the deux-sevres monthly magazine, november 2012

THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY

CONTENTSWelcome! to ‘The Deux-Sèvres Monthly’ magazine. . .Issue 21: November 2012.

Well, the weather has changed and dare I say it, the “C” word is just around the corner! Time for the browsing, buying, ordering and planning to commence...

On top of the wonderful gift buying this Christmas, we have decided Christmas will be the deadline for the completion

of our barn renovation. (Yes, I know - we don’t do things by halves!) Family are “booked in” for Christmas dinner by the newly installed log burner and alongside the freshly cut Christmas tree positioned perfectly in the corner of the room. I have it all there in my mind’s eye......but the question is - will we make it? Let’s hope so!

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

THIS MONTH’S ADVERTISERS 79 Renovations..........................................................................................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).....................................................................Andrew Quick Building Services................................................................An English Nursery in France (Garden Centre).........................................Antiquites Decoration & Galerie du 309...................................................Architect anglais en France (Vaughan Abbott)..........................................Blevins Franks Financial Management Ltd................................................Bois Nature Energie (Firewood Supplier)..................................................British Mobile Mechanic (John Purchase).................................................Cafe Cour du Miracle.................................................................................Café des Belles Fleurs................................................................................Caniclôture (Hidden fencing).....................................................................Chris Bassett Construction........................................................................Christies (English Book Shop and Tea Room)............................................Cottage Services (Garden Maintenance)..................................................CSB Construction.......................................................................................Consultus Care & Nursing Ltd....................................................................Cut 46 (Hair Salon).....................................................................................Dave Bowring (Electrician)........................................................................D J Maintenance (Handyman)...................................................................David Watkins (Chimney Sweep)..............................................................deVere Group (Financial Advisors)............................................................Energie-‐79..................................................................................................Evelyne Mallett (French Teacher and Translator).....................................Fresco Interiors (Interior Design)..............................................................Gardening & Cleaning Services (Dean Smalley)........................................George Rayner Computers........................................................................Glass 2 France (uPVC Windows & Doors).................................................Hallmark Electronique (Electricians & Sat. Engineers)..............................Homes in France (Estate Agent)................................................................Insink Plumbing.........................................................................................John Etherington (Home and Garden)......................................................John Snee (Groundworks & Septic Tanks).................................................John Spray Maçonnerie (Stonemason).....................................................Julie’s Cleaning Services............................................................................Keith Bassett General Building Services....................................................La Deuxieme Chance (Annie Sloan chalk paint supplier)..........................La Grande Galerie......................................................................................La Joie de Vivre..........................................................................................Le Logis (Rare Breed Pigs in France)..........................................................Leggett Immobilier....................................................................................Le Relais Délice (Restaurant).....................................................................Mad Hatter’s Kitchen (Restaurant)...........................................................Man & Van.................................................................................................Michael Glover (Plasterer, Renderer & Tiler)............................................Michael Hobson (Painter & Decorator).....................................................MKR Mobile Beauty...................................................................................MS Electrique (Electrician)........................................................................Mutuelle de Poitiers Assurances...............................................................Nathan Foster Building Services................................................................Pamela Irving (Massage & Reflexology)....................................................Pause! Cafe l’Absie.....................................................................................Phil Savage (General House Repairs).........................................................Philip Irving (Mini Digger hire)..................................................................Plombiere Anglais en France (Plumber)....................................................Poitou Property Services...........................................................................Premier Autos -‐ Mike Lane (Mechanic).....................................................RDK Roofing & Building Services...............................................................Red, White & Blue.....................................................................................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)...................................Séjour Deuxième Langue (FR)...................................................................Shaun Grice (Home Renovation)...............................................................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...................................................The Market (Luché-‐sur-‐Brioux).................................................................Thompson Interiors (Dry-‐lining and plastering)........................................Total Renovation Services (Michael Dominey).........................................Tracey Bowring (Hairdressing & Nails)......................................................Traducteurs Assermentés sarl (Sworn Translators)...................................Trisha Mobile Hairdresser..........................................................................Val Assist (Translation Services)................................................................Vendée Pools.............................................................................................VMP (Windows & Doors)..........................................................................

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: novembre 2012 -‐ Tirage: 5 000 exemplaires. Siret: 515 249 738 00011 ISSN: 2115-‐4848

© Sarah Berry 2012. 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.......................................................................................................4Getting Out & About......................................................................................6Hobbies, Clubs & Associations.....................................................................13Take a Break..................................................................................................14Our Furry Friends..........................................................................................15Health, Beauty & Fitness..............................................................................16The Great Outdoors......................................................................................17French Life, Food & Drink.............................................................................19French Adventures.......................................................................................23Motoring.......................................................................................................24Communications...........................................................................................25Building & Renovation..................................................................................27Business, Finance & Property.......................................................................33

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:

Tel:

Email:


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

Monthly services in the English speaking Anglican Church in Deux-‐Sèvres

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.

For more information about location of Churches and about what else is happening near you please take a look at our website: www.church-‐in-‐france.com or contact us at [email protected]

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.

2nd November -‐ Phoenix Cards & GiftsAt the Tipsy bar, Coulonges-‐sur-‐l'Autize, New Autumn/Winter range from Phoenix available, incl Christmas cards, wrapping paper & gifts. Contact Della James 05 49 05 78 61/ [email protected] for info or to request a catalogue.2nd November -‐ Quiz NightAt Restaurant des Canards. Food included. Please see advert on P.21.9th November -‐ Trader’s AfternoonAt Pause! Café, L’Absie. 2pm -‐ 5pm. Please see advert on P.19 for more details.10th November -‐ Live Music with Daddy MassAt Café des Belles Fleurs, Fenioux at 8pm. See advert on P.19 for more details.22nd November -‐ An evening of delicious desserts.At A La Bonne Vie, Le Beugnon at 7,30pm. Reservations advised. Please see advert on P.2122nd to 24th November -‐ Reaction Theatre performs ‘The 39 Steps’At Le Petit Theatre, Secondigny. Please find more details on P.10.23rd November -‐ Live Music with ‘Three plus One’At Café des Belles Fleurs, Fenioux at 8pm. See advert on P.19 for more details.24th November -‐ Charity Concert in aid of HemochromatosisAt Salle de Fetes, La Chapelle Gaudin at 8pm. For more information, please see advert on P.7.29th November -‐ Fashion ShowAt Le Lion d’Or, St Hilaire de Voust at 8pm. Tickets 12€, money raised to be split between two local schools. Please see advert on P.7 for more information.

What’s On... November 2012

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

What’s Coming Up...1st December -‐ English Speaking Church Christmas BazaarAt Salle Polyvalente, Savigne (86) 10.30am-‐3.30pm. Including Christmas gifts, toys, jewellery, collectibles, cakes, sweets, cards, books, raffle, produce and a visit from Santa! Please email: [email protected] for more details.1st & 2nd December -‐ St Loup Christmas MarketPlease read more about this 2 day event on P.81st & 2nd December -‐ Old King Cole -‐ The PantoEncore Theatre perform a festive show at Foyer Rural, Loulay. Please see more information on P.82nd December -‐ Christmas Fair.At Melleran, 11am -‐ 4pm in aid of Cancer Support Deux-‐Sèvres. To reserve a table please book early as they are much in demand. Contact Ann: 05 49 27 22 83 or email [email protected] December -‐ Christmas FayreAt La Grande Galerie, Civray. Please see advert on P.6 for more information.7th December -‐ Marché de NoëlAt the Tipsy Bar, Coulonges-‐sur-‐l’Autize, 3.30pm-‐6pm. Please see advert on P.6 for more information.9th December -‐ Christmas Dinner with JazzAt Restaurant des Canards, Chef Boutonne. Booking is advised. Please see advert on P.21 for more information.14th December -‐ Music/Bistro NightAt the Mad Hatter’s Kitchen, Caunay. Music by A Vee and Andy Em. See page 22 for more details.15th December -‐ Christmas FayreAt The Market, Luché sur Brioux. Stallholder space available.Please see advert on P.6 for more details.15th December -‐ Terves Christmas MarketOrganised by Association Aidez. Please find more details on P.7.

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

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

mailto:[email protected]





Congratulations to this month’s

competition winner,Jon Crocker, 79340

for this spectacular Barn Owl.

WINNER!

LAST CHANCE! to see YOUR photograph on the front cover of our magazine. Our monthly photo compeeeon will be closing aner selecong the December cover. Deadline for entries: midnight , 15th November. Don’t delay -‐ Send in your festive photos today!

‘The DSM’ Monthly Photograph Competition

Paperback Jan Books in English 1st Nov: Bar le Palais, St Aubin le Cloud. 10am-‐12pm1st Nov: Bar La Cabane de Vouhé, Vouhé. 6.30-‐8pm* 2nd Nov: Bar de la Paix, Thouars. 12pm-‐2pm2nd Nov: Le Tipsy Bar, Coulonges sur l’Autize. 4pm-‐6pm4th Nov: Café des Belles Fleurs, Fenioux 2pm-‐4pm7th Nov: Cafe Cour de Miracle, Vouvant. 2.30pm-‐4.30pm8th Nov: Pause! Cafe, L’Absie. 2pm-‐5pm9th Nov: Jan’s home, La Ferrière-‐en-‐Parthenay. 11am-‐4pm 10th Nov: Cafe Le Chauray, St Maixent l’Ecole. 10am-‐1pm13th Nov: Pizzeria Resto Bar, Bressuire. 2.30pm-‐4.30pm29th Nov: Joie de Vivre, Moncoutant. 2pm-‐5pm30th Nov: Le P’tit Boucard, Menigoute. 4pm-‐6pm

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

Anyone who fancies seeing their writing prowess in print, could think about writing a book review for the spot on Page 12: ‘YOUR Book Reviews’. Sarah is always looking for budding authors to write a piece about 150 words long, describing their take on a particular book. I am offering a prize of one free book to anyone who is successful in having their review printed.

+ a little something extra...

Reel Fish & Chips Traditional English style Fish & Chips Weds 7th Nov - The Canteen, Etusson 18H30 - 21H00Friday 9th Nov - Bar Tabac, Bouille-Loretz 18H30 - 21H00Weds 21st Nov - The Canteen, Etusson 18H30 - 21H00Thurs 22nd Nov - St Martin de Sanzay 18H30 - 21H00Friday 23rd Nov - Bar Tabac, Genneton 18H30 - 21H00

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

Fish 4 Chip Fish, Chips & mushy peas!

Mondays: Bar Tilleuls, Champniers (near Civray)Tuesdays: Sauzé-Vaussais (Main square & can be eaten in local bar)Wednesdays:Chef Boutonne (near Chateau)Thursdays: Sauzé-Vaussais (Main square & can be eaten in local bar)Fridays: Mansle (Car park of Simply Supermarket)

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

Open 6-8pm

La Vendee Chippy Traditional Fish & Chips in France!

Wednesdays (Nov 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th)Bar ‘Auberge le St Vincent’, St Vincent SterlangesFridays (Nov 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th)Bar ‘Au Bon Coin’, Thoursais Bouildroux

(Sorry no Vendee Chippy in Mervent until Spring.)For more info please email: [email protected]

Open 6-8pm

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

Ro

ber

ts

All Saints’ Day (La Toussaint)Armistice Day (Jour d’Armistice 1918)Christmas Day (Noël)

Thursday 1 November...........Sunday 11 November............Tuesday 25 December...........

The National Holidays, Religious and Feast Days 2012 (remaining):

*+ Quiz & Fish and Chips




Mr T’s Friterie Plat à Emporter Traditionnel Britannique With regular venues at:• Aulnay (Open from 6pm) • Beauvoir Sur Niort• Gourville • Loulay

See www.frying2nite.com for details or call 06 02 22 44 74* Please note Autumn/Winter opening hours

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


Getting Out & About...

page 6


Association AidezSupporting French Local Charities

Terves Christmas Market 2012Saturday 15th December

We hope you have all had a really good summer and are now able to think ahead to the Christmas period.

With only two months to go before the Terves Christmas Market, The Aidez committee are busy working towards making this another spectacular event for all. With Keynotes booked to sing some of our favourite Christmas Carols and Father Christmas calling in at some point during the afternoon, we hope this year will again be a special date for every ones Diary.

This will be our seventh year at Terves for which we are very grateful to the Mayor, Mr Dufes who enjoys and supports our event each year.

The hall is booked & confirmed for Saturday December 15th and we will open the doors at 11h00 and close at 18h00.

We only have a few spare tables left, thanks to all who pre booked t h e i r t a b l e s l a s t December. Therefore if you have not already booked and would like a table please telephone or email as soon as possible.

Once again, thank you all for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you all again on December 15th.

Lin Adams, President Association AidezTel: 05 49 64 84 95 or email: [email protected].


St Loup Christmas Market1st & 2nd December

The beautiful village of St Loup, which is situated in a valley at the confluence of the river Thouet and river Cebron will once again be hosting a Christmas Market on the first weekend of December.

It is an annual event and I have been attending for the last 8 years and it has never failed to provide the perfect start to Christmas. The Market opens on Saturday the 1st December at 15h00 and will continue until midnight. The market will then re-‐open at 10h00 on Sunday 2nd December, finally closing at 19h00. There is no entry fee and there is ample parking on the outskirts of the village.

The normally quiet “high street” is packed with stalls selling a variety

of products; the small houses open their doors to traders or sell their own goods direct from their sitting rooms. There are also the

wooden huts that spring up just for the weekend, which last year were painted in pastel colours and so reminded me of beach huts. Each one was festooned with coloured lights and offered a wide range of goods to be bought.

The market offers something for all the family with a wide range of goodies for sale including toys, Christmas gifts, soaps, jewellery, wine, beer, cakes, cheeses and so much more. Music rings out and the village opens its arms to local people selling their wares. It is the perfect place to start your Christmas shopping with a wide variety of products and there really is something for everyone.

I can also confirm that Father Christmas will be in attendance on both days, as I have it from a very reliable source that he is flying in especially from Lapland and has already booked accommodation in St Loup.

In addition this year it is hoped that there will be a children’s merry-‐go-‐round and also the opportunity to have a pony ride – only for the little ones though! There will be food and drink available to buy and taste throughout both days; usually there is a particularly good mulled wine on offer! Amongst the 100 stalls already booked you are sure to find something that interests you and your family.

One thing is guaranteed the atmosphere will be one of warmth, friendliness and best of all Christmassy – The St Loup Christmas Market really is a must visit to start December and the run up to Christmas.

by Gilly Hunt

PANTO

Pld Ling Dole - Uhe Qanto Fun and Frolic from your Favourite Nursery Rhyme Characters.

Laugh and cry, boo and hiss and sing along with Old King Cole and Mother Hubbard, Jack and Jill, Simple Simon, Scrooge, Mary Mary and many more as they battle with Malfey the Bad Fairy to lift the curse that stops the beautiful Princess Gillian marrying her childhood sweetheart.

Performances:• 20h00 Saturday 1st December• 15h00 Sunday 2 December

at the Foyer Rural, LOULAY. (just north of St. Jean D’Angeley).

Tickets; 10€ from the Encore Theatre website www.encore-theatre.org, from the Tourist Office in St Jean d'Angeley and via email:[email protected].

Record amount raised at Hope Association’s October Book SaleA massive thank you to all the volunteers who helped at the Hope Association Book Sale on the 5th, 6th and 7th of October. Also a big thank you to everyone who came to the event and supported Hope.

The result of the sale has exceeded all our expectations, we raised the staggering amount of over 11,000 euros!! Thank you all so much for your continued support, without you all we could not have done it. Already, as a result of this success, we have been able to send donations out to some of the other Animal Rescue Associations that we support; it will help them so much to continue their relentless work helping animals in need.

A date for your Diaries...the next Hope Book Sale is being held on the 24th, 25th and 26th May 2013, at the Salles des Fetes, Clussais la Pommeraie, 79190. If you have books, CDs, DVDs or audio books or bric-‐a-‐brac to donate or would like to volunteer or adopt or foster a cat or dog, please go to www.hopeassoc.org and use the contact form and email addresses on the site.

We, at Hope, look forward to seeing you at next May's Book Sale where 1000s of English and French Books will be on sale at just 1 euro each.

For a full list of our advertising rates, please phone for an advertising pack

or download from our website.

Tel: 05 49 70 26 21www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr

UPDATE

http://www.encore-theatre.org/

http://www.encore-theatre.org/

http://hopeassoc.org/

http://hopeassoc.org/


Regional Words in Modern FrenchWell, first of all, how was your Frenglish ? Here are the answers to last month's Frenglish quiz:

Modern French contains many words which have regional origins. Latin was the main language for teaching until the Revolution. Theses had to be written in Latin until the end of the 19th century and Latin was the language used in the church until 1960.

The revolution pushed for the eradication of regional dialects which kept citizens out of public life and functions. Obligatory education (1852) helped the process of the unification of the French language.

La langue d'oil (the language of the West), gives us the words «cagibi» (store cupboard), «califourchon» (astride) and «crachin» (drizzle).

The Limousin brings the word «chabichou» ( the name of a type of goat's cheese) and the area around Lyon gives us «moutarde» (mustard) and «guignol» (puppet).

The Basque language was spoken before the Gauls arrived. However, the Basque language seems to have given few words to modern French -‐ «ennui» problem (enojuo en basque, enojo en espagnol), «aisé» well-‐off (aisa en basque), «vague» wave (baga).The words «biniou» (Breton bagpipe), «dolmen» and «goéland» (seagull) are Breton. «Cingler» (to sting / to lash) and «Houlette» (crook / trowel) come from the North, from the region of Picardy. «Barrique» (barrel) and «cadet» (the younger child) are Gascon and the region of Alsace gives «choucroute» (sauerkraut) and «quiche». «Avalanche», «crétin» (moron) and «mélèze» (larch) are from Savoy.

by Sue Burgess

>après-‐ski/après ski/apres ski (n) >after-‐ski pastimes

>clientèle/clientele (n) >customers

>communiqué/communique (n) >official statement

>déja-‐vu >feeling of having experienced something before

>en route >on the way

>etiquette >good behaviour/manners

>fiancé/fiancée >boy/girl to whom one is engaged

>fête/fete >party/garden party

>impromptu >Without any planning

>impasse >a dead end situation

>joie de vivre >state of happiness

>pied-‐à-‐terre >small town house used for short periods

>trompe l'oeil >painted to give the illusion of reality

>tour de force >impressive achievement

>venue >meeting-‐place

Vocabulary / Vocabulaire

les Guignols............................... Les Guignols was the name of a TV programme s imi lar to « Spitting Image »

Spectacle de guignol ................ Punch and Judy show

C'est du guignol........................ It's farcical

Faire le guignol.......................... To clown around

Sous la houlette de ................. Under the leadership of

Cadet......................................... The younger

Un cadet (jeune sportif) .......... junior (in sport)

un cadet (élève officier)............ cadet

une barrique............................. barrel / cask

une barrique (familiar)............. tubby man / woman



Letters for the ToiletOn arrival in France, Blair McKewen got a knock on the door and the 'facteur' asked "Où est votre boîte à lettres?" Blair thought that the postman was asking "Où est votre toilette" and led him down the entrance hall and through the kitchen.

Maybe you have several such short funny stories of misunderstandings in French? If you send them to Peter ([email protected]) and he receives enough good ones, he will print them in a new column starting in the new year. Please add your name and whether you'd like it printed or not.

Reaction Theatre

are proud to present

The 39 Steps John Buchan wrote The 39 steps in 1915; Alfred Hitchcock filmed it in 1935; originally with two characters, it was adapted as a play with 4 actors in 2005. It is the latter which Reaction Theatre brings to Le Petit Theatre in Secondigny for their November production, produced by Paul Chandler. It's currently playing at The Criterion Theatre in London. At the theatre one evening, Richard Hannay, on the run from the police, is picked up by Annabel Smith, who tells him two men are threatening to kill her in an effort to obtain information which would breach national security. Their organisation is called ‘the 39 steps’. Richard, finding Annabel murdered, takes her place and travels to Scotland to try and expose the 39 steps, accompanied by a feisty young woman called Pamela. In the stage version, the film’s serious spy story is played mainly for laughs with the script full of allusions and puns. Dates: 22, 23, 24 November 2012Place: Le Petit Theatre, SecondignyTime: 8pm, Saturday Matinee 2.30pm.Refreshments will be served after each performance.

Tickets 10 euros from: [email protected]: 05 49 70 29 86

CANCER SUPPORT 10th ANNIVERSARY

Every year in September, Cancer Support throughout France holds an Awareness Week. The intention is to help people be aware that if you or someone close to you is affected by cancer, there is help at hand, whether it be just to listen or perhaps to help with translation or maybe to accompany you to hospital. There are a number of ways in which Cancer Support can help.

This year Cancer Support in France celebrates its 10th Anniversary. It was started by one woman, Linda Shepherd, who having been diagnosed with cancer soon after her arrival in France, realised that there was a need for some kind of support. It has now grown into a network of 16 associations covering 32 Departments.

This year in Deux-‐Sèvres CSDS held events throughout the week starting with a BBQ in St. Marsault which raised €1031.00. The highlight of the day was the one metre croquembouche (pièce montée), complete with sparklers to celebrate the anniversary.

The weekend of the 22/23rd, Cancer Support joined with La Ligue Contre le Cancer in Melleran for the Relais pour la Vie. CSDS fielded a team to take part in the 24 hour walk as well as taking part in other events there. On the Monday there was an Afternoon Tea at St. Hilaire de Voust which raised €254 plus €50 for the Raffle. On the same day an Afternoon Coffee was held in Glenay which raised €125. On the Tuesday it was Afternoon Tea

at Amailloux and Wednesday Morning Coffee at Cherveux. Thursday CSDS held an Open Day at Poitiers Hospital shared with the Charente CS Association. This was an opportunity to talk to doctors, nurses, other hospital staff and the general public about the work of Cancer Support. On the Friday there was another Coffee Morning event at Fenery. Although final figures are not yet in, it is believed that the total raised throughout the week is about €2000.00 which

together with the very generous donation from le bar de la Poste in L’Absie of €2666.00 will enable

Cancer Support to once again donate specialized equipment to one of the Palliative Care Units in Deux-‐Sèvres.

Cancer Support Deux-‐Sèvres would like to thank all those who gave their time, their energies and for their generosity, in particular Rob & Loraine, Ron & Kay,

Helen, Bev, Leo, Andy & Lyn, Annick, Julie, Lin, Clive & Julie, Jacqui, Bernie, Nick, Linda, Dean, Cave du Reve, Cerizay, and Café Coeur de Miracle, Vouvant.

UPDATE






page 11

Notes from the North

As we are in the month of Remembrance, perhaps we should go back to the beginning of Remembrance Tide and let the following words of Colonel John McCrae (1915) remind us how it all began, and continues to this day. We, in The Royal British Legion, still support those who serve and have served in Her Majesty's Armed Forces: Shoulder to Shoulder.

Many members of the Northern Section attend the French Ceremony of Remembrance at the memorial in the Jardin du public in Parthenay on 11th November. Please do join us there, or those in your own commune, and wear your poppy with pride.

Terri Laverick, PRO Northern Section.

Photos: Poppy field: © Sally Coppack 2012, Cockleshell Heroes film cover: www.wikipedia.org

COCKLESHELL HEROES 70th ANNIVERSARY

This December will be the 70th anniversary of Operation Frankton, the raid on German shipping in Bordeaux Harbour popularly known as, ‘The Cockleshell Heroes’.

Many of you will have seen the 1955 film of the same name directed and starring José Ferrer and, probably, your knowledge of this historical event will be based upon the screenplay. The leader of the actual raid, Major “Blondie” HASLER RM was invited to the premiere of the film but refused to lend his name to the publicity because of the inaccuracies it contains. To the best of knowledge, HASLER never watched the film.

Already this year several groups have completed parts of the escape route in order to raise money for Service charities and, true to form, your local Royal British Legion Branch in the Poitou-‐Charentes at Linazay will be celebrating the feats of courage carried out in this daring raid and commemorating the only successful escape of Major HASLER and Marine SPARKS from the group of ten raiders. Eric Edwards and Craig Moore will be undertaking the overland escape route from Blaye in Aquitaine to Ruffec in the Charente. The route will be walked on the actual anniversary dates starting on 12 December at Blaye and finishing at Ruffec at 12:00 on 18 December. Details of the route are given on the Itinerary Page of the web site mentioned below. The aim, of course, is to raise money for The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

If you would like to know more about t h i s h i s t o r i c a l event, Eric has created a web site, the contents of which have been verified by Mark Bentinc the Royal Marines Historian at the Royal Navy Museum in Portsmouth. There is a link on every page of the web site to, “JustGiving” where any donations you make by credit card will go directly to The Royal British Legion accredited to this fundraiser. There are also other methods of donating given on the Home Page of the web site, www.frankton-‐trail.com.

Photo above: Fundraisers Eric Edwards & Craig Moore at the memorial at Baunac

WEAR YOUR POPPY WITH PRIDE!Here’s a list of locations throughout

the region where you may acquire your Poppy:

•Ranton Church, Airvault•Belle Fleurs Restaurant, Fenioux

• Pause Cafe L’Absie• Ross Hendry, La Chapelle aux Lys• Gan Assurance, Parthenay• Will Rowe, Fenery• Paperback Jan, La Ferriere• Le Bonne Vie, Le Beugnon• Tabac, L’Eclerc, Parthenay• Bar La Poste, L’Absie• Tipsy Bar, Coulonges• La Drapeau Bar, Parthenay• Cafe Theatre, Parthenay

http://www.frankton-trail.com/

http://www.frankton-trail.com/


‘The Traditional Publishing Route’ is the next article in the series from Alison Morton. Please see back issues of ‘The DSM’ if you would like to see previous articles.

The Traditional Publishing RouteAlthough there are many pathways open to you (mainstream, self-‐publishing, assisted publishing) the usual way up until now has been the author-‐to-‐agent-‐to-‐publisher-‐to-‐bookseller route.

Finding a literary agent to suit you is not easy; even if they are willing to take you on, you have to be sure they are the right person to negotiate for you, sell your rights to best advantage, promote your career and look after your interests and sometimes your sanity. If you write romance, you need an agent who knows the romance publishing houses; ditto for crime and thrillers, sci-‐fi or historical fiction. You can find all this information in the Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook (WAYB), a weighty tome, but worth that weight in gold and saved postage.

So, having drawn up a list of appropriate agents from your research and checked out the submission guidelines on their websites, you can start putting your submission package together. This is usually a covering letter, a one-‐page synopsis of your novel and the first three chapters or fifty pages. However, many agents are now following US practice and ask you to send a query letter first, outlining your book idea. This enables agents to see what your writing looks like as well as assess whether your story has commercial legs. Each agent is different and I cannot stress strongly enough that you should adapt your materials (letter, synopsis, chapters) to comply with what they ask you to send. Don’t send anything less or, worse, more. Nor any presents or fancy poems – they hate it.

The covering letter should be a simple introduction to your novel, including word count, genre (crime, romance, historical, etc.), a couple of sentences about the book and two more about you. You should end it with how you see it fitting into the market and sign off with a polite “Thank you for your time.”

Writing a synopsis tends to strike bolts of fear into writers’ hearts, but it needn’t. It’s a page outlining the action in the book, tells the agent briefly about the characters, their motivation and goals. You then describe the main crunch points and the final outcome. The agent wants to see if you know how to tell a convincing story and can imagine characters gripping enough to interest the reading public.

The WAYB gives good, solid advice, but I’d also recommend the following two ebooks for their invaluable practical help: Write a Great Synopsis and Dear Agent -‐ Write the Letter That Sells Your Book, both by Nicola Morgan, Crabbit Publishing, 2012. She also writes the excellent Write to be Published, published in paperback by Snowbooks, 2011 (No, I’m not on commission!).

Sadly, very few publishers and certainly not the big houses accept unagented manuscripts. Some local, specialised and independent presses will, though. You can f ind them at http://www. ipgbook . com/pub l i shers -‐pages-‐32.php. Approach them in the same way as agents. These days, many agent s and pub l i she rs a ccept submission by email, but check their websites first.

Finally, here are a few suggestions for book presents your nearest and dearest could buy for you, or perhaps you could treat yourself.

• Self Editing for Fiction Writers, Renni Browne & Dave King, Collins, 2nd ed., 2004

• Bestseller, Celia Brayfield, Fourth Estate, 1996• Wannabe a Writer We’ve Heard Of? Jane Wenham-‐Jones, Accent Press, 2012

• On Writing, Stephen King, NEL, 2001


YOUR Book Reviews...

I was fortunate to come across this book at a fayre which I had not known about except for the publicity from this magazine, so perhaps a review is a small way to say thanks! “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini is a delightful first novel, beautifully written which tells of two boys, inseparable friends from different backgrounds growing up in Kabul before the Russian occupation of 1979. One, Amir, is born into a wealthy family, whereas the other, Hassan, is his devoted servant. Their strong bond is broken when Amir witnesses a serious assault on Hassan by a gang of boys in Kabul and is afraid to intervene. To assuage his feelings of cowardice and denial, he accuses Amir of theft from his household as a means of burying the truth. Such is his devotion Hassan accepts the falsehood and leaves.

As the Russians tighten their grip on Afghanistan, Amir and his father flee to America, and it is here, married and grown up, that the deep mystery of the relationship between Amir and Hassan unfolds. Amir is urged by an old family friend in Afghanistan to find courage to re-visit the country of his birth under Taliban rule and make amends to Hassan.

Full of atmosphere and containing all the emotions of the human heart, “The Kite Runner” stands out as a book among many to be remembered and kept for re-reading.

Thank you to Terry Hawker for this review...

Alison Morton writes alternative history thrillers, blogs about writing and Romans at http://alison-‐morton.com/blog/ and is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and the Society of Authors.

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://www.ipgbook.com/publishers-pages-32.php







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, VendeeMeetings at La Brionniere, St Pierre du Chemin, 85120, near La Chataigneraie. Telephone Chris & Julie on Tel: 0960 497850 or email [email protected]

CRAFT CAFE CREATIFIf you enjoy sewing, knitting, crochet or any crafts, you are invited to bring along your current project to our venue in L’Absie and join a like-minded group of women, for friendship and to exchange ideas over a cup of tea. For further information contact: [email protected].

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!

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 are looking for singers. 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 32email [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(search: LaChappelleGaudinCraftGroup)

Born in france during the war, I am French & American. (My blood family live in New York, and so for me France opposed my departure in 1946.)

I am an orphan, holocaust survivor and speaker in 6 languages. I have a website in English, videos on Youtube and a book in English & Spanish. This book will be first issued in November on Google. It has 600 pages and 400 photos of my US family (since 1870) and my marvelous 7 volunteers who saved my life.

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 lessons: Rock ʻnʼ Roll: Fridays at 8pm.Cha cha cha and 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, Sports Bar, Confolens. More details from Gwen Shepherd 05 49 87 91 79

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

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











https://www.facebook.com/LaChappelleGaudinCraftGroup?ref=hl





Across:1. Strange take on game herd unusually leads you to succeed. (4,3,5)7. Bitterness controlled before time off from king’s company (7)9. New veto on large number elected (5)10. Sound effect produced by hollow beech object (4)11. More of us mixed up in activity for two couples (8)12. See you! With sound formula for element? (6)14. Instruction in religious cult is not for everyone (6)17. Building for international organisation could be more secure (8)19. Model found after triumph; or before party for men (4)22. Hurt when forms of transport reversed (5)23. Being strangely sad, tell of action put off (7)24. Seek favour after dangerous game and make a meal of it (7,5)

Please see website: w

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for a

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Across:8. Do away with (7)9. Show a response to something (5)10. Card game (5)11. Surround entirely (7)12. Country (French word) (4)13. Country formerly called Abyssinia (8)16. Casino game of chance (8)19. A show, festival (4)22. Small motorised bike (7)23. Briosh Legion remembrance emblem (5)24. Evergreen mediterranean tree (5)25. Warship (7)

Down:1. Scottish musician (8)2. One of various primates (6)3. A register of daily events (5)4. Something that is a source of danger (6)5. Continue to exist; use persuasion successfully (7)6. Sprint like a horse (6)7. Pace (4)14. Examined carefully (8)15. A pagan; an idoliser (7)17. Ideally perfect state (6)18. Extreme care in spending money (6)20. Earnest request (6)21. Division (5)22. Halt (4)

Sudoku Corner...

Easy Challenging

With thanks to M.Morris

www.prin

tfreesud

okup

uzzles.com

Down:1. Code word for an inspector? (5)2. Having one’s family on a boat brings togetherness (7) 3. Politician straying in ancient city (4)4. Dream of having twice the energy in turbulent river (7)5. Edit tomorrow’s paper to include a repeat of the same (5)6. The coming of an opening after publicity (6)8. Finding nothing in the bar makes you cross (4)12. Company needs new ruse for programme of lessons (6)13. Will bounce back after unnatural lie cast (7)15. Reptile that may well have you worried? (7)16. Having a chap lusting after you can incorporate a bonus (4)18. Trade mark exchange yielding loot from commercial potato product (5)20. Getting dizzy from turgid Dylan song (5)21. Every attention given to article renders it to powder (4)

Take a Break...

Toughie Crossword!

DSM Easy Crossword!


Our Furry Friends...

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].

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

APPEAL

Stunning kiens - dumped or lost?Unfortunately we don’t know much about these two kittens, except that they just turned up one evening together. They’re clean, litter-trained and hardly any trouble, not feral and very tame.

Currently they’re in Dept. 79 and can’t be kept as the lady they chose to adopt already has several cats and cannot take on any more.

If you can offer them both a permanent home please contact Julia Hunt: Email: [email protected] Telephone: 06 24 07 69 33.

Phoenix AssociationPhoenix Association is a registered charity that has existed since 2001 to deal with the sad plight of the ever-‐increasing number of abused and abandoned animals in France.

Phoenix does not have a ‘rescue centre’ as such. Sadly, many of the animals it saves have only ever known confinement and isolation, so instead, the animals are placed in foster homes all over South West France while they wait for their loving and permanent forever homes. This gives Phoenix a better chance of assessing the animal in the normality and comfort of a home which leads to the virtually 100% successful adoption rate.

Phoenix is not state funded and so relies on fundraising and donations to cover the very high re-‐homing and veterinary costs. Phoenix is formed of a committed but fun and positive team of volunteers, and is always on the lookout for more, so if you are interested in adopting an animal, foster caring or becoming a Member, please visit the Contact page of the website at www.phoenixasso.com and www.facebook.com/PhoenixAssociationFrance

Available for AdoptionThis is Minstrel, born in August 2012. Another case of abandonment. She's a total sweetheart, really pretty and playful. Micro-chipped, vaccinated and de-parasited.

All our animals are 'rescues', and if you'd like to adopt Minstrel, please contact Sharon, her Foster Carer, on 05 53 60 73 11 or email: [email protected].

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]://association-‐galia.forumactif.com

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



http://www.phoenixasso.com/

http://www.phoenixasso.com/

http://www.facebook.com/PhoenixAssociationFrance

http://www.facebook.com/PhoenixAssociationFrance



http://association-galia.forumactif.com/

http://association-galia.forumactif.com/


Health, Beauty & Fitness...

Essential OilsAromatherapy has been around for thousands of years and the essential oils are extracted from plants, trees, grasses and flowers. Oil is extracted from different parts of the plant.

BAY OIL is extracted from the leaves.VETIVER OIL from the chopped roots.GERANIUM from leaves and stalks.LIME, GRAPEFRUIT, LEMON, MANDARIN, citrus oils are extracted from the peel.

There are about three hundred aromatherapy oils in general use today by professional practitioners and unlike chemical drugs they pass through the body excreted by urine, faeces, perspiration and even exhalation. The method of excretion differs from oil to oil.

Oils have a positive effect on blood circulation bringing oxygen to the tissues and helping to eliminate carbon dioxide. Even garlic known for its antibacterial, antiseptic properties will pass through the body through exhalation (ie we have all smelt garlic on someones breath). Rub some on the sole of your foot and as with oils you will taste them in your mouth within minutes. Aromatherapy unlike creams do enter the blood stream.

Rose and Jasmine are the most expensive of oils as they require hundreds and thousands of the blossoms to make the oil. Because oils are so sweet smelling it would be easy to suppose their value is one of charm, a nice smell, surely couldn’t be that powerful. WRONG! Essential oils are hugely powerful.

• Oregano is 26 times more powerful than ‘phenol’ which is used in most commercial cleaning materials.

• Lavender was used in the first World War on the front line to treat wounds.

• Lemon oil is a great anti-‐bacterial agent so use it wipe around sinks, taps, in the bathroom, kitchen surfaces.

Aromatherapy is not just for use on the skin but is great to use around the home. Use an empty spray bottle with mineral water in and a few drops of your chosen oil to fragrance your rooms. You can also use them in an aromatherapy burner and there is always one that will suit your mood, whether it’s for relaxation, energizing, uplifting or as a treatment.

If you are using any medications always consult your doctor before using aromatherapy oils. All oils should be used according to the instructions and always diluted.

by Suzanne Thorne

Suzanne ~ Independent Neal’s Yard Consultant.Tel: 05 49 26 27 74 email: [email protected]




Why not find some time to sit still, watch your body breathing. As it does, begin to move the breath consciously and arrive at

a comfortable level of a ratio of 1:1 ie breathe in for the count of 6 and breathe out for the count of 6, try to do 6 rounds. Do this for one month every day and experience the effects of yoga.

Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi. may the love in our head, heart and hands flourish.

Classes at ‘Maison pour tous’, L’Absie.7pm - 8.30pm.**New class in Largeasse (79240)**

At salle de millenaire, rue saint roch. 7pm - 8,30pm

Contact Rysz for more info: 06 42 35 97 11

The Great Outdoors...

page 17

by Peter & Jenny Sebborn.Life on the Farm...Hello again. Just as we thought we would start to slow down and reduce our livestock numbers for the winter, Bianca the broody Bantam hen hatched a guinea fowl keet. Poor Bianca must be so confused hatching first some ducklings and then Guinea fowl. She is a very good mum and it is quite amusing watching her look after youngsters that in some cases tower above her in a very short time.

8 Aylesbury Pekin cross ducks hatched too and it’s amazing how fast they grow and they will taste delicious. Oh, and of course, not forgetting Peggy our new Gloucestershire Old Spot pig. The “is she / isn’t she” saga continued as Stinkerbelle aka Stinky has had a new boyfriend called Womble – but sadly no babies for Stinky. We may have left it too late as pigs become increasingly difficult to get pregnant after their second birthday.

All our ewes have been tupped (or mated) by Beavis and they are now all enjoying the fantastic green grass which came with the October rain.

So what else have we done this month? Well, we have been busy making a new house for Peggy. Peggy previously had litters of 6-‐8 piglets. It could be a very busy Christmas as she is due to farrow (have her piglets) around the 18th December, but the previous owner did warn us sometimes she is a few days late. So as well as having a house full of family at Christmas we might be having a barn full of piglets. Wouldn’t that be a wonderful Christmas present? We have already been thinking of names Noel, Eve, Holly and Santa to name a few!

We have been making sloe and damson gin and vodka, picking and preserving and stashing for the winter. We recently made a raised bed for our strawberries and filled them full of manure before topping with compost. We are expecting good results next year without the backache. We try to be self sufficient -‐ waste not want not as they say.

Our next project is to attempt tanning. No, not the lying in the sun (in my dreams!) or the ‘Fake Bake’ type of tanning but preserving our animal skins. We are starting small and will try a rabbit skin before we move onto a larger sheepskin -‐ we will keep you posted.

We struggled through the dry September. Water butts ran dry and all the animals needed constant water top-‐ups so we reverted to mains water. Next year we will be better prepared as we are installing a 20,000 litre water pillow – another way we can be self sufficient-‐(ish) to collect all the winter rain.

On the subject of rain, I have discovered that Jenny may have a biblical connection! Only a couple of weeks ago she said we must build an ark. Of course I was in extra pig mode but after this weekend’s rain -‐ we had 150mm in 24 hours -‐ I think she may have been referring to an entirely different type of ark.

Since arriving in France two and a half years ago we have tried numerous varieties of chickens for the table. Of course you can eat all varieties of chickens but we wanted a meaty bird, with the right conformity to make an excellent roast chicken and we have finally found one that suits us very well. The Cobb, a fast growing white chicken. We have decided to put another batch in the incubator soon which will fill the freezer nicely after Christmas.

Brrrrrr! November brings us the chilly mornings and evenings, so tuck up warm, light that wood burner and we’ll see you next month for another update from us here on the farm.

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

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THE AMATEUR GARDENERYou cannot fail to notice that Chrysanthemum pot plants are to be found in most flower shops and garden centres at the moment. In France the Chrysanthemum symbolises bereavement and 1st & 2nd November, La Toussaint (All Souls' Day) and Jour des Morts (Day of the Dead) is when families take fresh flowers, most notably the Chrysanthemum, to the graves of their loved ones.

November also is the time to start planting new trees, both fruit and ornamental. I have been advised that it is not necessary to dig a big planting hole -‐ just slightly bigger & deeper than the pot that the tree is bought in. Some peat in the base and around the edges, a stake to avoid wind-‐rock and if possible a piece of drainpipe inserted into the planting hole to facilitate watering directly to the roots during dry periods. The tree will settle over winter during the dormant period, then in the spring will start sending out new roots into firm soil which will help maintain a good, upright growth even in windy weather.

Now is also a good time to put sticky grease/glue bands around the trunks of your fruit trees. This will help to prevent damage to leaves and blossom next spring caused by winter moth caterpillars. If your trees have supporting stakes don't forget to put bands around these too -‐ caterpillars aren't fussy how they get up into the tree!

If you are troubled by rabbits gnawing at the bark of your trees, particularly young trees, make a collar of chicken wire to wrap around the bottom of the trunk. Check this tree guard each year to make sure the wire is not restricting trunk expansion.

Fruit trees can be pruned now, if necessary. Of course, it depends on the form of your tree: espalier, cordon, full tree etc, but cut out dead wood and crossing branches, aiming to keep a nice open form with plenty of air circulation.

Fruited raspberry canes can be cut down now and new canes tied to the supports. They spread by sending out suckers so keep the footprint of your row of raspberries to about 12-‐18" by pruning out any suckers which appear outside this area. If you are buying new canes to plant be aware that there are two types: those that fruit once a year and those that will give a second, smaller harvest in late summer -‐ the choice is yours.

Blackberry bushes also need dealing with after fruiting. Gloves are recommended to protect against thorns, although some modern blackberry varieties are virtually thornless which is a bonus. Prune out all fruited canes, thin new canes to about 6 per plant and prune the side branches on these new canes to 10-‐12 buds.

Black spot fungus can overwinter on rose stems and fallen leaves so make sure you remove them all when you prune in Autumn.

Toadstools on the lawn are short-‐lived but get rid of them by brushing with a stiff broom to break the fungi before the caps can open to release their spores. Collect and dispose of the fungi.

Clear fallen leaves from guttering. Wedge a ball of plastic netting into the top opening of a drainpipe. It will act as a filter and stop leaves etc from clogging up the pipe or falling into the water butt. Save fallen leaves into black plastic sacks. Make air holes then store in a corner of the garden -‐ lovely leaf mould will develop ready to top-‐dress your shrubs & plants next year.

Lift crowns of Lily of the Valley to pot up for an early indoor scented display -‐ you will enjoy these when you (finally) get to sit down and relax!

Have a good November - see you next month ...

by Vanda Lawrence


French Life, Food & Drink...

Vive la DifferenceWith Autumn in full swing and winter approaching most of us will soon be going into “winter mode”. We will be exchanging lazy days sitting in the sun, visitors and outings to the beach, with a roaring wood burner, a glass of mulled wine (for those that drink) and a good book.

Preparing yourself for winter can be quite a long task -‐ the ordering of wood, oil or gas to keep you warm, stocking up on a few essentials just in case of being marooned by snow or rain for a few days and of course English books and DVDs. Many of the larger libraries in the Deux-‐Sèvres have English books you can borrow and also DVDs. If you live near a smaller one, then they will often order in upon request.

After the clocks go back we all tend to shut ourselves away as soon as it becomes dark. We might have a meal with friends, but for the most part we stay in snuggled up to the wood burner with the cat, dog and oh yes husband or other half! But spare a moment to think about all the people who live here alone. Winter is an even harder time for them, whether they be French or English – make it your aim this year to visit or ask out anyone you know that lives alone and in the harsher days of winter, just give them a reassuring call to see if they are OK – I am sure they will appreciate it.

Winter is also a great time for improving our French. I know that the best way of improving French is to speak it, so make an effort to find a local class, join a Franglais group (French and English), there are many in the Deux-‐Sèvres and most are free. If you do not have one near you then why not set one up? I am sure the local Mairie would help you and you could advertise it in ‘The DSM’! Or of course invite your French neighbours over for a coffee or aperitif -‐ go for it; it’s not nearly as scary as you might think!

Have you noticed that often when the roads are being repaired, they put up signs that say they will be finishing on say, Wednesday afternoon here in France, however in England they usually say Autumn 2012... what a difference!

Have a great November and enjoy the luxury of being able to drive along our lovely country lanes in the autumn/winter sunshine – you may become stuck behind a tractor or horse, but in my view it certainly beats being stuck on the M25!

Vive la Difference.




by Gilly Hunt


“A shameless Chablis with hints of oyster shell, star fruit and jabuticaba – frabjous!”It wouldn’t surprise me, unfortunately, to see a wine described thus in any of the zillion wine magazines that are littering the planet. You see this guff not only in print, but hear it at any wine gathering. If the speaker is male, a cravat is usually involved; if female, loop earrings and an oversized cigar. Below I give you a step-‐by-‐step guide to how you can play these bumptious show-‐offs at their own sad game – and just possibly win.

There are three kinds of people who use weird and wonderful wine descriptions: the aesthetes for whom the goal is to create a satisfying poem which encapsulates what the wine means to them; the communicators who wish to share their view of the objective structure of a wine; and the aforementioned show-‐offs. The aesthete, as long as he doesn’t start scaring the horses, can be left alone, with a gentle nod and smile. The communicator, if a good one, can educate effectively. The show-‐off is the real danger to shipping as he makes otherwise intelligent people feel straw-‐brained and dim-‐witted.

The show-‐off has neither the taste of the aesthete nor the rigour of the communicator: it’s all barnyard banter. This is his weakness and your strength – but it is imperative you get in first. Banish all thoughts of “oh that’s nice”. Vocabulary is vital: as imposing as a church, as elusive as the Scarlet Pimpernel, and as far as possible multi-‐tasking.

WHITESColour: use pale-‐, straw-‐, or golden-‐yellow. If they exist, or you think you can get away with it, add with greenish tints, while squinting your

eyes. Get this in first and don’t push it – move right on to…Smell: you can’t go far wrong with fragrant or, on the other hand, disappointing nose. If the former, sniff again and nod; if the latter, grimace sympathetically and move on to…Taste: mineral, citrus, white flowers. The latter is particularly useful – no-‐one really knows what white flowers smell like. Add vanilla if it tastes a bit oaky, and then ‘…a bit too much wood…?’.

REDSColour: rich, deep, fine. Steer clear of anything more concrete.Smell: red and/or black berries, sous-‐bois (this is great, means

‘undergrowth’, but say it ‘soo-‐bwa’ – red wine equivalent of ‘white flowers’), spicey (don’t specify), pleasant though unexceptional.Taste: essential to talk of tannins and their balance with acids. Fine balance, good tannins but if a wine is obviously naff it will undoubtedly be due to acid and tannins just not right. And no-‐one can argue with fullish as a little grace-‐note.

Overall: (For both reds and whites.) This is your moment. Keep calm, don’t blow it. For an obviously decent bottle we’re looking at finesse, complexity, great length (if the taste lingers). Lesser bottles, think honest, robust. You might also add your thoughts on food matching. Go precise yet obscure. For dry whites, Bass Soufflé with Prawn Sauce, for reds, Daube à la Provençale.

If this doesn’t lead to collapse of stout, show-‐off party, I’ll eat my hat – with a nice Beaujolais!

by John Sherwin

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

page 20


by Jacqueline Brown.French Village Diaries

As we are nearing the 11th November, I have been thinking back to what will always be my most memorable French village dining experience.

When we first arrived here the public holiday of 11th November was always celebrated with a community meal that was mainly frequented by the villagers old enough to remember life during the war. Sadly due to a lack of attendance, unfortunately caused by the demise of the older villagers it hasn’t happened for a number of years. As a young family newly arrived in France it was the first village meal we attended and so remains an important event in our French life.

Following on from the sm a l l s e r v i c e o f remembrance that (thankfully) still takes place by the village war memorial, that is d e c o r a t e d w i t h flowers and flanked by flag holding veterans for the occasion, the meal started with an aperitif. A killer kir; a combination of white wine with a rather large dose of some very sweet, very alcoholic peachy stuff. I have since learned, from painful experience, that this is to be avoided at all costs if dignity is to be maintained. Seated on long tables laid out in the Salle des fêtes, the first course of a lovely homemade seasonal vegetable soup arrived. The serving bowl was left at the end of the communal table and passed down as we all helped ourselves. As newcomers we were encouraged to have seconds, which we did with pleasure. This was also where we discovered that although the French eat far more bread than we do and like it to accompany every meal, they do not eat bread with soup!

The soup was followed by the fish course of scallops in a white sauce, again delicious and a first for me, as until moving to France I didn’t have a particularly adventurous diet. As the meal moved on the inclusive wine started to flow, which helped as we were trying to make conversation, persuade a fussy four year old to at least ‘try’ the food and keep him entertained between the courses. The ‘main’ meat course then arrived; a simple yet tasty roast pork dish, and again we were encouraged to take more, which we did. A couple of hours had passed, our neighbours were by now slipping into incomprehensible patois and our 4 year old was very bored, having never spent this long at a table in his life, although to be fair neither had we and it was still a long way from being over. The sorbet, a refreshing and delicate pear flavour was squeezed in before the arrival of the cheese course. A goats cheese from a local farm. We were nearly there, just the pastries for dessert, fresh from the village boulangerie, to find room for and funnily enough we had no trouble persuading our son to eat these!

It was without a doubt, a truly memorable five hours spent eating what felt like five days worth of food; vive la France.

Follow Jacqui’s blog at hZp://www.frenchvillagediaries.com

http://www.frenchvillagediaries.com/

http://www.frenchvillagediaries.com/


Reader’s Restaurant ReviewsThank you to Gilly Hughes-‐Jones for this month’s Restaurant Review: Au Bon Accueil, St Generoux. Tel: 05 49 67 55 35

The Au Bon Accueil, is aptly named, and is one of two restaurants in the small village of St Generoux which is in North Deux-‐Sèvres between Parthenay and Thouars, just off the D938.

The restaurant is famous for its menu du jour and at only 11 euros it is truly value for money. There are five courses in all, you start with a mixed plate of salads, then on to homemade pate, quiche, vegetable of the season or fish, followed by the main course which can be any form of meat or fish on a Friday; then there is a tray of local cheeses to choose from, before finishing up with usually a choice of between four and six desserts. There is a bottle of house wine included in the price. Coffee is offered but is not included in the price.

The restaurant is always full with it being a favourite lunch stop for workmen. It is clean, the food is freshly cooked and the service is speedy and friendly. The restaurant being situated in a lovely village with the river Thouet flowing through it, also provides a welcome setting for a post lunch stroll to work off some of the calories!

They are open in the evening as well, for which I would advise booking, as it is so popular. For lunch time just turn up between 12 and 1 and you should find a table. Bon Appetit!

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.

November’s Recipe: Lemon Cheese CakeIngredients:• 250g butter biscuits crushed• 125g butter• 410g condensed milk non sugar• Juice and grated rind of a lemon• 250g mascarpone• 125g caster sugar• 1/2 pint lemon or lime jelly

Method:-‐1. Melt the butter and pour over the crushed biscuits.2. Put in a dish and place in the fridge until set. Do not press

too firmly as biscuit base will be difficult to cut.3. Make up the jelly and leave to cool. When cool, put juice and

grated rind into the jelly.4. Whisk the milk and sugar until frothy, then add the

mascarpone and mix until smooth.5. Pour the jelly into the cream mixture and stir until smooth. 6. Pour over the biscuit and place in the fridge to set.

This is best to be made the day before required.

Thank you to Eileen Pearce who agreed to share this recipe with us. Other great recipes can also be found on the ‘Fave Recipes’ Facebook page.





French Adventures...

Page 23

In 2005 we first contemplated a permanent move to France. We were living in Liskeard, Cornwall. A large family with four children at home and three that visited on weekends and school holidays. Of the children at home three were teenagers at various stages of high schooling. After a trip to France and some thorough research and several family conferences we decided the time was not right.

By 2008, now with only one child at home of primary school age, we decided on a move to Australia after being offered a work sponsorship. Moving initially to the northern Territory and then later to Queensland and Tasmania. Fast forward now to 2012 and we are finally making our permanent move to France...

Despite having made an international move before, this one feels so much more exciting and we have been counting down the days since our house purchasing trip to France this April. After months of internet property searching, we had lined up viewings, made the travel arrangements and we spent a week in Poitou-‐Charentes. We found our new home on the first day.

It is a renovation project consisting of a house approximately 100 years old with barn attached in Chirac, a beautiful commune about 5 km from Chabanais. We have a lot of work to do at the house, especially in the barn which has a piece of the roof

missing apparently due to heavy snow fall last winter. Undaunted we continue with our plans.

We were amazed at the ease and efficiency of the property purchase despite being overseas. The notaire in Chabanais was very patient and assisted us greatly, as did Darren Pitts our immobilier, who answered all our questions and linked us up with the contacts we needed to proceed with money transfers, devi’s, utility connections, translations etc.

With our house purchase made our next challenge was to get artisans to provide devi’s for the most urgent part of the renovation, the roof repair or replacement. Obviously being overseas we were reliant on emails and well-‐timed telephone calls. As I write we have still only managed to obtain one devi which we need to revisit after our arrival, when we can meet the artisan on site to discuss the options.

Our learning curve is huge and will continue to be so for several months, if not years to come. Aiming to integrate as much as possible I signed up to a ten week French language course at the local university here in Tasmania, and having just completed 20 hours of tuition I realise I still have a very long way to go, but I am determined to immerse myself into the culture and the community from day one. I can’t wait to arrive and try out my new language skills however small they may be at this stage.

A great source of information, inspiration and networking has been the

various French forums we have come across and become members of. I am constantly in awe of the amazing people who make transformations to their lifestyles and French properties in challenging circumstances. I have had many offers of meet ups for coffee and local information on exercise classes, markets, etc. from my new network friends for which I am extremely grateful.

Our move is not without its challenges. Anyone who has ever researched or experienced an international move will know that the development of lists, sub-‐lists and scanned folders of documents is just the beginning. It is a well-‐planned, logistical exercise which tests your endurance, patience and stamina.

So the easy part is over -‐ choosing and buying the house, now to decide what is worth shipping half way around the world. Sounds pretty straight forward but in time you end up questioning every item in detail, even your clothes!

Then there are our two Australian cattle dogs. ‘Our boys’ as we call them. They are brothers and only three years old, so still our babies really. We have only ever moved them by driving interstate within Australia so this will be their first flight experience. We are like apprehensive parents watching our children go off on their first overseas adventure. The preparation for their move began before we could even think of booking our flights. It starts with health checks and vaccination schedules and then progressed to finding a reputable pet courier company. As we are entrusting our very special cargo to them, scrutiny and research of their reputation, work practices and the conditions for our boys to travel in was the biggest priority. Finally they are medically checked, vaccinated and they have their special boxes for the flights.

Both we, and our older children who live in the UK, are excited that we will be living nearer to them again. Although they have had some great travel opportunities whilst visiting us in Australia, such as whale watching and snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, the distance has been difficult at times. The internet, Skype and social media fills a big gap but the physical separation can be hard to endure on special occasions when a family should be together: birthdays, Christmas etc.

With the last of our boxes packed and final goodbyes made, we left Australia on 23rd September and took up residence in our new French home on 25th September ready for our new adventure and our new life in France.

I will be pursuing a new career pathway in France as a writer after 27 years as a nurse and mother. I am looking forward to making many new French friends and British expat friends and would especially love to hear from anyone in the Chirac/Chabanais area.

Sarah can be contacted by email: [email protected]

Above: Our new home in Chirac

Thank you to Sarah Butfield for sharing her ‘French Adventure’ with us and we wish her well with her new life here in France ! If you would like to share your story, please email it to [email protected] for consideration.

Above: ‘Our Boys’

by Sarah Bugield


by Helen Tait-‐Wright

Motoring...

The Practical EstateEven confirmed petrol heads like us need a “sensible” car, and with that in mind we have just upgraded our Audi A6 Avant from a 2002 model to a 2007 model.

For those of you that don’t know, the “Avant” is Audi’s term for what we Brits call an “Estate car”, what the Americans call a “Station Wagon”, and the French a “Break”. So where do all these names actually originate from?

In England, the early incarnations of the estate car were the aristocractic “Shooting Brakes” built first in the early 1900’s to transport country gentlemen to their hunts, along with their firearms, provisions and dogs. The shooting brake was a speciality of the Albion Motor Company in Glasgow, and in 1908 The Commercial Motor described their vehicle as having "seats for eight persons as well as the driver, whilst four guns and a large supply of cartridges, provisions baskets and a good 'bag' can be carried.”

Many other manufacturers such as Rolls Royce, Aston Martin, Bentley and Jaguar also produced Shooting Brakes, although these were not mass produced, but custom-‐built luxury coupes altered for hunting use. Generally all these vehicles had exposed wooden bodies.

By 1930’s the term “Estate car” was in use in England as it was recognised that these vehicles were useful for general purposes around the “estate”, carrying both master, guests and servants, as well as for hunting. In France, the history is much the same, but the vehicle was called a “Break de Chasse” (Hunting Break) which has been shorterned to “Break”. This name is still used by Peugeot and Citroen today.

In America, the origins of the “Station Wagon” are tied up with the history of the railways, and early vehicles of this type worked as taxi’s or “Depot Hacks” around the stations and railway sidings, moving passengers between trains.

Prior to the mid-‐1930s, manufacturers assembled the framing of passenger compartments of such vehicles in hardwood, and these vehicles evolved from trucks rather than modified cars. They became known as “Woodies”, and by the mid-‐1930s, wood bodied station wagons achieved a level of prestige. The vehicles were priced higher than regular cars, and were popular in affluent communities. Traditionally, full-‐sized American station wagons were configured for six or nine passengers.

As the Twentieth century progressed, steel bodies were introduced, but often wood accents were retained as a nod to the origins of the cars, and in the UK, many examples still had structural wooden frames right up until the early 1960’s. These cars are some of the most exclusive and luxurious "woodies" ever built. For those with a smaller budget, it was possible to buy into this heritage with the smaller and very popular Morris Minor Traveller Estate which copied the wooden side panel frames of larger designs.

Nowadays most manufacturers offer estate versions of their cars as standard, and despite the recent introductions of People carriers and Minivans, the estate car still offers the most stylish and elegant way for a family to travel with their luggage.

PS, I have tried to find out why Audi use the word “Avant” but have been unable to find an explanation. Anyone know?

Contact Helen at: [email protected].

Page 24


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How to speed up your PC How to protect your PC: Preventative MaintenanceI hope you have had success following the last 12 articles on speeding up your PC. In this article I will advise you how to keep your PC working efficiently.

However, I should like to first let you know some developments on the PC Scam telephone calls. One of my customers who suffered from the scam, received a telephone call from a similar organisation stating that they were investigating the Windows Technical Department telephone call fraud, they had found that he had paid for the service and that they were in a position to refund the amount paid -‐ all he had to do was give his bank details and they would do the necessary! Needless to say he declined and requested that instead they send him a cheque, at this point the caller hung up. So beware they are still out there and are very sneaky.

I think of a Personal Computer as a precision instrument, a complex set of components that work together with even more complex software. I entrust my important documents, photographs and other information to this device, so it is important to me that it runs efficiently and reliably. To ensure that this is the case I try to prevent problems rather than cure them -‐ Preventative Maintenance. This is a simple plan of measures to take at regular intervals that will help keep my PC running at its best. Some are run daily, others weekly and others less frequently, many of the things that I have detailed over the past 12 articles.

Preventative Maintenance Check List Daily:• Check for Virus and Spyware definitions install them and run a daily scan of your PC.

• Check for and run Windows and other software updates, such as Adobe Reader and Java.

• Back-‐up important data you have created.Weekly :• Run Disk Clean-‐up.• Run Scan Disk to check the drive for errors and mark any bad sectors.

• Run a hard disk Defragmentation (In Windows Vista and 7 these are automatically set to run weekly).

• Physically clean your PC, screen and keyboard and mouse and of course your printer and scanner.

Monthly :• Back-‐up your operating system and settings.• Change your password for critical applications such as on-‐line banking.• Clean your input devices, Optical Drives collect dust so get a drive cleaner, the same is true of the good old floppy disks, use a

floppy disk cleaner to keep them able to read efficiently and reliably.

• Still got a ball type mouse -‐ take out the ball and wrap it in sticky tape this should remove all of the grease and dust, check the rollers inside the "ball hole" clean off any dust/fluff that has stuck to the rollers.

Annually :• Check for new Hardware Drivers and any Firmware updates and install them (remember to back up first).

• Check for unused programs and data and uninstall/remove them.

• With the PC turned off, open the PC case and check all Fans for dust and noise, clean them carefully, check heat sinks and do the same, any holes to allow air to circulate should be thoroughly cleaned to prevent blockages. Ensure that the PC is not over heating, most BIOS settings have a temperature section, check that the CPU etc is running in the correct temperature range.

Think of these measures as protecting your investment in the PC itself, but more importantly you are protecting your data and ensuring that it is safe. It is a known fact that PCs are easily replaced, your data is not. I consider my PCs are just like my car, and I would no more buy a car and never do any Preventative Maintenance or ignore the annual service requirements and feel safe in it. I check tyres, water and oil weekly, brakes monthly, I replace windscreen wipers and filters regularly and have a professional service annually. This way I know that I am safe and that my passengers and other road users are too.

Many of the Daily and Weekly tasks may be automated, the time taken to perform these simple items is well invested, when you think what time you will lose if you have to replace your PC or try to reinstate the data you have lost.

I provide an annual check for my customers, it normally takes less than a hour and I give them peace of mind that their PC is running well and advise them of any problems that may occur and seek to anticipate them and take the necessary remedial action. Why not see if your PC support company does the same, I am sure that it is worth the cost of an hour or so a year to have peace of mind, after all it is far less than an annual service on your car!

Ross Hendry is the proprietor of I n t e r f a c e C o n s u l t i n g a n d Engineering, who has over 42 years experience in Communications, Computer Technology and Direct Marketing. (See advert below for more information).

by Ross Hendry


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

CHAMPEAUX

The little town of Champeaux dominates the confluence of the Egray and one of the tiny streams that flow into it from the ponds of Petit-‐Chêne. Some think the stone blocks scattered in the valley of Rochefollet are the remains of a dolmen.

Champeaux used to be part of the feudal lands of Coudray Salbart. The parish depended on the archpriest of Saint Maixent. The parish priest was nominated by the Bishop of Poitiers.

The name of the commune of Champeaux can be found as early as the 10th century in the map work Saint Maixent. In the mid 17th century there were 9 small holdings and a windmill.

CHANTECORPS

Chantecorps is situated in the canton of Menigoute. The commune has about 330 inhabitants. The French commune which is the farthest from Chantecorps is Bonifacio.

A VOIR / MUST SEE• The painted fresques in the choir of St Philibert's church. The fresques were painted in medieval style by Mme Marie Baranger in 1941 and they tell the story of Saint-‐Girault de Salles, the founder of the Abbey of the Chateliers.

• The Cistercian abbey was founded in 1191 and closed in 1791. Today, only a few stones remain of the abbey and the site where the abbey stood has been turned into a farm.

• There is also a fountain named after Saint-‐Girault de Salles, the hermit and preacher who died here in 1120.

CHANTELOUP

Chanteloup is situated in the canton of Moncoutant. There are 980 Chanteloupais and Chanteloupaises. The river Thouaret crosses the commune. The name Chanteloup indicates the presence of wolves in the surrounding countryside in medieval times.

The Church of Chanteloup, St Léger Church, was given by Guillaume the bishop of Poitiers to the Abbey of the Trinity (Mauleon) between 1117 and 1140. A small sculpture of a wolf, on the left of the bays of the south side of the bell tower reminds us of the time when the wolf was heard singing.

There are 11 places with « Chapelle » as part of their name in the Deux-‐Sèvres and a staggering 45 in Vienne (86). The second part of the name can make reference to a Saint, or to the family who owned the land or again to a nearby geographical feature.

LA CHAPELLE BATON

La Chapelle Baton is a commune of the Deux Sèvres situated in the canton of Champdeniers St Denis. The 2009 census recorded 363 inhabitants.

A VOIR / MUST SEEThe Chateau de Maillé, a château dating from the late 16th and early 17th centuries, is a listed historical monument. The château is private and not open for visits. The seigneury belonged to the Eschalard family who originally came from Parthenay. In 1646 Maillé came into the hands of Jean de Caillo and remained the property of his family until the revolution. The house is surrounded by walls, there are two circular towers which house pigeon lofts.

by Sue Burgess

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

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

Building & Renovation...

Burgundy for Christmas?As I write this in preparation for November’s issue, there’s a chill in the air and pumpkin soup on the stove. Any spare hours recently have been taken up with processing fruit -‐ plums, pears, peaches, apples, figs and even some grapes, sadly not enough to make wine, and some recipes have been more successful than others!

Experimentation has not been confined to the kitchen – in the workshop we have been preparing Christmas and gift items. We needed to decide whether to make our items entirely by hand or buy pre-‐cut shapes? We opted to make our own, hand painted using Annie’s paint. We have also added a range of signs which are made to order – for any occasion. Enjoying this so much we have decided to add “Sign making” and “Decoupage and Gilding” workshops to our schedule for November.

Annie has been experimenting too, introducing two new colours, English Yellow and Burgundy (we have ordered both) and working on her new book (only available through stockists). Most of the photos are taken in her French house, so we are really excited to get our hands on this. At our second open morning last month we were amazed at how far people would travel to browse our hand painted furniture, discuss their projects and head off on a mission with paint in hand. If you have not yet discovered what all the fuss is about, do drop in and see us, the paint has almost no odour so you can tackle all your indoor projects, walls, woodwork and floors, or maybe just enjoy transforming a piece of furniture. Come and see us, have a coffee and leave inspired. For details of our opening hours, courses and paints please contact Sue or Rik Newell at La Deuxième Chance. (See our advert opposite).

UPDATE


ARTISANS & TRADESMEN...Do you have any top tips you can share with our readers?

We would love to include them in this section!

For more details, please see the ‘Written Contributions’ page on our website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr

Short editorials can be offered to advertisers, free of charge.

Please call Sarah to find out more.


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Business, Finance & Property...Ask Amanda.Sitting in my office, catching up on a little admin whilst the rain is falling outside, I find myself checking up on renewal dates of certain necessary items and policies regarding house and home. A thought springs to mind. If I were to ask you, when does your car next need its control technique, or when is the house insurance due, or perhaps when does your driving licence or passport need renewing, I am sure that you would

quickly be able to find the answer, with perhaps just a little rummaging through a drawer to two.

If on the other hand I asked:1. How and where is my money currently invested?2. How has it performed over the last 12 months?3. How easily can I get hold of my money should my circumstances change?4. Are my investments tax efficient based on my current residency?5. How much will my pension be when I retire?6. Has my situation changed since I last saw a financial planner?

If you could not easily answer these questions or lay your hands on the information about your fiscal health, perhaps it is time for a free financial review?

At The Spectrum IFA Group, my colleagues and I like to ensure that our customers are kept aware of their position in terms of investments, inheritance and the current tax legislation in France that could change their financial wellbeing.

For a free review or if y o u h a v e a n y questions on your finances, you can find me at La Grande Gallery in Civray most Tuesday mornings, the Café des Belles Fleurs in Fenioux on Thursday lunchtimes or I can always come and see you at home.

Please email or call me using the details below if I can be of any assistance to you.

Amanda Johnson, The Spectrum IFA Group. Tel: 05 49 98 97 46Email: amanda.johnson@spectrum-‐ifa.com

“Ask Amanda” at [email protected]

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

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

découvert (m) -‐ overdraftdépôt (m) -‐ deposit

endosser -‐ verb -‐ to endorse a cheque

impôt (m) -‐ tax

monnaie (f) -‐ coins/change

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

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

solde (f) -‐ account balance

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

virement (m) -‐ bank transfer

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Blevins Franks - Specialists in wealth management for expatriates in FranceIf you are a British expatriate living in France you require highly personalised and specialist advice to ensure your investment strategy is tailor-made for you and your assets are structured as tax efficiently as possible. At Blevins Franks we specialise in providing integrated and detailed tax and wealth management advice to British expatriates in Europe.

Blevins Franks are the leading wealth management advisers to UK nationals living abroad. We focus on wealth preservation for our clients, looking to protect the value of your capital and income in ‘real’ terms, after inflation and tax.

We offer a global multi-manager investment approach across all major asset classes which we tailor to your specific situation and aims. We have an in-depth knowledge of French tax regulations and law and the opportunities available for compliant tax mitigation. We also fully understand UK taxation and how it interacts with the French rules.

The plan we develop and implement for you strikes the optimal balance between delivering the investment returns you are looking for and minimising your liability to tax.

Our range of wealth management services includes:

• Investment management and advice• French and international tax planning• Estate planning• Asset protection• Offshore trusts and companies• Retirement planning• Pensions• Tax residency

We are committed to developing close, personal and continuing relationships with our clients, so our advice based is on a real, comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of your current circumstances and your future aims. Our integrated tax and wealth management strategies are specifically designed to meet your particular objectives and circumstances.

Blevins Franks Financial Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Services Authority for the conduct of investment and pension business.

Our local Partner Brad Warden looks after private clients in this area. Brad is professionally qualified and has over 25 years’ experience in the Financial Services industry, both as an Independent Financial Adviser and Life Office Consultant. He holds the Diploma in Financial Planning (DipPFS) and Investment Management Certificate (IMC), and is an Associate Member of the Personal Finance Society (APFS).

You can contact Brad on 05 49 75 07 24 or by email at [email protected]

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2013 Budget targets wealthiest householdsPresident Hollande’s government has just unveiled its first full annual Budget with proposed measures designed to reduce the public deficit and reshape the French economy over the next five years.

Following this summer’s Finance Amendment Act, the Finance Bill for 2013 proposes further tax reforms aimed at reducing taxation for low income households while requiring the top 10% of earners and households in France to contribution more from their income and assets towards the public purse.

A summary of the key provisions are detailed below:Income TaxA new tax band of 45% will be introduced for annual income in excess of €150,000 per ‘household part’. Additionally, a much-‐heralded 75% income tax rate is proposed on individual annual earned income in excess of €1 million.

There are proposed changes to the tax benefits gained through the ‘household parts’ system aimed at reducing tax breaks for the wealthiest families.

At the other end of the scale the lowest income households will see a modest increase in the standard deduction figure applied to annual tax bills.

Withholding Tax on Interest and Dividend IncomeThe current with-‐holding tax rates of 21% for dividend income and 24% for interest income will be abolished. From the 2012 tax year, all such income will simply be added to other household income to be taxed at the applicable ‘band rates’.

These optional with-‐holding rates currently only benefit households in the 30% tax bracket or higher. As a result, most households will actually benefit from the mandatory taxation using the ‘band rates’.

Taxation of Capital Gains on Sale of Shares /Collective InvestmentsCapital gains on the sale of shares and collective investments, currently taxed at a fixed rate of 19%, will be added to income and taxed at ‘band rates’, with effect from the 2012 tax year.

However, to encourage investors to hold shares and collective investments over the longer term, a system of ‘taper relief’ will be introduced to reduce gains arising, according to the length of ownership.

Taxation of Capital Gains on Investment PropertiesThe Bill will introduce a 20% reduction, for 2013 only, on the capital gain on the sale of investment properties. This is to encourage second-‐home owners to sell properties for re-‐purchasing by owner-‐occupiers as a main residence.

Wealth TaxProgressive tax bands are to be retained, following last summers legislation, but with adjustments to the bands and rates.

The new bands and rates will apply from 2013 where total assessable assets exceed a threshold of €1,310,000.

With the government holding overall majorities in both chambers of the French parliament, there are unlikely to be significant amendments before the Bill passes into law.

For an assessment of the potential impact of the French Budget measures on your own personal circumstances it is best to take advice from a French financial planning expert, who will be able to check all relevant tax breaks are being maximised and recommend any further beneficial actions that can be taken.

by David Hardy

Contact David Hardy, Regional Manager: Tel: 05 56 34 71 77

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Unburdening Yourself of Unnecessary TaxesThe global economic turmoil has hit the Euro-‐zone with a persistent wave of financial instability as governments attempt to cope with copious amounts of debt by implementing several austerity measures. One of the moves the French government has taken to decrease its mounting debt is by issuing a new regulation that demands people with a certain income to contribute 75% of their earnings to tax charges.

French president François Hollande has affirmed how there will be ‘no exceptions’ and wealthy individuals will pay an income tax rate of 75% on earnings over €1 million and 45% on earnings over 150,000 euro as stated by the 2013 budget. Moreover, there is an additional ‘wealth tax’ where one with overall wealth exceeding €3 million will be taxed an additional 0.5%. These tax rates are set to contribute one-‐third of the €33 billion financing gap next year ― an exceptional measure that is expected to subsist for at least two years, as announced by finance minister Pierre Moscovici.

This wealth tax has caused uproar among many business owners who live in France primarily because it was perceived as driving high net worth individuals and foreign investors away. More so than that, the wealth tax creates a larger burden on individuals who must already deal with unnecessary taxes due to their international lifestyle or due to their foreign investment.

Ever since its inception a decade ago, the deVere Group has looked after expatriates and international investors to help guide them in the right financial path and unburden them from unnecessary taxes. Benjamin Franklin once said that ‘only death and taxes are certain in life’ and while the firm does acknowledge this, it also strives to help its clients mitigate unnecessary tax charges.

An expert international financial adviser is your best chance to invest your money, buy structured notes or products, save for your children’s

education or for your retirement while avoiding a percentage of your funds being lost to avoidable tax charges. Professional IFAs as such have a thorough knowledge of the volatile global markets and they can help guide you in investment and saving schemes with ideal tax charges according to your unique situation.

The French government has stated that more than a monetary contribution, this wealth tax is a ‘symbolic gesture’ ― a sign of ‘patriotism’ during a turbulent economic time for the country. However, the 75% wealth tax has been seen as an exaggerated request by many high net worth individuals and they are now left with two drastic options: decline one’s citizenship of the country or pay the high tax rate. deVere Group clients however, can take one small step that will plunge them into a world of professional guidance so that they can pay the taxes they are due to pay, while avoiding the unnecessary charges that often come with an internationally led life.

by David Nicholls


Winterising your pool?To drain or not to drain, that is the question?Last year’s severe winter left a lot of devastation in its wake, not least to swimming pool equipment, with many people suffering burst pipes, split pumps and other water related damage to pool equipment. Good business for us pool companies :) but not so good for homeowners especially when insurers invariably take the attitude that it is ‘negligence’ and therefore the homeowner’s fault, EVEN when you have taken reasonable precautions against the ravages of winter.

This raises the issue of the best way to approach winterizing your pool, an issue which divides opinion, sets mothers and sons at odds and can divide even the most loyal of friends. For this reason I am keen to make the disclaimer that the opinions raised in this article are just that!

For those of you new to pool ownership there are generally two schools of thought when it comes to ‘shutting down’ your pool for the winter.

The traditional method is to drain down the pool by several feet, drain all the pipe works and the pump, sand filter etc. Chuck in a load of ‘Hivernage’ (what’s that?) and hope for the best before opening up the pool six months later to deal with (normally) frog soup and then apply loads of ‘choc’ and other noxious chemicals just in time for the kids to hop in…

The ‘modern’ approach is to keep the pool circulating all year round, albeit on a much reduced timing, keep your automatic dosing system going (which any modern pool should have) and then open up in early spring to a clean, clear and healthy pool ready for every one to use…

You can probably see which method I am leaning towards and you may be thinking that I have a hidden agenda but, honestly, I do not. The old fashioned method is far more profitable for pool companies!

I can completely understand that people who will not be at their properties during the winter, often for many long months, might feel anxious about leaving the system running but most pool pipes are 50mm diameter and mostly underground so freezing like a domestic 15mm pipe would be almost impossible if the water is kept moving a couple of times a day. If you set your pool timer to run for several half hour periods during the coldest part of the night (say between 3 and 3.30, then 5 and 5.30) you should never experience freezing even during the coldest winters.

The surface of the pool may freeze so it is worthwhile throwing in a few plastic footballs to absorb the expansion of the ice, but this will not affect circulation so long as the water level is kept normal.

If you are anxious about potential power cuts and you have nobody local who can pop by to check this out, or if you simply don’t believe the above and decide to go ahead and winterize in the traditional method, then make sure to follow these rules:

• Run the pump for several hours and dribble in 20 litres of liquid chlorine before switching off power and shutting down.

• Drain down the pool using the bottom drain to about nine inches below the skimmer.

• Cover the pool. Do not leave the summer cover on underneath the winter cover as this will shorten its lifespan.

• Drain down the pump. Most pumps have a bung on the front and on the side, although some models only have one bung on

the front. Dry the insides of the pump with a cloth and, if possible, remove the pump and store in a dry and fairly warm area. If that is not possible, wrap it in a blanket or other insulating material.

• Drain down the sand filter by removing the bung at the bottom and removing the glass lid.

• Undo at least one coupling of every valve/tap to allow the last of the water to dribble out.

• Put some blankets or other insulating material on top of all the pipework and the sand filter.

• If you have a pool heater disconnect the pipe to and from the heater and if there is a drain down bung, undo it (many models do not have one). Wrap the heater in some insulating material and put a secure bache over it.

In the springtime it is wise to open your pool as early as possible. Dose with some liquid chlorine and backwash frequently to get your pool up and running and DON’T chuck tons of supermarket products that you don’t really know anything about in there.

And please don’t be tempted to leave the pool until one week before you (or your first tenants!) arrive and expect some pool company to perform miracles!




by Brian McHale

Contact Brian McHale, Vendée Pools on: 06 31 17 25 60or email: [email protected]


Is French farmland going to be the new gold?The UK media seems to be obsessed with farmland at the moment and as the Deux-‐Sèvres has no shortage at all of this asset class I thought that readers might find it interesting to look at a few statistics.

Before we do so though it’s probably worth reminding ourselves that of the 6,000 km2 that make up this beautiful department, over three quarters is dedicated to arable land.

The soil and mild climate are a huge attraction to farmers and we have many clients and friends who say that farming here is as good as anywhere else in the country. The Deux-‐Sèvres is a rural department and the population is rightly proud of the produce it gives to the rest of the country.

2012 has seen the price of UK farmland rise yet again (0.4% in the first three months) and the well respected research team at international agents Knight Frank have just announced that they are expecting further rises throughout the year. This means that in one of the toughest economic times for centuries farmers are having to pay record amounts for the land they need.

The average value of agricultural land in the UK is currently a staggering £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 of €5,430 per hectare last year -‐ that's almost one third of the price! No wonder then that many experts are tipping the price of farmland in France to rise substantially over the next few years.

Leggett Immobilier are currently marketing over 100 working farms (of all types and with or without farmhouses) for sale across France and have seen a steady and growing increase in interest from across the channel. We would love to add to our portfolio within the Deux-‐Sèvres.

I saw a farmer quoted recently as saying that farmland is a "safehaven" and that "the world's population is growing and that people will always need more food". Add in the fact that it is also tax efficient and underpinned by EU subsidies and it's no wonder that farmland is an attractive choice for investors -‐ I simply believe that it's even more attractive in France.

The price of English farmland has rocketed by more than 10,000% in the last 60 years and France certainly gives farmers a cheaper (and sunnier) option. It wouldn’t surprise me at all to see further enquiries of this type come into the Leggett’s offices and if you are thinking of buying or selling farmland in the Deux-‐Sèvres over the coming year then we would love to hear from you.

As Mark Twain so memorably said “Buy land, they’re not making it anymore”!

by Trevor Leggett, Chief Executive

Trevor Leggett is Chief Executive of Leggett Immobilier. You can access all the local Leggett Immobilier property listings and articles at www.frenchestateagents.com/poitou-‐charentes-‐property.

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the deux-sevres monthly magazine, november 2012

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