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THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY
Welcome!
to ‘The Deux-Sèvres Monthly’ magazine... Issue 20: October 2012. Firstly let me say a HUGE Thank You to so many of you for coming to visit us at o u r fi r s t F o i r e C o m m e r c i a l e i n Secondigny last month. The day was a great success and we are now preparing to do it all again next year! Well, the weather is changing - I’ve noticed that the mornings have turned a little cooler now and we have already ordered our firewood in preparation for starting the burner. Wood burners are beautiful and very economical but they are a lot of hard work....thank goodness Rob loves chopping the wood! Hope you all have a happy October.
à plus, Sarah.
Email: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr or Tel: 05 49 70 26 21.
Annual Subscription. If you would like to receive a copy of ‘The Deux-‐Sèvres Monthly’ magazine by post each month, please complete this form and send to La Bartière, 79130 Secondigny. Please enclose a cheque to cover postage for the year. 28€ within France, 18€ to addresses in UK. (Unfortunately the cheaper ‘printed papers’ rate cannot be applied to addresses within France, only when sending abroad) Full Name: Postal Address: Postcode:
Country:
Tel: Email: Please make cheques payable to SARAH BERRY.
Emergency Numbers: 15 SAMU, Medical 17 Gendarmes, Police 18 Pompiers, Fire
112 European emergency 113 Drugs and alcohol
© Sarah Berry 2012. All rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced without permission. While care is taken to ensure that articles and features are accurate, Sarah Berry accepts no liability for reader dissatisfaction. The opinions expressed and experiences shared are given by individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the publisher. Please ensure you verify that the company you are dealing with is a registered trading company in France and/or elsewhere. <<The Deux-‐Sèvres Monthly>> est édité par Sarah Berry, La Bartière, 79130, Secondigny. Tél: 05 49 70 26 21. Directeur de la publication et rédacteur en chef: Sarah Berry. Crédits photos: Sarah Berry, Clkr et morgeufile.com. Impression: Raynaud Imprimeurs, zone industrielle, BP13, 79160, Coulonges-‐ sur-‐l’Autize. Dépôt légal: octobre 2012 -‐ Tirage: 5 000 exemplaires. Siret: 515 249 738 00011 ISSN: 2115-‐4848
CONTENTS
What’s On.......................................................................................................4 Getting Out & About......................................................................................6 Hobbies, Clubs & Associations.....................................................................13 Take a Break..................................................................................................14 Our Furry Friends..........................................................................................15 Health, Beauty & Fitness..............................................................................16 The Great Outdoors......................................................................................17 French Life, Food & Drink.............................................................................20 French Adventures.......................................................................................24 Motoring.......................................................................................................25 Communications...........................................................................................26 Building & Renovation..................................................................................29 Business, Finance & Property.......................................................................34
THIS MONTH’S ADVERTISERS 79 Renovations........................................................................................30 Abordimmo.............................................................................................39 Ace Pneus (Tyre Supplier & Fitter)......................................................... 25 Affordable UK Designs (Kitchens & UPVC D/Glazing).............................2 AKE Petits Travaux (Builder)................................................................... 31 Alan Pearce (Plumbing & Heating)......................................................... 29 Andrew Longman (Plumber)...................................................................29 Andrew Quick Building Services............................................................. 31 An English Nursery in France (Garden Centre).......................................19 Antiquites Decoration & Galerie du 309................................................ 6 Architect anglais en France (Vaughan Abbott)...................................... 33 Art Course, Josie Bounds........................................................................ 6 Auberge de Blanzay................................................................................ 21 Blevins Franks Financial Management Ltd............................................. 35 Bois Nature Energie (Firewood Supplier)............................................... 18 British Mobile Mechanic (John Purchase)..............................................25 Cabinet Harel (Chartered Accountant)................................................... 36 Cafe Cour du Miracle.............................................................................. 22 Café des Belles Fleurs............................................................................. 20 Chris Bassett Construction..................................................................... 32 Chris Dwyer (Handyman)....................................................................... 30 Christies (English Book Shop and Tea Room)......................................... 6 Cottage Services (Garden Maintenance)............................................... 19 CSB Construction.................................................................................... 30 Cut 46 (Hair Salon).................................................................................. 16 Dave Bowring (Electrician)..................................................................... 32 D J Maintenance (Handyman)................................................................ 30 David Watkins (Chimney Sweep)........................................................... 32 deVere Group (Financial Advisors)......................................................... 37 Energie-‐79............................................................................................... 29 Fresco Interiors (Interior Design)............................................................33 Garage Planchet (Renault)......................................................................26 Gardening & Cleaning Services (Dean Smalley)..................................... 37 George Rayner Computers..................................................................... 26 Hair by Janet........................................................................................... 16 Hallmark Electronique (Electricians & Sat. Engineers)........................... 32 Holistic Therapy (Soul to Sole)............................................................... 17 Homes in France (Estate Agent)..............................................................39 Insink Plumbing...................................................................................... 29 John Etherington (Home and Garden)................................................... 19 John Snee (Groundworks & Septic Tanks).............................................. 34 John Spray Maçonnerie (Stonemason).................................................. 32 Julie’s Cleaning Services......................................................................... 37 Keith Bassett General Building Services................................................. 31 La Deuxieme Chance (Annie Sloan chalk paint supplier)....................... 33 La Joie de Vivre....................................................................................... 6 Le Forgeron (Ornamental Ironwork).......................................................32 Le Logis (Rare Breed Pigs in France)....................................................... 21 Leggett Immobilier.................................................................................. 38 Man & Van.............................................................................................. 26 Michael Glover (Plasterer, Renderer & Tiler)......................................... 32 Michael Hobson (Painter & Decorator).................................................. 33 MS Electrique (Electrician)..................................................................... 33 Mutuelle de Poitiers Assurances............................................................ 26 Neal’s Yard Consultant (Suzanne Thorne).............................................. 16 Nathan Foster Building Services............................................................. 31 Pamela Irving (Massage & Reflexology)...................................................17 Phil Savage (General House Repairs)......................................................33 Philip Irving (Mini Digger hire)............................................................... 34 Plombiere Anglais en France (Plumber)................................................. 29 Poitou Property Services.........................................................................38 Premier Autos -‐ Mike Lane (Mechanic).................................................. 25 R&A Services (Renovation)..................................................................... 30 RDK Roofing & Building Services............................................................ 32 Red, White & Blue.................................................................................. 22 Restaurant des Canards.......................................................................... 22 Robert Walker Plomberie (Plumbing, Heating, Air con)........................ 30 Ross Hendry (Interface Consulting & Engineering)................................ 27 Satellite TV (Nigel Gubb)........................................................................ 26 sarl Down to Earth (Groundwork & Construction).................................33 Shaun Grice (Home Renovation)............................................................ 30 Siddalls (Financial Advisors)................................................................... 36 Spectrum IFA Group (Amanda Johnson)................................................ 34 Steve Enderby......................................................................................... 33 Sue Burgess (French Courses & Translation).......................................... 8 The English Mechanic & Son -‐ Tony Eyre................................................25 The Market (Luché-‐sur-‐Brioux).............................................................. 6 Total Renovation Services (Michael Dominey)....................................... 29 Tracey Bowring (Hairdresser)................................................................. 16 Traducteurs Assermentés sarl (Sworn Translators)................................ 9 Val Assist (Translation Services)............................................................. 8 VeVo British Boutique............................................................................ 20 VMP (Windows & Doors)........................................................................2 Page 3
THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY
What’s On... October 2012 5th October -‐ 'Sunny Valentine Quartet' LIVE Jazz Group Playing at Auberge de Blanzay, 86400. Moules Frites available €9.50, bookings are necessary for the food. Tel: 05 49 87 50 87 5th Oct -‐ Phoenix Cards & Gifts. At the Tipsy bar, Coulonges sur L'autize, 4-‐6pm. New Autumn/Winter range from Phoenix available incl Christmas cards, wrapping paper & gifts. Contact Della James 05 49 05 78 61/ dellajamesie2@aol.com for info or to request a catalogue. 5th -‐ 7th October -‐ Hope Association Book Sale 10am to 3pm at The Salle des Fetes, Clussais la Pommeraie, 79190. See P7 for more info. 6th October-‐ Pomm ‘Expo, Secondigny. Opening Ceremony at 2.30pm. Annual apple festival with this year’s theme: Water. For more information see P7 and back page. 6th October -‐ Pétanque Competition At Lac des Effres, Secodigny at 2.30pm 7th October -‐ Pomm’Expo Cycle Race Around the streets of Secondigny, 2pm. 7th October -‐ Fêtes des Plantes Around the Chateau grounds, Bressuire. 10am -‐ 6pm. Please see poster on P7 for more details. 8th & 9th October -‐ Exposition de champignons. At La Courde. See P.7 for more details. 9th October -‐ Randonnée Pédestre (Walking/Hiking) 9am outside the Mairie, Secondigny. 11th October -‐ Pomm’Expo -‐ Talk on Water Mills At le petit théâtre, Secondigny at 2.30pm. Entry free. 12th October -‐ LIVE Music with Kader At Café des Belles Fleurs, Fenioux. See P20 for more details. 12th October -‐ Bilingual Social Evening At The Market, Luché sur Brioux. With wine and beer and fun quiz. Please see P6 for more info. 13th October -‐ Boules en Bois competition At Lac des Effres, Secondigny at 2pm. Organised by la Société de Boules. 14th October -‐ Giant Market / Vide Grenier In the streets of Secondigny -‐ all day, starts early. 16th October: Wine & Card event in aid of MayDay Mes Amis Charity. At La Bodiniere, 79320, Moncoutant, 7.00-‐9.00pm. Phoenix Cards & Gifts, Loulesbelles Clothes & Jewellery and discuss your Christmas order with Red, White and Blue. Tel: 05 49 65 04 09 joashforth.phoenix@gmail.com. 19th October -‐ 'Open Mic Night' with Dennis DeBanks. At Auberge de Blanzay, 86400. Chilli and Rice available €9.50 bookings are necessary for food. Tel: 05 49 87 50 87 20th October -‐ VeVo British Boutique Massive Clearance Sale at Café des Belles Fleurs, Fenioux 11am-‐5pm. See P5 more more info. 20th & 21st October -‐ Fête Automne des plantes et du jardin Big plant and garden event at Prisse la Charriere, 79360 27th October -‐ Café des Belles Fleurs -‐ 1st Anniversary Party LIVE music with Rock duo ‘Alan Vee & Andy Em’, prizes and food -‐ Entrance free. See P20 for more details.
What’s Coming Up... 2nd December -‐ Christmas Fair. At Melleran, 11am -‐ 4pm in aid of Cancer Support Deux-‐ Sèvres. To reserve a table please book early as they are much in demand. Contact Ann on 05 49 27 22 83 or email theashwells@googlemail.com
Monthly services in the English speaking Anglican Church in Deux-‐Sèvres Jassay The Chaplaincy of Christ the Good Shepherd, Poitou-‐ Charentes, has a Home Group Service at Jassay commencing at 11.00am on every 2nd Sunday in the month. It is held at the home of Ann White, a warm welcome awaits everyone for a time of worship and fellowship. St Leger The Chaplaincy of Christ the Good Shepherd, Poitou-‐Charentes, also holds services on the 1st Sunday of each month at 10.30am at St Leger near Melle. After each service, tea or coffee is served and an opportunity to meet other people in the area. Parthenay The Chaplaincy of Christ the Good Shepherd, Poitou-‐Charentes, also holds services on the 4th Sunday of each month at 10.30am in the Presbytery Rooms, rue de la Citadelle, Parthenay, opposite St Croix Church. After each service, tea or coffee is served and everyone is invited to a 'bring and share' lunch. For further details about venue and services consult our website on www.church-‐in-‐france.com
Monthly services in the English speaking Anglican Church in the Vendée: Puy de Serre All Saints, Vendée holds two services each month, on the 2nd and 4th Sundays at the church of St. Marthe, Puy de Serre, at 11am. After each service, tea and coffee is served in the parish room and everyone is invited to a ‘bring and share’ lunch. Other services are held in the west of the Vendée, in La Chapelle Achard and La Chapelle Palluau. For details of these, please check the website: www.AllSaintsVendee.com.
A VERY WARM WELCOME awaits you at ESCOVAL (The English Speaking Church of the Valley of the Loire). Communion Services are held on the 3rd Sunday of each month at La Chapelle de la Bonne Dame de Ranton at 11.30am followed by a Bring and Share lunch. Full details of how to find us may be found on our website at: www.escoval.org or please telephone us at: 05 49 66 79 14. Our GPS address is 46˚59'25.30 N 0˚02'06.22 W.
Contact ‘The Deux-‐Sèvres Monthly’ La Bartière, 79130, Secondigny. Telephone: 05 49 70 26 21 or email: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr or see our website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
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THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY
Open 6-8p La Vendee Chippy m Traditional Fish & Chips in France!
Paperback Jan Books in English
Wednesdays (Oct 17th, 24th, 31st only) Bar ‘Auberge le St Vincent’, St Vincent Sterlanges Thursdays (Oct 18th, 25th only) Bar ‘La Rando’, Mervent. Fridays (Sept 19th, 26th only) Bar ‘Au Bon Coin’, Thoursais Bouildroux
3rd Oct: Cafe Cour de Miracle, Vouvant. 2.30pm-‐4.30pm 4th Oct: Bar le Palais, St Aubin le Cloud. 2pm-‐5pm 4th Oct: Bar La Cabane de Vouhé, Vouhé. 6.30-‐8pm 5th Oct: Bar de la Paix, Thouars. 12pm-‐2pm 5th Oct: Le Tipsy Bar, Coulonges sur l’Autize. 4pm-‐6pm 7th Oct: Café des Belles Fleurs, Fenioux 2pm-‐4pm 9th Oct: Pizzeria Resto Bar, Bressuire. 2.30pm-‐4.30pm 11th Oct: Pause! Cafe, L’Absie. 2pm-‐5pm 12th Oct: Jan’s home, La Ferrière-‐en-‐Parthenay. 11am-‐4pm 13th Oct: Cafe Le Chauray, St Maixent l’Ecole. 10am-‐1pm 25th Oct: Joie de Vivre, Moncoutant. 2pm-‐5pm
For more info please email: lavendeechippy@hotmail.fr
For more info contact Jan on: 06 08 30 73 29 or email: paperbackjan@gmail.com
+ a
little something extra...
Anyone who fancies seeing their writing prowess in print, could think about writing a book review for the spot on Page 12: ‘YOUR Book Reviews’. Sarah is always looking for budding authors to write a piece about 150 words long, describing their take on a particular book. I am offering a prize of one free book to anyone who is successful in having their review printed.
We would love to show more of YOUR Book Reviews. If you would like to share one with us, please send it on an email to: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
Open 6-8p m
Fish 4 Chip Fish, Chips & mushy peas!
Mondays: Bar Tilleuls, Champniers (near Civray) Tuesdays: Sauzé-Vaussais (Main square & can be eaten in local bar) Wednesdays: Chef Boutonne (near Chateau) Thursdays: Sauzé-Vaussais (Main square & can be eaten in local bar) Fridays: Mansle (Car park of Simply Supermarket) Tel: 06 37 53 56 20, or visit: www.mobilefishandchipsfrance.com
Reel Fish & Chips Traditional English style Fish & Chips
3rd October - The Canteen, Etusson 5th October - Bar Tabc PMU, Bouille-Loretz 6th October - Cafe des Sports, L'Absie 17th October - The Canteen, Etusson 18th October - St Martin de Sanzay 19th October - Bar Tabac, Genneton
There are lots of Vide greniers taking place around the region. To find out the latest information try: www.vide-‐greniers.org or
18H30 - 21H00 18H30 - 21H00 18H00 - 22H00 18H30 - 21H00 18H30 - 21H00 18H30 - 21H00
Tel: 06 04 14 23 94, or visit: www.reelfishandchips.net
www.rendezvousduchineur.unblog.fr
Local Markets Tuesdays:
Wednesdays: Thursdays: Fridays: Saturdays:
Sundays:
• Lencloitre (1st Monday in month) (dept.86) • Lezay • Coulonges-sur-l’Autize • Thouars • Parthenay • Sauzé Vaussais • Niort • Thouars • Melle • • • • • •
Chef Boutonne Airvault Niort, St. Maixent l’École Fontenay le Comte Neuville (dept.86)
Mr T’s Friterie Plat à Emporter Traditionnel Britannique
With regular venues at:
• Aulnay • Beauvoir-sur-Niort • Loulay
Open 6-9p m
• Matha • St. Hilaire de Villefranche • St. Jean d’Angély
See www.frying2nite.com for details or call 06 02 22 44 74
Photo: Lisa Roberts
Mondays:
The National Holidays, Religious and Feast Days 2012 (remaining): Thursday 1 November........... All Saints’ Day (La Toussaint) Sunday 11 November............ Armistice Day (Jour d’Armistice 1918) Tuesday 25 December........... Christmas Day (Noël)
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THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY
Getting Out & About...
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THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY
Pomm’Expo, Secondigny A word from Monsieur le maire:
The Pomm’Expo (Apple festival) represents one of the highlights of the year for Secondigny. For this, the 58th Pomm’Expo, which will take place between 6 -‐14 October, Secondigny has chosen as this year’s theme to honour one of the treasures of humanity – Water.
This valuable resource that is seen in our district with the river Thouet and Sevres Nantaise, and other small rivers, naturally make the apple the flagship produce of the Gatîne. Through this theme, Secondigny with water mills and the lake Effres, offers a refreshing 9 days for tourists, fishing enthusiasts or simply lovers of unspoiled nature. A big thank you to Jean-‐Pierre Collineau of the Horticultural Society, and its employees for making the main display. The scenery of the great Tivoli, home of fishermen, the wheel, wells and water will be popular with our visitors. In 2012 as usual, nature and painting will come together on the theme: <Nature and Water Reflections>. Individuals, associations and schools of painting were invited to compose and expose the fruit of their labour. Please note that children can too, give free rein to their imagination <aquatique>: they have their support in a Tivoli.
The Pomm'Expo committee continues the public awareness to the protection of the environment while providing a range of activities in a fun and festive way. Water, a rare precious commodity -‐ make sure we all respect and preserve it! This year it will do as well as previous years. Even better! What would Pomm'Expo be without its regional products, teaching workshops, paintings and trade show? The funfair, the large market and garage sale will close the event on Sunday 14th October 2012, with the sale of apples available at each entrance into Secondigny. Pomm'Expo members are well aware that without the support of Collectives, Sponsors, Associations, Schools and Colleges, they would not realize the impossibility of this great event with such magnitude. They appreciate the support of the Région Poitou-‐Charentes, the department of Deux-‐Sèvres, Pays de Gatine, of the Communauté de Communes, Sponsors, Bakers, of Arborists, of the Fédération de la Chasse et de la Pêche, of the Société d’Horticulture. The Committee would like to thank them all warmly. All the Pomm'Expo team look forward to seeing you in Secondigny for a visit from Saturday 6th to Sunday 14th October 2012. Thank you to our thousands of loyal visitors, of all ages. Monsieur G.Vitré Mayor and President of the Pomm’Expo Committee
THE HOPE ASSOCIATION -‐ HELPING ANIMALS IN NEED THREE DAY BOOK SALE to be held at the SALLE DES FETES, 79190 CLUSSAIS LA POMMERAIE (D45 Sauzé Vaussais to Lezay Road)
FRIDAY 5th, SATURDAY 6th & SUNDAY 7th OCTOBER Doors open 10am to 3pm. THOUSANDS OF ENGLISH AND FRENCH BOOKS FOR JUST 1 EURO EACH. BRIC A BRAC~JULES HALL WITH HER LOVELY SCARVES AND SPICES~EDDIE GRIFFEE WITH HER AMAZING SELECTION OF GREETINGS CARDS~LAURA WALKER SHOWING HER STUNNING HAND MADE JEWELLERY~RAFFLE~REFRESHMENTS WITH YUMMY HOME BAKED CAKES~ENGLISH FISH & CHIPS~BACON BUTTIES and much much more to enjoy! ALL MONEY RAISED FROM THIS EVENT WILL GO TO HELP ANIMALS IN NEED AND SUPPORT OTHER ANIMAL ASSOCIATIONS If you have books to donate, please email: givebooks4hope@gmail.com
Visit our website www.hopeassoc.org
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THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY
Parlez-vous Frenglish?
by Sue Burgess
Je ne parle pas le français. Don't you? If you speak English you most certainly know a lot more French words than you think. A great number of words of French origin have entered the English language. According to different sources, nearly 30% of all English words have a French origin. This fact suggests that 80,000 words should appear in this list. However, this list does not include derivatives formed in English, but only the words imported as such directly from French (for instance joy and joyous can be found on the list, but not joyful, joyfulness). Neither does the list include words which are combinations of words of French origin with words of origin other than French (e.g. Ice-‐cream, sunray, jellyfish). It also excludes English-‐made combinations of words of French origin (e.g. grapefruit is made of grape and fruit). This list does not include words that come from French but were introduced into the English language via another language than French. Most of the French vocabulary now appearing in English was imported over the centuries following the Norman Conquest of 1066, when England came under the administration of Norman peoples. The majority of the population of England continued to use their Anglo Saxon language, but it was influenced by the language of the ruling elite. Words of French origin often refer to more abstract or elaborate notions than their Anglo-‐Saxon equivalents (e.g. Liberty/freedom, justice /fairness), and are therefore of less frequent use in everyday language. It may not be the case of all English words of French origin though.
The vocabulary of heraldry has been heavily influenced by French (blazon, or, argent). Sometimes used in heraldry, some mythological beasts (dragon, griffin, hippogriff) or exotic animals (lion, leopard) draw their name from French. It is also the case for some animals native to Europe, (falcon, squirrel). Vocabulary / Vocabulaire For this month, a little puzzle -‐ match the proper English words to their Frenglish equivalent >après-‐ski/après ski/apres ski (n) >clientèle/clientele (n) >communiqué/communique (n) >déja-‐vu >en route >erquese >fiancé/fiancée >fête/fet >impromptu >impasse >joie de vivre >pied-‐à-‐terre >trompe l'oeil >tour de force >venue
>Without any planning > f e e l i n g o f h a v i n g experienced something before >after-‐ski pastimes >boy/girl to whom one is engaged >impressive achievement >meeting-‐place >on the way >painted to give the illusion of reality >small town house used for short periods >official statement >customers >good behaviour/manners >party/garden party >a dead end situation >state of happiness
After the rise of Henry Plantagenet to the throne of England, other forms of dialectal French may have gained in influence to the detriment of Norman French (notably the variants of Anjou where the House of Plantagenet came from, and possibly Poitevin, the tongue of Eleanor of Aquitaine). With the English claim to the throne of France, the influence of the language in use at the royal court of France in Paris increased. The cultural influence of France remained strong in the following centuries. Norman rule of England had a lasting impact on British society. Words from Anglo-‐ Norman or Old French include terms related to feudalism and other institutions (chancellor, government, parliament, chivalry), the organisation of religion (abbey, clergy), the nobility (baron, count, dame, duke) and the art of war (armour, baldric, dungeon). The Norman origin of the British monarchy is still visible in expressions like Prince Regent, heir apparent, Princess Royal, where the adjective is placed after the noun, like in French.
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DAT
Letters for the Toilet
On arrival in France, Blair McKewen got a knock on the door and the 'facteur' asked "Où est votre boîte à lettres?" Blair thought that the postman was asking "Où est votre toilette" and led him down the entrance hall and through the kitchen. Maybe you have several such short funny stories of misunderstandings in French? If you send them to Peter (contact@traducteurs-assermentes.fr) and he receives enough good ones, he will print them in a new column starting in the new year. Please add your name and whether you'd like it printed or not.
Notes from the North September was a busy month for the Northern Section of the Royal British Legion, Poitou-‐Charentes Linazay Branch. We began the month on at the produce show of Les Jardiniers du Poitou, in the beautiful gardens of Le Logis du Theil. Our stand was manned by members of the Northern Section who enjoyed the day immensely. The produce and entertainment made for a very enjoyable day. The 5th of the month saw us at our second trip to a vineyard in Le Puy Notre Dame. The proprietor took us on a trip around the vines, described methods of production and then took us into the tufa caves below the chateau and vineyards. The tour was followed by a very generous wine tasting, and many of us took advantage of the visit to fill our wine racks. One recommendation here is to always have a nominated driver when going on wine tasting trips as some hosts can be extremely generous. The commemoration for the relief of Parthenay took place on the 6th September, and Branch members and visitors were invited to attend, as we are every year. This was held at the memorial in the Jardin du Public -‐ a short but moving ceremony.
Important! Rules change for Winter Fuel Payments for Ex-pats in the EEA for 2012/2013. See if you now qualify... The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) have announced that ex-‐pats over 60 years of age (Born before 5th July 1951) are now able to claim the Winter Fuel Payment, even if they did not qualify for it before they left the UK. Under the new rules, a claimant should be of suitable age and “have a genuine and sufficient link with the UK, for example, you have lived or worked in the UK for most of your working life”. Your entitlement to a Winter Fuel Payment depends on your circumstances in the qualifying week, for winter 2012/13 this is 17-‐23 September 2012.
‘The Deux-‐Sèvres Monthly’ magazine’s Foire Commercial was the next event on our monthly calendar on 8th September, and once again members and our stand were in attendance. It was an interesting and productive day for the Branch as several persons were interested in joining our ranks, and should have received their membership forms by the time we go to press. Our last event of the month is at Paperback Jan's open day on the 30th September, and as I write we are organizing the horse racing, tombola and tea and coffee stands. October will be another busy time with the commencement of Remembrance Tide and the delivery of Poppy Boxes around the region. Please dig deep when you buy your Poppy and wear it with pride. Terri Laverick, PRO Northern Section.
Please note time limits apply to most Winter Fuel Payment claims and the DWP must receive your claim form for winter 2012/13 by 31 March 2013. The payment is likely to be £200, or £300 if the household includes a qualifying person aged 80 or over. I could not find up to date information on the DWP website as yet. However, for a claim form you may visit: www.direct.gov.uk/ prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/ @over50/documents/digitalasset/dg_202418.pdf. There is more information on this Government website: www.direct.gov.uk/en/Pensionsandretirementplanning/ Benefits/BenefitsInRetirement/DG_198331 For more detailed information you will need to ring the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0845 915 1515. If you use a textphone, the number is 0845 601 5613. The number to contact the DWP is +44 191 21 87777 if calling from abroad. Lines are open from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday UK time.
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Everyone said the French would turn up on Sunday . . .
Glyn, Gordon & Jocelyn were nervous as Sunday 2nd September dawned with only two reservations for the first presentation. However, twenty enthusiastic participants soon joined them. By mid-‐ afternoon seventy people queued for Michel Cordeboeuf’s stories and legends of the Poitou. St Clémentin’s population (500) more than doubled during the three-‐day festival. In their résumé the Linen Press from Edinburgh said, “This festival was special. It was small scale, meticulously organised and warmly welcoming. It was hard to tell who were authors and poets, clustered around Didier’s bar under the blue skies and marquees . . .” Supporting our principal guest Helen Dunmore were poets, novelists, short-‐story writers, musicians, historians, cultural commentators, film makers, and installation artists. A wide variety of genres entertained and challenged -‐ from the musings of a French cow to a workshop on inter-‐textual borrowings between Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath. There was even (alarmingly) the beginning of a Celtic fringe by poets Donal Dempsey and John Hudson. A selection of comments received from authors and visitors will give readers the flavour: • ‘It was terrific -‐ a time of meeting people, thinking, celebrating poetry and fiction, celebrating a shared interest in bilingual 'flying' and how it changes perspectives. . .’ • ‘And the weather! – how fortunate ... and Chez Didier’s … and the hunting-‐horns and frescoes at the chapel … and the wonderful welcome.’ • ‘The festival is still fizzing in my mind -‐ it was absolutely great!’ • ‘A wonderful weekend. Our party from Correze had a truly inspiring and enjoyable time.’ We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who participated: the authors, the public, and our team of friends who made each day run smoothly, selling books, English tea, homemade cakes and raffle tickets to augment the funds (the festival is totally non-‐profit making and, one fears, out-‐of-‐pocket making). Cathy Welch stoically spent twenty hours creating a fine lace bookmark for a ‘fringe’ raffle. Music provided by Brenda Eeds added to the charm of eating out in Didier’s garden whilst our local horn players delivered a rousing chorus of hunting calls both in the Chapelle des Rosiers and the Presbytery courtyard. None of it could have happened without our splendid and far-‐seeing mayor and the willingness of the villagers to put up tents and furnish us with benches, tables and chairs. People came from Normandy, Brittany, Dordogne, Limousin, Haute Marne, Maine & Loire, from Paris, Cognac, Tours, Angers and Poitiers and were not disappointed. Encore, encore, they call! The festival may become part of the Departmental calendar but for this to happen a great deal of input from both English and French enthusiasts will be required. Results of the Segora poetry competition, announced at the Festival, can be read on www.poetryproseandplays.co.uk where a selection of festival photos may be seen. It is intended that a photo-‐montage will be mounted by Anne Darling and Victoria Simmonds for exhibition throughout the region.
‘The Deux-‐Sèvres Monthly’ Trade Fair (Foire Commerciale Anglo-‐Française) Having worked incredibly hard to put together our first Trade Fair last month, I am delighted that it was such a huge success. The event was opened at 10.30am by the Mayor of Secondingy, Monsieur Vitré, and from then Opening Ceremony hundreds of visitors poured into the Salle Alauna 21, Lac des Effres, in Secondigny. Many visitors stayed for hours -‐ browsing the 53 Exhibitors’ stands, having their Fish and Chips lunch and enjoying the live music in the glorious sunshine. The children were entertained by the Bouncy Castles and pony rides, plus of course the many facilities already in situe at the location (playground, crazy golf, cycle routes, pedalos etc). The bar was busy throughout the day serving refreshments and homemade cakes and biscuits -‐ and thanks to some wonderful helpers, everybody was served quickly and with a smile. Thank you again -‐ you know who you are! Bar area
For this 1st Anglo-‐Française event, the majority of exhibitors were British with just a 10% French contingent. The stands included English Books, double glazed windows and doors, Estate Agencies, Companies offering financial advice, jewellery, gifts, massage, reflexology, digger hire, woodburners, painted furniture, stained glass, a local brewery, craft courses, swimming pool builders, herbs and spices, stonemasons, general builders, translators, British Beers, English groceries, clothing, wood carvings, plants, cards and stationery, farm products, computer support, French tutors, photo transfers, beauty products, holiday letting agents, interior design, gardener, chimney sweep, and currency exchange. The atmosphere on the day was incredible and many of the exhibitors have asked for the Inside the busy Salle Alauna 21 event to be repeated each year. So, now that I’ve recovered, I can confirm that the 2nd Foire Commerciale Anglo-‐Française will be held at the same location in Secondigny, September 2013. (Date to be confirmed). This time I would very much like to increase the number of French exhibitors. We do live in France after all. Thank you to everyone who visited and for supporting our local businesses.
Read Glyn Pope’s moving reflections on his final festival blog: http:// segorastclementincelebratetheword.blogspot.fr/2012/09/the-‐final-‐ blog-‐dust-‐needed-‐to-‐settle-‐on.html Lastly it has been a pleasure for me, Jocelyn, to write this series of articles in ‘The Deux-‐Sèvres Monthly’. We know it has been an excellent vehicle for communication. Thank you, Sarah, for giving us space to publicise the festival. Jocelyn Simms is a member of the Nord Deux-‐Sèvres Writers’ Circle. page 10 10 Page
THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY
A whopping 2666.00 € !! The Nattering Network (Réseau Papot’age) offers visits from people who speak English to residents in the Gâtine who might enjoy a good natter! Would YOU like a visit or do you know of someone who would?
For all of us who come to live in France the move carries with it the risk of a certain degree of isolation. We are leaving behind friends and some of our family and then trying to make new friends, some who speak a different language and have cultural traditions with which we are unfamiliar. Although it is often quite good fun and amusing to start with it does not always make it easy to develop the same kind of relationships we have left behind. It's hard to have a really good natter in a second language! Getting older tends to make this even more difficult and, in addition, losing partners, suffering health problems, maybe financial hardships too, all increase the potential for us to become more isolated and lonely. To try and help ease this situation we have created a ‘Nattering Network’ with two local French offices, CLIC who organise services for the elderly within their association the ‘Gérontologique de Gâtine’ and the MSA (Mutualité Sociale Agricole). This means that we have the backing of the French social welfare offices and they will notify the CLIC if they come across people who would benefit from receiving visits; they will also promote these English speaking services. People can be visited at home, at hospital or in a retirement home. There is a clear set of ground rules for the visited and the visitor, which we have taken from the french system, and all the volunteers have been trained and will have specialised guidance from the French offices. The visits are free of charge and purely social, meant for mutual enjoyment. The first meeting is organized to introduce the two parties and the following visits are then set up between you and your visitor. During the visits, you can chat, go for a walk, play a game but not ask the visitor to do chores for you as this is the responsibility of other services (see below). Nor can the visitor transport the person being visited by car. The Pays de Gatine has organised several meetings (during ‘La Semaine Bleue’) to inform the English speaking population living in the Gâtine how they can get help, if and when they need it. They will be organising another meeting on 15th October 2012 at 10h00 in Le Tallud which will look at how you can become a part of the french health system, what services are available and how you can get access to them. Should you have any questions you can email : julia.salvat@gatine.org Or if you would like a visit, please contact the CLIC: 05.49.63.45.70, 20 rue de la Citadelle, 79200 Parthenay
That’s the amount that was raised by all the locals and friends of the Bar de la Poste in L’Absie for their month long series of events in aid of Cancer Support Deux-‐Sèvres. For the whole of August there were a wide variety of events starting of with Presentation of cheque to CSDS Dean’s Dynamic Quiz and ending on the 28th with Bernie’s Quiz and the Grand Raffle Draw. Highlight of the month has to be the ‘Oscars Night’ when over 30 people came dressed in their finery or as characters from the films. Clive and Julie, the proprietors of the Bar de la Poste first took over the Bar in 2005. It was run down and had been closed for some time. From these beginnings they have now built up a very good mixed clientele of French and English. For several years now during August, with the support of all their customers, they have been raising funds for charity. It started several years ago when there was a campaign to raise funds for the Heritage Society which is responsible for the restoration of the murals in L’Absie Church. Another year their chosen charity was the Hope Association, followed by Mayday Mes Amis. It was Jacqui who suggested that with so many people affected by cancer, it would be a good charity to support this year. Jacqui has always supported the charity events at the Bar de la Poste but until recently was often away working. However, this year, with more time available, she offered to help Julie organize the month long event and together with a small team of volunteers; Bernie, Nick, Linda and Dean, they started the ball rolling by contacting June Searchfield, President of Cancer Support Deux-‐Sevres. Bernie and his faithful dog Max (now 14 years old), are often to be seen around L’Absie. This year he organized the General Knowledge Quizzes and also the Pétanque Tournament which incidentally was won by the only french competitor, the local baker and his brother-‐in-‐ law! Bernie got involved with the Quiz a couple of years ago when asked to stand in for the former Quiz Master and subsequently took on the job, now running a Quiz every other Tuesday. Throughout August on the alternate Tuesdays, Nick ran a Music Quiz and also several Music Nights. A true Londoner, Nick started playing semi-‐ professionally at the age of 16 and hasn’t stopped since. By 20 he was playing professionally touring all over the world including Japan and the United States. He plays guitar and double bass but also sings. He still performs several times a year somewhere in the world and is off to Sweden towards the end of September where he will be performing with his regular band which includes a german drummer, a finnish guitar player and a Swedish double bass player. Fifth member of the team, Linda, is a local estate agent. She has lived in France for twelve years and is a fluent French speaker. When Jacqui first suggested helping Cancer Support Deux-‐Sevres this year, Linda was wholeheartedly in favour. Last of the team is Dean who runs a bed and breakfast establishment in the Square. Apart from running the first Quiz he also did ‘Name the Kitten’ and occasionally stands in for Bernie when needed. Clive and Julie would like to thank all their customers and supporters for helping to raise such a fantastic sum which will go to help the ongoing work of Cancer Support Deux-‐Sevres. If you are or have been affected by cancer and need someone to talk to, please contact J u n e S e a r c h f i e l d o n 0 5 4 9 6 4 5 9 9 6 o r e m a i l : junesearchfield@gmail.com
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THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY Last month Alison Morton suggested what to do after writing your novel and here she follows with how to edit and prepare for the next stage.
Preparing your book for publication
You sit back, your mammoth writing task over. You’ve clicked Save, you’ve emailed your manuscript to yourself in case your computer dies, and you’ve reached for that well-‐deserved cuppa or glass of wine. Ideally, you should put the novel away in a drawer, real or digital, for at least a couple of months. This gives you distance from the world you’ve been immersed in for the past few months. All professional writers admit their first drafts are rough. So when you can no longer resist the urge to work on your novel again, it’s time for the red pen. This is when you weed out the over-‐writing, the bad grammar, the poor syntax, unnecessary characters and those excessive adverbs and adjectives. double-‐check any plot holes. I like the red pen. Some say it’s crushing, demeaning, aggressive. I find it’s clear -‐ an excellent contrast to black type on white paper. And, yes, you do need to print out your novel for this stage, in double spacing, so that you can write notes above and below the line. I urge you to be strict with your own work, to try to detach and pretend it’s another person’s work, and that the other person has told you to spare nothing. You are not attacking your baby. Like a child, it needs both loving discipline as well as encouragement if it’s going to grow into an independent, well-‐adjusted member of the book-‐world.
How to start self-editing 1. Check you have indented each paragraph, except the first one in each chapter – indents or tabs, please, not spaces. No line spaces between paragraphs unless cutting to a different scene and then start the first line of the new scene with no indent. 2. Go back and do the research for technical points. If you have a climbing scene, do you know the difference between a carabiner and a belayer? Is your action hero using a Sig Sauer or a Glock? Does your heroine shop at the correct store in the correct street? 3. Check that eye and hair colours, and height and build of your characters are consistent. 4. Make sure a character doesn’t know something before they’ve been told/found it out. 5. Make sure it’s not snowing in June in the northern hemisphere or you have any eleven-‐month pregnancies. 6. Fill in, yes add, description/narrative where you skimmed over it and where it’s necessary. Make sure you’ve used all five senses, not just sight and sound. Half a dozen words or a simple sentence can bring a dull scene alive. 7. Check the voice is consistent and characters use the correct type of speech for their background and age. 8. Substitute ‘dynamic’ verbs for boring or limp-‐wristed ones and active voice for lurking passives.
9. Make every ‘very’, ‘then’, ‘suddenly’, ‘mostly’, ‘quite’, ‘nearly’, etc. justify its existence. They’re usually not necessary. 10. Make every sentence a true gem – no clunkiness, no gratuitous or padding words. Is each word or sentence necessary to the text? 11. Make your eyes bleed by checking that every single comma, semi-‐colon, colon, speech mark, exclamation and question mark is necessary, in the right place and correctly typed. And resist using exclamation marks! 12. Read the whole piece aloud. And finally, repeat 1 to 12.
Alison Morton writes alternative history thrillers, blogs about writing and Romans at http://alison-‐morton.com/blog/ and is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and the Society of Authors.
YOUR Book Reviews... This month’s book review has been sent in by Wendy Graves. Thanks Wendy! The Light Behind the Window Lucinda Riley
In this book the story is told by Emilie, in her own time being 1998 and Constance who tells her story in wartime France. I don't usually go for books that have anything to do with the war but as this one was about France I thought I would give it a go and I have to say I could not put it down, I read this book in 2 days. The book starts with Emilie, who has just lost her mother and inherited her Parisian house, jewels and the château which has been the ancestral home. Whilst deciding what to do she meets Sebastian, a man who has links to the château as he says that his grandmother Constance stayed there in the war. As Emilie sorts out the family affairs she begins to unlock the family's secrets, look into the past and learn about her father and his sister, Sophia, and the secret room found in the cellar. We also learn about Constance, a young woman whose husband is missing in action and selected for a special mission and sent to France. I have learnt a great deal reading this book and enjoyed both stories running along side of each other. The Light Behind the Window is a love, mystery, adventure, suspense and very moving book which is very believable and one which I could not stop reading until I discovered all the secrets for myself
I was kept guessing until the very end which which was a refreshing change and would highly recommend it.
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Hobbies, Clubs & Associations... The Filling Station Poitou-‐Charentes On October 11th, we are meeting at The Little Stone Church, 14b Avenue de d’Hôtel de Ville. 79110 Chef Boutonne. ALL WELCOME. Interested to find out more? Please view the website: www.thefillingstation.org.uk or contact Mike Willis 05 49 87 89 16. michael.willis@sfr.fr The Filling Station, Vendee On 10th October we are pleased to announce the opening of a new branch of TFS. Our speaker will be the Rev Nick Crawley who will be speaking on The Word & The Spirit. The meeting will start at 6.30 pm with coffee and biscuits. La Brionniere, St Pierre du Chemin, 85120, near La Chataigneraie. Telephone Chris & Julie on Tel: 0960 497850 or email christopher.taylor85@orange.fr Interlude16. An association offering ‘Leisure & Culture for all’. Lots of regular events organised. Please see website www.interlude16.org for more information.
LA CHAPELLE GAUDIN CRAFT GROUP
We are a small group of ladies who are keen to meet other like minded people to form a craft circle. All crafts are welcome -‐ needlecraft, paper craft -‐ anything goes! We hope it can be a place where we can work on current projects, swap ideas, patterns, fabrics and materials, plus a place where skills can be shared and taught. If you are interested, please contact HELEN AURELIUS HADDOCK: helen.aurelius@gmail.com or join us on FACEBOOK (search: LaChappelleGaudinCraftGroup) CRAFT CAFE CREATIF
If you enjoy sewing, knitting, crochet or any crafts, you are invited to bring along your current project to our venue in L’Absie and join a like-minded group of women, for friendship and to exchange ideas over a cup of tea. For further information contact: knight.margaret@orange.fr.
Book Group....meeting 2nd Thursday of the
Association Meridien Green
month from 3pm at Christies Tea Room & Bookshop, Gençay, 86160. Take a look at the Book Group page on the website: www.chezchristies.com for more information.
We are an Anglo-‐French group which was founded in 2001 for mutual understanding of each other's language and culture. We meet twice weekly in the Salle des Associations in St Coutant, 79120. The best way to find out more is to visit our website -‐ www.meridiengreen.asso.fr or contact Maureen Dalby: 05 49 29 94 50. The name of our group comes from the fact that St Coutant is on the Greenwich Meridian!
Language Group You speak french (un peu), I speak english (a little bit), why don't we meet up to improve each language? One hour per week could be good timing, by phone or for coffee mornings. I'm retired, living in Niort. Please call at 06 73 70 14 21 or send email for more details: joseph.aubineau@laposte.net.
Alone in France?
www.getogether-france.org
We are a group of people living alone in the L'Absie area who meet regularly for coffee and lunches. We meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 11am for coffee at the Pause cafe in L'Absie. Our lunches are at different venues each month. There's a warm welcome if you'd like to join us. More details from Frank 05 49 69 80 47.
Secondigny Running Club... Put the bounce back in your step. Join our friendly and supportive running group. All abilities welcome. Email Kelly for more details: kellyencezelle@hotmail.co.uk
Anyone in the Le Busseau area interested in Scalextric racing for fun? I had a set for my 65th. birthday, but playing on your own is getting boring! Maybe meet once a month for a bit of fun and a beer? Please phone Dave Lowe on 0549042198 or email dave4lowe@yahoo.co.uk Franglais Thouars The Thouars ‘Franglais’ group, (a member of l’ Association du Centre Socio-‐Cultural de la Communauté de Communes du Thouarsais) meets every Wednesday from 19.30h to 21.00h, in the Association’s centre at 7 rue Anne Desrays, Thouars, for conversation in English and French. We welcome those of all nationalities who would like to participate. Either come along to see us one evening, or contact us at: Mobile: 06 52 21 92 34 ~ Email: jcbed@orange.fr
The Harmonics based in the Salle d'Annexe behind
the mairie in Civray are looking for singers. We meet each Wednesday from 2.00pm to 4.00pm. No experience necessary just a willingness and commitment to learn. We sing all sorts of music, from stage and screen, gospel, classical, country songs, madrigals and in several languages, whatever the music dictates. We support charities by donations or by participating in their events by singing for them and each year we hold our own annual concert. We are a small and friendly group who would love to meet you.
Contact: Dolly Ait Boualou:05 45 22 89 32 email sylvia.murray@wanadoo.fr or Margaret Gomersall on 05 49 48 09 02, email: margaretgomersall@sfr.fr
2nd Sunday Motorcycle Club www.2ndsundayclub.fr If you would like to attend our coffee mornings please contact us via the website........ New members always welcome!
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Take a Break... DSM Easy Crossword! Across: Down: 8. Type of rice (5) 1. Tinned meat (4) 9. Flying machine (7) 2. Power tool (6) 10. US State bordering 4 down (7) 3. Balkan Republic (alternative spelling) 11. Cowboy show (5) (7) 12. Almond paste and egg whites (8) 4. A nation in North America (6) 13. Fool (4) 5. Cornish City (5) 15. Ladle clumsily (4) 6. An unilluminated area (6) 17. Celestial body (8) 7. Having just emerged from the ground 21. Medium for communication (5) (8) 22. A sudden desire (7) 12. Edible fungi (8) 24. An eight-‐sided shape (7) 14. Courteous regard for people’s feelings 25. Latin American dance of 3 steps (7) and a kick by people in single file (5) 16. Something unusual (6) 18. Thinness (6) 19. Type of rectangle (6) 20. Soaked with moisture (5) 23. Type of cheese (4)
Down: Toughie Crossword! 1. Sustained injury from unknown quantity in abject despair (8) 2. Queen follows maripme direcpon in carrier (6) 3. Chuck or rasp eg. for old rocker or rude response (5) 4. Exceptional mention many are out to render without expression (6) 5. Ribs hit! Broken, but may still show stiff upper lip (7) 6. King in flimsy garment draws a crowd (6) 7. One with bent bill in alibi sensation (4) 14. Most diminutive exotic horses mixed up in island race (8) 15. Backward vicar in familiar earphones finds underground chambers (7) 17. Novel lion takes time to get on the slope (6) 18. TV changeover gives purpose for make up (6) 20. Make changes. Review every vehicle in safety examinations for starters (6) 21. He has nowhere to go when form of transport finds parking (5) 22. With time out of condition, satisfy the remainder (4)
Sudoku Corner... Easy
www.sudokupuzz.com
Hard
With thanks to M.Morris
Please see website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr for answers
Across: 8. Organic compound made from mixing pint of ore solution (7) 9. Brief recovery from bizarre habits (5) 10. Very early female MP; Daisy, we are told (5) 11. When choices are to be made, chooses to include particle (7) 12. Geek follows short road after being given directions (4) 13. Notes made by wise man in army canteen (8) 16. Theatrical result of cart upset by clumsy maid (8) 19. Therefore it follows from being right in oneself (4) 22. Entails a complete revision to become outstanding (7) 23. Fixer involved in a drive to improve things (5) 24. Only half a joint made when wrong note takes a bearing (5) 25. Is following direction in oriental dish to arrive at final downfall (7)
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Our Furry Friends... APPEAL
Meet Cappi...
ings Can (only) Get Better
by Nigel Franks There were over 900 cats and kittens handled by the animal rescue organisations in the Vendée so far this year. It's mainly due to people neither identifying nor sterilising their cats. Irresponsible owners abandon their cats when they get pregnant or abandon the kittens if they can't give them away. It's a familiar refrain which I've mentioned before. Good news is that recent legislation means that from 1st September 2012 all cats being adopted from an animal shelter will be sterilised, identified and entered on a register. If they are too young to be sterilised when adopted, the new owner has to get them sterilised within six months. From the 1st September 2014 this measure will be applied to all cats when they change hands.
This adorable Fox Terrier is 3 years old. He has been sterilized, microchipped and vaccinated. His owner sadly died and he was brought into the vet to be put down. The vet now is holding him for Hope but unfortunately he has to find a home very shortly. He has a wonderful personality, very friendly with people but he does not get along with other dogs and cats. He is looking for an owner with no other animals. He makes a lovely companion so can you give this cheeky chappy a home? Contact Hope: Email: juliahunt4hope@gmail.com or call 06 24 07 69 33.
HOOF (Horse Orientated Open Forum)
HOOF is open to anyone with an equine interest. You do not need to own a horse! We meet about once a month for talks, visits etc. Interested?
Equine Rescue France
We are always looking for new members and we are in need of donations so we may continue to help equines in France. Please support the ERF. Please contact the Equine Rescue on Tel: 05 49 48 27 91 or visit our website www.equinerescue.org
In addition, every town must have a contact point for stray cats, so that they can be captured, sterilised, released or if badly injured/ill put down. The town must ensure that the released cats are given food and that shelter is provide for bad weather. The bad news is that we're not talking about France here, but Belgium. In France it has been a legal requirement for over 20 years that cats and dogs have to be identified before they change owner, but it does not seem to be enforced. Just look at the number of ads on ‘le Bon Coin’ where animals are given away for free with no mention of their identification number. The ironic thing is that the French like their ”histoire belge”: Belgian joke, but you have to ask, who are the real jokers? In an attempt to get things moving in France we're writing to the appropriate French minister and the animal friendly members of the French Senate to bring these developments to their attention. Maybe a bit of friendly rivalry between the two countries could lead to some progress?
Above Ginger and Gaby (adopted through NALA) An update on Harley the 'Hog: when his hard at work being cats!
weight approached 600g I researched houses for hedgehogs so that we could construct suitable accommodation to get him used to the Big Outdoors before winter. It wasn't anything special: a large, upturned plastic flower pot with a big entrance hole cut in the side. There was a saucer on top, raised a little bit on some wooden blocks, to provide ventilation and an entry tunnel formed from some bricks to stop cats getting in. This was going to be insulated with dry leaves and sods of turf on top. The whole set up was in a wire netting enclosure. So one evening I introduced Harley to his new home which he entered straight away. Next morning we checked to see how he was. He wasn't there. He had scraped away the earth from under a corner of the enclosure and done a runner! We haven't seen him since which is not surprising as he only comes out at night. Every evening we put down food which disappears by morning so we think that he's still around. Actually it reminds me a bit of my kids...without the piles of dirty washing. We are constantly looking for foster homes and people to adopt our animals. If you are interested please get in touch with us: Nos Amis Les Animaux 85480 (NALA 85480). Tel: 07 70 31 54 59 ~ Email: nala85480@hotmail.com
www.nosamislesanimaux.com
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Health, Beauty & Fitness... October Pink Ribbon Month
by Suzanne Thorne
Evelyn Lauder, daughter-‐in-‐law of Estée Lauder pioneered the idea for October to be forever known as ‘Pink Ribbon’ month to help breast cancer awareness. Sadly she passed away in 2011 but now into its 20th year, more than 115 million pink ribbons have been given away around the world. Being diagnosed with breast cancer is a shock and moving through the treatment and subsequent changes it brings about, is an unknown journey. Whilst appearance may seem trivial at a time when you have had to deal with illness, fear and extremely invasive treatment, how we look is so often reflected in how we feel. Our appearance is often the barometer by which we are judged, rightly or wrongly, and for women suffering hair loss, changes in skin as well as the illness itself must affect ones morale hugely. I know that when I am out and about without a smattering of make–up on that will be the day that I meet the world and his wife and comments will range from, ‘Are you ok?’ ‘You’re looking a bit peaky today’ to ‘You’re looking tired’. By the time I return home I will feel all of the things said to me! Obviously the skin is more sensitive to products so it’s worth using organic and paraben free products. Parabens have been linked to cancers and therefore the last thing you want to put on your skin & hair. Support Pink Ribbon Month by booking an event/coffee morning/ party with me and I will donate 10% of all sales to Breast cancer Research. With so many great products to keep your skin, hair and body both looking and feeling great without chemicals, please support Pink Ribbon month and give me a call.
Suzanne ~ Independent Neal’s Yard Consultant. Tel: 05 49 26 27 74 email: suetho@hotmail.com
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THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY
The teachings of yoga, especially Satyananda yoga create, with practices, a union of body, mind and emotions. Yoga changes you, creates an integrate whole personality within life's experiences, positive and negative. Why suffer at the mercy of the mind? As our beloved guru Swami Satyananda said "There is no noise in the city there is no stillness in the Himalayas - it is all inside” Classes at ‘Maison pour tous’, L’Absie.7pm - 8.30pm. **New class starting 3rd October in Largeasse (79240)** At Salle de danse, rue saint roch. 7pm - 8,30pm Contact Rysz for more info: 06 42 35 97 11
The Great Outdoors...
Nature Calls!
by Maureen Cowell This year during the gran and grandad special time with our grandson, we decided to have a bash at prising him away from his 3DS and the endless supply of computer games which seem to be the favourite pastime. We booked into ‘Parc de la Belle’ for just one night. Reluctantly Jack abandoned his electronic games and gadgets and steadfastly announced he would not enjoy the back to nature experience. We had promised a quirky adventure of amazing heights. He was thinking fun fare, rides and roller coasters while we were thinking, don’t rain, please just don’t rain. Parc de la Belle is south of Poitiers in the village of Magne. The majestic manor house built in the nineteenth century is surrounded by beautiful gardens, parkland and forest and it is in the forest you find the tree house accommodation. On arrival we were given our instructions, a map and a rucksack with bed linen, a torch and assorted essentials for a night’s stay. We parked the car, unloaded the bikes and loaded up our trundle wagon. Our cabin was not the highest but at 8 metres was just great. The luggage was winched up and unpacked [the winding steps were much too narrow to carry anything but ourselves] and we sat among the topmost branches of our tree to enjoy lunch. Remarkably our grandson was beginning to really enjoy the experience, particularly the idea of the winch and he was captivated by the natural wacky shaped bed.
By early evening we had explored the magnificent gardens and forest, had met the donkeys and goats and were amazed by the splendid peacocks. Amazingly, electronic games and gadgets had not been mentioned, and, we were having jolly good fun!! We slept well, not a sound to be heard, just the gentle swaying of the lush green tree tops. Next morning, breakfast arrived at our cabin in a picnic hamper. Someone, we think it was probably a wood nymph, a„ached it to the winch hook and with great amusement and laughter Jack winched it up and set it out on our treetop terrace. It was incredibly tasty and plen…ful, fresh orange, buns, croissants, homemade jam and hot coffee. Enough to doggy bag for later.
Enjoying lunc h in the
tree tops
Packing up and winching down was just as much f u n a n d w i t h a l i „ l e sadness we, all three of us, decided to come back again. Next year Jack is determined to repeat his extraordinary back to nature adventure with his parents but only if they leave their mobile phones at home!! page 17 Page
THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY ıııı
Life on the Farm...
Sadly none of the eggs hatched that Bianca our broody Bantam was sitting on, but she just won’t give up. After the usual 21 days she still sat on the eggs. Finally after about a month we managed to take the old eggs away and replaced them with some Guinea fowl eggs hoping that she will stay put and hatch those instead.
by Peter & Jenny Sebborn.
It’s officially autumn already, the mornings and evening are starting to have a chill about them, but even more importantly, it’s time again for Beavis our Suffolk cross ram to earn his keep. He is a gentle giant until he gets in with his harem and then he becomes a typical grumpy , very unpredictable and protective ram . Our fields become a no entry zone when Beavis is in with the ewes. Our garden party was a great success. We slow cooked a whole pig (Gloucestershire Old Spot crossed with a Saddleback) in a pit. The pig was carefully wrapped in tin foil (and lots of it) then completely wrapped in wet hessian sacking followed by chicken wire for stability. At midnight the night before the party we lowered the pig into the pit and covered it with the hot ashes from the fire which had been burning for about 6 hours. We then covered the hole with corrugated sheets and sealed it with earth to make sure there were no air holes. The 45 kilo pig then slowly cooked overnight and was perfect for our sit down dinner for 70 friends and family at midday. It really was absolutely delicious if I do say so myself! Our two new Chamois goats called Biff and Boff are doing well. They are now 5 months old and weren’t used to human contact. We have had to spend lots of time with them as we need to be able to handle them as our plan for the future is to be self sufficient with their milk, for cheese and yoghurt as well as everything else. Both their mother and grandmother were maiden milkers which means they produced milk before being in kid. But as usual not everything goes according to plan. We built a new enclosure with high fences to keep them in and incorporated an existing cattle feed trough. What we didn’t realise was that one of the wooden uprights that formed part of the trough was broken at the bottom. It took the goats less than two hours to find an escape route. Luckily they only went as far as the veggie patch.
Cats are not my favourite animal but they are very necessary as mousers here on the farm. We had two -‐ Stella who we have had for about a year and a half and our new addition Aldo. Not sure how it happened but when we popped out to return some items we had borrowed for the party we returned with yet another little kitten! What will be our last kitten (Jenny please take note – our last kitten) has been named Naga (after the chilli) as he’s a fiery little red head but he is very cute. Time for Digger and Ham-‐ilton (two of the pigs), to go on their last journey. Having had a house full of visitors last month our freezer is very low indeed. Jen’s home made English style sausages and my home cured and hand sliced “proper” bacon were a real hit with our guests along with our free range eggs. Most of our veggies have done really well this year with a good crop of French beans, courgettes (which the ducks love grated in their water) pumpkins, butternut squash and beetroot. Sadly, due to blight our tomato harvest has been quite poor this year, enough for salads but not enough to store for winter sauces. Finally both of our female rabbits have had a visit to the male as we have done really well selling our first two litters . See you next month for another update of Life on the Farm. Peter & Jenny Sebborn. Breeders of pigs, lambs and poultry. La Gauteliere, 79220, Pamplie. Tel: 05 49 28 38 57.
October’s Lunar calendar...
1st Quarter:8th
New Moon: 15th
Full Moon:29th
Contact ‘The Deux-‐Sèvres Monthly’ La Bartière, 79130, Secondigny. Telephone: 05 49 70 26 21 or email: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr or see our website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
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THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY
THE AMATEUR GARDENER
by Vanda Lawrence
I can't believe it's October again already. Nearly time to concentrate on preparations for Christmas, (dare I say it!) but before that let's get the garden jobs ticked off the list so we can enjoy the celebrations with a clear conscience. Dahlias are still giving us a good show as I write this, but we shall have frosty weather in due course. As soon as the top growth has been blackened by frost you can cut them down to about 6" and then lift carefully with a fork. Stand the tubers upside-‐down in a frost-‐free place to dry out then store crown-‐uppermost in boxes of very slightly damp peat. Keep crowns above the peat and dust with flowers of sulphur. Store in a frost-‐free shed or greenhouse for the winter, checking the tubers every 2 or 3 weeks. If they are shrivelled drop them into a bucket of tepid water overnight to plump them up again. Clematis can be layered any time now to produce new plants for next year, but this year I am going to try sowing seeds from my favourite clematis 'Albatross'. Mike Curtis (An English Nursery in France) tells me it's quite easy -‐ just cut off the fluffy seed heads and store in a paper bag/envelope until dry. Rub off the 'fluffy' bits and then make the seeds think they have lived through a winter by putting them in the freezer for a couple of months. You can then sow them into seed trays. Mike says Clematis seeds do not always germinate and do not always grow true to form but I would like to have a go and see what comes. Plant winter & spring bedding plants such as wallflowers, polyanthus, winter pansies, forget-‐me-‐nots, and continue to plant spring flowering bulbs in flower beds or containers. The vegetable garden is, as always, needing attention. Continue to crop and store your vegetables and dig over the potager. For winter spinach, put cloches over young plants to protect them from frost. You can plant garlic now and sow more carrots. Strawberry plants are available in the garden centres, also rhubarb. These can be planted while the soil is still warm. Tomato plants are about finished now and should be lifted before the first frosts. Any green tomatoes will ripen on a sunny windowsill, or failing that you can make chutney -‐ just so long as they don't go to waste. As the evenings draw in and we spend less time in the garden it's a good idea to start cleaning garden furniture before storing it away for the winter. Oil springs, hinges etc and treat wooden furniture with teak oil or similar to feed and protect the wood. As you use garden tools for the last time this season try to make time to sharpen, clean and oil as necessary so they will be rust-‐free and ready to use next year. To clean & oil larger items such as forks, spades etc plunge them several times in and out of a bucket of sharp sand with a little oil mixed in -‐ simple! Lastly for this month, those of us with garden ponds can potter in the late autumn sun clearing the marginals and most importantly cutting back the oxygenators. Also remove faded flowers from water lilies. If you have deciduous trees nearby put a fine mesh net over the pond to prevent leaves falling into the water. (NB: Please secure the net well around the edges to stop animals getting underneath & being trapped in the water). If you have a problem with herons it would be a good idea to leave the netting in position until the spring. And now, time for a cuppa, what say you? Happy gardening .....
‘The DSM’ Monthly Photograph Competition
WINNER! Congratulations to this month’s competition winner, Sally Coppack, 79160 For a chance to see YOUR photograph on the front cover of our magazine (5000 copies!) -‐ enter our monthly photo competition. Entry is free and limited to one photograph per month. Please see www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr for further details.
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THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY
French Life, Food & Drink... Vive la Difference
by Gilly Hunt
September was the month I had been waiting for – the weather was glorious and there was just so much going in the Deux-‐Sèvres, that my feet barely touched the ground! The month started with our annual hamlet picnic, which is held the first Sunday of September each year – this is frequently the way that events are diarised in France, by day rather than by date.
Autumn is a great time for foraging; one can find many edible fruits and berries in the hedgerows. In my opinion there is nothing more satisfying than picking blackberries and then going home and making jam with them and all at very little cost, yet another bonus of living in rural Deux-‐Sèvres. And for those of you who have taken up the French hobby of making eau de vie, there are many berries and fruits for you to make your own special blend/flavour – but please make sure that they are edible and not poisonous! The topic of environmentally friendly power is never far away, and there have been many new wind turbines or éoliennes in our area. Now I know that this is rather an emotive subject for many and I am the first to admit that I am a NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) as although I think they look very graceful and in time will contribute to environmentally friendly power, I would not like to live near one. I visited some the other day and you would be amazed at just how tall they really are and also the noise that they emit. I can see how they are disturbing for all whom live within their vicinity including wildlife.
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The Saturday afternoon was rather like a warm up event, with a crowd of us setting up tables, chairs, benches and flags, all culminating in aperitifs and a resume of last year’s event. On the Sunday morning a few of us went over to put on the tablecloths, place vases of flowers on the tables and do some last minute touches before the rest of the hamlet arrived. This year it was particularly lovely as we had our newest resident at just 5 days old, who popped in to meet everyone, and a new young couple who had moved in only a week before. It was great to see the eldest and the youngest in congenial conversation over a few drinks. I just love the way that there appears to be no ageism in France, in restaurants, bars and at social events, all are welcome and families are never made to feel awkward walking in anywhere.
Do remember to visit Secondigny in October for the annual apple fair (PommExpo) it is an event not to be missed. See you there. Vive la Difference.
Contact ‘The Deux-‐Sèvres Monthly’ La Bartière, 79130, Secondigny. Telephone: 05 49 70 26 21 or email: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr or see our website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
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THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY
Bnzonf!gos!tfdonet@
by John Sherwin
In last month’s piece, I talked about the 1855 classification and how that graded the best Bordeaux wines from First to Fifth growths, in decreasing quality and price. I also promised to explain how to acquire wines from these classified vineyards at a reasonable price. Let’s put this into context. These classified growths have never really been just bottles of wine to be opened and enjoyed in convivial company. For some, they are to be hounded down at auction, and hoarded. For others, they add to the heady mix of snob appeal already fuelled by the accumulation of Bentleys and blondes. Others, pawing calculators lasciviously, buy wine as ‘futures’ (en primeur in French) before it is even bottled, in the hope of securing a good wine cheaply or making a quick buck when the wine is eventually available to be sold on. Of course, we are all susceptible to the ‘special occasion’ when we are tempted to spend beyond our means, and the classified growths and their purveyors stand ever ready to fuel our hubris. And just how hubristic are you and your wallet feeling? A 2009 Lafite-‐Rothschild will set you back around €1750. One bottle. Margaux 2009 in the region of €1400. One bottle. Dude, how popular do you want to be? How popular can you afford to be? Chateaux owners are not stupid, and they know that producing wine with a more user-‐friendly price tag and ready to drink younger is good for cash-‐flow. Enter the second wine. Try to put bad connotations out of your head. This is not a case of passing off something inferior as better than it is. This is a proper wine in its own right, made in a proper way.
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Typically, a second wine will be made from younger vines, anything from six to fifteen years old, say. Although the young grapes don’t yet have the complexity they will enjoy in years to come, they are still fed from the same terroir – the same micro-‐climate for shorthand – that the first wine enjoys. The wine will be aged in barrel for less time, and the barrels themselves will be hand-‐me-‐ downs from the first wine. But, and it’s a big but, the wine will be made in the same place as the first wine, and by the same skilled people. With the same love, commitment, and attention to detail. So what kind of difference are we talking about? Two elements need to be considered: quality of the wine, and cost. As I’ve said, these second wines are made to be drunk young, which is another way of saying they are not made to be cellared. They will develop a little in bottle, but they don’t have the tannic structure for long ageing. Some, like me, might be tempted to say whoopee and get stuck in – and cost wouldn’t be a prohibitive factor. Typically, second wines are around a third to a quarter less than their big brothers. Worth doing your own fun research. For a list of second wines – www.terroir-‐france.com/wine/grandscrusbordeaux_second.htm.
RESTAURANT REVIEWS... If you have positive restaurant experiences to share, we would love to print them here. Please email to: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr for inclusion into future issues.
John Sherwin, French Wine Tours Email: johnsherwin@orange.fr ~ www.french-wine-tours.com
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THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY
French Village Diaries
by Jacqueline Brown.
To be a true petrol head, or so I have heard, you must have owned an Alfa Romeo. This got me thinking about a challenge I set myself recently – making my own French patisserie delicacy, the macaron, in a gentle girlie pink colour of course. Now I have (almost) successfully made macarons am I one step closer to calling myself a true French Foodie? I am passionate about my food and love to cook and bake; however this is something that has grown with me as our veggie garden here in France has grown. With the first gluts from our orchard eight years ago it seemed wrong not to use what we had picked so my first steps at experimenting in the kitchen began. The more I cooked, the more I wanted to cook and the more home grown and home cooked food we ate the more important the quality of the ingredients became. Despite my enthusiasm I have had no training so have no real skill in the finer things like using a piping bag. With the house eerily quiet after la rentrée I felt the need to bake and to try something outside my normal comfort zone. Enter the very French macaron! I had great fun, but it was rather sticky stuff for a messy person like me to work with, and consistency in size and shape was not something I had much control over. However, I was pleased with the results, they had a crisp outer shell with a soft, chewy middle and the addition of rosewater in the filling gave them a lovely delicate flavour, despite their appearance. But I do have issues with them, firstly, with the amount of sugar in the recipe and also the lack of anything fresh from the garden. By default my normal cake recipes tend to be healthy ones, my fat free cherry cake or courgette and chocolate brownies for example, and I will often reduce the amount of sugar after the first time, as it will have been it too sweet. Macarons don’t really fit into my ‘norm’ and I had to ask myself if I would try again and if so what would I do differently (I always like to add my own twist to a recipe). I probably won’t change the sugar quantities as I’m sure it is a tried and tested formula, but I’m positive the colour and flavour can be home grown. I’m thinking a delicate purple from blackberry, hint of pink from raspberry and maybe green from courgette. Thankfully I have just discovered a friend in the village has some hidden skills as in his previous life he was in the catering field. Not only is he French, but he was also a chef in Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France (and therefore probably the world too). I have now experienced the amazing art that is one of his buffets, so I think I might try to talk myself into some lessons in macaron making.
Follow Jacqui’s blog at hWp://www.frenchvillagediaries.com
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THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY
Reader’s Restaurant Reviews
Thank you to Ian McKay for this month’s Restaurant Review: Le Scorlion, 5 rue de l’Abbaye, 17400, St Jean d’Angely Tel: 05 46 32 52 61 Saint Jean d’Angely, some 50km south of Niort is not in Deux-‐ Sèvres but in neighbouring Charente-‐Maritime. However, we went with friends to Le Scorlion restaurant for lunch. The name apparently is a mix of Scorpion and Lion though I don’t quite know why they chose such a name. It is close to the old abbey in an old building (the walls looked about a metre and a half thick). Inside it was light and clean and more importantly the food was excellent. The lunchtime clientele appeared to be a mixture of French and British. I opted for the three course menu at 15.50 euros whilst my wife and our two friends went for the two course option at 13.80 euros. My wife and I both chose the half dozen oysters for entrée , one friend had potato soup and the other had tartine à volaille et champignons, which sounds much grander than chicken and mushroom on a slice of bread. For main course my wife had the salmon served with courgettes, our friends both had the pork tenderloin with polenta and I opted for the piece of beef with mashed potatoes and salad. For some reason I was expecting the piece of beef to be something like stewing steak and was rather taken aback when I was asked how I would like it cooked. I was pleasantly surprised when it arrived. It was a delicious, tender steak cooked to perfection. The jus served with the meat was lovely. We all thought the main courses were delicious. I soldiered on alone with the dessert. Well someone has to! I had chosen the café gourmand. It was very tasty but a bit healthy for me – a cup of coffee served with a small glass of raspberry coulis, a small peach sorbet and a small very light chocolate mousse. I had expected something rather less healthy – more biscuity, more cakey, more thick chocolatey. We had to add to the basic bill, two orange juices at 3.50 each, 2 coffees at 2.50 euros each and three glasses of very nice red wine at 4 euros each. So the total bill for the four of us came to 80.90 euros. We all considered it to be an excellent lunch and the
staff were pleasant and charming.
October’s Recipe: Carrot and Pumpkin Curry Ingredients: • 150ml / 1/4 pint vegetable stock • 2.5cm/1 inch piece fresh galangal, sliced • 2 chopped garlic cloves • 2 fresh red chillies • 1 lemon grass stalk, chopped finely • 4 carrots peeled and cut into chunks • 225g/8 oz pumpkin, peeled, deseeded and cut into cubes • 2 tbsp vegetable or groundnut oil • 2 shallots finely chopped • 3 tbsp Yellow Curry paste • 400ml/14fl oz coconut milk • 4-‐6 sprigs fresh Thai basil • 25g/1 oz toasted pumpkin seeds Ingredients -‐ Yellow Curry Paste • 3 small fresh orange chillies, chopped coarsely • 4 shallots, chopped coarsely
BOOK AND COFFEE MORNINGS 2 Books for 1 Euro! 45 RUE DU BOIS BAUDRON, 79100 MAUZE THOUARSAIS Well, what can I say! All you book lovers out there must now be busily reading away if the success of the July and August's book morning are anything to go by! The July morning raised 175 euros but the best yet was August when we sold over 260 books and raised 220 euros. Many thanks to those who are our "regulars" and welcome to those who were newcomers. Jo from Pheonix cards was also very busy and was even selling christmas cards! Because of the popularity of these mornings, we have arranged another for Wednesday 31st October 2012 with the possibility of another date at the end of November. We hope to see you all again and all newcomers are very welcome. The money raised goes to the Helianthus Association based in Mayenne. Founded in 2008, the aim of the association is to help stray, abandoned and endangered animals, and to assist elderly people on low income to care for their pets. They are not an animal refuge but help with veterinary costs such as spaying, worming and testing, which can all encourage the adoption of an animal. Because of the ever-‐increasing demands for help, Helianthus extended its fund-‐raising means by opening its own Charity Shop which is run by both French and English volunteers. You will find more information on their website: www.helianthus-asso.org. We look forward to seeing you and if it is wet, don't worry, we have space to have everything under cover!
Contact ‘The Deux-‐Sèvres Monthly’ La Bartière, 79130, Secondigny. Telephone: 05 49 70 26 21 or email: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr or see our website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr • • • • •
3tsp ground turmeric 1 tsp salt 12-‐15 black peppercorns 1 lemon grass stalk 2.5cm/1 inch piece fresh root ginger, chopped.
Method:-‐ Firstly pour the stock into a large saucepan and bring to the boil. Add half the garlic, the galangal, lemon grass, chillies and simmer for 5 minutes. Then add the pumpkin and carrots and simmer for a further 6-‐7 minutes or until tender. To make the curry paste, put all the listed ingredients into a blender and process until thick. Make sure it is well combined and blended. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a wok or frying pan and stir-‐fry the shallots and remaining garlic for 2-‐3 minutes. Add the curry paste and stir-‐fry for 2 minutes. Stir the shallot mixture into the saucepan and add the coconut milk and basil. Simmer for 3-‐4 minutes. Serve hot, sprinkled with the toasted pumpkin seeds. Enjoy!
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THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY
French Adventures... Thanks to Stuart Cook, Co-‐owner of Camping le Moulin & Restaurant des Canards, Chef Boutonne for his “French Adventure”. Some 8 years ago, the family in all their wisdom (that's Vera and Geoff, my mother and father-‐in-‐law, my dear wife Sara and I, the quiz master Stuart) decided on a whim (instigated by myself -‐ oh dear!) that after having numerous holiday's in France, we should make the move here. A change to our lifestyle and vocations past, to ily Stuart with his fam start a new adventure and buy our first business in the tourism sector. A campsite and restaurant by the name of Camping le Moulin & Restaurant des Canards. We found a beautiful little campsite just outside the centre of the small market town of Chef Boutonne, home of the famous and beautiful Chateau Javarzay just 700 metres from the entrance to the campsite. After flying back and forth to complete the never-‐ending paperwork and spending many hours on Google translate and equivalent, we eventually signed our lives away, set for our new way of life and looking forward to the exciting challenge ahead. We soon realised that if we had had the French language down to a tee before moving, this would have made our lives much easier during the early stage of signing for the business. Our lack of knowledge in understanding exactly what we were signing left us with many problems that had to be overcome with the day-‐to-‐day running and even the legal titles -‐ which unfortunately were not complete. We therefore decided to get everything fully legal and running smoothly as soon as we possibly could -‐ thus affecting our immediate business plan for development and improvement. The move from the UK to France was very smooth on the UK side! However, no form of planning could have solved the minor problem of cramming 2 houses into one old small storage room at the back of the mill. After stacking to the rooftop, we needed an immediate emergency contingency plan, so we decided to store for a few weeks the remaining items in the restaurant. Wearing our baseball caps to deflect the beautiful sunshine, we proceeded however, we hadn't taken into account that the average French local, back in the day, was approximately 4’0” in height! I came too on the floor of the restaurant after bashing my head on the beautiful oak beam as the delivery lorry entered the parking area. From then I formulated the first plan of action, to raise the door so that anyone, whatever shape or build, could enter without peril. This would also help with handicap access in one design. Due to our backgrounds, varied as they were (Sara was a manager for a large insurance company and studied for a degree in Insurance + Psychology, myself, ex-‐forces in electronics and an ex-‐engineer in electrical installations, Vera involved in property management and Geoff a shop-‐fitting consultant for Marks and Spencer), we assumed we could cover all the bases -‐ but, “Oh how wrong we were!” We have found all the physical works on site and bookkeeping etc to be relatively easy, but to learn the French for some of the building products has been quite interesting (We have made a few mistakes...but don’t we all?). We wish to this day that we had contacted one of the TV companies to run a program around the family for the first year as I am convinced from an outsider’s point of view, it would have made a great TV Series with very high ratings! It was in contrast, a year in the ‘merde’.
The family has undergone many projects involving the external and internal modernisation of our former flour-‐mill. Even to the point of restoring the mill machinery to its former glory -‐ a satisfying project and in keeping with the 350 year old building. The beautiful River Boutonne runs through our campsite and is diverted underneath what is now a lounge area. The restoration works have also rolled out from the restaurant, modernizing the bar and the eating area that sweeps onto the terrace beside the pool. Many great evenings have been spent with our clients around the pool whilst listening to our French/Anglais Jazz band. We have had live Jazz here in the restaurant for over 6 years. The band members change frequently and our guests love the atmosphere and food created within our mill walls. The demand by expats and our French friends alike are still as high as they were the day we started, both in the high and the low season. We have even hosted a special evening here with our resident French Chef a n d fa m i l y ' s h o m e cooking, laying on a feast enjoyed by the locals with a 22-‐piece brass band on tour from the UK, playing around the floodlit poolside and dancing the night away; Great memories for us all. 22 piece
brass band playing by the pool Due to the demand of our clients, we even run the Restaurant 3 Canards quiz. This also seems to be growing year on year with a combination of great simple food and your slightly dyslexic host (especially after a few beers!). It seems to be a winning formula! Please come along if you love to have lots of fun and laughs followed by a late night swim in the pool for the kids that are brave enough!
Our bizarre move to France to own and run a campsite and restaurant has at times, been extremely demanding with all the things you associate with living and working with a young family. Learning new skills and applying them, utilising your old skill-‐set and developing new ones, and not forgetting overcoming the language barrier; I wish I had studied latin at school! Even though it may be a very long time until anyone can really understand our version! We can say that we have enjoyed meeting people from around the world since arriving -‐ and we are amazed at the people that are still camping and more importantly still enjoying every experience. We have learnt so much from all the members of the Caravan Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club and not forgetting the Fédération Français de Camping et de Caravaning members. Our son, now 8 years old, has fitted into the local school well and has become engrossed in various sports, which in turn has developed our relationships with the local community, which we really enjoy. Camping le Moulin & Restaurant des Canards: Phone: 05 49 29 73 46 ~ Email: info@campingchef.com www.campingchef.com & www.restaurant.campingchef.com (Please see our advert on page 22) Thank you to Stuart Cook for sharing his family story with us.....If you would like to share your ‘French Adventure’, please email your story to us for consideration.
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THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY
Motoring... The Alpine Way
by Helen Tait-‐Wright
Last month I said there were two French cars on my wish list, so this month I’d better tell you about the second one ...... It’s slightly newer than the Bugatti, but also has a distinguished motorsport history, and is also most famous in blue!! This month we look at the Renault Alpine A110. Alpine was the official competition arm of Renault between 1955 and 1974, run by Jean Redele from his factory in Dieppe. Redele’s formula for success was to produce a car which had a lightweight body and a tuned rear engine driving the rear wheels. The A110, also known as the "Berlinette", was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 1962, and produced until 1977. The car used Renault 8 parts, and characteristically featured a steel backbone chassis with fibreglass body, and an offset rear-‐mounted engine. Over the course of its life the car was powered by various Renault engines as its performance was honed. Most Alpine A110 Berlinettes were built in Dieppe, but variants were also built under licence in Brazil, Bulgaria, Mexico and Spain. All the cars are left hand drive and the A110 was never offered for sale as new in the UK. Successful in motorsport throughout it’s life, this lightweight, manoeuvrable little car reached international fame during the 1970-‐1972 seasons when it participated in the newly created ‘International Championship for Manufacturers’, winning several events around Europe and being considered one of the strongest rally cars of its time. Notable performances from the car include victory on the 1971 Monte Carlo Rally. This incarnation of the car had an aluminium block Renault 16 engine, allowing even the production 1600S to reach a top speed of 210 km/h (130 mph). The A110 was essentially a motorsports vehicle that was also available to amateur drivers looking for thrills. Even so, there was absolutely no question of adapting your new Alpine for urban or family use. Drivers, be they professionals or amateurs, had to shoehorn themselves into the minuscule cabin and squeeze their legs into the tunnel as best they could. Only then could they experience the joys of driving this lively sports model! Such was the impact of the A110 that to mark the 50th anniversary of its debut, Renault have recently (May 2012) announced a “new” A110 concept car, designed to pay homage to the original, which has a body crafted from carbon fibre and dipped in a shade of the same iconic Alpine Blue we all know and love. Under the skin though, this is a different beast altogether with a 3.5 litre V6 mid mounted engine producing 400bhp, and benefits from the latest technology. There is a great piece of video featuring the two cars together at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-‐11A-‐FtTibs Personally, I’ll hang out for the original version with the 1.6 litre engine, which these days can fetch anything between 55,000 and 110,000 Euros. So, I still need to win the lottery, but if I get one, don’t bother thumbing a lift -‐ there ain’t room!! Contact Helen at: helen@stodel.org.
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THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY
ADVERTISE YOUR VEHICLE FOR SALE Cost: 15€ including 1 photograph. Simply email the details to: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr for entry into the next issue.
Contact ‘The Deux-‐Sèvres Monthly’
GO COLOUR Size A : only 38€
Communications...
La Bartière, 79130, Secondigny. Telephone: 05 49 70 26 21 or email: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr or see our website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
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THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY
How to speed up your PC
by Ross Hendry
Part 12: Re-‐loading / re-‐installing Windows 7 During the preparation required for re-‐loading Windows, you should have created a check list and have all of the necessary disks containing programs and drivers for your hardware and of course your data and settings to get your PC set up as you need it. (As detailed in Part 9, July 2012). Windows Vista and 7 have several editions, from Starter to Ultimate, with the exception of the Starter edition, the versions are also available in both 32 and 64 bit versions. Ensure that you choose the correct version for your hardware. I would strongly recommend that those of you that have Vista, consider installing Windows 7, it is simply a better version of Windows, and with Windows 8 due to be launched soon it pays not to get too far behind... To install Windows 7 using the Custom option with formatting the hard disk 1. To format your hard disk during Windows 7 installation, you'll n e e d t o s t a r t , o r b o o t , y o u r c o m p u t e r u s i n g the Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive. 2. Turn on your computer so that Windows starts normally, insert the Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive, and then shut down your computer. 3. Restart your computer. 4. Press any key when prompted, and then follow the instructions that appear. 5. On the Install Windows page, enter your language and other preferences, and then click Next. 6. If the Install Windows page doesn't appear, and you're not asked to press any key, you might need to change some system settings. To learn how to do this, see Start your computer from a Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive . 7. On the Please read the license terms page, if you accept the license terms, click I accept the license terms, and then click Next. 8. On the Which type of installation do you want? page, click Custom. 9. On the Where do you want to install Windows? page, click Drive options (advanced). 10. Click the partition that you want to change, click the formatting option you want to perform, and then follow the instructions. 11. When you've finished formatting, click Next. 12. Follow the instructions to finish installing Windows 7, which include naming your computer and setting up an initial user account.
Or to install Windows 7 using the Custom option without formatting the hard disk 1. Turn on your computer so that Windows starts normally, then do one of the following: a) If you downloaded Windows 7, browse to the installation file you downloaded, and then double-‐click it. b) If you have a Windows 7 installation disc, insert the disc into your computer. Setup should start automatically. If it doesn't, click the Start button , click Computer, d o u b l e -‐ c l i c k y o u r D V D d r i v e t o o p e n the Windows 7 installation disc, and then double-‐ click setup.exe. c) If you've downloaded Windows 7 installation files onto a USB flash drive, insert the drive into your computer. Setup should start automatically. If it doesn't, click the Start button , click Computer, double-‐click the drive, and then double-‐click setup.exe. 2. On the Install Windows page, follow any instructions that are displayed, and then click Install now. 3. On the the Get important updates for installation page, I skip this option because I like to install Windows without the PC connected to the internet. These updates will be available to you after the installation is complete via the Windows Update service. 4. On the Please read the license terms page, if you accept the license terms, click I accept the license terms, and then click Next. 5. On the Which type of installation do you want? page, click Custom. 6. On the Where do you want to install Windows? page, choose the partition containing your previous version of Windows (this is often the computer's C:drive), and then click Next. 7. In the Windows.old dialog box, click OK. 8. Follow the instructions to finish installing Windows 7, which include naming your computer and setting up an initial user account. You should now have a "Raw" installation of Windows Vista or 7 working on your PC. Next you will have to ensure that you have the latest drivers for your hardware and of course your programs and data ready to install. Please look at Part 11 (September 2012) the procedure for loading your drivers programs and data will be the same. Ross Hendry is the proprietor of Interface Consulting and Engineering, who has over 42 years experience in Communications, Computer Technology and Direct Marketing. (See advert below for more information).
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A-Z of the Communes in the Deux-Sèvres A-Z of the Communes of the by Sue Burgess Deux-Sèvres. CERIZAY Cerizay is found in the North-‐West of the Deux-‐Sèvres, 15 minutes from Bressuire, 35 minutes from Cholet and 20 minutes from Pouzauges (85). The town lies along the green banks of a small stream which runs from East to West and flows into the Sèvre Nantaise river just a few kilometres away. The inhabitants of Cerizay are known as Cerizéens. The origin of the name Cerizay would seem to be Gallic-‐Roman. During the Middle Ages, the town's centre was at the foot of the feudal castle. The two last towers of the castle as well as its romanesque chapel dating from the XIIth century were demolished when the present church was built in 1890. On the 25th August 1944, German troops coming back from the coast, bombardes and machine-‐gunned the town leaving behind 5 victims and destroying 172 houses. A VOIR / MUST SEE The Abbey Notre-‐Dame de Beauchêne in which the President of the French Republic has a stall because of his title of “First and only honorary Cannon” of the Archibasilica Saint-‐Jean de Latran. The main employer in the town is the automobile builder Heuliez. The town is home to the head office and the main production unit of this company which is considered to be France's fourth car company. Heuliez was taken over in 2009 by the Bernard Krief Consulting (BKC) group. This group wishes to concentrate its production on the electric car -‐the”Mia” (the “Friendly” in English) which it hopes to sell mainly to local authorities. CERSAY The inhabitants of Cersay are les cersaisiens. Cersay is situated 15km from Thouars, 30km from Bressuire, 35km from Saumur and only 60km from Angers. Cersay is a parish of the markets of Anjou, situated within the perimeter of the vineyards of Saumur. In 1973 Saint Pierre à Champ became an associated commune. The name Cersay comes from the latin "cerasus" (cherry tree). The economic activity of these two communes which are the two most northerly communes of the Deux-‐Sèvres, is balanced between traditional agriculture (breeding, cereals, vines) and small businesses. The area is part of the Anjou AOC wine growing area. The houses are built in Angevine style. The slate roofs of the large tuffeau stone houses contrast with the tiles of smaller more modest houses built out of local stone. CHAIL The 505 inhabitants of Chail are called the Chaillois and the Chailloises. The name of the village «Chail» probably comes from the Poitevin word «chail» which means «pebble». The patron saint of the Church of Chail is Peter («the Rock»).
Cer - Champ
A VOIR / MUST SEE St Pierre Church is a small Romanesque church which has often been remodelled. It was built at the end of the Middle Ages by the monks and was a priory of the Canons of the Abbey of Notre Dame of Réau. The lower part of the walls and the facade dates from Roman times and the Benedictines. The nave which was partly destroyed during the wars of religion, was restored in 1638. In 1844 the pointed gable of the facade was rebuilt. CHAMBROUTET Chambroutet is a commune which is part of Bressuire (see June 2012 issue). The inhabitants of Chambroutet are the Chambroutéens. CHAMPDENIERS-SAINT-DENIS The inhabitants of Champdeniers-‐Saint-‐ Denis (called Chandna in Poitevin dialect) are called campidénariens. The nearby commune of Champeaux became an associated commune of Champdeniers-‐Saint-‐Denis on the 19th December 1973. Champdeniers is a peaceful little town situated in a basin or dip. The river Egray flows through the town. The commune is situated at the crossroads of the county roads D745 and D748 which link Bressuire to Niort along a North/South axis and Fontenay-‐le-‐Comte to Saint-‐Maixent from East to West. In 1469, King Louis XI stayed at Champdeniers, before a reconciliation with his brother Charles de Guyenne who had provoked a feudal revolt. The commune of Saint-‐Denis joined Champdeniers in 1973 and Champdeniers became Champdeniers-‐Saint-‐Denis. A VOIR / MUST SEE • Notre-‐Dame church with its polygonal tower which was added in the XVIth century and which is probably of Limousine influence. • The funeral stone under the doorway and the XVIIth century wooden statue of the Virgin Mary. • Nucheze Hall • The Skate Park opened at the end of the 90s which was inspired by plans by James Hoban for the White House in Washington D.C. • The underground river which can be visited from the spring time until the end of the summer with its impressive grottos and its 2km trail under the town centre. • The old town hall of St The old Town Hall of St Denis Denis Famous people connected to the commune: the minister Charles Cochon de Lapparent (1750-‐1825) was born in the commune.
More ‘A-‐Z of the Communes of the Deux-‐Sèvres.’ next month...
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Building & Renovation...
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USEFUL FRENCH VOCABULARY -‐ PROPERTY
à louer -‐ for rent à vendre -‐ for sale achat de maison et terrain (m) -‐ house and land purchase acheteur/euse -‐ buyer, purchaser acompte (m) -‐ deposit acte de vente (m) -‐ deed of sale acte notarié (m) -‐ property deed atelier (m) -‐ workshop cadastre (m) -‐ land registry cave (f) -‐ cellar certificat d’urbanisme (m) -‐ equivalent to a local authority search champ (m) -‐ field chemin (m) -‐ path colline (f) -‐ hill cuisine (f) -‐ kitchen
dépendance (f) -‐ outbuilding; part of a farm droit de succession / donation (m) -‐ inheritance/gift tax écurie (f) -‐ stable étang (m) -‐ pond ferme (f) -‐ farmhouse grange (f) -‐ barn limite du terrain (f) -‐ boundary location (f) -‐ rental; lease lotissement (m) -‐ housing estate mandat de vente (m) -‐ agreement to sell permis de construire (m) -‐ planning permission sous-‐sol (m) -‐ basement système d’assainisseement (f) -‐ drainage terrain à batir (m) -‐ building land testament (m) -‐ will vendeur/euse -‐ vendor; seller
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Business, Finance & Property... Ask Amanda.
One thing I notice in France is the wealth of information available for expatriates who, like me, live here permanently. Whether on the internet via websites and discussion forums, or as printed media, such as ‘The Deux-‐Sèvres Monthly’ Magazine, there is always information and opinion for you to digest regarding specific queries you may have.
Whether you want to register for our newsletter, attend one of our road shows or speak to me directly please phone or email on the addresses below and I will be happy to speak to you. Amanda Johnson, The Spectrum IFA Group. Tel: 05 49 98 97 46 Email: amanda.johnson@spectrum-‐ifa.com “Ask Amanda” at finance@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
The hardest task for me is sifting through the raft of varied opinions and recommendations I find, to get to the facts which will help me choose the correct path. If I am looking for information on an electrician or heating engineer, I will look for someone whose business is registered to provide the service I want and I am sure most of you would do the same? Managing your finances is another area where you want to be sure the information you receive is accurate and provides you with the professional peace of mind you need to protect your assets. The Spectrum IFA Group is regulated in France, under its trading name TSG Insurance Services S.A.R.L, by ANACOFI-‐CIF and Orias (see our website for details of these organisations) to provide financial advice. Our free financial consultation means that you do not have to spend your valuable time separating fact from opinion when ensuring your estate is as tax efficient as possible. When it comes to keeping abreast of changes to French financial legislation you can always register for the Spectrum IFA Group’s regular newsletter. It will provide details on changes in the law and the impact this could have on you, as well as bringing you details on financial road shows which you can attend and hear from many leading financial organisations first hand. Page 34
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Wealth tax in 2012 and going forward by David Franks, Blevins Franks Financial Correspondent. Wealth tax has been changing one year to the next, and there are more changes to come next year. It is hard to keep up with it all so here is a summary of how it works this year. If the total chargeable wealth of your household amounts to less than €1.3m you do not have any wealth tax liability. If your wealth exceeds this threshold, only the first €800,000 is tax free. Your total wealth tax bill this year is now based on the tax bands and rates in place up to 2010. They range from 0.55% for wealth between €800,000 and €1,310,000 up to 1.8% for wealth over €16,790,000.
M. Hollande’s succession tax reforms have also been approved by parliament, as has the introduction of social charges on income and gains made from property owned by non-‐residents. Next year is expected to bring new top rates of income tax, plus a reform on how income from capital (so bank interest, dividends etc.) is taxed. Summarised tax information is based upon our understanding of current laws and practices which may change. Individuals should take personalised advice. To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world, check out the latest news on our website www.blevinsfranks.com. (See our advert below)
When these rates were last in use there were restrictions on the amount of combined taxes an individual could pay on his income. There are no such restrictions this year, which means that wealth tax burdens are higher than ever before. Even those with wealth just above the threshold will see a 14% rise. Since wealth tax returns have already been submitted this year, you will pay the difference between the old and new rates as an “exceptional contribution”. You will be advised accordingly and have to pay it by 15th November. This contribution is an exceptional measure for 2012. The government is planning a structural reform of the tax in 2013. More details are likely to be included in within the framework of the 2013 Finance Bill.
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NEW GOVERNMENT TAX by David Hardy CHANGES During his presidential campaign François Hollande vowed to balance the French economy by 2017. Now that his socialist party have won majorities in both the National Assembly and the Senate, there is little to stand in his way of implementing in full his pre-‐election manifesto commitments. The first raft of measures came into force following the passing into law of the Finance (Amendment) Act 2012 (‘Loi de Finances Rectificative 2012 (2)’) in the middle of August and the next stage of the government’s fiscal programme will be revealed in the Finance Bill for 2013 which will be announced towards the end of September 2012. The new law, however, did announce three important changes which may affect many people. WEALTH TAX The changes brought in last year by the Sarkozy government have partially been reversed and whilst the threshold remains unchanged at €1.3m, the bands used to calculate the tax due are the same as those used last year; 0.55% • €800,001 to €1,310,000 • €1,310,001 to €2,570,000 0.75% • €2,570,001 to €4,040,000 1.00% • €4,040,001 to €7,710,000 1.30% • €7,710,001 to €16,790,000 1.65% 1.80% • Above €16,790,000 This has been called an ‘exceptional’ tax for 2012, in respect of which bills will be sent out in early October, and which leads us to believe that a further review of this tax will be announced in the future. INHERITANCE TAX The amount that can be left tax-‐free to each child by each parent on death has been reduced from €159,325 to €100,000. The same reduction also applies to the amount that can be gifted during a parent’s lifetime without an immediate tax charge, with such gifts now renewable every fifteen years. Furthermore, in the event of death during the fifteen year period after the gift, the value of the gift will be included in the deceased parent’s estate for inheritance tax purposes. Seeking ways to invest that help reduce future inheritance tax bills is now even more important. ‘SOCIAL TAXES’. It will come as a surprise to nobody that the previous government’s plan to increase ‘social taxes’ (“Contributions Sociales”) on investment income and gains to 15.5% has, unsurprisingly, been maintained! For those not living permanently in France, there is one change that has attracted a lot of attention; the decision to impose ‘social taxes’, at 15.5%, on French property income earned by non-‐residents, on both rental income and capital gains. As a result of these adopted tax changes and with the prospect of additional tax changes to come it is recommended you review your situation ensuring you maximise all available options to mitigate the potential impact of these tax changes.
For a full list of our advertising rates, please phone for an advertising pack or download from our website. Tel: 05 49 70 26 21
David Hardy is Regional Manager for Poitou-‐Charentes for Siddalls France, who have been providing specialist independent financial advice to the British community in Poitou-‐Charentes since 1996. Telephone: 05 56 34 71 77, bordeaux.office@siddalls.net
www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
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President Hollande's tax changes ratified by the French National by Trevor Leggett, Chief Executive Assembly On the 16th August 2012 the French Assemblée National ratified President Hollande's new tax and financial proposals. These have created much media interest in the French property market and will be of interest to readers of ‘The Deux-‐Sèvres Monthly’. When he came into power, President Hollande vowed to raise state spending by €20bn over his first five years, as an example you may remember that he pledged to hire 60,000 new teachers. France consistently tops the polls of having the "highest quality of life in Europe" and unrivalled healthcare and education systems are the bedrock of this quality. Indeed, this state spending is why our lives here in France are so attractive and the reason that 40,000 overseas buyers bought a property here last year. Most of the policies brought into place simply bring European owners of real estate in France into line with current French residents. Where this is the case you could say that it's probably long overdue.
Tax on "non resident" property owners in France
These apply from January 1st 2012. Total tax liability on rental income has increased by 15.5% up to 35.5%. However, for UK citizens, some of these charges can be offset due to the France/UK double tax treaty -‐ it is essential to get professional advice to determine the level of your individual exposure. The tax on property gains has increased to 34.5% (from 19%) for EU residents but deductions can be made for every year of ownership after the first 5 years (years 6-‐17 give 2% reductions, years 18-‐24 give 4% reductions and years 25-‐30 give 8% reductions). French notaires have been told to deduct the tax directly upon completion of the house sale. There is still a question-‐mark over the fact that this tax was originally drafted as a social security charge ("CSG RDS") but is now being called a gains tax. The European courts ruled that it is not legal for a member state to charge a resident of another member state social security charges. However, because of the subtle change in wording this will not stop the government implementing the tax -‐ which, in any case, is only equal to that paid by French residents so seen as fair in its application.
Wealth tax
French wealth tax is calculated on January 1st each year and is payable by those French residents with assets worth over €1.3m. Returns have, of course, already been submitted for 2012 but President Hollande has introduced a one-‐off "exceptional contribution" where individuals pay the difference between the old & new rates. The tax is based upon the wealth of the household and unmarried couples living together are treated as one household. Don't forget that the market value of your principal residence in France if it is your main residence, can be reduced by 30% for wealth tax purposes. Clearly, readers should seek professional tax advice based upon their individual circumstances. Trevor Leggett is Chief Executive of Leggett Immobilier. You can access all the local Leggett Immobilier property listings and articles at www.frenchestateagents.com/poitou-‐charentes-‐property.
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