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THE VENDÉE MONTHLY
Welcome!
to Issue 4 of ‘The Vendée Monthly’ magazine! Holiday season is upon us and we have a special article this month on the coastline and beaches of the Vendée. Go, explore and have some fun on the sandy shores of this beautiful area! The department is still very new to us and we are enjoying exploring when work allows us some free time. It’s a vast area to cover so we hope to plan some regular trips this month, especially to the coast where our favourite, seafood, is readily available. Happy Days! Hope you have a sun-‐filled August and as always, you’ll hear from me next month!
à plus, Sarah.
Email: info@thevendeemonthly.fr or Tel: 05 49 70 26 21. website: www.thevendeemonthly.fr
Contents...
What’s On..........................................................................4 Getting Out & About.........................................................6 Hobbies, Clubs & Associations..........................................11 Our Furry Friends.............................................................. 12 The Great Outdoors.......................................................... 13 Health, Beauty & Fitness.................................................. 15 Spotlight On................................................................... 16 Take a Break...................................................................... 18 Motoring........................................................................... 19 French Life, Food & Drink.............................................. 20 French Adventures........................................................... 23 Communications.............................................................. 24 Building & Renovation...................................................... 26 Business, Finance & Property........................................... 28
This Month’s Advertisers... A2B Food Services .............................................................................................. 21 Affordable UK Design........................................................................................... 2 Agence Mélusine (Estate Agent)......................................................................... 29 A la Bonne Vie (Restaurant)................................................................................. 21 ARB French Property............................................................................................ 29 Assurance GAN (Insurance)................................................................................. 19 Bill McEvoy (Plumber / Heating Engineer).......................................................... 27 Bird Property Services......................................................................................... 26 Cafe Cour du Miracle........................................................................................... 21 Chris Bassett Construction.................................................................................. 26 Corbin Electrical................................................................................................... 27 Currencies Direct (Money Transfers)................................................................... 28 Elliott Gardening Services.................................................................................... 14 English Spoken..................................................................................................... 25 Estelle Veron (Advice, help and Translation)....................................................... 8 Evelyne Mallet (French Lessons & Translations)................................................. 8 Fresco Interiors.................................................................................................... 7 Futuroscope......................................................................................................... 32 Gentle Touch Hair & Beauty................................................................................ 15 Glass 2 France...................................................................................................... 2 Insink Plumbing................................................................................................... 27 Jon Crocker Photography..................................................................................... 14 Julie’s Cleaning Services....................................................................................... 29 Keith Banks Pool Services.................................................................................... 27 K.Neal Renovations.............................................................................................. 26 La Deuxième Chance (Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Supplier)................................... 27 Leggett Immobilier............................................................................................... 29 Le Pub des Halles................................................................................................. 21 Ma Maison Parfaite............................................................................................. 20 Mark Sabestini Renovation & Construction........................................................ 26 ML Computers..................................................................................................... 25 Nathan Foster Building Services.......................................................................... 26 Needa Hand Services........................................................................................... 26 Polar Express (Frozen Foods).............................................................................. 21 Rob Berry (Plasterer)........................................................................................... 27 Robert Gough Terrassement............................................................................... 27 Ross Hendry (Interface Consulting & Engineering)............................................. 24 Sandy G (Hairdresser)......................................................................................... 15 Sarah Berry Online (Websites and Graphic Design)............................................ 25 Satellite TV (Nigel Gubb)...................................................................................... 25 Shaun Grice (Home Renovation)........................................................................ 26 Spectrum IFA Group (Amanda Johnson)............................................................. 28 Sue Burgess (French Courses & Translation)....................................................... 8 Val Assist (Translation Services)........................................................................... 8 Vendée Building Services..................................................................................... 26 Vendée Carriers................................................................................................... 19 Vendée Pools....................................................................................................... 31
Emergency Numbers: 15 SAMU, Medical 17 Gendarmes, Police 18 Pompiers, Fire
112 European emergency 113 Drugs and alcohol
Annual Subscription Costs: 28€ within France, 18€ UK addresses. (Unfortunately the cheaper ‘printed papers’ rate cannot be applied to addresses within France, only when sending abroad) Please tick:
‘The Deux-Sèvres Monthly’
‘The Vendée Monthly’
Full Name: Postal Address: Postcode:
Country:
Tel: Email: Please make cheques payable to SARAH BERRY. © Sarah Berry 2013. 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 Vendêe 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: aôut 2013 -‐ Tirage: 4500 exemplaires. Siret: 515 249 738 00011 ISSN: 2115-‐4848
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THE VENDÉE MONTHLY
What’s On... August 2013 Until 9th August -‐ Festival Ultrasong 2013 Open air concerts at the Forêt de Notre Dame de Monts. Starting from 9.30pm. See tourist information for further details: www.notre-‐dame-‐de-‐monts.fr Until 16th September -‐ Summer Exhibition. At the Château de Coulonges, 79160. Photographs of Church wall paintings “Peintures murales -‐ médiévales et gothiques" by Howard Needs. Can also be seen during guided tours of the Château which are bilingual. For further information see website: www.ville-‐coulonges-‐sur-‐lautize.fr
2nd/16th/30 August -‐ Dancing Spectacular Fridays An evening of traditional folk dancing in Vix (85770). See July’s issue for more details, or contact Julie Briggs on 02 51 51 56 79. 5th/12th/19th August -‐ Nocturnes in Sallertaine 2013 Street festival with clowns, jugglers, acrobats, comedians, singers and musicians. Free entry from 6pm at Sallertaine 85300. 5th August -‐1st September -‐ Exposition au Chateau d’Apremont Daily event at the Chateau in Apremont (85220) with stalls and activities. Open 10am-‐7pm. 6th August -‐ Mens and Ladies Darts Competition At Les Pub des Halles, Sainte Hermine. Great fun evening, all levels welcome. Please see advert on P.21 for contact details. 7th/14th/21st/28th August -‐ Fishing Wednesdays in Vix Traditional fishing in Vix (85770) from 3pm-‐10.30pm at La Grange du Grand Montnommé. 5€ per person. 7th August -‐ Talk “Healing” Meeting of ‘The Filling Station’ at 7.30pm (refreshments from 6.30pm). A talk by Martin Cavender hosted by the Rendez-‐Vous Christian Fellowship. At La Grange, 39 rue du Centre, Thouarsais Bouildroux.Tel: 09 60 49 78 50 Email:christopher.taylor85@orange.fr 7th August -‐ NALA Quiz At the Auberge St Vincent Sterlange, 8.00pm. 8th-‐22nd August -‐ Autrefois Challans 2013 Go back in time to an oldie-‐worldie event with activities and market stalls. See www.autrefoischallans.com for further information. 9th July-‐30th August -‐ The Summer House of Dragonflies A day out for all the family in the great outdoors, searching and learning about the Dragonfly. At Chaillé-‐sous-‐les-‐ormeaux, 85310. See www.maisondeslibellules.fr or call 02 51 06 03 15. 9th August -‐ Cockney Themed Night At restaurant A La Bonne Vie, Le Beugnon 79130. For more details please see advert on P.21. 11th August -‐ Peintres dans la Rue In the village of Vouvant, 85120. Painting competition, studios open-‐day and exhibitions. For further information see details on P5. 13th August -‐ Quiz Night At Les Pub des Halles, Sainte Hermine. Great fun evening, all levels welcome. Please see advert on P.21 for contact details. 30th August -‐ Jazz and Blues Evening At restaurant A La Bonne Vie, Le Beugnon 79130. For more details please see advert on P.21. 31st August -‐ Fish & Chip Evening La Vendée Chippy will be at the ‘Café des Amis’ in Bournezeau from 7pm. NALA Animal association will benefit.
What’s Coming Up...
21st September -‐ Anglo-‐French Trade Fair See advert on Page 2 for information. 29th September: Annual Book Fayre at La Ferriere-‐sur-‐Parthenay With Art & Crafts stalls and Fish & Chips. Contact paperbackjan@gmail.com for details or if you would like a place.
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.fr 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 can be found on our website at: www.escoval.org or please telephone us on: 05 49 66 79 14. Our GPS address is 46˚59'25.30 N 0˚02'06.22 W. You will be warmly welcomed at Joie de Vie Christian Fellowship in St Gilles Croix de Vie. We meet every Sunday in Espace Notre Dame, Rue Gautte, St Gilles. May to end of September, 6pm and October to end of March at 11am. We are an English Speaking Church, but welcome French speakers and hold occasional bi-‐lingual services. To find out more see our website www.joiedeviel.org or contact Rev. Roger Fray on: 02 51 33 27 81. We look forward to meeting you.
The National Holidays, Religious and Feast Days 2013 Thursday 15th August....... Friday 1st November......... Monday 11th November... Wednesday 25th December.
Assumpmon of Mary (Assomp&on) All Saints Day (Toussaint) Armismce Day (Armis&ce 1918) Christmas Day (Noël)
Vide Greniers 4th August L’Ile d’Olonne (85340) 11th August Barbâtre (85xxx) Jard-‐sur-‐Mer (85520) and Saint Christophe du Ligneron (85670) 18th August Longville-‐sur-‐Mer (85560) For more information about Vide Greniers in your area, visit: www.info-‐brocantes.com
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THE VENDÉE MONTHLY
Your Local Markets
Mondays:
Tuesdays:
Wednesdays: Thursdays:
Fridays: Saturdays:
Sundays:
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Benet 85490 Noirmoutier-en-l’île 85330 Jard-sur-Mer 85520 La Roche-sur-Yon 85000 Challans 85300 Chantonnay 85110 Noirmoutier-en-l’île 85330 l’île d’Yeu 85350 La Roche-sur-Yon 85000 Les Sables-d’Olonne 85100 St-Giles-Croix-de-Vie 85800 La Tranche-sur-Mer 85360 Luçon 85400 Les Sables-d’Olonne 85100 St-Giles-Croix-de-Vie 85800 Beauvoir-sur-Mer 85230 Bretignolles-sur-Mer 85470 Chantonnay 85110 Noirmoutier-en-l’île 85330 Les Herbiers 85500 Pouzauges 85700 La Roche-sur-Yon 85000 Les Sables-d’Olonne 85100 St-Hilaire-de-Reiz 85270 Les Sables-d’Olonne 85100 Ste Hermine 85210 Chantonnay 8511 Fontenay-le-Comte 85201 Les Herbiers 85550 Luçon 85400 La Roche-sur-Yon 85000 Les Sables-d’Olonne 85100 La Tranche-sur-Mer 85360 Bretignolles-sur-Mer 85470 Olonne-sur-Mer 85340 St Gilles-Croix-de-Vie 85800
Paperback Jan Books in English
1st Aug: Brasserie Vue du Chateau, Bressuire 79300. 10am -‐ 12pm 1st Aug: Bar le Palais, St Aubin le Cloud 79450. 2pm -‐ 5pm 2nd Aug: Bar de la Paix, Thouars 79100. 12pm -‐ 2pm 2nd Aug Le Tipsy Bar, Coulonges-‐sur-‐l’Autize 79160. 4pm -‐ 6pm 3rd Aug: Cafe Le Chauray, St Maixent l’Ecole 79400. 10am -‐ 1pm 4th Aug: Café des Belles Fleurs, Fenioux 79160. 2pm -‐ 4pm 7th Aug: Café Cour de Miracle, Vouvant 85120. 2.30pm -‐ 4.30pm 8th Aug: Pause! Cafe, L’Absie 79240. 2pm-‐ 5pm 9th Aug: Jan’s home, La Ferrière-‐en-‐Parthenay 79390. 11am -‐ 4pm 28th Aug: Jan’s home, La Ferrière-‐en-‐Parthenay 79390. 1pm -‐ 6pm 29th Aug: Le relais des 2 moulins, Clessé 79350. 4pm -‐ 6pm 30th Aug: Le P’tit Bar Boucard, Ménigoute. 4pm -‐ 6pm For more info contact Jan on: 06 08 30 73 29 or email: paperbackjan@gmail.com La Vendée Chippy Traditional Fish & Chips in France! • Wednesdays (August 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th) Bar ‘Auberge le St Vincent’, St Vincent Sterlanges • Thursdays (August 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th) Bar ‘La Rando’, Mervent. • Fridays (August 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th ) Bar ‘Au Bon Coin’, Thoursais Bouildroux
+ Fundraiser at Bournezeau on Saturday 31st (See What’s On for details) For more info please visit website: www.lavendeechippy.com
!
If you have a date you would like included in next month’s “What’s On” listing, please email the details to: info@thevendeemonthly.fr.
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THE VENDÉE MONTHLY
Getting Out & About... ‘Vent des Arts’ is the organisation behind the weekly Art Market at La Tranche-‐sur-‐Mer. Formed earlier this year, the group of 40 Vendéen artists comprising painters, s c u l p t o r s , d e s i g n e r s a n d photographers, together promote artists and their work through exhibitions, workshops and cultural events. Each week 20 members are selected to present and sell their work at the Market. Each artist has a different style and theme and all work is original. This event, the first organised by the group, is limited to only 20 exhibitors to ensure an exhibition of quality, not quantity. The environment is open and friendly, and in a pleasant location with easy access from both the town and the beach. The organisation has other projects in the pipeline, in particular further exhibitions planned for the autumn.
Did you know?...
by Vanda Lawrence
In the olden times of sailing ships all war ships carried iron cannons which fired round iron cannon balls. Obviously, it was necessary to keep a good supply of cannon balls near the cannon but with the ship's movement it was difficult to stop the balls rolling about the deck. Eventually someone came up with the pyramid idea: 1 ball on top, resting on 4, resting on 9, which then rested on 16. In this way a supply of 30 cannon balls could be stacked in a small area alongside the cannon but there still remained the problem of preventing the bottom layer from sliding/rolling from beneath the others. The solution was a metal plate called a 'Monkey' with 16 round indentations for the bottom layer of balls. However, if this plate was made of iron the iron cannon balls would soon rust to it, so the answer was to make the 'monkey' from brass. At the time it was not realised that brass contracts much more and much faster than iron when it gets cold. Consequently, when temperatures dropped too low these brass indentations would shrink so much that the iron cannon balls would be displaced and come off the 'monkey'. Hence the old saying 'Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey'. Now, who'd have thought it!
Do you have t h e i d e a l location for their next exhibition? Are you another of The Vendée’s talented artists who wishes to join their organisation? Or do you simply wish to view or purchase unique local art? Head along to the Art Market, in front of the church at La Tranche-‐sur-‐Mer, between 10am and 7pm on any Thursday in August.
Painters In The Streets of Vouvant Painters of all ages are welcomed in the Village of Vouvant at the bi-annual event ‘Peintres dans la Rue’. On arrival at the village, the artists find a place to settle from 9.00am. They organise their own space with paintings to sell, and at the same time they have until 5.00pm to paint one or several views of Vouvant. There is no restriction as to the style or technique of painting used and the public are able to watch the artists in progress. At 5.00 pm, all the paintings are gathered at Place du Bail. For an hour, a jury and the public will be able to vote for their favourite
THINKING ABOUT PLACING AN AD? For a full list of our advertising rates, please phone 05 49 70 26 21 or download our Advertising Pack from our website: www.thevendeemonthly.fr
paintings. At 6.00pm, the names of the winners are announced, and prizes given. It will be a very animated day in Vouvant. The 14 Painters' studios will be opened to the public, visitors can follow the photographical tour outside in t he vi llag e, and tw o exhibitions will be taking place in the Church (an in-situ artwork Playing with Time by Vincent Lamouroux and Stéphane Protic in the Nef Théodelin; a sculpture with Breeze Blocks in balance by Vincent Ganivet in the crypt). Everything is free. Page 6
THE VENDÉE MONTHLY
ARTicles
by Josie Bounds
Piet Mondrian 1872-1944 Piet Mondrian has been described as “the early 20th century artist who pursued the mystical direction to the brink and beyond”1. It could be argued that Piet Mondrian was a pioneer in the development of abstraction; he called his style ‘neoplasticism’ meaning new form or new image, the esoteric concept of mathematics underpins Mondrian’s Neoplasticism. He expressed harmony through the straight line and colour; he believed that art could free our vision, “seeking the answers to ultimate questions outside the canons of traditional Christianity”2. Like Kandinsky, Mondrian looked beyond “conventional religious beliefs for a means of penetrating the mysteries of spirit and feeling”3. Theosophy gave Mondrian a blend of Eastern and Western religious ideas affirming the gradual evolution of humanity towards a spiritual unity. His transition from the representation to abstraction can be seen in his painting ‘Woods near Oele 1908’. Here, in this painting we can see the influence of Seurat, Van Gogh and the Fauvist colours of Matisse. Mondrian breaks up the image of his favourite subject, the tree, dissolving the tree into pieces into what he described as “the expansion, rest and unity of nature”4. In ‘Woods near Oele 1908’, Mondrian’s trees “feel like paths of energy, he translates the image of the tree into a vital spirit” 5.
Above left: Piet Mondrian Tableau No. 2 1913 Above right: Piet Mondrian Composition in Line 1917
Like Kandinsky, Mondrian was influenced by the art of “Cézanne’s spiritual purity”9 Cezanne engaged Mondrian to embark on a journey which eventually led to his mature abstract style of horizontal and vertical lines, where neither linear direction seems dominant, a good example of this can be seen in Composition in Red 1938. Piet Mondrian Composition in Red 1938 1.Rosenblum R (1975) Modern Painting and the Northern Romantic Tradition Friedrich to Rothko, Thames and Hudson, London, p. 176 2. Ibid 3. Ibid 4. Golding, J (2000) Paths To The Absolute Mondrian, Malevich, Kandinsky, Pollock, Newman, Rothko and Still, Thames & Hudson, London, p. 20. 5. Rosenblum R (1975) Modern Painting and the Northern Romantic Tradition Friedrich to Rothko, Thames and Hudson, London, p. 184. 6. Tuchman M (1986) The Spiritual in Art: Abstract Painting 1890 - 1985, Abbeville Press, New York, p. 82. 7. Ibid 8. Ibid 9. Ibid
Find Josie Bounds at Le Studio, 79240 Le Busseau www.monpektcoeur.info Woods near Oele 1908
Described by Tuchman as a founding father of abstract art, Mondrian was the most consistent and systematic in his use of geometry. “Mondrian’s transition from representation to abstraction coincided with his most intense involvement with Theosophy” 6. During this time Mondrian was introduced to Theosophy, a blend of Eastern and Western religious ideas that affirmed in Mondrian a gradual evolution of humanity towards his vision of spiritual unity. He felt that Picasso and Braque had discovered the right path through Cubism. During his Cubist years, Mondrian reduces the forms of nature to simple shapes, adopting the Cubist style “in part due to his conviction that it embodied the greatest potential for evolving a truly spiritual form in art”7. He moved to Paris where he could study Cubism in detail. This influence and translation of “inert matter into vital spirit” can be seen in many of Mondrian’s tree studies, Tableau No. 2 1913 and Composition in Line 1917.
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THE VENDÉE MONTHLY
Learn French with Evelyne
Un été multicolore by Evelyne Mallet
Pas besoin d’aller loin cet été -‐ no need to go far this summer -‐ wonderful Vendéen beaches await you and masses of other people. To avoid huge traffic jams on the roads and to lengthen the season for the tourist industry, France is split into three zones, with the school holidays therefore staggered over several weeks. La Vendée is part of zone A, les Deux-‐Sèvres are in zone B, Paris and Bordeaux are in zone C. Strangely enough, this system does not apply to the summer holidays and Christmas! If we all decide to travel on the same day, all I can say is Bon courage! Au moment des grands départs, la journée est classée orange (circulation dense) ou rouge (circulation au ralenti). Le ciel (m) est bleu, la mer (f) est calme, le drapeau (m) est vert -‐ is the combination I’m after (blue sky, calm sea, green flag). The flag at the beach indicates that the area is supervised by maîtres nageurs sauveteurs -‐ not necessarily in a red swimming costume and a dream-‐like body, but definitely keeping an eye on the swimmers and coming to the rescue whenever required.
Red is not always bad news, though. I’m really looking forward to eating tomates (f) rouges from my garden. Pas de tomates vertes cette année; I did not plant any ‘green zebra’ this year. Of course, tomatoes come in all sorts of shapes and colours, you might even see des tomates bleues, but that might be due to an over-‐ enthusiastic use of bouillie bordelaise. Le Pavillion (m) bleu is good news. This blue flag is a certification by the FEE -‐ la Fondation (f) pour l’éducation (f) à l’environnement (m) -‐ that a beach or marina meets its high environmental and quality standards. Not everyone is interested in the sea -‐ you may prefer to have a holiday in the country: partir se mettre au vert. Or you might not get a chance to get away at all this summer if your home has turned into a free holiday destination for all your relatives and friends. Whatever your plans this summer, passez un excellent été.
Bonnes vacances !
The three main colour flags are : • Le drapeau est vert = la baignade (f) est surveillée, pas de danger (m) particulier. • Le drapeau est orange = la baignade est dangereuse mais surveillée. • Le drapeau est rouge = la baignade est interdite. Other colours are possible: • Le drapeau jaune (used to be purple but has turned yellow!) = baignade interdite due to pollution or jellyfish (méduses, f). • Le drapeau noir warns of offshore wind vent (m) de terre (f) -‐ that could sweep away any floating devices. And there was me thinking pirates had been spotted in the area! • No flag = no supervision. You’ve been warned. Orange is also used for warning of a possible danger linked to the weather, as in alerte (f) orange aux orages (m) -‐ a bit of a tongue twister, that one. I suppose we are all familiar with this system as we’ve had more than our fair share of storms lately. Alerte rouge aux inondations (f) is for severe floods.
Contact Evelyne Mallet by Tel: 02 51 00 47 13 Email: evelyne.mallet2@gmail.com
Advert Size A or B, only 38€ per month or from 33,33€ per month for 12 months.
Contact ‘The Vendéé Monthly’ La Bartière, 79130, Secondigny Telephone: 05 49 70 26 21 or email: info@thevendeemonthly.fr
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THE VENDÉE MONTHLY
by Ian Wallace
As I write this piece Summer has just arrived, eventually, and after a very hot day playing cricket I am enjoying the slightly cooler air of the evening. When you read this I hope and pray the summer is still with us and we are still basking in Andy Murray's Wimbledon Victory, Lion’s success down under (especially if you are Welsh!!) and us thrashing the Aussies in the Ashes (updated in next month’s issue with corrections as necessary and humble pie ready to be eaten). August is the time of the year when the French “go on holiday”, life slows down, time to allow long days spent relaxing (okay not exactly true, especially if you are a farmer or Gîte owner etc) but you get the idea. Here there is a clear culture of rest and enjoyment and most importantly sharing this time with family and friends, more so than in the UK. When on a break I like to spend time reflecting on the past and take stock of the good, the bad and the ugly. We do so because we have the time to do so, its a natural thing to do before we look to the future. As a church we have the joy and pleasure of sharing time reflecting on our lives, and on those around us near and far, on a regular basis at our various services, social events and support networks. We don't always have answers to the challenges around us but we aim to give ourselves the space to think, pray and share. One of the strengths of the church is that we are there for each other and those around us because it is what we are asked to do. As expats in a large rural area, loneliness and isolation can sometimes be a struggle, especially during difficult times of illness, loss of mobility, loss of a partner, friends moving back to the UK or expectation of a visit that is cancelled; the chance to share the good the bad and the ugly is gone. During the cold and dark winter months that will follow, life, for some more than others, can definitely be lonely as we wait for the light and the warmth, but remember that even on a balmy Summer’s day when life here looks so good, there are those who would appreciate an invite or a visit; we just need to look around. As always, all are welcome at any of our events and services throughout the Vendée. Details can be found on our website, www.allsaintsvendee.fr. If you think we can be of help to someone, just ask.
So what happens when we’re not rehearsing for a play?
The Reaction Theatre singing group was formed a couple of years ago as a “Can’t sing won’t sing” group. Over this period membership has grown from a handful of people to over 40! We have performed at a number of venues and have more bookings for this year. We have two very important members, Margaret Round, our musical director and Ann Milton, our pianist. They say no one is indispensible but I can tell you these two ladies are. Not wanting to sit back on her successes, Margaret has decided to make a few changes, as follows:-‐ Keynotes -‐ the way forward: Objectives
• To provide a learning experience of music and singing in a friendly environment • To maintain and improve the team spirit achieved so far • To build skills and confidence in less experienced singers • To provide challenges and further performance possibilities for more experienced members
Method
• Provide an additional 30 minutes ‘Beginners Workshop’ for those who have little or no experience, or who would like to improve vocal skills in pitch and tone. • Continue to provide 1h30m ‘core time’ for the KeyNotes choir in a similar format to the present – warm-‐up, teaching techniques and new songs and practise old songs. • Followed by an ‘Improvers’ Workshop’ of about an hour. This workshop would be for those who have mastered the basics, and are looking for something a bit more challenging musically and vocally.
I’m sure you can see a section there which suits your level of ability and interest and if so, let me know. The Reaction Theatre Alternative Calendar Girls calendar Having now sold over 700 calendars and raised over 7,000€ we still need your support to achieve our target of 10,000€. The calendar covers the rest of 2013 and the whole of 2014 so is still a very good buy as a present for family and friends and more importantly the money raised is for a very important charity. The Calendars are still for sale at the following four venues and will remain so for the rest of the year: A La Bonne Vie at Le Beugnon, Cafe des Belles Fleurs at Fenioux, Pause! Cafe at L’Absie, Cafe Cour du Miracle at Vouvant.
For further information, please contact John Blair by email: johnblair@btopenworld.com
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THE VENDÉE MONTHLY
Hobbies, Clubs & Associations... Genealogy
by Vanda Lawrence
I've had several hobbies over the years, some were necessary pastimes such as knitting and dressmaking when the children were small, but pleasurable nonetheless. Then about 15/20 years ago my parents gave me a box of old family photos to “look after and pass on to the children in due course”. Amongst these was a photo of my Dad's Grandfather. He really took my eye so I asked about him -‐ he confirmed that his name was Samuel Joseph Moss. So started the latest and most long-‐ standing hobby, Genealogy. In the box there was also a photo of Samuel with his wife Elizabeth so I thought I would see if I could find their marriage in the Essex Parish Records. Luckily, at that time there was a Records Office in my home town of Colchester, so I was able to go for a couple of hours each week and search the microfiche records. I found the marriage; so now I knew Samuel's wife's maiden name, their ages, the full name and occupation of both their fathers and names of witnesses to the marriage. Once you have started there is no turning back, you just can't help wondering ... did they have children? .... who did the children marry? .... what happened to them? ... and so it goes on. Extra information is available from census returns. Censuses began in 1841 and have been taken every 10 years since then. Anyone interested can see these online at www.findmypast.co.uk. The 1881 census is free to all. Another good site is www.ancestry.co.uk. and if you are looking for births, marriages or deaths try w w w.f re e b m d . ro o t s w e b . c o m , w w w. g ro . go v. u k o r www.genesreunited.co.uk. If I have piqued your interest in this hobby and you would like any help or advice I'll be happy to help -‐ just e-‐mail me on mickvandalawrence@orange.fr but beware, it becomes addictive!
MaiLLÉ cricket club
Open to players of all standards. We have a wonderful social atmosphere with own club house and catering facilimes at Maillé Stade. Visit our website for details: www.maillecricketclub.yolasite.com
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!
Vendee Women’s Fellowship Meetings held the third Thursday each month at ‘Le Mangoustan’ in Mervent. We share hobbies and interests and organise trips to places of interest, primarily offering friendship and support to English speaking ladies. Come and join us and you will be sure of a warm welcome. Contact: Carol 02 51 52 10 48 or Shirley 02 51 51 49 39
Through the Lens Group Local photography group meets on the last Monday in each month to chat about all things photography! New members welcome. For further information contact: Ian Gawn: 02 51 00 84 52 or Brian Preece: 05 49 72 09 94
“Nalliers Welcome”
Anglo/French Social Club Every Tuesday evening/Chaque mardi soir 19h15 - 21h00 ~ Salle Polyvalente, 85370 Nalliers
Contact Karen Ross on 02 51 56 14 28 email: j.a.ross@talk21.com 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
Alone in France? 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.
Cycling Group Do you enjoy cycling? I am a keen cyclist and looking for others to meet up with me for outings once or twice a week. Purely for leisure and very informal with a coffee stop en route. I live at Pamplie, near Secondigny. Contact: steve.coupland@hotmail.com / 05 49 28 24 06 The Filling Station ~ Poitou-Charentes and Vendée The Filling Station is a network of local Christians of all denominations who meet together regularly for spiritual renewal & evangelism purposes. ALL WELCOME. Please see our website for details of meetings and spring programmes www.the@illingstation.org.uk or locally contact 05 49 87 18 58 or email:michael.willisfr.fr A R E Y O U A M O D E L R A I L W A Y ENTHUSIAST? If so, join a group of likeminded modellers who meet on a monthly basis to visit members' layouts and swap information. We are based on the DeuxSevres/Vendee border but also have members in the Vienne and Charente. If you are interested please contact Gerry Riley for more information on 05 49 63 34 01.
If you have some time to spare and are interested to help us as a volunteer, please contact us for more information.
Cancer Support Vendée Helpline: 02 51 00 58 21 or email: csvpresident@orange.fr.
La Roche-sur-Yon Cricket Club Friendly cricket club always looking for more players, scorers, umpires and cake-makers! Contact John: 02 51 66 13 05 or Dave: 02 51 56 49 60
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THE VENDÉE MONTHLY
Our Furry Friends... The Secret Shame: Animal Cruelty in France France is apparently considered to be a nation of animal lovers, but since we've been involved with NALA we have started to have our doubts.
According to the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, France is apparently the animal abandonment champion of Europe with about 100,000 pets abandoned every year. Of these about 60,000 are abandoned by people going on their summer holidays. Most years the large associations for the protection of animals run an information campaign just before the holidays in an attempt to reduce the number of abandoned animals. It does give some hope as over the last thirty years the number has decreased from 400,000. In a meeting with the Direction Départementale de la Protection des Populations we asked how many animals were abandoned in the Vendée. They couldn't tell us because they don't collect any statistics. They were unpleasantly surprised when we told them that we had learnt from the other animal associations in the Vendée that there were well over 1,000 in the first 9 months of 2012.
This month’s Adoption Appeal... Popeye, a neutered male cat about 2 years old, is FIV and FELV positive (Feline AIDS and leukemia: not transmissible to humans). He is a calm and sweet cat who loves cuddles and loves the company of humans and other cats. He is in a family home in La Roche-‐sur-‐Yon. We are looking for caring and attentive adopters who either have no other cat or cats with the same diseases. Please remember that FELV/FIV cats, if they are in a safe and warm environment, can live a normal life. They have lots of love to give. Please contact NALA if you can help. Nos Amis Les Animaux 85480 (NALA 85480). Tel: 07 70 31 54 59 ~
Email: nala85480@hotmail.com www.nosamislesanimaux.com
The introduction of a new law (Article L212-‐10 of the Code rural et de la pêche maritime) in January 2012 requiring all cats and dogs to be identified once they reach a certain age should make it harder for people to abandon their pets. However, in practice, the new law does not seem to be strictly applied and checks are rarely made. This strikes us as a bit strange, because the fine for abandoning an animal is €30,000 with the additional risk of 2 years in prison, which would indicate that the authorities consider it a serious offence. (Article 521-‐1 Code pénal). The same article of criminal law and the same punishments also apply to cruelty towards animals. Rather surprisingly, deliberate killing of animals is punished less severely, a fine of only €1500 (see Article R.655-‐1 Code pénal), while involuntary killing is punished with a fine of €450 (Article R.653-‐1 du Code pénal). Again in a meeting with the DDPP, when we broached the subject of missing, poisoned, mutilated and killed pets, they didn't have any statistics. So we agreed with them that we would conduct a survey and give them some figures. The survey can be found on our website www.nosamislesanimaux.com/enquete-‐nala-‐85480.php From the responses that we've had, it's clear that many people don't report such crimes. One reason is that they don't think that the gendarmes are interested. If they should try to brush you off, be persistent as it is their job after all. It may be helpful to send a letter to them with copies to the Maire of your town, the DDPP and to associations for the protection of animals. Another reason is the fear of reprisals, unfortunately we know of two horrific cases whereby the owners were too frightened to report the matter (and their neighbour) to the police. If you have been affected by such an event then please fill in our survey. Likewise, if you know of anyone concerned, please encourage them to fill it in too. People can respond to our survey anonymously if they wish, although it is helpful if they give some details of the area, if not an exact address. If enough people respond in a given area, then the gendarmes may be able to narrow down the search sufficiently to be able to have a quiet word with potential suspects and persuade them to see the error of their ways.
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION... Crakers -‐ a 13 year old Yorkshire Terrier who almost didn’t make it. This lovely little dog was found abandoned in a very bad state, but is thankfully much better now that he has had a visit to the toiletage. He had to have an army haircut but is feeling a lot better for it and his lovely locks will grow back soon.
CRAKERS
Crakers is in good health despite his ordeal and has been micro-‐ chipped (250269604921683), vaccinated, wormed and will be neutered as he is fond of the ladies. He gets on well with other dogs and is undergoing house-‐training which should be quickly achieved once he is neutered. Crakers is currently living with an Orfee foster family near Cholet (49) and has shown nothing but a very friendly nature to them. Although lacking early education, Crakers is a well behaved dog who will make a nice companion for someone; he loves his little walks like most dogs. It is not recommended that Crakers go to a home with young children as even at 13 years he has the Yorkshire Terrier character. Please call Isabelle at Association Orfee now on 09 77 48 71 43 or email asso.orfee@laposte.net for more information about how you could adopt Crakers. www.association-‐orfee.forumactif.com/f49-‐english-‐corner. There is no adoption fee but a donation would be appreciated.
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THE VENDÉE MONTHLY
The Great Outdoors...
Love Your Garden by Babs Kolthammer
We had some beautifully sunny and warm if not hot, days during July, which more than made up for the long and dreary ‘non’ spring! The time in the garden now is more about maintenance, feeding, propagation and prolonging c r o p s and floral displays…….and enjoying the fruits of your labour. I grow many hostas in pots and beds in my garden and the problem this year has not been slugs and snails, but weather damage. Hosta leaves do not stand up very well to a heavy downpour of hail such as we had in late June. I’ve trimmed back the damaged leaves and the plants have put on lots of fresh new growth which is very pleasing. . Watering is key to keeping pots and baskets looking good. Don’t forget to feed every three weeks or so……soluble tomato feed (available in supermarkets) works wonders. There is so much fresh green growth on many perennials and some of this can be used as cuttings to increase your stock. Now is the time to: H a r v e s t m a i n c r o p potatoes; pinch out the tips of runner beans at the top of supports or frames; pick sweetcorn as soon as it is ripe, checking that each niblet is fat and filled with milky fluid; keep harvesting cucumbers and courgettes; cut suckers off tomato plants to direct energy to the main trusses. Check strawberry and raspberry plants for mildew, removing any infected fruits; plant new strawberry plants using rooted runners; prune canes that have borne fruit on summer fruiting raspberries and loganberries, by cutting down to the base just above soil level…..tie in to supports the canes that have grown this year and they will fruit next year; thin out bunches of grapes in order to allow development of better sized fruits; prune peaches and nectarines by shortening shoots that carried fruit; cordon and espalier apple trees can be pruned now too; trim side shoots back to three leaves above the base leaf cluster; thin out fruit on pear trees to encourage even sized fruits. Cover thinned out carrot plants to deter carrot fly damaging the crop; if mint has become straggly, cut back or replant using cuttings; once the leaves have died back on onions, shallots and garlic, it is time to harvest; leave on top of the soil to dry out on a sunny day, then remove any soil, roots and foliage and store in a dry place ready to use; pick beans regularly to encourage more flowering and therefore more beans; always water well as beans are very thirsty plants. Camellias are now forming next year’s buds, so make sure that the plants don’t dry out; deadhead dahlias regularly and make sure that plants have plenty of support; cut back lavender to remove old flower heads and encourage new shoots (don’t cut into old wood as it never regenerates); cut back hardy geraniums and other perennials that have finished flowering for fresh leaves and flowers in autumn; plant autumn crocus and nerines; thin and shorten stems on rambling roses when flowering has finished;
leave allium heads to form seed and leave them to drop these onto beds to germinate. Remove rose suckers from the bases of plants, if left in place they will grow strongly and divert energy away from the main plant; drench the base of wisteria with soluble tomato feed to encourage flower production next year; deadhead lilies by cutting just below the flowerhead, this prevents seedheads from forming… keep an eye out for the larvae of red lily beetle, it looks like a small black splodge on leaves and will denude flower stems very quickly if left…don a pair of gloves and just wipe them off; keep an eye out for powdery mildew developing on late flowering clematis…..this can be discouraged by watering regularly and shading the base of the plant with mulch; allow coriander plants to set seed for a good supply of this herb for your cooking. Laurel, privet and yew can all be trimmed into shape now, by shortening all this year’s growth; when trimming conifers take care not to cut into old woody stems as you’ll be left with bare brown areas which don’t regrow; try to get rid of couch grass from flower beds…...it’s easily recognized by its thick white fleshy roots……..just a little piece of root left behind will develop into more plants! It’s a good time to prepare the ground for a new lawn by clearing the area, forking it over well, removing any stones and weeds, then patting it flat using a spade or your feet before finally watering it, in readiness for laying turf or sowing seed. Save seeds from perennial flowers to sow now or later, these can include foxglove, polemonium, hellebores, verbena, lupins; everlasting (perennial) sweet peas are excellent value, flowering all summer long and needing hardly any attention, but some feed and a good support; deadhead petunias, geraniums, busy lizzies and all basket and pot flowers, to elongate the flowering period. I mention taking cuttings a lot, but if you are new to this, you may never have tried it before. It’s a simple process and means you’ll be able to produce plants for free! Here’s how: Choose a non flowering shoot from the plant of your choice, cut it to a length of about 15cms, making sure it looks in good health and is not wilting. Remove the lower leaves, leaving just two or three at the tip, then make a clean cut just below a leaf joint at the base. Dip the base in hormone rooting powder (can buy it in supermarkets). Insert several cuttings around the edge of a flower pot filled with moist compost (not flooded), keeping the leaves above the level of the compost. Seal the pot inside a plastic bag and place it in a warm, shady, place. Roots take about 10 weeks to form when the bag can be removed and the pot put into a lighter place. Leave the cuttings in the pot for a couple of months, by which time a really good root system should have formed, then they can be transferred into larger pots or planted outside. Best of luck! Do enjoy your time in the garden with family and friends or on your own with a good book and a glass of something chilled! Le Pouce Vert. If you would like to contact me my email is: 123sissinghurst456@gmail.com
Love Your Garden. Page 13 13 Page
THE VENDÉE MONTHLY
THE ASPIC VIPER (Vipera aspis); Vipère aspic
by Roger Meek
Some years ago visitors to London Zoo were asked what animals they liked most and least. Top of the least-‐liked were snakes but curiously the same survey also showed that the Reptile House at the zoo was the most visited. In a sense this is rather like paying to watch a horror film but perhaps the result should not have been unexpected as fear and loathing of snakes is universal.
Cutout photo:© Patrick JEAN / muséum d'histoire naturelle de Nantes.
In certain respects the fear is justified; some species are potentially extremely dangerous due to the possession of highly toxic venoms. Human fatalities from snakebites occur mostly in third world countries where medical facilities are poor and their populations consist of high numbers of peasant farmers who work barefooted. However, most snakes are actually harmless and all species, even the very dangerous, usually avoid human contact. In western France the potentially dangerous snake is the aspic viper (Vipera aspis), a relatively small species with maximum total body lengths of around 60cm, but occasionally longer. The body pattern is highly variable but staggered transverse bars on the back identify this and most other vipers (see photograph below). It is a snake that is most likely to be seen at the base of dry stone walls or on the edges of woodland and hedgerows, especially in spring. D u r i n g t h e h o t t e r summer months they t e n d t o m o v e t o woodland interiors where risk of predation from raptors is reduced. Vipers are sentinel p re d ato rs wa i t i n g , sometimes for several weeks, for a passing rodents which is their main food source. They have limited home ranges and hence low e n e r g y c o s t s a n d require only between 4 -‐ 6 rodents per year. They do not feed during the winter months w h e n t h e y a r e i n
hibernation. Aspic viper venom consists mostly of haemotoxins that attack the circulatory system and cause tissue damage, but in some populations higher than normal levels of neurotoxins are present. These target the nervous system. Maturity is attained between 3 (males) and 5 years (females). The females do not lay eggs but give birth to on average 6 to 8 fully formed young. Recent research has indicated offspring quality in the aspic viper is temperature dependent and influenced by the ability of the pregnant female to achieve optimum body temperatures. Pregnant female vipers therefore increase exposure to the sun, especially in spring, in an attempt to attain the required body temperatures. This has potentially lethal costs since the increased exposure also increases exposure to predators, especially buzzards. Apparently this is a risk worth taking as many female vipers may only reproduce once in a lifetime. Aspic vipers are timid snakes that are difficult to approach, rapidly retreating to cover. As with most venomous snakes they are reluctant to release their venom, which is physiologically costly to produce and is needed to subdue prey. When cornered they may strike but deliver a `dry bite’, which does not involve venom release or they may even strike without opening the mouth. However, a perceived physical attack, for instance if they are handled, will most likely result in venom release -‐ there is no point in conserving venom if you believe you are in danger of being killed! Snakes, including venomous species, have great benefits for the environment by preying on rodents that have an economic impact on agriculture. Snake venoms have value in medicine. For instance drugs synthesized from snake venoms are used to protect against heart failure and also for treating cancer (e.g. Snake venom protein paralyzes cancer cells. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 93, 261-‐62). From a biologists perspective the aspic viper is providing new insights into evolutionary biology, in particular the intriguing discovery of temperature effects on offspring fitness. www.rogermeekherpetology.com
Left: Example of an aspic viper seen near the village of Chasnais in the Vendée, where it had just completed a road crossing. The photograph illustrates the staggered dorsal marking and stocky build that distinguishes vipers from other local snakes.
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THE VENDÉE MONTHLY
Have Your Camera Ready..... by Hugh Shelley
Congratulations on
making such a huge effort to organise your trip to the Vendée. It wasn’t easy but the rewards are so worth it. But what do you do when you get home? Will you talk about it for a year until you manage to make it back again or will you dare to be different and save some of your memories for the years to come? Hopefully I can persuade you to do the latter.
Don’t be shy about taking your pictures. These are your memories, it shouldn’t matter what the weather is like or whether or not your family are dressed in their best. Your Grandparents did not worry about these things when they took those precious images of your parents that you are so eager to preserve. The one major difference for us is the sheer volume of images we take today. We have so many types of media available to us, even those of us who may not be complete gadget freaks will have at least one device capable of creating lasting images of our family to pass on down the generations. That being said, it’s one thing to capture the images, but you have to ensure you leave a physical record to remember and show off in the years to come. Over the next couple of months I’ll be sharing a few ideas and tips with you. Just remember that there are very few hard and fast rules
to photography. Once you have a sharp, well composed image (i.e. no cutting off anyone’s head), then the image becomes part of your family’s record. Save it to enjoy for years to come.
Top Tip #1: Camera Type Honestly, it doesn’t matter. As a professional photographer for many years I still take out my phone to capture a moment. Once you accept the various quality issues associated with each one then just leave that worry behind you and be happy to just create the memory. For example, while writing this article my 7 year old son just handed me a pine cone that he thought was really cool so we photographed it with my phone on the spot. This will now be framed and put on his wall or desk at home….provided I make that effort of course. See where this is going? Some of you will most likely have a digital camera or even a Prosumer SLR, as I said, it doesn’t really matter. The main thing is to keep it handy and don’t be afraid to take it out and use it. Embrace the groans and taunts of your family as a badge of honour and claim the title of Family Chronicler.
Until next time...
Health, Beauty & Fitness...
Be SAFE in the Sun We all need some exposure to the sun as it is our primary source of Vitamin D, (allowing us to absorb Calcium for stronger bones) but we must remember how powerful the sun’s rays can be. Too much exposure to the sun’s Ultraviolet (UV) rays damages the skin and can lead to skin cancer. Sunlight contains three types of ultraviolet rays-‐UVA, UVB and UVC. 1. UVA rays cause skin aging and wrinkling and contribute to skin cancer, such as melanoma. The UVA rays pass through the Ozone Layer and make up the majority of our sun exposure. 2. UVB rays are also dangerous and cause sunburn, cataracts and effects on the immune system. They can also contribute to skin cancer. The Ozone Layer absorbs most of these rays, but enough pass through to cause damage. 3. UVC rays are the most dangerous. Fortunately these rays are blocked by the Ozone Layer and don’t reach the Earth. Remember -‐ SPF equals time to burn. The SPF number (Sun Protection Factor) indicates how much additional time you can stay outside without burning. For example, if your skin would normally burn in 10 minutes without any sun protection, applying an SPF 15 will allow you 15 times longer exposure, or 150 minutes (2.5 hours) before your skin will burn. It is recommended to use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15. Skin protection is essential. Protect yourselves from exposure to UVA and UVB rays and be safe in the sun this summer.
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THE VENDÉE MONTHLY
Spotlight On...
The Vendée, coast to coast The Vendée has 250kms of coastline (of which 80% is protected) including 140kms of stunning, fine-‐sand beaches, so no wonder it’s the top tourist destination on France’s Atlantic coast. It welcomes around five million visitors every year (87% of them French) and the majority will be heading straight for the beach. And that many people can’t be wrong. There are few better places to enjoy the great outdoors than along the Vendée coast. Spending energetic days on the water, meandering through unspoiled coastal countryside, or just doing nothing. Lazing on the sand or in the shade of a pine tree with apéritif in hand. Life doesn’t get much better. For family holidays where fun is on the menu, you’ll be spoilt for choice on which beach to pick. From Port de Collet in the north on the border with the Loire-‐Atlantique, to Pointe l’Aiguillon in the south next door to the Charente-‐Maritime, the choice is incredible. If you fancy island-‐hopping to top up your tan, there’s the Ile-‐de Noirmoutier at the northern tip of the Vendée or the smaller Ile d’Yeu, ten miles off the coast of Notre-‐Dame de Monts. Both have everything the mainland coast has but on a much smaller scale. In the north, head for La Barre-‐de-‐Monts, Notre-‐Dame de Monts and especially St-‐Jean-‐de-‐Monts to recharge your batteries. The kids will love the latter resort, which has Station Kid status (see separate story). It has gently sloping beaches, numerous safety patrols and a shoreline guarded by unspoilt woods. Grownups love the place, too. They have their golf courses, fishing trips and thalassotherapy (soft water spa treatments). Equally tempting are the bike rides along coastal paths or the trails that run deep into the surrounding countryside. St-‐Jean-‐de-‐Monts has all the facilities you would expect from a large resort but parking can be a problem, especially in the high season.
s
Notre-Dame-de-Mont
St-Gilles-Croix -de-Vie
by Mick Austin
Then there is the Côte de Lumière, the Coast of Light, named for its glorious, wide-‐open seascapes. Here you’ll find a dozen great beaches, one after another, each protected by dunes and pine trees. Drop in at St-‐Hilaire-‐de-‐Riez, good for swimming or for fishing from the beach, and then via the Sion coastal road to the chic St-‐Gilles-‐ Croix-‐de-‐Vie, another family-‐friendly Station Kid resort with a harbour that’s a popular destination for sardine fishing. Le Grande Plage is the major beach here, with a fine stretch of sand, but again parking can be a problem. Brétignolles-‐sur-‐Mer is the next stop on the journey south. There’s a family-‐friendly beach at La Parée, where young and old alike can explore the rock pools at low tide, but this spot is really home to those who love to ride the Atlantic waves. The wild, rocky coast at La Sauzaie is home to surfers and it gets the thumbs-‐up on many surfing websites. As seaside resorts go, Les Sables-‐d’Olonne is right at the top of its game (see July’s issue). Home to the legendary Vendée Globe solo round-‐the-‐world yacht race, the place is sailing mad. Thousands of yachts line the local marinas, but the resort is also home to dinghy sailing and these colourful boats bring an added atmosphere for holidaymakers basking in the sunshine on Le Grande Plage. It’s one of the Vendée’s safest beaches and is just a few strides away from all the facilities you’d expect; cafés, bars, restaurants and gift shops. The coast is just as splendid in the Vendée Plein Sud, the southernmost part of the region, particularly Jard-‐sur-‐Mer. Better known for its attractive harbour than for its beaches, it welcomes a variety of watersports to its magnificent bay and 7kms of beach, including windsurfers from all over Europe. One of the most popular beaches along this stretch of the coast is at Les Conches, with its golden sands, dunes and pine forests of the Forét Domaniale de Longeville. You’ll find surfers on the water almost all year round and the beach also draws sea anglers and cockle-‐ hunters. It can be a bit of a trek from car park to sand, but a gentle stroll through the forest to find an often-‐uncrowded beach makes it worth the effort. A word of warning if you have granny with you. Although not always an official site, some beach areas are popular with those holidaymakers looking for an all-‐over tan! The sand and the sea are also the big appeal of La Tranche-‐sur-‐Mer, with the longest south-‐facing beach in the department. Families love the 12kms of sand and the watersports. The same goes for La Faute-‐ sur-‐Mer and its sand dunes and pine and oak forests. In the heart of the Baie de l’Aiguillon, it’s famous for oysters and bouchot mussels grown on ropes strung from wooden poles in the sea. From there you arrive at L’Aiguillon-‐sur-‐Mer, a small, picturesque fishing port known for its grocery and seafood markets, and then Pointe l’Aiguillon, where your Vendée beach party comes to end.
Jard-sur-Mer
La-Faute-sur-M
er
Baie de l’Aiguillon
Chilled-‐out or exhausted you may be, but it’ll be a trip you and the family will remember for a long time. Sortez, c’est l’été!
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THE VENDÉE MONTHLY
Where Children Come First
Station Kid is a national quality label awarded to resorts that are very family and child-‐friendly – with a special emphasis on youngsters. To even be considered for the award, the resort has to have a real welcome policy for children from 3 to 12 years old and their families, lodgings, free activities (including beach activities), entertainment and safety. It also has to be environmentally-‐friendly, spotlessly clean, have the sea water tested to a high standard, have clean public conveniences and First Aid centres on the beaches. Restaurants must have child-‐friendly menus and suitable seating, including high chairs. The Vendée region has Station Kid resorts at St-‐Jean-‐de-‐Monts, St-‐ Gilles-‐Croix-‐de-‐Vie and La Tranche-‐sur-‐Mer.
Les Sables-d’Olonne
Fun in and on the Water
The Atlantic coast has long been a favourite for watersports and you’ll find plenty of places catering for the usual activities like wind surfing, deep-‐sea fishing and sea kayaking. But if you want to try your hand at something a little more unusual how about sand yachting?
More Information
It may look a bit like a soapbox with a sail, but the modern sand yacht is a sophisticated piece of machinery that travels quickly but safely. A brief lesson, a beach and a breeze and off you go. Popular places include St-‐Jean-‐de-‐Monts, Notre-‐Dame-‐de-‐Monts, St Hilaire-‐de-‐Riez and L’Aiguillon-‐sur-‐ Mer.
All the major towns have tourist offices and websites and they’ll be only too pleased to help you find what you want (places to eat, day trips etc), but two good sites to get you on your way are: www.paysdelaloire.co.uk and www.vendeetourism.com
Unless you’re planning to sleep on a beach under the stars, you’ll need somewhere to stay. There’s plenty of choice, from campsite to five-‐star luxury and everything in between.
Mick Austin is a freelance journalist based in the Pays-‐de-‐la-‐Loire. He has had his work published in several expat magazines and newspapers and has also written the Mayenne Tourist Board’s only English-‐language brochure.
Page 17
Photos: Notre-Dame-de-Monts: Wikipaedia Commons, Pymouss; St-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie: Sarah Berry; Jard-sur-Mer: Wikipaedia Commons, mwanasimba; La-Faute-sur-Mer: Wikipaedia Commons, Pantoine; Baie de l’Aiguillon: Wikipaedia Commons, Remi Jouan; Ile d’Yeu: Wikipaedia Commons, Peyot.
Port Joinville, Ile d’Yeu
THE VENDÉE MONTHLY
Take a Break... VM Easy Crossword... Across: 8. Bright, pleasant weather (5) 9. Eight tentacled cephalopod (7) 10. An athlete who performs requiring skill, agility and coordination (7) 11. Join together (5) 12. Having a PH greater than 7 (8) 13. Young sheep (4) 15. Ridicule (4) 17. A wild headlong rush of frightened animals (8) 21. An animal noise (5) 22. Options (7) 24. Rising current of warm air (7) 25. High bird’s nest (5)
Down: 1. Largest continent (4) 2. Kind of heavy jacket(6) 3. Round facial feature (7) 4. Make less severe or harsh (6) 5. Walk heavily (5) 6. Ancient Greek city (6) 7. Put together (8) 12. Having unlimited power (8) 14. Not adhering to ethical principals (7) 16. Shut (6) 18. Fishing equipment(6) 19. An extra or repeated performance (6) 20. A device that holds things firmly together (5) 23. Garden structure used for storage (4)
VM Anagram Crossword...
All the clues are anagrams; this is a real toughie!
21
Across: 1. TRIM AS IN SONS (12) 7. I DRAGON (7) 9. STRUB (5) 10. GUEH (4) 11. SIMMERED (8) 12. FLUTE I (6) 14. SEER TO (6) 17. LACE TENT (8) 19. DUES (4) 22. LONER (5) 23. ELATING (7) 24. TREASONS TRIO (12)
Down: 1. CHEAT (5) 2. NAG MOST (7) 3. DIAS (4) 4. CUBS JET (7) 5. GORSE (5) 6. ID OUST (6) 8. MEGA (4) 12. TAT REF (6) 13. LATE ELF (7) 15. STIR TOO (7) 16. GULP (4) 18. NEVER (5) 20. SNIDE (5) 21. LAFT (4)
Sudoku Corner...
Please see website: www.thevendeemonthly.fr for answers
Hard
www.websudoku.com
Easy
Page 18
THE VENDÉE MONTHLY
Motoring...
RETRO QUATTRO by Helen Tait-Wright Anyone who went to the Grand Prix Historique at Bressuire at the end of June will have seen our Quattro leading out the plateaus throughout the event ..... This car has some emotional significance for us as Chris and I met as a result of it, but historically the Audi Quattro will be remembered for being the car that brought Four Wheel Drive in a road car to the masses, and for its awesome performances in Group B rallying, often piloted by the “Grande Dame” of rallying, Michèle Mouton. It is interesting to note that the first combustion engined car with a four wheel drive system was the Spyker 60 HP, a two seater sports car presented back in 1903 by Dutch brothers Jacobus and Hendrik-‐ Jan Spijker of Amsterdam. In the intervening years before the Quattro hit the market in 1980, many off road and utility vehicles used the four wheel drive system to good effect and although other manufacturers such as Jensen, AMC and Subaru flirted with the idea in road cars, they did not have the impact in the mass market of the Quattro. The word quattro is derived from the Italian word for "four". As the name is also used by Audi for any four-‐wheel-‐drive version of their models, the original Quattro model is commonly referred to as the Ur-‐Quattro -‐ the ‘Ur’ being German for "primordial", "original", or "first of its kind". To mark the success of the original vehicle, all subsequent Audis with their trademark quattro four-‐wheel-‐drive system were badged "quattro" with a lower case "q" and in a distinct typeface. The original car with the upper case "Q" in the Quattro name is the real collector's piece. The Quattro road car not only had four wheel drive, but this was teamed with a turbocharged engine and the characteristic flared wheel arches distinguished it visually from the Audi Coupé on which it was based. For rally enthusiasts the Quattro is legendary, and the trill of the turbo waste gate opening when in full flight is an unmistakable sound. The car was born at the start of the Group B era, a rallying category which gave manufacturers free rein to experiment with new design and technology and no ceiling on the cars’ power outputs. As the 80s progressed the Quattro rally car became wider, shorter and more extreme, with the final versions in the 1986 season producing 591 bhp. Although the Quattro’s life in International rallying ended with the end of the Group B era in 1986, the car went on to compete successfully in other disciplines, and some great drivers have been associated with the car; Hannu Mikkola, Stig Blomqvist, Walter Röhrl and of course the great Michèle Mouton. We have owned 4 Quattros in all, but the current car, an ex UK Audi Team Course car was discovered by Chris in a scrap yard 22 years ago, and after much TLC is now resplendent in its original team colours, although we have abandoned the stripped out rally interior in favour of something more comfortable!!! There is only one word to describe the car and the driving experience you get in a Quattro. Awesome. Contact Helen at: helen@stodel.org.
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French Life, Food & Drink... Food, Family & Friends - Life in by Helena Boyle the Vendée At last, summer is here. It’s amazing though, how the weather changes from being freezing cold, needing something warm on in June/July, to (overnight) it being so hot that it feels as though we’re melting. I drove back from the Limousin this morning, opened the door of the car, and couldn’t believe the heat that was radiating all around. It had seemed very hot all weekend over there, but the temperature here at home certainly beat anything over the weekend!
Barbecue weather has finally arrived -‐ and here’s hoping the summer really is here to stay, at last. It really is great to be able to eat outside again, and make some of the lovely ‘summer’ food. One of my favourite fish recipes is marinated hot smoked salmon. However, it still tastes really good if you cook it in the oven, after removing it from the marinade, just without the smokey flavour! See my recipe opposite to give it a try... The hot smoked salmon is really delicious both hot and cold. If you do have any left over it makes a great sandwich filling mixed with mayonnaise, and it also freezes and keeps extremely well with no deterioration in texture or flavour when defrosted. This sudden extremely hot weather has changed my cooking pattern for the moment. I usually make bread first thing, when I get up in the morning and before I start work on the computer. However, this heat is a bit unbearable right now so I’m taking a break until it cools down a bit. Easy way to cut down on the carbs, though… I’ve got a busy and interesting Friday this week. I am getting a lamb from a local smallholder. It is being butchered early in the morning, and I learned quickly from my first experience that I need to be there the moment the butcher starts, otherwise he removes all the fat and skin etc (the French like every scrap of fat removed) and I then don’t get the lovely crispy skin on the joints/chops when I cook them…I have quite a battle to get him to leave it on…but I think he now accepts that I’m just another crazy English woman! I’ll report back in next month’s column. Until then, enjoy summer, as it has finally arrived.
Helena
Are you a bit of a Bookworm? With summer now here, what better way to relax in the warm sunshine than with a good book? If you are an avid reader and would like to share your books with us -‐ we would love to publish your book reviews here. Please send to us by email: info@thevendeemonthly.fr or alternatively complete the ‘Written Contributions’ form on our website. www.thevendeemonthly.fr. Reviews should ideally be 150-‐200 words long.
by John Sherwin.
MARINATED HOT SMOKED SALMON (serves 6) 1kg salmon fillet (sometimes on offer as ‘filet royal’) in one piece and with the skin on. Marinade: *3 cloves garlic crushed to a paste *100ml soy sauce *3 tbsp soft brown sugar (Viergeoise) *2 tbsp black treacle *½ tsp chilli powder *tsp wasabi paste/powder (optional) *Fresh chopped herbs to taste Place the salmon in a sturdy, sealable plastic bag (freezer bag), or in a vac packing bag, if you have a vac packing machine. Heat smoker to approximately 160˚C. (Oven to 160˚/170˚C). Mix all the ingredients for the marinade together and pour over the salmon in the chosen bag. I then seal it using the vacuum machine and massage it well into the fish before placing into the fridge for a minimum of overnight and up to 24 hours. When you are ready to hot smoke or cook in the oven, remove the fish from the marinade reserving some so that you can baste it when cooking if you wish. Place the fish on a rack if smoking or on a rack in the baking tray if oven cooking. Then place into heated smoker/oven. You need to check for the optimum readiness of the fish. Either use a food thermometer (the internal temperature should be approximately 140˚F/60˚C) or flake the fish to see if it is cooked. The colour changes to milky and opaque when done. Don’t leave it cooking too long or it will become dry. This is delicious served with new potatoes and salad, or with a salsa verde. SALSA VERDE *2 cloves garlic *1 tbsp capers *1 large bunch basil leaves *1 tsp Dijon mustard *8 tbsp good olive oil
*6 anchovies (or more to taste) *1 large handful parsley (leaves only) *A few leaves of mint *2 tbsp wine vinegar *Salt and pepper
Finely chop the first seven ingredients or process in a mini chopper/food processor; taking care not to reduce it to a paste! Add the mustard and vinegar and stir in the olive oil, adding it gradually to achieve the right consistency. Add salt & pepper to taste and more vinegar as you like. I sometimes make this with a sweet balsamic vinegar for a different take on it.
CONTRIBUTIONS.... As a new magazine for the local area, we are always looking for new contributions for consideration in future issues. Do you have an experience to share? Are you a tradesman with a Top Tip? Or perhaps an avid reader who would like to contribute a book review? Whatever it may be, either long or short, we would love to hear from you. You can call Sarah on 05 49 70 26 21 with any ideas, or send them on an email to:
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The Art of Vixology Wines of Vix
by John Sherwin
Driving into the Marais Poitevin, the pancake-‐flat expanse of drainage channels and cereal agriculture south of Fontenay and west of Niort, I felt the familiar tingle of guilt. Coming from the undulating bosoms of the bocage, one is supposed to suppress a slightly world-‐weary yawn and remark how flat and dreary it all is. Not moi, pardner: I make absolutely sure no-‐one is around (paranoïa de bocage is the technical term) then let out a Waynesque ‘yee-‐haar!’. You see, I rather like the big sky and the distant horizons. All I’m missing is a diner with a rusting Chevvie outside and tumbleweed the size of Dolly Parton’s coiffure. But is it promising winemaking country? Heck no, buddy! But then, following the Major (Major Tom-‐Tom), I was going inexorably uphill. If you think you know the Marais, then you have to check out this parallel universe known as Vix. By the time you get to the top you are surveying the expanse of the Marais, and the ‘yee-‐haar’ has become more of a thoughtful ‘crikey’. OK, it’s not Everest, but it’s noticeable, and important in winemaking terms. Slope, drainage and exposition, Rodney; slope, drainage and exposition. Turns out that a really long time ago, Vix was an island in an extension of the Atlantic. It enjoys the warmest climate in the Vendée, nestling within oceanic influences and the embrace of the Mervent forest. This background was given to me by Stéfan, one of the guys at Mercier vineyard. They have 43 hectares around the ‘island’, and produce on average 200,000 bottles per year. But that is as nothing compared to the really gobsmacking fact that they are the world’s biggest specialised nursery for young vines – about 20 million young vines per year, half for France, half worldwide. This so gobsmacked me that I had to ask for it to be repeated three times, and although I like John Wayne, I’m not usually that dumb. The Mercier family started here in 1890. It’s an interesting case of the nursery tail wagging the vineyard dog – except the tail is humongous, and the vineyard puppyish. Because the nursery
provides a very wide range of grape varieties from their own rootstock in the vineyards, the winemaker often finds himself using grape varieties which are not part of the Vendée AOC. This can be liberating if you don’t mind labelling some wines ‘Vin de France’ and you find customers in the know. A case in point is their demi-‐ sec mix of Gewurz and Chenin. I couldn’t beg, steal or borrow a bottle of this: sold out, try again December for the 2013. They also do attractive whites, rosés, and Loire-‐style and Bordeaux-‐style reds. Also their own sparkling, made, uniquely for the Vendée, on the premises, as opposed to being sent to Saumur for schooling. The only other maker in Vix is Christian Chabirand. He and his wife Estelle are young, talented winemakers on the up and up. Started in 1997, they currently make only around 35,000 bottles a year, so I suggest you get in line – after me. Punk. If that’s alright with you. More details of these wine-‐makers can can be found online:
www.mercier-‐vins.com
Thewww.prieure-‐ Orion family la-‐chaume.com
John Sherwin, French Wine Tours Tel: 02 51 66 13 05 Email: john@french-‐wine-‐tours.com www.french-‐wine-‐tours.com
Photo: www.mercier-vins.com
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French Adventures...
Beth’s Bijoux Beads
I didn’t have the opportunity of learning to speak French when I was at school, but that didn’t put me off coming to live here on the spur of the moment 10 years ago. I was an English teacher in England, learning a new language couldn’t be that hard -‐ could it? Give me a year and I’ll be fluent! Oh dear, how wrong could I have been? Enough was enough, fed up with the English bureaucracy, we sold up lock, stock and barrel and moved to the Vendée. It was an awful wrench to leave our two daughters (and now three grandchildren) but they were very supportive of us. We bought a smallholding, without the animals, and a very small house which we renovated (as we did our own house) and rented it out to bring in a very much needed income. This proved to be very successful as it was for two people and judging from the amount of business we had, this type of property was hard to find. Arriving in France, it became clear that we needed to get out there, learn the language, make French friends and also integrate as much as possible as we couldn’t expect the French to come to us. We forget sometimes that it’s as scary for them to try and speak to us as it is the other way around. We joined an association to learn French. I taught (voluntarily) flower arranging to a French group and my husband joined two French bands. You could say that we “flung” ourselves into the French way of life and now have a large group of French friends (of course we still have a small circle of English friends, none of who we would be without). Just over 5 years ago I had had the opportunity to sell some jewellery at a local campsite. This was a hobby but it became obvious from the start that I was making something that people really liked. I couldn’t continue it as a hobby, I had to make myself “legal” as the business grew so quickly. The same time as fighting my way through the paperwork we decided to sell our home and gîte and find somewhere smaller as my husband’s health had deteriorated. Before moving, I worked in a small room on the dining table, as many people do. Now, I am extremely lucky as we have an enormous conservatory overlooking the garden. I work whilst looking at the garden, listening to the birds and enjoying the outside weather that we have here, but with the bonus of being undercover.
I exhibit at Château d’Apremont for the whole of August, also at the Autrefois Challans which occurs four times a year, take part in Medieval festivals (three this year), local fetes and Christmas markets. I have many returning customers, local and from all around the world and I also design and make jewellery for weddings. I often think that I would like to be younger so that I could expand the business even more as the opportunities are there. I offer workshops to groups, demonstrations to clubs and childrens’ workshops (for birthdays etc) and I make a lot of jewellery for children. I also write articles which are published in Bead Magazine in the UK. Considering that I have never had a jewellery making lesson in my life and also that I couldn’t speak French at all but now converse quite well in French for my business, I feel I’ve come a long way! Don’t get me wrong, there have been times when the bureaucracy with both life and business has been “very challenging”, especially as I started my business before the Auto Entrepreneur scheme was available. I registered before anyone seemed to know where my business should be registered and have incurred charges (something that is still ongoing) that should never have been charged. Having said all of that, can I say this wouldn’t have happened wherever I had been (although language is a great barrier)? I was determined, happy and “legal” and had no doubts that this was the life for us. I have a website and send to wherever is needed, I send as far away as Australia and also direct to the recipient if required for a birthday, Christmas or other gift. People often ask us (as I’m sure they do with you), “Will you ever go back to the UK?” We answer that we wouldn’t like to think so but you never know what the future holds. Don’t ever give up on things, follow your dreams but be prepared to work hard, don’t underestimate what you can achieve. Opportunities pass you by each day and it’s up to you if you reach out and take them! People say how lucky we are to be able to “live the dream”. We say that we’re not lucky, we took a chance and it could have gone either way, we’ve worked hard to get where we are today. Beth Brodie can be contacted onTel: 02 28 10 21 36 Email: beth@bijouxbeads.eu www.bijouxbeads.eu
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Communications... Protecting Your PC... What is Malware? Part 1.
by Ross Hendry
When I set up a new PC for my customers, I usually install two programs to protect them, an Anti-‐Virus and an Anti-‐Malware program. Strictly speaking, both of these are Anti-‐Malware programs, as this term is derived from Malicious Software. So what is Malware? The definition I prefer is: Malware is any software that gets installed on a PC and performs unwanted tasks. These can range from irritating things, such as delivering a toolbar or creating/ permitting pop up advertising, to causing serious damage by stealing passwords and data or infecting other machines, and/or deleting files, programs and the like. Malware may also relay important information about you to third parties to aid them in theft, whether it be monetary or your identity. Malware is code or software that is specifically designed to damage, disrupt, steal, or in general inflict some other “bad” or illegitimate action on you or your data, hosts, or networks. How does Malware attack our systems? There are many different types of Malware, these can infect systems by: being bundled with other programs or attached as macros (* definition below) to other programs or files. Other types may be installed by exploiting vulnerabilities in your operating system or web browser, such that you only need to visit an infected website to unknowingly infect your own system. *A macro is a way to automate a task that you perform repeatedly or on a regular basis. It is a series of commands and actions that can be stored and run whenever you need to perform the task. You can record or build a macro and then run it to automatically repeat the series of steps or actions. The vast majority of Malware is installed by some action from a user, such as downloading a file from the internet or clicking on an email attachment or link. Things to be wary of are : -‐ 1. Websites that state that software is needed to view the site, in an attempt to trick users into clicking "Yes" thus installing software onto their machines. 2. Another trick is if you click "No," many error windows display, whilst the malware secrets itself, somewhere on your system. 3. Other sites will tell you that using a certificate makes their site "safe" which is not the case. Certificate verification means
4. 5.
only that the company that wrote the software is the same as the company whose name appears on the download prompt. Peer to peer sharing sites were known to bundle "adware" or "spyware" when you used their software to participate in files sharing. An innocent looking email containing a link to an infected site or an attachment of a free irresistible "goody" that when installed, also installs malware.
The best way to combat any form of Malware is: 1. Keep your operating system and browser programs up to date -‐ Malware writers seek out methods of exploiting the design of your operating system/browser to creep in undetected. 2. Install and use a reputable anti-‐malware/anti-‐virus program and ensure that you keep it up to date, not only the program, but also the security definitions and treatment rules. 3. Think before you open an email or attachment or click on a link: a. Do you know and trust the sender? b. Are they likely to have sent you this type of information? c. Could they have been infected? and the malware on their PC is trying to infect yours! 4. If something looks too good to be true, it probably is! Don't have that toolbar or smiley face icon if you are offered one, as it may well contain a nasty piece of Malware, this could be on a website or contained in an email. 5. Anything you do decide to download and install should be checked by ensuring you read the instructions and maybe even doing a search to see what others say about the product before you install it or click on the link. The anti-‐malware programs I install on the new PCs I set up are both free, as are their daily updates. They are AVG Basic Protection and Spybot -‐ Search and Destroy. Both provide real-‐ time protection and may be scheduled to run on a regular basis. I run mine every night when I am sleeping and have kept my PCs free from infection for many years. Next month I shall look at the different types of Malware and the way they have developed. I find understanding how they work can alert you to their presence. Do check your anti-‐malware program is right up to date and using the latest updates and the same with your operating system. Doing both of these things will help keep you safe from these potential threats. Ross Hendry is the proprietor of Interface Consulting and Engineering, who has over 42 years experience in Communications,
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Advert Size A or B, only 38€ per month or from 33,33€ per month for 12 months. Contact ‘The Vendée Monthly’ La Bartière, 79130, Secondigny. Telephone: 05 49 70 26 21 or email: info@thevendeemonthly.fr
Useful English Language Numbers... Cancer Support Vendée:
02 51 00 58 21
French State health insurance (C.P.A.M.) advice line:
08 11 36 36 46
Elizabeth Finn Care (Grants and advice if in Financial need):
04 68 23 43 79
Orange Helpline:
09 69 36 39 00
EDF International Customer Service:
05 62 16 49 08
CLEISS (Social security advice between countries):
01 45 26 33 41
Funeral Information (AFIF):
01 45 44 90 03 or www.afif.asso.fr
Passport Advice:
0044 208 082 4729
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Building & Renovation...
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renewed?
CONTRIBUTIONS....CALLING ALL ARTISANS & TRADESMEN! Do you have any top tips you can share with our readers? We would love to include them in this section! For more details, please contact Sarah on 05 49 70 26 21 or email: info@thevendeemonthly.fr
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Business, Finance & Property... Ask Amanda.
Questions, Questions...
A question I am often asked is “What is an ‘Assurance Vie’?”
Here are a few frequently asked questions explaining more about Currencies Direct.
An Assurance vie (“AV”) is a type of insurance, however, unlike a life insurance you may have experienced in the UK, these policies shield any investments from virtually all forms of tax while the funds remain inside the AV (some funds receive dividend income that has had withholding tax deducted).
Who are Currencies Direct? We are one of Europe’s largest and best known foreign exchange specialists and have been around since 1996. Today we trade over 47 world currencies, have offices based on 5 continents and an annual turnover of over £2 billion. Unlike banks we only deal in foreign exchange – therefore we are able to offer much better rates than banks and can offer a far more flexible and personalised service.
AVs become more tax efficient over time. After 8 years funds can be withdrawn from the AV and taxed at just 7.5% on the gain element only. Funds can be accessed at any time before that, with the gain declared on your annual tax return. Standard social tax remains payable on all gain, but only when drawn. After eight years your gain is not only tax efficient, but it can be offset against a tax free allowance of (currently) €4,600 per person (€9,200 per couple) per annum. I would be happy to run through this with you as part of a free financial health check. AV policies are not subject to succession law. Proceeds from an AV policy can be shared amongst any number of beneficiaries. Although the succession tax benefit is reduced when the subscribers are aged over 70, there are still worthwhile benefits to be gained in this area. What should I ask for in an ‘Assurance Vie’? • Portability -‐ Can I take it with me if I move back to England or to another country? • Regulation -‐ Is the company advising me on an Assurance Vie regulated in France? • Fees -‐ No up front entrance fees? • Currency -‐ Can I invest in Sterling? Euros? If you would like me to review your financial circumstances to see if an Assurance Vie is right for you, or you would like me to explain your existing one, please phone me.
Amanda Johnson, The Spectrum IFA Group. Tel: 05 49 98 97 46 Mob: 06 73 27 25 43 www.spectrum-‐ifa.com/johnsonloire.shtml or “Ask Amanda” at finance@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr
by Sue Cook
Do you only trade in Euros and GBP? Not at all, we trade in most major world currencies – so if you are moving money to/from Australia, Canada, Dubai etc….we can help. Contact me if you would like to know about a specific currency, or check out our website www.currenciesdirect.com What is your role in France with Currencies Direct? I am the local Regional Coordinator. I represent Currencies Direct throughout this area and can advise on products, services, procedures etc. If you have a query, problem or are perhaps hesitant about using a “new” company, then you can contact me and I can help. Can you give me an exact quote for a rate? No, but that is what our dealers are for. Our talented traders on our Dealing Desk in London are the ones doing the buying and selling of currency and have access to up-‐to-‐the-‐minute rates. I can contact them on your behalf to get an indicative rate BUT if you are not already registered with Currencies Direct this rate may not be available by the time you are registered and are ready to trade. Exchange rates move hourly, and can fluctuate considerably depending on market activity at the time. Some currency pairings, such as South African Rand, can be very volatile. Therefore, if you think you may have a need for our services, the earlier you get in touch the more we can do to help you.
Sue Cook, Currencies Direct Tel: 06 89 99 28 89 Email: sue.c@currenciesdirect.com
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Advert Size A or B, only 38€ per month or from 33,33€ per month for 12 months. Contact ‘The Vendée Monthly’ La Bartière, 79130, Secondigny. Telephone: 05 49 70 26 21 or email: info@thevendeemonthly.fr
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How to Find Your Perfect French Property? Ma Maison Parfaite are registered property finders. Based in the Vendée, they also cover Ile de Ré and La Rochelle. With the region long being popular with the French for retirement, people from around the world are now following the trend. Jacqueline Davies, owner of Ma Maison Parfaite, tells us more. “There is keen interest both for investment and personal properties. I have done recent property searches for clients from countries including Australia, South Africa and the UK. Along with speaking the language, I have 10 years experience of the property market here and work as an independent agent searching across Estate Agents and private sales. Sometimes people have come out to see a property on their own after seeing it for sale on the internet. My latest clients fell into this category, however, after trying to deal with both the language barrier and difficulty in making viewings, Mr and Mrs Hill felt it best to leave their search in the safe hands of a professional acting on their behalf. As I visited suitable properties I sent them my own reports and photos before we drew up a shortlist of 9 properties for them to view. We spent 3 days together when they came out. It was a close run decision but finally a stylish seaside home was their choice. I think they could easily imagine their grand-‐children lining up their buckets and spades by the front door after a day on the beach. After my negotiations it cost far less than the property they were originally considering inland and I had the white goods included so when they arrived they just turned up and spent their first night there!
money as well as the areas that attract tourists for holiday lettings. This is the sort of information that only someone on the ground can really share with you. So, would Mr Hill recommend using a Property Finder to those of you looking to buy your own French property? Here’s what he said: “I cannot recommend Ma Maison Parfaite and in particular Jacqueline highly enough. We were presented with a short list of very attractive and appealing properties which made our viewing trip extremely enjoyable but selection of a favourite rather difficult. Having made our choice Jacqueline conducted the negotiations with a particularly difficult vendor with great skill, achieving an excellent final outcome and when problems arose she handled them swiftly and efficiently. If you are thinking of buying a property in France then I would strongly advise you do so by engaging a professional property finder like Jacqueline”. Mr B Hill, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire. Ma Maison Parfaite are part of the French Entrée Property Finders network and will be keeping us informed with Property Market Updates in this section in future issues.
In a typical day a Property Finder can view 6 properties, sometimes all are unsuitable. This is where I save my clients both time and frustration. Immobiliers in France do not always give exterior photos and will certainly not give you addresses. Recently I saw a beautiful house, but it was opposite a farm storage area which must have attracted every fly in the Vendée in the summer months! I wondered how someone would feel if they had seen the house on the internet and flown out from the UK to view it. Both this property and the subsequent two that particular afternoon only brought home to me how deceiving photos can be and how valuable the services of a Property Finder are, especially if you have a busy life outside of France.” Ma Maison Parfaite are independent of Agents and work for you with your best interests at heart. Their in-‐depth market knowledge means that their negotiating skills are evidence based. They pride themselves on their expert knowledge of the Vendée, Ile de Ré and La Rochelle and know where to find properties that offer excellent value for
www.mamaisonparfaite.com Tel: +33 (0)6 21 74 75 01 Email: info.mamaisonparfaite@gmail.com
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