and so are the many tasks in the garden.
In the flower garden you can lift and divide snowdrops and bluebells once the leaves have gone yellow. The same for daffodils, and this is the time to give them a good feed to ensure more lovely flowers next Spring. Don’t be too anxious to remove the leaves before they have completely died back otherwise your bulbs might go ‘blind’ and fail to flower next year. They need to use sunlight absorbed through the leaves (photosynthesis) to feed the bulb. Water lawns in dry weather and feed with high nitrogen fertiliser for healthy green growth. It’s tempting to use grass clippings as a mulch in the flower beds to prevent weed growth, but it is better to use woodchips because grass clippings can release heat as they decompose, which could damage plant roots and stems. Grass clippings also get very smelly as they decompose so put them on the compost heap - it will remind you to turn the compost heap at least once a month to keep it well aerated and help speed up the rotting process. If you haven’t already done so, support tall perennials to prevent wind damage. The longer you delay the more difficult the job will become because the plant will be bigger and surrounding plants will also be bushier, leaving you less access room. Tie in new growth on climbers. Be vigilant because plants like honeysuckle and clematis will attach themselves to anything handy and can be very difficult to reposition. Finish planting out summer bedding in the garden and in tubs. For very large tubs holding several plants it is a useful ploy to use a piece of hosepipe, long enough to stand upright in the soil in the centre of the tub. Make holes at intervals all along the pipe then poke it straight down into the soil. Water from the top and the liquid will then gradually seep out at different levels to reach roots all the way round the tub. Recycled plastic bottles are an alternative but can be a bit of an eyesore amongst beautiful summer flowers. 28 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015
Commons/Dodo-Bird
Talking of nematodes brings me to my recent ‘Eureka’ moment. I’ve often wondered why French gardeners don’t do more flower gardening. Their potagers are always impeccable so imagine what a flower garden would be like. Instead I often see a long row of Dahlias or Chrysanthemums amongst rows of vegetables. Eureka! Dahlias repel nematodes and Chrysanthemums repel Japanese beetles. Take that a step further and swap things around a bit by putting vegetables in the flower garden - garlic planted amongst roses will deter aphids and tomato plants can protect roses from black spot. However, although growing French Marigolds amongst tomatoes will deter greenfly and black fly, growing tomatoes too close to your potatoes can make the potato plants more susceptible to potato blight. So ‘you pays your money and you takes your chance’ as the saying goes. Still thinking of tomatoes, apparently if you sprinkle baking soda on the soil around them not only will it discourage pests but the crop will be sweeter and less acidic. My favourite though is Fennel which should be in the vegetable garden but I always grow it in the flower bed. It is perennial with lovely feathery foliage, marvellous for flower 002 mons/Fir0 displays, but best of all it edia Com im ik W © deters aphids, slugs and snails arigold French m - even if you don’t like the taste it’s worth growing.
Fennel © Wikimedia Commons/4028mdk09
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Contact Vanda Lawrence Email: amateurgardener@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015 | 28
A-Z of the Communes in the Deux-Sèvres LORIGNE
by Sue Burgess
Lorigné is a charming village situated at the border of the Charente département. Lorigné has 287 inhabitants. The commune of which stretches over 11,1km2 is made up of 15 hamlets. Known as Villa Lornacium in 1085, it’s name changed to Lorignet in 1363, Lorigny in 1750, and finally to Lorigné. A VOIR / MUST SEE • Château La Roche Faton. The main building of the château of La Roche Faton has been listed as a historical monument since 1973. Lots of buildings have been restored – bread ovens and wells. The area is very rich in the variety of trees: limes, chestnuts, holly, in particular ‘le bois des Fayes’. Some chestnut orchards are still maintained to provide chestnuts for family consumption. • St Martin’s church is a romanesque building dating from the 12th century. • The stroll along the Queue d’Ageasse with the bread oven. • The swinging well at Chez Clion. • Walking circuits : The Sauvage and the Queue d’Ageasse (the itineraries are available on the Pays Mellois website).
However, he continued his activities both in Paris and in Italy. He proclaimed himeself Pope and took the name of Clément XV. He held his ‘Vatican’ in Clémery, in Meurthe and Moselle. He received a lot of money from France and from Canada and always wore a white cassock. A tax inspector who wanted to investigate Father Collin’s financial affairs was excommunicated. Michel Collin died on the 23rd June 1974.
LOUBILLÉ Loubillé is situated at the edge of the Deux-Sèvres and the two Charentes. There are 388 inhabitants spread over the village centre and the eight villages. Loubillé is a rural commune with several farmers and breeders. There is a goats’ cheese producer who sells his products direct to the public. Loubillé is 8 km from Chef-Boutonne where all sorts of different shops and commerces can be found as well as a cinema. Loubillé gets its name from the former Lupilliacum or villa lupillii. The village developed from the domain of Lupillius, a rich landlord of the Gallic-Roman period. In the 10th century, the Count of Angoulême gave Loubillé to the monks at Charroux who were building a priory. The buildings were demolished in 1877. As well as the priory, Loubillé had an annex of a commandery of the order of Malta. The former school was built on the place where it used to stand, now the school has been transformed into council flats. The church was destroyed during the Revolution and today’s church dates from 1874. When phylloxera hit the Saintonge area, the commune of Loubillé was the first commune of Deux-Sèvres to be hit by the disease. 50 years later, Loubillé was also one of the first villages in France to be hit by the invasion of the death watch beetle. Near the road from Loubillé to Longré, at Bois Cambert, a monument reminds us of the three youngsters who were shot by the German troops on the 24 July 1944. The three youngsters had set off to join a group of resistance fighters but fell upon the Germans. In the evening the convoy crossed Loubillé and stopped at Bois Cambert. In happier times, the harvest festival was celebrated here but that evening, at the edge of the woods, the Germans shot the three youngsters. Marcel Bodet came across the bodies the next day and gave the alert. Pierre Fossé of Mortafond was the first to be identified thanks to a numbered handkerchief from his school. The two others who were not local lads, were identified later. Their names were Fernand Prévost and Pierre Audran. Born in a small village in Moselle, Béchy, near Metz, Michel Collin studied at the seminary of Metz before continuing his studies at the university of Lille where he was ordained priest on the 9th July 1933, by cardinal Liénart. After teaching in the North, he became priest in Loubillé a few years before the war. Before the war he had been involved in running the Jeunesses Agricoles Catholiques (young Catholic farmers), but he founded several groups and associations which seemes to link him with mysticism. He was defrocked by the Catholic church in 1951, because of his behavour as a visionary.
Father Collin and the children taking first communion in 1940.
LOUBLANDE Situated in the North West of the Deux-Sèvres, on the border of Maine et Loire and Vendée, Loublande is an old commune which is now associated with the commune of Mauléon. Loublande is halfway between Cholet and Mauléon. The N249, which links Poitiers and Nantes, passes the commune on the North East side. Before the revolution the parish of Loublande was situated in the Mauges en Anjou. The village depended on the jurisdiction of the senechal of Angers. As a commune, Loublande was created in 1862, from Saint-Pierre-des-Échaubrognes and merged with Mauléon in 1973. During the first world war the village became famous for sheltering Claire Ferchaud, a clairvoyant from the convent of Rinfilières. During 1918, thousands of believers invaded the town of Loublande. The highlight was on the 7th June with a candlelit procession in which 10,000 people participated. A calvary with four altars was built close to the place where she lived and became a site for pilgrimages. Claire Ferchaud, sister Claire de Jésus Crucifié, was a mystic devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and during the war she said she had been given a mission by Christ. Her mission was to contact the President Raymond Poincaré, and ask him to convert and to fight Free masonry. She asked him to put the image of the Sacred Heart on the national French flag. Victory would depend on this. Claire’s letter was handed to the President in January 1917. The President explained that he could not change laws and that he could not modify the national flag in any way. It seems that he told her he would put the question to parliament but in fact did nothing. Claire wrote to him again but the letter recieved no answer. So on May 7th 1917, she sent a letter to 14 Generals of the army demanding that the Sacred Heart be put on the flag. Marchal Foch was the only one to link the Sacred Heart to the flag. The vatican decreed that there was no proof of divine or supernatural interventions in the sayings of Claire.
More A-Z of the Communes of Deux-Sèvres next month...
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015 | 29
Communications Microsoft Windows 10, is this the Make or Break Product for Microsoft?
O
by Ross Hendry
n 20th November 1985, Microsoft released version 1.0 of their new graphically based operating system, 29 years later they are due to offer what is probably the make or break version of Windows as an operating system, Version 10. Why make or break? Because the market place has changed and consumers now have many choices of operating system available to them, for example: Apples OS X, or the Android operating system/s (the most used of all operating systems since 2013), or indeed Linux, so consumers can choose.
In the past it was a no brainer! Windows was a constant, we used it at work and/or learned to use it at school and for the first 25 years everything was familiar as Microsoft Windows was improved, we grew with them. Yes they had their failures, notably Windows Millennium Edition and Windows Vista, but in the most part they met their users’ expectations and we could work around the problems as we knew our way around Windows or just put up with the lack of speed. That was of course until 2013, when they launched Windows 8, and they completely failed to meet their users’ expectations by producing an operating system which, to be fair, worked well, was fast, efficient and secure. However, they completely took their users for granted by providing a user interface that did not make any logical sense to their loyal customer base - failing themselves and more importantly their customers who now had much more choice. Very hastily introducing Windows 8.1 and giving it away free to Windows 8 customers, they tried to recover the situation. In fairness it did improve things, but it was and is not Windows XP or Windows 7! Microsoft has decided to offer its Windows 10 operating system as a free upgrade for the all genuine users of Windows 7, 8 and 8.1. Here is a direct quote from Terry Myerson (Terry Myerson is Microsoft’s Executive Vice President of Operating Systems). “This week we shared more details about Windows 10 editions. Today, I thought I would provide answers to some questions we’ve received regarding how this will work for Genuine vs. NonGenuine Windows. With Windows 10, we have extended an offer to our Genuine Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 customers to upgrade to Windows 10 for free. Once a customer upgrades, they will continue to receive ongoing Windows innovation and security updates for free, for the supported lifetime of that device.
30 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015
These customers purchased their genuine Windows license from our valued OEM partners, which ensures Windows is properly installed, licensed, and not tampered with. Windows 10 offers our customers an even more secure and modern experience. Bringing all of our customers to Windows 10 improves the ecosystem for developers which makes Windows better for all of our customers. We are working hard to make the in-place upgrade experience from Windows 7 or Windows 8, to Windows 10, seamless for the customer. Throughout the Windows world, I am humbled by the excitement being associated with this opportunity to upgrade to Windows 10.” The launch date for the new OS has not been agreed but it is expected to be sometime in July 2015, but what is it like? Microsoft offered a taste of the new OS in the Windows Insider program, which I have been able to take part in over the past few months and I like what I have been using. It is fast and stable and pleasingly I can find the items I need to use. I was not able to try Cortana, the new speech interface as advertised on the TV, but more down to earth items such as the Start Menu, which was completely missing on Windows 8, is back and far more refined, and may easily be switched to work with PC or Tablets and mobile telephones. It also blends the old-fashioned desktop and the modern Windows interface. Personally I cannot wait to try the new operating system when it is released and I will definitely be upgrading my PCs to it within the first year, which brings me to a very important point. I have not seen any information on what the new Windows operating system will cost. I know that there will be 7 versions and that if I take the free upgrade I can have it for the life of the device, but what will it cost to add it to a PC if I build it myself? My feeling is that we are seeing a fundamental change in the way Microsoft will charge for its software and operating systems. I really do suspect that we will be subscribing to Windows on a monthly or annual basis, this will entitle you to all upgrades and new features when they are released and theoretically you will also get the latest versions when released. We are going to need to start to think of Microsoft Windows not as a product but as a service ..... more on this in the coming months. 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).
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
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The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015 | 31
Food & Drink
June
Let's make the most of it - it will soon be the longest day!
T
by Hazel Foster
his month we have recipes for some savoury Mediterranean Scones and with all the delicious red fruit on offer, a scrummy dessert of Pain Perdu with boozy Strawberries. Enjoy!
Mediterranean Scones (makes 8) • • • • • • • • • • •
350g self-raising flour 1 tbsp baking powder ¼ tsp salt 50g butter, cut in pieces 1 tbsp olive oil 2 tsp dried oregano ped 8 halves Italian sundried tomatoes, coarsely chop 100g feta cheese, cubed 10 olives, green or black, pitted and sliced 300ml milk 1 egg, beaten, to glaze
baking paper 1. Heat the oven to 220˚C/fan 200˚C/gas 7. Put together the mix bowl, large a In . sheet g bakin on a large and oil, and r butte the Add salt. and flour, baking powder then add rub in until the mixture resembles fine crumebs,and olives. the oregano, sundried tomatoes, feta cheesand mix with Make a well in the centre, pour in the milk it becomes a a knife, using a cutting movement, until a light soft sticky dough. (Use all the milk – it helps give texture.) and shape 2. Flour your hands and the work surface well, into eight the dough into a round, about 3-4cm thick. Cut g sheet. bakin the on apart well them place and es wedg risen until mins 15-20 for bake and egg n Brush with beate with a clean and golden. Transfer to a wire rack and cover days in tea towel to keep them soft. They will keep for 2-3 iner. conta ht an airtig
© Wikimedia Commons / Ali ringo
Pain Perdu with Boozy Strawberries (serves 4) (You can also use blueberries, cherries, peaches or apricots) • • • • •
Hazel Foster ~ Homechef 79 Personal Chef for dinner parties, special occasions and catering services Tel: 05 49 63 29 98 ~ Email: homechef79@gmail.com 32 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015
4 slices Brioche 3 eggs beaten in a large bowl Sugar on a plate 500g strawberries sliced 200ml Creme de Fruits Rouge (or similar)
Melt a little butter in a frying pan. Dip both sides of the brioche in the egg and fry each side until lightly golden, remove from frying pan on to the sugar and lightly coat both sides. Put sliced strawberries in the pan and carefully add the liquor (off the heat if a gas hob). (If you have a gas hob you can flambé the fruit). The liquid will reduce slightly and cook the fruit, be cafeful not to let it burn. Serve with a boule of vanilla ice-cream.
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The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015 | 33
Beauty at the Bottom of a Bottle by John Sherwin
H
ow many times have you enjoyed a bottle of a zealously guarded, much lookedforward-to wine only to be irked by gritty sediment when drinking the final, valedictory glass? The bits don’t taste nasty or poison you, but, all things being equal, it’s just not cool to end an enjoyable evening sucking grit from your teeth.
We all feel that way from time to time – I don’t have the space to list my own petty irks which seem to grow day by day – but if it were not for a chance remark made by a Bordeaux University professor to one Mathilde Cathiard back in 1993 then that frustration would remain just that, and not a thing of beauty. And that thing of beauty was to turn the crud that makes the grit that sticks between your teeth into something highly favoured by those who seek to enhance and perpetuate their youthful skin. The following is a real fairy tale. Once upon a time a certain Daniel Cathiard met a young Florence on the same French Olympic ski team as Jean-Claude Killy. Despite spending much of their time on the piste, some stolen moments of après-ski led to lurv and marriage for Dan and Flo. Daniel went on to found a chain of supermarkets and Go Sport – well over 300 outlets. But success in the retail world did not bring fulfilment. It didn’t have the same frisson as hurtling downhill on a couple of chunks of wood at 100mph. So what to do? Obviously, duh, they sold up everything, Uncle Tom Go Sport and all, and in 1990 bought a down-at-heel château south of Bordeaux in the Graves region to make wine, their real passion. Now, at this point we all know that many a small fortune in the wine business has been wincingly and despairingly crafted from a large one – but not all would be winemakers have the steely determination and passion of the Cathiards, not to mention the effect of numerous cerebral contusions from faceplanting (I believe that’s the technical term) at the aforementioned 100mph. They were made of sterner stuff, and just as importantly a healthy investment pot. Château Smith Haut Lafitte (two t’s, nothing to do with Lafite) had started winemaking in the 14th century as Haut Lafitte. In the 17th century a Scotsman, George Smith, took ownership and added his name – a kind of precursor to SNP aggrandisement. The property saw good times, and was highly regarded, then the inevitable cycle of change kicked in and by the time the Cathiards slalomed in it was on its uppers. But, to cut to the chase, it is now one of the most sought after wines in Bordeaux, and if you have to think twice about spending around a hundred bucks for a bottle then walk on by. Their daughter, Mathilde, was an intelligent and curious child. (I don’t actually know that for a fact, but it’s a reasonable assumption – and anyway it has a nice ring to it.) One day, in 1993, when she was much older, Mathilde took a grey haired professor to visit her parents’ cellar. (I hope you’re noting the fairy tale motif here.) He smiled cheerily – he might even have beamed – until they came to the point where all the pips and skins and mush (the stuff that make the grit between your teeth) were scooped out of the fermenting vats and thrown away. The professor frowned and said, ‘do you realise you are throwing away gold? For I am a specialist in polyphenols and procyanidolic oligomers, and these are known to help in the anti-ageing process. Such things are to be found in grape pips and the other detritus you dispose of without a second thought.’ Mathilde, being intelligent etc (see above), had one of those cartoon light bulb moments. And so, after a few years (I have the advantage of telescoping time) were born vinotherapy and the brand name ‘Caudalie’. A 100ml bottle of Caudalie Beauty Elixir will set you back a wrinkle-inducing €40 or so. I cite this as just one example – there is a whole range of potions made from 34 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015
wine slurry designed to keep your skin looking as fresh as a baby’s bottom. If this isn’t pampering enough, try a stay at Sources de Caudalie, the boutique hotel/spa on the Smith Haut Lafitte estate run by Mathilde’s kid sister Alice. The moral of this true fairy story? As Michael Douglas almost said in ‘Wall Street’: grit is good.
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John Sherwin, French Wine Tours 02 51 66 13 05 or www.french-wine-tours.com
Eggs and More Eggs
S
by Jacqueline Brown
pring has well and truly arrived and as well as the garden and orchard bursting into life, it’s vide grenier season (more about that later) and our birds are laying eggs as though their future depends on it, which I guess it would do if we owned a male goose or a cockerel. We could let the ducks sit on their eggs (as there is enough male/ female action going on to make me blush) and enjoy the cuteness of fluffy ducklings like we have done before, but it’s never as easy or idyllic as it sounds. Our birds are happy, healthy free-range birds, but keeping tiny ducklings safe from predators (as well as their own stupidity) is far from easy. The heartbreak of finding mauled bodies or the pain of the mother duck attacking me as I’m trying my best to release a dumb duckling from a tiny gap in the fence is beyond me these days. To protect my fragile emotions I’ve developed an eagle eye and a sixth sense to ensure every hidden egg is gathered up and brought indoors. Despite collecting our own eggs for many years I’m still as excited at finding them as I was in the beginning, although when the egg total reaches over forty and despite boiled eggs, omelettes and cake baking, even I struggle. Thankfully at the weekends I get to catch up with my French neighbour, who even after fifty years of marriage still returns to the village she grew up in every Saturday. Most weekends a bag of something or other is tossed over our gate when she unpacks her car. It could be a weeks worth of vegetable peelings, a bag of stale baguette ends or just the outer salad leaves she has carefully packaged up to give to my birds. It is always gratefully received by Brucie the goose, the seven ducks and five chickens, who squabble and gobble the contents in record breaking time, always assuming every meal will be their last. It also means she is happy to accept a gift of spare eggs whenever we have them. I found it hard to believe that the first goose egg she had ever tasted was one I gave her when she was in her seventies, but as they sell for about 1.50€ each, I guess she could never justify the expense. It was with relief that I took her a mix of duck and chicken eggs a few weeks ago, knowing it eased my burden and would be gratefully accepted. What I hadn’t expected was a knock at the door on the Sunday morning and my neighbour handing me a gift. Never one to miss a bargain she had persuaded her husband to take a wander at a local vide grenier, something she enjoys far more than he does. Here she found three glass eggcups that she thought would be perfect for our family of three. Like collecting the eggs, these are a gift I will always treasure.
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www.frenchvillagediaries.com Email: frenchvillagediaries@gmail.com The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015 | 35
Motoring Quatre Pattes
W
ith the Grand Prix Historique at Bressuire coming up at the end of the month, I thought I would feature a popular entry in the ‘Tourisme’ class, the Renault 4CV.
I have to say that before coming to France it was not really a car I was aware of. As with the 2CV, the “CV” refers to the car’s chevalvapeur, the taxable horse power, akin to the UK insurance groups, rather than the horsepower of the engine. The 4 CV has a very interesting history. It was originally conceived and designed covertly by Renault engineers during the World War II German occupation of France, when the manufacturer was under strict orders to design and produce only commercial and military vehicles. Between 1941 and 1944 Renault was placed under the Technical Directorship of a francophile engineer, Wilhelm von Urach who failed to notice the small car project emerging on his watch! The design team envisioned a small, economical car suitable for the period of austerity expected after the war. In November 1945 the French government invited Ferdinand Porsche to France to explore the possibility of relocating the Volkswagen project as part of the reparations package then under discussion. On 15 December 1945, Porsche found himself invited to provide Renault with advice concerning their forthcoming Renault 4CV. Earlier that year, newly nationalised Renault had officially acquired a new boss, the former resistance hero and concentration camp inmate, Pierre Lefaucheux, and he was enraged that anyone should think the by now almost productionready Renault 4CV was in any way inspired by the VW, and even more enraged that the politicians should presume to send Porsche to provide advice on it. The government insisted on nine meetings involving Porsche which took place in rapid succession. Lefaucheux insisted that the meetings would have absolutely no influence on the design of the Renault 4CV, and Porsche cautiously went on record with the view that the car would be ready for large scale production in a year. The 4CV was ultimately presented to the public and media at the 1946 Paris Motor Show and went on sale a year later.
by Helen Tait-Wright
On the 4CV’s launch, it was nicknamed ‘La motte de beurre’ (the lump of butter); this was due to the combination of its shape and the fact that early deliveries all used surplus paint from the German Army vehicles of Rommel’s Afrika Korps, which were a sand-yellow colour. Later it was known affectionately as the ‘quatre pattes’, ‘four paws’. Offered in just one body style, just one colour, and one engine, the French customers nonetheless were thrilled with the economical little roadster. The 4CV could carry four people comfortably and featured a flat floor pan, created by the rear-mounted engine in a rear-wheel drive layout. This was the car that the French had been waiting for. The 4CV was large enough for an entire family, but featured easy handling and used a small amount of expensive fuel. Despite an initial period of uncertainty and poor sales due to the ravaged state of the French economy, the 4CV had sold 37,000 units by mid-1949 and was the most popular car in France, going on to be the first French car to sell over a million units. There is a great piece of period advertising film on YouTube ...www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAWB30iO8ww. Manufacture of this distinctive little car with it’s front ‘suicide doors’ continued until July 1961. A cute, stylish and highly sought after variant of the 4CV was the Renault ‘Beach Wagon’, also known as the Renault Jolly. 50 of these were built by Ghia in 1961 using consecutively serial numbered 4CV’s, and approximately a dozen are estimated to exist today. Before it ever got to the streets of Bressuire, the 4CV proved to be a worthy competitor and achieved its first win on September 19, 1948 at Mont Ventoux. Following the 4CV’s success, management approved the development for a sports version, the Renault 1063. This version achieved win after win, from the Le Mans 24-hour event to the Monte-Carlo rally from 1951 through 1954. Good examples today fetch between 8 and 12,000€, and you will be able to get up close and personal with the French ‘people’s car’ in the paddock at Bressuire.
See you there! u u
Photo: Helen Tait-Wright
36 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015
Helen Tait-Wright Email: helen@stodel.org
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015 | 37
at War
A
by Tony Barrett
couple of years ago I had the good fortune to visit the excellent School of Airborne Troops Museum at Pau, and it was while I was guided round the exhibits that I noticed a Vespa scooter mounting a 75mm recoilless rifle. For a moment I thought it was a joke but was soon informed that it actually existed as a weapon in the later stages of the war in Indochina and in Algeria, including the Suez Operation in 1956. My interest was definitely raised as during the 1960’s in the UK I was a Mod and rode a number of Vespa scooters; I could not but help to think what would have happened if, on one of those Bank Holiday weekends on the South-Coast, I had turned up on one of these Bazooka mounted Vespa’s......one can only image the look on the faces of the Rockers !!!!!! The Vespa 150 TAP is an Italian Vespa scooter modified to transport a M20 75 mm recoilless rifle, which was used in the 1950s by the French Airborne Forces (Troupes aéroportées, or TAP). It was produced by Ateliers de Construction de Motocycles et Automobiles (ACMA), a licensed assembler of Vespa’s in France, in 1956 and 1959. It mounted a M20, U.S.-made light anti-armour cannon, was very light when compared to a standard 75mm cannon but was still able to penetrate 100 mm of armour by so-called HEAT warhead. The recoil is counteracted by venting propellant gases out the rear of the weapon which eliminated the need for a mechanical recoil system or heavy mounts, enabling the weapon to be fired from the Vespa frame. The scooters would be parachute-dropped in pairs, accompanied by a two-man team. The gun was carried on one scooter, while the ammunition was loaded on the other. Due to the lack of any kind of aiming devices the recoilless rifle was never designed to be fired from the scooter; the gun was mounted on a tripod which was also carried by the scooter, before being fired. Primarily built for the Algerian War in the 1950s, five parachutes could carry a two-man gun crew, weapon, ammunition, and two scooters. Then the men would load the weapon on one scooter and the ammo on the other, before riding away to find their enemy. Although rumour has it that the drivers were seen more often pushing it rather than riding on it … The ‘Bazooka Vespa’ was relatively cheap: Vespa’s cost roughly $500 at the time, and the M20s were plentiful. Roughly 800 of these scooters were deployed during the Algerian War. The École des troupes aéroportées (ETAP), or School of Airborne Troops, is a military school dedicated to training the military paratroopers of the French army. It was established in 1964 and is located in the town of Pau, in the département of PyrénéesAtlantiques, France. Now if I had seen this in the local Vespa showroom............... The author Tony Barrett, no bazooka just ‘Moon Equipped’ stickers in 1964. (photo bottom right).
38 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015
Building & Renovation Forty Years of Experience in Ceramics In 1989, after being employed by a trading materials company, Philippe Bréda and Dominique Niveau chose to set out on their own and founded Inter Décor 79 whose shop and showroom are located at 50 Avenue Aristide Briand (route de Poitiers between ‘Fillon’ and ‘Gitem’) in Parthenay. With their forty years of experience in ceramics, partners Philippe and Dominique offer tiles directly from factories in France with the guarantee of the ‘Quality NF’ label. At Inter Décor 79, there are also regular shipments of factory overstocks which are offered to customers at discounted prices (-50% rate). Open Monday to Saturday, the store offers a vast showroom with hundreds of tiles in stock, while providing in addition, the guarantee of quality, price and specialist, professional advice.
A warm welcome awaits you at Inter Décor 79.... u u
Inter Décor 79 Tel: 05 49 94 23 50 ~ Email: inter.decor79@orange.fr
ASK about our special packages for New Advertisers! They are a great way to kick-start your marketing campaign.... Call Sarah on 05 49 70 26 21 to find out more!
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015 | 39
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The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015 | 41
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The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015 | 43
44 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015
Business & Finance Protecting your Wealth & Financial Security
Y
by Bradley Warden, Partner, Blevins Franks
ou have worked hard to build up savings, whether investments or pensions, to allow you to enjoy a long and comfortable retirement. You may also wish to leave your children and grandchildren an inheritance to help them build a financially secure future.
body with a strong reputation. Not having sufficient regulation could be another threat to your wealth, so you do need to establish how your adviser is authorised and regulated, and if the level and quality is enough to give you peace of mind.
You therefore need to protect your savings as much as possible. There are a few threats you need to plan for, including:
Alternatively, UK firms operating in France can be authorised and regulated through the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), one of the most rigorous regulators in Europe. The Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union enables regulated entities within one EU country to conduct business in another EU country. This is done through a ‘passport’ obtained under the EU’s Insurance Mediation Directive.
Inflation - constantly erodes the value of capital and income. Investment risk – is your portfolio strategically designed around an objective assessment of your risk profile? Taxation –reduces investment returns, your wealth and the amount your heirs inherit. Institutional risk – the chance the financial institution holding your money will fail. There are steps you can take to protect against these threats, often in one overall financial planning exercise, but you need professional advice. This is essential wherever you live, but more so as an expatriate in France as you need to negotiate complex, local rules. The first step is choosing your adviser. Your choice of wealth manager could be the most important financial decision you make. You need to be able to trust them to give you suitable, personalised advice. Ensure that they are well regulated by a national regulatory
France has regulatory bodies with good reputations –Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) for investment advice and Organisme pour le Registre des Intermédiaires en Assurance (ORIAS) for investment and protection business.
As a British expatriate living in France, you would ideally want your adviser to be regulated by one of the above French or UK authorities. If they are not, why not? Qualifications and high professional standards are also important. Qualification should involve considerable professional study, examinations and continuous personal development. Do not risk your financial security. Protect your wealth against threats and make sure your adviser is well qualified and regulated by a body which imposes strict code of conduct requirements.
The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015 | 45
Living in France, Working in the UK
by David Hardy
M
any people who dream of buying property and living in France have to wait until they retire. Another option may be to live in France but continue working in the UK.
Protect your wealth
But what would be the tax implications? First of all you need to determine if you will become tax resident in France or not. Under French domestic rules, you will be deemed to be resident in France for tax purposes if you fulfil any of these tests : 1. France is your main residence or home. This is the place where your close family (spouse and minor children) live, regardless of where you yourself spend most of the time. 2. France is your principal place of abode, normally spending more than 183 days in France a year. 3. Your principal activity is in France. 4. France is the country of your most substantial assets. However, you also need to be aware of the UK domestic residency rules, as spending time in the UK could mean you are tax resident there, especially if you have other ties like property. In this case the double tax treaty will determine where you are resident for tax purposes. If you are tax resident in France, you are liable for French tax on your worldwide income, gains and wealth. However, the UK/France double tax treaty provides that generally French residents working in the UK pay UK tax on the income derived from the work done in the UK. The income is not taxed directly in France, but must be added to your other income to determine your overall tax rate. You then receive a credit equal to the French tax and social charges that would have been due, meaning you do not pay tax in France on your UK income, but it does increase the rate of tax you pay on your other taxable income. Social security (national insurance) contributions are more complicated... If you only work in one EU country, you are usually liable to pay social security in that country. If you work in more than one EU country, and if a substantial part of your activity is carried out in the country you are resident in, then you pay social security in that country. So, if most of your activity is carried out in France you will need to pay French social security contributions, entitling you to French state health care. You also need to be aware that if you are a French resident, all your other income - bank interest, investment income etc - will be liable for French income tax at your marginal rate plus social charges of 15.5%. If the wealth of your household exceeds 1,300,000€ you will also be liable to the annual wealth tax on assets over 800,000€. You would need to review your savings and investment structures as what is tax efficient in the UK is usually not tax efficient in France. With specialist advice and careful planning, you can use French compliant opportunities to reduce tax on your investments and wealth, and could end up paying less tax in France than you did in the UK. Your situation will be unique, so you need to seek personalised advice. David Hardy is Regional Manager of Siddalls France, Independent Financial Adviser, specialised in personal tax, inheritance, pension and investment planning for the British community in France since 1996.
u u
Siddalls France, Email: bordeaux.office@siddalls.net 05 56 34 75 51 or www.siddalls.net
46 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015
French finance in plain English
For fully compliant and expert financial advice David Hardy, Regional Manager: 05 56 34 75 51 bordeaux.office@siddalls.net
www.siddalls.net Siddalls France SASU, Parc Innolin, 3 Rue du Golf, CS 60073, 33701 Mérignac Cedex, forms part of the Blevins Franks group of companies - RCS BX 498 800 465. C.I.F. No E001669 auprès de ANACOFI-CIF association agréée par l’Autorité des Marchés Financiers et Courtier d’Assurances, Catégorie B - ORIAS 07 027 475. Garantie Financière et Assurance de Responsabilité Civile Professionnelle conformes aux articles L 541-3 du Code Monétaire et Financier et L 512-6 et 512-7 du Code des Assurances.
What to Do When You Have a Car Accident
I
admit that I have been so busy with tax forms (and I don’t want to see another one for a year!) that this is a short article this month!
And OK, I agree, it is not the funniest thing to talk about, but you must know what to do in case you are involved in a car crash. It is better to look at it when you are calm and composed instead of discovering it when you have the accident and you are all stressed and shocked! •
If you have had an accident and the car is damaged, you must fill in a CONSTAT AMIABLE, which is a friendly accident report. You will find a translated version of it opposite. You must complete this even if you have damaged the car on your own or with an animal (the animal doesn’t have to sign it!). You can ask for one or more at any insurance company office (they are the same for all insurances companies).
•
If the accident involves two vehicles, just fill in one accident statement and take a copy each (when you fill in the first page, make sure it copies to the pages underneath as well).
•
If the accident involves more than two vehicles, fill in one constat per vehicle involved with you. E.g. For a pile up, fill in a statement with the vehicle in front and another with the vehicle behind.
•
If possible, take as many photos as possible as photos don’t lie!
•
Draw a layout of the accident in box N°13.
•
If there is a witness, please take their details. There is a box for that on the accident statement.
•
If you do not agree with the other person involved in the accident, do not sign the accident statement but write your remark in box N°14 and take your copy of it.
•
You can write your remarks in English as long as the other driver can understand it and is OK with it.
•
If the other driver refuses to sign, make sure you take the number plate and write in the remark box that he refuses to sign.
•
You must send your copy of the statement to your insurance company within 5 days. If you send it by post, make a copy first.
•
If you are injured and cannot complete the constat on-site, contact your insurance company or get someone else to do it as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Well, the best is not to have an accident, especially if you are one of my customers! But you don’t usually choose to do so, so please read this carefully and if in doubt phone your insurance agent. Be safe! And remember to check out our website: www.bh-assurances.fr for all my previous articles (“Practical Information” on the English site). We also now have a Facebook page: Allianz Jacques Boulesteix et Thierry Hatesse. You can also follow us on Twitter @charenteinsure Please don’t hesitate to contact me for any other information or quote on subject such as Funeral cover, inheritance law, car, house and top up health insurance, etc…
The DSM website also lists Isabelle’s articles, including a full-size downloadable PDF of the Accident Statement shown. Please click the ‘Content’ tab on www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr N° Orias 07004255
BH Assurances 22 rue Jean Jaures 16700 Ruffec Contact Isabelle Want: Tel: 05 45 31 01 61 Mob: 06 17 30 39 11
Email: isabelle.want@bh-assurances.fr ~ Visit our website: www.bh-assurances.fr The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015 | 47
Market Changes
by Sue Cook
I recently attended the French Property Exhibition in Wetherby. This brought together estate agents, currency companies, health insurance providers, legal experts and other companies giving anyone thinking of buying in France the chance to gain insight into all aspects of buying in France. It is very important to do your homework when buying in France, something I know I didn’t do enough of. You need to think about where you want to live, how you are going to fund the move - both initially and continuing with your life in France. It is also important to research how to obtain health cover and what to do with investments and the legalities of buying in France. One big thing to think about is how to save money on your money transfer. The recent run up to the elections proved how quickly you can lose money if you do not think about the money markets before you actually make an offer on a property. The graph below shows just how quickly the markets can change. For example if you booked a Forward Contract on April 28th for 250,000€ you would have paid £178,571, as the interest rate was 1.400, but on May 7th the same trade would have cost you £186,709! as the rate had gone down to 1.3384.
Ask Amanda
Do you have any Top Tax Tips for Expats living in or moving to France? In last month’s ‘The Deux-Sèvres Monthly’ magazine I provided some helpful tips to help you with your tax position in France. This article concludes the piece.
Be very wary of trying to be non-resident anywhere If you are claiming to be non-tax resident anywhere then you could misunderstand the rules of the countries that you are living in. It is possible but most countries will deem you to be tax resident even if you spend less than 6 months of the year in the country. They just do not accept that you can be non-resident anywhere these days. Don’t forget to register your presence Some people move to France and then decide not to report that they are living there and try and live under the radar. It is a requirement in France to complete a tax return. Even if you are paying tax on pensions in other countries, have assets overseas or income from other sources, the tax law in France states that as a tax resident you are liable to taxation on your worldwide income and assets. However, you might get some double tax treaty relief from France for paying taxes in another country already, e.g. the UK. Tax favoured investments in one country do not necessarily apply in France The classic example is the UK Individual Savings Account (ISA). Premium Bonds are another. They are not recognised as tax free in France and are therefore taxed on income and capital gains. You might need to re-examine all your existing investments and replace them with tax favourable investments for France. Watch out for ‘tax-free’ lump sums from pensions This is now referred to as PCLS (pension commencement lump sums). The UK pensions system allows a 25% lump sum pension payment on retirement which is tax-free if you are a UK tax resident. In France that lump sum is taxable and therefore it might be advisable to take it before you change residency. You might also consider moving the pension fund to a QROPS (Qualified Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme). This means you can put the pension outside of the UK which has some advantages, e.g. income can be paid in Euros and a larger available lump sum of up to 30% is available.
I know the idea of fixing the rate is a recurring theme but I do think it is important to build that relationship with your dealer before you make an important decision like buying a house. And it is just as important for those selling, especially as the exchange rate is not in your favour at the moment. The exchange rate went back up after the election, although not quite to the high of 1.40, but just think if you were selling your house and you had fixed the rate on 7th May, you would be very happy now. So if you are in the process of buying or selling give me a call and make the most of your money. u u
Sue Cook of Currencies Direct 05 55 03 66 69 or 06 89 99 28 89
48 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015
Don’t be worried about tax planning in France After reading all of this over the last two months, life in France is great! If you plan early enough and do things properly it will be less painful than if you are caught doing the wrong thing. We often tell clients that for a few hundred Euros more, it really is not worth taking the risk or losing sleep at night. Whether you want to register for our newsletter, attend one of our road shows or speak to me directly, please call or email me on the contacts below and I will be glad to help you. We do not charge for reviews, reports or recommendations we provide. With Care, You Prosper. Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Lausanne, Paris, Cote d’Azur, Barcelona, Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Madrid, Mallorca, Rome. «The Spectrum IFA Group » is a registered trademark, exclusive rights to use in France granted to TSG Insurance Services S.A.R.L. Siège Social: 34 Bd des Italiens, 75009 «Société de Courtage d’assurances» R.C.S. Paris B 447 609 108 (2003B04384) Numéro d’immatriculation 07 025 332 - www.orias.fr «Conseiller en investissements financiers, référence sous le numéro E002440 par ANACOFI-CIF, association agréée par l’Autorité des Marchés Financiers»
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The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015 | 49
Thouars - Gateway to the Loire
by Joanna Leggett
S
ituated in the northern-most environs of the Deux-Sèvres, the ancient town of Thouars is something of an undiscovered gem.
Just off the tourist track, and yet ideally situated between Saumur and Poitiers, this could be the perfect place to live as the Loire, Limousin, Poitou Maritime, Vendée and Poitiers airport are all within easy striking distance!
LEGGETT
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE YOU CAN TRUST
R E A L E S TAT E
BUYING OR SELLING A PROPERTY ? CONTACT THE BEST ESTATE AGENCY IN FRANCE
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Visiting Thouars for the first time, approach from the south, across the Pont Neuf you can best admire this ancient town with its towers and melange of Romanesque tile and Angevin slate roofs. There are many beautiful old honey stone coloured houses and cobbled streets, as well as a magnificent château set above the lovely river Thouet. And history abounds – inhabited for over 5,000 years, one of the Lords of Thouars accompanied William the Conqueror in 1066! This is even the last resting place of Margaret of Scotland, wife to Louis XI! Moving on to modern day necessities – Thouars boasts all the usual amenities. As well as many restaurants and bars and a variety of shops including antique and other gems, there’s also a theatre and cinema. Best of all is the Friday market which boasts a wonderful selection of local produce – especially local goats cheese, fish and fruit – not forgetting Charentaise melons (in season!) for which this whole area is famous. Close to the centre of Thouars, a traditional town house is currently on the market for 130,800€ (Reference: 43080, photo left). This large house has many lovely features, three bedrooms as well as two attic rooms, a rear courtyard with three outbuildings and two garages as well as a large and long mature garden. In need of some modernisation and redecoration, it is well situated; its pretty balcony provides views across this historic town. But should you be seeking something a little more grand with restoration complete, then just 2kms outside Thouars, is a stunning Maison de Maître (RefL 47829, photo below). This fabulous house, with four bedrooms and luxuriously fitted bathrooms, is ready to move into. To the front of this pretty, symmetrical home is an enclosed courtyard with water feature, to its rear a terraced area and garden. Outbuildings include barns and an open hangar for parking as well as a wine cave. Further accommodation could be gleaned from these buildings. On the market for 337,080€.
Ref: 44973. Traditional farmhouse renovated to a high standard with 4 bedrooms and land. 14kms to St Maixent L’école. Clave €249,999
Ref: 46585. Four bedroom stone farmhouse with outbuilding, garage and lovely gardens near the town of Chef Boutonne. Gournay €199,800
Ref: 51522. Adorable 2 bedroom detached cottage in a quiet hamlet close to the market town of Melle. Lots of original features. St Genard €66,000
If you want to find out about becoming a sales agent and joining our winning team please contact max79@leggett.fr
Tel:05 53 60 84 88 or 0800 900 324 www.leggettfrance.com
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BASED GOURGÉ COVERING NORTH EAST DEUX-SÈVRES
Leggett Immobilier is one of the leading estate agents in France. You can access all our local property listings at www.frenchestateagents.
com/poitou-charentes-property u u
Leggett Immobilier www.frenchestateagents.com
50 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, June 2015