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THE VENDÉE MONTHLY
Welcome!
to Issue 5 of ‘The Vendée Monthly’ magazine! Well -‐ I can’t quite believe it, but September is upon us! It’s been a very busy few months here in the Berry household with work, house renovations and taking some time out to explore our beautiful area. We are in the final stages of preparation now for our 2nd Anglo-‐French Trade Fair. It’s been many months of hard work already, but with some final publicity and finishing touches this month, we are sure to have a bigger and better event than last year....we just need you all to come and visit us -‐ more than 65 stallholders will be waiting to meet you! I hope to meet some of you on Saturday 21st September. As I’m whizzing about, do grab me and say “Hi !”
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..........................................9 Our Furry Friends.............................................................. 10 The Great Outdoors.......................................................... 11 Health, Beauty & Fitness.................................................. 13 Take a Break...................................................................... 14 Motoring........................................................................... 15 Spotlight On................................................................... 16 French Life, Food & Drink.............................................. 18 French Adventures........................................................... 21 Communications.............................................................. 22 Building & Renovation...................................................... 24 Business, Finance & Property........................................... 27
This Month’s Advertisers... A2B Food Services .............................................................................................. 19 Abattage Service (Slaughter House -‐ Poultry)..................................................... 19 Affordable UK Design...........................................................................................2 Agence Mélusine (Estate Agent)......................................................................... 29 A la Bonne Vie (Restaurant).................................................................................19 ARB French Property............................................................................................30 Bill McEvoy (Plumber / Heating Engineer).......................................................... 24 Bird Property Services......................................................................................... 26 Blevins Franks Ltd (Tax and Wealth Management)............................................. 28 Cafe Cour du Miracle........................................................................................... 19 Chris Bassett Construction.................................................................................. 26 Corbin Electrical................................................................................................... 25 Currencies Direct (Money Transfers)................................................................... 27 David Watkins (Chimney Sweep)......................................................................... 26 Elliott Gardening Services.................................................................................... 12 English Spoken..................................................................................................... 23 Evelyne Mallet (French Lessons & Translations)................................................. 7 Fresco Interiors.................................................................................................... 24 Gentle Touch Hair & Beauty................................................................................ 13 Glass 2 France...................................................................................................... 2 Insink Plumbing................................................................................................... 24 John Snee (Groundworks)................................................................................... 25 Jon Crocker Photography..................................................................................... 12 Julie’s Cleaning Services.......................................................................................29 Keith Banks Pool Services.................................................................................... 25 K.Neal Renovations.............................................................................................. 25 La Deuxième Chance (Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Supplier)................................... 25 Leggett Immobilier............................................................................................... 29 Le Pub des Halles................................................................................................. 19 Ma Maison Parfaite............................................................................................. 30 Mark Sabestini Renovation & Construction........................................................ 26 ML Computers..................................................................................................... 23 Nathan Foster Building Services.......................................................................... 26 Needa Hand Services........................................................................................... 26 Polar Express (Frozen Foods).............................................................................. 19 Rob Berry (Plasterer)........................................................................................... 25 Robert Gough Terrassement............................................................................... 25 Ross Hendry (Interface Consulting & Engineering)............................................. 22 Sarah Berry Online (Websites and Graphic Design)............................................ 23 Satellite TV (Nigel Gubb)......................................................................................23 Sky Packages........................................................................................................ 23 Spectrum IFA Group (Amanda Johnson)............................................................. 27 Sue Burgess (French Courses & Translation)....................................................... 7 Val Assist (Translation Services)........................................................................... 7 Vendée Building Services.....................................................................................26 Vendée Carriers................................................................................................... 15
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: septembre 2013 -‐ Tirage: 4500 exemplaires. Siret: 515 249 738 00011 ISSN: 2115-‐4848
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THE VENDÉE MONTHLY
What’s On... September 2013 4th September -‐ NALA Quiz At the Auberge St Vincent Sterlange, 8.00pm. 7th & 8th September -‐ Festival des arts Équestres Annual horse eventing competition held at Saint Hilaire de Vouhis. Saturday 2pm-‐6pm, Sunday 9am-‐6pm. Free entry. Info: 02 51 34 79 98. www.vendeecheval.online.fr 7th & 8th September -‐ Le Réveil des Animaux de la place Place Napoléon, La Roche-‐sur-‐Yon, 10am-‐6pm. Tel: 02 51 47 48 20. 14th September -‐ Segora Presentation Evening Presentation evening of prize-‐winning short fiction and poetry at Chez Didier, St Clémentin, plus news of 2014 LitFest. Followed by moules, frites & dessert, 10€. See article on P5. 14th & 15th September -‐ Appel aux artistes amateurs Calling all amateur artists to show their hidden talents at this 2 day event. At Saint Florence. More info on Tel: 02 51 66 10 84 www.gastonchaissac-‐sainteflorence.fr 21st September -‐ ‘The DSM’ Anglo-‐French Trade Fair At la salle Alauna, 79130 SECONDIGNY, 10.30am-‐5.30pm. With more than 65 exhibitors, fish and chips, live music, demonstrations and much more -‐ all at a great lakeside venue. Come along and enjoy a great day out. 21st & 22nd September -‐ Caval Océane 2013 Equestrian event on the beaches of St Jean de Monts. Please see www.saint-‐jean-‐de-‐monts.com/caval_oceane.html for details. 26th September -‐ Cinema in La Chataigneraie Re-‐opens Re-‐opening after the summer break for English films. 8pm start -‐ doors open 7.30pm. Contact stella.freeman@wanadoo.fr to be added to the cinema info mailing list. 28th & 29th September -‐ Fête de l’Automne en Pays Mareuillais. Autumn Plant Show at le logis de Chaligny Sainte Pexine, 85320. More details: www.jardindechaligny.wordpress.com 29th September -‐ Annual Book Fayre At La Ferriere-‐sur-‐Parthenay, with Art & Crafts stalls, Fish & Chips and much more! For more details please contact Jan via email: paperbackjan@gmail.com. 29th September -‐ Cricket Match and Fun Day at Maillé Bring a picnic to this match to raise awareness for Cancer Support Vendée. It promises to be a great day of end-‐of-‐season cricket, Maillé/ La Roche vs Nantes. Tombola and stuff for the kids to do including basic cricket training. Game starts 2pm but gates open at noon. Directions to the ground from www.maillecricketclub.yolasite.com. Contact John at 02 51 66 13 05.
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 fo r wa rd to meeting you.
Only 97 days until our NALA Xmas!!
What’s Coming Up...
6th October -‐ Fête des Plantes. Plant Show at Faymoreau, 85240. Please see details on: www.maraispoitevin-‐vendee.com Saturday 7th December -‐ NALA Xmas Fair At the Chateau de Puybelliard , Puybelliard near Chantonnay. Please see directly opposite for details about the event.
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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.
The National Holidays, Religious and Feast Days 2013 Friday 1st November......... All Saints Day (Toussaint) Monday 11th November... Armiskce Day (Armis.ce 1918) Wednesday 25th December. Christmas Day (Noël)
The NALA Animal Association is holding its first Christmas Fair this year on Saturday 7th December at the Chateau de Puybelliard at Puybelliard near Chantonnay. This is a beautiful chateau, normally known for its gourmet food and luxury accommodation will be a magical location dedicated to this great fundraising event on 7th December 2013. We will be giving you further details in the coming months but just to say for now it should be a very enjoyable and fun day with lovely things to look at, to hear, to buy and to win, with of course delicious Xmas goodies to eat! All proceeds will go to help animals in need. To get further information about this Christmas event, go to our web site www.nosamislesanimaux.com and whilst you're there, have a look at our adorable cats and kittens that are waiting for a new loving home. If you're a trader and would like to join us on the day contact Maeve Hoffman at chateaupuybelliard@yahoo.fr or visit website: www.chateaudepuybelliard.com.
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THE VENDÉE MONTHLY
Vide Greniers
1st September Brétignolles Sur Mer (85470), Givrand (85800) 8th September Saint Fulgent (85250) 15th September Sallertaine (85300), Luçon (85400), Olonne Sur Mer (85340) 21st September Saint Philbert Du Pont Charrault (85110) 22nd September Sainte Foy (85150), Fontenay Le Comte (85200)
For more information about Vide Greniers in your area, visit: www.info-‐brocantes.com
Paperback Jan Books in English
1st Sept: Café des Belles Fleurs, Fenioux 79160. 2pm -‐ 4pm 4th Sept: Café Cour de Miracle, Vouvant 85120. 2.30pm -‐ 4.30pm 5th Sept: Brasserie Vue du Chateau, Bressuire 79300. 10am -‐ 12pm 5th Sept: Bar le Palais, St Aubin le Cloud 79450. 2pm-‐5pm 6th Sept: Bar de la Paix, Thouars 79100. 12pm -‐ 2pm 6th Sept: Le Tipsy Bar, Coulonges-‐sur-‐l’Autize 79160. 4pm -‐ 6pm 7th Sept: Logis Du Theil, nr St Aubin le Cloud 79450. 11am-‐4pm 11th Sept: Les Jardins St Laurent Hotel, Parthenay 79200. 10am-‐12pm 11th Sept: Le Don Jon Bar, Moncontour 86330. 2pm -‐ 4pm 12th Sept: Pause! Cafe, L’Absie 79240. 2pm-‐ 5pm 13th Sept: Jan’s home, La Ferrière-‐en-‐Parthenay 79390. 11am -‐ 4pm 14th Sept: Cafe Le Chauray, St Maixent l’Ecole 79400. 10am -‐ 1pm 21st Sept: The DSM Trade Fair, Secondigny 79130 10.30am-‐5.30pm 21st Sept: Le relais des 2 moulins, Clessé 79350. 4pm -‐ 6pm 27th Sept: Le P’tit Bar Boucard, Ménigoute 79340. 4pm -‐ 6pm 29th Sept: Jan’s home, La Ferrière-‐en-‐Parthenay 79390. 11am -‐ 5pm For more info contact Jan on: 06 08 30 73 29 or email: paperbackjan@gmail.com
Your Local Markets La Vendée Chippy Traditional Fish & Chips in France! • Wednesdays (September 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th) Bar ‘Auberge le St Vincent’, St Vincent Sterlanges 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 Sion sur l’Ocean 85270 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 Sion sur l’Ocean 85270 Les Sables-d’Olonne 85100 Sion sur l’Ocean 85270 Ste Hermine 85210 Chantonnay 85110 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
• Thursdays (September 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th) Bar ‘La Rando’, Mervent. • Fridays (September 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th ) Bar ‘Au Bon Coin’, Thoursais Bouildroux
For more info please visit website: www.lavendeechippy.com
Segora presentation evening of prize-‐winning stories and poems at Chez Didier, St Clémentin, 14th September Come and hear prize-‐winning writers reading their short stories and poetry in St Clémentin on Saturday 14th September, starting at 5.30pm. Jocelyn and Gordon Simms invite you to a presentation evening for the 2013 Segora International writing competition. Winners of the three sections – short stories, vignettes and poetry -‐ will be coming from Spain, Holland and France to read their successful entries. Prize-‐winners from England and Ireland will also attend. John Hudson, judge of the poetry competition, will introduce plans for his installation for next year’s Litfest. We shall announce some of the authors and sessions which will form part of the 2014 festival, 29th, 30th and 31st August 2014. The readings take place at Chez Didier and will be followed by moules, frites and dessert (10€) or choice of salad. Please reserve by emailing gordon.simms@aliceadsl.fr or jocelynsimms@gmail.com or Chez Didier Tel: 05 49 65 98
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THE VENDÉE MONTHLY
Getting Out & About... Ré ~ The Secret Retreat
The bestselling novelist Louise Candlish tells us why her new book, ‘The Disappearance of Emily Marr’, is set on the Ile de Ré. Why did you choose the Ile de Ré as your setting? It is one of two settings in the book, the other being south London. In the French strand of the story two young women, Tabby and Emmie, share a small cottage on the island and work as cleaners of holiday homes. Emmie has secrets to hide and Tabby is determined to find out what they are. Saint-‐Martin-‐ de-‐Ré, with all its layers of enclosures, was the perfect setting: first the fortifications, then the hidden passages of the old village, finally the thick walls of the cottages and the shutters that keep everything out of sight. A novelist’s dream. How did you know of the island? I think most Brits do by now, don’t they? Actually, I have set part of a novel there before. In ‘The Second Husband’, this is where the errant husband is hiding out, out of reach of his new wife. In spite of its enormous popularity, the island has always struck me as such a secret place. Out of season, you could be there on a witness protection scheme and no one would find you. We’re sensing a theme here! It’s true that my stories often take characters away from their home lives. I’ve set novels in Greece and Italy, too. I’m fascinated by the idea of starting again. If you were transplanted to a new country, a new community, would you remain true to your original self or would you take the opportunity to reinvent yourself? Will you be returning to the Ile de Ré? Yes, because we just bought a little place there. So far it feels less like a secret retreat than a thriving B&B. I do more laundry there than I do at home. What is it you love most about France? The food, of course. And the miraculous preservation of a relaxed pace of life. A proper lunch with wine every day -‐ long may it last! Finally, where is your next novel set? In London, with almost all scenes taking place in a tiny fictitious neighbourhood called Lime Park. The writing is going well, I’m very excited about it.
‘The Disappearance of Emily Marr’ is available now (Little, Brown). Find out more about Louise at www.louisecandlish.co.uk
Did you know?...
by Vanda Lawrence
We’ve all heard the phrase ‘to eat humble pie’ but do you know where it comes from? Apparently the ‘umbles’ were intestines and other less appetising parts of an animal which servants and others of the lower class ate. If, for example, a deer was killed during the hunt, the rich landowner would eat the venison and his servants would eat the umbles in a pastry case -‐ umble pie, which probably wasn‘t very pleasant. In time this saying came to mean acting in a humble manner or belittling yourself, which also sometimes is not a comfortable thing to do … eating humble pie. Another old saying is ‘to have Hobson’s choice’ which means that you have no choice at all! This originated in the 16/17th century when travel was undertaken on horseback. Rather than wear out your own horse on a long journey over very poor roads it was possible to hire a horse to take you from one town to another, where you could then hire another horse to continue your journey. Thomas Hobson (1544-‐1631) aka ‘The Cambridge Carrier‘, ran a livery stable and delivered mail between Cambridge and London. His livery horses were available on a strict rotation system only, to avoid exhausting the favourites. Therefore the horse nearest the stable entrance was the next to be used .. ‘this one or none’ was his policy and this in turn became known as ‘Hobson’s Choice’. Still on a horse theme, you can tell a horse’s age by looking at its teeth. Someone trying to sell you a horse might lie, but you can always find out the truth ‘from the horse’s mouth’. How about buying ‘a pig in a poke’ -‐ this is buying something without checking it first. A poke was a bag. If you bought a piglet in a poke without checking it first you might later find a puppy or cat inside. Hence the other saying ‘to be sold a pup’. On the other hand, if you opened the bag to check and exposed the trick you would have ‘let the cat out of the bag’.
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
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.
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THE VENDÉE MONTHLY
Learn French with Evelyne La Rentrée
by Evelyne Mallet
I’m writing this just before going on holiday: je vais bientôt partir en vacances. La rentrée (f), on the contrary, is about going back to school after the summer holiday. Rentrer (word for word: to re-‐enter) logically follows sortir (to go out/outside), partir (to go away, to leave) or aller (to go ... don’t forget to indicate your destination). Je vais rentrer fin août = I’ll be back at the end of August. With rentrer, you don’t need to indicate chez moi, chez nous, à la maison (= home), as it is already implied in the verb. You don’t need to have been away for weeks on a far away holiday, you can use rentrer to indicate when you’re getting back, even from the shortest absence. Il est parti ce matin, il va rentrer ce soir. (He left this morning, he’ll be back (home) tonight.) Revenir (to come back, based on venir: to come) can replace rentrer only when you’re talking about getting back here, where you are now. Il va revenir ce soir = he’ll be back (here) tonight. That’s the theory anyway, not everyone seems to remember the difference between rentrer and revenir ! Look out for retourner! It can look very much like return to you, however it is used in French when you are talking about going once again to a place you’ve been before -‐ excluding home (that’s rentrer, remember?) Say: Nous allons retourner à Jard-‐sur-‐Mer la semaine prochaine (= we’re going back to Jard-‐sur-‐Mer next week. You obviously liked it there last time). Less exciting maybe, but also possible: Je vais retourner à Bricowonderland cet après-‐midi. (I’m going back there this afternoon, probably after using up all the goods bought on my last visit.) I’ve told you before, but I’ll say it again (the joy of teaching!): refrain from using retourner when you mean go or get back home. La rentrée is only about going back to school after the summer break = retourner à l’école après les grandes vacances, l’école covering here all the establishments from l’école primaire (f), le collège (m), le lycée (m), l’université (f) or any other centres (m) de formation (f). Use reprendre and la reprise (f) to talk about any other activity starting again after a break (whether after a holiday or when you had a rest from that activity.) Nous allons reprendre les cours (m) de français après les vacances. Reprise de la danse (f) le 3 septembre à 20 heures 30. Vous allez reprendre la peinture (f) après cinq ans (m) d’interruption (f). And now onto something completely different (!) It’s a question I often get about bank holidays. In France, the bank holiday is celebrated on the day itself, if it falls on a Sunday (as it did this year for le 14 juillet , our Fête (f) nationale), we do not get Monday off instead. Such is life in France ...
Bonne rentrée ! Bonne reprise !
Contact Evelyne Mallet by Tel: 02 51 00 47 13 Email: evelyne.mallet2@gmail.com
Corrections.
‘The Deux-‐Sevres Monthly’ would like to apologise for errors printed in Evelyne’s articles in both July & August issues. These errors were made whilst editing and should in no way reflect badly against Evelyne and her skills as a translator or teacher.
The original texts read: les grandes vacances (July issue) and Alerte orange aux orages (m) for the warning regarding storms (August issue).
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THE VENDÉE MONTHLY
by Ian Wallace
Harvest
Celebrating the harvest has been around since mankind gathered crops and until recent times the importance of harvest in the Western world was a matter of life or death. In our present wealthy and hi-‐tech world people still look at harvest, not to determine their profit margin but whether they will be able to feed themselves. Well, September is upon us and for the Church we start looking forward to Harvest Festival. As Christian Church of England festivals go, the modern British tradition of celebrating Harvest Festival in churches began in 1843. As Western people have come to rely less heavily on home-‐grown produce, there has been a shift in emphasis in many Harvest Festival celebrations. Increasingly, churches have linked Harvest with an awareness of, and concern for people in the developing world for whom growing crops of sufficient quality and quantity remains a struggle. There is also a shift in seeking ways to help those in our own communities who, through economic struggles, cannot pay the food bill. In All Saints Church, in our own small way, we have decided to gather food, resources and money for local food banks on the second Sunday of the month. It would be wonderful if you would join us directly, or independently, to assist in giving to those in our communities who really do struggle to feed themselves and their families. So please think about contributing wherever you see a food bank collecting station. As churches prepare for the Harvest Festival with all its traditional and in many ways pagan rituals and symbols, I was thinking about how else Harvest can be viewed. In the Bible, Jesus uses symbols and parables to describe the world in which we live, and the symbolism of seed, growth, harvest are numerous throughout. So as we reflect on the physical harvest and the sharing of the produce with each other, we could also look at how we look after our relationships with each other in our communities and in our families. Relationships require planting, feeding, nurturing and harvesting. Like the farmer, this cycle exists in the relationships we have with each other. They don't look after themselves, we need to take stock, we need to reseed, we need to nurture them, feed them and, as with Harvest Festival, celebrate them. Some relationships if sown on poor soil or not tended, will fail. So as we share our harvest suppers or meals, or give to those who have little to eat wherever they are, we also need to look around and tend to those relationships around us.
We are still in the planning stages for our next production and will let you have an update as soon as we know what our plans are. However, our other groups, the singers and artists, are still doing the things you would expect them to be doing, singing and painting. The Beginners group has started and is proving very successful, but there is still room for more if you would like to join us? The Improvers Group is also underway and concentrating on more difficult harmonization. We have a booking on the 7th September for the Deux-‐Sevres Gardening Club’s Annual Produce Show, and will be singing sometime in the afternoon and would be pleased to see you all. If you do come along, have a chat with some of us and find out what a friendly group we are. The venue is at Chateau Logis, Du Theil which is off the D19 outside of Parthenay. The Keynotes have their own web site which can be seen on www.keynotessingers.fr for more information. The Art Scene We have stopped our Friday morning sessions for the summer but now meet on a weekly basis to participate in Plein Air painting, which if you didn’t know is painting outdoors. We usually go to each others gardens but also visit different Chateaux, the Japanese Gardens and other beauty spots. You don’t have to be a member to join us at a painting session so if you are interested, drop me an email and I’ll include you on my mailing list. We start our Friday morning indoor sessions on the 13th September in Secondigny. If you stay indoors on Friday the 13ths then join us on the 20th. I am starting a “Drawing for Beginners” four week course at the Cafe des Belles Fleurs at Fenioux on the 19th September and thereafter on the third Thursday of each month. Interested? Send me an email. The Reaction Theatre Alternative Calendar Girls calendar
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
Lastly, we would like to invite you all to our Harvest Festival services in our church at Puy Du Serre on September 22nd at 11am. Details and direction on our website www.allsaintsvendee.fr.
Visit our new website:
www.thevendeemonthly.fr
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Hobbies, Clubs & Associations... English Cinema in La Chataigneraie
The Cinema in La Chataigneraie is reopening in September after the summer break.
An English film is shown once a month from September until May (except December and January when it is closed for the holidays). The first film of this season starts on Thursday 26th September (film to be confirmed). The Cinema is opposite the ‘Credit Agricole’ bank and films start at 8pm, doors open 7.30pm. Because of timing and planning with the Association that runs the cinema it is not possible to get the forthcoming film confirmed in time for this publication so anyone who would like to be informed about films in advance please send an email to stella.freeman@wanadoo.fr to be put on the mailing list. Also we would be very happy to hear from people with film recommendations. We have got a few good ones on our list but would love to hear what you want to see!
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
MaiLLÉ cricket club
Open to players of all standards. We have a wonderful social atmosphere with own club house and catering facilikes at Maillé Stade. Visit our website for details: www.maillecricketclub.yolasite.com
Taijiquan (aka Tai Chi) for Beginners
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
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 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.
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
Tuesday evenings (8.30pm -‐ 9.30pm) in Bressuire 79300, starts 10th Sept 2013. Wednesday afternoons (2.30pm -‐ 4.00pm) in Le Breuil Barret, 85120 starts 11th Sept 2013. For details, please see www.chentaiji-‐fr.com or phone Terry on 05 49 65 60 34.
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. 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.
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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Our Furry Friends... Sheer Luxury We get asked to place all sorts of cats and know that some are easier to place than others. Long haired cats of a recognisable breed are reserved within days, gingers and whites also go quite quickly, whilst tabbies and black cats tend to hang around for a long time. However, like all associations, we also have the “unadoptables”: the lame, the unsociable and the ones infected with incurable diseases such as Feline AIDS (FIV) and Feline Leukemia (FeLV). Until now we've been fortunate to have enough foster families to look after the ones we've got, but clearly that is not a long term solution, as we're running out of foster families who are needed for the more easily placeable cats. Some associations resort to putting down such cats as a necessary evil. It's always been our policy to never put down animals unless it was to stop their suffering. Is it the right policy? Putting down animals does free up space for saving more, but we're not about the numbers: we see them all as individuals. A couple in the Netherlands were confronted with a similar dilemma a number of years ago and solved the problem by creating a shelter purely for the unadoptable cats and dogs to spend their last years in comfort and safety. The shelter, Dierenthuis Almere, has moved a couple of times and now occupies a purpose built building near Almere that was opened at the end of last year. We went to visit it during a recent holiday to the Netherlands and were totally amazed, astounded and impressed (I could almost use a whole dictionary of superlatives!). The building is arranged around a central open courtyard with a small pool and has various rooms for the animals dependent on their affliction or problem. As well as being luxuriously furnished (some rooms have heated water beds) each room has access to the outside so that the animals can enjoy the spacious enclosed gardens. There is an operating theatre and a general purpose treatment room. They don't take animals from individuals, only from associations, so we were delighted when they agreed to accept animals from us. So it came about that in early August, Popeye, who is both FIV and FeLV positive, joined me on a 10 hour voyage from the Vendée to the Netherlands. His trip was in first class sleeper with its own dining area and toilet facilities in the back of a car. At first he complained at the lack of entertainment facilities: only one radio station which he couldn't select. The lack of a stewardess to administer the accustomed caresses was also a source of highly vocal complaints. On the plus side, the food served after 3 hours met with his approval, so he settled down for a lengthy nap which lasted all the way to our first destination in Leidschendam near the Hague. There, a volunteer from Almere, Wietze, was patiently waiting to take Popeye the rest of the way. Popeye completed his journey and thanks to the wonders of this Digital Age, the first pictures of him in his new premises were on Facebook within hours. Left: Popeye’s last day in his foster home before the voyage.
It is eye-‐wateringly expensive to run Dierenthuis Almere and it relies on donations and sponsors. For only €7 per month, you can support a cat there or you can just make a donation. There is a form for sponsors at www.dierenthuis.nl/nl/adoptie/ formulierkat.php. Unfortunately it's in Dutch, but a cut and paste into Google Translate makes it understandable. Please consider supporting them, they do an outstanding job. If you're in the area, you can visit on their open days: the first and last Saturday of the month between 15h00 and 17h00. It's best to email beforehand: info@dierenthuis.nl. www.dierenthuis.nl/nl/ditisdierenthuis.php Nos Amis Les Animaux 85480 (NALA 85480). Tel: 07 70 31 54 59 ~
Email: nala85480@hotmail.com www.nosamislesanimaux.com
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION...
Gehry, a friendly labrador looking for a family Like many dogs Gehry was found abandoned Gehyr and taken to a local pound, sadly no one ever came to claim him and he is desperate to find a good home. Gehry is a typical very friendly Labrador. He is non aggressive with other dogs and has been i n t r o d u c e d t o c a t s , although care should always be taken when introducing new animals. At about 3 years old Gerhy is in his prime, he loves to play and walks are an essential part of his daily routine. As with all young dogs, basic training is very important and he would be best suited to a family who have previous experience of this breed, who are willing to put in the time required to make him a good family pet. Gerhy is currently in a Pension in Mauleon (79) but this is an affectionate dog who needs to find a good home quickly. Typical of a Labrador he is boisterous, fun loving, enjoys his exercise, lots of human contact and then collapses and falls asleep. Gerhy has been neutered, micro-‐chipped (250269604912897) vaccinated (not rabies) wormed and treated for fleas and ticks and there will be an adoption fee. If you think you can help him, Please call Isabelle at Association Orfee now on 09 77 48 71 43 or email asso.orfee@laposte.net. www.association-‐orfee.forumactif.com/f49-‐english-‐corner.
Right: Popeye in the examination room on his arrival.
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THE VENDÉE MONTHLY
The Great Outdoors...
Love Your Garden by Babs Kolthammer
The plants in beds, pots and hanging baskets have been at their flowering best under the high temperatures of August and the fruit and veg have done well too, although keeping up with the watering and feeding has been challenging at times! The weather conditions have meant fewer chances of blight affecting potatoes and tomatoes and there is still plenty of time to plant salad crops, Chinese cabbage, winter spinach, hardy peas and spring cabbage. There are lots of varieties of ‘greens’ available in garden centres that are ready to plant out straight away. Gardening magazines, garden centres and catalogues will be full of ideas for spring bulb planting which can begin this month. When the first bulbs arrive in the shops, there’s a tendency to think that summer is over, but there’s quite a bit of it left and a lot of work to do in preparation for spring. There are several garden shows advertised in various venues all over France and in the UK and it’s a great thing to have a break to see what’s new, learn how others do things and get ideas. That’s the beauty of gardening, there is always something to do and something to look forward to! Now is the time to: Dahlias and chrysanthemums are at their best now, so stake them well to prevent damage by wind or rain. Deadhead dahlias regularly to prolong flowering. Michaelmas daisies are prone to mildew, so apply a fungicide spray every couple of weeks to control any spread. Pinch out the tops of tomato plants as flowers appearing now are unlikely to form fruits. Use netting to protect blackberries and autumn flowering raspberries from the birds. Once all fruit has been harvested from these raspberry canes, prune them back to ground level. Pot up or plant out rooted strawberry runners. Plant hardy annual and biennial seeds now for early summer flowering next year. These can be sown directly into beds where you want them to flower….sowing early means a good root production before the cold of winter. Varieties can include: foxgloves, godetia, calendula, Icelandic poppies.
Lift and divide perennials such as phlox, campanula, hemerocallis, astrantia, pulmonaria and ophiopogon. Dig them up and split into pieces, ensuring that each piece has roots and shoots attached to it. Plant each piece in groups or on its own and water in well. Divisions made now will have a chance to form good strong roots whilst the soil is still warm. It’s a good time of year to move evergreen shrubs , mulching, watering and feeding well until established afterwards. When shrubs are lifted, make sure a good sized root ball goes with them! There is still time to take cuttings from fuchsias, penstemons, pelargoniums and argyranthemums. These can be overwintered in the greenhouse or on a window sill…more plants for free to keep, swap or give away! Rhododendrons can be propagated by layering. It’s a simple technique…bend a low growing shoot down to the ground and dig a hole where it touches. Make a slit in the stem about 2cms long and dab a bit of hormone rooting powder on the cut, bury this section of stem and peg into place or cover in grit to keep it in situ. Keep the soil moist and once roots have developed, the piece can be cut off and planted elsewhere. Eremurus lilies are often available here. The crowns look like brown octopuses and they need planting now to flower next June. They need a sunny, well drained site…when planting, put a handful of gravel in the bottom of the hole and rest the crown on it. The tall flower spikes make a super display and last for ages. Plant garlic now for next year; the Isle of Wight garlic farm has lots of varieties available including elephant garlic….huge if you haven’t seen it before and worth a try! Sow sweet peas into deep pots as they prefer a long root run. Once the seeds have produced four or five leaves, pinch out the tip to encourage side shoots. Keep the pots in the greenhouse or on a warm, light window sill during the winter. Seeds sown now will flower sooner next year and produce more flowers than those sown in the spring. Plant autumn flowering crocus which will then flower within a couple of weeks. The flowers come first, then the leaves…these carry on growing until spring when they die back.
Continue deadheading, watering and feeding hanging baskets and pots so that flowering continues into autumn.
Give hedges a last trim and cut back tree branches that may be hanging over fences into a neighbours garden. Scarify the lawn, removing all dead leaves and moss, sowing grass seed into bare patches.
Pick plums, peaches and nectarines being aware that wasps may be amongst the fruits and stings can be so painful! Prune off stems that carried fruit on peach/nectarine trees.
Tie in winter/spring flowering clematis that has been putting lots of growth during the summer months. Prune out old stems on climbing and rambling roses, using prunings for cuttings.
Leave marrows, squash and pumpkins on the plants for as long as possible as the sun helps to dry and harden the skin. These will then last longer when stored. Harvest potatoes and store in a cool dark place to prevent ‘greening’ and rotting. Potato sacks are cheap and readily available in the supermarkets and at garden centres. Carrots can be harvested too, the greenery being removed to allow as much moisture and sugar to stay in the root.
Plant up a colourful autumn pot to cheer up overcast days and enjoy planting all those lovely spring bulbs!
Harvest beans little and often, before they have a chance to get ‘stringy’. Cut off old pods and discard. Beans are thirsty plants so keep well watered.
You can contact Babs by email: 123sissinghurst456@gmail.com
Le Pouce Vert
Love Page 11
THE VENDÉE MONTHLY
Have Your Camera Ready..... by Hugh Shelley
Continuing on from last month’s starter, here are some more photography tips for you.
Top Tip #2: Location
If you are looking to make the effort to create some really nice portraits and not just some snapshots, then take the time to find a nice spot where you have a bit of space. Try to wait until your background is clear of any other people and be aware of what you have in the background, be it a lake, mountain or a chateau. Don’t be afraid to make your scenic background the main part of your image. Get creative and place your family member to one side of the frame and place that chateau to fill the rest. Don’t just have them standing there blocking the attraction you came all this way to see. Just remember to keep the point of focus on your subject.
Top Tip #3: Frame your image well
Don’t get too close. Don’t be afraid to leave just a little space around the edge of your frame. In one sense this will ensure that you do not cut any heads off your wife and kids. In another sense, and one that you won’t understand until you are home and getting ready to print your images, this will ensure you do not have to crop off any of your image no matter what print size you choose, as different print sizes have different ratios meaning you may still lose some heads if you are too close.
Top Tip #4: Background Vouvant, 85120 Vouvant is one of many picturesque villages in France labelled as one of “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France”. It is girdled by a loop of the River Mère and stands behind a wonderfully well-preserved fortified wall. The origin of the village is linked to the legend of the Fairy Mélusine, an ancestor of the Counts of Lusignan, who is said to have given the village a castle overnight. The keep called "Mélusine Tower" is all that remains of that building and it watches over the whitewashed houses. The magnificent 11C Romanesque church is also not to be missed. To find more similarly labelled villages, visit the website: www.france-beautiful-villages.org.
While having a recognisable landmark in the background is wonderful, it is not essential. If you start to look around you as you walk and imagine shooting your kids in different locations, you will quickly find yourself training your eye to see images all around you, whether you have your camera with you or not. You may have a nice stone wall on the lane to your campsite or a simple fountain on a street corner. Place your subject next to it and ask them to just get comfortable, whatever way they like is good. Nothing looks more awkward than someone trying to sit the way they think a photographer wants them to. Just let them at it. They can cross their legs, lean their shoulder against a wall, they don’t even have to be looking at the camera. Some of the most lovely images I have of my son are the ones he didn’t even realise I was taking. He’s already getting me back on that score by the way. Keep your background uncluttered and your subject comfortable. Its traditional to complain that someone was not looking at the camera. “It’s a shame they weren’t…….” Its STILL a lovely image. Save it. Print it. Pass it on. Also, change your point of view. Don’t take all your images while standing upright. Get a little lower… or even higher. Put the camera right next to the wall as your subject leans against it. Lie down on the ground. DO NOT climb any trees…..but do dare to be different.
Until next time... Page 12
THE VENDÉE MONTHLY
Ex Chelsea and Fulham Football Coach in the Vendée
Under 7’s, U9’s, U11’s, U13’s, U15’s, U17’s and this year coming, under 19’s.
I would like to introduce myself. My name is Jon Reece, 52, and I have lived in the small village of St Martin des Fontaines (85570) in the Vendée with my lovely wife for the past 8 years. We moved here in 2005, lock stock and barrel from the South of England, to start a new life in France. UK: I am a fully qualified football coach with over 30 years coaching experience with schools, colleges, football clubs and professional football clubs, in the UK and France. My background in football started many years ago when I started my own football school, which I ran on a Saturday morning in a number of schools in the Windsor and Slough area giving quality out-‐of-‐school hours coaching to children. After a number of years I decided to approach a professional club to link my football school to and was successful in getting a meeting with Fulham. We then set up a joint venture with the club and went into schools coaching football raising money for the school and in turn Fulham gave the children medals, certificates and free tickets for first team matches. During first team matches at Fulham’s Craven Cottage, there was an opportunity for the children to play on the pitch during half time. We took schools from the Windsor and Slough area to the ground and had a shoot out at half time. Great for the children, parents and good PR for the club. The kids were so excited to be there, even if it was for a short time. I have had a book on football published -‐ the Ultimate Footbool File (1996) -‐ and have another in the pipeline for when I find the right publisher. I was also lucky enough to have the opportunity to coach children’s football for Chelsea FC a few years ago. I worked for “Chelsea in the Community” which organised many events locally and hundreds of children were involved with the Club. France: When we arrived, I initially coached for Fontenay-‐le-‐Comte for a year, which was good experience. We then decided to create a holiday gîte business, which took up most of our time with the renovation work. Once it was finished, I decided that I could resume coaching football. I now help my local club FCBP L’Hermenault. The age groups start at under 5’s and progress up to
Above: Under 15’s with me, back right.
Like many small villages in France, the club is an amalgamation of smaller villages:-‐ L’Hermanault, Serigne, St Laurent de la Salle, Pouille and St Cyr des Gats. When I first approached Fontenay I was very nervous as my French was bad, but gradually I have improved and with my knowledge of coaching, I have now integrated within the FCPB (Football Club Plaine et Bocage) and now feel part of the organisation. I am glad that I made the effort to join the club and I can now pass on my knowledge to French (and a few English) children. The club also has five senior teams, HSL, that all play in the District League and this year resulting in a fantastic season. The 1st team won the division 1 and will play next year in the Promotion Honour Division. The 2nd team will play in division 2 after winning division 3 and the 3rd team were champions of division 4 and will be playing in division 3 next year. It was quite remarkable for all three teams to win their respective divisions. Training for 2013/2014 starts late August, with coaching sessions and some friendly matches. The season starts in September and runs through to next May. So if you know any budding David Beckhams and you would like them to join a friendly but competitive club, contact the club or me. Training sessions are midweek after school hours, with the matches played at weekends throughout the Vendée. If you need more information, please do not hesitate to contact me on: 02 51 51 93 13 or by email: ogier.karen@orange.fr
Health, Beauty & Fitness...
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THE VENDÉE MONTHLY
Take a Break... VM Easy Crossword... Across: 8. Living quarters for female relatives in a Muslim household (5) 9. Being in a tense state (7) 10. Ten more than ninety (7) 11. Make believe with the intent to deceive (5) 12. Wine from the Rhine valley (8) 13. Fewer (4) 15. Leaf of a book (4) 17. Diver’s foot wear (8) 21. Type of leather whip (5) 22. One of two glands near the kidney (7) 24. An issue of a newspaper (7) 25. Greek goddess of fortune (5)
Down: 1. Former hereditary monarch of Iran (4) 2. Type of fruit (6) 3. Green gemstone (7) 4. Happening without warning or in a short space of time (6) 5. Rigid (5) 6. Set fire to (6) 7. Abnormal narrowing of a bodily canal or passageway (8) 12. Source of an edible oil (8) 14. Perform surgery on (7) 16. Aromatic bulb used for seasoning (6) 18. Gained knowledge or skills (6) 19. Castrated man who guards 8 across (6) 20. Plant sucking insect (5) 23. Vegetable (4)
VM Anagram Crossword...
All the clues are anagrams; this is a real toughie!
21
Across: 1. REPENTING SIR (12) 7. A DEVOID (7) 9. SKALE (5) 10. YEPS (4) 11. LAD NERVE (8) 12. PEE OUR (6) 14. SERIAL (6) 17. COMIC SET (8) 19. BOMT (4) 22. DEALT (5) 23. DESCENT (7) 24. FIDELITY NINE (12)
Down: 1. SAREE (5) 2. ORE PORT (7) 3. DURE (4) 4. RESELLS (7) 5. KANED (5) 6. ALTARS (6) 8. LEAD (4) 12. CEDE NO (6) 13. CAFE REP (7) 15. SALE TOP (7) 16. SPIZ (4) 18. LOANS (5) 20. LAD BY (5) 21. VIDE (4)
Sudoku Corner...
Please see website: www.thevendeemonthly.fr for answers
Hard
www.websudoku.com
Easy
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THE VENDÉE MONTHLY
Motoring... MINI MAGIC - Forever Young by Helen Tait-Wright
In automotive terms there are few cars whose popularity and sales have endured over 40 years, while still retaining their unmistakable identities despite all the nips, tucks and updates along the way. One such example is the Porsche 911, which I will look at next month, but another is a small British car, designed in an age of austerity, and destined to become the “world’s only cool small car”. I give you the Mini. The Mini was launched to the world market in 1959, by the British Motor Corporation. Its space-‐saving front-‐wheel drive layout, allowing 80 per cent of the area of the car's floorpan to be used for passengers and luggage, influenced a generation of car makers, and in 1999 the Mini was voted the second most influential car of the 20th Century, behind the Ford Model T. By 2000, when the curtain came down on production of the classic Mini, 5.3 million units of Britain’s best selling car had found homes, including those of the rich and famous. If the Mini is a modern classic, the Cooper and Cooper S versions are motorsport heroes. The darling of the sixties avant-‐garde was not only something of a phenomenon on the road; its class victory in the 1963 Monte Carlo Rally in the hands of Finnish driver Rauno Aaltonen kicked off a peerless run of success on the motor sport scene, that reached its pinnacle with three overall wins in the Monte in 1964, 1965 and 1967. The Mini Cooper was developed by the designer of the original Mini, Sir Alec Issigonis, with racing driver and engineer John Cooper, who, in 1959, had driven a prototype Mini to the Italian Grand Prix and had been greatly impressed and saw the potential of the Mini for competition. Issigonis was initially reluctant to see the Mini as a performance car, but after John Cooper appealed to BMC management, the two men collaborated to create the Mini Cooper, a nimble, economical and inexpensive car. The Mini Cooper debuted in 1961. These Coopers were easily distinguishable from the standard models by the different front grille, two-‐tone paintwork, and two-‐tone upholstery.
Vehicle For Sale? B/W advert only 15€ incl. photograph.
Right after making its first appearance, the Mini proved to be a genuine sports car in the true sense of the word. Countless teams and private drivers recognised and acknowledged the great potential this small car had to offer with its driving behaviour reminiscent of a go-‐kart. Even if you are not a rally fan, the speed and agility of the Mini was immortalised in the popular classic film “The Italian Job” (the original version obviously!) where the team of Rémy Julienne, a French stunt driver, used these fabulous little cars to whisk the stolen gold out of the gridlocked city of Turin. Of course these days the Mini brand lives on under the BMW umbrella, and while purists are not over enamored with the new car, the cunning Germans cashed in on the iconic name and associated cult status to propel their car into the category of “Must Have Style Accessory”. One day we will get our Mk1 Mini Cooper back on the road ................! Contact Helen at: helen@stodel.org.
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THE VENDÉE MONTHLY
Spotlight On...
Île de Noirmoutier by Mick Austin
At just 20km long and 7km at its widest point, this small sandy island in the Bay of Biscay packs plenty of magic into its tiny frame. Nature, culture, beaches, water sports and great local produce all go into making Île de Noirmoutier a pint-‐sized pocket of pleasure. And the action starts even before you set foot on the island. Your sat-‐nav will tell you it’s the D948, but when you arrive you’re faced with the unforgettable Passage du Gois. It’s a 4.5km-‐long cobble paved causeway connecting the island to Beauvoir-‐sur-‐Mer on the Vendée coast and attracts thousands of visitors every year who come to see the incoming and outgoing tides cover up and then reveal Le Gois. Visitors drive, cycle or walk to and from the island while the locals fish ‘on foot’ for the shellfish exposed as the water recedes. But check on the tide times -‐ signposted on either side of Le Gois -‐ because the Atlantic Ocean can come in at an incredible rate and every year unsuspecting visitors Passage du Gois get caught out. If it happens to you then there are several tall wooden towers, or balises, you can climb and wait to be rescued, or you can always stay there and admire the view until the tide goes out again! Time your visit right and you could get help from a rather unexpected quarter. Every year there’s a race called Les Foulées du Gois, where runners set off as the tide rises. The leaders run through the water while those at the back end up having to swim! Another way to get to Île de Noirmoutier, apart from by boat or breaststroke, is via the D38 at La Barre-‐de-‐Monts at the southern tip of the island. But, hey, it’s just another road bridge and nowhere near as much fun.
In the heat of the summer, the fine crystals shimmering on the surface of the salt pans are delicately scraped off with a paddle-‐like lousse for fleur de sel. It is dried in baskets in the sun and has a unique white colour and flavour anyone can sample on a visit to the marshes throughout the summer and the beginning of autumn. Salt huts along the island’s roads attract many visitors wanting to buy fleur de sel, sea salt, fine salt and samphire (a seasonal vegetable) straight from the producers.
With 50km of beaches to choose from, you’re sure to find your perfect one. Chill out, collect shellfish, stroll along quiet sand dunes or get the pulse racing with windsurfing, kayaking and land sailing. Several beaches have water wheelchairs (tiralos) for disabled visitors. Salt marshes cover one-‐third of the island between the towns of Noirmoutier and L’Epine. There was a boom in sea salt (or ‘white gold’) trading between the 16th and 18th Centuries and it provided a major income to the island until the 1970s. Following a steady decline (just 34 salt workers in 1990), young local producers have put salt back on the map and there are now 100 of them working on the island. Salt harvesting is an artisan trade using traditional methods. Seawater circulates in a network of canals and pools in a salt pan (a small pool of seawater made by the salt worker with a smooth, slightly-‐domed clay base where salt is deposited). The concentration of salt increases through evaporation over a 48-‐hour period until it crystallises on the salt pan’s clay base. The worker then gently scrapes the salt to the edge of the pan using an ételle, a small wooden board on a long stick. The small piles, or mulons, dazzle white in the blue salt marshes.
Salt harvesting
Local produce Well, it’s got to be seafood, hasn’t it? And plenty of it. There are many restaurants where you can sample the local produce, but why not push the boat out and try the stunning Restaurant La Marine, at 5 Rue Marie Lemonnier, L’Herbaudière, where chef Alexandre Couillon has this year been awarded a second Michelin star. Or right next door is the Table d’Elise bistrot. Same chef, same kitchen and the same careful selection of top local and seasonal products. Page 16
THE VENDÉE MONTHLY
Spuds you like! Noirmoutier’s warm climate means their farmers are able to produce early crops, the most famous being potatoes. Where Jersey has its Royals, Noirmoutier has the Bonnotte and the Lady Christl. These new potatoes are sold in markets and supermarkets throughout France and also grace the plates of diners in some of the world’s finest eateries.
Don’t miss Aquarium de Noirmoutier. Le Vieux Port. Tel: 02 51 39 08 11. www.aquariumdenoirmoutier.com Home to 1000 animals and 200 different species.
Port
Vendée food producers are proud of their creations and keen for you to sample their delights. None more so that at Les Petits C a g n i o t e s a t 2 R u e d e s Marouettes, Noirmoutier en L’Ile, where a traditional family line of chefs and pastry cooks make molettes (a local term for cakes) without artificial flavourings or c h e m i c a l p r e s e r v a t i v e s . www.lespetitscagniotes.com
Aquarium de Noirmoutier
The ports The first marina to be built in the Vendée, in 1973, L’Herbaudière, on the north of the island, is also a busy fishing port. The fish market opened in 1980 and is Passage du Gois now the landing place of sole, line-‐caught bass, red mullet, lobster and crab, which is then sold on to local businesses and restaurants and as far afield as Paris, Canada and Russia.
Once bustling with salt exports, Noirmoutier port is now a home to old rigging and sailboats for repair or restoration. The north bank is lined with shops and restaurants and is a favourite with tourists. Auguste who? Le Bois de la Chaise, a 60 hectare forest famous for its pine trees, has been a meeting place for well-‐known poets and painters. In 1892, Ile de Noirmoutier welcomed one of the most famous painters in the person of one Auguste Renoir, who said: “It’s a fascinating area, as beautiful as the south of France but with an ocean as beautiful as the Mediterranean”. He was so impressed he painted two pictures of the place. It was also the destination of choice for convalescents for the warm winters and the fresh, pine-‐filled air. And for some strange reason they were prescribed donkey’s milk as an aid to recovery!
Musée du Chateau de Noirmoutier
Musée du Chateau de Noirmoutier. Place d’armes. Tel: 02 51 39 10 42. www.ville-‐noirmoutier.fr This 12th Century medieval castle is one of the best preserved in the Vendée. The museum showcases the island’s history from prehistoric times, through the turmoil of the War in the Vendée, to the beginnings of tourism in the 19th Century. Fabulous views from the keep over the island and the Bay of Bourgneuf. Useful websites: www.uk.ile-‐noirmoutier.com www.vendee-‐tourisme.co.uk www.vendee-‐guide.co.uk/ile-‐de-‐noirmoutier.htm
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.
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Photos: port: Wikipaedia Commons, © Stefi223, Passage du Gois © Pinpin, salt © Pinpin, Chateau © Cyril5555, aquarium © Pinpin.
Morin, on the west of the island, was once poorly protected but has now become a modern haven for fishing vessels. The port authority is close to several World War Two buildings, including a blockhouse.
THE VENDÉE MONTHLY
French Life, Food & Drink...
by John Sherwin.
Food, Family & Friends - Life in the Vendée by Helena Boyle Well, we were asking for a hot summer this year, and we’ve certainly got one!! There have been many days already when it has just been too hot to do anything in the garden. In spite of the lack of rain, the vegetables are doing really well this year and have caught up, a{er the very late start. My potatoes appear to have confused themselves – the early ‘Noirmoukers’ clearly don’t know that they are supposed to be smaller ‘new’ potatoes and have produced a much smaller number of very large potatoes per plant, while the main crop are producing a large number o f s m a l l e r p o t a t o e s . Perhaps they will swell over the coming weeks before they are dug up!! Having lost all my tomatoes last year to the dreaded blight, they are doing exceptionally well this time round, both in the vegetable garden and in large pots in the courtyard. I always grow a few ‘speciality’ varieties in pots and this year, again, it’s the ‘poire jaune’ (yellow pear) tomatoes as they are such a lovely flavour and produce a very heavy crop of small, yellow pear-‐shaped tomatoes. Last month I mentioned getting a lamb, which is now vac-‐packed and in my freezer. I had some chops/cutlets left from the last one, and as I had a large group of people coming over for a meal, I decided to use them up by making a Moroccan-‐style tagine. This is always a good standby, winter or summer, as it can all be prepared and cooked in advance, then heated in the oven on the day. If you prepare it a couple of days ahead and keep it in the fridge, it gives the flavours a chance to develop even more. See opposite for my take on a traditional lamb tagine! Enjoy this wonderful weather and save all the jobs you think you need to do until the cooler weather arrives, when you can’t get outside to enjoy it so much! I’m hoping the tomatoes will last until it cools down a bit, so that I won’t melt making tomato sauce, pickles, chutneys and jam…we’ll see. I’d also like to say ‘thank you’ to those who have emailed me with questions about smoking bacon. If you have any queries about anything in this column, please feel free to email me and I will do my best to help abourseguinaise@gmail.com Until next month,
Helena
LAMB TAJINE (serves 4) 1kg lean lamb (can be leg, shoulder or lean chops) 2 large onions chopped 3 cloves garlic finely chopped 1tsp black pepper 1tsp paprika 1tsp ground ginger 1tbsp turmeric 1tsp cinnamon 1tsp coriander 2+ tbsp oil Large tin tomatoes, chopped 500g carton tomato passata 100g soft semi-‐dried apricots, chopped 75g dates or figs (or mixture or both) Small handful sultanas 1tsp saffron soaked in a tablespoon water (optional) 500ml approx lamb stock (made with stock cubes is fine -‐ I sometimes add left over wine too) 1 tbsp honey Chopped parsley/coriander to serve METHOD OF PREPARATION 1. Heat oven to 150˚C/300˚F 2. Prepare the lamb by removing excess fat and cutting into 2cm cubes (approx). 3. Mix the black pepper and other spices in a small bowl to combine. Place the lamb in a large bowl and toss together with half of the spice mix. Cover and leave overnight in the fridge. 4. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large casserole dish. Add the onion and the remaining half of the spice mix and cook over a gentle heat for 10 minutes so that the onions are soft but not coloured. Add the crushed garlic for the final 5 minutes. 5. In a separate frying pan, heat the remaining oil and brown the cubes of lamb on all sides then add the browned meat to the casserole dish. Add the tomato passata (or tomato puree/paste + some stock/water) to the juices in the pan, and then pour over the onions etc and lamb in the casserole. 6. Add the chopped tomatoes, apricots, figs, raisins or sultanas, saffron, lamb stock and honey to the casserole dish. Bring to the boil, cover with a fitted lid, place in the oven and cook for 2-‐2½ hours or until the meat is meltingly tender (I leave mine overnight in the bottom oven of the AGA). 7. Place the lamb in a tagine, if you have one, or large serving dish and sprinkle over the chopped herbs. Serve. This actually tastes even better when made a day in advance and the reheated.
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We are Tied to the Ocean Wines of Brem
by John Sherwin
In my never-‐ending desire to please and inform the members of my burgeoning fan club (Hi Bill! OK Wendy?), I have spent countless minutes trawling the internet for fun and interesting things to say about Brem. For example, it is a dialect of Papuan spoken by a thousand or so natives. It is a disgusting rice-‐ wine made in Bali. It is also, it seems to me, a great name for a shaggy, slobbering Labrador. But if you really want fun and interesting, I suggest you get yourselves down to our very own Brem-‐sur-‐Mer. Brem is not actually sur the mer, but it’s as near as dammit, separated from the big blue by salt marshes and the occasional blister of orange-‐tiled bungalows. Keeping your face firmly turned to the west, breathe in that sea air, hold the thought and taste the white Les Clous at Domaine St Nicolas. That something you can’t quite place -‐ and you are too embarrassed to say it’s a bit salty, because that doesn’t exist in wine, right? -‐ is the slightest whiff and taste of iodine: the taste of sea air. Thierry Michon started this domaine in the sixties. He is a fabulously skilled winemaker, and that DNA is now safely with his grandson. They make the full range of whites, reds and rosés, but it’s the whites which really attract me. They have to be the perfect accompaniment to seafood. He has 40 hectares, all cultivated biodynamically. From a previous piece, you will recall that I think biodynamic winemaking produces great results from a completely loopy premise. So, it’s no surprise that ten years ago M. Michon and some equally looneytune buddies experimented with submerging some of their wines in the sea off St Malo for a year. The result on blind-‐tasting? The submerged wines were considerably better than the landlubbers. So, befriend a fisherman, buy some lobster pots, fill them with bottles of lovely Brem white, cast them adrift, and after a year you’ll have the crustaceans and the perfectly aged wine to go with.
The Orion family
There are seven other producers in Brem, of whom I visited two. Gérard Garandeau has turned his back to the AOC system and has gone his own way with a simple vin du pays on the label. Plonk this ain’t, and at under €4 a bottle gets my top award for value for money. He only sells locally, so make it worth his while and drop by. Take cash. Tucked away at the end of an alley just across from the mairie is Jean-‐Pierre Richard. Like Garandeau, an operation passed down through generations. Lovely wines with that little Brem thing about them. “…and when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch, to paddle, skinny-‐dip or submerge bottles of wine – we are going back from whence we came.” Quotation from President J. F. Kennedy, with minor additions www.domainesaintnicolas.com Cave Garandeau, 28 rte des Sables, Brem-‐sur-‐Mer J-‐P Richard, opposite mairie, Brem-‐sur-‐Mer
John Sherwin, French Wine Tours Tel: 02 51 66 13 05 Email: john@french-‐wine-‐tours.com www.french-‐wine-‐tours.com
Photo: The vines at Domaine Saint-Nicolas
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French Adventures...
Two friends sharing their French Adventure.... Located in the countryside of the north Vendée between Aizenay and Challans, Claranne’s Pantry offers a wide range of traditional and speciality British groceries. Opened in May 2008 by friends Clare & Anne, the shop has proved a success with local expats, and now has a fast-‐growing French customer base. Clare & Anne both have different stories on how they arrived here in the Vendée: ANNE: “My husband and I bought our house here in 2001 and spent as much time here as possible in the holidays. Then, having had enough of the stress and pressure of work in the UK, we decided to sell up and move over permanently. That was over 7 years ago and we have no regrets. Of course, we miss friends and family, especially our son and grandson, but we are not far away. We went to evening classes to learn French before we left the UK, to help with the basics, and we are now able to integrate well with our French friends. It does take time to adapt to a slower, calmer way of life and you have to be more patient here -‐ it will happen tomorrow, not today. As for the paperwork, there is a lot of it but you do get used to it.” CLARE: “I have lived in France for 12 years. My father bought a farm in 1992 and farmed mainly cereals, whilst renovating the farm house and converting the grange into gîtes. Due to family ill-‐ health, it was no longer possible for my father to travel between the UK and France so my future husband and I were offered a once-‐ in-‐a-‐lifetime opportunity to run the farm and gîte business. On arriving in France, we purchased a flock of Vendéen sheep which kept us busy during the winter months, and in the spring and summer we were busy with the gîtes. The biggest advantage for me is the lifestyle here in France, especially for our children, now aged 3 and 6. The summer fêtes held by local villages have always been a big attraction to us -‐ good fun, a great way to meet the locals, and the chance to take part in the local traditions and customs. Help has always been available from the friendly locals and farmers when we needed it, especially in the early days during our struggle to be understood. Over the years the language has ceased to be a problem, and we now often celebrate important family events such as weddings with our neighbours.
As with all businesses in France, the paperwork required has been a challenge, with countless hours being spent going from one department to another, and back again, to achieve something quite simple. The time wasted is frustrating, but that’s French red tape!! However, I can give high praise to the French health system, having given birth to both of my sons here in France.” Since opening Claranne’s Pantry, both Clare and Anne have been kept very busy and all of their products are personally sourced from the UK to ensure both quality food and value for money. They hold regular events at the shop, including a Book Swap every 3 months, which enables people to come along, exchange books, magazines, DVDs etc. and meet up with friends, old and new. During the summer months they also supply local campsites with British products and attend local fetes and markets throughout the year. As you can imagine, Christmas is a very busy time of year for Clare and Anne, starting with their own Christmas Market in November, a very popular event last year. This year they hope to have more than 20 stands, offering different ideas for Christmas gifts, together with those traditional Christmas items such as Xmas crackers, Xmas puddings, mince pies and much more. Make a note in your diary -‐ Saturday 16th November. So, for those of you that miss that little something from the UK, why not pay Claranne’s Pantry a visit? If it’s not on the shelves, Clare and Anne can order it for you. For details of location and opening hours, please visit the website or give the friends a call. Clare:06 33 24 90 92 / Anne:06 76 68 89 17 Email: claranne@thingsyoumiss.info
www.clarannespantry.com
Would you like to share your French Adventure with us? Find out how on our website: www.thevendeemonthly.fr or call 05 49 70 26 21
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Communications... Protecting Your PC... What is Malware? Part 2.
by Ross Hendry
Last month we looked at a definition of Malware, how it attacks your PC and how to try to avoid getting infected by Malware. This month we will look in a bit more detail at types of Malware. Many people are aware of Viruses and may have heard of trojans, spyware or adware. But what about rootkits, ransomware or Bots? Let's look in more detail about the different types of malware. Virus. A self replicating program that installs itself without the user's consent. The name is an analogy to its biological counterpart. Hiding inside another program, file or on the boot sector of the hard disk drive. These unwanted programs often do other malicious things, from simply displaying humorous/political messages to corrupting data, accessing private information, spamming contacts, logging keystrokes (see below), installing a backdoor (see below), stealing hard disk space or processor time. Viruses are designed to use anti-‐detection and stealth techniques to avoid detection by antivirus software. Trojan. Using the Greek mythological analogy, a Trojan is software posing as a useful gift/tool that appears to be harmless in order to install itself on your system. Far from being harmless this non-‐self replicating program gets access to your system and puts malicious software often including invisible backdoor access by the authors to your system that may steal information or otherwise harm your system. These are often detected because they cause your system to run slow. Trojans infect your PC by using "drive by downloads" or install themselves via on-‐line games or other on-‐line applications. Worm. Worms are malicious software that aim at spreading as fast as possible once your PC has been infected. Unlike viruses, they don't require a host program, but instead spread themselves via storage devices such as USB sticks, communication media such as e-‐ mail or vulnerabilities in your operating system. Their propagation causes a reduction in the performance of PCs and networks, and they may also implement direct malicious behaviour. Keystroke Logging. Keyloggers secretly record everything you type on your keyboard, which allows attackers to get their hands on your passwords or other important data such as online banking details. Backdoor/Bot. A backdoor is program code that is usually implemented into a program by the software's author, to enable illegal access to your PC or an otherwise protected software function. Backdoors are often installed by Trojans once they have
been executed, so that the attacker can gain direct access to your PC. The infected PC, also known as a "bot", becomes part of a botnet. Exploit. Exploits are used to systematically exploit vulnerabilities in a computer program. Using them, an attacker can gain either partial or full control of your PC. The authors of this nasty may use your PC to spam or attack other PCs or networks. Spyware. Spyware is software that spies on you, i.e. by collecting various types of user data from your PC without your knowledge, often these are benign, simply sending marketing information to the owners. Spyware can collect almost any type of data, including personal information like Internet surfing habits, user logins, and bank or credit account information. Spyware can also interfere with user control of a computer by installing additional software or redirecting Web browsers. Some spyware can change computer settings, which can result in slow Internet connection speeds, un-‐authorized changes in browser settings, or changes to software settings. Adware. Derived from the word "advertisement". In addition to the actual function of the program, the user will be presented with advertisements. Adware itself is not dangerous, but the display of countless adverts is generally considered undesirable and is thus detected by good anti-‐malware solutions. Rootkit. A rootkit usually consists of several components that grant the author unauthorized access to the target system. In addition, these programs hide their processes and actions using other software. They can be installed, for instance, through an exploit or a Trojan. Scareware. Also known as "Rogue Anti-‐Spyware" or "Rogue Anti-‐Virus", scareware pretends to be security software. It frequently use fake warnings to trick users into purchasing the software, which the attackers then profit from illegally. And they probably won't work as well as decent AV software. Ransomware. Ransomware encrypts the user's personal data or may even lock the entire PC. You are asked to pay a "ransom" via an anonymous service in order to unlock your computer. The most common version I have found is the "Ukash" program. Don't pay, the code seldom works!! It is imperative to remember that many hundreds of new viruses are found every week and so it is necessary to update and run your Anti -‐Virus/malware program daily. Ross Hendry is the proprietor of Interface Consulting and Engineering, who has over 42 years experience in Communications, Computer Technology and Direct Marketing.
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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... Fresco Interiors - the story so far
and some decorating and flooring tips
So, here we are in September and we can’t believe how quickly the last few months have gone! The shop opened on May 2nd and we have been overwhelmed by the kindness and support of our customers, thank you so much. We have met some lovely people both living in the area and visiting Vouvant on holiday from all over the world! For anyone who hasn’t caught up with us yet, Vouvant is a beautiful village with lovely cafes, shops and galleries, well worth a visit. We are in the main road (Rue du duc D’Aquitaine) and we offer a large range of gifts and homeware including small pieces of interior and garden furniture, tableware, clocks, wall art, mirrors, frames, candles -‐ in fact most things really!...together with Autentico chalk paint, carpets and flooring. We are happy to have sourced reliable suppliers of carpets and flooring and can offer most products you would find in the UK together with our French products as well. Helpful tips from Carpet Corner *Carpets can be available in varying widths, but most suppliers only keep in stock widths of 4m, so when measuring a room bear this in mind. Even though the length can be anything up to 25/30m, you will find any supplier will have a much more varied choice if you stick to 4m wide. If you are interested in our flooring products we are happy to come to your home and measure your rooms for you, deliver the product and arrange fitting.
If you are buying pre-‐used furniture it is advisable to treat it for ‘woodworm’, whether there is a visible sign of infestation or not, before it comes into contact with anything else wooden in your home. Any furniture we have here to paint is treated in the garage before it gets anywhere near the workshop or showroom. The Autentico Chalk Paint has proved to be very popular, so we are now stocking even more colours, together with waxes and brushes. We have had wonderful feedback from our clients, both experienced and inexperienced decorators alike, who say the coverage is excellent and it is very easy to work with. When I am hand painting furniture and want to distress it, I start distressing gently with just a green pad, this saves taking off more paint then you want to. This is a particularly good idea when you have used one colour over another. And for waxing, I find an old thick pair of nylon tights is brilliant to buff off with! We look forward to seeing you in Vouvant soon and from November we will be stocking a wide range of Christmas goodies -‐ ho, ho, ho! If you need any decorating or flooring advice please do not hesitate to ask, we are happy to help. Alison & Colin Millin, Fresco Interiors.
*Something that is very popular in Europe, due to hot summers and cold winters, is having a room size piece of carpet, bound, so it can be loose laid out in the winter and rolled away in the summer. This is a particularly good looking effect when using natural carpets. A few decorating thoughts... Firstly -‐ finding your inspiration. You know as you go through your day-‐to-‐day life you may notice somewhere a colour that you really like or maybe the design on a piece of fabric or wallpaper, something in a shop window or a magazine, but then the moment is gone and when you embark on your next decorating project you can’t think where you saw it and exactly what it was like. Having been a decorator both here and in the UK for years I am often asked for design ideas and I also need inspiration for my own projects. So I keep an ongoing scrap book; I print pictures, take photos, collect samples of paint, fabric, ribbons, buttons -‐ it all goes in the scrapbook. Then when I need help in finding my inspiration, I delve into my scrapbook and it is always there.
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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. With summer coming to a close many expatriates will have said goodbye to friends and family who have visited over the last few months, or those in the tourism industry will have waved guests goodbye. Autumn often finds us with a little more “me time” and provides an opportunity to look back at what we have achieved and plan ahead for next year and beyond. Whilst you look around the house and garden to see what maintenance is needed before winter arrives, or maybe aim to shed a few pounds after showing your guests the abundance of fine food and wine the region has to offer, do not forget that your financial wellbeing is just as important as your health and home are. Why not use the next month or so to have a free financial review to ensure that your French adventure continues smoothly, with as few unforeseen bumps in the road as possible? Whether you want to look at proposed changes in legislation the French Government are implementing or review any investments you hold to ensure they are as tax efficient as they can be, I am more than happy to sit down with you and review your situation. The review also covers inheritance planning and pension options. For those who would like an informal chat or have a quick question which I may be able to help you with, I have a stand at ‘ The Deux Sévres Monthly’ Magazine’s Trade Fair on Saturday the 21st September in Secondigny; Look out for the Spectrum IFA Group Banners. I will be next to Currencies Direct. You can also send your enquiry to “Ask Amanda” on the contacts below and I will be happy to help where I can.
Questions, Questions...
by Sue Cook
Following on from our feature last month, here are some more frequently asked questions. Why do I have to register? Currencies Direct operate under the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulations, which means we have to adhere to extremely tight compliance regulations and procedures. This is to protect against money laundering and fraud. All clients who wish to use our services must be registered, we cannot trade a client who is not yet fully registered. However, the registration process is very quick and easy, it costs absolutely nothing and does not obligate you to use us. What it does mean though is that you are able to act immediately on an exchange rate that you have been quoted -‐ so if the rate swings considerably in your favour you can take advantage of this. How do I register? Simply fill in our short registration form either online, or by completing a writable PDF form (which can be saved and returned via email or post.) If you reside outside of the UK, we will also require a copy of your passport or ID card (proof of ID) and a copy of a bank statement or utility bill, dated within the last 3 months (proof of address). These can be scanned and emailed to myself or directly to London. Why do you need to see a copy of my bill or bank statement? To verify your address. We have to confirm that you are who you say you are. This is for our Compliance department and it is necessary for our FCA requirements. I am interested in making a transfer as I am buying a house in France, but I don’t have a bank account yet? Not a problem, we can generally do transfers to 3rd party recipients, such as your Notaire – so if you need to transfer funds for your deposit or balance, we can help. For more information on what you need to do just get in touch and I can advise directly All sounds too good to be true! How much will it cost me? Nothing! There are no charges or hidden fees for our international money transfers – unlike banks who generally impose a hefty charge on international transfers! How do I get started? To get registered simply contact me directly and I will be happy to help.
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
Sue Cook, Currencies Direct Tel: 06 89 99 28 89 Email: sue.c@currenciesdirect.com
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Taxing Times in France by Bradley Warden, Partner, Blevins Franks
France has long had a reputation for being a high tax country and having a complex tax regime. The taxpayer’s plight has got even worse over recent years, with tax reform after tax reform and a variety of tax rises. The key change this year is in how investment income is taxed. Previously, you could choose whether your bank interest and dividend earnings were taxed at the scale rates of income tax or at fixed rates. Capital gains on shares and securities were also taxed at a fixed rate. These fixed rates have now been abolished. With effect from January 2013, your investment income is taxed at the progressive income tax rates. The current rates range from 5.5% for income above €5,964 to 45% for income over €150,000.
Tax on capital gains made on the sale of property has also increased this year. Gains are taxed at 19%, but now a surtax is added on depending on the amount of gain. It starts at 2% for gains over €50,000 and rises to 6%. At least the taper relief period is being reduced, so that you will need to own a property for 22 years, instead of the current 30 years, for it to be tax free (tax only, not social charges). It is more important than ever to ensure that your assets are invested as tax efficiently as possible, and in a fully compliant manner. You should seek specialist advice to ensure you get your tax planning right and save tax wherever possible. Summarised tax information is based upon our understanding of current laws and practices which may change. Individuals should take personalised advice. To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world, check out the latest news on our website www.blevinsfranks.com
This means that higher earners will pay more tax, unless you move your capital into more tax efficient structures. British expatriates should note that this also applies to interest and gains earned within ISAs and PEPs, as well as to National Savings & Investments, since these are not tax free investments here. You need to declare them in France, and the UK authorities will share information with their French counterparts.
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Advert Size A or B, only 38€ per month or from 33,33€ per month for 12 months.
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: info@thevendeemonthly.fr
Contact ‘The Vendée Monthly’ La Bartière, 79130, Secondigny. Telephone: 05 49 70 26 21 or email: info@thevendeemonthly.fr
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Location, Location, Location Ma Maison Parfaite are registered property finders. Based in the Vendée, they also cover Ile de Ré and La Rochelle. If you wished you had bought a French property when bargains could still be found then you may not have missed the boat. Prices in France have fallen during the last quarter. It’s no surprise to see that the Vendée has also seen prices fall with 3% being slashed off some prices in the last month alone. So does this mean that the Vendée is no longer a good place to invest? Where can bargains be found and where should investors hunt out? For those of you looking for the lowest cost per m2 then look inland. Properties can be bought for below £500 per sq m in some towns. Yes, there are houses back on the French market for under £50,000 once again. Be careful where you buy though, some of the cheapest prices can be found in areas that flood. That’s where using a Property Finder can pay dividends as they know the area and the true market value of a property. Also think, do you really want to travel one hour to the beach each time? Add on even more travel time in August. Potential clients renting your property certainly won’t want to. For those of you who are looking for a long term investment then look along the coastline. Prices there yield an average of £2,900 per sq m. Not surprisingly prices around Les Sables d’Olonne are still increasing by 0.75% per month with the average price per sq m coming in at £3,381. Les Sables is always in demand for rentals and a ripple effect can be seen both up and down the coastline around it. Coastal properties are always sought after and are in limited supply. Yes, there are bargains out there, but finding them (and still making sure they are in a good location for potential investment) is something best left to the experts.
www.mamaisonparfaite.com Tel: +33 (0)6 21 74 75 01 Email: info.mamaisonparfaite@gmail.com
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