the deux-sèvres monthly - october 2014

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The Deux-Sèvres Monthly | 3

Welcome! to Issue 44 of‘The Deux-Sèvres Monthly’ magazine.

Doesn’t time fly? The Summer has been and gone and dare I say it, “C” is just around the corner!

In preparation there’ll be lots of bazaars, brocantes and markets coming up. One of which is held in Secondigny. It’s the huge Pomm’Expo. This year celebrates it’s 60th year and market traders upon market traders line the streets of the village on the third

Sunday of the month. If you’ve never been, it’s well worth a visit. Various animations happen throughout the week of the event too, including talks and a local art exhibition.

I’m looking forward to a little bit of down-time this month as someone special in the family celebrates a BIG birthday and we’ll all be taking a holiday. For this reason and for the first time in nearly four years, next month’s issue will be available just a few days later than usual in the first week of November.

Don’t forget the clocks go back this month!Take care and see you next time.

Tel: 05 49 70 26 21Email: [email protected] Website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr

© Sarah Berry 2014. 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.

112 European Emergency113 Drugs and Alcohol

Emergency Numbers:

15 SAMU (Medical Advice)17 Gendarmes (Police)18 Pompiers (Fire Service)

<<The Deux-Sèvres Monthly>> est édité par Sarah Berry, 3 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, Shutterstock, GraphicStock et morgeufile.com. Impression: Graficas Piquer SL, 29 Al Mediterraneo, Pol. Ind. San Rafael, 04230, Huércal de Almeria, Espagne. Dépôt légal: octobre 2014 - Tirage: 5000 exemplaires. Siret: 515 249 738 00011 ISSN: 2115-4848

ContentsWhat’s On 4Getting Out & About 6Hobbies 10Clubs & Associations 15Health, Beauty & Fitness 17Our Furry Friends 20Take a Break 22A-Z of the Communes in the Deux-Sèvres 23Spotlight On... 24Home & Garden 28Communications 33Food & Drink 35Motoring 38Building & Renovation 41Business & Finance 45Property 49

à plus, Sarah

This Month’s Advertisers79 Renovations 43ABORDimmo 49Ace Pneus (Tyre supplier & Fitter) 39Affordable UK Designs (Kitchens & UPVC Double Glazing) 2AKE Petit Travaux (Builder) 44A La Bonne Vie restaurant 35Alan Pearce (Plumbing & Heating) 42Andrew Longman (Plumber) 42An English Nursery in France 28ARB French Property 49Arbrecadabra Tree Surgery 30

Bar/Brasserie Vue du Château 37BH Assurances / Allianz - Isabelle Want 45Bill McEvoy (Plumber / Heating Engineer) 42Blevins Franks Financial Management 46Bois Nature Energie (Firewood and Outdoor Fencing) 29British Mobile Mechanic (John Purchase) 39Camping Les Prairies du Lac 31Caniclôture Hidden Fences 20Cheryl’s Helping Hand 29Chris Bassett Construction 43Chris Parsons (Heating/Electrical/Plumbing) 42Christies (English Book Shop & Tea Room) 6CJ Electricité 41Clean Sweep Chimney Services 43Currencies Direct - Sue Cook 47Cut 46 (Hair Salon) 19David Cropper (Stump Grinding & Jungle Busting) 30David Watkins Chimney Sweep 43DB électricité 41Down to Earth Pool Design 49Duncan White - Agent Commerciale 50D.W. Cooper (Carpenter, Roofer, Mason) 43EcoPower (Solar Thermal Trading Company) 49Électricien Anglais en France 41Emilie Baudrez (French Classes & Translation) 9Franglais Deliveries 39GAN Assurances 39George Rayner Computers 34Hallmark Electronique 41ICO Electricité 41Insink Plumbing 42Irving Location - Digger Hire 40John Pate (Renovations) 43John Snee Groundworks 40J.P. Lainé Chimney Sweep 43Julia Hunt - Agent Commerciale 50Keith Banks (Swimming Pool Maintenance) 49Kelly’s Events 8La Deuxième Chance (Annie Sloan Chalk Paint supplier) 29Lawrence Associates (Renovations etc) 44Leggett Immobilier 50Mad Hatter’s Kitchen 37Mark Sabestini Renovation & Construction 44Michael Glover 41Michael William Hairdressing 18ML Computers 34Motor Parts Charente 39M. Page Landscaping 29MSS Construction 43Mutuelles de Poitiers Assurances 39Nathan Foster Building Services 44Needa Hand Services 29Pamela Irving (Massage & Reflexology) 18Pascale Matéo (French Tuition) 9Pause! Café L’Absie 8Plan 170 (Professional Scale Drawings) 49Polar Express 37Restaurant des Canards 35Rob Berry Plastering Services 44Ross Hendry (Interface Consulting & Engineering) 33Sarah Berry (Websites & Graphic Design) 34Sarl Down to Earth (Fosse Installations & Groundworks) 40Satellite TV 34Siddalls (Financial Advisors) 48Simon the Tiler 44Simply Homes & Gardens 28Steve Enderby 42Steve Robin (Plumber) 42Sue Burgess (French Classes & Translation) 9The Craft Cabin (Handmade Cards and Card-making items) 8The English Mechanic & Son - Tony Eyre 39Tout Faire Materiaux (Building materials) 41Val Assist (Translation Services) 9Vata Beauty 19Venus Rose Yoga 17Vergers de Vendée 36Yoga Vendée 18

What’s On... October 20144th/5th October - European Shooting Championship......of Prehistoric Weapons. At Musée des Tumulus de Bougon. See www.deux-sevres.com/musee-bougon for details.5th October - La ParthenaisienneAn organised 5km walk in aid of Cancer Support Deux-Sèvres.5th October - Fête des Plants, BressuireEvent based around the Château 9am-7pm. See Advert on P.6.5th October - Sunday Roast & Live JazzAt Restaurant des Canards, Chef Boutonne. Please see advert on P.35 for details.8th October - A Filling Station Talk by Hilary Latham‘The Return of Christ’. 7.30pm. See advert on P.5.11th - 19th October - Pomm’ExpoBig event to celebrate the local apple harvest. Various things happening throughout the week. Please see www.pommexpo.fr or the back cover for further information.13th October - Visit to Domity’s Care Centre in ParthenayFor further info, please see article on P.6.16th - 19th October - Salon d’AutomneLocal artist showing in Art Exhibition in Paris. See article on P.11 for information.18th October - AVF ‘open afternoon’In Parthenay. See artricle on P.8 for more info.22nd October - Book & Coffee MorningAt 45 rue du Bois Baudron, Mauzé-Thouarsais. 10am-12.30pm.23rd October - Financial Briefing with Blevins FranksAt A La Bonne Vie restaurant, Le Beugnon. Contact Bradley Warden on 05 49 75 07 24 for details.24th October - MAZO! ConcertAt Mad Hatter’s Kitchen, Caunay. See advert on P.37.26th October - Clocks go back!31st October - CSSG Halloween Party in St Pardoux See advert on P.6 for details.17th-19th October - The Hope Association Book SaleIn Clussais La Pommeraie. See advert on P.25.31st October - 1st November - Reaction Theatre Performs ‘A Cocktail of Comedy’ at le petit theatre, in Secondigny.31st October - Freaks Night!There will be a showing of ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ in version VO at the Cinema, Niort at 9pm organised by Association Diabolique. The party continues after the film with a concert by NEFERTITI IN THE KITCHEN. Please see www.camji.com for info.

3rd - 28th November - Photography ExhibitionAlan Law’s exhibition titled ‘Where’s My Camera’, held at L’office de Tourisme du Pays Mellois, Melle. For info please call 05 49 29 15 10.9th November - LOTO organised by Festiv’salles At 3 pm in La Salmdre (Salles de Fete) in Salles de Villefagnan, (nr Ruffec, dept. 16). For further information please contact Eileen Pearce, email: [email protected] November - Phoenix Chorale Words & Music in CivrayThis event commemorates 100 years after the outbreak of WWI, followed by a buffet supper. Ring 05 49 87 45 48 to book.15th November - Autumn BazaarIn aid of All Saints Anglican Church, Vendée - held in the Salle Paroissiale, Puy de Serre. 10am-4pm.30th November - Xmas Market Salles de Villefagnan10am to 6pm in La Salmdre (Salles de Fete) in Salles de Villefagnan, nr Ruffec. (dept.16). Please contact Eileen Pearce on 05 45 31 50 50 or email: [email protected]

What’s Coming Up...

4 | The Deux-Sèvres Monthly

The Chaplaincy of Christ the Good Shepherd, Poitou-Charentes, hold English speaking monthly services.

• 1st Sunday at 10.30am: At St Leger, near Melle. Followed by tea & coffee.

• 2nd Sunday at 11.00am: the home of Ann White, Jassay• 4th Sunday at 10.30am: the Presbytery Rooms, rue de la

Citadelle, Parthenay (opposite St Croix Church). Followed by tea & coffee, and a ‘bring and share’ lunch.

A warm welcome awaits everyone for a time of worship and fellowship. For further information about location of churches and what else is happening near you, please take a look at our website www.church-in-france.com or contact us by email: [email protected]

The Filling Station ~ Poitou-CharentesThe Filling Station is a network of local Christians of all denominations who meet together regularly for spiritual renewal and evangelism purposes. ALL WELCOME.

Please see our bilingual website for details of meetings and summer programmes www.thefillingstationfrance.com or contact 05 49 87 89 16 or email: [email protected]

ALL SAINTS, VENDÉE - Puy de SerreWe hold two services each month, on the 2nd and 4th Sundaysat 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. For details of all our activities, our Services in the west of the Vendée, copies of recent newsletters and more information, please check our website: www.allsaintsvendee.fr

The Rendez-Vous Christian Fellowship A warm welcome awaits you at our meetings in the Vendée on the 1st & 3rd Sunday in the month at 11am. We meet at The Barn, off the D960B between Pouzauges and Chantonnay. Meetings last about an hour and are followed by a time of fellowship with refreshments. To find out more please contact Chris Taylor 09 60 49 78 50 or Des Vine 05 49 74 18 27 or visit: www.therendezvous.fr

LOCAL MARKETSMondays......... Benet 85490

Lencloître (1st Monday in month) 86140

Tuesdays......... Lezay 79120

Coulonges-sur-l’Autize 79160

Thouars 79100

Bressuire 79300

Wednesdays.... Parthenay 79200

Thursdays........ Sauzé-Vaussais 79190

Niort 79000

La Mothe St Héray 79800

Friday............... Thouars 79100

Melle 79500

Saturdays........ Bressuire 79300

Chef-Boutonne 79110

Airvault 79600

Niort 79000

Saint Maixent-l’École 79400

Fontenay-le-Comte 85200

Sundays............ Coulon 79510

Neuville-de-Poitou 86170

‘The Deux-Sèvres Monthly’ magazinePublished by Sarah Berry

3 La Bartière, 79130 SECONDIGNYTel: 05 49 70 26 21

Email: [email protected]

www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.frwww.magazineanglais79.com

Reel Fish & ChipsOctober

Weds 1st & 15th The Canteen, Etusson Fri 3rd Bar Tabac PMU, Bouille-Loretz Sat 4th Bar Vue du Chateau, BressuireThurs 16th Bar Tabac PMU, St Martin de SanzayFri 17th Bar Le Chap’s, La Chapelle ThireuilSat 18th Bar Tabac PMU, Genneton

Find me at these venues during October:

1st: Café Cour de Miracle, Vouvant 85120. 2.30pm - 4.30pm2nd: Bar Palais, St Aubin le Cloud 79450 2pm-5pm3rd: Bar de la Paix, Thouars 79100. 11.30am - 2pm 4th: Bar Le Chauray, St Maixent l’Ecole 79400. 10am - 1pm8th: Le Don Jon Bar, Moncontour 86330. 4pm - 6pm 9th: Pause! L’Absie 79240 2pm - 5pm10th: Jan’s Home, La Ferriére-en-Parthenay 79390.11am - 4pm29th: Jan’s Home, La Ferriére-en-Parthenay 79390.1pm - 6pm30th: Le Relais des 2 Moulins, Clessé 79350. 4pm - 6pm

For more info contact Jan on:06 08 30 73 29 or email: [email protected]


Paperback JanBooks in English

Top Hat Quiz & CurryDates & Venues for September:

2nd: Chef Boutonne 6th: Limalonges 8th: Aigre 9th: Champniers 13th: Theil Rabier

From 7pm Open 6.30-9pm

Fish 4 Chip+ Authentic Indian meals

Mondays: Bar Tilleuls, Champniers (near Civray) Tuesdays: Sauzé-Vaussais (Main square) Wednesdays: Chef Boutonne (near Chateau) Thursdays: Sauzé-Vaussais - Evening (Main square) Fridays: Mansle (car park of Simply Supermarket)

Open 6 - 8pm

Tel: 05 45 71 70 91 - more info at www.tophatquizzes.com Tel: 06 04 14 23 94 - www.reelfishandchips.net

Tel: 06 37 53 56 20 - www.mobilefishandchipsfrance.com

La Vendée Chippy

Wednesdays: Bar ‘Auberge le St Vincent’, St Vincent Sterlanges Thursdays: Bar ‘La Rando’, Mervent Fridays: Bar ‘Au Bon Coin’, Thoursais Bouildroux

Open 6-8.30pm

Tel: 02 44 39 16 73 - www.lavendeechippy.com

+ 4th & 18th September: Le Clemenceau 85390 Mouilleron-en-Pareds

Mr T’s Friterie

With regular venues at:

Open 6.30-9pm(incl. Bank Holidays)

See www.frying4u2nite.com for details or call 06 02 22 44 74

• Aulnay 17470 (from 6pm)• Matha 17160• Gourville 16170

• St Hilaire de Villefranche 17770

• St Jean d’Angély 17400

The National Holidays, Religiousand Feast Days 2014

Sunday 5th October. .........Grandfather’s Day (Fête des Grand-pères)Saturday 1st November.....All Saint’s Day (Toussaint)Tuesday 11th November....Armistace Day (Armistace)Thursday 25th December...Christmas Day (Noël)

Dates in blue are celebration days, not public holidays

Do you have a Business to promote?Call us Today - Great Rates!

05 49 70 26 21


Getting Out & About

News from the Pays de Gâtine!La Semaine Bleue

La Semaine Bleue is the French national week for the elderly and retired and it is aimed at raising awareness of the services available for the ageing population. This year, Domitys, the new care centre in Parthenay and the Pays de Gâtine would like to offer you something different.

On Monday 13th October 2014 at 2.30pm, Domitys would like to invite you to visit their new establishment and services in Parthenay followed by refreshments. Built to cater for people aged 50/55+, they offer respite or permanent care in high standard apartments with balconies, terraces and private gardens. A separate building caters for bed and breakfast accommodation.

There is also a swimming pool and a hairdressing salon as well as keep- fit, dining and conference rooms, which are all finished to a very high standard.

The visit will be in English and will be a good opportunity for you to discover something new. Although you might not need their services today, you, or someone you know, could well do so in the future.

To attend this free visit please reserve your place by contacting Julia Salvat, Le Pays de Gâtine: [email protected] Telephone : 05.49.64.25.49 Résidence DOMITYS « Le Château des Plans » 11, Rue de Brossard 79200 PARTHENAY Contact: [email protected]

Date: 31st October 2014 Venue: St Pardoux Salle de Fete Time: 19:00 to 23:00 Tickets: €7.50 to include chicken or vegetarian curry and rice FANCY DRESS optional but recommended. A prize for the best witch, wizard or ghoul PUMPKIN COMPETITION: A prize for the best carved and illuminated pumpkin

Dancing to THREE PLUS ONE, music from our generation

CSSG Presents

To book your ticket contact contact: Mick or Terri on: 0549 64 07 24 Or email: [email protected]

A Haloween Party and Curry Supper

Musée des Tumulus de BougonAt the Musée des Tumulus de Bougon you will discover five prehistoric mounds that were built by Neolithic people more than 6,000 years ago, to bury their dead. At the heart of this nature reserve you can discover these majestic buildings, which are full of mystery.

The museum reproduces the Neolithic era in the vast timeline of prehistory and the route of discovery is both fun and educational, and is lined with life-size reconstructions.

The Museum is open throughout the year and offers many activities for all ages, including guided tours , workshops for children and special events such as the European Shooting Championships in prehistoric weapons on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th October. Here you will discover thruster firing demonstrations and archery on horseback with Mongolian archers.

Upcoming events at Musée du Bougon :• Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th October: European Shooting

Championship of prehistoric weapons• Thanksgiving holiday from 18th October to 2nd November• Guided tours of the archaeological site and burial mounds

Tuesday to Sunday at 3.15 pm • Wednesday 22nd October at 3pm:

Sensory Workshop for youngsters (Age 7+) . ‘The Ceramics Through the Ages’

• Wednesday 29th at 3pm: Workshop for youngsters (Age 7+) ‘Burning standing stones’. Megalithic art is rich in enigmatic human figures and symbols, such as carved stone statues ... how were they made ?

Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 5.30pm (closed on Mondays). Saturday and Sunday 1pm to 5.30pm Admission: Open visit 4,50€ per adult, free for children Guided tour: 6€ per adult, 2.50€ per child, family rate 16€ Information and reservations workshops at 05 49 05 12 13

www.deux-sevres.com/musee-bougon

The TheatriVasles which promises to bring top-notch amateur theatre to the region, has seen a sensational new development. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the first production of Alan Bennett’s ‘Talking Heads’, the ground-breaking series of monologues which were originally filmed for BBC television. At once darkly comic, tragically poignant and wonderfully uplifting, Alan Bennett sealed his reputation with these passionate and funny snapshots, and is today regarded as one of the leading writers of our generation.

TheatriVasles had been planning to launch an annual international theatre festival next year, but we just couldn’t let such a momentous anniversary pass us by. So we’ve decided to postpone our hilarious farce planned for this Autumn until next Spring, and instead hold our very first FestiVasles this December, in celebration of Alan Bennett and ‘Talking Heads’. We are delighted and honoured to have this opportunity to perform his work and hope you will join us in this celebration of the man and his writing.

We have a packed three-day festival planned for the first weekend of December 2014, including a matinee performance on the Saturday followed by a Question and Answer session with the actors and directors, and a Gala Dinner with readings and excerpts in both French and English. The full programme will be available shortly on Facebook and places will be limited, so book early to be sure of your tickets.

We are already planning our future TheatriVasles FestiVasles - next year’s will be a feast of ten-minute plays which is already attracting interest internationally and will again include performances in English and French (and possibly other languages as well...). And of course we won’t be able to let 2018 go by without a First World War themed festival to mark the centenary of the end of the Great War.

If you want to find out more about TheatriVasles and/or the Alan Bennett FestiVasles then check us out on Facebook or contact me, Richard Smith, on 0549 63 41 09 or email: [email protected]. New members are always welcome whether you want to act or help behind the scenes.

“Where’s my Camera?”

A collection of images by the British (now Ruffec based) photographer Alan Law depicting landscapes and scenes of everyday life in both his native country and adopted home.

“Where’s my camera?” is a family saying which stems from Alan’s desire to capture the moment whenever he sees something interesting or out of the ordinary.

The images exhibited here are moments recorded when he was lucky enough to have his camera close to hand.

Alan’s experience of traditional photographic techniques has led him to work in both colour and black & white, favouring the latter where colour is not an important element in the composition of the image.

Open 3rd - 28th November at the Tourist Office in Melle.

FestiVasles with TheatriVasles! by Richard Smith, Chairman



Journée du Nouvel ArrivantAVF, ‘Accueil Villes Françaises’, is an association established throughout France dedicated to welcoming newcomers to an area, whether they are French nationals moving within France, or foreigners moving from their country of origin to live in France.

On our arrival in the Deux-Sèvres, my husband and I became members of the Parthenay AVF and have found it invaluable in helping us to integrate in to the community and develop our language skills.

AVF offers a wide range of activities, run by the members of the association on a voluntary basis, and include two walking groups, French conversation groups, English/French exchange groups, cards and scrabble evenings, craft activities, a photographic competition, visits to gardens and plenty of social events to mark the important dates in the French calendar.

For the volunteers involved in the running of the association their motivation is first and foremost the enjoyment of meeting with others, wanting to work as part of a team and the wish to strengthen the bonds of friendship.

October is, across France, the month for AVF to welcome newcomers to their new environment. We, the members of AVF in Parthenay, would like to invite anyone who has moved to the area within the last couple of years to come and meet us during the afternoon of 18th

October. You will find out a bit about us and what we have to offer, enjoy a guided visit around the town of Parthenay and make some new friends.

If you are interested and would like some more details, please get in touch. My name is Jane Henderson and my email address is [email protected]

Contact ‘The DSM’ magazine...

Call Sarah on 05 49 70 26 21or email: [email protected]


Grape Harvest/VendangeOctober is the time for the Foires aux Vins (wine fairs).

The grape harvest (vendange) is the gathering (récolte) of the grapes (les raisins) destined for the production of wine (le vin).

The word vendange is not used to refer to the picking of grapes for eating. The word la vendange also means the grapes picked at this time. The word is used in the plural (les vendanges) to talk about the time of year when the grapes are picked (le temps des vendanges) the period of the grape harvest.

In France, the period of the grape harvest is traditionally situated between September and October.

The choice of the name vendémiaire for the first month of the Republican Calendar (calendrier républicain) which lasted from the 22 September to the 21 October, comes from the word vendage. The date of the grape harvest is affected by several things. Le ban des vendanges is published by the town halls in the wine growing regions (les régions viticoles). It is the administrative authorisation to begin the grape harvest. The exact terminology is really lever le ban des vendanges that is to say ‘To lift the ban on beginning grape picking’.

Climatic conditions and the area of production also have an influence. The variety of grape (le cépage) is important. White grapes (raisins blancs) are usually ripe before black grapes (raisins rouges). Grapes can be picked by hand (vendange manuelle) or by machine (vendange mécanique).

Le raisin de table (eating grape) is a grape exclusively for eating as a fruit as opposed to le raisin de cuve (grapes for the vat) types of grape used in viticulture (wine growing) for the production of wines by fermentation (la fermentation).

by Sue Burgess

vendanger le raisin ......... to pick the grapes

vendanger (slang) ............ to make a complete mess of

une cuve .......................... vat

cuver (slang) .................... to sleep it off (usually alcohol)

il a cuvé son vin toute la matinée ............................

he spent all morning sleeping off the wine

viticole .............................. wine making

cave viticole ...................... wine cellar / winery

domaine viticole ............... vineyard

la dégustation ................... tasting

le cépage ........................... variety of grape or vine

le vigne ............................. vine

le raisin ............................. grape

une grappe de raisins ....... bunch of grapes

un viticulteur .................... wine grower

un bouchon ...................... cork / stopper

un bouchon de liège ......... cork

un bouchon ‘familiar’ ....... traffic jam

un tire-bouchon ................ cork screw

Vocabulaire / Vocabulary

Hobbies

At the very end of August, I spent two lovely days at the Anglo-French literary festival in the village of Saint-Clémentin, west of Argenton-les-Vallées. Guests included Michèle Roberts, Leigh Russell and Blake Morrison, plus a number of

local writers and poets.

There were walks with poetry, writing projects with local schools, participative poetry readings, interviews, workshops, local crafts and gastronomy. Local authors like me were encouraged to sell and sign their books in a brilliantly organized pop-up bookshop masterminded by Cathy and Jon Welch. We ate at Chez Didier and the sun shone. Given that Saint-Clémentin has only just over 1,000 inhabitants, staging a three-day lit fest with over 50 English and French authors and as many events was miraculous. But the local writers, headed by Jocelyn and Gordon Simms and an army of supporters and volunteers, are to be congratulated. It only took two years of planning, the organisation of a military operation and energy resources of a new galaxy to do it.

But for me the highlight was an exclusive ‘interview swap’ featuring best-selling crime writer Leigh Russell and moi.

The scene: sun-drenched Saint-ClémentinThe circumstances: the biennial lit festThe incident: meet-up of authors

Alison: Welcome to the Deux-Sèvres, Leigh. I have three questions for you.

What attracted you to crime writing?I’ve always been an avid reader so turning to writing was perhaps a natural progression, although there was never any Grand Plan to become an internationally bestselling author published in translation throughout Europe, as well as with Harper Collins in the US, with a television series in preproduction in the UK. That just happened, really by chance. F Scott FitzGerald said “You don’t write because you want to say something, you write because you have something to say,” and that was very much my experience. I had an idea one day, wrote the story, and was fortunate to secure my first three book deal with my publisher on the strength of that first manuscript. It’s been a very exciting career change, with eight books published so far, and many more to come. Following the success of the Geraldine Steel series I’m writing a spin off series for her colleague, Ian Peterson. Links to all the books can be found on my website http://leighrussell.co.uk

What brought you to the lit fest here?My husband and I love France. We’d never visited the Deux-Sèvres, so when I was invited to speak about my books at the festival, we jumped at the chance. We’ve had a lovely time, meeting many interesting people, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Gordon and Jocelyn Simms, together with John and Cathy in the pop up bookshop, for their hospitality and wonderful welcome. It was also a great pleasure to meet students from the Lycée in Bressuire who have been studying my writing and attended my workshop at the festival. I’m already looking forward to coming to the next St Clémentin Literary Festival in 2016.

Can you tell us about your latest book?My latest published title is the second in the Ian Peterson series, called Race to Death. In this book readers see Ian and his wife move to York where he is soon busy investigating a murder at York race course. Race to Death is out as an ebook, and the paperback was published in September. I’ve been invited to sign copies at York Races in October, which will be fun. Fatal Act is the latest in the Geraldine Steel series, which is set in London. The seventh

Geraldine Steel novel is currently being edited, and I’m writing the third Ian Peterson. So coming to France was a lovely break but now I’m hard at work, writing again!

Leigh: Now it’s your turn to be grilled, Alison!

How did a talented English author come to be living in France? Ha! I spent a fair bit of time as a child, student and adult in France and always wanted to move here. My husband fell in love with the Loire Valley and surrounding areas so once the financials were in place, we jumped at the chance. I have to say that like any good story, research and planning were the backbone of the move. Writing in the Deux-Sèvres is a treat – quieter than the Loire area, yet brimming with beautiful countryside and historic castles.

Tell us about your success as an author Working with SilverWood Books, I’ve published three books in my Roma Nova thriller series – INCEPTIO, PERFIDITAS and SUCCESSIO – all in eighteen months, but that was after three years ‘apprenticeship’ learning how to write a novel. In January 2014, INCEPTIO reached the dizzy heights of #1 Amazon.com bestseller in the Alternative History categories and #2 in Historical Thrillers. At this stage, I even knocked Stephen King off first place! It’s all calmed down now, but a moment of glory!

What are you currently writing?Two things: I’ve been compiling two and a half years’ articles from my column in The Deux-Sèvres Monthly. The result is called The 500 Word Writing Buddy: 25 Inner Secrets for the New Writer, and has been available in print form for all of six weeks. I’m working on the ebook as I write and it should be published any time now.

But the major work is the next Roma Nova thriller, working title Aurelia. I’ve drafted 60,000 words so far…

Visit Leigh’s website at: http://leighrussell.co.uk and Alison’s at http://alison-morton.com

Alison Morton writes alternative history thrillers, blogs about writing and Romans at

http://alison-morton.com/blog

More from local writer Alison Morton.... Please see back issues of ‘The DSM’ if you would like to see previous articles.

Sun and Books - What a Combination!

Above: Leigh Russell and Alison Morton



It's Paris for Jean!Australian artist and painter Jean David, who now resides in the Deux Sèvres, has been selected by the jury at the prestigious Salon d’Automne to participate in their Paris exhibition in October this year.

As noted by the editorial to this year’s exhibition, The Salon has a thrilling past....

‘Founded in Paris in the basement of the Petit Palais, the Salon d’Automne shaped modern and contemporary art in the 20th century by displaying its avant-garde movements: Fauvism, Cubism, Surrealism, Dadaism, the School of Paris, Abstraction, Op Art, and so on. From Cézanne to Matisse to Picasso to Zao Wou-ki, the Salon was a vehicle for every innovative current that emerged.

The international flavour of the Salon d’Automne is stronger than ever, where four hundred and fifty visual art exhibitors from France and every corner of the world form the core of this year’s exhibition. Their modes of expression include paintings, sculptures, engravings, photographs, artist’s books, and mural and decorative art. They are joined by writers and musicians, actors and poets, and many other members of the artistic and cultural community, all united in this ‘Brotherhood of the Arts and Artists,’ the founding principle of this historic Salon, including a significant participation from the Arab world and representatives from China, in addition to artists from Ukraine, Mexico, Japan and Brazil. Over 30 countries will be showing at this year’s Salon.’

“I feel greatly honored to be included in this year’s Salon in Paris,” explains Jean. “The salon and the artists who have exhibited there are a part of the history of modern art, and it is certainly a thrill to be a part of it, however small!”

“My style has been developing in an interesting way over the last 5 years mostly due to the large amount of plein air painting I have been doing in a few different countries, which offer different light. Painting direct from life, whether it be a landscape, a person or an object, always provides the most lively results. You never have to wonder what colours or shapes you are going to put down …it’s there in front of you!”

Jean’s repertoire includes landscapes, portraits, figures and abstract work, each rendered in his own unique and distinct style and sense of color.

As observed by the UK based author, novelist and broadcaster Sarah Tucker, commenting on a particular landscape painting, “He (Jean David) captures the magic and mystery of (a) place. He captures the way the surrounding nature, the walnut, hazelnut and damson trees soften its orange and ochre walls…. he conveys the visceral personality of a place, almost as though he’s in conversation with what he observes, telling their story with every stroke.”

In addition to the Salon d’Automne, Jean has also participated in a number of other international painting events in 2014, including the Noordwijk Schilderfest in The Netherlands, and the Art in the Open Plein Air event in Ireland.

Jean now conducts a regular weekly art class at Montalembert (79) on Monday afternoons, which caters for all levels of experience from absolute beginner to advanced levels. There will also be a number of workshops scheduled for Niort in October and November in association with Art De La Breche. In addition, Jean is available for painting demonstrations to art groups and clubs as well as accepting commissions for a wide variety of subjects, including portraits, property portraits etc.

For a list of all paintings available to purchase, details on painting classes, workshops, and commissions, please visit www.jeandavidfineart.com/contemporaryart, or feel free to contact Jean directly on 06 52 93 33 60.

You can see Jean’s work at the Salon d’Automne 2014 from Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th October 2014.

Open 11am to 7pm on the Champs-Elysées, Paris. Free Entry.Access is via the Métro stations ‘Clémenceau’ or ‘Concorde’.Visit the website: www.salon-automne.com for information

You will know from my last article that the war on the Western Front developed into a stalemate of trench warfare. The Eastern Front however was much different. 1,600 kilometres long from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea and covering most of Eastern Europe, this Front saw the Russian Empire and Romania on one side and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Bulgaria and Germany on the other. Due to its length, the Eastern Front was much more fluid and trenches never fully developed. The line was also easier to break as the density of troops was lower and the ability of the defending force to call up reinforcements was difficult.

The war in the east began in August 1914 with the Russian invasion of East Prussia and the Austro-Hungarian province of Galicia (not Galicia, Spain!). In Prussia the Russian 2nd Army was virtually destroyed by the German 8th Army at the Battle of Tannenberg. Several follow-up battles saw the majority of the Russian 1st Army defeated as well. At the same time the Austro-Hungarian 1st and 4th armies launched an offensive into Russian Poland without German support. The Germans saw Russia as a secondary threat and were concentrating their efforts on attacking France (Schlieffen Plan). These Austro-Hungarian armies were opposed by the Russian 4th and 5th armies. Meanwhile, the Russian 3rd and 4th armies routed another two Austrian armies taking Galicia. These armies continued to clash throughout the winter of 1914-15. In the spring of 1915, with the Western Front at stalemate, the German command directed its main efforts east, deploying considerable forces to the Eastern Front creating a new 9th Army. In May 1915, this offensive by German and Austro-Hungarian armies, under a unified command, had the Russian armies in retreat. By mid 1915, the Russians had been forced out of Russian Poland and pushed hundreds of kilometres from the borders of the Central Powers, removing the threat of a Russian invasion. By the end of 1915 the German-Austrian advance was halted and the Eastern Front stagnated.

This all changed in June 1916 with the Russian Brusilov Offensive. This was the Russian Empire’s most effective contribution to the war and is one of the most lethal offensives in world history. It was also the Allied Forces greatest victory of the war. The offensive lasted three months and took place in what is now Ukraine. The objective was to take back the two cities of Kovel and Lviv, which had been lost to the Central Powers the previous year. The aim was to take some pressure off the French and British armies fighting in France and also the Italian Army that was fighting the Austro-Hungarians on the Italian Front. Ultimately, the main aim was to knock Austria-Hungary out of the war. This was achieved. The Germans, fighting a 10 months bloody battle at Verdun in France in which an estimated 32 million shells were fired, moved considerable forces from there to the east. The Austro-Hungarian Army was broken after suffering the majority of casualties and the success of this offensive persuaded Romania to join the war on the side of the Allies; they hoped to gain territories from Austria-Hungary. Notably, Russia suffered nearly one million casualties which led to dissatisfaction and demonstrations at home.

March 1917 was the beginning of the end of the Eastern Front. Despite the success of the Brusilov Offensive, revolution had broken out in Petrograd (now St Petersburg) and following the abdication of Tzar Nicolas II, a new government formed. In April 1917, Lenin, a veteran communist agitator, was allowed to return to Russia by the Germans after years of imprisonment and exile in Switzerland. He rapidly and ruthlessly imposed a dictatorship and within eight months his Bolshevik’s had seized power. In December 1917, an armistice and negotiations took place with Germany and in March 1918, German-Russian peace terms were agreed to in the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk. The Treaty ceded vast territories including Poland, Ukraine, Georgia and Baltic States to the Central Powers. Despite this massive German success against the Allies, the occupation of these territories was a drain on manpower and hindered the Central Power’s 1918 Spring Offensive.

The war in Africa involved British, French, Belgian and German colonial forces. South Africa sided with the Allies after being attacked by German East African colonial forces. The German colonies of Togoland, Kamerun and South West Africa were captured by the Allies. Only in German East Africa was a successful defence mounted where the Germans fought a guerrilla warfare campaign throughout.

The Italian Front was a series of battles that took place between 1915 and 1918 on the borders of Italy and Austria-Hungary. Although Italy had been allied with Germany and Austria-Hungary since 1882 (Triple Alliance), Italy had designs on certain Austrian territories. In 1902, France had a secret pact with Rome nullifying the Alliance and at the start of the war Italy refused to commit troops to the Central Powers. Italy saw the Alliance as defensive and Austria-Hungary as an aggressor. Austria-Hungary offered Italy the French colony of Tunisia if they stayed neutral. The Allies offered Italy the territories of Southern Tyrol, Austrian Littoral and areas on the Dalmatian coast if Austria-Hungary was defeated. This was confirmed through the Treaty of London. The allied invasion of Turkey in April 1915 helped tip the scale and Italy declared war on Austria-Hungary on 23 May 1915 and Germany 15 months later.

The Italian Front soon bogged down into trench warfare similar to that of the Western Front, with eleven separate offensives along the Isonzo River. This Front was also fought at high altitudes with very cold winters. In the summer of 1916 the Italians captured the town of Goriza. The Front remained static for over a year until large German reinforcements (Stormtroopers and the elite Alpenkorps) enabled the Central Powers to push the Italians back 100 kilometres. In 1918, the Austro-Hungarians failed to break through the Italian front line in a series of battles on the River Piave and were finally decisively defeated at the Battle of Vittorio Veneto in October 1918. The Italian Navy also destroyed much of the Austro-Hungarian fleet based at Pula. Casualties on all sides on the Italian Front totalled 1.2 million.

100 Years On....by Rob Berry

Part 3 of 4


Below left: German armoured cruiser SMS Gneisenau, sunk at the Battle of the Falkland Islands, 8th December 1914; Below right: British Ships of the First World War. HMS FURIOUS with Sopwith Camel aircraft arrayed on her forward flight deck. Photos: WikimediaCommons.

In the Middle East, war took place between 29 October 1914 and 30 October 1918 between the Ottoman Empire and the British and Russian Empires. There were five main campaigns – Sinai and Palestine, Mesopotamian, Caucasus, Persian and Gallipoli. This theatre of war was the largest of WW1. After the failed campaign at Gallipoli, the main British effort came through Egypt and Mesopotamia. At Gallipoli the British and French launched a naval attack and amphibious landing on the peninsula with the aim of capturing Constantinople, the Ottoman capital. The naval attack failed and after eight months of fighting, the land campaign also failed and forces were withdrawn to Egypt. Following this major Allied failure, British forces regrouped and later managed to push into Palestine following victories at Romani and Gaza.

The Arab Revolt of June 1916 saw Arabian tribes, with British help, rise up against the Turks and in March 1917, British forces took Bagdad and in December, Jerusalem. In total 700,000 Indian soldiers fought for Britain in the Middle East and a further 124,000 on the Western Front. Russian forces stood firm in the Caucasus and in December 1914, destroyed 86% of the attacking Ottoman forces at the Battle of Sarikamish. With a string of victories, General Yudenich, the Russian commander from 1915-1916, drove the Turks out of most of the southern Caucasus. The Russian Caucasus Army began to fall apart at the start of the Russian revolution.

In the Pacific, on 30 August 1914 New Zealand occupied German Samoa and the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force made inroads into German New Guinea. Within a few months the Allied forces, which included Japan, had seized all German territories in the Pacific. Japan also deployed 75,000 troops to Siberia. By the end of the war, New Zealand had enlisted 124,000 troops and Australia around 420,000 to fight as part of the British Empire.

WW1 was also fought at sea. At the start of the war the German Empire had cruisers scattered across the globe. To protect merchant shipping, the Royal Navy hunted them down and there were many sea battles such as the Battle of the Falkland Islands. The largest sea battle took place in the North Sea off Jutland. It was the only full-scale clash of battleships and although the Germans came off better, the larger British fleet managed to assert their control of the sea. The majority of the German fleet was forced in to port where it remained for the majority of the war. Britain also blockaded Germany and mined international waters to prevent ships entering entire sections of ocean. This successfully cut off vital German supply lines but caused danger to neutral shipping. The Germans fought back through submarine warfare. Supply lines between North America and Britain were the main U-Boat target and a total of 2,600 Allied ships were sunk. The threat to shipping was reduced when merchant ships started sailing in convoy escorted by destroyers. By the end of the war, 178 German U-Boats were lost in action.

WW1 also saw the first use of aircraft carriers, quite remarkable since the first ever powered flight by the Wright brothers took place only 15 years earlier. In July 1918, HMS Furious launched Sopwith Camels in a successful attack on Zeppelin hangars in Tondern, Denmark. Zeppelins had been used by the Germans for reconnaissance over the North Sea and Baltic, and also on bombing raids over England and the Eastern Front. Aeroplanes

were mostly used for reconnaissance and artillery spotting, a task previously carried out by the cavalry. By the end of the war aviation had developed so much that aeroplanes had been designed as bombers, fighters and ground attack aircrafts. Ace fighter pilots became heroes and were portrayed as modern knights and there were 12 aces (all nations) who achieved more than 50 kills. Throughout the war the Allies carried out 675 bombing raids on Germany who themselves managed 103 airship and bombing raids on Great Britain.

Events that took place during 1917 were decisive in setting the conditions for ending the war.

How the war finally ended and its aftermath will be summarised in next month’s final article.

Above left: The Advance through Palestine and the Battle of Megiddo: Men of the 2nd Battalion Black Watch in a trench on Brown Ridge after the action at Arsuf on 8 June 1918. Above right: Battle of Sarıkamış Soldiers with their winter gear.

Below left: Australian gunners of the 9th Field Battery operating the Number 4 18-pounder field gun at M’Cay’s Hill, Anzac, 19 May 1915, during the Battle of Gallipoli.9th Field Battery were in 3rd Field Artillery Brigade, 1st Division. Egypt and Palestine 1914 - 1918.Below right: Group portrait of the Australian 11th (Western Australia) Battalion, 3rd Infantry Brigade, Australian Imperial Force posing on the Great Pyramid of Giza on 10 January 1915, prior to the landing at Gallipoli. The 11th Battalion did much of their war training in Egypt and would be amongst the first to land at Anzac Cove on April 25, 1915. In the five days following the landing, the battalion suffered 378 casualties, over one third of its strength.



The Local Art SceneMy first article in the DSM generated some interesting comments and questions, which is just what I had hoped for. Whether I can include some of your comments in future articles depends on space in the magazine, but keep them coming and I promise I will reply to them all.

My first artist under review is Mairi Venables, an artist but with a difference, she is a professional in the art of restoration and conservation. Mairi works not only on paintings but wood carvings, sculptures and others subjects.

Did you know that many restorers use acrylics when restoring old oil paintings? Neither did I. It appears that one of the reasons for this is if you x-ray a restored painting you can see how much of a painting is the original.

Anyway, back to Mairi, she has worked on many major projects including working at the Houses of Parliament. She has recently restored a portrait which had a hole in it as big as a 50p piece, now it looks as good as new.Amazing.

Mairi obviously has to be an exceptional artist to be able to restore the many masterpieces she has worked on, but what does she paint of her own? Mairi tells me she paints in acrylics mainly and her favourite subject is still life. I like acrylics but painting still life is not my idea of fun, good for practising but not for my wall. In future articles I hope to include a copy of one of the artist paintings, which I will comment on.

Mairi gives this advice, “Move your paintings around the house, keep them out of direct sunlight and avoid damp. They are complex objects that need to be looked after”. Otherwise you might be needing her services quicker than you expect!

I’ll leave you with this conundrum “What are the three most important elements of a good painting?”

Contact: [email protected]

by John Blair

Fancy a good laugh? Then now is the time to book your tickets for the forthcoming ‘A Cocktail of Comedy’. The cocktail consists of five short plays written or adapted by some of Britains’ best know playwrights’ and includes:-

‘Gosforth’s Fête’ by Alan Ayckbourn ‘Between Mouthfuls’ also by Alan Ayckbourn‘The Wife of Bath’s Tale’ modernised by Phil Woods‘Score’ from ‘Mixed Doubles’ by Lyndon Brook‘Moby Dick’ by Michael Green

This is a new venture for the theatre group and involves many of our members; five directors, a cast of thousands - well OK, lots, including many new faces and also demands quick changes by the cast and the stage crew, and quick responses from our lighting and sound effects people.

Rehearsals are well underway so it should be a great show.

Performances at Le Petit Theatre, Secondigny on Friday 31st October at 8pm and Saturday 1st November at 2.30pm, and again at 8pm.

Tickets can be booked either by email [email protected] or by telephoning Maureen on 05 49 77 23 54

Keynotes SingersNow rehearsing for the WW1 commemorations and, would you believe it? - Christmas!

I love Christmas, but not yet, I think we have even beaten the British shops! We have a number of events coming up and will be at the theatre again with our Christmas Cornucopia production, which was such a big success last year.

The Art SceneMany of our members will be exhibiting in the Secondigny Apple Festival in October, so come along and have a look. You might even be surprised how good they are. This year’s theme is Bridges and Viaducts - not my idea.

We are also involved in supplying paintings and models for the WW1 Commemoration event at the Museum in Parthenay, which will be open to the public in November. If you haven’t been there yet it’s near the Tourist Information Office in the old part of Parthenay.

Information on Reaction Theatre membership, Reaction Theatre and Keynotes performances past and future, and The Art Scene meetings and projects can be seen on www.reactiontheatre.fr or contact me for more information.

See you at the play.... John Blair. (Tel: 05 49 63 23 50)

‘The Deux-Sèvres Monthly’ magazinePublished by Sarah Berry

3 La Bartière, 79130 SECONDIGNYTel: 05 49 70 26 21

Email: [email protected]

Clubs & Associations

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

If you or someone you know has a drinking problem, there are now a number of English-speaking meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous in the South West of France.

Alcoholics Anonymous is a Fellowship of men and women who share experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership and A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organisation or institution. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.

Telephone: Angela: 05 49 87 79 09, Roger: 05 55 76 22 65 or Nancy: 02 54 24 09 74.

Email: [email protected] visit www.aafrancesud-ouest.com for

details of English-speaking meetings.

AL-ANON Support GroupDo you wish the Drinking Would Stop? Are you troubled by someone’s drinking? If so we can help. There is now an English-speaking Al-Anon meeting every Wednesday @ 2.30pm in the meeting room behind Civray Mairie. Just turn up or ring Angela on 05 49 87 79 09.

FRANGLAIS at ThouarsWe are a French-English speaking group who meet at Centre-Socio-Culturel, Anne Desrays, Thouars on Wednesdays 7.30pm-9.30pm. We welcome all English speakers who want to improve their French. Come along or contact [email protected] for more information.

CAPELLA GROUPIf you enjoy singing and would be interested in starting a close-harmony group near Chef-Boutonne, please get in touch! Email me, Christine for further information: [email protected]

The Harmonics Singing GroupBased in the Salle d’Annexe in Civray. We meet each Wednesday 2pm-4pm. No experience necessary, just a willingness and commitment to learn. We sing all sorts of music in several languages. Contact: Dave Lee: 05 49 87 53 93 / [email protected]

Book Club Thouars. Do you enjoy reading a cracking story? And talking to others about it? Do you live in north 79, south 49 or north 86? Come along to our book club. Contact Alison Morton at [email protected] for details.

Craft Café CreatifDo you enjoy knitting or sewing in the company of others? Join us in L’Absie for an enjoyable afternoon over a cup of tea and a piece of cake. For details contact Margaret on email: [email protected]

GARDENING CLUBWe meet every third Tuesday of the month, 2.30pm with free tea/coffee and bscuits at Le Bon Vertoef, 28 Grand Rue, 79110 TILLOU. (Nr Chef Boutonne). Everyone welcome for garden talk! For further information contact Mike Curtis 05 46 33 66 17 (eves).

2nd Sunday Motorcycle Club Come and join us for a bike ride, or just a cup of coffee and a chat, with bike-minded people. As the name suggests, wet meet on the 2nd Sunday of every month. New members are always welcome. For more information, visit our web-site. www.2ndsundayclub.fr

CLE helps you unlock the secrets to a happy and comfortable lifestyle in France. We provide information and organise

workshops, visits and charity events, enabling members to make new friends in the ex-patriot and French communities.

www.cle-france.com. Tel: 05 49 87 19 85

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGIONLINAZAY, POITOU-CHARENTES BRANCH

Please visit the branch website:www.rblpoitou-charentes.fr

ALL GIRLS TOGETHERCalling all girls 18-80 for fun, laughter & support. We

meet alternate Wednesday at Fontenille, 2-5pm. Ring Viv for further information 05 49 27 51 98.

All welcome.

English LibraryEvery Saturday between 2pm-5pm the Lorigné Library

(79190) is open. Located behind the school playground, in the canteen, thousands of English book and also French

books are available for loan.

Les Amis SolitairesWe are a group of people living alone in France. We meet up for coffee mornings from 11am, every 2nd & 4th Thursday at The Lemon Tree in Sauzé Vaussais. More details from Gwen on 05 49 87 91 79 or email: [email protected]

Cancer Support VendéeHelping to improve the lives of people affected

by Cancer in the Vendée. Helpline: 02 51 00 58 21

or email: [email protected]

Scalextric Racers in the Le Busseau areaAnyone interested in a bit of friendly racing on 26m of

digital track and a beer/glass of wine? Please contact me on 05 49 04 21 98 or

email: [email protected]

We are an English speaking amateur photography group who meet twice a month in the Vendée / Deux-Sèvres area. If you would like to join us please go to www.photofocus.info to “Contact Us”

ANYONE FOR TENNIS?Tennis players wanted, reasonable standard, Seocndigny area. Contact Mick Morris on 05 49 65 17 16 or email: [email protected]



JUDO Parthenay Pays de Gâtine With an English speaking teacher, ‘Judo Parthenay Pays de Gatine’ can offer the following activities to all ages, English or French speaking:

• Judo • Self-Defence • Relaxation • Judo Leisure

Youngsters aged 4 to 18 years: (with the French every night of the week) Adults and veterans (1 or 2 hours per week depending on the application)

The location of the lessons can be at any of the following clubs in the local area :• SECONDIGNY • PARTHENAY • MENIGOUTE • MAZIERES-en-Gâtines • COULONGES- sur-l’Autize

The times will be set based on interest and the teacher’s schedule.A minimum of a dozen people for one lesson required

Licence Fédération Française de Judo et Disciplines Associées

3 rue de la citadel , 79200 PARTHENAY Email: [email protected]

Photos: Top left: Elizabeth GLEN winning the Bear ‘Elizabeth’ at the Sud-Ouest Barbecue. Top right: Student Technician Maxime FERRAND winning his English prize; Bottom: Members with the replica Mosquito at Jonzac Aerodrome.

For further information about the branch, visit their website: https://sites.google.com/site/rafasudouest/home

or email: [email protected]

RAFA Sud-Ouest The summer months always prove to be very busy for RAFA members in South West France, this summer has been no exception.

Many Sud-Ouest France Branch members have attended 11 ceremonies from the Basque country in the South of France to the Breton country in Northern France. They have attended commemorations to remember RAF lives lost in WWII involving the following crashed aircraft: Hampden, Halifax, Stirling, Albemarle, Boston, Lancaster and finally Mosquito. In particular, members appreciated the appearance of a replica Mosquito which flew at Jonzac in the Charente-Maritime on 6th August in memory of a crashed Mosquito of 151 Squadron. Liaison with the French Air Force continued apace with members attending the Passing Out Parade at the French Air Force Base 721 at Rochefort on 25th June, and the annual Palmarès Remise des Prix, Cours d’Enseignement Technique of the French Air Force Base at SAINTES, a prize giving ceremony on 24th July in the Roman Amphitheatre. The Branch Chairman, Beryl Dennett Stannard, was able to give the first ever prize for English, donated by the Sud-Ouest Branch to Student Technician Maxime FERRAND.

Furthermore, over 85 families and friends were kind and generous enough to support the Branch’s Summer BBQ on 20 July. Thanks to the generosity of members and friends, a total profit of 1637,62€ was made and will go into the Welfare Fund. Finally, on 27th June at the British Embassy in Paris, in a private audience, Her Majesty The Queen conferred upon Air Cdre John MAAS, the Sud-Ouest France Branch’s Vice-Chairman, the honour of Commander of the Military Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. In addition, with the approval of both the Sud-Ouest Branch Joint Honorary Presidents, John MAAS has graciously accepted the invitation to become a Joint Honorary Vice-President alongside Dick TAPLIN! Without doubt, this has been the busiest summer ever for the Sud-Ouest Branch membership; well-done everyone!

Yoga and The Art of Awakening Grace...

Modern science has now discovered that there is a substratum of energy that permeates the whole of our existence...

The Yogis have always known this and recognise this energy as the Divine Feminine and call her ‘Shakti’...

Shakti means ‘Power’...

The Dance of Shakti is watched by her Heavenly Consort, Shiva...

This beautiful meditation in movement is, in essence, a ‘Salutation to Shakti’, Shakti Namaskara...

This sacred sacred dance is performed in adoration of our Shakti Power and the Grace that flows throughout our life experience...

Who does Shakti dance for?...

She dances for you...

Namaste...


Health, Beauty & Fitness

Private and Group Classes running weekly at The Yoga Sanctuary.

For your FREE introductory session please call Abbey on 06 35 15 60 60

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Abbey teaching at Venus Rose Yoga Sanctuary situated at the foot of The Mélusine Tour in Vouvant.

“Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.” Kahil Gibran

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You are not separate from the whole. You are one with the sun, the earth, the air. You don’t have a life. You are life. Eckhart Tolle

Nail care I hope you have all enjoyed a great summer and here’s hoping the Indian Summer continues!

Throughout the summer months our nails generally grow a lot quicker but as those autumn/winter months approach, it’s time to think about how we can care and protect our nails.

Brittle nails that split, peel and break easily are a common complaint, especially in winter. Brittle nails can happen because nails are too dry, but they can also happen if nails are too soft. To combat this, I recommend you apply a light hand cream daily. Applying a moisturiser to your nails and cuticles will help lock water into the nail, which is good for strong, healthy nails. Cuticle oils are also great to prevent dry, cracked cuticles. In addition to keeping nails hydrated, avoid exposing them to harsh chemicals, including cleaning products. When working or cleaning, wear gloves to protect your skin and nails.

Diet can play a big part on the appearance of our nails. Essential fatty acids moisturise the nail bed, increasing the suppleness of thin, brittle nails. (These fatty acids come from the Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil, flax seed oil and evening primrose oil). Phosphorus-rich foods, such as fish, meat, poultry, eggs, nuts and whole grains, aid in the growth, maintenance and repair of all tissues and cells, and hardens nails.

Protein is also important. Your nails are composed mainly of the protein keratin, which is continually forming and pushing forth from the matrix, the hidden base of the nail tucked beneath the cuticle. Aid the process by consuming tissue-building sources of protein found in eggs, milk, cheese, poultry and seafood. Finally, sulphur rich foods, which help in the formation of keratin, include eggs, garlic, fish (good for its stores of Omega-3 fatty acids) and lean beef.

To prevent nail damage, don’t use your fingernails as tools. Don’t bite your fingernails or pick at your cuticles. These habits can damage the nail bed. Even a minor cut alongside your fingernail can allow bacteria or fungi to enter and cause an infection.

If you suffer from brittle, weak nails the use of a nail strengthener would help. Apply to the fingernails to make them longer and more resistant to breakage, in addition to protecting them from further damage. It may be applied once a week. I can highly recommend Nail Envy Nail Strengthener Original Formula by OPI.

Regular manicures can help maintain and nourish the nails, cuticles and keep the nails strong and healthy.

Michael William Hairdressing Tel. 05 49 07 11 48


by Nicola Warren

Don’t forgetour

deadline:

of themonth.

Call Sarah on05 49 70 26 21

Changing Faces

The summer has sadly slipped from our grasp and the leaves are turning a golden hue and starting to fall from the trees. Autumn is here. This is the time when we are thinking about turning up the heating indoors and preparing for the cooler months.

A change of season signals a time of change in our beauty regime. You may well be thinking about packing away the last remnants of SPF as the outside temperature drops. However, hang onto that bottle of UV combatting cream and put it next to your daily moisturiser. Although it may not be warm enough to contemplate throwing on your bikini, those sinister UV rays are still about - in fact, they never pack their bags to leave.

We are susceptible to UV damage throughout the year. It might be a grey, miserably overcast day but the UVB and UVA rays are always present and these chaps are out for destruction. My advice is to apply SPF of at least 15 throughout the autumn and winter along with your moisturiser. Doing this one little thing each day will stave off the potential damage of ageing sun damage. Seek out an SPF specially designed for the face. French pharmacies stock them year round so are easily sourced and well worth the investment.

Taking time out for a hydrating and vitamin packed restorative facial also pays dividends at this time of year. Post summer stressed and frazzled skin can be soothed back into good health with a nourishing mask. Look for collagen or algae masks to re plump, rehydrate and reinvigorate sun parched skin or go the whole sensuous hog and opt for a chocolate facial that not only revives a lack lustre complexion, but also satisfies the olfactory senses and stimulates those natural feel good factor endorphins. You can’t lick at the chocolate mask but it smells good enough to eat and will relax you completely.

And finally, eye cream. Treat your peepers to a twice daily smear of quality eye serum or cream to help refine the delicate skin around the eyes. A little goes a very long way and used regularly can make

an enormous difference to the appearance of fine lines and dry crepeiness.

Embrace all that Autumn has to offer, the gorgeous russet foliage, nights warming by the fire and a beautiful year-round complexion.

by Claire Jones


Time for a Change?Deb Challacombe is an experienced holistic therapist, using tailored approaches to enhance both mental well-being and help regain that mind-body balance. Physical symptoms such as muscular pains or headaches often relate to life stresses, and can be the body’s way of letting us know there is something else we need to pay attention to.

Phobias and panic attacks are examples of how the body can continue to respond in extremely uncomfortable ways to a traumatic event from the past, even when the mind here and now doesn’t want it to.

For these sorts of problems, many people respond well to the relaxed, comfortable trance state of hypnotherapy whilst others prefer a more cognitive, structured approach to their problem, such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) or NLPt (Neuro-Linguistic Psychotherapy). For deeper issues, such as chronic pain, depression or anxiety, Deb might also draw on her training in mindfulness and contemporary psychotherapy to help you feel more comfortable and in control of your choices.

For more information see: www.theonlinecounsellor.com.

However, it might be that all you want is a little professional help in finding a way to reach a personal goal, in which case Deb can provide a single coaching session or a few counselling sessions.

Deb works both from her home near L’Absie (79) and also online. So if travelling far for any reason is a problem, she can work with you over Skype, the ‘phone or even email.

Wherever therapy takes place, it is in a calm, confidential environment where you decide together which change approach best suits your needs. Whether that is changing something within yourself, finding a solution to an old problem, or just working towards feeling happier and more fulfilled here in France, it makes a difference.

Our Furry FriendsEyes Wide OpenWe’ve been running NALA for just over 4 years now and it’s been an enlightening experience. It’s certainly taught us a lot and brought us into contact with many interesting people. It’s also given us a couple of “What the heck?” and ‘shake head in disbelief’ moments.

One such moment was the discovery that torturing and mistreating animals is a crime... except when it’s a tradition. It’s perhaps hard to believe but in the 21st Century and in a west European country, bull fighting and cock fighting can still legally take place in France if there is an uninterrupted tradition. What is even more amazing is that cock fighting was banned in France from 1850 and then permitted again in 1966. It’s hard to imagine a more striking example of progress being reversed. (If you want to know more about cockfighting in France you can look on our website www.nosamislesanimaux.com where you can also sign the petition: Stop Cockfighting in France)

The relevant law is article 521-1 of the penal code and there have been a number of attempts to get it modified as the vast majority of French people disapprove of these “entertainments”. They have so far come to naught, probably because there is a lot of money at stake. Surprisingly, it’s not the income from the bull fights themselves, attendances at the arenas are falling and most events require a subsidy from the public purse at town, regional and even European level.

Although bull fighting is illegal in 24 of the EU member states, the three countries where it is legal receive subsidies from the European Union. Hard figures are difficult to come by, but breeders of bulls for bullfights in Spain are estimated to receive nearly €130 million/year as farm subsidies. However, in early September the Environment Public Health and Food Safety Committee of the European Parliament voted to end subsidies for the raising and training of bulls for bull fights. As I write this, the proposal still has to be passed by the plenary session of the European Parliament.

As well as action at the highest political levels, there are also local protests. What is quite shocking is the level of violence... from the supporters of bull fighting and the police. To see what I mean, Google ‘Rassemblement anti corrida arène rodilhan 08.10.11’ and ‘Action Anti-Corrida à Maubourguet’ on Vimeo. It’s interesting that whereas we speak of the forces of law and order, the corresponding French expression is the forces of order. It seems to make a difference!!!

And talking of order... we have a number of cute lap and bed warmers available just in time for the wet and miserable season.

One particularly fine example is Coco, a beautiful and very cuddly female cat with half long hair. Coco is four and a half years old and fostered in the commune of Bazoges-en-Pareds.

For information on how to adopt Coco please call 06 52 60 08 84 or send an e-mail to: [email protected]

by Nigel Franks, NALA


Big labrador Ufo is the dog who has been at Mornac the longest: he arrived in May 2008 and has now spent 6 of his 11 years of his life in an enclosure. He LOVES water, loves to play and he loves a treat. He will sit and he takes treats gently. Although he is almost 12, he is still a playful guy.

You might have worries about adopting an oldie, but the Fondation 300 Millions d’Amis provides a fund of 600€ for Ufo’s vet care, though he is wearing well for his age. He needs a family without small children and no cats either please! A secure garden is a must, as is previous dog experience.

Can you help Ufo find his home? Please help us make sure he has a great retirement home. Refuge de l’Angoumois, Les Mesniers, Mornac 16660, 05 45 65 76 99. The refuge is open 2pm - 6pm Monday-Saturday.

For further information please contact Julie on 05 45 68 91 25. www.hopeassoc.org

HERODE

HERODE is a 9 year old male Beagle weighing 16kgs, so could do with losing a little weight. He is the perfect gentleman, with a lovely temperament and would ideally suit someone who wants a faithful, loving companion who isn’t high energy.

HERODE is a quiet, calm lad who enjoys his daily walk and is then content to sleep in his basket or wander about in the garden with you.

He is good with other dogs, both male and female, and has shown no interest in cats at all. He is non-barking, good on the lead, not an escape artist and travels well in the car.

HERODE is such a lovely lad who richly deserves a kind, loving forever home. He is microchipped, primo-vaccinated (not rabies) and has been treated for worms, fleas and ticks. He has not been neutered due to his age.

If you would like more information about HERODE or any of our other Dogs for Adoption, please contact:

MARY - 05 49 50 69 41 - [email protected] - 05 45 96 02 79 - [email protected]/orfeeinenglish

Appeal for SPARKY a 5 month-old male kitten.

If you’re looking to add some sparkle to your life, maybe you could consider adopting this little chap. ‘Little” is maybe not the right word, as Sparky is actually the biggest of a litter of four! He had a bad start in life, being born to a stray mum, who fortunately chose to give birth on a kind person’s doorstep! One SOS call to Phoenix and a few days later, he was safely in our care.

Attention-seeking Sparky is a charmer. He knows what he wants and he knows how to get it; his tricks include a bit of chat (ok, a lot of chat!) and rolling over for some belly rubs.

Sparky is well socialised with people, dogs and cats, which makes him a perfect all-rounder. He’s pretty handsome too!

If Sparky lights your fire, please get in touch with foster mum, Caroline on 05 53 91 39 02 or email: [email protected]. Sparky is chipped (250269606212103), vaccinated and de-parasited and is near La Tour Blanche, 24320.

Refuge SPA de SAINTESroute des GAUTHIERS

17100 SAINTES

Tel: 05 46 93 47 65 ~ www.spa.de.saintes.free.fr

Contact Sarah at ‘The DSM’ on 05 49 70 26 21


Take a BreakDSM Easy CrosswordAcross:8. Large Asian country (5)9. Clothing in general (7)10. Copy that is not the original (7)11. An alphabetical listing of names and topics showing page numbers (5)12. An alcoholic drink taken before a meal (8)13. A torn part of a ticket returned to the holder as a receipt (4)15. Slender (4)17. The highest level or degree attainable (8)21. A fertile area in a desert (5)22. An island in the West Indies (7)24. A person who wagers money on the outcome of something (7)25. Be in direct physical contact with (5)

Down:1. A tree or shrub having winged fruit (4)2. A small natural hollow in the cheek or chin (6)3. Largest ocean (7)4. Highly seasoned fatty sausage (6)5. Separate or cut with a tool (5)6. Ascribe an achievement to (6)7. Able to adjust readily to different conditions (8)12. Be it that; notwithstanding (8)14. Give lifelike qualities to, as in cartoons (7)16. To take in; to absorb (6)18. Cause damage or affect negatively (6)19. An exclusive group of people with a common purpose (6)20. Lyrical poem of the Old Testiment (5)23. Dull pain (4)

DSM Toughie CrosswordAcross:8. Pillars of the newspaper organisation? (7)9. Fourth emergency gives one the general idea (5)10. Those courting lose 50 to leave groups of 6 (5)11. Rail set to be dismantled for one who deals with the facts (7)12. Peas scattered in the church building (4)13. Slim boy in a fix takes a number to be representative (8)16. Has an inkling about those in the frame (8)18. Continental flower is right out of order! (4)22. Helping of left particle? (7)23. Side in bottom half is one to follow (5)24. Drink which could be served hot proves to be a big hit (5)25. Gin concoction oddly seen together with mechanical contrivances (7)

Down:1. Shoals of Roman Catholic converts for students (8)2. A large number fall off broken ladders into trees (6)3. A maiden going wrong? (5)4. Foreign spy shipping new ore to provide raptor (6)5. I’m part of the union band of abbreviated fruits (7)6. Meal in disarray is only a minor thing (6)7. Did not borrow before Easter? (4)14. The Spanish in embrace can be clumsy (8)15. Five hundred and fifty-eight; a mixed pleasure (7)17. Something in crisp ring tone made us jump (6)18. If legal you can pay with it (6)20. Runs away into the waste pipes?(6)21. Beetle with energy to the next step (5)22. Exercise on Italian river to become global leader (4)

Quiz-tastic! 1) The Ashmolean Museum is in which English City?

2) The film “My Fair Lady’ is based on which G.B. Shaw play?

3) Which golfer won the U.S. Masters at the age of 21 by a record 12 strokes?

4) Which British singer changed his name to Yusuf Islam in 1978 when he converted to Islam in 1977?

5) Who poked his stick in Wallace’s ear in a Stanley Holloway monologue?

6) Which English writer and composer created the musical ‘Oliver’?

7) Whose secret diary was written by Sue Townsend?

With thanks to M.Morris

8) Who was presenter of Mastermind from 1972 to 1997?

9) From which plant was the drug Digitalis first extracted?10) Which English writer created ‘The Singing Detective’, played on TV by Michael Gambon?

11) Which English artist painted the series of works entitled ‘The Rakes Progress’ and ‘The Harlots Progress’?

12) Which small town in England became the manufacturing centre of M.G. cars?

Sorry, no extra points this time for spotting the connection, it’s too easy!!

Find the answers on our website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr

Copyright RJS 2014

Monthly quiz by Roland Scott...... how many can you get?


A-Z of the Communes in the Deux-Sèvres by Sue Burgess

FRONTENAY ROHAN-ROHANThe commune of Frontenay Rohan-Rohan is situated in the South West of the Deux-Sèvres area.

Previously called Frontenay L’Abbatu, the commune was situated in the province of Saintonge.

The 2011 census shows a population of just under 3000 people. 49% of the population are males and 51% are females.

The name Frontenay Rohan-Rohan always arouses people’s curiosity. Why Rohan-Rohan?

A map maker of the abbey of Saint Cyprien of Poitiers who reproduced a map from 936, mentioned Frontenay and Bassée. This would appear to be the first time that the name Frontenay appears in a written document. It is likely that Frontenay, like many other places, came into existence because of a Roman villa. The local representative of the occupying Romans would have had a name like Frons, Fronto or Frontinus.

At the end of the 12th century, Frontenay was one of the powerful feudal castles of the Lusignan family. Because of their links to the different monarchies, this family was well known for their intrigues and plotting between the sovereigns of France and England. Count Henri X of Lusignan rebelled against his rival Louis IX. Frontenay was captured by the Royal Army after 15 days of bloody battle in June 1242. Saint Louis, in vengeance, had the walls of the town knocked down and the ditches filled in. Of the pile of ruins, only the church was spared. The town was given the name of Frontenay l’Abattu (Frontenay the beaten).

In 1466 Louis XI ordered the rebuilding of the walls but the town kept its name. Pierre de Rohan, Marshall of France, bought the domain and became the Baron of Frontenay. In 1517 he married his cousin, Anne de Rohan, and therefore founded a line of descendancy Rohan-Rohan. After the revolution the name of the town reverted to Frontenay, but the town council and the mayor, Pierre Caroit, proposed the name of Frontenay Rohan-Rohan in 1896 and the commune was officially named by a decree in 1897.

A VOIR / MUST SEE

• Pont d’Epannes - a shared hamlet. The hamlet is partly on the commune of Frontany R-R and partly on the commune of Amuré. The part which is situated on Frontenay R-R is known as Le Pont and the part on Amuré is La Gorre.

• St Peter’s Church with a gothic doorway and romanesque bell tower and nave dating from the XIIth century. The bell tower and the bell were listed as historical monuments in 1903. The church contains relics of Saint André Hubert Fournet. The church of Saint Peter was a priory church founded in 1015 by the countess Hildegarde, the wife of Guillaume IV Duke of Aquitaine. It is first mentioned in a charter written in the Abbey of Nouaille in 1111 which placed the priory under the protection of the Counts of Poitou who appointed the priests. The church was built during the XIth and XIIth centuries at the time of Eustache Chabot. This lady had a passionate interest in architecture and legend has it that, like the Fairy Melusine, she is responsible for the building of many magnificent edifices. The church was partly destroyed at the beginning of the Hundred Year’s War and rebuilt between 1451 and 1556 on the orders of the different bishops of Saintes. The roof collapsed at the beginning of the 18th century and the tower was threatened. It was restored in 1790.

• The circuit of the wash-houses - the Grande Fontaine, Fontaine d’Avon, le Bief Chabot - a race is organised around these places every spring.

• La Fontaine de la Mariée, situated in the area near the dairy, used to be visited by young couples on their wedding day. In order to ensure a strong line of children and that their wives would have plenty of milk for their offspring, the couples drank a glass of water from the spring. It seems that this tradition was abandoned sometime in the 1930’s.

• Le Bief Chabot (mill race) feeds wash houses in the market town before running into the Guirande, one of the affluents of the Sèvre Niortaise river. At Frontenay, at the beginning of the 20th century, part of the mill race had been ‘domesticated’ and made into a sort of canal. The level was kept up by a dam with a lever that could be raised or lowered. The washerwomen (les lavandières) came to do their washing there. At the turn of the XXth century, farmers and delivery men stopped their carts there so that the animals could drink. A grocer’s shop could be found on one side and on the other there was a butcher’s and a clog maker’s.

• The ruins of the fortress and the town walls - the place where one of the towers was can still be seen at the north-east corner of the Church Square. Several private individuals have found remains of the town walls or towers on their land and the outline of the old fortified town can apparently be easily identified.

More A-Z of the Communes of Deux-Sèvres next month...


Spotlight On...

Gone are the days when museums had an often deserved reputation for being dull, musty places you’d only visit to escape torrential rain or a snowstorm. Many of today’s offerings can often seem quite similar. You know, paintings, porcelain, bits of chipped bone etc. But there are some gems out there. Museums celebrating the quirky and often quite weird. From wireless to wheels, macaroons to mother of pearl and fire-fighting engines to flat-bottomed boats, there’s something for everyone.

This DSM guide is by no means complete, but it will give you a flavour of what’s on your doorstep. Some are open all-year round and some have free admission. If there is no contact information provided then visit the Poitou-Charentes tourist board website at http://www.visit-poitou-charentes.com/

Deux-Sèvres

Musée du Sous OfficierThe Non-Commissioned Officer’s Museum presents both Saint-Maixent-l’Ecole’s military history since 1881 and the history of the French non-commissioned officer corps, from its beginnings under the French monarchy up until today. A memorial is dedicated to the school’s heroes, the senior non-commissioned officers who gave their lives for France. Ecole Nationale des Sous Officiers, Quartier Marchand, 79400 Saint-Maixent-l’École. Tel: 05 49 76 85 30. Website: http://www.alienor.org/musees/index.php?/fre/La-liste-des-villes/Saint-Maixent-l-Ecole/Musee-du-sous-officier

Musée des Vieux Outils et MiniaturesFascinating collection of old tools and miniature hand-made objects. 5 rue des Antonins, 79310 Saint-Marc-la-Lande. Tel: 05 49 63 22 91

Musée de la ChasseIn the ancient La Voute Castle, it exhibits and explains all aspects of hunting, from prehistoric times up until the present day.

7 Route de Champicard, 79260 La Crèche. Tel: 05 49 25 95 27.

Musée du ChaboussantSheltered within the buildings of an ancient abbey, this museum exhibits everyday life objects from the Pelbois region, including agricultural machines, handicraft tools, furniture, clothes, head wear and small, everyday objects.

Place de la Payse, 79120 Lezay. Website: www.magnain.christian.free.fr

Musée du Charronnage et de la TonnellerieGo on, admit it. You’ve always wanted to know about the ancient ways of making barrels and wheels. Here you can see the original tools of the wheelwright and the cooper. 4 place du Château, 79160 Coulonges-sur-l’Autize. Tel: 05 49 06 10 72. Website: http://www.ville-coulonges-sur-lautize.fr

Musée de la TSFThe TSF is the mother of today’s radio, television and electronics. This wireless/telegraphy museum, set up in 1992, is dedicated to helping today’s visitors rediscover our grandfathers’ radios, with more than 500 items on display.

136 rue de Charnay, 79400 Nanteuil. Tel: 05 49 05 55 93. Website: http://www.haut-val-de-sevre.com

by Mick Austin

Museums of the Poitou-CharentesMuseums of the Poitou-Charentes

Musée chez Manuel d’Art Populaire

79

Musée de la TSF.Musée du Charronnage

et de la Tonnellerie

Musée du Chaboussant


Vienne

Musée du MacaronUnique in France, the Macaroon Museum pays homage to generations of skilled workers who built the reputation of Montmorillon as the ‘City of the Macaroon’. Discover the story of the little almond biscuit in an entertaining and tasty visit, from the cultivation of the almond tree and the almond’s many uses to the invention of the macaroon and its arrival in France.

32 boulevard de Strasbourg, 86500 Montmorillon. Tel: 05 49 83 03 38. Website: http://www.museedumacaron.com

Musée Rural et Musée du Feu de la VieillardièreAncient farm machinery (including a 1925 McCormick tractor) and a collection of fire-fighting equipment from the 1700s.

La Vieillardière, 86230 Leigné-sur-Usseau. Tel: 05 49 86 02 53. Website: http://www.mable-et-vienne.fr

Musée de la Seconde Guerre Mondiale dans la Vienne The only public museum in Vienne (the municipality has part ownership of the collections) dealing with the Second World War. Learn about the lines of demarcation, deportations, the prisoners, forced labour, daily life, the resistance movement, SAS operations, La Vienne under bombing, the secret landings and the planes that were shot down.

18 place de l’Eglise, 86800 Tercé. Tel: 05 49 56 81 39. Website: http://www.tourisme-vienne.com/en/activite/338/musee-de-la-seconde-guerre-mondiale-dans-la-vienne

Musée chez Manuel d’Art PopulaireNot your usual kind of museum, this has a bit of everything including old cars, toys, tractors, military equipment, gramophones, dolls, and ornaments. There are nostalgic old advertisements, one of the first Michaux bicycles, a Thai rickshaw, a 1947 Plymouth car, a 1924 fire engine, a Merlin steam machine, a Sikorsky helicopter, a Ford Model T and loads more.

37 avenue de Chatellerault, 86440 Migné-Auxances. Tel: 05 49 52 94 16. Website: http://www.musee-chez-manuel.com

Musée d’Archéologie et des Traditions PopulairesHoused in a 16th Century dwelling, the museum reconstructs a typical Poitevin interior with headdresses, clothes and everyday objects from 19th Century Poitou.

Place du Vieux Marché, 86300 Chauvigny. Tel: 05 49 46 35 45. Website: http://www.chauvigny-patrimoine.fr

Musée de Préhistoire - Grottes de la Marche et des Fadets Interactive museum taking you on a journey through the everyday life of men who were masters in engraving. Exceptional collection of inscribed stones of animals and human beings dating back 14,000 years. Animations and guided tours of the museum and the caves of the Marche and the Fadets.

21 route de Montmorillon, BP 23, 86320 Lussac-les-Châteaux. Tel: 05 49 83 39 80. Website: http://www.lasabline.fr

Musée du Jeu d’EchecsMuseum of Chess of Scorbé-Clairvaux features 150 games from 75 countries, including the campaign game of Napoleon 1 and Lord Admiral Nelson.

Check it out! Château de Clairvaux, 7 place de Montbron, 86140 Scorbé-Clairvaux. Tel: 05 49 93 88 49.

Ferme Musée des AcadiensThe Acadian line consists of 57 houses built in 1773 for the Acadian families who were expelled from Canada. You can still visit 38 houses built of cob, one of which is furnished and houses the Acadian Museum that retraces the history of the exiles from New France.

Les Huit Maisons, 86210 Archigny. Tel: 05 49 21 54 39. Website: http://www.tourisme-chatellerault.fr

Musée de la Maison d’AutrefoisA museum of local art and tradition celebrating the way our grandparents lived, with bonnets, old hairstyles, well made clothes of the 1880s, old toys and a 1940s classroom. There is also a display of typical living rooms, a bushel-maker’s workshop, a laundry and a forge.

Rue de la Poste, 86360 Chasseneuil-du-Poitou. Website: www.ville-chasseneuil-du-poitou.fr

Musée Auto Moto VéloOne of the largest collections of motorcycles in France. Chatellerault used to be a centre for the manufacture of arms, but this museum houses more than 150 vehicles, a collection of different engines, accessories and posters. Try the interactive simulators.

3 rue Clément Krebs, Site de la Manu, 86100 Châtellerault. Tel: 05 49 21 03 46. Website: http://www.tourisme-vienne.com/en/activite/66/musee-auto-moto-velo

86

Musée Auto Moto Vélo

Musée des Gens de Cherves

Musée Auto Moto Vélo



Charente

Musée de l’École Jules FerryLiving museum of a late 19th Century school classroom. Open all year.

Place de la Mairie, Saint-Gervai, 16700 Nanteuil-en-Vallée. Tel: 05 45 31 89 06.

Musée Gaston GrégorLiving museum of farming life and tools in the 18th Century.

16130 Salles-d’Angles. Tel: 05 45 83 71 13. Website: http://www.salles-d-angles.a3w.fr

Musée de la Moto et du CycloAround 150 sports cycles from the 1960s and about 50 French, English and Italian motorcycles from the 1930s to 1970s.

25 rue des Encloux, 16130 Gensac-la-Pallue. Tel: 05 45 36 91 83.

Maison des GabarriersFlat-bottomed boats were once built in Saint-Simon. Take a guided tour of the House of the Gabarrierses museum, a tour of the village following explanatory signposts, or a boat trip in a gabarre on the Charente river.

Le Bourg, 16120 Saint-Simon. Tel: 05 45 97 33 40.

Musée du Vin, du Cognac et de la TonnellerieGuided visits with videos and commentaries in English and French of the Vine, Wine, Cognac and Cooperage Museum. Collections of regional fossils, hand-painted decorations, tasting and sales of Pineau and Cognac.

Domaine de Plaisance, 16300 Lamérac. Tel: 05 45 78 04 61.

Charente-Maritime

Musée NapoleonNapoleon’s final asylum on French territory, the Napoleonic museum exhibits numerous relics that once belonged to him (furniture, portraits, keepsakes.). The adjacent African museum presents an artistic, ethnological and zoological collection from central and southern Africa.

Rue Napoléon, 17123 Île-d’Aix. Tel: 05 46 84 66 40. Website: http://www.musees-nationaux-napoleoniens.org

Musée de l’Aéronautique NavaleA unique museum in France dedicated to French naval aviation, featuring 33 aircraft and 1500 models. Rond Point Albert Bignon, BP 90179, 17300 Rochefort. Tel: 05 46 83 37 00. Website: http://www.anaman.fr

Musée de la Carte PostaleThis shoreline museum contains old post cards, maps and stories from days gone on everyday life in Mortagne.

Port de Mortagne, 17120 Mortagne-sur-Gironde. Tel: 05 46 90 52 90.

Musée des Modèles RéduitsThis is one of a kind: 8000sq ft of exhibitions, historic scenes, moving model trains and computer automated naval battles. 12-14 Rue de la Désirée, La Ville en Bois, 17000 La Rochelle. Tel: 05 46 41 68 08. Website: http://www.museeslarochelle.com

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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. He also runs a gîte business at www.gitefortwo.com.


Musée Maritime. Welcome aboard the ships to be visited in the maritime museum: France 1, the latest meteorological frigate; The Angoumois, a stern fishing trawler; and the bridge of the St Gilles tugboat.

Quai Sénac de Meilhan, 17000 La Rochelle. Tel: 05 46 28 03 00. Website: http://www.museemaritimelarochelle.fr

Maison du TransbordeurA museum next to the Transporter Bridge is devoted to bridges in the Pays Rochefortais, the Charente-Maritime department and elsewhere. Audacious, unusual and challenging structures are the highlights.

Rue de Martrou, 17620 Échillais. Tel: 05 46 83 30 86. Website: http://www.pont-transbordeur.fr

Maison de la NacreThe mother of pearl house has existed since 1954 and specialises in the transformation of shells into various objects, including jewellery. An illustrated museum with 20 display cabinets, a workshop and a meeting with a mother of pearl craftsman.

Place de l’Église, 17123 Île-d’Aix.

Maison de la Baie du Marais PoitevinThe Poitevin Marsh’s Bay House is a cultural and touristic site where you can visit the mussel breeding museum and the fortified church Saint Martin of Esnandes. You can also fish by means of a lift net.

Parvis de l’Église, 17137 Esnandes. Tel: 05 46 01 34 64. Website: http://www.maison-baiemaraispoitevin.fr

Musée de l’Ecole PubliqueRe-live your old schooldays. Located in the old Vergé schoolhouse, the museum presents objects vividly recalling bygone schools and the heritage of a village class in a rural setting. More than 3500 authentic objects.

10 bis rue de la Gare, 17330 Vergné. Tel: 05 46 24 62 89.

Musée des Commerces d’AutrefoisDiscover the charm of small shops at the beginning of the century: bistros, hatters, grocery stores, butchers and others.

12 rue Lesson, 17300 Rochefort. Tel: 05 46 83 91 50. Website: http://www.museedescommerces.com

Ecomusée de Port des BarquesDevoted to the estuary’s maritime history. An exhibition in an oyster shed explains the life cycle of oysters, their environment and the town’s traditions. The museum also highlights the history of oyster farming with a display of tools and scales.

Boulevard de la Charente, BP 2, 17730 Port-des-Barques. Tel: 05 46 84 19 19. Website: http://www.ecomuseeportdesbarques.net

Deux-Sèvres, 791. St Maixent2. St Marc-la-Lande3. Lezay4. La Crèche5. Coulonges-sur-l’Autize6. Nanteuil

Vienne, 867. Montmorillon8. Leigné-sur-Usseau9. Tercé10. Migné-Auxances11. Chauvigny12. Scorbé-Clairvaux13. Archigny14. Chasseneuil-du-Poitou15. Châtellerault

Charente, 1616. Nanteuil-en-Vallée17. Salles-d’Angles18. Gensac-la-Pallue19. Saint-Simon20. Lamérac

Charente-Maritime, 1721. Île-d’Aix22. Rochefort23. Mortagne-sur-Gironde24. La Rochelle

Poitou-Charentes, France

Musée de la Maison d’Autrefois Musée de l’École Jules Ferry.


THE AMATEUR GARDENERIt’s been a changeable summer, weather-wise, which has resulted in a marvellous supply of courgettes, squash and pumpkins in our vegetable garden. However, so much humid warmth can also have a detrimental effect and our tomatoes suffered with blossom end rot which was very disappointing.

Never mind; onwards and upwards as they say. Brussel sprouts will be ready to pick once we have had some frosty weather and will safely stay on the plants until the hard frosts. Broccoli spears should be cut regularly and the last of the summer cabbages will be ready now too. Once the peas and green beans have finished producing, cut off the plants for the compost heap but dig the roots back into the plot - they put nitrogen back into the soil. Carrots, of course, can be a constant with seeds being planted at regular intervals throughout the year. Now is the time to start planting garlic too, ready to harvest next summer, and if your rhubarb plants need dividing, do it now, while the soil is still warm enough for the roots to get settled before the cold weather.

In the main though, it is time to take stock of the garden as a whole: cut back and tidy the perennial bed, lifting and dividing plants if necessary; clear summer bedding plants ready for winter/spring flowering pansies, polyanthus, wallflowers etc. Plant spring flowering bulbs, scarify, aerate and feed established lawns, reseeding any bare patches.

Trees are beginning to shed their leaves now so collect them up to make your own leafmould. Make an easy container with 4 posts in the ground using chicken wire for the sides. Fill with fallen leaves, dampen slightly (dry leaves will not rot down) and cover to stop them blowing away. Alternatively, fill black bin bags with leaves, tie a knot in the top, make holes in the base and hide in a secluded corner of the garden. Either way it takes about 18 months but

you will be rewarded with lovely leafmould. This is excellent for seed sowing as it has low nutrient value and doesn’t encourage lanky, sappy growth; use 50-50 leafmould and silver sand. For potting: use 4 parts leafmould/2 parts sieved soil/1 part grit. For mature plants in containers: 4 parts leafmould/5 parts loam/4 parts garden compost/2 parts grit.

Making your own compost is quicker (only 3 or 4 months) but takes up more space and is more time consuming because the heap should be turned and aerated weekly. If you decide to make your own you can use grass clippings, cut flowers, dead plants and leaves, vegetable peelings, cardboard and shredded paper.

However, don’t add the following: • cooked food because this will encourage rats and flies • egg shells and coarse bark - they are too slow to break down• perennial weed roots - they will start to grow within the heap• plants which have gone to seed - the seeds will germinate

when you spread the compost• diseased items eg honey fungus on wood or vegetables with

mildew - these will encourage fungal disease

One last thing to put on your ‘to-do’ list for the autumn season is maintenance of outdoor furniture and garden tools. Wooden furniture will need protecting with teak oil or something similar. Garden chairs etc should be cleaned and hinges oiled before they are put away. Garden tools need cleaning, sharpening and oiling when you use them for the last time this year to ensure that they are rust free when you get them out again next year.

The clocks go back on October 26th so make sure you manage to have a few more evenings in the garden before the nights pull in, especially if you can have a glass of ‘something medicinal’ too.

by Vanda Lawrence

Home & Garden

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If you thought it would be wonderful to see something similar to the UK’s Yellow Book scheme in France, read on. For those who are unaware of the Yellow Book, it is a project which has run successfully in the UK for many years and has raised millions of pounds for charitable causes.

A group of dedicated gardeners and volunteers are now developing a similar project in France and it has been greeted with great enthusiasm. 2015 will be our third year. The aim of ‘Open Gardens/Jardins Ouverts’ is to encourage owners to open their gardens to the public, who pay an annual subscription which entitles them to visit as many gardens as they wish throughout the year.

In 2014, gardens were open during the last weekend in June and this was very successful. In 2015, there will be three main opening days - Sunday March 8th, Sunday May 10th and Sunday July 12th. Some gardens will be open on other days and these details will be posted on the website.

So visitors can see a greater variety of plants and more gardens will be available. For the first time, we will have gardens in the Dordogne, Charente and Indre and we are constantly seeking new gardens in any area. We are delighted that we now have co-ordinators who will help develop Open Gardens on a local level.

In 2014, the profits of 2,500€ were sent to a French charity called ‘A Chacun son Everest’, an association which organises activities for children with cancer or leukaemia. We hope to double that in 2015.

You can get involved in Open Gardens/Jardins Ouverts by:• Offering your garden: If you think that people would enjoy

viewing your garden, please get in touch, whatever department you are in. There are 3 main dates itemised above and you can sign up for any or all of them. Alternatively, you may open on a completely separate date if that is when your garden looks its best. Your minimum commitment is 1 day per year.

• Being a visitor: There are few nicer ways to spend a lazy day than strolling round beautiful gardens. Membership costs 10€ and this entitles you to visit as many of the gardens as you wish throughout 2015. All of the gardens are different: ponds, wild flower meadows, shrubs and bog gardens are just some of the many attractions.

• Becoming a co-ordinator: If Open Gardens appeals to you, you may wish to help develop the scheme by becoming a co-ordinator. This is a simple role and involves co-ordinating a small group of gardens (may be as few as three or four). If this appeals, please get in touch we will be happy to discuss how you could get involved.

There is much more information on our website www.opengardens.eu or for an informal discussion on

how you could get involved, please contact:Mick Moat 05 55 63 43 12 or e-mail: [email protected]

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Life on the Farm“Everybody wants to learn to pluck a chicken. What do you want to learn to do?” Jenny asked.

“Um. A bit of everything?” It was the best reply I could muster at the moment. Pete and Jenny had just collected me at Niort. I hadn’t slept in about 30 hours, and I’d just lugged three suitcases on an overnight flight from my home in the United States. Needless to say, I was in a bit of a daze, and the thought of plucking a chicken seemed pretty insurmountable right then.

Now, a week into my Workaway with Pete and Jenny, plucking a chicken seems like an ordinary afternoon activity. The Sebborns have whisked me out of my city girl lifestyle and showed me the ways of a smallholder’s farm - and I couldn’t be happier about that.

It hasn’t always conformed to my expectations, though. Life in La Gauteliere has presented a number of surprises, including but not limited to:

The exhaustion. In my normal life, I’m tired by the evening. But the mental exhaustion of writing and thinking all day is nothing compared to the physical exhaustion of working on a farm. After feeding the animals, fixing fences, mucking out stalls, weeding the garden, gathering fruit, cooking, milking, and feeding the animals again, I’m about ready to collapse. I’m certainly not capable of doing much more than sipping red wine and staring blankly at a British soap opera. It’s quite a good feeling, though. It’s the sort of exhaustion where you can’t wait to go to bed because you know you’re going to get a really good night’s sleep.

The stinging nettles. I hear we might have stinging nettles back in the states, but I’ve certainly never encountered them. My first day here, I asked Jenny, “What’s that plant?” while simultaneously reaching towards a stinging nettle. Needless to say, I ended up with a puffy white lump on my hand. Since then, I’ve had at least three more encounters with stinging nettles. They pop up everywhere. I suppose I’m making up for 25 years of not being stung by stinging nettles.

The community. When I first found out I’d be going to stay on a French farm with a British couple, I imagined that I’d spend my two weeks isolated on a five-acre plot, sequestered in a world of feeding and harvesting. But my first weekend in France, Pete and Jenny brought me to two social events: one a 25th anniversary party, and the other a luncheon for local smallholders. Farmers in this area might not have coworkers in the traditional sense, but they’ve certainly gone out of their way to create a strong community. From the trade fair to this magazine to the chasse, there are loads of ways for local farmers to meet up, trade advice, barter and have fun.

The trials of milking a goat. Milking an animal? Sounds great, a quintessential farming experience. But my first time out proved less than successful. The poor goat, Polly, grew agitated as I tugged at her teats. She stomped her feet and tried to escape the milking stand. My fear of her knocking over the milk jug made me flinch, which only caused her to redouble her escape efforts. Jenny had to take over for me, and we returned Polly to her pen a flustered and annoyed goat. Luckily, the next night, I had a bit more luck

with another goat, Boff, and managed to gather a fair amount of milk from her and from Polly before she tried to flee the milking stand. However, that didn’t stop her from stomping on my ankle as I walked her to the field the next day. That’s another thing about goats: those cloven hooves hurt.

The immense sense of satisfaction. At home, in my regular life, good things happen sometimes. But too often, my job involves slogging through a day, hoping that all that work will pay off down the road. On a farm, every day includes a big payoff. When I wake up on the farm, I want to get out of bed because I know that the animals are waiting in their hutches and pens, excited for their food. I know that I’ll find eggs in the chicken house and raspberries on the bushes and milk in the goat (well, someone will be able to find the milk in the goat). I’ll set myself to a task, and later that afternoon I’ll be able to see the results of my labour. That’s why that crippling, red-wine-and-soap-opera exhaustion seems worth it: because at the end of the day, you have happy, well-fed animals in their pens and delicious homegrown food on your plate. See you soon for more Life on the farm.

Peter & Jenny Sebborn. Breeders of pigs, lambs and poultry.La Gauteliere, 79220 Pamplie. Tel: 05 49 28 38 57

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Emily milking Boff

After what seemed like forever, David and I moved into our dream house in France in February 2013; newly married and with sparkling ambitions and plans for our new home and garden, including a green manifesto and a vague notion that we might want to open a chambre d’hôte!

Our removal van arrived on a clear and crisp day full of stuff we’d not seen for six months - it was better than Christmas! The French dream was suddenly made real as we ate lunch and shared a bottle of wine with the removal team on the terrace basking in the bright sunshine.

With the unpacking done and the boxes cleared away our thoughts turned to the garden, which within a week of moving in had been covered in a light dusting of snow - it all looked very romantic! Basically we’d bought two fields of about an acre, with a house in one corner. There were flower beds in front of the house with lavender and rosemary bushes and a wide gravelled terrace area. Apart from a few trees dotted around, the rest of the land was a blank sheet of paper.

Over the next few weeks our kitchen table became stacked with garden books and magazines, sheets of paper with plans for a vegetable garden or potager. We’d already agreed that growing vegetables would be our main priority for the first year, and that we’d just leave the rest of the garden to see what happened until the following spring. At this stage our visions were on the scale of an old fashioned grand chateau kitchen garden, beautifully laid out in geometric fashion arranged around a central gravel axis!

As spring started to do its stuff the grass and weeds began to grow at a frightening speed - our little lawnmower, perfectly adequate for our previous garden, died in fright of the task ahead of it and all our neighbours and friends advised chemical warfare to keep on top of the weeds. This was the first real test of our Green Manifesto. In order to encourage biodiversity, chemicals were definitely not allowed and as we watched Carpenter bees buzz contently around the burgeoning weed patch, we resolved to pull the weeds by hand.

By the beginning of June the potager had been dug out, seeds had been planted and our vision was slowly becoming reality, even if it did just look like a bunch of holes in the ground with grassy paths running through it!

As summer progressed and the weeds turned into small trees, we took heart from the wealth of wildlife inhabiting the garden; song birds, frogs, butterflies and honey bees were all thriving and the prospect of our first chemical free harvest was becoming a reality.

Our project was also becoming a source of interest and curiosity

Our Journey to a Greener Life by Louise Read & David Hammond

to others and as the days began to shorten again, friends started to arrive with offers of help - they soon found themselves armed with a trowel to continue the battle with the weeds in exchange for plates of food heaped with fantastically tasty and chemical free vegetables. All the people who arrived that summer fell in love with the magic of Étang Fourreau, the peace of rural France and the conviviality that comes with a shared meal of fresh food from the garden. Our thoughts of creating a chamber d’hôte that was a haven away from the stresses of modern life took shape over those long summer evenings listening to the gentle sounds of nature surrounding us.

Join us next month to see how our journey continues...

For further information please email: [email protected]

or visit our website: www.etangfourreau.com. Also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/etangfourreau


CommunicationsChoosing your Communications Provider in France

Keeping in touch with our loved ones and friends whilst living in France is crucial to most of us Expats, so having good reliable telephone and internet services in very important.

So Who is there to Choose From?Internet Providers in France by Market Share:

1. Orange Formerly France Telecome (and Wanadoo)2. Free A subsidiary of Iliad (Iliad also own Alice)3. SFR Acquired Neuf Cegetel, Tele2 and Club Internet4. Bouygues New to the Market in 2008 and growing5. The Others Alice, Darty Box, UKTelecom, PhoneExpat

Alternatives to ‘Phone-delivered’ services:Numericable The new kid on the block trying to implement a fibre based serviceWiBox/WiMax Non Phone-Line based servicesTooway Satellite internet providers

Orange is the single largest provider in France having over 50% of the market, twice as many as their nearest competitor. I suspect the reason for this is that their customer service in excellent. Like BT in the UK when the telephone systems were de-regulated, France

Telecom (now Orange) were awarded the contract to maintain the infrastructure, namely the telephone lines and exchanges, meaning that if another ISP has a line problem they have to ask Orange to resolve the problem. This costs them and are therefore reluctant to call out Orange unless absolutely necessary, causing delays in getting the service working for their customers.

I have experienced customers that have had more than a ten week delay with their telephone and internet problems being resolved, totally unacceptable!

Orange have another major benefit for us Expats, the brilliant English Helpline, where you may order the service you require in English, advise them of house moves and resolve any billing queries and more importantly, the technical support is provided by English speaking highly qualified technicians, that in my experience, are patient, considerate and are prepared to take responsibility to get your problem resolved. They advise you on the progress of the repair and often check after the event that you are satisfied with the service.

The English Helpline 09 69 36 39 00, is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (not only in France but from the UK as well). Orange’s monthly charges are as competitive as any of the other providers. For example, you may have unlimited internet access, inclusive calls to all land lines in France and an additional 100+ countries (including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa) for €24.99 per month without a landline and €19.99 with a landline (an additional €16.00 per month). There may be a set-up charge depending on your current situation however all of the

ISPs are aggressively hunting new business so there is usually a promotional offer that rewards you for going to Orange or switching to them. For example, there is a 100.00€ ‘welcome back’ reward, if you change from another supplier.

Internet speedsThis is probably the most contentious issue when finding an ISP. It is virtually impossible to guarantee an internet speed as there are so many things that can reduce or disrupt the speed. It is possible to get up to 20Mbps download speed in France for a standard subscription, as I have previously advised. This is usually possible in towns and villages where there is a telephone exchange, the nearer you are to the exchange the more likely you are to receive the maximum.

Once you are over 5 or 6 kilometres from the exchange you will be lucky to get much over 1Mbps, this is simply near the limit of the system’s ability to transmit the internet over the telephone cables, over this and you will be refused the service by the traditional telephone type suppliers; you will have to find an alternative supplier such as a Satellite service or one of the newer technologies such as Wimax.

Alternatives to Telephone Based InternetWiMAX is short for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, and it also goes by the IEEE name 802.16. They use a “line of site system” that gives coverage in areas where telephone based services are unavailable. Costs are similar to telephone

based ADSL, possibly a little more expensive. You may choose a rate based upon the speed you require or can afford - set-up costs are similar to those of Satellite at around 200€ to 400€.

There are many Satellite services available in France, the most reliable I have experienced is the Tooway system that is also available in the UK. This system is comparable with traditional services however, set-up charges are considerably higher at around 400€ to 500€. I believe if you are in an area where you are unable to get any other system in France, the Conseil General of your department can offer financial assistance for the installation costs if you meet the relevant criteria.

For more Information please use these links:• Orange: http://www.orange.fr• Free: http://www.free.fr/adsl/index.html• SFR: http://www.sfr.fr• Bouygues: http://www.laboutique.bouyguestelecom.

fr/#xtor=SEC-700910-GOO• Tooway: http://www.bigdishsat.com (English Supplier)

http://www.tooway.fr (French Supplier)• WiMax: http://www.wibox.fr/wimax• Conseil General Deux-Sevres: http://www.deux-sevres.com

Contact: Florian MORISSET http://www.sportpourtous79.com/Accueil/Mentionsl%C3%A9gales.aspx

Ross Hendry is the proprietor of Interface Consulting and Engineering, who has over 42 years experience in Communications, Computer Technology and Direct Marketing. (See advert below).


by Ross Hendry

Useful English Language Numbers...Cancer Support Deux-Sèvres 05 49 64 59 96

French State health insurance 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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Food & DrinkFrench Village DiariesReading books about other people’s lives in France is almost as enjoyable for me as living my life here. This summer one of my favourite reads was ‘Saving Our Skins’ by Caro Feely, her second memoir about family life on an organic vineyard in Saussignac, Dordogne.

Her passion for their organic lifestyle meant her book was not only entertaining but informative too and has made me re-think some of my buying habits. We will never be self-sufficient, but we do eat a large percentage of fruits and vegetables from our garden and what we grow doesn’t get sprayed or treated with any chemicals at all - I’ve always been happy to cut out the bits our wiggly neighbours have started munching on.

Our produce, coupled with my desire to only buy meat from local suppliers who don’t keep their animals cooped up in a barn day and night, meant I was quite happy we were a healthy eating family, despite never really making a conscious decision to buy organic. According to Caro, vintners in France are heavier users of toxic chemicals than the farmers and many of the products they use recommend staying out of the vineyard for 48 hours after usage. This really grabbed at my attention and more so when I realised grapes are not washed before being crushed and made into wine. The first farmer in France to have his illness officially linked to the use of pesticides and chemicals was a winegrower who coincidently lived in Ruffec, only twenty kilometres from where I live. He died of his Leukaemia. Caro also talks about the apple farmer in her village who openly admits to NEVER eating his own fruit because of the chemicals he uses on them.

Caro’s book really set the cat among the pigeons and led me to search out alternative products. In doing so, my lovely husband found himself accompanying me to Cognac for the open day at a local(ish) organic vineyard. We took part in their treasure hunt, a four-kilometre trek around the vineyards searching for hidden questions about wine production and then enjoyed a tasting session. We came away with a few bottles of organic red Vin de Pays Charentais and have already been back to re-stock.

Something life in France has taught me is that less is more and learning to live by this means I am now happy to spend a little bit more on locally produced (where possible) organic food and wine even if it means consuming a little less.

We don’t have an unlimited budget to spend on food and wine, but now that I have been looking I have noticed that our local supermarket has a good selection of Bio (organic) products (including wines) at reasonable prices. I feel happy that by making small changes each week and gradually adding more organic foods to my basket, I’m not only making good choices for my family but also doing my bit to support the organic farmers like Caro Feely.

by Jacqueline Brown

For recipes please email me at [email protected] visit www.frenchvillagediaries.com


The Hell with RulesIf it tastes right, then it is

His brutish, sinewed arms pushed her heaving shoulders against the red silk sheets. She heard the tear of her diaphanous negligee. She didn’t care - Ramone, oh Ramone…

Hopefully that’s got your attention as I will be addressing the scintillating subject of

French wine classification. OK, it’s not a ripped negligee, but it does have at its origin some good old-fashioned skulduggery.

If you bought a bottle of Bordeaux wine (for example) in the early part of the twentieth century you could consider yourself quite cosmopolitan and worldly, but not for the reasons you might think. The label might have said ‘Bordeaux’, but it would have been very likely that the contents of the bottle came from the Rhone, the depths of SW France, even North Africa…oh, and a bit from Bordeaux itself. Quite the world traveller. Why? Well, follow the money and enuf said. Some far-minded individuals realised that such endemic malpractice would harm irredeemably the fair reputation of French wine, not only in the country itself but worldwide. Sacré bleu! Donning capes, masks, and wearing underpants outside their tights (they were French blokes, after all), they came up with the Appellation d’Origine Controlée system in 1935. This imposed strict regulations on wine producers, particularly over the area of production (the origine). Powers were swingeing and the system worked/works well because it’s assiduously policed (controlée). Nowadays, a bottle labelled Bordeaux, Rhone, Burgundy, wherever, comes from the named (appellation) area (origine) - or the winemaker faces fines and/or jail, but certain ruin.

As we know, all superheroes have a heart of gold, and our boys were no exception. The toughest rules were applied to very high standard wines (AOC), but less stringent rules were imposed going down the ‘pyramid of quality’, spawning the other three categories of VDQS, Vin de Pays, and Vin de Table in descending order. So far so historically good. But all systems change, particularly when bureaucrats have to justify their existence. Don’t mention the EU! as Basil Fawlty might have hissed.

The four categories are now three. VDQS (which was always a strange appendage anyway) has disappeared. What was AOC is now AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée); what was Vin de Pays is now IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée); what was Vin de Table is now Vin de France. (Ssh! – what did Basil say?)

by John Sherwin

John Sherwin, French Wine Tours.Tel: 02 51 66 13 05 ~ E: [email protected]

www.french-wine-tours.com


Cue the juvenile delinquents, aka the new breed of young winemakers. They’re tired of saying ‘they wouldn’t let me make xyz’ and ‘they won’t let me try abc’. Enough ‘they’ already. Don’t get me wrong, there are distinct advantages in belonging to the AOC (sorry, AOP) club – the recognition of your peers and an easy 20 to 30% hike in your prices (follow the money) for example. But the ways of the forefathers are not always or necessarily favoured by the sons, or, increasingly, daughters, and membership of the ‘club’ is not obligatory. ‘Go your own way, do your own thing if you must, but don’t expect us to bail you out. You’re on your own.’ You can almost see the stern father figure, mother just behind wringing her hankie. ‘Pierre, why won’t they see reason? We did it the old way and we were alright, weren’t we? Aren’t we?’

One of the most common reasons for leaving the club is to experiment with grape varieties that are not ‘permitted’ in the system. In Alsace, the great Olivier Humbrecht planted some Chardonnay to boost his AOC Alsace Pinot Blanc. Not allowed, so down to Vin de France with you. In fact, the Vin de France label is an ever more interesting catch-all for oddballs. Chateau Palmer, one of the great Medoc chateaux, deliberately attempted to mimic the malpractice of the 19th and early 20th centuries by adding Syrah from the Rhone to its blend. Welcome ‘Chateau Palmer Historical XIXth Century Blend’, a mere Vin de France.

Vin de France is also a safe haven for disappearing indigenous grape varieties which would otherwise be poo-pooed under the AOP system. One of the best wine ranges from Corsica includes 15 indigenous varieties saved from abandoned vineyards – look for Abbatucci’s Cuvée Collection, under the Vin de France label.

Ramone snored loudly. Weeping, she buried her head in the pillow. Mother had been right: never judge a wine bottle by its label.

Motoringby Helen Tait-WrightThe MG’s have it!

When I was a kid, my dad’s friend bought a brand new MGB GT V8, in bright yellow. It was the coolest thing I had ever seen, and I remember quite clearly being picked up from Primary school in it, and feeling like the most important person in the school.

Sadly, not too long after, after a boozy night out, the MGB GT was wrapped around a lamp post, and dad’s friend is to this day still removing pieces of it’s windscreen from his forehead. I cried for that car and always intended to have one of my own, but never have, although I did take a black one for a test drive once.

A friend of ours and life long MG fan passed away recently, and so this is as a tribute to Nick and that yellow MGB GT V8.

The MGB appeared in 1962, an innovative and modern design at the time, using a monocoque structure instead of the traditional body on frame. It was also one of the first cars to feature controlled crumple zones to protect the occupants of the car. It was a light weight car, and considered relatively fast, although 0-60mph in 11 seconds isn’t anything to write home about these days. Initially, MGB’s were Roadsters, and it wasn’t until 1965 that the fixed roof GT version appeared, and launched the sporty hatchback style we know and love today.

The body was styled by Pininfarina, the renowned Italian designers, and gave the car a 2+2 configuration as well as increased luggage space.

In 1967 The MGC version was launched, with a straight 6 engine, but it received mixed reviews from the Press and public, and it was cancelled after only two years of production.

Today the MGC is considered very collectable and its reputation for poor handling can be overcome by better tyres and subtle modification of suspension settings. This was the car beloved by Nick, and he was in good company, as Prince Charles owned one of these cars from new, which he has since passed down to Prince William.

And so we come to the MGB GT V8. Launched in 1973 with a Rover 3.5 litre V8 engine, the car was warmly received by the motoring press. A private entrepeneur, Ken Costello had already been fitting these engines into MGB GT’s, and British Leyland thought they ought to produce their own version. The engine was a natural for the MGB, as not only was the engine bay ideally suited, but the all alloy V8 weighed virtually the same as the B series engine, so the handling was not upset in the same way that occurred with the MGC. It was powerful and efficient so the stunning performance was not at the cost of huge fuel bills.

Sadly, the fuel crisis at the end of 1973 set the scene for the demise of many big-engined cars, and this was the case for the V8, irrespective of the near 1800cc fuel economy. It was dropped in 1976 after just 2591 were made.

Apparently, Citron Yellow is not a particularly desirable colour for collectors of MGB GT V8’s these days, but a good condition example in another colour would set you back around about £15,000. Please watch out for lamp posts though!

Contact Helen at [email protected]


Photo: www.engineering.purdue.edu

Top Location with AgriPelleThe company SARL AgriPelle, a family run business established in 2007, offers you a wide range of Plant and agricultural machinery for sale.

You can find in stock around 30 diggers, 100 tractors, telescopics, dumpers, forklifts, trailers... and we are ready to help meet any of your requests.

All machines are fully checked by our qualified mechanics before being sent out and can be delivered straight to your door. Our workshop can also provide repairs and services for your machines.

Looking for hire equipment? A new opportunity awaits you. AgriPelle can offer you a hire service for Building and Plant machinery. At the same address, you will find exclusive deals for mini diggers from only 110€ HT, but also a choice of rollers, lifting equipment such as telescopics and flatbed trailers... We also offer delivery of these machines from only 15€ HT.

Whether you are a private customer or a business, hiring a machine remains a practical way of responding quickly to your requirements with specialised machinery or to help deal with a temporary increase in activity. AgriPelle offers a local service where you will find everything you need.

We hope to soon count you among our customers, come meet us and we can start working together on projects adapted to your activity.

All of our machines are visible on our website, which is both in English and French: www.agripelle.com

For further information, you can give us a call on +33 (0) 549 65 13 70, or come and meet us. The company is situated at Chiché on the N149/E62 between Parthenay and Bressuire in the Deux-Sèvres.

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Business & Finance

I always get comments asking why French companies do not do pet insurance, BUT WE DO!!

Yes, French people love their animals too and I cried for two days when I lost my 14 year old Labrador back in August! When you know that the average price for a ruptured ligament is between 300€ to 800€, 1000€ for a broken leg and up to 2000€ for a hip replacement, why not consider pet insurance?

So let me explain Pet Insurance in detail so you can protect your pets.

Allianz does not do pet insurance, so we use two other companies. (Yes, I am working for Allianz but I am also a broker!)

• First of all, pet insurance is for dogs and cats only. We don’t want to know about parrots, snakes, rats or other extravagant animals that don’t sleep on sofas! Yes, my Labradors are allowed on my sofa but I would not let a horse or a rat on it!

• We do do a special insurance for horses though, but it is not called pet insurance. Pit-bull and other category 1: ‘Dangerous dogs’ are refused as well as dogs that are part of a stag or fox-hunt (too accident prone).

• You must declare that your dog or cat is healthy at the time you take out the insurance.

• Your pet has to be tattooed or chipped to be insured. We only need to know his name, birth date and what breed it is to give you a quote. For the contract, we need the tattooed number or chipped reference number.

• Your pet must be between 3 months and 7 years old. Before and after that age we cannot start the insurance. The level of cover does not decrease with the age of the pet and it will be insured until it dies.

• There are 2 or 3 levels of cover going from 13€ to 39€ per month for dogs and from 12€ to 34€ for cats. Of course, the better the level of cover, the more expensive the premium!

• In all the levels and with all the companies, you have an excess which is either fixed (10€ to 75€) or based on % of expenses but with a maximum amount of 50€ per claim. And there is also a cap for expenses per year, usually 1000€ to 2500€ per year. Same here, the more expensive the cover, the higher the cap!

• There is a respite for the claim depending on the company and if it is an accident or a disease (between 1 and 2 months for disease and between 2 and 30 days for accidents).

• There is a discount when you have more than one pet insured (about 15% discount per additional pets).

• Some companies also offer some extra cover like the cost of looking after your pet if you are hospitalised without warning for more than 3 days.

So there it is, pet insurance is not complicated to understand and not too expensive so don’t hesitate to take on a new companion from your local S.P.A. (Dog and cat rescue home)!

As usual, do not hesitate to contact me for anything from French inheritance law, pensions, savings, taxes and all kind of professional or private insurances. Advice is FREE.

Until the end of December, we are offering 2 months free on all new car, house and top up health insurance contracts with Allianz.

And don’t forget to check out our web site where you can find all my previous articles under the page on the English site “practical information”: www.bh-assurances.fr

You can also follow us on Twitter @charenteinsure

PET INSURANCE

BH Assurances22 rue Jean Jaures16700 Ruffec

Contact Isabelle Want:Tel: 05 45 31 01 61Mob: 06 17 30 39 11

Email: [email protected] ~ Visit our website: www.bh-assurances.fr


You may be living in France, but British expatriates still need to understand how the UK tax regime may continue to affect them and follow any proposed tax reforms. At the same time you need to keep up to date with changes in France.

At the time of writing we do not know what the 2014 French Finance Bill will bring, but we do know of changes on the way that impact UK nationals.

Taxing non-residents on property gainsUnder current rules, provided you are non-UK resident for five years, you do not pay UK capital gains tax when selling UK assets. But from next April non-residents disposing of UK residential property will start being charged UK tax on the gains.

Restricting the personal allowance for non-residentsThe UK government is considering withdrawing the personal allowance from non-residents, except those with a strong economic connection to the UK. This may affect you if you receive a government service pension, or rental income from the UK, or earn other income from UK investments or employment.

More pensions freedomFrom April 2015 individuals aged over 55 will be able to withdraw as much of their UK pension funds as they wish. UK taxpayers will pay tax at their marginal income tax rate (above the tax free

lump sum). Here in France, the taxation of lump sums provides an attractive opportunity for you, and you could pay much less tax than in the UK. Changes already in place also provide the potential for more income.

Succession lawFrance imposes strict restrictions on who you can leave your assets to. Children are protected heirs; spouses are not protected. From August 2015 new EU wide regulations – “Brussels IV” – will allow you to elect for the laws of your country of nationality to apply instead. Note that French succession tax will continue to apply, so you should consider the tax position and seek advice on how to lower the liability for your heirs.

To help you make sense of all these changes and understand how they affect you and what the solutions are, I am giving a seminar presentation in Le Beugnon on 23rd October. I will be available at or after the seminar to answer your queries. I live in Deux Sevres, with an office in Niort, so have a deep understanding of the financial planning needs of expatriates here.

Summarised tax information is based upon our understanding of current laws and practices which may change. Individuals should seek personalised advice.

Changes Affecting Expatriates in Franceby Bradley Warden, Partner, Blevins Franks

Blevins Franks Financial Management Limited (BFFM) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK, reference number 179731. Where advice is provided outside the UK, via the Insurance Mediation Directive from Malta, the regulatory system differs in some respects from that of the UK. Blevins Franks Tax Limited provides taxation advice; its advisers are fully qualified tax specialists. This promotion has been approved and issued by BFFM.P

uS02

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AUTUMN SeMiNAr

With so many tax changes affecting British nationals in France, we separate fact from fiction. Our seminar covers forthcoming legislative changes in France and UK and explains how to enhance your current situation through strategic financial planning. Alternatively contact us to arrange a private appointment.

We will be discussing... � Succession law, tax and 'Brussels iV'

What do next year’s changes mean to you and your family?

� UK pension reforms How will they affect you?

� investment strategies Are you sure your investments match your risk profile?

removing the myths

Le BeUGNON (Near Secondigny) Thursday 23 October A La Bonne Vie Restaurant 10 for 10.30am until 12 noon

Book your place now by phone email or at www.blevinsfranks.com

05 49 75 07 [email protected]


How to Save Money as an Expat in FranceTurn the FX pain into gain

It’s easy to get swept away by the sweet smell of the wine and cheese or the charms of the towns when you’re hunting for a property. However, at some point, practical considerations will creep in - like how you’re going to transfer your hard-earned money to France to seal the deal on your dream home.

The world of foreign currency can be a strange and confusing place. If you’re making overseas transfers for the first time, it’s easy to get a bad deal or lose a lot of money without realising it, until it’s too late.

You might not know that, if you use your local or high street bank, you could lose thousands in transfer fees and unfavourable exchange rates.

Whether you’re securing a holiday home, making an investment, transferring your pension or salary you’ll be better off with an experienced currency transfer specialists. Companies like Currencies Direct have been helping people transfer funds abroad quickly, simply and cost-effectively for more than 18 years.

Using a specialist means getting a better exchange rate, and usually a lot less in fees and hidden charges. In fact, you could save up to 5% by choosing one instead of a high street bank.

Don’t forget that this applies for transfers back to the UK as well.Let’s talk savings.

Ask Amanda“Can you please explain to me when Capital Gains Tax is due on and how social charges are applied to my rental income & investments?”

I often get asked to explain how French Capital Gains Tax is applied and when and if they can expect social charges to be levied on their investments. These are two very interesting areas for expats:

Capital Gains taxA capital gain arises when an asset has been sold for more than it was originally bought for. For example if you originally invested £50,000 in a unit trust and now sell it for £75,000. Your gain is £25,000 and therefore has a potential liability for Capital Gains Tax. Different levels of relief apply depending on how long you have held this investment, so not all of the gain is subject to tax.

Capital Gains Tax is also due when a house is sold for profit which isn’t your primary residence. You may live in France permanently in rental property however, if you have sold your UK home and made a profit, this profit is subject to Capital Gains Tax in France. This applies even if it is the only property you own. Again there are different levels of tax relief depending on how long you have owned the property.

There are tax efficient investments and savings for expats that shelter your liability to capital gains and now you are living in France you should be taking advantage of them.

Social ChargesSocial Charges are applied to all income, irrespective of where it is earned. There are several exceptions to this, namely Government and UK State Pensions. If you rent out property in the UK, although you may pay your income tax in the UK you will have to pay Social Charges on the income in France. Social Charges also apply if you receive an income from savings, investments or a private pension.

There is a double taxation treaty in place which means you won’t pay income tax twice when you complete your tax return here in France but income tax should not be confused with Social Charges.

Social Charges can also be charged on certain Assurance Vies and this depends on the type of fund that you are invested in. If your Assurance Vie is invested in a Fonds en Euros, where growth is physically applied periodically, social charges will be due. This is not the case on several other Assurance Vie options, where social charges are only levied once a withdrawal is made and only apply to the gain proportion of the withdrawn amount.

If you have existing investments, whether in France or in the UK, it is worth contacting me to chat about the most tax efficient way to hold your savings and keep the tax you pay to a minimum. Whether you want to register for our newsletter, attend one of our road shows or speak to me directly, please call or email me on the contacts below and I will be glad to help you. We do not charge for the reviews, reports or recommendations we provide.

With Care, You Prosper. Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Lausanne, Paris, Cote d’Azur, Barcelona, Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Madrid, Mallorca, Rome. «The Spectrum IFA Group » is a registered trademark, exclusive rights to use in France granted to TSG Insurance Services S.A.R.L. Siège Social: 34 Bd des Italiens, 75009 «Société de Courtage d’assurances» R.C.S. Paris B 447 609 108 (2003B04384) Numéro d’immatriculation 07 025 332 - www.orias.fr «Conseiller en investissements financiers, référence sous le numéro E002440 par ANACOFI-CIF, association agréée par l’Autorité des Marchés Financiers»

by Sue Cook

Savings speak louderIf you were to buy a property in France for €150,000 and transfer the funds with your bank, it would have cost you £128,025 (the bank’s exchange rate being 1.20, plus the £25 cost of the transfer fee and receiving fees of 1-3% of the euro amount).

However, the same transaction with Currencies Direct would have cost you £120,000 (by eliminating the transfer and receiving fees from the picture, and using a much friendlier rate of €1.25).

By knowing your options and choosing a foreign exchange specialist instead of your bank you could be saving £ 8,025. That might be enough to redecorate your new home. Or a maybe get a new little left hand drive car.

Now, that’s something worth considering.

Rates on 07.02.2014


“I have the typical problem in France, that my husband and I want to leave assets to each other and then to our two families in equal shares. We have already been advised to set up ‘Contrats d’Assurance Vie’, to solve the problem for our capital. Will these still be valid under UK Law?”

Your question demonstrates just how many “grey areas” still exist as to the potential consequences of using the new European succession rules and choosing UK law.

You have effectively arranged for your husband to receive your invested capital, while ensuring that it will ultimately be divided between your children and step-children, in the percentages you require, with little or no inheritance tax. You have done this through your ‘beneficiary clause’ under French insurance law.

It is logical to assume that this should still be valid, since, under French law, the benefits of life assurance investments are taken outside of your estate and so are not governed by a Will. However, UK law, which you plan to use to govern your inheritance, does not recognise ‘beneficiary clauses’ and the beneficiary of a life assurance policy is normally your estate. In theory, therefore, the policy could be reintegrated into your estate, meaning that your stepchildren would end up paying the 60% tax you have managed to avoid.

It is too early to tell how this (or other areas of conflict between the two laws) will be dealt with in practice. However, it is vital to remember that French solutions to inheritance problems do exist.

Moreover, the new rules could have unforeseen consequences and it is vital to take expert advice before writing a new Will.

David Hardy is Regional Manager of Siddalls France, Independent Financial Adviser, specialised in tax, inheritance, pension and investment planning for the British community in the Poitou-Charentes since 1996.

David Hardy, Siddalls FranceTel: 05 56 34 75 51 ~ Email: [email protected]

www.siddalls.fr

by David HardyFuture European Succession Rules and ‘Contrats d’Assurance Vie’

agio (m) - bank chargeancien solde (f) - previous balanceassurance (f) - insuranceassurance-vie (f) - life insuranceassuré - insureds’assurer - verb - to take out insurance assureur (m) - insurer bancaire - bankingbanque (f) - bank

chèque (m) - chequechèque de banque (m) - banker’s draftchèque sans provision (m) - bounced chequechèquier (m) - cheque bookcode confidentiel (m) - PIN numbercode guichet (m) - branch codecompte (m) - accountcompte à terme (m) - deposit accountcompte bancaire (m) bank accountcompte courant (m) - current accountcompte d’épargne (m) - savings accountcrédit hypothécaire (m) - mortgagecrédit relais (m) - bridging loan

découvert (m) - overdraftdépôt (m) - deposit

endosser - verb - to endorse a cheque

impôt (m) - tax

monnaie (f) - coins/change

prélèvement (m) - direct debitprêt personnel (m) - personal loan

reçu (m) - receiptrejeter un chèque - verb - to bounce a chequerelevé de compte (m) - bank statementremise (f) - remittanceretrait d’argent (m) - withdrawal of money

solde (f) - account balance

taxe foncière (f) - property taxtaxe habitation (f) - habitation tax

virement (m) - bank transfer

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Bressuire - Gateway to Deux-Sèvres

At the heart of the Vendée bocage - that patchwork of farmlands criss crossed with hedges and woods which stand to the south of the Loire at the northern end of Deux-Sèvres, is the ancient town of Bressuire.

Clinging to the banks of the river Dolo, its low houses are roofed with convex tiles. Sights include the 15th century Eglise Notre-Dame as well as its ruined château, burnt down during the Revolution, now replaced in part by a Troubador-style building.

With easy access to the châteaux of the Loire, Atlantic coast and some of France’s largest tourist attractions (including Puy du Fou), Bressuire provides an extremely attractive lifestyle option with shops, supermarkets, lycée as well as its important agricultural market. And then there are the many events held locally each year which include a motoring Grand Prix. It is also home to the French Highland Games - although caber tossing is not something one would normally expect to see in rural France!

Local Leggett Immobilier agent, Zena Sabastini (pictured right), enthuses about life here: “the micro climate is second only to the Côte d’Azur and there’s so many things to see and do, historic towns, markets, wonderful eating and sunshine, what more do you need?”

Just 14 kms from Bressuire, Zena has listed an attractive country property which still retains original features (Ref: 39911ZS79). It has four bedrooms - two upstairs and two down - lounge with high ceiling, a feature fireplace and doors to the garden, separate dining room and spacious kitchen. While in need of some cosmetic ‘refreshing’ its reduced price of 136,000€ reflects this. The property also includes two garages, wood store and shed with many mature trees and plants in its garden.

Slightly closer to Bressuire is a charming longère (Ref: 41348ZS79 shown above) for sale at 214,000€. Arranged around a large courtyard - house to the right, garages and store room to the left; further on are two barns. This beautifully renovated property has large windows throughout. Its expansive lounge dining room has French doors; a newly-fitted kitchen is a real boon. Currently with three bedrooms, this property also includes an apartment - ideal for guests! The attic could easily contain a further three to four bedrooms and bathroom. The patio pool area is very private and its gardens beautifully maintained.

by Joanna Leggett

Leggett Immobilier is one of the leading estate agents in France. You can access all our

local property listings at www.frenchestateagents.com/poitou-charentes-property

the deux-sèvres monthly - october 2014

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