Reader Survey

The world has changed dramatically over the last 18 months. Our lives here in France, in particular, are now very different because of two monumental events, BREXIT and COVID-19. Today, we find that many businesses are struggling with import regulations, whilst others have found their supply source is no longer viable at all. Despite the increase in vaccinations, the uncertainty that surrounds COVID, especially in terms of travel, is affecting much of our regional market sector. Some businesses have had to close, some have lost huge amounts of revenue and are trying to recover, others are battling through as best they can, often having to cope with reduced staffing levels and a sudden unprecedented demand postlockdown. Not only that but rumours are rife, and now we are hearing of a possible fourth wave at the end of summer, bringing with it a return of the restrictions.

Like many businesses we are now having to change our growth plans in order to survive and thrive. We are looking at every aspect of our business from the magazine and its distribution through to our website and its functionality. In order to come up with the right result for the business and for you, our readers and advertisers, it is essential that we seek your input and support in this decision-making process. We want to ensure that our future offering reflects what both our readers and advertisers want from The Local Buzz.

Whilst we gather this information, redesign our website and amend our growth strategy we have taken the decision to suspend the magazine for a few months. We will continue to provide articles on our website and updates to our business directory and what’s on sections, together with advertising opportunities for those companies wishing to reach our audience. With your permission to do so, we will also keep you updated with newsletters and emails.

The following questions are broadranging. We are looking at this afresh and are assuming nothing.

1. You are a (a) reader (b) advertiser (c) both 2. You read/use The Local Buzz as (a) an individual (b) business (c) both 3. You are (a) male (b) female 4. What is your age range? (a) 20-40 (b) 40-60 (c) 60+ 5. Where do you live? (a) in SW France (b) rest of France (c) Europe (d) UK (e) other 6. You are a (a) permanent resident (b) 2nd home owner (c) regular visitor (d) other

7. How important is the magazine to you? (a) very (b) it’s nice to have (c) not very 8. How long have you been a reader? (a) less than a year (b) more than a year (c) since the first issue 9. How important is a printed version to you? (a) very (b) it’s nice to have (c) not very 10. How long do you keep your copy? (a) a week (b) a month (c) longer (d) never throw it away 11. How far would you travel to pick up a copy? (a) 1km (b) 5km (c) 10km (d) further 12. It costs around €4 to post in France, is €30 for a 6-issue subscription too much? (a) Yes (b) No 13. Do/would you subscribe by post? (a) Yes (b) No 14. Would you buy the magazine at a newsagent if it was around €3/issue? (a) Yes (b) No (c) Not sure 15. Please number the following magazine sections in order of interest to you, 1 being of most interest 2 being fairly interesting 3 not at all [ ] What’s On [ ] Food & Drink [ ] Gardening [ ] Well Being [ ] Finance and Advice [ ] Advice Column [ ] History [ ] Out and About [ ] Sport [ ] Prize Competition [ ] Reader Offer

16. Do you/would you read the magazine online? (a) Yes (b) No 17. How do you read the digital version? (a) Flick thru (b) Go straight to article 18. Would you pay to read articles online? (a) Yes (b) No (c) Maybe 19. Do you read the back issues online? (a) Sometimes (b) Never 20. Do you read other magazines and newspapers in a digital format? (a) Yes (b) No

21. If so, which ones? .........................................................................................................................

22. Do you use/read:

The Business Directory? (a) Yes (b) No

The What’s On listings? (a) Yes (b) No

The Area Information pages (a) Yes (b) No

The Articles (a) Yes (b) No

The Books pages (a) Yes (b) No

23. Do/would you advertise in the magazine? (a) Printed version (b) Digital version c) Both 24. Do/would you advertise on our website? (a) Yes (b) No 25. Do you follow us on social media? (a) Yes (b) No

If so, please indicate which one(s) [ ] Facebook [ ] Instagram [ ] LinkedIn

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GERS

The first Vignoble Côtes de Gascogne event popped its cork on 26 June and will be serving up a wide range of entertainment all the way through to 28 August. In addition to 17 domaines and wine cellars to visit, there will be 40 spectacular events and exhibitions and more than 50 local artists and companies to discover. For instance, on 28 July Château de Millet opens its doors for wine-tasting as well as a cookery demonstration and a cinema evening under the stars whilst, on 28 August, Domaine Entras combines a dégustation and aperitif with a meal and concert followed by a circus spectacle, “Speakeasy” bar and, from 22:00 to 01:00, dancing with a DJ. Full details of all events can be found at www.vins-cotesgascogne.fr/agenda

Singer-songwriter Kimberly Kiton Mills, known as Kimberose, may be young but she has already been crowned a soul diva. Singing with a tornado of feeling, her voice truly is exceptional. Think Nina Simone, Billie Holiday or Amy Winehouse and add a new level of strength, enthusiasm and nerve and you have a performance not to be missed with music of the soul that has much to say. Showcasing her new album “Out”, you can catch her on the opening night of the Jazz in MARCIAC festival on 24 July. www.jazzinmarciac.com

For the past 20 years the Festival Théâtre d’Eté, organised DORDOGNEby Scènes en Vie, has brought together companies that represent the best of professional and amateur theatre, and this year promises to be no different. From 22 to 24 July, the rural, summer stage productions at SAMATAN will take you through a whirlwind of emotions, including laughter, with a series of open air and indoor performances and public readings for all ages. 07 55 64 89 91.

If it’s jazz, it’s in MARCIAC from 24 July to 7 August. Kool and The Gang, Earth Wind and Fire, the Erik Truffaz Quartet, Lisa Simone, Daniel Zimmerman, the Django All Stars Quintet, the Koa Grand Ensemble, Natacha Atlas and Sophie Alour are just some of the names that are lined up for this year’s extravaganza. For full details visit www.jazzinmarciac.com

If you go down to the woods in TERMES D’ARMAGNAC on 3-7 August, you’ll find the 5th Les Moissons d’Eté, a summer harvest theatre festival set in the heart of the forest at the Domaine des Mille Chènes. From 17:00 each day you can enjoy a glass of local wine or a bite to eat before the evening’s festivities begin. With performances of contemporary theatre, storytelling, music and dance, there’s sure to be something for everyone. www.lesmoissonsdete.com This promises to be different! Guillame Lopez (vocals and flute) has invited 10 musicians from the Toulouse Chamber Orchestra to take part in an original production that spans world, classical and improvised music. Skilfully arranged by Nicolas Gardel (jazz trumpet), it will also feature Anda-Lutz with Thierry Roques (accordion), Said El Maloumi (traditional percussion and voice), Laurent Guitton (tuba) and Sébastian Gisbert (drums). All in all it will be 16 high-flying musicians presenting a virtuoso, sensitive musical and vocal journey between the Maghreb, Spain and the Pays d’Oc. To be held at l’Astrada in MARCIAC on 15 July, it sounds extraordinary. www.lastrada-marciac.fr

Where can you go to find around thirty performances encompassing theatre, storytelling, circus, puppetry, dance, clowns, song and music? How about the 18th Festival Spirale at RISCLE on 17 and 18 July (postponed from its usual dates during Pentecost). Ideal for young and old alike and presented by Festival Champêtre des Arts de la Parole, the artists can be found under tents, in halls and in the open air, bringing an array of different skills and entertainment. Bio-refreshments will be available on site. www.spiraleahistoires.com

The tenth season of contemporary art exhibitions at the Gallery Espace Points de Vue in LAUZERTE opens with the fabulous Outsider Art of Le Grand Baz’art throughout July. In August, the exhibition features sculpture from Farid Achezegag and Ced Rouz, and paintings and drawings from Amy Swartelé, all the way from New York, and Mylène Besson. Not to be missed! www.artpointsdevue.com

This year, in a tribute to the celebrated ceramicist Paul Carriquiry, the 28th Marché des Potiers is being held in CAYLUS on 14 and 15 August. With 36 exhibitors and ceramics from the acclaimed Poterie de la Hulotte, it is sure to inspire and motivate. If your “throwing down” hasn’t quite worked as intended, there will be demonstrations on the art, as well as finished items to admire and, perhaps, take home. www.latelier-caylus.com The race is on!

It has the green light and STANTONIN-NOBLE-VAL will be vibrating to the sound of engines on 15 August as the Course de Côte revs into action. Enjoy the spectacle as cars from all over France take part in this annual event, showcasing their classic cars as well as their driving skills. Drivers sign in on the 14th and, next day, will be parading vintage cars from the 70s at noon and 18:00. Races start at 09:00 with the awards ceremony at Place des Tilleuls at 19:00. Shuttle buses will be available to take spectators to the circuit and more information about the vehicles and drivers can be found at www.actumecanique.fr

TARN ET GARONNE

If you managed to attend the June event, you know that you will be feeling anything but blue at the Festival Bleu Trompette from 21 to 24 July at MONTPEZAT-DE-QUERCY. This is an exhilarating event combining great music, local food and the chance to mix with fellow jazz enthusiasts. Boogie with the Philippe Lejeune Quartet on opening night, be captivated by the funky Nico Wayne Toussaint Quartet on the 22nd, and the evocative salsa tempo of Ida Y Vuelta Octet on the 23rd. Finally, swing along to Swing Bones et N. Gardel/ Nonet on the 24th. www.bleutrompette.fr

The third outdoor film festival “Etoiles et Vieilles Bobines” opens in AUVILLAR on 20 August. Three evenings across three locations with three completely different films that will have you laughing, crying and wishing there were more. At the time of writing further details hadn’t been released but you can check the billboard at the beginning of July at www.etoilesetvieillesbobines.com

Famous for its long, heady history in the manufacture of hats, CAUSSADE welcomes Les Estivales Chapeau Caussade from 15 to 19 July. Along with a veritable array of millinery of all styles, shapes and sizes, there will be music, entertainment, hat-making demonstrations, fashion shows, a hat competiton and, of course, visits to the worldrenowned chapelleries. Find out how hats are made and who these local hat makers have made them for. Not surprisingly, there are quite a few “A-listers” and dignitaries on the list! Ideal if you have a wedding coming up or simply want to cover up under the sun, there’s sure to be something for everyone, fashionista or not. 05 63 26 04 04. Don’t forget that the Fête Foraine is happening on 27 and 28 August too! 05 63 93 71 89.

Throughout the weekend of 7 and 8 August, why not explore the village of PARISOT and discover the works of artists and their different talents from painting and photography through to sculpture? As part of this Festival des Arts en Balade, there will be musical entertainment in the streets and, on the Saturday, a concert will welcome young and old alike. Speaking of the young, there will also be a series of workshops. www.fabparisot.com