the deux-sevres monthly - january 2013

THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY

CONTENTSWelcome! to Issue 23 of ‘The Deux-Sèvres Monthly’ magazine.

Well, firstly let me say “Happy New Year” to you all. Let’s hope it is a healthy and prosperous one!

For Rob and I this month, it will be a quiet time. After the bustle of Christmas AND the stress of finishing the barn in time...we certainly now need some time to rest and enjoy our new space. January also is a time for us to think about what

we would like to do and see in the coming year, and to plan the next stage of renovations! (Yes I know -‐ we are mad!)

I hope you all enjoyed plenty of festive cheer and have lots of New Year resolutions to think about... Have a lovely January.

Email: [email protected] or Tel: 05 49 70 26 21.

THIS MONTH’S ADVERTISERS A La Bonne Vie (Restaurant)......................................................................Ace Pneus (Tyre Supplier & Fitter)............................................................Affordable UK Designs (Kitchens & UPVC D/Glazing)...............................AKE Petits Travaux (Builder)......................................................................Alan Pearce (Plumbing & Heating)............................................................Andrew Longman (Plumber).....................................................................An English Nursery in France (Garden Centre).........................................Antiquites Decoration & Galerie du 309...................................................Blevins Franks Financial Management Ltd................................................British Mobile Mechanic (John Purchase).................................................Burg European Removals..........................................................................Cafe Cour du Miracle.................................................................................Café des Belles Fleurs................................................................................Caniclôture (Hidden fencing).....................................................................Charente Hair & Make Up.........................................................................Chris Bassett Construction........................................................................Christies (English Book Shop and Tea Room)............................................Consultus Care & Nursing Ltd...................................................................Cottage Services (Garden Maintenance)..................................................CSB Construction.......................................................................................Cut 46 (Hair Salon).....................................................................................Dave Bowring (Electrician)........................................................................D J Maintenance (Handyman)...................................................................David Watkins (Chimney Sweep)..............................................................deVere Group (Financial Advisors)............................................................Energie-‐79..................................................................................................Fresco Interiors (Interior Design)..............................................................George Rayner Computers........................................................................Glass 2 France (uPVC Windows & Doors).................................................Glynn Chubb (Carpenter / Joiner).............................................................Hair by Janet..............................................................................................Hallmark Electronique (Electricians & Sat. Engineers)..............................Heather’s Pet Care Services.......................................................................Homes in France (Estate Agent)................................................................Insink Plumbing.........................................................................................James Harris (Plasterer).............................................................................John Etherington (Home and Garden)......................................................John Snee (Groundworks & Septic Tanks).................................................John Spray Maçonnerie (Stonemason).....................................................Julie’s Cleaning Services............................................................................La Deuxieme Chance (Annie Sloan chalk paint supplier)..........................La Joie de Vivre..........................................................................................Leggett Immobilier....................................................................................Le Relais Délice (Restaurant).....................................................................Magnetic Double Glazing..........................................................................Man & Van.................................................................................................MB Plumbing & Building Services.............................................................Michael Glover (Plasterer, Renderer & Tiler)............................................Michael Hobson (Painter & Decorator).....................................................MKR Mobile Beauty...................................................................................ML Computers...........................................................................................Mutuelle de Poitiers Assurances...............................................................Nathan Foster Building Services................................................................Pamela Irving (Massage & Reflexology)....................................................Pascale Matéo (French Lessons)...............................................................Pause! Cafe l’Absie.....................................................................................Philip Irving (Mini Digger hire)..................................................................Poitou Property Services...........................................................................Premier Autos -‐ Mike Lane (Mechanic).....................................................RDK Roofing & Building Services...............................................................Restaurant des Canards.............................................................................Rob Berry (Plasterer).................................................................................Robert Walker Plomberie (Plumbing, Heating, Air con)...........................Ross Hendry (Interface Consulting & Engineering)...................................Satellite TV (Nigel Gubb)...........................................................................sarl Down to Earth (Groundwork & Construction)...................................Siddalls (Financial Advisors)......................................................................Simon The Tiler..........................................................................................Spectrum IFA Group (Amanda Johnson)...................................................Steve Enderby............................................................................................Sue Burgess (French Courses & Translation)............................................Taylor Electricté.........................................................................................The English Mechanic & Son -‐ Tony Eyre...................................................Total Renovation Services (Michael Dominey).........................................Tracey Bowring (Hairdressing & Nails)......................................................Traducteurs Assermentés sarl (Sworn Translators)...................................Val Assist (Translation Services)................................................................VMP & Steve Reid (Windows & Doors)....................................................Vendee Pools.............................................................................................

Emergency Numbers:15 SAMU, Medical17 Gendarmes, Police18 Pompiers, Fire

112 European emergency113 Drugs and alcohol

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<<The Deux-‐Sèvres Monthly>> est édité par Sarah Berry, La Bartière, 79130, Secondigny. Tél: 05 49 70 26 21. Directeur de la publication et rédacteur en chef: Sarah Berry. Crédits photos: Sarah Berry, Clkr et morgeufile.com. Impression: Raynaud Imprimeurs, zone industrielle, BP13, 79160, Coulonges-‐sur-‐l’Autize. Dépôt légal: janvier 2013 -‐ Tirage: 4 500 exemplaires. Siret: 515 249 738 00011 ISSN: 2115-‐4848

© Sarah Berry 2013. All rights reserved.Material may not be reproduced without permission. While care is taken to ensure that articles and features are accurate, Sarah Berry accepts no liability for reader dissatisfaction. The opinions expressed and experiences shared are given by individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the publisher.Please ensure you verify that the company you are dealing with is a registered trading company in France and/or elsewhere.

à plus, Sarah.

What’s On.......................................................................................................4Hobbies, Clubs & Associations.......................................................................5Getting Out & About......................................................................................6Take a Festive Break......................................................................................14Health, Beauty & Fitness..............................................................................15Our Furry Friends..........................................................................................18The Great Outdoors......................................................................................20French Life, Food & Drink.............................................................................22French Adventures.......................................................................................25Motoring.......................................................................................................26Communications...........................................................................................28Building & Renovation..................................................................................29Business, Finance & Property.......................................................................35

Annual Subscription.If you would like to receive a copy of ‘The Deux-‐Sèvres Monthly’ magazine by post each month, please complete this form and send to La Bartière, 79130 Secondigny. Please enclose a cheque to cover postage for the year.28€ within France, 18€ to addresses in UK.(Unfortunately the cheaper ‘printed papers’ rate cannot be applied to addresses within France, only when sending abroad)

Full Name:Postal Address:

Please make cheques payable to SARAH BERRY.

Postcode: Country:

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Monthly services in the English speaking Anglican Church in the Vendée:

Puy de SerreAll Saints, Vendée holds two services each month, on the 2nd and 4th Sundays at the church of St. Marthe, Puy de Serre, at 11am. After each service, tea and coffee is served in the parish room and everyone is invited to a ‘bring and share’ lunch.

Other services are held in the west of the Vendée, in La Chapelle Achard and La Chapelle Palluau. For details of these, please check the website: www.allsaintsvendee.fr

English speaking 2012 Christmas Services across the Poitou-‐Charentes:Best wishes for 2013 from all of us at the English speaking Church in the Poitou-‐ Charentes! We hope you will join us for some of our services and social events this year. We hold church services every Sunday across the four departments of the Poitou-‐Charentes. We look forward to welcoming you. For further informaeon please take a look at our website www.church-‐in-‐france.com or speak to Valerie on 05 49 97 04 21

JassayThe Chaplaincy of Christ the Good Shepherd, Poitou-‐Charentes, has a Home Group Service at Jassay commencing at 11.00am on every 2nd Sunday in the month. It is held at the home of Ann White, a warm welcome awaits everyone for a time of worship and fellowship.St LegerThe Chaplaincy of Christ the Good Shepherd, Poitou-‐Charentes, also holds services on the 1st Sunday of each month at 10.30am at St Leger near Melle. After each service, tea or coffee is served and an opportunity to meet other people in the area.ParthenayThe Chaplaincy of Christ the Good Shepherd, Poitou-‐Charentes, also holds services on the 4th Sunday of each month at 10.30am in the Presbytery Rooms, rue de la Citadelle, Parthenay, opposite St Croix Church. After each service, tea or coffee is served and everyone is invited to a 'bring and share' lunch.

A VERY WARM WELCOME awaits you at ESCOVAL (The English Speaking Church of the Valley of the Loire). Communion Services are held on the 3rd Sunday of each month at La Chapelle de la Bonne Dame de Ranton at 11.30am followed by a Bring and Share lunch. Full details of how to find us may be found on our website at: www.escoval.org or please telephone us at: 05 49 66 79 14. Our GPS address is 46˚59'25.30 N 0˚02'06.22 W.

What’s On... January2013

Contact ‘The Deux-‐Sèvres Monthly’

La Bartière, 79130, Secondigny.Telephone: 05 49 70 26 21

or email: [email protected] see our website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr

New Year’s Day (Jour de l’An)Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques)Labour Day (Fête du travail)Victory in Europe Day (Fête de la Victoire)Ascension Day (Ascension)Pentacost (Pentecôte)Pentacost (Lundi de Pentecôte)Naeonal Day (Fête Na@onale de France)Assumpeon of Mary (Assomp@on)All Saint’s Day (Toussaint)Armistace 1918Christmas Day (Noël)

Tuesday 1st January..........Monday 1st April..............Wednesday 1st May..........Wednesday 8th May.........Thursday 9th May.............Sunday 19th May..............Monday 20th May.............Sunday 14th July...............Thursday 15th August.......Friday 1st November.........Monday 11th November...Wednesday 25th December.

The National Holidays, Religious and Feast Days 2013

1st January -‐ HAPPY NEW YEAR!3rd January: Quiz and Fish & ChipsAt the Bar La Cabane de Vouhé, Vouhé. Starts at 7.30pm. Please call 05 49 64 15 31 to book.9th January -‐ La Joie de Vivre sale starts!10th January -‐ Trader’s DayAt Pause! Café, L’Absie. Please see advert on P.24 for details.17th January -‐ NALA Team QuizIn aid of Nos Amis les Animaux (NALA), at Le Chaudron, Chantemerle, 8pm. Maximum 6 per team, entry 2,50€ per person. Fish & Chips available from the bar from 6pm. (Huge thanks to Cheryl Appleton and Isabelle & Benoit for the quiz and venue).18th January -‐ Quiz and Curry NightTrivia quiz with Cheryl, 8pm at Café des Belles Fleurs, Fenioux.19th January -‐ Live Music NightGeoff & Helen play live at Café des Belles Fleurs, Fenioux at 8.30pm. Please see their advert on P.22 for more information.24th January -‐ Chinese EveningAt A La Bonne Vie, Le Beugnon. 4 course buffet style meal starting at 7pm. Please find more details on P.23.30th January -‐ Elementary PC Course. ‘All About Email’A PC course covering: Online webmail or email client (Where is Outlook Express?), How to create Signature blocks and Disclaimers, Sending Email to multiple recipients -‐ Creating Email groups -‐ Privacy -‐ hoaxes!, How to Attach files and photos etc and Using folders to organise your emails. Cost: 15€ for two hours from 10am to 12pm at Pause! Café, L’Absie. Hurry! Only 8 places available. To book, please email: [email protected].

Paperback Jan Books in English 2nd Jan: Cafe Cour de Miracle, Vouvant. 2.30 -‐ 4.30pm3rd Jan: Bar le Palais, St Aubin le Cloud. 2 -‐ 5pm3rd Jan: Bar La Cabane de Vouhé, Vouhé. 6.30 -‐ 8pm*4th Jan: Bar de la Paix, Thouars. 12.00 -‐ 2pm4th Jan: Le Tipsy Bar, Coulonges-‐sur-‐l’Autize. 4 -‐ 6pm6th Jan: Café des Belles Fleurs, Fenioux . 2 -‐ 4pm10th Jan: Pause! Cafe, L’Absie. 2-‐ 5pm11th Jan: Jan’s home, La Ferrière-‐en-‐Parthenay. 11am -‐ 4pm12th Jan: Cafe Le Chauray, St Maixent l’Ecole. 10.00am -‐ 1pm30th Jan: Le P’tit Bar Boucard, Ménigoute. 4pm -‐ 6pm31st Jan: La Joie de Vivre, Moncoutant. 2pm -‐ 5pm

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

*+ Quiz & Fish and Chips

http://www.church-in-france.com/

http://www.church-in-france.com/

mailto:[email protected]



Alone in France? We are a group of people living alone in the L'Absie area who meet regularly for coffee and lunches. We meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 11am for coffee at the Pause cafe in L'Absie. Our lunches are at different venues each month. There's a warm welcome if you'd like to join us. More details from Frank 05 49 69 80 47.

Association Meridien GreenWe are an Anglo-‐French group which was founded in 2001 for mutual understanding of each other's language and culture. We meet twice weekly in the Salle des Associations in St Coutant, 79120. The best way to find out more is to visit our website -‐ www.meridiengreen.asso.fr or contact Maureen Dalby: 05 49 29 94 50.The name of our group comes from the fact that St Coutant is on the Greenwich Meridian!

Hobbies, Clubs & Associations...

The Filling Station Poitou-‐CharentesMeetings at The Little Stone Church, 14b Avenue de d’Hôtel de Ville. 79110 Chef Boutonne. ALL WELCOME. Interested to find out more? Please view the website: www.thefillingstation.org.uk or contact Mike Willis 05 49 87 89 16. [email protected] Filling Station, Vendee SouthMeetings at La Grange, 39 rue du centre, Thouarsais Bouildroux 85410. Tel Chris & Julie on Tel: 0960 497850.

Franglais ThouarsThe Thouars ‘Franglais’ group meets every Wednesday from 19.30h to 21.00h, in the Association’s centre at 7 rue Anne Desrays, Thouars, for conversation in English and French.We welcome those of all nationalities who would like to participate. Either come along to see us one evening, or contact us at: Mobile: 06 52 21 92 34 ~ Email: [email protected]

The Harmonics based in the Salle d'Annexe behind the mairie in Civray. We meet each Wednesday from 2.00pm to 4.00pm. No experience necessary just a willingness and commitment to learn. We sing all sorts of music, from stage and screen, gospel, classical, country songs, madrigals and in several languages, whatever the music dictates. We are a small and friendly group who would love to meet you. Contact: Dolly Ait Boualou:05 45 22 89 32 / email [email protected] or Margaret Gomersall on 05 49 48 09 02 / email: [email protected]

Book Group....meeting 2nd Thursday of the month from 3pm at Christies Tea Room & Bookshop, Gençay, 86160.Take a look at the Book Group page on the website: www.chezchristies.com for more information.

Secondigny Running Club...Put the bounce back in your step.Join our friendly and supportive running group.All abilities welcome.Email Kelly for more details: [email protected]

LA CHAPELLE GAUDIN CRAFT GROUPWe are a small group of ladies who are keen to meet other like minded people to form a craft circle. All crafts are welcome -‐ needlecraft, paper craft -‐ anything goes!If you are interested, please contact HELEN AURELIUS HADDOCK: [email protected] or join us on FACEBOOK

I speak English and 4 other European languages (all self taught) and I am looking for somebody to speak face to face and by telephone to practice my English. I live in Chauray, 79180Please contact me by email: [email protected]. or by telephone: 06 47 33 74 34.International journalist, Consultant for unemployed seniors and professional speaker.

Beginnersʼ Dance lessons: Rock ʻnʼ Roll: Fridays at 8pm.Cha Cha Cha & Waltz: Mondays at 7pmSalle Leo Lagrange in Parthenay.For details of other classes and social events contact: [email protected] or call Chris on: 05 49 94 20 23

Through the Lens GroupLocal photography group who meets on the last Monday in each month to chat about all things photography! New members welcome. For further information contact:Ian Gawn: 02 51 00 84 52 or Brian Preece: 05 49 72 09 94

Les Amis Solitaires

We are a group of people living alone in France. We meet up for coffee mornings from 11am.1st Tuesday: The Gallery, Civray (coinciding with market day).Every 2nd & 4th Thursday, The Lemon Tree, Sauzé Vaussais.Every 3rd Thursday, Le Bistrot Centrale in Ruffec. More details from Gwen Shepherd 05 49 87 91 79 or email [email protected]

Le Tallud Boules en bois are offering sessions every Wednesday from 16h to 18h from April through to September

2013 at the parc de Loisirs, Le Tallud. Everyone is welcome to come and play or learn the game of boules en bois. We have all the equipment, just turn up for half an hour or more for a bit of exercise and socialising. D e t a i l s f r om R o s ema r y W i l l i am s o n

2nd Sunday Motorcycle Clubwww.2ndsundayclub.fr

If you would like to attend our coffee mornings please contact us via the website........New members always welcome!

Open Door Lending LibraryOver 7000 fiction and non-fiction books and DVDsOpen Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from

10h00 to midday at 18 rue Pierre Pestureau, Civray (86400)Individual membership 6€, family membership 10€

www.opendoor-civray.com

Book Club Thouars. Do you enjoy reading a cracking good story? And talking to others about it? Do you live in north 79, south 49 or north 86? Come along on Monday 21 January at 2.30pm to the Bar de la Paix, Thouars (where Paperback Jan hangs out on first Fridays) and find out about a new club for readers of fiction -‐ current, classic, historical, crime & thrillers, sci-‐fi, romance you name it! Google Maps link: http://goo.gl/maps/hOcsK. Contact Alison Morton at [email protected] for more information.

http://www.opendoor-civray.com/

http://www.thefillingstation.org.uk/

http://www.thefillingstation.org.uk/











http://goo.gl/maps/hOcsK

http://goo.gl/maps/hOcsK


Getting Out & About...

Page 6

Local MarketsMondays:

Tuesdays:

Wednesdays:Thursdays:

Fridays:

Saturdays:

Sundays:

• Lencloitre (1st Monday in month)(dept.86)

• Lezay• Coulonges-sur-l’Autize• Thouars• Parthenay• Sauzé Vaussais• Niort• Thouars• Melle• Chef Boutonne• Airvault• Niort• St. Maixent l’École• Fontenay le Comte• Neuville (dept.86)

Pho

to: L

isa

Rob

erts

Mr T’s Friterie Plat à Emporter Traditionnel Britannique With regular venues at:• Aulnay (Open from 6pm) • Beauvoir Sur Niort• Gourville • LoulaySee www.frying2nite.com for details or call 06 02 22 44 74

* Please note Winter opening hours

Open 6.30-8.30pm*• Matha • St Hilaire de Villefranche• St Jean d’Angély

Reel Fish & Chips Traditional English style Fish & Chips We have no Fish and Chips venues this month. Instead we will be delivering ‘The DSM’ to the following places for collection at any time during the month.

*Bar Tabac PMU, Bouille-‐Loretz *Bar 'au bon accueil', St Martin de Sanzay

Tel: 06 04 14 23 94, or visit: www.reelfishandchips.net

*Shopi -‐ Argenton Les Vallees. *Bar Tabac -‐ Genneton

Fish 4 Chips Fish, Chips & mushy peas!

Closed Until 25th February 2013

Tel: 06 37 53 56 20, or visit: www.mobilefishandchipsfrance.com

La Vendee Chippy Traditional Fish & Chips in France!

La Vendee Chippy will be Under New Management from the New Year. Venues will resume as normal in February 2013.For more info please email: [email protected]

Colour A

dvert Size B

only 38€ per m

onthor from

33,33€ per m

onth for 12 m

onths.


VIVA LAS VEGAS!When I decided to organise a charity cabaret evening, I had forgotten what a huge amount of work it can be. Back in August I persuaded my good friend Nigel Skinner to come along and perform at a charity cabaret in aid of the French and UK Hemochromatosis Societies.

He was very willing, and I thought to myself "Great -‐ job done!".How wrong I was!

In my past life in the UK, I had worked alongside a team of willing parents raising funds for our daughters' school, and quickly learned that as a one-‐man band, this was going to be a much harder job to get organised than I originally thought.

My first huge blunder was I had managed to book an evening that coincided with the Reaction Theatre's performance, plus not one, but two local quiz team events! If that wasn't bad enough, there were a myriad of reasons why most people I knew could not come along. It started to look a bit grim. There was a point along the way where I thought I may have needed to cancel, but then my brother -‐in law stepped in and saved the day. He is our family "Imagineer" and from that point, took the helm and steered me in the right direction.

We advertised the event through my network of local contacts, who in turn handed out leaflets and posters in their respective activity circles -‐ line dancing, gardening club, book club, and so on. It was a real revelation to see how organised the Deux-‐Sèvres ex-‐pat community is! Sarah Berry was a darling and put in a fabulous ad into The DSM which we used as a template for the tickets and posters, which helped raise awareness in the area as well. Our Maire organised a leaflet drop for the entire village too.

Anyway, back to my brother in law.........He is not a man to think on modest scales, whatever the budget. He was soon ordering smoke machines, red carpet, and enough ice to encase a mammoth. My worries grew as I spent more and more, praying that I wasn't going to make a loss on the event.He then suggested I ask the "LIFT" ladies to lend us some of his more bizarre requests, and as ever, Zena Sabestini came up trumps, first with a pair of patio gas burners (don't ask!) and then a decent sized ice machine. I began to think that we may just pull it off.

The 24th November came around soon enough and a very small team of us gathered at the Salle de Fetes and we spent the entire

day giving it the "Las Vegas" treatment. The effect was stunning -‐ we had a proper stage with backdrop and lighting, a colour themed seating area, balloons in their hundreds and a bar festooned with ice buckets crammed with beer, sparkling wine and the like, which were eagerly to be taken to tables by our bistro-‐style waiters, headed up by my daughter and nephew.

All we needed now were our audience, and we were not to be disappointed. Everyone turned up, and we had a large number of walk-‐ins too. The music started, the bar opened at it was game on.

Nigel was joined by local artists, Three Plus One, and soon everyone was dancing to the excellent music on offer. Our intermission saw the serving up of around 150 home made British style pies, made by my Mum and sister, which were devoured with enthusiasm. There was

also a raffle of exciting prizes ranging from a case of vintage wine to a set of acrylic nails. Nigel's sets really added that final soupcon of Las Vegas magic to the evening and gave us his best performance to date amid the swirl of the smoke machine and the disco-‐style lights.

The evening came and went all too quickly and was an enormous hit. At the time of writing we have raised 1200 euros, but donations are still coming in.

It would be impossible to thank all those who gave their time, donations and money to make this first event such a success, but you know who you are, and I am so very grateful to you all.

If you would like to learn more about hereditary haemochromatosis, or would like to give a donation to this event, please follow these links: www.everyclick.com/vivalasvegas , www.hemochromatose.fr and www.haemochromatosis.org.uk

by Helen Aurelius-Haddock

Photos:-Below: The salle decorated Las Vegas style. Above right: Guests enjoying the live music Above Left: Nigel getting started.

Page 7


Bonne Année. C’est le Nouvel An.

So why Bonne Année but le Nouvel An? What is the difference between «un an» and «une année»?

«An» is a unit of time used with cardinal numbers. «Année» emphasises the duration and can be used with adjectives and ordinal numbers. It is more descriptive.

So we say he is 6 years old «il a 6 ans» but that his brother got married in his twentieth year «son frère s'est marié dans sa vingtième année». We say «chaque année» (every year) and not «chaque an». Either of the two words can be used with prochain, dernier, nouveau. With any other adjective the only choice is «année».

Similarly we can use «matin»/«matinée», «soir»/«soirée», «jour »/«journée». The masculine words «matin», «soir» and «jour» refer to the units of time. The feminine words «matinée», «soirée» and «journée» refer to the whole length of time of the morning, evening or day.

«ce soir, je fais...» This evening I am …. and we would use «Bonsoir» as a greeting. However if you are saying goodbye to someone at the beginning of the evening and the evening is still young, you can hope they will have a pleasant evening and wish them «bonne soirée».

You would say «j'ai passé une très bonne soirée» (I've had a good evening) and not «un bon soir».. «matin/matinée» work in more or less the same way. We say «ce matin, je vais au marché»: (this morning I am going to the market). «Matin» is an indication of time. We say "la matinée est belle, il fait chaud" (it's a beautiful morning, it's hot).

When someone wishes you a “bonne journée” they are hoping that you will have a good day, all day long.

And here's something else:«l'année» goes from 1st January to 31st December. «Un an» is a twelve month period which may not run from January till December. When you have been here a year, you can say «je suis là depuis un an» even if you arrived in May and it is now the end of April.

«Jour – Journée» «Le jour» is the day on the calendar. «La journée» is 24 hours which do not necessarily coincide with the beginning of the day. «une journée de travail» (a day of work) can begin at 9am and end rather late. «Bonne Nuit!»

by Sue BurgessVocabulary / Vocabulaire

L'an dernier / l'année dernière, j'ai étudié en Espagne..............................

Last year I studied in Spain (the second one implies you stayed all year)

Le Nouvel An se fête dans le monde entier, et on se dit "Bonne année !"............

The New Year is celebrated all round the world and we say “Happy New Year”

trois ans, mais trois années difficiles.................

Three years but three difficult years

une année bissextile......... a leap year

une soirée.......................... a festive evening / party

L'année civile..................... the administrative year (Jan – Dec)

L'année scolaire................. the school year (Sept – July)

Une année compte 365 jours....................................

A year is 365 days long

La fin de l'année................. The end of the year

Souhaiter la bonne année..................................

To wish someone Happy New Year




or email: [email protected]

Letters for the ToiletAt a classy restaurant, this request got the whole table laughing. Marcela, whose first language is Portugese, asked the waiter for some "water with gas" (água com gás). We had some very silly ideas about how we'd get some gas into that water for her!

Denis was (and still is) renovating his house and he asked David (a friend) if he'd help "monter la cuisine". Dave has a back problem and said he'd help with painting or anything else, but not to "monter la cuisine" up any stairs. Even though it was more urgent to "monter la cuisine" (the plumber was due that afternoon) and although we couldn't figure out how assembling the kitchen would be any harder on his back than

painting, Dave insisted and got on with some painting outside. We all had a good laugh when he came inside and realised that this time "monter la cuisine" meant assembling it, not carrying it up any stairs.

Maybe you have a short, funny story of misunderstandings in French to be printed in a future issue? If so, please send them by email to Peter: [email protected].

Notes from the NorthI wish you all a Happy New Year.

The results from the Poppy Collection Boxes from the Northern Area of the Linazay Branch of The Royal British Legion are now available. The Poppy Appeal Coordinator counted all the boxes from the branch, and the amount raised in the North was €780.84.

This amount is a year on year increase, and we would like to thank all the Poppy Collectors for collecting the donations, and also all those of you who contributed to this fantastic amount. Every cent will make a difference.

2012 was a very good year for those of us who worked hard and raised funds for The Royal British Legion, without you we could do nothing, and your support has been impressive.

Once again, on behalf of The Royal British Legion -‐THANK YOU.

Terri Laverick

UPDATEAssociation AidezSupporting French

Local CharitiesWe, the committee, would like to thank everyone who came to our Christmas Market in Terves. It was a great success and we have raised over €1000 for the French Red Cross.

As usual it was opened by our Mayor Monsieur Dufes, who is always so supportive. The café did a roaring trade all day and the mulled wine again sold out early in the afternoon!! We had made double quantities this year! The raffle has made a lot of money and also had many more prizes. Father Christmas came in the afternoon and he had many little visitors, each one receiving a gift. This year we were very pleased to have the 'Key Notes' (a group of singers) who entertained everyone with some lovely carols.

So all in all, a good time was had by everyone, and we have already received emails from stall holders thanking us and saying how much they enjoyed the day, one even said it was the best one yet!! We look forward to seeing you all next year on Sunday the 8th December 2013!

UPDATE

For a full list of our advertising rates, please phone 05 49 70 26 21 for an

advertising pack or download from our website:

www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr




page 10

presents‘CALENDAR GIRLS’

by Tim Firth at Secondigny & La Châtaigneraie 2013.

Reaction Theatre is delighted to report that, following the limited release from September 2012 for Amateur Performance of the stage production of ‘Calendar Girls’, we will be performing the play in Secondigny at the end of April 2013 and in La Châtaigneraie early May 2013. So make a note in your diaries NOW!

The original Producers of ‘Calendar Girls’ are aiming to break into the GUINNESS BOOK OF RECORDS and establish the record for the most productions of a play in a calendar year, at the same time raising money for LEUKAEMIA and LYMPHOMA research.

Reaction Theatre will also be following the tradition of creating and marketing its own Calendar, the profits from which will be donated to these charities.

So the idea is to join together and be a part of record breaking history whilst raising money for a great cause. Please support Reaction Theatre in its record breaking and charitable aims by coming to one of our productions and buying one of our calendars!

AUDITIONS for the production will be carried out during January by our director, Tony Murdoch and our Producer Vernon Bouch. Reaction Theatre members will be individually advised of the date, venue and time for the auditions. Anyone interested in joining Reaction Theatre and taking part in this production should contact the membership secretary, Sue Blair by email: [email protected] 2013 annual membership fee is 12€ per person.

We also have two other groups available to members:-‐ The “Keynotes” singing group and “The Art Scene” our new art group. Membership of Reaction Theatre entitles all members to attend all three groups or whichever group you may be interested in. The Keynotes and The Art Scene meet in Secondigny every Friday and you would be very welcome at any or all of the groups. A bargain at only 12 euros a year.

I will be providing a monthly update on the progress of all our groups in this column and would welcome your comments and suggestions -‐ who knows you might be tempted to come along and join us, let me know if you are interested.

John Blair, email: [email protected]

COMPLIMENTARY CARE (AND HOW TO ACCESS IT)

By Martin Searchfield (Cancer Support Deux Sèvres)

One of the indirect situations that Active Listeners of Cancer Support Deux-‐Sèvres (CSDS) encounter when visiting and listening to clients is the question of what they have to do when they need social care or, how do they or their carers acquire equipment that will aid their recovery and make their home environment a safer and more manageable place to live.

The French Health and social care system is no different to the National Health System in the UK, in that it is in everyone’s interest that a patient’s aftercare is likely to be more rapid if undertaken at home rather than in hospital. This, of course, depends on the individual’s circumstances.

Every year the French health and social care departments designate a week in which they highlight these issues and last time it took place during the 15-‐19th October 2012. The generic name for this week is ‘Semaine Bleue’ (Blue Week). In our area the Conseil Generale Deux-‐Sèvres (in conjunction with all relative supporting organisations) put on events around the region highlighting health/social care services that are available to everyone and how they can be accessed.

To this end the Pays de Gâtine (Parthenay) organised a forum for English speakers to inform them of recent changes at CPAM and what social care provision residents who are over 60 years of age can receive, free of charge.

At this last meeting, the first speaker gave a first-‐hand account of the social care provision she and her husband received when her husband was due to leave hospital. This included help as nursing care and help around the house, which allowed the speaker to attend to her husband’s needs more directly. This list was not exhaustive and was set up well in advance of the gentleman leaving hospital. The speaker and her husband have had, and continue to have, a very positive view of the care they have received. This system is tried and tested and each patient’s needs are dealt with on an individual basis and are in place immediately the patient leaves hospital.

Where a patient has not been hospitalised the first and most important point of reference is your family doctor, because without an ‘ordnance’ (prescription) from him/her nothing can be accessed.

This good news story was a telling opening for the next speaker who came from Les Centres Locaux d’Information et de Co-‐ordination gérontologique (CLIC) des Deux-‐Sèvres. This organisation along with other satellite offices throughout the region, specifically, Bressuire, Thouars, St. Maixent L’Ecole, Niort and Melle, deal directly with the social needs of all residents. The forum was informed that once CLIC is informed of a social care need, a meeting is organised with a social care assessor and the precise needs of the client are discussed.

This was a very informative briefing and allayed a lot of the concerns of the audience as there were few questions afterwards. To assist people there are relevant website addresses at the end of this article. Please remember these organisations are primarily there for all residents so when speaking ask if it is possible (where necessary) to speak to someone in English. It is possible they have staff who can speak English, so be patient.

All clients/patients needs are quite specific to them and their families but all the facilities and equipment are available if you go about it the right way. Remember, speak to your doctor first (if not hospitalised) and where possible, pre-‐empt the circumstances.

Useful website addresses : www.gatine.org and www.clic.reseau.gatine.fr

I’d like to say a big Thank You! to the ‘Through the Lens’ group for agreeing to be our front cover photographers for the coming year. I’m looking forward to seeing what images they will capture for us!

This month’s photograph submitted by the group, taken by Ron Houghton, perfectly sets the scene for the cold, wintery month of January.

Keep warm everyone!


The SOE Westland Lysander of 161 Squadron that got stuck in the mud. Perigne, Deux-Sèvres November 1943.

Following my article in The Deux-‐Sèvres Monthly (November 2011) that looked at ‘Operation Scenery’ in 1943. This now remembered at the Museum, RAF Tangmere, West Sussex which highlights this incident.

The forward base at RAF Tangmere was almost 100 miles south of RAF Tempsford (161 Squadron’s main base), which enabled the Lysanders to fly deeper into France. The pilots were billeted at Tangmere Cottage, opposite the main gates of the RAF station and partially hidden by tall hedges.

A painting commissioned by Gavin Hooper, the son of the Lysander pilot Robin Hooper, and painted by the well known artist and poet Douglas Littlejohn depicting the scene showing Adolphe Fournier’s attempt to free Robin Hooper’s Lysander from the mud at ‘La Prairie’ with his bullocks ‘Julot’ and ‘Fridolin’.

Unable to extricate the stricken aircraft the pilot was forced to destroy the instruments and set fire to the plane to stop it falling into the hands of the Germans.

After the war Robin Hooper, a career diplomat, was knighted. Sir Robin Hooper KCMG, DSO, DFC former Ambassador to Athens died at the age of 74.

Lewis Hodges the Lysander pilot, who brought Robin Hooper back from France, was also knighted and became an Air Chief Marshal. The picture only came to my attention following my researches into all of the Lysander operations in the Poitou-‐Charentes and seemed particularly appropriate to follow up my previous article. The artist Doug Littlejohn has been of invaluable assistance in putting me in touch with Gavin Hooper and he has presented a limited edition print of ‘Operation Scenery’ to Madame Monique Trillaud in memory of her father and his gallant efforts to retrieve the well-‐ and-‐truly stuck Lysander in the landing zone of ‘La Prairie’ just south of Perigne. A sign by the roadside can be found at the landing zone today, a little the worse for wear, but remembering the incident for future generations.

An original photograph, dated post war, depicts the two bullocks ‘Julot’ and ‘Fridolin’ -‐ the latter renamed ‘Papillon’ to avoid complications and embarrassment with the Germans as the name was a putdown term for the ‘boche’ and in common use during the German occupation.

Douglas Littlejohn has painted a number of pictures highlighting the Westland Lysander in missions over France.

With thanks to Douglas Littlejohn for permission to use his painting and to the assistance of Monique Trillaud, Adolphe Fourniers daughter of Perigne, and the RAF Museum at Tangmere.

Main image below: Painting ‘Operation Battering Ram’ by Douglas Littlejohn

Right: The painting ‘Operation Scenery’ by Douglas Littlejohn

Above: Doug Littlejohn, the artist & Robin Hooper’s son, Gavin.

Above: The sign at the landing zone as it can be viewed today at Perigne

Above: ‘Julot’ and ‘Fridolin’ Above: RobinHooper

by Tony Barrett

Page 11


News from the Pays de Gâtine! Back in September 2007 Mr Favreau, the President of the Pays de Gâtine, asked me to come up with some ideas to broaden the help that the district council was offering to newcomers.

So I started asking people for ideas and one of them suggested getting together a group of volunteers to act as a ‘think tank'. Various people of different nationalities (Norwegian, Dutch, French and British) were asked if they would be interested and a group was formed; rather grandly named The European Working Group. Today it is made up of: Annie Emmett (Oroux), Jenny Harfield (Vasles), Rebecca Sewell (Fenioux), Kate Sangster (86), Richard Bowe (Champdeniers) and Steve Collins (Clessé) who bring fresh ideas and respond to initiatives from the Pays de Gatine. We meet every 6–8 weeks and we have held meetings entitled “Finding employment”, “French Succession Law and Tax”, “Who to turn to when over 60 and where to get financial help”. We've also organised presentations by the Airport at Poitiers and by Futuroscope. On the ideas front we've just started a “Nattering Network” (for people who might feel isolated or lonely) and we've put together an “In Case of Emergency” leaflet, which gives details of who to contact and what to say in an emergency. In addition we have run ‘Franglais’ which brings French and English people together to learn something of the language and culture of each others country.

In 2013 we are hoping to hold meetings on the following subjects, and further information will be sent out in good time :

• A presentation of The French Fire Brigade and the new laws – by John Hoyland.

• For Job Seekers – How to go about looking for work in the Gâtine

• Child Care and Schooling• The annual Associations and Press Meeting• Blue Week (Oct 2013)

If you have further ideas or would like to help, do contact me.

Finally, we would like to wish you all the best for 2013!

by Julia Salvat

Julia SALVAT, Pays de Gâtine. Tel: 05 49 64 25 49 ~ Email: [email protected]

Website: www.gatine.org

Fire Safety in the HomeHello there, this is the second article from me and this time I would like to go into some of the safety measures that either you have forgotten or maybe were unaware of!

I will start by asking you to think of Fire Safety in 2 parts.

1. Risk. Take a walk around your property & look where possible risks lie. 2. What if. As you go around start thinking “what if a fire started here....”

Electricity and Gas are the obvious risks. What I will say is don’t take things for granted that they will ALWAYS be safe. Many of you will have had some major work carried out; no problem, but don’t cut corners on quality (price yes, quality NO).

If your circuit is fairly old but is safe then do NOT overload it!!!Kettles & tumble dryers are greedy. Check & watch the meter and if any fuses are getting warm switch one off for a while.

With gas be careful! Check the dates of FLEXIBLE connection tubes. It is very easy to overlook as years go by! I found one the other day in a friend’s house over 3 years out of date. They corrode and deteriorate with time. Think of all types of appliances including BBQs.

If you are having any plumbing work done ALWAYS have a bucket of water near the work place -‐ a quick splash if the blowtorch goes wrong and it will save so much heartbreak.

This list is not by any means exhaustive, there are so many ways fires can start. One final word: Candles! Very popular these days -‐ please make sure that when you blow them out fragments do not fly off and have a clear space all around and above.

As you walk around doing your risk check think about what if a fire started just here. What would I do? How can it be controlled? and more importantly, how do I/we get OUT?

First, buy and fit a good smoke alarm. Correctly sited they are invaluable. They give you warning, thus time. I cannot stress enough the importance of having one, particularly if you live in an isolated rural property.

by John Hoyland. Next, Make an escape plan, discuss it with other household members, and look for an ALTERNATIVE to the usual route. If you have children in the house they may well have done a project at school so get them involved. If you decide on a certain window being a good alternative, check what’s below it and think through the escape. A soft landing is ideal (bedding, clothes etc.) and hang by your arms, don’t sit and jump!

At present the Fire service in the Department cannot make home visits as in the UK, but they can give you information leaflets & brochures. A brochure has been produced in English on how to call the emergency services, “In Case of Emergency” with very good information. You can get it from the Pays de Gâtine website (www.gatine.org), at Fire Stations and at the Mairies. Plenty of advice in English can also be downloaded from from www.directgov.co.uk website under FIRE.

If you have any problems, please contact me via this magazine.

Above: This is when a detector would operate

Above: Fire at 2 mins

Above: Fire at less than 4 mins. No chance of survival

Page 12

http://www.gatine.org/

http://www.gatine.org/


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

Self Publishing with expert helpLooking at DIY publishing last month, I touched on some of the tasks: full copy edit and proofread; professional cover; formatting and typesetting; designing the interior; ISBNs, registrations, Nielsen listing; getting a print version stocked in bookshops; uploading on to the various platforms (Kindle, Nook, iBooks), electronic and physical book distribution; running your own marketing and sales campaign.

If you don’t want to take that lot on board, there is another way. The book marketplace is fiercely competitive. Very few writers, even established ones, have all the talents to publish their book without outside help. The absolute minimum recommended by successful self-‐publishers is a professional edit and a well-‐designed cover. Using an expert for these two will bump your sales up a few notches, but then there’s all the other stuff.

Paying a publishing consultant or a reputable publishing services provider (PSP) is like recruiting an invaluable ally. The author pays the PSP to publish the book like a traditional publisher does. But instead of the publisher buying all the rights to an author’s work and paying a 7-‐10% royalty on sales, the author retains all his or her rights and profits.

Good PSPs will offer a range of packages from the straightforward or economy package to a full tailored service. Many offer single services such as editing if you don’t want to have a complete package.

The author is shown at all times as the copyright holder. This is extremely important. If you are paying somebody else to do the donkeywork for you, on no account should you cede any rights in any agreement you sign. The only thing you are granting the PSP is a non-‐exclusive licence to publish your book. Anything else compromises your position.

Using a PSP is not vanity publishing. Vanity publishers will take anything, however badly written, as long as you are willing to pay. After production, print and submission to online booksellers, anything more is an additional paid add-‐on, even the production of the essential e-‐book. There are good PSPs and there are not so good PSPs. The professional ones act like traditional publishers in that they won’t accept every author who comes to them waving a manuscript. As a filter, many PSPs stipulate a full manuscript assessment before providing a quotation.

How to find a good company? Ask other authors and search reputable forums. Consult The Independent Publishing Magazine (http://www.theindependentpublishingmagazine.com/) which scrutinises and scores all types of self and independent publishing support. Research books published by these providers: what is the quality of the paper, is the text tiny or squashed on to the page with no margins? Does the cover scream ‘amateur’ or is it well-‐designed? Can you read the back cover blurb? Are the front cover fonts easy on the eye and clear?

Signs of a good PSP:• Taking time to hear about you, your work, your target market• Full range of professional services delivered by qualified and experienced staff

• Proven track record of commercially viable books• A clear quotation• Willingness to put you in contact with existing clients• A website that is book-‐oriented, not services oriented

Next month...You have your book in your hands -‐ now what?


YOUR Book Reviews...

‘Adieu La Vie’ by Peter Robert Scott

It is an old adage that history is written by the victors. Personal history, especially when driven by the need for self-promotion or emotional stability, is often pushed to the back of the mind, then through retelling is subsequently edited and refined in a manner that enables its owners to survive and continue with their lives. This is especially so after times of chaos and great destruction.

Set in the remote villages of Western France in the weeks running up to the new millennium, Peter Robert Scott’s engrossing novel focuses on the reluctant return of Bernard to the village he has long-forgotten. When his brother’s widow, normally so unassertive, shows signs of instability and one day tries to stab an old man in a local nursing home, Bernard returns to help care for her.

He has no memory for the old days, no desire to remember them, but in the final days leading up to the millennium he is forced to recollect the defeat of 1940, his capture and imprisonment in Germany and the uncomfortable memory of Simone, the young woman he left behind. Coerced by his sister-in-law, Bernard soon finds himself caught in a confusing web of long-buried hope, love, deceit, vengeance and double-dealing.

At the heart of the story lies an examination of the complexity of survival, shattered hope and the simple human need for emotional connection. Nothing is black and white: neighbours and friends become unrecognisable, the Germans can also be human and in a scramble for survival, long-held allegiances are discarded.

Adieu La Vie is not only a good read, it is well-written and researched and educational too. A good book to read during the cold grey days of winter.

Adieu La Vie is published in English and is available in paperback (£8.12) or in Kindle Edition (£2.68) on Amazon.fr or Amazon.co.uk.

Thank you to Carolyn Lawless for this month’s book review...In fact, a review of a book highlighted in last month’s issue.

Alison Morton writes alternate history thrillers, blogs about wriFng and Romans at hHp://alison-‐morton.com/blog/ and is a member of the RomanFc Novelists’ AssociaFon and the Society of Authors. Her debut novel, INCEPTIO, will be published in March 2013 by SilverWood Books.

We would love to show more of YOUR Book Reviews. If you would like to share one with us,

please send it on an email to: [email protected]

http://alison-morton.com/blog/

http://alison-morton.com/blog/


Across:7. Wizard raptor? (6)8. Fairytale ending for amphibian? (6)10. The Queen embraced by stones; an apt description of them? (7)11. The Spanish following modern kind of post. (5)12. Remove it from a positive balance to get respect on the street. (4)13. Fast collection of vessels? (5)17. The part of a weapon that comes between lock and barrel? (5)18. I am missing from seat; making the tea? (4)22. Easily losing head in express without being specific. (5)23. Slaters crafted a simple product. (7) 24. Very good coin in new style of moulding. (6)25. Girl includes radical aid in drug treatment. (6)

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Across:8. Mountainous republic on the Bay of Bengal. (5)9. A larva of a frog. (7)10. Skillful at eluding capture. (7)11. Deep yellow colour (5)12. Deep crevice or fissure. (8)13. Reject outright and bluntly. (4)15. Unit of length. (4)17. Make effective from an earlier date. (8)21. Within. (5)22. Nupeal ceremony. (7)24. Military structure where arms are stored. (7)25. A grass border along a road. (5)

Down:1. Wind instrument (4)2. Covered passageway between shops and stalls. (6)3. Alphabetic letter in upper case. (7)4. A force that produces strain on a physical body. (6)5. An ultimate standard. (5)6. A pin used in lace making. (6)7. Awful. (8)12. Detached, unemotional. (8)14. Jump from an airplane. (7)16. Theatre where films are shown. (6)18. At all times. (6)19. Building where birds are kept. (6)20. A thin mortar used to fill cracks between tiles. (5)23. Great merriment. (4)

Sudoku Corner...Easy Challenging

With thanks to M.Morris

www.prin

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uzzles.com

Down:1. Unusual high honour given to nation results in warm welcome. (7)2. Major’s ideal accompaniment to warm beer, it is famously quoted. (7)3. Very large vessel is fit for the bin? (5)4. Metal turned up in remarkable trek turns out to be a mere bauble. (7)5. Owl, for example, found in woods now yielding good cover. (5)6. Touchy before being very tactile. (5)9 & 19. Comparatively dark setting for 2 down? (2,5,2,5)14. Kind of power needed for not going anywhere? (7)15. Redesigning red hats to make fashionable garb? (7)16 Here is something that you might donate. (7)19. See 9 Down.20. Crooks found by private eye following direction to very special conclusion. (5)21. A number in the street could be put in a vessel if an intervention is needed. (5)

Take a Break...

Toughie Crossword

DSM Easy Crossword

THE DEUX-SÉVRES MONTHLY

Nurses in your doctor's surgery (cabinet)

Some of you may have noticed that there are nurses working in your doctor's surgery; others may have had consultations with the nurse. These nurses work within an association called ASALEE, (Action de Santé à Liberale En Equipe, Liberal Medecine Action as a Team in english ). The nurses are known as IDSP, loosely translated as public health nurses.

The association was started by two General Practitioners, based near Parthenay, in 2005. They recognized an increasing need for health education, coupled with the growing demands of the clientele and also difficulty in recruiting new general practitioners (GPs) to work in the country, away from the bigger towns and cities.

The main objective is to improve the quality of patient care by delegating certain tasks usually only done by doctors, to specially trained nurses, thus freeing up the doctor's time for more complicated care.

ASALEE started as a trial with three nurses and has now expanded to over 35 nurses, which will increase to about 100 by the end of 2012. These nurses are based in surgeries all around France.

To begin with, the main remit of the nurses was health education and follow up for type 2 diabetics. However, it has now expanded to encompass other chronic diseases, (heart disease, pulmonary disease and cognitive function) as well as an input in the screening service. There is a future project for home monitoring of 'high risk' patients, which will involve placing devices in the home that will allow the patients to monitor their condition. The readings will be sent directly to the nurse via information technology.

The nurses work within specific protocols, which are approved by the HAS, (Haute Autorité de la Santé, National Authority for Health in english). They have an initial, as well as ongoing training, as the role is continually expanding and changing.

So what do these nurses really do?Their main role is centered around health promotion and health education. Health education helps people better understand their condition, improves their health and can reduce health problems in the future. The nurses give advice, help and follow up with the management of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, but also

with the prevention of other illnesses, such as heart and pulmonary disease.

The consultations can last around 45 minutes, and are free. The frequency of follow ups are determined by the nurse and patient, according to their needs. Home visits are possible for those patients who have difficulty in getting to the surgery. Most nurses try and see all the diabetic patients from the practice at least once a year, or more frequently. Careful monitoring of diabetes and other chronic illness can reduce the need for hospital admissions, particularly emergency admissions, and can reduce the length of stay in hospital, should it be required.

Lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) is one of the biggest factors in the prevention and management of illness. Any guideline published by health researchers cites this as the first treatment to be tried.

Exercise and dietary changes may reduce the risk of developing diabetes and heart disease, may slow down the progression of these illnesses and may also help in the management of raised blood pressure, raised cholesterol levels and some cancers. The diagnosis of a chronic illness, such as diabetes, means a lot of information and education is necessary. This is much easier to assimilate in small doses. Regular follow up consultations can help with motivation as well as monitoring. Lifestyle changes are not easy without some form of support and encouragement.

The nurse can offer advice on stopping smoking and can screen for some pulmonary problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), using a test called spirometry. ASALEE nurses also offer cognitive testing; this is usually described as 'memory tests'; The aim of these are not necessarily diagnostic, more a way of monitoring possible cognitive and memory problems by doing the same tests at regular intervals. In this way, memory problems can be monitored and treated early, with possible support put into place before any difficulties arise requiring more urgent interventions.

In addition, the nurse also works with the patient records, by ensuring that all checks, blood tests or other examinations, are programmed and 'alerts' are posted in the notes so the doctor can ensure his patient is up to date with any investigations or screening (for example mammography or smears).

Just over a year ago, I was lucky enough to be given a job as an ASALEE nurse. Having worked as a practice nurse in the UK, I was interested to see how this would translate in France, with their very different health system. It has required a certain cultural change for the patients as well as the GPs as they are unused to having nurses in the practice and the patients are not used to not paying for a consultation, let alone a consultation with a nurse!

I divide my time between surgeries at Moncoutant and Bressuire. It is certainly not practice nursing as we know it in the UK, possibly that model of primary care would not fit in with the French health service, but it is a beginning. In the summer of 2012, the HAS gave ASALEE nurses the right to sign prescriptions for blood tests and investigations. ASALEE nurses are the first nurses in France to have that right and I am very proud to be a small part of it.

by Deborah Loughran

Health, Beauty & Fitness...


Hair and Make Up with Samantha & Emma A New Year is here and once again we are sure you’ll all agree, the first thing we do is write an endless list of New Year’s resolutions. Emma and Samantha have come up with some simple ideas to kick start your new Hair and Beauty regime for 2013.

Samantha says...1) Go straight out and treat yourself to a new mascara. It is important to change your mascara every three months to make sure you get the best out of your product and for hygiene reasons. When applying mascara always wiggle the brush at the base of the lash to create more volume.

2) If you don’t already exfoliate your face I would recommend you exfoliate at least one morning a week. It is important to do this in the morning as that’s when there are the most dead skin cells. This will give you a more radiant and fresh looking skin and allows your moisturiser to penetrate deeper.

3) For a fresh start for your make up application refresh your make up brushes by giving them a wash in some baby shampoo. This will help rid any build up of old make up and bacteria. Always leave make up brushes to dry flat and naturally.

Samantha’s recommended product: Yves Roche Ultra Sexy pulp mascara. This is currently -‐50% off until 31st December 2012.

Emma says...1) I would also suggest clearing out the old

brushes and starting with new. Check your brushes to see if the bristles have snapped or if there is product build up. If there is then it’s time to purchase a new brush. I recommend a classic Denman’s style brush which lifts the hair without adding kinks or tangling, then finish off using a paddle brush to smooth.

2) It’s time to start your New Year with a new You. Why not have a restyle or add some colour and start your New Year as you mean to go on. When choosing your new look always seek honest and professional advice, so that you can maintain your style yourself and ask your hairstylist to show you how to achieve your desired look.

Emma Recommended product: L’Oreal Elvive Triple Resist Hair Mask available at most supermarkets.

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Namaste.Now you are seated comfortably and you have a breath with an easy ratio of 1:1, you can take your awareness to the movement of breath at the nostrils. Feel

t h e b r e a t h move at the nostrils, be involved. After some time move your awareness to the throat, feel the breath move in the throat; once you have mastered this you can try to contract the glottis so a gentle soft snoring sound is created.

Keeping the body still and easy, the glottis gently contracted, the breath being physically moved long and deep with a ratio 1:1, you are creating the Pranayama Ujjayi. Remember not to strain but be concentrated. Count your ratio ie 5 in and 5 out, observe all other phenomena, thoughts, feelings, body sensations etc and enjoy...om tat sat.

Classes at ‘Maison pour tous’, L’Absie. 7pm - 8.30pm and Salle de millenaire, rue

saint roch, Largeasse. 7pm - 8,30pm

Contact Rysz for more info: 06 42 35 97 11

A-Z of the Communes of the Deux-Sèvres.

LA CHAPELLE-LARGEAULa Chapelle-‐Largeau is an ancient commune situated in the North West of the Deux-‐Sèvres, at the point where the département of the Deux-‐Sèvres joins Maine-‐et-‐Loire and Vendée. The commune has been associated with the commune of Mauleon since 1973. In 2011 La Chapelle-‐Largeau boasted some 1065 inhabitants known as Chapelais.

The history of La Chapelle-‐Largeau begins in the 5th century with the development of evangelism. In the West of France, people grouped together to pray in «Chapelles». Little by little, these “chapelles” became places to live, «capellas», under the authority of larger centres, the abbeys, which depended on the lord of the manor.

About 400 AD, Jean de Saint Offrange ruled the area. In 1246, the Capella was under the authority of the Abbey of the Trinity founded by the lords of Mauleon. In 1269, the Capella was named Capella Largea in honour of the first prior. In 1283 the village was re-‐baptised Capella Largeau. About 1300 the name changed again to Capella Largent and then to Notre Dame de la Chapelle Lorgeail. The name La Chapelle-‐Largeault was finally adopted in 1434, the spelling has changed a little since then.

Geographically speaking the commune is different from other communes. It is 12 km long but only 3 km wide. The town is found in the middle. The commune is situated between the Nantes-‐Poitiers route nationale and the sloping banks of the river l'Ouin. La Chapelle-‐Largeau is found on a sloping hillside. Steep sided valleys

and small hills form an accidented relief. The highest point of the commune is situated at 180m above sea-‐level in the villages of La Guérivière, L'Audonnière and La Roche Galouin. The lowest point of the commune is La Basse Gelousière.

For a long time, the commune was an important site for the extraction of uranium. 665 tonnes of the mineral were mined, not far from the town centre, between 1958 and 1970.

LA CHAPELLE-POUILLOUXLa Chapelle-‐Pouilloux is close to Lorigné, Melleran, Mairé-‐Levescault and Clussais-‐la-‐Pommeraie. There are 202 inhabitants. The commune has a surface area of 8km square and is situated at an average altitude of 158m above sea-‐level.

A VOIR / MUST SEEThe small Romanesque church of Saint Junien has been completely restored. There are modern stained glass windows.

LA CHAPELLE SAINT-ETIENNELa Chapelle Saint-‐Etienne is a small village in the canton of Moncoutant. La Chapelle Saint-‐Etienne is situated at approximately 189 metres above sea-‐level. The inhabitants of La Chapelle Saint-‐Etienne are called Stéphanois and Stéphanoises. There were 320 inhabitants in the 2009 census.The church of La Chapelle Saint-‐Etienne was rebuilt in 1831.

by Sue Burgess

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

A-Z of the Communes in the Deux-Sèvres La Chapelle La -


Our Furry Friends...An Incredible Story Of Dedication To Animal RescueMinnie is one very lucky little kitten and Lynda & Trevor are two very dedicated Phoenix Foster Carers. When Minnie arrived on the scene, Lynda and Trevor were already caring for 23 cats and kittens, 2 horses and their own 8 cats and 2 dogs. Lynda is also Chair of the Initiatives Group and, at the time of Minnie's arrival, was also Membership Secretary.

With all this Phoenix experience, Lynda and Trevor weren't easily surprised and Lynda was not phased when she received a call to say that a kitten had been born in the caller’s garden, the mother had abandoned her and she was still attached to the chord. When the tiny scrap of life arrived, wrapped in a jumper, she was not only attached to the chord but also the placenta!

This was beyond Lynda's experience but she vaguely remembered seeing something like it on the TV. As it was a “do or die” situation she promptly sterilised her scissors, clamped off the afterbirth and cut the chord. Minnie was appropriately named and weighed in at just 93 grammes (less than 2 small chicken eggs).

Lynda and Trevor then began the exhausting process of raising this amazing little creature. She had to be kept away from the other animals so was installed in the guest room. She was fed by tiny bottle every 3 hours, including through the night, and Lynda shared the guest room with her for the first week. For the next 4 weeks, Lynda

and Trevor alternated nights with Minnie and didn't share a bed for the full 5 weeks. They couldn't understand why Lynda could sleep for the 3 hours between feeds, wake to the alarm and fed Minnie. Trevor, however, had a more difficult time with Minnie awake and asking for food. It dawned on them that Trevor’s snoring was keeping Minnie awake!!

As if all this wasn't difficult enough, Minnie developed an intolerance to the powdered milk and, although she was feeding, she was constantly pooing and not gaining weight. Lynda knew that full fat goats’ milk was the best solution, however the only source of this was a round trip of 50 miles. They then embarked on this journey every 4 or 5 days so that the milk could be given fresh. Minnie started to gain weight, after 5 weeks she was managing without feeding from midnight to 7.00am and at 6 weeks she weighed 311 grammes.

During this time, a friend of Minnie's finder was anxiously waiting to adopt her but Minnie was still very small at 6 weeks and was refusing to be weaned but aggressively biting the teat so that feeding was becoming difficult. Lynda was concerned that she wouldn't be big enough for her first vaccinations that would enable her to be adopted. These fears have been unfounded and the story has a happy ending. Minnie was 8 weeks old on 6th November and on 12th November she left for her new home in Brussels with her new “Mum” Catherine. We wish them both well.

Congratulations to Lynda & Trevor Atkins for their outstanding dedication and for saving Minnie’s life.

www.phoenixasso.com or find us on Facebook




by Pam Roberts, Phoenix Association

Minnie at 7 weeks

Minnie’s first feed

Small colour

advert only 34€

http://www.phoenixasso.com/



L’Association Galia is a recognized public utility aiding the adoption of dogs in the shelter of Fontenay Le Comte. We help dogs out of impound, found stray or abandoned to find new families.

Refuge de l'association GaliaChemin des perchées (ancienne déchetterie), 85200 Fontenay Le ComteTel : 02 51 52 06 19 or 06 28 18 13 72, [email protected]

This animal refuge in Saintes has more than 200 dogs and 100 cats seeking forever homes.

Refuge SPA de SAINTESroute des GAUTHIERS, 17100 SAINTES

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

Equine Rescue FranceWe are always looking for new members and we are in need of donations so we may continue to help equines in France. Please support the ERF.

Please contact the Equine Rescue on Tel: 05 49 48 27 91 or visit our website www.equinerescue.org

HOOF (Horse Orientated Open Forum)HOOF is open to anyone with an equine interest.

You do not need to own a horse! We meet about once a month for talks, visits etc. Interested?

Contact Jo Rowe on: 05 49 64 22 67 oremail: [email protected].

Mayday Mes Amis has been formed to help animals in need in l'Absie and the surrounding area. For more information please email: [email protected].

MAYDAY MES AMIS

APPEAL

Snoop Dog is an attractive male Papillon-‐mix born on 8th April 2011.

He has a friendly temperament and i s l i ve ly and interested in everything. He is good on the lead, enjoys walking, has a hearty appetite and is house trained. He is sociable with other dogs and is friendly towards people, trying very hard to please. He is vaccinated, chipped and is to be sterilised. Hope will ask for a donation towards vet’s fees incurred with Snoopy.

If you can give Snoopy a loving, permanent home please email Eddie Griffee on [email protected] or look at our website, www.hopeassoc.org.

Nos Amis Les Animaux 85480 (NALA 85480). Tel: 07 70 31 54 59 ~ Email: [email protected]

Phoenix AssociationRegistered charity to help abused and abandoned animals in France.

www.phoenixasso.com www.facebook.com/PhoenixAssociationFrance

AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION

LILY1 year old Tabby Girl

Sweet Lily is an affectionate little girl, who was sadly found abandoned. She loves people and a cuddle and really wants to be sitting with you by the fire

this winter!

She is currently in Phoenix foster care, and now all she needs is her own family to love her.

Please telephone Sharon 05 53 60 73 11 or email [email protected].

RASTA12 year old English Setter

Rasta is our ‘oldie but goldie’ girl! She is just gorgeous – gentle, affectionate, good with cats, dogs and children. She’s even been taken to a restaurant by her foster mum, who says she settled down and snored through lunch! Apparently she knows how to make good use of her ‘sad eyes’ for a treat! If you are interested in adopting Rasta, please contact Margaret & Gary by email: [email protected] or Tel: 05 45 30 10 39.

For other Phoenix animals available for adoption, please check out: www.phoenixasso.com or our Facebook page at:www.facebook.com/PhoenixAssociationFrance



http://www.facebook.com/PhoenixAssociationFrance

http://www.facebook.com/PhoenixAssociationFrance




The Great Outdoors...

Page 20

by Peter & Jenny Sebborn.Life on the Farm...Hi Folks. It seems a bit strange writing this before the festivities have begun but we hope you all had a good Christmas and are starting 2013 with a bang! Lets hope we all stay healthy and happy.

The middle of December brought with it the same problems as last year -‐ too much rain. Our barn flooded again -‐ despite the best efforts of the pump we bought after the last flooding episode (which by the way packed up just when we needed it most! But with many thanks to some very good friends who came to the rescue with extra pumps). Strangely the flooding happened on exactly the same day as last year -‐ make a note for the 16th December 2013!

We are often asked if we kept animals in the UK and people are usually surprised when we tell them we were office workers but with a desire to escape the rat race. Friends who knew us before our adventure to France are amazed that we eat our own meat. But when we explain that we know it’s had the best life possible and exactly what has happened to the animal from start to finish, they do understand our reasons, although most admit they couldn’t eat something they had raised themselves.

It is very hard work at times, especially the winter months, but we find it most rewarding and wouldn’t want to return to what most people refer to as “a normal job”. Having said that a monthly salary would be nice so I could buy that tractor I’ve been searching for!

We are usually very good at noting dates when certain animals go in with the respective partner, who is due when and keep an eye on things just in case of any problems. But for some reason we completely forgot Roo, our buck rabbit, was in with Dot, our Flemish Giant x New Zealand White doe. Jenny happened to walk past and noticed that Dot was pulling out her belly fur. This is usually a sign she is nesting and getting ready to have a litter. Jen quickly removed the buck from the hutch and within 10 minutes Dot was a mum again. Hows that for timing? Had Jenny delayed it any longer it’s possible that the doe would have given birth and dad would probably have killed them.

Talking of new arrivals, we now have 20 baby chickens. It’s a bit late in the year to be hatching but we are keeping them warm under a heat lamp 24 hours a day. After about 2 weeks in the incubator I candled the eggs with a torch. In a dark room if you shine the torch on to the egg using a cardboard tube (ok a toilet roll!) to direct the light you can see inside the egg to see if there is any sign of life. You

can usually see the embryo of the chick forming. Any eggs that are blind or unfertilized are removed from the incubator. From the 60 eggs we put in, 5 eggs we unfertilized and 20 hatched, not a great return but not the best time of year for hatching.

We are still awaiting the arrival of our first new lambs. We had a friendly bet with each other as to the date of our first arrivals but those dates have passed. We made the mistake of not putting a raddle on the ram to give us a better indication of the due date. Knowing our luck, Christmas Day is probably the most likely date along with Peggy our pregnant sow.

On our veggie plot the ground has been well fertilized with manure(something we have plenty of) and the ground will soon be rotovated in readiness for the polytunnel to go up in the spring.

As you know we regularly swap, barter and exchange so when the offer of a swap for some Ragondins (coypu) came our way how could we refuse? So what would we do with these giant rat like animals? “Cook it like rabbit” we were told. We haven’t yet been brave enough to try it but when we get the urge to try something new we’ll be making a game pie! Perhaps we will try it out on visitors.

December has seen several truffle markets taking place in the region so I thought I might tell you a little story to lighten your day. I had seen a programme on TV where a well known chef and smallholder had dug up something called a pig nut -‐ perfectly edible for humans. So when I found something that looked exactly the same I thought I would give it a try. I bit a small piece off only to find my mouth and tongue had swollen up to something resembling a baboons backside. Thankfully no lasting effect -‐ but perhaps next time I will double check before I take a bite!

Anyway, time to go, keep warm and dry and we will see you again next month with news on our new arrivals.

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


THE AMATEUR GARDENERHello and Happy New Year to everyone. I can't believe that all the excitement of Christmas is over and we are starting another new year. It's time to start thinking about the garden again even though it will probably be a bit too cold, wet or icy to do much this month.

During milder spells you will be able to plant out new trees and shrubs but in the meantime they will be quite happy to be kept in a frost-‐free shed with straw under and around the roots for protection. You will also be able to thin out dead and diseased branches from established trees & shrubs.

Mainly though in the cold weather you might prefer to put your feet up and plan your vegetable garden for next season. Did you realise that not all plants are happy neighbours? Here are some good and bad associations:

Vegetable Bad neighbour• Cauliflower Fennel, onions, tomatoes or strawberries• Cucumber Potatoes, radish, tomatoes • Courgettes Cucumber, potatoes • Lettuce Celery, parsley• Melon Cucumber, courgettes• Onions Leeks, peas, beans, cauliflower• Peas Garlic, onions, leeks• Potatoes Carrots, courgettes, onions, tomatoes• Tomatoes Beetroot, cucumber, fennel, cauliflower, beans

Vegetable Good neighbour• Garlic Beetroot, carrots, lettuce, leeks, tomatoes, • Peas Carrots, celery, cucumber, potatoes, radish• Pumpkins Sweetcorn, lettuce• Sweetcorn Cucumber, courgettes, leeks, peas, potatoes• Tomatoes Garlic, asparagus, basil, carrots, celery, spinach onions, leeks, parsley

What soil type do you have? Clay/heavy soil; Sandy soil; Silt soil; Loam; Peat soil; Chalky soil. This will have a bearing on what shrubs and plants flourish in your garden.

Clay soils are potentially very fertile as the clay particles hold nutrients in the soil. However, they also hold a high proportion of water which drains slowly. Clay soil takes longer to warm up in Spring than sandy soil. Clay is easily compacted when wet and bakes hard in summer with noticeable cracking on the surface.Sandy soils on the other hand have a high proportion of sand particles with little clay and therefore is classed as a 'light' soil -‐ easily drained and easily cultivated. These soils warm quickly in Spring but are low in nutrients which are quickly washed out by rain. Sandy soils also dry out quickly. They are often acidic.Silty soil is fertile, light and moisture retentive, but is easily compacted; Loams are a mixture of clay, sand and silt; Peat soil is high in moisture and organic matter and chalky soils are very alkaline.

To identify your soil type take a handful and roll it in your hands: Sandy soil has a gritty feel -‐ you can feel the sand grains within it but you will not be able to roll a sausage shape.Clay soil is sticky when wet and is easily rolled into a 'sausage'. It will become shiny if you rub with your finger. A light clay soil will not be as shiny and will not make a sausage shape quite so well.Silt soils have a soapy, slippery texture and will not clump easily.If soil froths when dropped into a cup of vinegar this indicates that it contains chalk or limestone and is lime rich.All soils benefit from the addition of organic matter with the exception of chalky soil. This soil is not suitable for ericaceous plants needing acid soil conditions. It is not possible to make a chalky soil acidic -‐ much better to choose plants that thrive in alkaline conditions.

So now I've given you something else to think about -‐ go on, put your feet up again, you know you want to .....

by Vanda Lawrence


French Life, Food & Drink...

by Jacqueline Brown.French Village DiariesWinter has arrived, the days are short, the trees are bare and the temperatures have plummeted, but am I down? Well sometimes, I have to admit, yes I am. It is at this time of year that my thoughts turn to comfort food. Gone are the vibrant coloured salads of summer that cheered up my plates with home grown delights, but have no fear for we have arrived at what I call ‘porridge and soup’ season.

What can be more comforting than the warm glow that radiates through your body after eating a bowl of hot, steaming porridge on a cold morning? I will admit to importing my porridge oats from the UK, as I like to buy them by the sack rather than the teeny tiny box that is all I can find at my local supermarket here, but I always make sure I am stocked up before winter arrives. Variety is the spice of life, as the saying goes, so I like to add a bit of something to my porridge. Last year I was lucky enough to still be picking raspberries at the end of November, they weren’t big or overly sweet, but a handful added to my morning porridge brought out the best in both ingredients. Other favourites are a sprinkling of cinnamon or a handful of dried fruit (I even managed to get a bag of dried cranberries this winter) added while cooking, or some fruit compote spooned over after cooking. I have to be honest and say I prefer a fruity porridge to a salty one, sorry to any Scottish readers.

Now to the soup, and I admit I have a bit of a thing about soup! Soup to me is a super food and not just because it gives me a perfect way of using up the summer glut of courgettes and keeps me warm in the winter. I spend my summer days concocting various flavours of soup that get stored in the freezer for winter lunches. They all start off the same way, a finely sliced onion sautéed in olive oil with some curry spices – my favourites are cumin, coriander and turmeric. Add whatever vegetables you have, diced, I usually use courgettes, squash or pumpkins, and just cover with water or stock (homemade chicken stock would be my preference) then cook until vegetables are tender. I always blend my soups, but the addition of a tin of pre-‐cooked lentils or chickpeas after blending gives it added body. To serve, a sprinkling of grated Emmental cheese and some bread and you have my perfect winter lunch.

Following the excesses of Christmas and the seemingly never ending Galette des Rois, porridge and soup provide the perfect New Year detox for comfort eaters. The high fibre and slow release of energy that balance your blood sugar means less cravings for snacks. I find porridge and soup with a sensible evening meal and a brisk dog walk every day will soon help me loose any additional Christmas kilos.

Page 22

All of Jacqui’s favourite recipes can be found on her website http://www.frenchvillagediaries.com.

http://www.frenchvillagediaries.com/

http://www.frenchvillagediaries.com/


Honey, why did you kick my head?A quick guide to hangover management

I suppose by now it’s no good my saying “go easy”. Or “drink water between alcoholic drinks”. Or “drink a pint of milk before you go to the party”. Well, you wouldn’t have listened anyway, chump, caught up in the ridiculous festive furore as you were, would you? Sorry to be so clanging at this time in the morning with your head in such a state, but strange as it might seem, I’m here to help.

I’m not going to pontificate like some crazed prohibitionist Presbyterian. What’s done is done. We have to get to grips with restoring you to the land of the living before those nice French neighbours come over and you start all over again.

First, rehydrate. Water, and as much as you can keep down, will unrasp the tongue and keep the brain from clanging against the cranium (this is the hangover). Any port in a storm, so from the tap is just fine, but if you have mineral water so much the better as it will give you added good stuff – this is not the time to get technical, just trust me.

Second, eat. One of my favourite morning-‐after quotes (yes, I collect them) is “Grease is the only cure for a hangover”. John Travolta? Olivia? Mais non – Cameron Diaz, and chaps, who are we to gainsay Ms Diaz? Full English if you can, grilled not fried. Otherwise toast, or anything that involves potatoes, eggs, pancakes. No coffee – this dehydrates you more.

The above will certainly serve you well, but there is an addition which will guarantee a smile on your face, the steadiest of hands and a spritz in your gait. I refer to Fernet Branca. I first drank this with an Indian lawyer in Hong Kong. I chose it from the drinks menu as it sounded quite light and jolly. Mistake: this, like my friend, is a serious chap.

Made in Italy for the last 200 years or so, Fernet Branca is alcohol based (around 40%) but infused with more things than your brain can take in right now, but including gentian, rhubarb, aloe, camomile, rue, angelica and saffron. It’s dark and oily and not something you really want to look straight in the eye. A cross between what your mum spooned down you after pinching your nose (it was considered a medicine during Prohibition in the States), crushed plants and bitter mud.

On a dark and foggy morning on the Via Veneto your hungover Italian buddy – all hungovers are buddies – will be taking his FB doshed into an espresso, otherwise known as a caffè corretto con Fernet. I suggest you take it neat as an atonement for the sins of the night before. If you can’t face that, mix with Coke.

Some suggest that FB is a lovely aperitif. Don’t worry, the men with white coats are on the way. But this concoction is a 100% guaranteed cure for naughtiness.

by John Sherwin

John Sherwin, French Wine ToursEmail: [email protected] ~ www.french-wine-tours.com

Page 23

Reader’s Restaurant ReviewsThank you to Ian McKay for this month’s Restaurant Review: L’Ecu de France, 2 rue Poitou, 79130 Secondigny.Tel: 05 49 63 29 94

L'Ecu was doing a pre-‐theatre special at 12 euros per person, so before the thrilling production of ‘The Thirty-‐Nine Steps’ we dined there early at 6pm. We had eaten there previously before another great production from the Reaction Theatre group and thought it great value – both the meal and the play.

We were a party of seven (would have been eight were it not for the vagaries of French motoring). No entrées, four of us had entrecôte and the three others had confit de canard as main course and various desserts from a choice of four or five.

We were served by a charming young waitress, who smiled throughout. With wine and a couple of soft drinks the bill came to around 96 euros, and that was after I had complained about the bill as they had only charged us for one of the two carafes of red we had actually had. Again it was very good value for money and particularly worth considering in conjunction with any future Reaction Theatre performance.

RESTAURANT REVIEWS...If you have positive restaurant experiences to share, we would love to print them here.

Please email to: [email protected] for inclusion into future issues.


January’s Recipe - BREAD & BUTTER PUDDINGHere’s a well known classic to keep us warm through winter!

Ingredients:• 85g softened butter.• 6 slices of thick white bread• 55g mixed fruit• 25g candied peel• 3 large eggs• 1/2 pint milk• 1/4 pint double cream• 55g caster sugar• Grated Nutmeg• 1tbsp Demerara sugar• Cream to serve

Method:-‐1. Preheat the oven to 180˚C / 350˚F / Gas Mark 42. Grease a baking dish (20 x 25cm approx.) with some of

the softened butter, and butter the slices of bread. Cut the bread into quarters and arrange in the dish, half overlapping.

3. Sprinkle half the fruit and peel over the bread and cover with the remaining cut bread quarters. Adding the remaining fruit and peel to the top.

4. Whisk the eggs well and mix in the milk, cream and sugar. Pour this over the pudding and leave to stand for 15 minutes. Sprinkle grated nutmeg over the top, finishing with some demerara sugar.

5. Place the pudding on a baking tray and bake for 30-‐40 minutes until just set and golden brown.

6. Remove from the oven and serve warm with some cream.

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French Adventures...

Page 25

Having been keen caravanners from way back, my wife Sue and I, together with our two children when they were younger, toured and holidayed in various parts of France for some 20+ years. We decided long ago that when the time came and the children no longer needed us to be around so much, we would like to retire to France and hopefully enjoy a warmer climate.

Last year that time arrived and we began house-‐hunting, primarily around the Deux-‐Sèvres area because my brother was already living near Secondigny. However, the property that took our heart was actually in Montournais in the Vendee just 15 minutes from the border with Deux-‐Sèvres. It is a 600 year old farmhouse with a modern attached Gîte, a nice patch of ground for our three dogs, and a character swimming pool. We moved into our new home and set about making the changes we wanted and preparing the Gîte for the first season‘s holiday makers. We are now preparing for our first winter in France, and whilst we are loving it and keep busy with jobs around the house, a little spark of something is missing. Let me explain.

I was a serving Police officer in inner city Greater Manchester for 22 years, the last 14 of them as a dog handler working a German Shepherd dog dual-‐trained in general patrol work and also in drugs detection. Eventually this led me to the training side of dogs and in 1992 I attended a Home Office Intermediate Training Course at Stafford which on successful completion qualified me to train all but explosive detection dogs.

Meantime Sue was kept busy working at a job she thoroughly enjoyed in a local primary school. Over the years she took on various roles culminating in her becoming a Learning Mentor for the last 5 years.

I was retired from the the Police service on health grounds in 1997. After almost 12 months recuperation I needed to work again and as my interest and expertise lay in working with dogs I decided to offer my services as a dog trainer. Two vets I‘d had contact with during my Police service agreed to display posters offering personal dog training services for owners with problem dogs. Within a few days the enquiries started to come in and this led to 14 years of home visits, classes, shows and Cruft’s displays. I also worked for a local RSPCA centre where a lot of animals were being returned for various reasons. To try to improve this situation each new owner was given vouchers to attend two of my classes and the stream of returns was almost immediately halted. My biggest reward came from seeing an alleged unruly dog and its owner leave my classes as a completely calm and obedient unit. I always felt so proud to see the dog walking nicely and the owner happy.

We have three dogs of our own, Albie (aka Bert) a 15 year old lab cross collie who decided to leave home when our married son‘s new baby arrived. Several times he escaped, travelled across town and arrived at our door around 2.30 am and barked until I went down to open the door, when he would shoot in, find a spot he liked and lie down to sleep. Eventually we told them to fetch his bed and he has been with us for the last 5/6 years.

Then we have Floyd the 11 year old Dalmation, who was a champion show dog until something went terribly wrong one day. We will never know what it was. He was re-‐homed after the disaster at the show but

unfortunately to the wrong family. They had three teenage children and within three weeks the new owner was contacting Dalmation rescue fearing Floyd would bite. He was diagnosed with Nervous Aggression.

Thankfully the contact at Dalmation rescue knew me personally. Within a couple of days and after discussing his case with Sue we took him on but it took quite a bit of work to turn him around. At that time he was about four years old and he is now 11 years old. Today he is a beautiful and happy, loving dog.

Finally, we have Holly, an English Springer Spaniel. She is now about four years old and as mad as a box of frogs! About four years ago I worked as a search dog handler on the ferry port at Calais and our role was to detect illegal immigrants who had hidden themselves in the loaded wagons trying to cross into England. Holly`s record was a find of 15 at one time in a loaded potato wagon. However, she was a young dog and injured her shoulder and was retired on health grounds. She needed a home and as I had been her handler for most of my time there the decision was easy. She is now fully recovered and doesn’t stop running and enjoys life to the full.

In 2003 I wrote a book together with my sister in law. We called it ‘Training Your Dog in a Weekend’. It was a big seller both in the UK and the USA and also sold around the world. Having spent a lot of years working with problem dogs as well as puppies and general family pets that needed guidance, it seems a shame to let that stop now and in the New Year I am aiming to restart training. Initially this is primarily for English speakers -‐ only because at this stage my French vocabulary doesn’t stretch too far. French lessons for me are to start in the new year!

For dog training classes, I already have the promise of one training venue near to St Hilaire de Voust. I also have the grounds and a really large barn that lends itself to indoor training in inclement weather at my own home at Montournais. Also if numbers are sufficient, possibly a venue at Secondigny courtesy of mon frere.

As I did in the UK I will also offer home visits where required.I am more than willing to discuss people’s problems or issues (dog related) and NO as I’ve often been asked -‐ I don’t train children!

I have been involved in competitions at the highest level throughout my working life, including the National Police Dog Championships at Hendon London where my dog Clint’ reached 10th place out of the best 32 Police dogs in the country. Then, whilst Prince Michael of Kent was presenting me with my certificate, he shoved his nose up HRH`s jacket and checked out the crown jewels!!! Which way to the tower?

I no longer compete, nor train to that standard, but what I like to see is a happy, carefree AND obedient dog. Why? Because an Obedient dog is a Happy dog. If we can resume the ‘spark’, I think our life here in France will be complete.

For any information please contact Keith Davis on Tel. 02 51 63 92 08 or email [email protected].

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by Helen Tait-‐Wright

Motoring...

SMILE, it’s a 500!For January I decided that in order to raise a smile in the dark days of winter, I would look at the history and modern incarnation of an iconic little car with bags of charm and character, that you can’t help loving.

Built as an economy car and originally launched in 1957, the “Cinquecento” or Fiat 500 has become a legend, and was extremely popular throughout Europe. It was a cheap, very basic and practical town car, measuring only 3 metres long, and originally powered by an appropriately sized 479cc, two cylinder, rear mounted air-‐cooled engine.

Indeed the 500 redefined the term "small car" and is considered one of the first city cars. The 500 was produced in various incarnations until 1975, and sports models were produced by Abarth, a private Italian racing car maker.

The all round capabilities of the diminutive little car were demonstrated in July 1958 when 7 examples contested and won the first and only Liège-‐Brescia-‐Liege Rally for cars up to 500cc. After battling through this almost non-‐stop 3300km event, over testing dirt-‐road passes in the Italian Dolomites and Yugoslavia, the 500’s took 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 9th and 13th places, and showed their exceptional durability as only 13 of the 29 starters actually finished the rally.

A Fiat 500 is also believed to be the smallest car to complete a world circumnavigation. In 2007, a 1969 example was driven from Australia, taking in Russia and Europe (to arrive in Italy in time for the car’s 50th anniversary celebration) then after crossing the Atlantic from Belgium, the car started again from New York to travel all the way to Alaska before returning to Australia -‐ 32,000 road kilometres in just 99 days.

For the 50th Anniversary, Fiat launched a new 500, stylistically inspired by the original but with modern technology and considerably heavier and larger, featuring a front-‐mounted engine and front-‐wheel drive. This hugely popular “retro” model saw one of the biggest launch parties held for a car in the last 10 years, and the millionth example rolled off the production line on 19th November 2012.

With many Limited Edition models and over 500,000 different personalized combinations of the 500 that can be made by adding all kinds of accessories, decals, interior and exterior colours and trims, the model seems to appeal to a great many people, and Abarth have once again made a performance version.

This new 500, of which my step-‐daughter Abbie owns an example, is right up to date with the demands of a modern girl about town, with parking sensors, MP3-‐compatible stereo, power-‐assisted steering and electric mirrors, room for 3 friends and some shopping, respectable fuel consumption and low running costs. And of course it is a style statement, and “very cool”, I am assured! Abbie’s favorite accessory is eyelashes for the headlights, to give that already cheeky face the proper girlie treatment!

So, if you have 10,400 Euros of Christmas money burning a hole in your pocket, you can buy into this craze at your local French Fiat dealer, or look for a cheaper used example around the 7000 Euro mark. If nothing else, it will bring a smile to your face!

Contact Helen at: [email protected].

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4L TROPHY – MCS RACINGHi! My name is Keenan Dominey, I am 19 years old and live in Les Alleuds, near Melle. I go to Lycee Emile Roux at Confolens and am studying BTS Expert Comptablility (Accounts). My co-‐driver is Stephane Millassaud, he is 21 years old and doing a Faculte de Sciences Economiques at Poitiers University.

To be able to take part in this rally, we have to be between 18 and 28 years old, both be in full time education and we must have driving licenses and passports. There are 1700 students registered to take part and we shall all be leaving from Futuroscope in Poitiers.

Our rally number is 2185 (which is on French television if you would like to follow us!) I have bought a 1980 Renault 4L as shown in the photograph and hope to get enough sponsors to cover the car in sticker advertising. If you would like to advertise on my car please contact me.

The car is not currently roadworthy for the desert, so we will need to modify it before we go...The addition of tow hooks, clamping the bonnet down so that it does not blow up whilst driving, fitting desert-‐tyres and also a snorkel to stop the sand getting into the engine! The Controle Technique is booked for January 12th, and with lots of help from my Dad, we hope it will be up to Rally standards.

In the next issue, I hope to have more sponsors and that the car will be ready for the rally.

Keenan Dominey,MCS RACING, 8 rue de la Violette , Chaignepain, 79190 Les AlleudsTel : 06.29.72.33.94 ~ 05.17.23.13.43Email: mcs-‐[email protected]


What’s New For Your PC ? Windows 8, First ImpressionsIn October 2012 Microsoft launched its new operating system -‐ Windows 8. Many people have asked me about it and should they upgrade, what are the benefits and more importantly how difficult will it be to get used to the new system?

I have now had some time to research and use Windows 8 and my overall feeling is that it is a big improvement over Windows 7 in terms of performance and security. Things run much faster on Windows 8 and the built-‐in security features will offer far more difficult targets for Malware to attack you. Of course, you will still need antivirus and anti spyware protection but I believe you will have a safer experience.

This is especially true because Windows 8 is the first operating system to work actively with "the Cloud", that is to say your files and data stored on the internet, such as your email, and any data you store in places like Microsoft SkyDrive, Flickr or Google Drive, Picasa etc. That said, the best way to experience the Windows 8 Operating system is undoubtedly using a Touch Screen interface. The whole design of the Windows 8 interface is optimised for swiping a finger across the screen, or using a pinching gesture to reduce and enlarge an image, etc. This technology has been available for some time now on mobile telephones and of course the famous Apple iPad and more recently many android tablets. Clearly Microsoft see this as the future and have taken a very big step towards this type of technology.

So how does it run on a standard non touch screen PC? The answer is quite well. Certainly a little faster than in Windows 7, with start-‐up and shut down times virtually halved in both cases. Those of you using it on laptops will also be surprised at the improved battery life this may give you.

However, the initial start screens will seem a little confusing to start with. The old desktop has changed significantly and navigating will not seem as straight forward unless you have had experience of touch screen style computing before. Your computer vocabulary will also expand with new terms such as the "Charm Bar", a crucial tool in navigating the Windows 8 interface. There are built-‐in tutorials on how to use the interface that primarily consist of tile link icons that represent applications and folders. These are "live", so on your email tile you may see new emails as they arrive, your weather tile will constantly update and links to active web pages such as news feeds will also reflect the most up to date information.

Windows 8 also includes a new version of Internet Explorer, IE10. A faster version with Windows 8's new security features included making it safer. There are also many new apps available form the Microsoft Apps Store.

For those of us who have not, or are not ready to change to touch screen hardware, it is simply a matter of getting behind the new touch screen orientated start screen with the tiles to the good old desktop. Those of you who know Windows 7 will find this totally familiar, and once you get to this level, the Windows 8 experience is not so daunting. Using the Charm Bar to help locate files and applications can be achieved quite simply and most applications we are used to work in exactly the same way on Windows 8 as they do on other Windows operating systems.

My conclusion is that Microsoft have decided that the excellent usability afforded by the touch screen technology promises to be the future of personal computing and Windows 8 seems brilliant at this with smooth efficient gesture control. However, they also realise that there are many of us who still have to use the traditional methods of controlling our PC via Keyboard and Mouse. I suspect that many business users will find that behind the touch screen tile interface is an operating system that works well with mouse and keyboard, very much like Windows 7, and is therefore practical for technologies without the touch screen hardware.

Personally, I prefer for others to jump in on new operating systems, and Windows 8 is no exception. Until I have to purchase the touch screen hardware I will keep with Windows 7. I may well be forced to go to Windows 8 if I purchase a new Laptop and will tolerate it, if I am staying with the traditional keyboard and Mouse. The real time for me to upgrade to Windows 8 will be when I finally succumb to the touch screen hardware, maybe my next laptop purchase, until then I am happy to stick with Windows 7.

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

by Ross Hendry

Communications...





Building & Renovation...Tiling TipsIf, like so many of us in France, you are renovating your property and are at the stage where you are thinking of ceramic tiling, bear these handy pointers in mind.

Don’t cut corners. You’ve spent your hard-‐earned money on a new bathroom or kitchen, so don’t forget that the tiling gives the room that finishing touch. It doesn’t matter how much money you spend on those worktops or units, if your eye is drawn to that wonky tile in the corner that will always be what catches your eye! What tiles? Large tiles look stunning in the brochure – but they are fixed to a completely flat surface. If you have uneven walls or floors, no matter how professional the tradesperson carrying out the work, the tiling will only look as good as the surface underneath, so good preparation and tile choice is the key. Smaller tiles ‘roll’ over the lumps and bumps better, so are best for uneven surfaces. Large tiles work well on large areas, making the space look even bigger, but don’t stand out in a small area. The same applies to tiles fixed diagonally, particularly to kitchen walls above the worktops.Tile on tile? Yes you can – in fact it’s one of the best surfaces to tile on. Providing the existing tiled surface is solid (you can check this out by tapping with a coin, and listening for hollow sounds).Tile on wood? Yes you can. Providing the floor is over-‐boarded, screwed down every 150mm and a flexible adhesive is used.Layout is the key. Inexperience may lead a ‘handyman’ to start tiling from one side, so that there is a cut only on one side. A craftsman will centre the walls accordingly, so that they look balanced – they won’t shy away from cutting tiles if they are skilled.

Simon Tee is a professional ceramic tiler, having served an apprenticeship straight from school, trained by experienced tilers to cut tiles by hand (before all the new cutting equipment was introduced). This is important for those awkward tiles, his expertise

means he won’t cut a tile in half to get around a pipe unless it is really necessary.

Simon Tee had a ceramic tiling business in the South Coast of England for 27 years, working in a multitude of properties providing the finishing touch to bathrooms, kitchens and conservatories, and also carrying out large commercial projects such as Sainsbury’s superstores, Health & Fitness clubs and Golf & Country clubs.

Simon Tee is a true craftsman at his chosen trade. Since moving to France in January of 2012, and spending the year to date getting his fishing gites and lakes up and running, he is now ready return to his craft and give your property that finishing touch.

To take advantage of Simon’s expertise or for further information – call him on 05 49 63 57 44 or send an email: [email protected].

by Simon Tee

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Capital Gains Tax Increases on Property

The French Finance Bill for 2013 was announced in September 2012, before starting its long process through parliament. French residents have known what tax rises to expect in 2013 for a while, but the government surprised us with yet another tax rise, this time on property.

On 7th December, parliament voted to add a surtax to capital gains made on the sale of property. The main home remains tax free.

The surtax will be charged on a sliding scale, with the lowest rate being 2% on gains between €50,000 and €100,000, rising to 6% for gains over €250,000.

It is added to the standard 19% capital gains tax. You will pay 15.5% social charges on top of this, so when you sell a property that is not your main home in France, your total tax bill on the gain will be between 34.5% and 40.5%.

This new measure will apply to sales after 1st January 2013, unless a promesse or compromis de vente was signed before 7th December 2012.

The good news is that the allowances for the length of ownership (2% per year between 6th and 17th year of ownership; 4% per year up to 24th and 8% per year beyond that) continue to apply, so the longer you have owned the property, the less tax you will have to pay.

A new 20% deduction on the net gain (after the deductions for the length of ownership), is being to introduced for 2013 - but only for 2013.

The Finance Bill still has to be voted on by the Senate, so further changes are still possible.

Various other tax increases are due to come into effect in 2013, making life more expensive tax wise. Higher earners could notice a significant increase. For advice on tax planning in France, contact an established wealth management and tax planning firm like Blevins Franks.

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

To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world, check out the latest news on our website www.blevinsfranks.com

by Bill Blevins, Financial Correspondent, Blevins Franks

Business, Finance & Property...

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Could you care?Each day at Consultus we hear from families that need help caring for their loved ones.

Loved ones like 88 year old Mary whose husband died eight years ago and whose family are supportive but, living many miles away, are unable to offer daily help. Mary is a lady who likes her independence and enjoys company and conversation, but following a stroke some years ago is becoming increasingly frail and now needs 24-‐hour help with washing, dressing, toileting and support with walking.

With a Live-‐in Carer from Consultus, Mary has been able to stay in the comfort of her own home, remaining independent and able to enjoy life in peaceful and secure surroundings.

As one of the UKs leading providers of live-‐in care, Consultus are always looking for people with the special qualities needed to be a Carer.

Our Carers typically live with a Client for two weeks at a time. They then choose either to return home for a break or just long enough to do their washing and attend to mail before going on to help someone new or even returning to help someone they have helped before. Some work only a few weeks a year whilst others might work 6-‐8 weeks at a time before taking a break. It is entirely the Carer’s choice, and it’s that flexibility that makes being a Live-‐in Carer with Consultus an ideal opportunity for expatriates wishing to earn money whilst visiting family and friends in the UK.

Working through Consultus you can expect;

• £868 -‐ £1330 per two week assignment plus travel costs (when in the UK)

• Double the daily rate of pay for all Bank Holidays and occasional days over the Christmas and New Year period

• Meals and accommodation whilst on assignment• In-‐house training and development opportunities

So if you are a caring and compassionate person and would like to work as a Live-‐in Carer with Consultus, please contact us;

Telephone: +44 1732 355231Email: [email protected]: www.consultuscare.com

Investing In Your FutureThe turbulent global economy has caused a myriad of negative effects from large institutions, universities, small businesses and governments. The smallest, yet the most important institution you know -‐ yourself -‐ will also be affected by this volatility, unless it already has been, so it is essential to safeguard yourself from financial instability by creating a strategic plan for your future.

Investing in the most crucial part of your life -‐ your golden years -‐ is nowadays imperative since governments and companies can no longer afford to pay for your pension. Being in possession of your own Personal Pension Plan is the best plan you can set for yourself to create a financially stable future during a time when you will still want your lifestyle requirements to be covered.

There are several ways of undertaking a Personal Pension Plan, including using a QROPS (Qualified Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme) that is recognised by the HMRC thus meeting the standards of UK pension. This means that if you have a UK pension, you can then transfer your scheme to another jurisdiction and rest assured that your scheme is under a safe regulator.

Studies have shown how many people are not taking saving seriously and risk having to compromise their lifestyle or even worse, working over the age of retirement because they cannot afford to stop. Technology has enabled our world to take giant steps in medicine which will lead to most of us living longer lives, meaning a longer retirement. Even insurance agencies are preparing themselves for a new generation in their client list — the centenarians — one who live beyond the age of 100.

Pension incomes have been decreasing for many years now and the hit by the economic crisis has led to the pension problem to appear

sooner than was expected. You should not depend on the institutions to provide you with your future financial stability, instead, you must take care to create a strategic plan that will enable you to transition into your golden years effortlessly.

At the deVere Group, our professional financial advisers are proficient in the volatile international markets and thanks to the strategic alliances the company has established over the years with institutions such as JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley and STM among others, the former can give you the exclusive products that are customised to your specific financial requirements. Nobody wants to spend his or her golden years in a lesser lifestyle than they were used to. Take time today to create the financial peace of mind for your future.

Above: A selecron of Consultus Carers and Nurses pictured with Esther Rantzen at the Company’s recent Long-‐Standing Gold Awards Lunch.


Amanda Johnson, The Spectrum IFA Group. Tel: 05 49 98 97 46

Email: amanda.johnson@spectrum-‐ifa.comor “Ask Amanda” at

[email protected]

Ask Amanda.Happy New Year to you all. A question I am often asked is: What is an Assurance Vie?•An Assurance vie (“AV”) is a type of insurance. However unlike a life insurance you may have experienced in the UK, these policies shield any investments from virtually all forms of tax while the funds remain inside the AV. (Some funds receive dividend income that has had withholding tax deducted).

• AV’s become more tax efficient over time. After 8 years funds can be withdrawn from the AV and taxed at just 7.5% on the gain element only. Funds can be accessed at any time before that, with the gain declared on your annual tax return. Standard social tax remains payable on all gain, but only when drawn.

• After eight years your gain is not only tax efficient, but it can be offset against a tax free allowance of (currently) ) €4,600 per person (€9,200 per couple) per annum. I would be happy to run through this with you as part of a free financial health check.

• AV policies are not subject to succession law. Proceeds from an AV policy can be shared amongst any number of beneficiaries. Although the succession tax benefit is reduced when the subscribers are aged over 70, there are still worthwhile benefits to be gained in this area.

What should I ask for in an Assurance Vie?• Portability -‐ Can I take it with me if I move back to England or to another country?• Regulation -‐ Is the company advising me on an Assurance Vie regulated in France?• Fees -‐ No up front entrance fees?• Currency -‐ Can I invest in Sterling? Euros?

If you would like me to review your financial circumstances to see if an Assurance Vie is right for you or you would like me to explain your existing one please phone me.


Deux-Sèvres Property Market Review 2012This year has been a tough one for both the Deux-‐Sèvres and the national French property market with a falling number of sales and lower prices.

Overall we expect there to be around 650,000 properties sold in France this year. This is lower than in 2010 & 2011 but still well above the 594,000 sold in 2009.

Both the FNAIM and the Notaires de France are now reporting that prices across France will have fallen between 1-‐2% in 2012. Their website shows that prices in Deux-‐Sèvres have dropped by 2.9%. The key to 2013 will be the attitude of vendors and agents towards pricing -‐ if they are sensible and understand that prices have fallen in line with overall consumer confidence, then we see no reason for transaction numbers not to remain similar in 2013. However, if vendors and agents don't price sensibly then volumes could drop again, it's still a buyers’ market and we all need to recognise this.

The latest figures from BNP Paribas showed that sales to international buyers had dropped off slightly but that these buyers had bigger budgets. We see this trend continuing and have certainly noticed a change in our buyer profile with more families looking to move to the Deux-‐Sèvres. Families need larger properties and often have bigger budgets as they are less reliant on savings and the pension system -‐ the BNP Paribas figures gave an overall average purchase price of €265,000 for international buyers and we wouldn't be surprised to see this rise towards the €280,000 mark in 2013, keeping in mind value for money is still uppermost on everyone’s agenda.

The Government has promised to "re-‐introduce fairness to the heart of the tax system" and this does have implications for international buyers. There was a short lived media frenzy after the announcement of plans to make international buyers pay social charges on rental income and capital gains but this doesn't seem to have affected our sales this year -‐ after all, if French residents are taxed in this way then surely it's fair for overseas buyers to pay the tax as well.

We are once again tipping french farmland to do well next year which should be welcome news for the Deux-‐Sèvres. The average value of agricultural land in the UK is currently £6,073 an acre or £15,182.50 per hectare. At an exchange rate of 1.24 euros to the pound that equates to over €18,800 per hectare. Compare this to agricultural land prices here in France. SAFER figures show that untenanted farmland cost an average (overall) of €5,430 per hectare last year -‐ that's almost one third of the price.

by Trevor Leggett, Chief Executive

Leggett Immobilier is one of the leading estate agents in France. You can access all their local property listings and articles atwww.frenchestateagents.com/poitou-‐charentes-‐property.

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the deux-sevres monthly - january 2013

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