The Filling Station - PoitouCharentes. Local Christians of all denominations who meet for spiritual renewal and evangelism. Carolyn on 05 45 84 19 03 or www. thefillingstationfrance.com
All Saints, Vendée - Puy de Serre. We hold two services each month (plus Sunday school), on the 2nd and 4th Sundays at the church of St. Marthe, Puy de Serre, at 11h. www.allsaintsvendee.fr
The English Speaking Church of the Valley of the Loire (ESCOVAL) meets at the R.C. Church in Arçay every 3rd Sunday of the month at 11am (just off the D759, Thouars to Loudun).
Eglise Vie Nouvelle English service (translated into French) every week in the Salle Annexe behind Civray Mairie at 10.30am. Contact 06 25 04 36 51 www.vienouvelle-civray.com
The Chaplaincy of Christ the Good Shepherd, PoitouCharentes. Normally holds Sunday services in English. Please see our website for current information: www.churchinfrance.com
Assemblée Evangélique Le Rendez-Vous. Every 1st Sunday in St Hilaire de Voust for bilingual worship, Bible study & lunch. Other Sundays we meet in home groups. Contact: 07 75 75 07 52 email: contact@lerendezvous85.com www.lerendezvous85.com
Word of Life Fellowship Sundays 3:00pm. 10 Rue de l’Huilerie, 79110 Chef-Boutonne. Please visit our website for more… www.word-of-life.net
Monday a.m. Cerizay 79140 place des Halles
Tuesday a.m.
Bressuire 79300 place Dupin
Coulonges-sur-l'Autize 79160 Centre Ville
La Creche 79260 rue du Marché
Lezay 79120 place du Marché
Niort 79000 place des Halles
Thouars 79100 place Lavault
Vasles 79340 la place du 25 Août
THE ENGLISH SPEAKING CHURCH OF THE VALLEY OF THE LOIRE
“ESCOVAL”
We meet on the third Sunday of each month at the church in Arçay at 11h00. The services are multidenominational and vary between Matins and Holy Communion - both usually include hymns. Afterwards there is usually a bring-and-share lunch. Arçay is situated between Loudun and Thouars just off the D759.
www.escoval.jimdofree.com
Contact Geoff Cornwall : gcfrance6052@gmail.com
Jim Burrows : 05 49 22 41 78
Carole Taylor : mumsikins@hotmail.com
Wednesday a.m.
Thursday a.m.
Friday a.m.
Celles-sur-Belle79370 Centre Ville
Niort 79000 place des Halles
Parthenay 79200 rue Jean-Jaurès
Argenton-les-Vallées 79150 place Philippe de Commynes
La Motte St Héray 79800 place Clémenceau
Niort 79000 place des Halles
Sauzé-Vaussais 79190 Centre Ville
Coulon 79510 place de l'Eglise
Melle 79500 place Bujault
Niort 79000 place des Halles
Nueil les Aubiers 79250 place Pierre Garnier
Thouars 79100 place Lavault
Saturday a.m. Airvault 79600 place Saint-Pierre
Bressuire 79300 place Dupin
Cerizay 79140 place des Halles
Champdeniers 79220 Centre Ville
Chef-Boutonne 79110 Centre Ville
Coulonges-sur-l'Autize 79160 place des Halles
Le Tallud 79200 place de l'Église
Lezay 79120 place du Marché
Mauleon 79700 place du château
Mauze sur le Mignon 79210 place de l'Eglise
Moncoutant 79320 Centre Ville
Niort 79000 place des Halles
Parthenay 79200 rue Jean-Jaurès
Saint Maixent-l'Ecole 79400 place du Marché
Sunday a.m.
Chatillon sur Thouet 79200 place du Parnasse
Coulon 79510 place de l'Eglise
La Creche 79260 rue du Marché
Niort 79000 place des Halles
Saint-Loup-Lamairé 79600 place du Marché
Thénezay 79390 place de L'Hôtel de Ville
Local Markets in neighbouring departments
Monday a.m. Benet 85490 place du Champ de Foire
Tuesday a.m.
Doue-la-Fontaine 49700 place du Champ de Foire
Civray 86400 place Leclerc
Montrueil-Bellay 49260 place du Marché
Mortagne-sur-Sèvres 85290 place Hullin
Surgéres 17700 rue Audry de Puyravault
Wednesday a.m. Fontenay-le-Comte 85200 place du Commerce
Lusignan 86600 place Isabelle d’Angoulême
Ruffec 16700 Centre Ville
Vihiers 49310 place Charles-de-Gaulle
Thursday a.m. Aulnay 17470 Centre Ville
Friday a.m.
Pouzauges 85700 les Halles
Surgéres 17700 rue Audry de Puyravault
Civray 86400 place Leclerc
Doue-la-Fontaine 49700 place René Nicolas
La Châtaigneraie 85120 place de la République
Saturday a.m. Cholet 49300 place du 8 Mai 1945
Fontenay-le-Comte 85200 place du Commerce
La Châtaigneraie 85120 place de la République
Pouzauges 85700 place de l’Hôtel de Ville
Ruffec 16700 Centre Ville
Surgéres 17700 rue Audry de Puyravault
Sunday a.m.
Aulnay 17470 Centre Ville
Latillé 86190 place Robert Gerbier
Valence-en-Poitou 86700 place du Marché
News & Announcements
A call to protect our blue planet
David Attenborough’s stunning new documentary "Ocean" is a captivating portrayal of life beneath the waves and the urgent need to protect our oceans. The film is now in cinemas across the UK, offering audiences the chance to experience its cinematic beauty on the big screen. In France, Ocean will be available to stream on National Geographic, Disney+ and Hulu from 8 June 2025, with local cinema dates to be announced shortly.
The streaming release coincides with World Oceans Day, a global celebration in honour of the oceans and their vital role in sustaining life. This year, the day takes on a special significance in France, as Nice will host the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) from 9 to 13 June 2025. The event will bring together leaders and organisations from around the world to tackle pressing ocean issues and advocate for the preservation of the "blue heart" of our planet
Ocean combines breathtaking underwater footage with powerful stories of resilience and recovery. The film highlights the challenges posed by overfishing, pollution and climate change, but also offers hope by showcasing effective conservation measures that prove the oceans can recover through decisive action.
visit oceanfilm.net
New contact details for The Deux-Sèvres Monthly
The new telephone number to advertise in the magazine is 07 66 81 51 57 email: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr www.facebook.com/thedeuxsevresmonthly
Read online at issuu.com/thedsm
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS, RELIGIOUS AND FEAST DAYS
Dimanche de Pentecôte
Whit Sunday
Sunday 8 June 2025
Lundi de Pentecôte
Whit Monday
Monday 9 June 2025
Fête Nationale "Bastille Day"
Monday 14 July 2025
NEW FOOD RULES FOR THE UK
If you are travelling to the UK from France, you should keep up to date with the latest food regulations. From May 2025, stricter guidelines will apply to prevent the spread of animal diseases such as foot and mouth.
Meat and dairy products are a no-go, even if they are packaged. This includes products from all EU countries, including France, as well as the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Switzerland. There is still a lot allowed! You can pack:
• Bread, cake (no fresh cream) and biscuits.
• Pasta or noodles without meat.
• Chocolate and sweets (but not those made with lots of unprocessed dairy products).
• Honey, as long as it doesn't weigh more than 2kg.
You can also take up to 2kg of powdered baby food or medical food per person, as long as it is sealed, does not need to be refrigerated and fulfils certain conditions.
Bringing fresh fruit and vegetables? Be careful. Most require special paperwork, such as a phytosanitary certificate. Opt for packaged or processed products instead.
If you carrying restricted items, you need to declare them! Failure to do so can result in fines of up to £5,000 or confiscation of items. You can find all the information at gov.uk/bringfood.
Have fun packing and bon voyage!
TVA reforms delayed until the end of 2025
France's TVA threshold reform is on hold, and this is fantastic news for small businesses and artists! The government’s plan to impose a single €25,000 TVA threshold by March 2025 has been postponed until the end of the year. Thanks to dedicated advocacy from groups like FNAE and La Maison des Artistes, creative professionals, artisans, and self-employed workers now have a chance to prepare for potential changes.
For now, the current thresholds remain intact, with limits tailored to various sectors. If you provide services, your threshold is set at €37,500, while others see limits ranging up to €85,000. This delay provides much-needed breathing space.
This shows the strength of united voices pushing for positive outcomes. Visit fnae.fr and lamaisondesartistes.fr, join the conversation, and ensure this progress benefits everyone. Together, we’re stronger!
Assomption Assumption Day
Friday 15 August 2025
Toussaint All Saints Day
Saturday 1 November 2025
Armistice de 1918 Armistice Day
Tuesday 11 November 2025
Noël Christmas Day
Thursday 25 December 2025
Jour de l'An New Year's Day
Thursday 1 January 2026
Pâques Easter Sunday
Sunday 5 April 2026
Lundi de Pâques Easter Monday Monday 6 April 2026
Fête du Travail Labour Day
Friday 1 May 2026
Victoire de 1945 VE Day
Friday 8 May 2026
Ascension Ascension Day
Thursday 14 May 2026
VISITE COMMENTÉE DU CHÂTEAU
D'ARGENTON
1 & 15 June
Argentonnay
Discover the medieval ruins and marvel at the 11th-century mural in the Chapel of St. Georges on an unforgettable guided tour of the Château d'Argenton. Immerse yourself in history while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views. FB: lesamisduchateaudargenton
FAMILY SUNDAYS AT THE ABBEY
1 & 15 June
Maillezais (85420)
Experience an engaging and memorable family outing at the historic Abbey of Maillezais.Remember to download the Baludik app for an enhanced experience. Entry is included with your admission ticket.
Discover a wide array of artistic expressions where painting and sculpture are celebrated against the backdrop of the historic Nef Théodelin. This event by "Vouvant Village de Peintres" brings together select artists, showcasing their work in a distinctive medieval environment.
vouvantvillagedepeintres.com
LE PRINTEMPS DES ARTISTES
Weekends in June
Saint-Loup-sur-Thouet
This exhibition at Les Rendez-Vous de Saint-Loup features the work of talented painters and sculptors. It serves as a warm-up to July's festival, offering a visual treat in the charming Petite Cité de Caractère. rendezvoussaintloup.com
PORTES OUVERTES : JARDINS DE PUYCHEREAU
Weekends until 22 June
Ardin
After a restful period and beneficial rains, the Jardins de Puychereau are ready to welcome spring and visitors to their 4th public opening. Admission is free, donations for "pour Louis et toi" are requested. jardinsdepuychereau.com
EXPOSITION - 80E ANNIVERSAIRE DE LA LIBÉRATION
Until 28 June
Celles-sur-Belle
Discover the history of internment camps in Vienne and Deux-Sèvres during 1939-
1945. A poignant exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of liberation, presented by the Archives Départementales de la Vienne. Free entry.
mediatheque-cellessurbelle.fr
CONCERT AU JARDIN DE PRINTEMPS
1 June
Crezieres, near Chef-Boutonne Garden and bar open from 6pm for your picnic, concert at 7.30pm Enjoy tangoinspired music by violinist Kim Le-ocmach and the Galeon Tango trio, performing classics and original compositions. Reservation recommended. Bring your own chairs and warm clothes. Participation Libre, donations welcome. email: les.amis.de.crezieres@gmail.com
REACTION BOOK CLUB
4 June & 2 July
Fenioux
The Reaction Book Club meets on the 1st Wednesday of the month at 3pm in theCafé des Belles Fleurs, Fenioux, In June the book is “Conquest” by Nina Allen and in July it will be “A spool of blue thread” by Anne Tyler.Everybody welcome. reactiontheatre.eu
VILLAGE EN'BULLANT
4 June
Saint-Aubin-du-Plain
Visit the Village en'bullant for a delightful time with storytelling and reading sessions for all ages from 3 to 4.30pm. Offered in partnership with La Colporteuse. Free entry. bibliotheques.agglo2b.fr
RENDEZ-VOUS AUX JARDINS 2025
6 - 8 June
Throughout France
Discover the beauty and diversity of gardens across France. This event features guided tours, workshops, and exhibitions, highlighting the importance of environmental preservation and garden heritage. This year’s theme is “Jardins de pierres, pierres de jardins”. rendezvousauxjardins.culture.gouv.fr
LE PATRIMOINE NATUREL DE VAL EN VIGNES
7 June
Cersay
Explore landscapes, trees, hedgerows, and birds through a guided nature walk with L’Entremêle and Bocage Pays Branché. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and bird lovers. Registration required. cpie79.fr
IDENTIFICATION DES OISEAUX À L’OREILLE
7 June
Niort
Join this birdwatching session and learn to identify birds through their songs. Discover the avian species that surround you in this immersive experience. cpie79.fr
ESCAPE GAME: LE PRIX DE LA RANÇON
7 June
Saint-André-sur-Sèvre
Experience a thrilling 75-minute escape game blending history and mystery. Solve clues in a real-life castle setting at the Château de Saint Mesmin somewhere between a life-sized Cluedo and a realworld video game adaptation. Teams of 4-6 required, €15 per person (ages 12 and up) .
chateau-saintmesmin.com
VIDE MAISON GÉANT
7 June
Pamproux
Les Pamprofolies association is hosting its third Giant Vide Maison event in Pamproux. This year, the event spans a single day, featuring a unique seminocturnal setup, with spaces available at just €1 per meter. Search for treasures from home to home and hamlet to hamlet until the evening. Maps and information about participating locations can be found at the Mairie.
Email: lespamprofolies@gmail.com
RENDEZ-VOUS AUX JARDINSBELLE ÎLE
7 - 8 June
Niort
Visit the family gardens as they open their doors to the public. Enjoy morning and afternoon slots to explore these vibrant green spaces. cpie79.fr
VISITE GUIDÉE DU DOMAINE DES ROCHES BLANCHES
7 - 8 June
Le Pin
Discover the stunning Domaine des Roches Blanches, a 19th-century park. Enjoy guided tours exploring its history, ponds, meadows, and roses. Tours at 10am and 3pm. Adults €5, children free. domainedesrochesblanches.fr
REMP'ARTS FESTIVAL
7 - 8 June
Bressuire
Join us for the 4th festival at the Château de Bressuire with two days of amazing
music, featuring live performances by Sidi Wacho, The Soulphoenix, and more. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and an onsite bar. Entry is prix libre. facebook.com/LesVendredisDeLEte
FESTIVAL BIEN-ÊTRE
7 - 8 June
Echiré
Join us for a rejuvenating experience in the picturesque outdoor setting of Echiré. Meet wellness experts, enjoy festive activities, enlightening talks, and an acoustic concert on June 8 at 20h. Food trucks and drinks available. Free entry and parking for vehicles and campers. santalliees.fr
RENDEZ-VOUS AUX JARDINSPARC MÉTAYER
7 - 8 June
Niort
Experience the ambiance of this beautiful park during its open hours. Stroll through its natural beauty and discover various green wonders. cpie79.fr
SALON DÉCO ET MAISON - CARNA 2025
7 - 9 June
Parthenay
Discover the latest trends in home decor and renovation at Carna 2025's inaugural Deco & Maison salon in Place du Drapeau. Perfect for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Free entry. cc-parthenay-gatine.fr
VIVEZ LA VRAIE VIE DE CHÂTEAU!
8 June
Saumur (49400)
Experience live performances, concerts, and guided tours in a stunning château setting. Immerse yourself in this vibrant cultural event, enjoy magical moments, and celebrate heritage in a unique way. Free entry, no tickets required from 2 to 10pm. ot-saumur.fr
IN SEACH OF THE PHILOSOPHER’S STONE!
8, 15, 22 & 29 June
Saint-André-sur-Sèvre
Embark on a thrilling investigation to craft the Elixir of Life and save a noble’s son. Success requires teamwork, wit, and a touch of humour. Independent castle tours are also available. chateau-saintmesmin.com
À LA DÉCOUVERTE DE L’AGRION DE MERCURE
11 June
Beugnon-Thireuil
Discover the fascinating Agrion de Mercure, a unique blue damselfly typical of streams and springs. Join this exploration to admire nature's delicate beauty. cpie79.fr
FESTIVAL À 2 BULLES
13 - 14 June
Moulin du Roc, Niort
Celebrate the art of BD at the 2 Bulles festival. Enjoy a vibrant program of signings, youth activities, author meetings, exhibitions, and concerts. A premier event for BD in the Deux-Sèvres. niortenbulles.fr
FESTIVAL L'ARTJOYETTE
13 – 15 June
Luché Thouarsais
Experience the extraordinary at the Festival L'Artjoyette. This live arts festival showcases an eclectic mix of theatre, music, circus, and street art. Enjoy a laughter-filled, convivial atmosphere with performances from diverse artists. Food and drinks available. artjoyette.blogspot.com
LES JOURNÉES EUROPÉENNES DE L’ARCHÉOLOGIE
13 – 15 June
Across France and Europe
Explore archaeology across 30 countries with over 5,000 events. Perfect for history enthusiasts, families, or school groups to uncover the heritage and fascinating world of archaeological research. Guided by the Ministry of Culture and Inrap. journees-archeologie.fr
PHOTO EXHIBITION AT GALERIE 22
13 – 15 June
Thouars
Experience exhibits in Galerie 22, featuring artworks by talented local artists. Current highlights include a photo exhibition showcasing Thouars' archaeological digs. A vibrant cultural hub nestled in the bustling Saint-Médard area.
thouars.fr
VISITE NOCTURNE
14 June
Thouars
Join a nighttime tour of the streets of Thouars, uncovering treasures at every turn, or explore the Saint-Médard district with its charming timber-framed houses, a reflection of the town's rich history. thouars.fr
CONCERT DU TRIO SCHÖNWAY
14 June
Château de la Garenne, Cersay
Enjoy an enchanting evening with Trio Schönway performing works by Schubert, Bach, and more. A timeless musical moment followed by drinks and artist conversations. Limited places, registration required. Participation by donation.
Emailchateaudelagarenne@gmail.com
VISIT TO THE MUSÉE HENRI BARRÉ
14 June
Thouars
Visit Henri Barré’s historic townhouse, offering a unique blend of local history, global art, and ethnographic treasures spread across three floors. Don’t miss the decorative interiors and fine exhibits like faience, furniture, and archaeological relics.
thouars.fr
BIENVENUE DANS MON JARDIN
AU NATUREL 14 - 15 June
Throughout France
Join the 13th national weekend event, "Bienvenue dans mon jardin au naturel." Amateur gardeners share eco-friendly practices and tips for sustainable gardening. A perfect opportunity to learn and connect with nature-loving enthusiasts. mon-jardin-naturel.cpie.fr
LES MATINALES: GUIDED MARKET TOUR 15, 22 & 29 June
Niort
Explore the historic Halles de Niort through a guided tour, experiencing its rich scents, vibrant colours, and a special gem at the end. Optional tasting of local delicacies available. Voted the most beautiful market in France in 2024. je-regarde.fr
LA CABANE SORT LE SON FESTIVAL 15 June
Saint-Georges-de-Noisné
L’Association A Cappella presents the third edition of "La Cabane Sort Le Son" in a thrilling new format featuring three groups and a fanfare. Enjoy performances by Sunny Legacy, Alphonse La Nuit, Tal Rasha, and Nous C'est New. Join us for an unforgettable musical evening! facebook.com/Lacabanesortleson
Regular venues including:
• Argentonnay 79150
• Funny Farm Cat Rescue 79200
• Thouars 79100
• Noirlieu 79300
Other venues to be announced soon!
Remember to pick up your copy of The Deux-Sèvres Monthly!
Find us on Facebook: Oh my Lord Franck’s fish and chips or email: lordmaurin@yahoo.com
VISITE ANIMÉE DE LA CLASSE 1900
15 June
Courlay
Travel back in time at La Tour Nivelle's 1900 classroom for a fun and nostalgic experience. Explore the Ernest Perochon museum and a teacher's lodging on a self-guided tour. Admission: Adults €6.50; Children 6-18 years €4.50; Under 6s free. tournivelle.fr
FESTIVAL AU FIL DU THOUET
15 June - 29 August
Thouars
Experience diverse artistic events blending art, heritage, and nature. Enjoy pop, classical, and blues music, theatre, street arts, unique tours, and workshops for all ages. maisonduthouarsais.com
FESTIVAL DE TERRE-NEUVE
19 - 27 June
Fontenay-le-Comte (85200)
The festival returns, offering unique open-air theatre experiences at Château de Terre-Neuve, Commequiers, and Mouchamps. Enjoy a diverse range of performances, from Renaissance gems to modern classics, including the premiere of " Le Chant des Lions" and timeless works like "Roméo et Juliette". evenements.vendee.fr
LA FLORE DE L’ÉTANG DE BEAUREPAIRE
21 June
Saint-Maurice-Etusson
Discover the aquatic plants, flooded meadows, and beautiful flora of the Étang de Beaurepaire during this guided walk. Bring boots. Registration recommended. cpie79.fr
FÊTE DE LA MUSIQUE
21 June
Thouars
Celebrate the joy of music and enjoy an evening of performances by music and dance students from the Conservatoire and other talented artists at various venues such as Place Saint-Médard, Rue Porte de Paris and more. Stroll through the lively streets, discover different styles of music and support local talent in this night of culture and art. thouars.fr
FÊTE DE LA MUSIQUE
21 June
La Mothe Saint-Héray
Celebrate music in all its forms, from rock and rap to classical and world
sounds. Enjoy an evening filled with performances, food trucks, bars, and more. Free entry for all music lovers! la-mothe-saint-heray.fr
FÊTE DE LA MUSIQUE
21 June
Chef Boutonne
Enjoy a festive evening in Place Cail with two restaurant menu options and live music by the band "Pop et Co" from 9pm. Free entry for all attendees. chef-boutonne.fr
FÊTE DE LA MUSIQUE
21 June
Coulonges-sur-l'Autize
Celebrate the joy of music at the Parc du Château! Experience an unforgettable evening from 18h featuring two stages, six diverse music groups including JOK'S, Chianteuses et Scie, and chorales from Centre Musical Val de Gâtine. Food and drinks available on site.
facebook.com/comitedesfetescoulonges
FÊTE DE LA MUSIQUE
21 June
Parthenay
The streets of Parthenay transform into vibrant concert venues for a special evening filled with melodies and rhythms. This free event invites everyone to experience the joy of live music in an open-air setting, offering a unique opportunity to gather and celebrate through the universal language of music. parthenay.fr
CHŒUR D’HOMMES DU HAUTPOITOU
22 June
Abbatiale Saint-Jouin-de-Marnes
Experience an inspiring concert at 4pm featuring regional songs, gospels, film music, and sacred chants performed by Chœur d’Hommes du Haut-Poitou. A beautiful musical celebration in a historic and captivating venue. abbatiale-saintjouin-de-marnes.fr
L’ÉTÉ COMMENCE À BESSAC
Bessac, Niort
22 - 23 June
Experience a one-of-a-kind two-day art celebration, outdoor decor, and plant sales event in the historic, verdant riverside location of Bessac. The gathering showcases the passion and creativity of approximately forty exhibitors in a scenic setting. Enjoy free admission, along with food and refreshments. vivre-a-niort.com
LA PRAIRIE ENCHANTÉE
24 June
Exireuil
Immerse yourself in rich biodiversity as you explore a vast park featuring local and exotic trees, permaculture gardens, a lily pond, and tranquil countryside surroundings.
cpie79.fr
REACTION POEM & PINTS GROUP
25 June
Fenioux
An afternoon of poetry and drinks with Reaction Theatre members and friends. The Reaction Poem & Pints group meets every 3rd Wednesday at 3pm at Café des Belles Fleurs, Fenioux. We share our favourite poems – this month's theme is Music. Everyone's welcome - contact John Round at 05 49 95 03 65 if interested. New members always welcome. reactiontheatre.eu
NIORT JAZZ FESTIVAL
25 – 27 June
Niort
The Niort Jazz Festival 2025 showcases an eclectic lineup blending jazz legends and fresh talent. Headliners include Dee Dee Bridgewater, Parov Stelar, and Goran Bregović, joined by innovative acts like Meute and rising stars such as Nirina Rakotomavo. Expect a world of rhythms, vibrant performances, and captivating musical diversity.
niortjazz-festival.com.
JAVARZAY EN FÊTE
26 June
Chef Boutonne
Experience an evening of rhythm, flavor, and fun! From 6pm, enjoy a Marché des Producteurs, food trucks, and bar. Learn Lindy Hop basics at 7pm, watch a demo at 20h, then dance to the swing of ‘Moonshine Cats’ at 9pm. Fireworks at 11pm.
chef-boutonne.fr
ANJOU VÉLO VINTAGE
27 - 29 June
Saumur (49400)
Join a nostalgic cycling festival with routes from 30 to 105 km through beautiful landscapes. Enjoy live music, food stops, and vintage vibes. Free access to the festival village.
anjou-velo-vintage.com
APÉRO-CONCERT
28 June
Salles
Begin at 17h with a brewery tour of the Brasserie du Val de Sèvre, where you'll enjoy local products and organic beers. Then, at 19h30, get ready for live music. It's a great combination of food, drink and entertainment.
brasserie-du-val-de-sevre.fr
À LA DÉCOUVERTE DES PAPILLONS DE JOUR
28 June
Niort
Join DSNE to explore a local meadow and observe daytime butterflies, including the chance to spot the protected Thymelicus Azure. cpie79.fr
FÊTE DE LA SAINT JEAN
28 June
Sevremont (85700)
Celebrate the Fête de la Saint Jean at the Château de la Flocellière for an evening featuring local bands such as T!Varius, and food trucks. The celebration will finish with a fire celebration at 23h. chateaudelaflocelliere.com
GRAND PRIX AUTOMOBILE HISTORIQUE
28 - 29 June
Bressuire
Step back in time and experience the Grand Prix of the 1950s with a vibrant display of over 100 vintage cars (1930 to 1970) racing through the town. Free entrance.
Facebook: GrandPrixHistoriqueDeBressuire
LES BALADES DE L'ÉTÉ
30 June
Argentonnay
Join guided walking tours every Monday until 1 September (except 14
July, moved to 15 July) exploring Argenton-Château’s history, architecture, landscapes, and more. Free and open to all, ends with a communal gathering.
Email:3aargentonnay@gmail.com
LES ESTIVALES D'ARTENETRA
5 – 12 July
Celles-sur-Belle
Enjoy seven symphonic concerts featuring La Maîtrise Notre-Dame de Paris, Orchestre National d’Ukraine, and premieres like Fabrice Gregorutti's Pax et in Terra Pax. Experience Claudel, Gorecki, Dvorak, and more. Tickets start at 20€. A series of classical music concerts in the abbey church of Celles-sur-Belle and the surrounding villages. artenetra.com
FÊTE DE L’ENTRECÔTE
6 July
Noirlieu
Celebrate the 31st anniversary of the annual steak festival, now bigger and better than ever! Featuring live music and a spectacular fireworks display, this year's event promises an unforgettable experience. Enjoy a dinner of entrecôte and chips, cooked over a wood fire, along with a selection of sandwiches and pastries. Doors open at 17h, free parking. facebook.com/fetedelentrecote
PAR LE CORPS (THROUGH THE BODY)
Until 22 September
Thouars
Discover Elise Guillaume’s unique art installation at the Chapelle Jeanne d'Arc blending science and poetry. Featuring marine-inspired materials, this exhibition explores sensory and psychological impacts through innovative design. Free entry, open Wednesday to Sunday. facebook.com/LaChapelleJeannedArc
MADELEINE RIFFAUD, RÉSISTANTE
Until 30 September
Thouars
Discover the story of Madeleine Riffaud, a young resistance fighter, through original artwork, texts, and archival materials. A compelling tribute to a remarkable woman's legacy on display at the Centre Régional Résistance & Liberté. crrl.fr
EXHIBITION "LA SCULPTURE, DÉCOR D’ARCHITECTURE"
Until 31 October
Parthenay
Explore the complex interplay between architecture and its sculptural embellishments via photographs and real-life sculptures. The exhibition at CIAP presents a creative and engaging journey into the architectural elegance of Parthenay-Gâtine. cc-parthenay-gatine.fr
Summer Days: Finding Balance When the Sun Shines (and When It Doesn't)
Summer is here, with its promise of aperos in the sunshine, delicious barbecues, and long evenings where the sunset seems to linger just a bit longer, as if it's also reluctant to end the day.
But here's the thing about summers here these days - they're about as reliable as a politician's promise. One day you're slathering on factor 50, the next you're hunting for that umbrella you put "somewhere safe" back in April.
And our moods can be just as changeable as the weather.
The Sunshine Effect
Have you noticed how different the world feels on a sunny day? People smile more, strangers are more chatty, and suddenly eating lunch indoors feels like a crime against humanity. There's science behind this, of course. Sunlight boosts our serotonin levelsthat's the chemical messenger that helps stabilise our mood. It's nature's own antidepressant, freely available (when the clouds permit).
But what about those days when the skies are grey and the rain is tapping a melancholy rhythm on your window?
Finding Your Inner Sunshine
The trick to navigating the recent versions of summer isn't about hoping for perfect weather - it's about creating
your own internal climate control. Think of it like this: somewhere inside you there’s a thermostat that regulates your emotional temperature. When external factors try to pull it one way or another, you have more control than you might think over where that dial settles.
So next time the rain ruins your picnic plans, try this: Instead of focusing on the disappointment, ask yourself, "What opportunity does this give me that I wouldn't have had otherwise?" Maybe it's finally reading that book that's been sitting on your bedside table. Perhaps it's calling that friend you've been meaning to catch up with. Or it could simply be the chance to watch the rain create patterns on your window while enjoying a cup of tea.
This isn't about toxic positivity or pretending everything's wonderful when it's not. It's about flexibilitybending like a tree in the wind rather than snapping.
The Pressure of Perfect Days
There's another side to summer that we don't talk about as much - the pressure to make every sunny day count.
"The sun's out! You can't possibly stay inside!"
Sound familiar?
This kind of thinking creates a strange stress - suddenly a perfectly good day indoors feels like a failure of opportunity. But life isn't measured by the number of barbecues attended or how many times you made it to the beach.
Sometimes, the most restorative thing you can do on a sunny day is to simply sit in a patch of sunlight coming through your window, close your eyes, and breathe. No pictures on social media required.
The Balance of Seasons
Just as the year needs all its seasons, we need all of our moods. The rainy days make the sunny ones sweeter. The quiet times make the adventures more exciting.
So this summer, perhaps the goal isn't to chase endless sunny days or perfect experiences. Maybe it's about finding that balance point - appreciating the sunshine when it's there, creating your own warmth when it's not, and recognising that both have their place in a well-lived life.
After all, without a little rain, how would we ever see the rainbows?
David Murphy Clinical Hypnotherapist and Life Coach DavidMurphyHypno@gmail.com
Everyday yoga for everyone
Yoga and Nitric Oxide - How to Hum Your Way to Better Health
In 1998, the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine went to two scientists for their discoveries about the role of Nitric Oxide in cardiovascular health. Loss of Nitric Oxide (NO) has since been recognized as the earliest event in the onset of all chronic disease. To get a sense of what this means, imagine a line of standing dominos, with the first one being Nitric Oxide. If our NO levels remain strong, then all those other health factors stay strong as well and the dominos remain upright. But when our levels of NO get too low, this domino falls taking all the other dominos out with. In other words, if our Nitric Oxide production fails, the whole system is in danger of collapse.
So, what is so amazing about Nitric Oxide? Just what does this little gas molecule do? Well, it is called a “signalling molecule” because it signals certain crucial biological functions to go into play. Nitric Oxide tells our cells to mobilize for detox and repair, for example, it causes blood vessels to dilate, improving blood pressure and oxygenation, and it is absolutely vital for production of mitochondria – our cell’s energy powerhouse.
As we get older, our body’s capacity to create Nitric Oxide diminishes significantly. Studies have shown that by the time we reach 40, we only produce about half or even less of the NO we did at age 20, and it continues to decline as we age. This means that our body gradually stops receiving the signals to improve blood flow, to clean and repair damaged cells or to make more energy. Since all these functions are vital to a healthy system, when they falter, the risk of chronic disease dramatically increases.
Fortunately, there are things we can do to help restore Nitric Oxide production in the body through diet and lifestyle. NO production can be improved through moderate exercise, getting plenty of sunlight, intermittent fasting, eating nitraterich foods such as beetroot juice, avoiding sugar, and quitting smoking. There are also NO supplements on the market now, especially since Olympic athletes discovered that NO can improve athletic performance and drank so much beetroot juice it turned their pee bright red!
NO is produced in two main locations; in the lining of the blood vessels and in the sinuses of the upper airways when we breathe through our nose (another reason to fix chronic mouth breathing!) What is fascinating is that even though they didn’t know the biological science behind it, Indian yogic
masters developed breathing practices many centuries ago that actually stimulate Nitric Oxide production directly in the nasal passages.
How to produce Nitric Oxide with only your breath
Studies have shown that the yogic breathing practice called “Bhramari”, or “Bee Breath” increases nasal Nitric Oxide production by as much as 15 times. Bee Breath is so called because when done properly, it sounds like the humming of bees in a hive. It is one of the simplest breathing techniques going and has the added benefits of being very relaxing and calming, while helping with nasal congestion and sleep disorders. I sometimes do this when I need to clear my head or am having trouble getting off to sleep and it definitely helps!
Here is how to do it.
1. Sit somewhere where you won’t feel self-conscious making a noise, like a nice spot in the garden, with a straight back
2. Relax your face and make sure that your tongue is resting on the upper palate, allowing the corners of your mouth to lift up in a subtle smile.
3. Place your two forefingers in your ears to block out external sound (or simply place your hands firmly over the ears)
4. Relax your belly. Inhale long, exhale long 3x
5. At the top of the 4th inhale began to hum as you exhale, nice and loud for as long as you can.
6. Repeat 3 times.
If you find that you want to do more than 4 rounds of humming, make sure that you take a minimum 3-minute break between rounds. Studies by doctors from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm have shown that it takes this amount of time for the nasal cavities to “re-fuel” with Nitric Oxide.
So, let’s learn from the bees and hum our way to health!
To learn more and for information on private and group yoga sessions/breath coaching contact me at: lavieenyoga@gmail. com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/groups/yourgroundyoga
Respect yourself, explore yourself.
Rebecca
Rebecca Novick
Business registration and paperwork compliance
This year’s tax season has highlighted several issues relating to compliance in the trades industry and the explosion of handyman services that are covered by French labour code article D7231 and article 16 of the Loi Raffarin which dictates what a handyman can offer as a service. When someone holds aSiret number for hommes toutes mains/petits bricoleurs/nettoyage courant de bâtiment, they come under the regulations for activities that are for Services à la Personne. This allows clients to be able to offset 50% of the expenses against their tax returns every year, within the maximum limit. Anyone under this registration cannot offer gros or second œuvre type of work, these are regulated
activities and include carpenters, plumbers, electricians, painters and decorators, roofers, machine operators/drivers, groundworks for foundations or drains etc. The activity of a handyman is defined as occasional tasks that do not require professional know how and for which there is a very short intervention time, as in hours and not days/weeks. If in doubt the business or its clients can ask the Chambre de Métier what elements of work you are allowed to do according to your current registration.
All people working in the industries mentioned are legally obliged to create a devis, fill in a réception de travaux when the work is finished and present a final legally compliant
Karen Jones - Solutions France
facture. ALL documents need to be in French, but you can offer a translation for your clients. Everyone should keep simple accounts and all receipts in case of a control by the tax office or if you need to register for TVA. You are also obliged with your devis to present your insurance certificate which will indicate to your client what work is covered and the damage limits.
Despite the recent campaigns regarding the 25k TVA limit, which has been postponed, we have seen several people go over the limits of income where you should be registered for and declaring TVA. Everyone needs to be aware of TVA limits and the rates you need to charge. Those offering construction related work can offer a lower TVA rate for renovation work, which is quite beneficial when claiming back TVA on expenses. People with a handyman related registrations will need to charge 20% TVA.
For your Urssaf declaration all of the above-mentioned services are declared as BIC and net of TVA, materials provided by the business are declared as part of the service cost. They are not declared under ‘ventes’ to Urssaf. To avoid excessive cotisation charges many people ask the clients to pay directly for materials and this is fully acceptable.
It is vitally important that you give your clients a correct image of your business as those doing regulated work under the guise of a handyman will not carry the correct insurance and open their business up to the scrutiny of the DGCCRF and sanctions civiles, pénales or administratives.
Book Club
Are you Qualifying?
A qualifier is a word or phrase that appears to increase or decrease the value of neighbouring words. Using them can carry over from the way you speak – perhaps you’re a dramatic storyteller who uses lots of intensifiers to express strong feelings.
In the following sentence, somewhat and most qualifytalkative.
He is talkative.
He issometimestalkative. (Implies not very often)
He isalwaystalkative. (A true chatterbox)
He isusuallytalkative. (Implies he is quiet at present – it must be for a reason)
These different qualifiers reflect different situations However…
While required occasionally, most qualifiers are unnecessary and weaken the writing.
Here are some examples of qualifiers:
sort of very basically just quite extremely possibly perhaps incredibly really rather totally might still actually appears a bit usually try a little mostly manage almost sometimes more (when not used as part of a comparative adjective)
Alison Morton
In 90% of the situations when these jump into our writing, there is an easy solution: delete them. Alternatively, you may well find ways of rewriting the sentence using stronger, more vivid or more specific words.
Let’s look at a few examples:
Original: We were pulling really heavy cases and the weather was rather hot.
Tighter writing would be: We dragged our cases behind us in the intense heat.
You can feel the sweat pouring off the narrator’s brow.
Original: He almost always carried a twenty euro note with him.
Better: He normally carried a twenty euro note.
Tighter: The twenty euro note stashed in his pocket could save him one day.
This last version piques the reader into wondering if something is going to happen in the next few chapters when the money could have a pivotal role.
Original: He tried to stop the runaway horse but was rather too slow.
There are two possible options, depending on the story: He grabbed the reins and struggled to stop the runaway horse, but failed.
He grabbed the reins and using all his strength calmed the runaway horse, bringing it to a stop.
The character’s actions become more active if they do something or don’t do something, rather than try, manage or attempt to do something.
Parent to child: ‘Will you please try to behave better!’
Better: Will you behave!’
But try or attempt or even manage could be used in certain contexts:
Mary noticed that the little boy was trying to control his temper. (Well done him for the effort, but he may not succeed entirely.)
I’m not immune in any way when I write the first draft of a novel. My first step in revising the manuscript is to use Find & Replace on my computer to highlight and delete the majority of my uses of just and really. These are my two personal writing tics. Ninety per cent of them die by means of the delete key. When we scrutinise and then eliminate a qualifier, we re-think the image we wish to portray and come up with stronger, more specific words, especially verbs and make our writing tighter and more appealing to the reader.
Happy writing!
Alison Morton has compiled a selection of articles from this column into ‘The 500 Word Writing Buddy’, available in print and ebook on Amazon and other retailers. Double Stakes, her latest European thriller featuring half-French, half-British Mélisende, is now out.
Book Club
This month’s book reviews
Falling For Provence
By Alison Roberts review by Jacqueline Brown
Alison Roberts was a new writer for me, but it didn’t take long before I was looking her up to see what else she has written, and it came as no surprise to read that she had spent some time living in France. Her experience, love and passion for French life was evident from the beginning of the book.
Within the first few chapters we had a heroine suffering from a personal traumawho desperately needed the healing powers only a dose of France can provide, a moody, troubled Frenchman who I couldn’t wait to learn more about, plus a shiny red bicycle with a basket, a stray dog and two donkeys, to say nothing of the olive grove and lemon orchard in Provence. Needless to say, I was so happy in this book, I didn’t want it to end.
Ellie’s task of breathing new life into a forgotten Provencal house that she and her sister’s had unexpectantly inherited, was the perfect change of scenery she needed at a difficult time in her life. There were plenty of emotional situations, trauma and heartache in this book, but they were always treated sensitively and with care. As the characters created new memories, they began to heal hearts broken through no fault of their own. Ellie’s time in France ultimately changed not only her life, but the lives of many of the characters.
There was nothing I didn’t enjoy in this book. It was colourful, healing, hot and calming all at once, as well as being a little crazy at times too. It truly was a feast for all my senses as Alison’s exquisite descriptions of food, place and emotions came to life.
ASSURANCES MAUCOURT
The Paris Chapter
by Victoria Walters review by Jacqueline Brown
I felt for Tessa from the beginning of this book. How can a romance writer finish her latest novel, when her heart has been broken by her ex-boyfriend and she no longer feels the love for anything. Heading to Paris alone was part running away from her publisher and the looming deadline, part to give her the head space to recover. Finding Ethan might have been an unwelcome addition to her Paris apartment, but he was thoughtful, had extensive knowledge of Paris, especially the places every romance author should be visiting, and he was pretty handy in the kitchen too. It could have been a worse mix-up.
What followed was an hilarious, lighthearted escape to the City of Love, with more than a bit of magic from the fabulous characters, especially the very Parisian, Juliette. It was an addictive read, that got my temperature rising and left me with a huge grin on my face.
Behind the steamy emotions were the serious messages about loving ourselves and finding someone who we can be ourselves around, as well as the importance of having a good friendship network to rely on when things get tough. Tessa certainly had a lot to learn, both about herself, and the difference between a tall, dark and handsome love rat and a man who knows how to treat a lady.
This might have been the first Victoria Walters book I’ve read, but it won’t be the last.
Atelier adventures
We’ve just arrived back from a short getaway in Nantes, one of the nearest cities, just a short drive from us in the north of the Deux-Sèvres, in LoireAtlantique. Our main reason for being there was to celebrate our anniversary and to do that, we’d booked a workshop which would tick something off our bucket list: glassblowing!
I love an atelier, and there are so many on offer in and around the Deux-Sèvres. I have a bit of a cheat way to find them on a partnership website, and I also look at what’s on offer nearby. We also run some at the farm too.
Glassblowing has been something we’ve wanted to try for a long time, especially after watching a TV show where glassblowers compete and face different challenges each week. The
Sophie Hargreaves
workshop we attended was four hours long and, in that time, with a lot of help and guidance, we each created an ornament (really, that was to gain some experience heating up and manipulating the glass), a colourful paperweight, and a glass of our choice. Will and I chose to make matching whisky glasses… and mine was better! It was so much fun, and I highly recommend it, or trying any other workshop to learn a new craft or discover something amazing in our region. There’s so much out there to explore and it’s really popular too, so much so that it has had a massive impact on our work here.
When planning our move to France to set up a business, we had in our minds what we thought this would look like and the activities we would be launching at the farm. All of this was set out in a neat and well-presented business plan, and full of excitement. Most of the activities in the original business plan are still offered at the farm today, but one activity that was never in the original business plan, and now makes a regular appearance at the farm, is our wool workshops! The French love an atelier (workshop), and it’s a real joy to share our passion for the alpacas in a way that is both creative and skilful.
The idea really came from a friend we’d made here, who offers their own workshops to customers in their amazing craft of blacksmithing. We’d become friends with L’Atelier d’Acryle after meeting Carole and Elie at local markets here in the Deux-Sèvres, and in 2021, I bought Will a day at their forge to create his own hand-forged knife under their guidance. He loved it! They really appreciated what we did at the farm, and encouraged us to share this through workshops with the souvenirs we create from our alpacas’ wool.
We delivered our first workshop in April 2022, and since then, we’ve presented hundreds of wool workshops for people of all ages, including hosting groups of up to 25 children, ranging from ages 3 to 16, who can come and create souvenirs from our alpacas’ wool.
Sometimes you can’t take home your creations immediately. Last month, I also attended a clay modelling workshop, creating a hand-sculpted bowl with detailed decoration, and I’m excited to return to paint it now that it’s had its initial firing. I’m eagerly awaiting our glass creations too, which are being gently cooled in the annealer. I really hope I don’t break any of the glass too soon after picking it up!
I’d love to encourage more people to take a look at what workshops are available to them, whether near or further afield, and get involved with this culture of learning new skills from artisans who share their passions. Next on my wish list are a mosaic workshop, rug making, blacksmithing (for myself), and French pâtisserie. I’d love to exchange information and ideas, so please get in contact if you want to know more or have other suggestions.
www.lapetitefermedalpagas.com
email: hello@lapetitefermedalpagas.com
solid and then switch to manual focus. When they start the display, my next task is to grab some test shots to check that focus and adjust accordingly.
All displays are different, but most operate a series of fireworks with brief pauses between the sets. Their rhythm is valuable as it can help you work out how long you need to keep the shutter open.
Capturing three of four bursts in a single shot can mean a shutter speed
of 10 to 30 seconds. You can do this with a finger on the shutter button but that might introduce your own vibrations. A timer might work but throws in a lot of guesswork, so a remote control or cable release is best. And working out when to release the shutter and finish the photograph can be even tougher. So, you need to take lots of photographs because some of them will be messy. If you wait for the
perfect set of fireworks, you will have missed them.
Make sure you also enjoy the display and watch out for others, especially children, who may be running around.
If you would like to discuss your photographs and mine and those of other friendly photographers, please get in touch with me at stevemarshall128@gmail.com
Chicken Lickin'
Our first lot of chickens sadly died; I think from bird flu. One by one they started staggering about, and then, even the staggering ceased, and they just sat on the spot looking at the ground. I then had to dispatch them, which was a very upsetting business. So, when Anna, my wife, suggested getting some more, I wasn't keen. As usual she ground me down with the promise that if there was any dispatching to be done, she was head of dispatchments. The other thing that swung it was that all chickens are vaccinated now against bird flu.
Anna was going to Thouars market on Friday to poultry purchase so I had a few days to get the coop and orchard chicken-ready; the door had warped, and a few fencing panels needed adding. Amazingly, two years on, the electronic door we bought from China was still working with a set of new batteries.
Anna produced a metal feeder she had bought for 50€. "50€!" I shrieked like a girl. "What's wrong with the old one?"
The new one looks like a chicken guillotine...the chooks stand on a little platform, which raises a panel, allowing the birds to access the top quality, premium feed Anna also purchased.
The man who sells chickens at Thouars market was on his congés, so not one to be disappointed Anna went to our nearest Gamm vert and paid three times as much for four birds, two whites (Sussex breed), one black and a grey...very attractive.
'Aren't we supposed to start the chickens in the coop and let them settle?' I suggested. As Anna, like an impetuous child, ignoring my advice, tipped the cardboard box upside down tumbling the confused birds out.
'Have they had their wings clipped?' I asked, sounding like a poultry expert.
'Yes, I think the man at Gamm Vert said they had'. Anna lied.
The hens looked very disorientated, with all the orchard available to them they huddled together in a corner. Anna and I had a cup of tea and a Bakewell tart and watched Mr. Black, Mr. Pink, Mr. White and Mr. Blue acclimatising. It started getting dark and the chickens were making no sign of ascending the ramp to their penthouse. We looked at them...they looked at us.
I got some garden canes, and we tried corralling them towards the ramp that led to bed. The plan was that I would hem them into a corner and Anna would grab one, but at the last moment she bottled it, and the chicken ran off. The canes weren't cutting the mustard, so I went and got the long swimming pool net used for scooping dead mice from the pool. This worked like a treat on the first couple; Anna would net them, and I would extract them from the net and post them through the coop door. All that and in our p'jimmy-jams and dressing gowns too, gawd knows what our French neighbours must have thought.
The third chicken got wise to this and when we approached her with the net she took to the skies and landed in a very tall blackthorn hedge. On realising they could fly; the fourth one took to the hedge too. I gave Anna the most withering look I could muster ...'clipped wings?' I thought, but didn't say...she understood
By now it was dark. A ladder was acquired, and I fumbled around in the hedge effing and jeffing under my breath. If I was going to spend the night perched on top of a hedge, I wouldn't choose blackthorn, my arms were cut to ribbons, but I managed to grab the third. In the end, after much blood loss, it was decided the last chicken would have to take her chances with Br'er Fox. To her credit Anna was very apologetic that she had dismissed my initial suggestion of starting them in the henhouse. And after our Friday night bottle of Les Ormes all was forgiven.
The next morning the fourth chicken was alive and well; its little head protruding from the top of the blackthorn. Daylight was the advantage we needed, and we managed to get her back into the enclosure. Wings were cut and the chickens are happy and well and, like a team of forensic police, combing the orchard.
When we returned to Gamm Vert to purchase some disinfectant powder for the henhouse, we noticed one solitary chicken in their enclosure. So, we now have five chickens, Mr. Grey has joined the gang. They have even started laying and have learnt the bedtime drill: ramp, teeth, quick story and then bed.
If you would like to read more ramblings from Mr Shaw, go to www.lifein79.blogspot.com
Charging Ahead
Planning a long journey in an EV
Planning a long journey in an electric car requires some thoughtful preparation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here are some key tips to consider:
Charge Before You Go: Start your journey with a fully charged battery. This will give you the maximum range and reduce the need for frequent stops early in your trip.
Plan Your Route: Use an EV route planning tool like A Better Route Planner (ABRP) https://abetterrouteplanner.com to map out your journey. These tools can help you locate charging stations along your route and estimate charging times.
Know Your Range
• Check your real-world range, not just the manufacturer’s claim. Cold weather, speed, hills, and air conditioning can affect this.
• Leave some buffer - plan to recharge when you’re at ~20% battery to avoid anxiety.
Charging Strategy: Follow the three golden rules for charging on EV road trips:
• Stop rapid charging around 80% full, as charging beyond this point takes much longer.
• Plan to stop before your battery hits 20% to avoid stress and maintain battery health.
• Choose reliable charging networks like PowerDot, Total Engeries, Instavolt, Osprey, MFG, and Gridserve.
Overnight Charging: If possible, choose accommodation with charging facilities. This allows you to charge your car overnight and start each day with a full battery.
Pre-Trip Checks: Make sure your EV is in good condition before setting off. Check tyre pressure, fluid levels, and ensure your charging cables are in good working order.
Drive Efficiently: Driving at a steady speed and avoiding rapid acceleration can help maximize your range. Slowing down slightly can also make a significant difference in your energy consumption.
Be Prepared for Delays: Make allowances for broken or occupied chargers. Having a backup plan for charging stops can save you from unexpected delays.
Prepare for Weather Conditions
• Cold weather reduces range - precondition your car while plugged in and use heated seats instead of cabin heating.
• Hot weather? Pre-cool your car while charging and park in the shade.
Use Charging Time Wisely
• Plan charging stops atplaces with amenities: cafes, restaurants, shops, or scenic spots.
• Stretch, relax, and enjoy - it’s part of the EV travel experience!
Costs: Be aware that the cost of public charging is cheaper in France than it is in UK, therefore consider charging before you get on the boat, or travel through the Channel Tunnel.
Stay Informed: Familiarise yourself with your EV's range, charging capabilities, and energy efficiency. Understanding your vehicle's data, such as battery level and range estimations, will help you make informed decisions on the road.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a stress-free and ecofriendly journey in your electric car. Safe travels!
Steve Morton
Understanding PDF Technology and the benefits of using PDFgear over Adobe Reader
PDF, short for Portable Document Format, is a universal file format developed by Adobe in the early 1990s to present documents consistently across devices and platforms. It preserves fonts, images, graphics, and layouts, making it ideal for sharing everything from simple forms to complex reports. Over the years, PDF has become the global standard for digital documentation.
At the core of PDF technology is its ability to encapsulate text, images, and interactive elements like hyperlinks and form fields in a compact file format that can be easily viewed, printed, and archived. PDFs are also secure; they can be encrypted, password-protected, and digitally signed, making them trusted for contracts, official communications, and educational materials.
For years, Adobe Reader has been the go-to software for viewing PDFs. However, as technology evolves, new tools like PDFgear have emerged, offering more flexibility, speed, and functionality - often without the baggage of a large software suite.
Why Choose PDFgear Over Adobe Reader?
1. Free and Lightweight: Unlike Adobe Reader, which often requires updates and consumes more system
resources, PDFgear is a free, lightweight solution that launches quickly and runs smoothly on most devices.
2. No Ads or Bloatware: PDFgear offers a clean, distraction-free interface. Adobe’s software sometimes comes bundled with promotional content or prompts to buy other Adobe products.
3. All-in-One Features: PDFgear includes not just viewing but editing, converting, merging, splitting, and compressing PDF files - functions that typically require separate Adobe subscriptions or third-party tools.
4. Cloud and AI Integration: PDFgear leverages cloudbased functionality and even offers AI tools like summarising PDFs or extracting key informationfeatures Adobe typically reserves for paid tiers.
5. Cross-Platform Support: PDFgear works across Windows, macOS, and online platforms, allowing users to access and manage their PDFs anywhere, without needing to install bulky software.
In short, PDFgear provides a streamlined, efficient, and costeffective alternative to Adobe Reader, especially for users who need more than just a PDF viewer without the complexity of a full Adobe suite.
You can download PDFgear for free from www.pdfgear.com
Jason Khan
Village Vibes
Celebrating the Fête de l’Entrecôte in Noirlieu
Every year, the small village of Noirlieu in the north of the Deux-Sèvres comes to life with the aroma of grilled beef and the vibrant energy of community festivals. The Fête de l’Entrecôte has become a much-loved tradition, celebrated on the first Sunday in July, bringing locals and visitors together for an evening of fun, food and entertainment and kicking off the summer season of festivals in the region. The first time we visited, we were amazed that this small village of 250 inhabitants could attract more than 2000 visitors!
The Fête de l’Entrecôte was created over three decades ago with the simple aim of celebrating Noirlieu’s close ties with the rich agricultural heritage of beef production in the Bocage region. Over the years, this annual event has become one of the main highlights in the local calendar. This years event takes place on Sunday 6 July, doors open at 5pm with steaks being served from 7pm.
Organised by the Comité des Fêtes de Noirlieu, the festival owes its success not just to the food on offer but also to the tireless work of a team of around 15 organisers and more than 100 volunteers. 2025 will be a significant milestone for the festival as it celebrates its 31st anniversary with even more festivities and a fantastic fireworks display.
The crowning glory of the Fête de l’Entrecôte is, of course, the food. The culinary centrepiece is the entrecôte (rib-eye steak), which is cooked to perfection over an open wood fire. For just €17, you get a full menu with entrecôte, fries, cheese and a cake for dessert. With 300 meals available to pre-order and a further 1,000 steaks sold on site, there's plenty to satisfy hungry festival-goers. There's also another stand that sells chips and sandwiches - ideal if you're vegetarian or just want to avoid the queues.
When you arrive at the Fête de l’Entrecôte, you'll find free parking and a ticket office that accepts cards, cash or cheques, where you can buy your meal (if you haven't already bought it online) and branded plastic cups. The cups are available for a €1 deposit and are the only glasses accepted at the bar. Beer, wine and soft drinks are served at the bar, and there is also a stall selling bottles of local wine.
In addition to the food, the Fête de l’Entrecôte also offers a lively programme of activities and performances. For families, the festival has prepared an entertainment programme for children, including wooden games, inflatable play equipment and an entertainer who makes balloon animals.
The event is organised and driven by the energy and dedication of local volunteers. It brings neighbours, friends and visitors together to celebrate shared heritage and community of the village. Proceeds often benefit local initiatives and make the festival an important part of the cultural and social fabric of Noirlieu and beyond.
For more details visit: facebook.com/fetedelentrecote
To order your steak in advance visit: helloasso.com/associations/ comite-des-fetes-de-noirlieu
Le Lac, a hidden gem in the north Deux-Sèvres
Le Lac restaurant in Argentonnay is beautifully situated on the tranquil waters of Lac d’Hautibus, a lake whose history dates back to its creation in the 15th century. The restaurant, run by business partners Fabrice and Eric, has become a firm favourite on the local dining scene. With its perfect combination of friendly service, fresh ingredients and outstanding cuisine, it is a favourite with locals and visitors alike.
Our Saturday evening visit began with a warm welcome from Eric, who showed us to our table on the terrace. The outdoor seating, with its stunning views of the lake, provides a tranquil yet sophisticated atmosphere ideal for a relaxed dinner. The tranquil surroundings and the soft hum of conversation enhanced the experience before we had even taken a single bite.
We started with a sharing aperitif planche for three, rather than ordering individual starters. As our daughter struggles with allergies, we were grateful for the kitchen’s flexibility in adapting the planche. The platter arrived as a well thought out spread that met all our needs without compromise. We enjoyed a selection of Kir pétillants with it, which with its delicate sparkle and variety of fruity flavours made for a lively start to the evening.
For our main courses, we each chose something different, demonstrating the versatility of the restaurant. The Iberico pork was superbly cooked, tender and succulent and served on a bed of creamy, buttery polenta. A red pepper sauce rounded off the dish and added just the right amount of warmth and tang. The seafood paella was equally impressive. It was generously filled with fresh seafood and gently seasoned, giving it a deep and satisfying flavour. The inclusion of chorizo wasn’t to our daughter’s liking,
but it was very welcome on her father’s plate instead. My wife opted for the Ail de Raie, a dish that demonstrated the beauty of simplicity. The fish was flawlessly cooked, tender and delicate, paired with perfectly steamed potatoes and a caper butter. This simple approach emphasised the freshness and quality of the ingredients. The menu is also notably varied and includes dishes for vegetarians, which is a welcome addition.We drank a carafe of local Domaine de la Gachère rosé with our meal, which was crisp and refreshing and complemented each of the dishes effortlessly.
For dessert, two of us chose refreshing sorbets, one with a splash of vodka as a classic Colonel. The third dessert, a selection of ice creams, was creamy and indulgent without feeling heavy - a light and enjoyable end to an excellent dinner.
The service throughout the evening was professional and warm, striking a balance between attentiveness and discretion. The staff were courteous and polite, and some of them were able to assist English-speaking guests, although they never unnecessarily insisted on practising their English with us, which added to the relaxed atmosphere. The bustling restaurant was filled with a mix of French regulars and some English-speaking diners, providing a welcoming and lively atmosphere.
From the idyllic lakeside location to the expertly prepared food and seamless hospitality, Le Lac is a place we've loved for years. Now that we have more time, we look forward to revisiting and rediscovering its charms .
Le Lac Restaurant, Route d'Hautibus Argentonnay 79150 lac-hautibus.fr vinsdomainedelagachere.fr
Ask Amanda
We have now renewed our one-year visa and feel it’s time to sort out our finances. We both had ISAs in the UK - is there anything similar in France?
As expatriates living in France, navigating the financial landscape can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to transfer your financial habits from the UK to your new home. One common query among those who have moved to France is whether there are investment options equivalent to the Individual Savings Accounts (ISA) available in the UK. Understanding the alternatives to ISAs can help you manage your finances effectively while maximising the value of your savings and investments.
I always think it’s a good plan to start with tax efficient savings and investments.
The Livret A is a savings account with a fixed interest rate and is completely tax-free, making it an attractive option for those seeking a low-risk investment. The Livret A has a maximum deposit limit, currently set at €22,950, but it can be a great place to park your money while earning a modest return. This account is especially appealing for expatriates who may want a simple and easy-to-manage savings solution.
Additionally, there are other bank savings accounts in France, such as the Livret de Développement Durable et Solidaire (LDDS) and the Livret d'Épargne Populaire (LEP), which offer similar benefits to the Livret A, often with slightly varying interest rates and eligibility criteria. These accounts are designed to encourage savings among French residents and
can provide a safe and accessible way to manage your finances.
If you are looking for a longer-term investment, then the Assurance Vie is certainly worth considering. This taxefficient wrapper shields your investment from capital gains tax, and once held for 8 years provides an extra tax allowance which can be used to offset taxes on withdrawals. It also has inheritance tax benefits which mean that if you are under the age of 70 when you take out your policy €152,500 per beneficiary is paid to them inheritance tax free. The beneficiary can be anyone you wish to leave this to, which is especially useful when you have stepchildren and grandchildren because the 60% inheritance tax won’t apply. Even if you are over the age of 70 there are still valuable tax benefits, albeit with reduced inheritance tax efficiency. Working with an experienced financial adviser ensures all available financial planning options can be explored, for example in relation to currency choices to avoid unnecessary and expensive conversion from GBP to EUR (or vice versa).
When considering an Assurance Vie investment, it's essential to assess your financial goals, risk tolerance, any income requirements and investment time horizon. Consulting a financial adviser who understands both the UK and French financial systems can provide valuable insights tailored to your situation.
One point to keep in mind is that if you are transferring funds from your UK ISAs to France, there may be tax implications to consider. Withdrawals from ISAs are tax-free in the UK, but there may be a liability for you in France. Careful planning will help to ensure you avoid unexpected and unwelcome surprises
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 & I will be glad to help you. We do not charge for reviews, reports or recommendations we provide.
Amanda Johnson works as an Independent Financial Adviser with the Spectrum IFA Group tel: 06 73 27 25 43 or email: amanda.johnson@spectrum-ifa.com www.spectrum-ifa.com/ amanda-johnson Whether you want to register for a newsletter, attend a roadshow or speak Amanda directly, please call or email her. The Spectrum IFA Group do not charge for reviews, reports, or recommendations.
« 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 »
It’s June already, although I don’t know why this surprises me as every year, I exclaim at how quickly time passes. The winter months seem interminable but as soon as spring is here it’s practically summer! I recently read a piece about how, in countries in south and south-east Asia, the New Year is celebrated in mid-April instead of January. This makes sense to me as January is a difficult month with limited hours of daylight and miserable weather; far better to celebrate new beginnings when everything is springing to life, the sun is shining, and we can hope that things will turn out well.
Things do all seem to happen at once; the period of waiting until we can open the hives and carry out inspections is over, and we are now very pleased that we made all our preparations while we had the time. Our swarm management procedures worked a treat and none of our colonies have swarmed so far, regardless of what type of hive they live in. This year, we used modified versions of a well-known process called the Demarée method. This entails separating the queen and a few frames containing some brood (young bees in all stages) and nurse bees to look after them, from the majority of the other foraging bees. They are placed into different brood boxes in the same ‘tower’ with a smaller ‘super’ box and a queen excluder in between them so that the whole colony can still sense the queen’s positive pheromones, but she can’t move between the boxes. All the foraging bees who would perhaps have sensed the colony was running out of space and made the decision to swarm are ‘tricked’ into thinking they are already in a new space as they have enough room and, if there are eggs in the box with them, they may (not always) decide to raise a new queen themselves which means that
after three weeks, you may have two colonies in your tower.
We have been able to raise new colonies with strong queens like this as well as by splitting some of our hives that already showed signs that they wanted to swarm and had made queen cells so that they could leave a new, unhatched virgin queen in the original hive before flying off to pastures new. And we’ve even re-homed a few swarms from trees this Spring too, our favourite so far being a small but very calm swarm we were called to which was at waist height, so no ladders needed!
While colonies are in the process of becoming established, it’s a good time to mark the queens as they are (a bit) easier to find when there are only 40,000 bees in the hive instead of 80,000 at the height of the season. We mark our queens for two reasons, (a) to be able to find them during an inspection and (b) to age them, as each colour denotes the year that the queen was hatched. This year the colour is blue so, once we are sure the new queen in a colony is mated and successfully laying eggs, we can mark her. We have also been marking the queens that we acquire in swarms, and as bees swarm with their existing queen, we hedge our bets and mark her with last year’s colour (green for 2024). Recently we captured a swarm and set about marking the queen. She was a large Buckfast bee, easy to spot and catch in the queen-marking cage…. along with several other worker bees! While we daubed her with a spot of green beefriendly paint we had to chuckle at the other bees who were trying to escape through the gaps in the cage, nosey so-and-sos…
Along with the pleasure derived from seeing new queens and renewing our acquaintance with last year’s colonies, is that of welcoming new students on our courses. From people who come along on our taster sessions to see what it’s like inside a hive, to those who want to learn how to keep bees and gain the confidence to do so, it’s wonderful for us to share our passion and experience. Please do get in touch if you’d like to venture into this fascinating world!
Amanda and Kevin Baughen, 13 Bees, Confolens www.13bees.co.uk email: info@13bees.co.uk telephone 0545 71 22 90
OVERSEAS REMOVALS
Fortnightly deliveries to the Deux-Sèvres.
Hassle-free customs clearance
Careful removal service between UK-France-UK
Full house moves, part loads to single items and vehicles.
Free pre-move storage for part loads.
Deliveries accepted on your behalf between 8am-4pm, Monday to Friday
French-speaking crew. Owner operated since 1995.
International transport licence.
PLEASE CALL STEPHEN on +44 (0) 7966 287430 or email: smartmovers@hotmail co uk
Welcome back to my garden diary for June, flaming June! This month I thought I would share the story of how we came to have our garden here, alongside the jobs for the month.
In 2006 we found a house to buy here in north Vienne, just a few kilometres from the Indre and Loire border. The house was built in 1944/45 by a local family of hairdressers, and they set up in business in the front salon. In 1969 the salon closed and at some point, half the garden had been sold to a house across the road.
In the 1950’s, various roses were planted, according to our neighbour René over the road, including a Peace rose and Queen Elizabeth rose by the front door. The house and garden lay empty until 1999; I don’t think the garden had been touched really, apart from a strip mown to a washing line. Our first spring here in 2007 involved mowing a patch for our table and chairs and looking at the roses which were flopping all over, especially the Peace rose growing into the street. Although beautiful, it had to be tamed.
Over 10 years we gradually reclaimed parts, temporarily at least, and at Easter in 2010 our near neighbour Cyril came to see us. He needed to sell his garden,
which was the piece that had originally belonged with our house. Put simply, he needed to buy a bigger car as his wife was having a third child. At the time, we wondered if we would ever fulfil our dream to move in full-time. However, over time, reuniting the gardens proved to be the right decision. We finally moved here full-time, and I watched the garden over four full seasons before doing much at all.
In the first 12 months, I watched where the sun reached in each month, got to know the soil and how it varied over the garden. I learned about saving water and we installed guttering on the sheds to collect it. Gardening with the moon, ever popular here, I learned partly from René and partly from a book. I discovered what plants would grow in this climate, soil type and aspect. I realised how stormy and windy it could be in this part of France, and also how very cold some winters are, and then how terribly dry and barren the garden looked in the heat of the summer. Would anything survive here? I began to have my doubts! I learned to listen more to the birds, to watch them and encourage them to visit our garden. I read a lot of books too, and French gardening magazines.
Clare Hill
Before we moved in, our next-door neighbour Roger had been using part of the new garden to grow some potatoes, in return for keeping the grass mainly cut, an arrangement which worked well until we actually moved in. Mainly because he was forever leaving gates open and our dog Max needed no encouragement to take himself off on an adventure. Several discussions to no avail later, on closing gates, we planned to have an uncomfortable conversation about reclaiming the potager. It actually turned out better than expected, as on May 8th that year we ended up having a meal with most of the village. Roger told us his back was so painful he couldn’t carry on using our land. We heaved a sigh of relief, I probably had an extra shot of local spirit or two, and Martin and I planned on buying some more fencing to replace the bottom gate to stop Max escaping! Roger’s back turned out to be fine after a few trips to the kiné, so all was well. Between us, we worked out a rough plan. We both wanted some fruit trees, and I wanted to experiment with growing more vegetables. I had a lot of disasters, from seeds blowing away in their trays, running out of stored water, most of the
snails in the department arriving en masse and eating all my seedlings, to frost getting my kiwi and mirabelle blossom several years in a row.
I became fed up with trying to learn and being thwarted by nature and the weather at every turn! Fortunately, I met an English lady who lived quite near and had gardened here for years, so knew every trick in the book. She inspired my next gardening chapter. Sundays became vide grenier days, searching for plants, and she took cuttings from her plants to share with me. Soon, my garden was looking and feeling like a happier place once more, a sanctuary rather than a battleground.
We had some good friends who were planning to move away and just in the spring of 2021, in between lockdowns, several of their rose bushes, a pink buddleia, and a beautiful Acer among others came to live in my garden. The Acer in particular had been a birthday present, and each year as it unfurls its new leaves, I think of my friend. So, there we have it, a garden of two halves, reunited, lessons learned, and a lot of roses and companion plants inspired by the Peace rose mainly. A lot of work still to do, but the garden is a wildlife-friendly place and always will be as long as I am the custodian. By the time you read this, in June, maybe the sky will be blue, the rain clouds parted, and the temperatures risen. The weather has certainly been challenging for everyone this year, and for nature of course. The soil was beginning to warm up, then cold rain and cold nights arrived in April. The rivers are once again using the floodplain at the time of writing, and we can’t keep up with the rate of grass and weeds growing once again. We did take advantage of our local déchetterie giving away compost, 200 litres to each household, mainly used as mulch on the beds and borders so far. Have a look at your local one, you may find the same arrangement.
Seasonal jobs for June:
• Keep deadheading to encourage more blooms. Most summer flowering plants will benefit from a tidy-up.
• If there is a good downpour, you can add a layer of mulch to your beds and borders. Avoid adding mulch onto dry ground. If added to damp soil, this will help retain moisture and keep the weeds down. Keeping the hoe moving can soon clear annual weeds (a quote from my Grandad there).
• Perennials can still be divided and replanted. Just make sure to keep them watered whether in pots or in the ground.
• Continue to stake and support dahlias, peonies, delphiniums and other taller plants. I tend to use a mix of hazel sticks and metal supports. Keep an eye out for pests on these plants too, removing and relocating them.
• Continue to tie in new shoots from clematis, climbing and rambling
which often put on a
• Now is the time to prune spring-flowering shrubs like kerria, choisya and ribes after flowering.
• Keep on top of the lawn mowing, leaving some wild if you have room to help insect life and birds too. Often, by June, the mower has less use if the grass is drying out. This year, we may have to keep mowing areas for a while longer.
• If growing sweet peas, remember to keep picking them to encourage more flowers. Save the seeds too for following years. June can be ideal for harvesting poppy seeds and aquilegia too. When they have dried on the plant, you can store the seed heads in a paper bag.
• Remember Feeding Friday! Your bedding plants and hanging baskets will benefit from a feed to keep them looking their best. Remember to deadhead regularly too.
• During June, you can plant out the pumpkin and squash family. They can be grown for size or flavour, so check the varieties carefully.
• Pinch out the side shoots of cordon tomatoes, supporting them with either poles or tying them to strings tied from above. These can be grown either outside or in a polytunnel, keep well ventilated.
• If growing potatoes, earth them up as new growth appears. Watch for flowers; once the flowers fade, they may be ready to eat.
• Plant out sweetcorn if you’ve raised them in pots. A grid format works best or plant with beans and squash to form a “Three Sisters” method, where the relationship between the plants supports each other and keeps pests away.
• On apple and pear trees, the rule of thumb is to remove one apple in three, to allow air circulation and for the fruit to grow well. June into July is the time for this.
• Keep an eye on your strawberries and cherries; the birds can soon eat more than their fair share! I’m hoping for more cherries this year from our young trees. Last year we had a few, but the birds kept watch and ate most of them!
• Keep providing water for birds and insects. A shallow container with pebbles will help the bees and dragonflies to land safely.
• Try to spend some time sitting in your garden. Easier said than done, I know. I do try on a Sunday afternoon to take a book into the shade of the trees and relax a while. Those jobs you spot will wait for another day, really they will. Well, that’s all from me for my June diary. Enjoy the start of summer.
À bientôt,
About Clare
Clare, along with her husband Martin and their furry family, moved to North Vienne in 2017. With a passion for plants inherited from her family, Clare is currently studying Horticulture with the Royal Horticultural Society. Previously working in corporate and private banking, Clare now enjoys the tranquility of her garden, where she experiments and nurtures her favorite plants, especially roses. An animal lover, Clare shares her home with 4 rescue dogs and a mischievous puppy. She also loves brocantes and vide greniers and is a Reiki Master Teacher and a Tai Chi/Qi Gong teacher.
www.instagram.com/healing_gardener_clare
Seasonal Recipes
Remy’s Rustic Ratatouille
Step into summer with this rustic ratatouille recipe, inspired by the much-loved film. This dish showcases the best of seasonal vegetablescourgette, aubergine, peppers, tomatoes, and fragrant herbs like basil and thyme. Layered in a rich tomato sauce and beautifully arranged, these fresh, flavourful ingredients create a dish that’s sure to impress everyone, from casual diners to the toughest critics.
INGREDIENTS
Ratatouille:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
400g tinned chopped tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato purée
1 tsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
or ½ tsp dried
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 courgettes
1 aubergine
2 plum tomatoes
Herb oil:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh parsley
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp fresh basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
METHOD
• Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Add the diced onion and cook until it softens, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the crushed garlic and cook for another minute.
• Add the tinned tomatoes, tomato purée, vinegar, thyme, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
• Allow to simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Remove the bay leaf and transfer the sauce to a large, shallow, ovenproof dish, and spread evenly across the base.
• Slice the vegetables. Aim to keep the vegetable slices thin (around 5mm) to ensure even cooking.
• Preheat your oven to 180°C
• Arrange the vegetable slices in a spiral pattern over the tomato sauce base, alternating between courgette, yellow courgette, aubergine, and tomato for a colourful, striped effect.
• Mix the olive oil with the chopped herbs in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle the oil evenly over the arranged vegetables.
• Cover the dish with parchment paper or foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Remove the cover and bake for an additional 1015 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly golden around the edges.
• Serve the ratatouille warm or at room temperature, either as a main dish with crusty bread on the side or as an accompaniment to a meal.
Warm salad with roast beetroot, fennel, apple and crispy capers
This vibrant dish offers a delightful mix of roasted, fresh, and tangy flavours with a hint of crispy texture. For an eye-catching presentation, try using a mix of different beetroot to add varied colours. Fennel is at its seasonal best in France during June, and the bulbs are particularly big and flavourful during this time, making it an excellent addition to this dish.!
INGREDIENTS
3 medium beetroot, peeled and cut into wedges
1 small head of broccoli, cut into florets
1 medium fennel bulb, thinly sliced (reserve fronds for garnish)
1 apple, thinly sliced (eg Chantecler or Pink Lady)
3 tbsp capers, rinsed and patted dry
3 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for roasting)
1 tsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp honey
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or fennel fronds to garnish
METHOD
• Preheat your oven to 200°C / gas mark 6. Spread the beetroot wedges onto a roasting tray. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Roast for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway, until tender.
• Toss the broccoli florets with a little olive oil and season lightly. Add to the oven during the last 10–12 minutes of roasting the beetroot, until they're slightly charred but still green.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the capers. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Arrange the roasted beetroot and broccoli on a serving platter. Layer the thinly sliced fennel and apple on top for crunch. Drizzle over the dressing.
• Scatter the crispy capers over the salad. Garnish with fresh parsley or reserved fennel fronds.
Peaches stuffed with blue cheese and hazelnuts
These roasted peaches are delightful paired with a crisp white wine. With peaches coming into season from late June they also make a wonderful accompaniment to roast meats or a lightly dressed green salad. For a dessert option, add an extra drizzle of honey and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
INGREDIENTS
4 ripe peaches
100g blue cheese (eg Roquefort or Bleu d'Auvergne)
2 tbsp chopped hazelnuts
1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 tbsp honey (optional, for added sweetness)
Olive oil for drizzling
Ground black pepper
Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
METHOD
• Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan 160°C) / Gas Mark 4.
• Slice each peach in half along the natural seam, then gently twist to separate the halves. Remove the stones.
• Place the blue cheese in a small bowl and combine with the chopped hazelnuts and the chopped rosemary. Add the honey if you’d like a hint of sweetness. Mix the ingredients well with a fork until evenly combined.
• Arrange the peach halves, cut side up, on a baking tray lined with baking parchment or lightly oiled foil.
• Spoon the cheese and nut mixture into the cavities of the peaches, dividing it evenly. Gently press the filling into place.
• Drizzle each peach half with a little olive oil and sprinkle with some freshly ground black pepper.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the peaches are tender, and the cheese is melted and slightly golden. Be careful not to overcook as you want the peaches to hold their shape.
• Remove the peaches from the oven and allow to cool for a few moments. Garnish each with a sprig of rosemary.
Radish Top Pesto
Radish tops are often overlooked and thrown away, but they’re packed with flavour and nutrition. This vibrant pesto makes the most of this underappreciated green, turning it into a peppery and creamy sauce that’s perfect for pasta, spreading on toast, or as a dip for veg. It’s fresh, simple, and a great way to reduce food waste!
INGREDIENTS
40g radish tops
20g fresh basil or parsley leaves
25g grated Parmesan
25g nuts (pine nuts, almonds, or walnuts work well)
1 garlic clove
80ml olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
METHOD
• Remove any thick stems from the radish tops and ensure they are thoroughly washed and dried. Wash and dry the fresh basil or parsley leaves.
• Place the radish tops, basil/parsley, grated Parmesan, nuts, lemon juice and garlic clove into a food processor or blender. Blitz until roughly combined.
• While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Stop to scrape down the sides as needed, blending until the mixture is smooth. For a thinner consistency, you can add a little more olive oil.
• Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Blend briefly to incorporate, then taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
• Use immediately as a sauce for warm pasta, a spread for sandwiches, or a dip. If not using straight away, transfer the pesto to an airtight container, cover the surface with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent oxidation, and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• To freeze, spoon the pesto into ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag for easy portioning.
Easy Crossword
ACROSS
1. Baked ice cream dessert (5,6)
7. Baltic state native (7)
9. River that flows through Paris (5)
10. Caesar's March warning (4)
11. Hero of the Trojan War with sensitive heel (8)
12. Resin obtained from a Mediterranean tree (6)
14. French citrus fruit (6)
17. Striped pet (9)
19. Dame __ Everage (4)
22. Slow creature, eaten with garlic (5)
23. Lemonade mixed with syrup (7)
24. Reference book (13)
DOWN
1. Curry dish from Birmingham (5)
2. Baby cats (7)
3. Irish lower parliament (4)
4. Raw fish dish (7)
5. Spirit in The Tempest (5)
6. Admiral who died at the Battle of Trafalgar (6)
8. City on the Riviera (4)
12. French painter known for vibrant colours (7)
13. Perfectly peaceful (7)
15. Tall Sequoia tree (7)
16. Wizard's stick (4)
18. White in French (5)
20. Hawaiian greeting (5)
21. Wine region in California (4)
TAKE A BREAK
Cryptic Crossword
(with many thanks to Mike Morris)
ACROSS
1. Those first to begin our work getting the nod? (3)
3. Engage in friendly contest in supermarket? (4)
5. Length of a brewer's vehicle when it's turned over? (4)
9. Desert wrongdoing for something top quality? (5)
10. Manage to have ice put into the mix? (7)
11. Fall apart but having retained gist in an original form? (12)
14. Click into place in English period? (6)
15. French article existing about keeping together? (6)
18. Manic graph it designed for identical twins? (8, 4)
21. Disney foot-tapper gets the rump twitching? (7)
22. A little taster, even without seconds, is quite enough? (5)
23. Acorns etc. found in the fog after Al exchange? (4)
24. "Leading demo, even cheekily knocking-off! Get your cards!" (4)
25. Fix the young lady up, not with trainee though. (3)
DOWN
1. Not pure degree in Kent, for example? (4)
2. No time for putting towns together, but successful nonetheless? (7)
3. Throw over top rate southern joints for other vessels? (7, 5)
4. Alters publicity when covering exercise? (6)
6. Leaders of athletics running events not appearing in stadium? (5)
7. Colour putting finishing touches to grand display scheme? (3)
8. Article on club board describing last place walked? (3, 9)
12. Lots of time to make one's arrangement? (4)
13. Expression of time in prison? (4)
16. Great train yard man makes simple mistake with returning agent? (7)
17. See teen re disturbance of first course of action? (6)
19. Tries to sell last two of products hiding catch perhaps? (5)
20. Plead to cover prominent part of re-emerging marine obstacle perhaps? (4)
21. Possibly thumb through old manuscript headings? (3)
Firstly, a heartfelt thank you to everyone for your continued support throughout the first half of 2025. Your generosity and encouragement have allowed us to carry out some truly meaningful work for local families with disabled children.
We are incredibly grateful to have been in a position to continue assisting families in both big and small ways:
For Lewis (79410) , following his major surgery in January 2025 to improve his mobility, Association Violet contributed €2400 towards his post-operative therapy in Madrid in March. We then applied to the Blevins Franks Charitable Board, who generously approved funding for his ongoing rehabilitation in April.
Looking ahead, Lewis is preparing to return to the United States in July 2025 for a vital follow-up with his original surgical team. His family is currently fundraising to cover the remaining costs of this essential trip, with a total target of €13,000. We sincerely hope to be in a position to help again.
For Mahé (86380) , we funded a bespoke car seat costing €4069.88. His mother had been told he was not eligible for a replacement, as the government had already funded one previously – despite the fact that he had completely outgrown it. As is often the case, anything labelled "disabled" or "special needs" comes with a significant price tag. This new seat is fully customised and includes growing room, unlike the semi-standard model provided by the state. Being able to provide it has made a real difference to Mahé's daily comfort and safety.
One of the older children (79100) that we support continues to receive monthly therapy sessions to help manage anxiety, also funded by Association Violet.
June 2025 update
Emma (79310) recently underwent surgery in April 2025 to correct issues affecting her mobility and posture, which had been causing her increasing discomfort. She is currently in a full body cast and will require at least six weeks of rehabilitation once it is removed. We have pledged to support her through this next stage and will do as much as we can - though our funds are running low. As always, the children’s needs are ongoing, and we can only do what we do thanks to your support.
In addition to one-off donations and events, our monthly quizzes form the backbone of our fundraising, providing reliable and consistent income that helps us support families all year round. We are incredibly grateful to Le Nouveau Bar de la Poste L'absie, who have been outstanding in their continued support - not only hosting our monthly quizzes, but also organising an Easter hamper draw, collecting loose change from customers, and always going the extra mile.
Our new quiz night in Fomperron got off to a hopeful start but has unfortunately been slow to gain momentum. Without more local support, we may have to discontinue it.
We are also considering the return of bingo nights at Bar de la Poste, which we previously offered to another association. However, they’re currently not in a position to take it forward, so we’ll be speaking with Julie and Clive about the possibility of continuing it ourselves - please let us know if you'd be interested in seeing it return!
We are still drawing on the generous donation from Big Guy Big World in August 2024, which has allowed us to say "yes" more often to those in needespecially during moments when resources are tight.
Suddenly its’ June, our plant sale will have been and gone, and we can relax!
However, Keynotes choir, in partnership with 5 other French choirs will be performing at:
Eglise Saint Laurent, 79200, Parthenay
On Friday 4th July at 20.30.
Tickets: 10e, under 18’s free.
All choirs singing the same songs, in a variety of languages: total 100 voices!
We’ve been working and(singing!) hard since the New Year, and we have really enjoyed the partnership with all the other
These small, regular fundraisers are vital to the running of Association Violetespecially now, as we’ve had to make the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Garden Party, one of our biggest annual fundraising events. While we have wonderful helpers on the day, we currently lack an events coordinator to manage the crucial planning in advance. If you have experience or enthusiasm for future events, we’d love to hear from you.
We’re also planning to organise a Dinner & Dance at the end of the summer. It promises to be a fun, uplifting evening and hopefully a strong fundraiser for the children. More details will follow soon!
And of course, the much-loved Christmas Market in Terves will take place on 7th December 2025. This will be our second year running the event, and it also marks the 20th anniversary of the English Christmas Market in Terves – a wonderful tradition upheld by local charities over the years.
We’d love your ideas on how to mark this special milestone. We’ve already started collecting tombola prizes, so if you have anything you could set aside for us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
We’re also pleased to share that, thanks to the hard work of our treasurer, we passed our most recent audit without issue. Our accounts are available for viewing if anyone would like to see them - transparency and trust remain at the heart of all we do.
Thank you again for making our work possible. The more we raise, the more we can help. Every bit of support makes a difference.
With gratitude,
The Association Violet Team
choirs. Speaking personally, it’s been an excellent opportunity to practise our French too! Come and see us perform!
Keynotes are also singing at Saint Pardoux on June 21st as part of the Fete de Musique, time to be arranged by the fete committee.
Following on from the successful “Coping with Death in France” workshop, our second one, in partnership with Association Violet, will have been held at Soutiers in May by the time we go to press.
This has been kindly shared and supported by your DSM editor, thank you Kathleen, and if any other association or group feel they could benefit from this workshop, please contact us via email, as shown at the bottom of this artice
Contacts as always:
www.reactiontheatre.eu
Email: reaction theatrefrance@gmail.com
Facebook: Reaction theatre Association
Anne Friend
Our Furry Friends…………
Practical tips for pet owners in Summer
Summer can be a great time for you and your pets, but the season also brings additional challenges, from rising temperatures to holiday travel. Following the French Ministry of Agriculture's recently published guidelines, here are some expert tips to keep your furry friends safe, comfortable and happy.
Heat can affect pets quickly, so it’s important to keep them cool and hydrated. Always provide fresh, clean water, ideally changed every four hours. Make sure they have shady or cool places to rest and avoid moving them in strong sunlight. For dogs, you should check the ground conditions
before walking them, as cobbles or sand can burn their sensitive paw pads. Look out for signs of heat stress or dehydration, such as lethargy, heavy panting or loss of appetite. And most importantly, never leave your pet in a parked car, even for a short time, as the temperature inside can rise to dangerous levels within minutes.
If you are planning to travel without your pet, there are a number of options for good care. Boarding kennels and catteries are a good choice and often offer services such as grooming and playtime. You could also opt for a pet sitter who will feed,
Open every Tuesday 10am - 4pm and the last Saturday of the month 10am - 2pm
Shop & Cafe open every Wednesday 11am - 3pm
Donations of items for the shop and cat food welcome. Reserve a cat for adoptionAll money raised goes towards the wellbeing of the cats
Every month we also welcome: Oh My Lord Francks Fish & Chips, LC Food Truck Burgers and Veggie Truc Curry
Check our Facebook page for dates
Boutique et café tous les mercredis de 11h à 15h
Les dons d'articles pour notre boutique et de nourriture pour chats sont les bienvenus. Réservez un chat à l'adoption. Tous les fonds récoltés contribuent au bien-être des chats.
Chaque mois nous avons : Oh My Lord Francks Fish & Chips, LC Food Truck Burgers et Veggie Truc Curry
Consultez notre page Facebook pour les dates
play with and care for your pet in its familiar environment. Another option is to organise care with friends, neighbours or pet owner groups via pet sitting exchanges. Remember that boarding kennels and catteries require up-to-date vaccinations, so you’ll need to schedule any necessary vet visits well in advance.
Travelling with pets, especially abroad, requires careful preparation. Vaccinations must be up to date and pets need identification documents such as a health certificate and, for international travel, a pet passport. When crossing borders, make sure your pet fulfils the necessary regulations; some countries have stricter quarantine or vaccination requirements. Take regular drinking breaks while travelling. Dogs often benefit from occasional opportunities to stretch their legs, while smaller animals such as cats should be kept in a secure carrier with good ventilation.
If you’re a UK resident and travelling with a pet you can find all the up to date information here: gov.uk/takingyour-pet-abroad
For French pets travelling to the UK visit: gov.uk/bring-pet-to-great-britain
11am to 3pm, Thursdays & 1st Sunday of the Month
1 Rte de la Mare aux Loups Louba 79190 Clussais-le-Pommeraie Facebook Groups: Hope79 Sauze-Vaussais Furniture for Sale Hope Association Charity Shop 79 info@hope79.org www.hope79.org
Pet Insurance
When you know that the average price for a ruptured ligament is between €300 to €800, €1000 for a broken leg and up to €2000 for a hip replacement, why not consider pet insurance.
First of all, pet insurance is for dogs and cats only! We don’t want to know about parrots, snakes, rats or other extravagant animals that don’t sleep on sofas! Yes, my Labrador is allowed on my sofa, but I would not let a snake or a rat on it! Note that we do a special insurance for horses but we don’t call it pet insurance.
Dogs that are part of a stag or fox-hunt (too accident prone) are refused.
You must declare that your dog or cat is healthy at the time you take out the insurance and that it is up to date with all its vaccines.
Your pet has to be tattooed or chipped to be insured. We only need to know their name, birth date and what breed it is to give you a quote. For the contract, we need the tattooed number or chipped reference number.
Your pet must be between 3 months and 7 years old. Before and after that age we cannot start the insurance. The level of cover does not decrease with the age of the pet and it will be insured until it dies.
There are 3 levels of cover:
Accident
Reimbursement
Excess per year €20 €30
Preventive health measures such as vaccines, castration, worm pills, flea and tick treatment, etc
Funeral cost No
There is a respite for the claim of 2 days if it is an accident and 45 days if it is a disease and 6 Months in case of surgery following a disease. There is a discount when you have more than one pet insured (10% discount per additional pets and 15% after the third one).
Premiums per Month:
Example of Class 1 dogs: American Staffordshire terrier, Berger Australien, Border Collie, Pitbull, etc
Example of Class 2 dogs: Beagle, Labradors, Beauceron, German sheppard, Bloodhound, Puddle, Chihuahua, Dalmatian, Spaniol, golden retriever, King Charles, English setter, Teckel, Yorshire Terrier, Whippet, etc
Example of Class 3 dogs: Boxer, Bullmastiff, Chow Chow, Doberman, Fox-Terrier, Setter Gordon, Shar-pei, Irish Wolfhound,
So, there it is, pet insurance is not complicated to understand so don’t hesitate to take on a new companion from your local S.P.A. (dog and cat rescue home) or any other charitable association!!
And remember to check out our web site www.bh-assurances.fr/en for all my previous articles (“practical information”) and register to receive our monthly Newsletter.
Cap per year €1400 €1700 €2200 Cover/Formula Budget Serenite Confort
And don’t hesitate to contact me for any other information or quote on subject such as Funeral cover, inheritance law, investments, car, house, professional and top up health insurance, etc…
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Agency fees to be paid by the seller.
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7% agency fees included paid by the buyer. Energy class: D Climate class: B
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