Sarah

THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLYWelcome to Issue 9 of ‘The Deux-SèvresMonthly’ magazine.I think autumn is most definitely here;birds have migrated, the clocks have goneback, the frost is beginning to bite andwork seems to start and finish when it’sdark! Soon it will be time for Christmas!Talking of Christmas... are you organisinga Christmas event, or know of an eventthat may interest other people? If so,please let me know and I’ll spread the word online and innext month’s issue.It’s very important to me that the magazine is availablelocally to everyone in the Department. Ideas on additionaldistribution points to make it more accessible are alwayswelcome.If you need to contact us, please email:info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr or Tel: 05 49 70 26 21.Emergency Numbers:15 SAMU, Medical17 Gendarmes, Police18 Pompiers, FireSarah.Annual Subscription.If you would like to receive a copy of ‘The Deux-SèvresMonthly’magazine by post each month, please completethis form and send to La Bartière, 79130 Secondigny.Please enclose a cheque to cover postage for the year.24€ within France, 16€ to addresses in UK.(Unfortunately the cheaper ‘printed papers’ rate cannot beapplied to addresses within France, only when sending abroad)Full Name:Postal Address:Postcode:Tel:Email:Country:Please make cheques payable to SARAH BERRY.112 European emergency113 Drugs and alcohol© Sarah Berry 2011. All rights reserved.Material may not be reproduced without permission. While care is taken toensure that articles and features are accurate, Sarah Berry accepts no liability forreader dissatisfaction. The opinions expressed and experiences shared aregiven by individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views oropinions of the publisher.Please ensure you verify that the company you are dealing with are a registeredtrading company in France and/or elsewhere. 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. Créditsphotos: Sarah Berry et clker.com. Impression: Imprimerie Jadault, 46 rue du Bocage-BP405, 79306 Courlay Cedex. Dépôt légal: Novembre 2011 - Tirage: 5 000 exemplaires.Siret: 515 249 738 00011 ISSN: 2115-4848CONTENTSWhat’s On.............................................................................4Take a break........................................................................9Our Furry Friends..............................................................12Health, Beauty & Fitness..................................................13The Great Outdoors...........................................................15French Life, Food & Drink................................................17French Adventures............................................................21Getting Out & About..........................................................22Communications.................................................................26Building & Renovation.......................................................27Business, Finance & Property..........................................32THIS MONTH’S ADVERTISERS A La Bonne Vie (Restaurant).............................................. 18Absolu Paint Stripping Services (Tony Sparks)................. 27Ace Pneus (Tyre Supplier & Fitter)................................... 23Affordable UK Designs (Kitchens & UPVC D/Glazing)..... 2Agence POUZET (AXA Insurance)..................................... 23A.I.P. (Estate Agent)........................................................... 34AKE Petits Travaux (Builder)............................................. 31Alain Miot (Saw mill)........................................................... 27Allez Francais (Estate Agent)............................................. 34Andrew Longman (Plumber)............................................... 29Andy Melling (Artisan Joiner / Cabinet Maker)................. 35An English Nursery in France (Garden Centre)................... 16Blevins Franks Financial Management Ltd........................Brian Fox (Computer Support)...........................................Café des Belles Fleurs........................................................Cafe Cour du Miracle..........................................................Chris Dwyer (Handyman)....................................................Christies (English Book Shop and Tea Room)....................Colette Bon..........................................................................Dave Bowring (Electrician).................................................David Normanton (Handyman)............................................David Watkins (Chimney Sweep)........................................Eco Entrepot (Discount store & Building materials)..........Energie-79...........................................................................29English Spoken.info (Online Business Directory)............... 8Garage Planchet (Renault)................................................... 22Gentle Touch Hair & Beauty............................................... 14Hair by Janet (Hairdresser and Avon Sales)..................... 14Hallmark Electronique (Electricians & Sat. Engineers).... 30Imprimerie Jadault (Printer)................................................ 3Indulgence Beauty............................................................... 14Insink Plumbing....................................................................29Jocelyn Simms (Segora Open Poetry competition)............. 6Julie Immobilier.................................................................... 35Julie’s Cleaning Services..................................................... 33L’Ecole du Chat Marché de Noel........................................ 5La Joie de Vivre (Gift Shop & Tea Room).......................... 24Le Dragon (Bar/Snack)........................................................ 20Leggett Immobilier (Estate Agent)..................................... 32Le Logis (Pig breeders).......................................................Le Puy Remorques (Trailer Hire & Sales).........................Les Trois Marie (Hotel & Bar)............................................Madhatters Kitchen.............................................................MS Electrique (Electrician).................................................Mutuelle de Poitiers Assurances........................................Namaskaar Accessories......................................................Nathan Foster Building Services........................................Open House Sales (L.Walker, Ellerymay & Craft Cabin)...Pamela Irving (Massage & Reflexology)............................Pause! Coffee Shop.............................................................Philip Irving (Mini Digger hire)............................................Philip Wellman (Plumbing Service & Maintenance)............Plombiere Anglais en France (Plumber).............................Poitou Property Services....................................................Premier Autos - Mike Lane (Mechanic).............................RDK Roofing & Building Services.......................................Red White & Blue (English groceries)................................Restaurant des Canards.......................................................Rob Berry (Plasterer)..........................................................Robert Gough Terrassement (Mini Digger and Driver)......Robert Walker Plomberie (Plumbing, Heating, Air con).....Ross Hendry (Interface Consulting & Engineering)...........R.S.M. Distribution...............................................................Sandy G (Hairdresser).........................................................Sarah Berry Online (Website Designer).............................sarl Down to Earth (Groundwork & Construction).............Siddalls (Financial Advisors)...............................................Ski-Hike-Bike.com..............................................................Stephens Property Maintenance & Renovation..................Steve Enderby......................................................................322718182924323031282192320193023630Sue Burgess (French Courses & Translation).................... 8Tara’s Mobile Hairdressing................................................. 15The English Mechanic - Tony Eyre.................................... 22The Mini Market.................................................................. 24Total Renovation Services.................................................. 30Tracy Corrie (Nail Artist)................................................... 13Warren Baldwin-Jones........................................................ 2831513530292933223118183131292624132730331531page 3

THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLYNovember...a month to remember.by Sue Burgess la Toussaint........................ All Saints' DayThe first of November is All Saints' (La Toussaint) and abank holiday (jour férié). La Toussaint is a Catholic un chrysanthème................ a chrysanthemumFestival when the Roman Catholic Church honours all thesaints. La Toussaint is the day before the Day of the Dead(La Commemoration des Fidèles défunts). The 2ndNovember was fixed as the date for remembering thedead two centuries after the date of la Toussaint wasfixed. However, because the 1st November is a bankfleurir.................................un cimetière.......................un gerbe..............................to put flowers/ to flowercemeterya wreathholiday, the French remember their dead on that day. le monument aux morts...... a war memorialCandles were lit in the cemeteries and since the 19thCentury the custom has been to decorate tombs with le cénotaphe........................ a cenotapheChrysanthemums (les chrysanthèmes).In the countryside, around the time of All Saints, thewhole family including the children helped to pick thepotato crop. During the potato harvest many childrentook time off school and the half-term holidays weremade official (les vacances de Toussaint (formerly calledpotato holidays «vacances patates»)).commémorer......................pavoiser ............................édifices publics.............les poilus.......................to commemorateto decorate with flagspublic buildingsThe 11th November is another bank holiday. If the 11thNovember has become a day for remembrance, it is infact the day for remembering one day in particular, that ofthe Armistice of 1918. In France, the end of the secondworld war is remembered on the 8th May. The minute ofsilence was put in place for the first time in 1919. The‘unknown soldier’ was buried under the Arc de Triomphein 1921 and at the ceremony in 1923, the flame (Flammedu Souvenir) was lit for the first time. «Le Bleuet deFrance», the cornflower, France's equivalent of the poppy,was the idea of Charlotte Malleterre and SuzanneLeenhardt, both nurses at Les Invalides. They created aworkshop for war invalids. The war pensioners madecornflowers out of blue material – a therapeutic activitybut the sale of the cornflowers would partly cover theirfinancial needs. The cornflower is the national symbol forremembrance in France. In 1935 the government decidedthat the cornflower would be sold on the 11th November.In 1957 it was decided that they should also be sold on8th May.Ceremonies are held at the warmemorial of most villages and towns. Awreath (un gerbe) with red, white andblue ribbons is laid. Lists of the peoplekilled are read out. The minute's silenceis respected. In most villages the localprimary schools participate in theceremonies. Perpetuation of thenational memory is very important tothe French. As the 11th November is aholiday, the ceremonies can be held on the day itself.The third Thursday in the month is famous for beaujolaisnouveau – a new wine produced in the vineyards ofBeaujolais, from Gamay grapes. The sale of beaujolaisnouveau is allowed immediately after vinification hastaken place.Vocabulary / Vocabulaire«hairy» nickname given to the Frenchsoldiers in the trenches during theFirst World War, because they didn'thave the facilities for shaving.COMPETITION WINNER!Congratulations to our competitionwinner, Helen Tait-Wright, 79290.A lovely image to mark the events ofGuy Fawkes Night, November 5th,For a chance to see your photograph on thefront cover of our magazine - please enter ourmonthly photo competition. Entry is free andlimited to one photograph per month.Please see the website for further details.page 8

THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLYTake a break....Across:Down:7. The respect with which a person 1. Confused by guilt (7)is held (10)2. New Zealander (4)8. Public house for gambling (6) 3. French General and Emperor (8)9. Scratch repeatedly (6)4. A failure to hit (4)10. Your consciousness of your own 5. Noisy sleeper (6)identity (4)6. Resort city of Southern Mexico (8)12. Surround (8)11. Mentioned before (8)14. A business deal (11)13. Song, melody (5)18. A drug that causes temporary 15. Fishing equipment (6)loss of bodily sensations (10) 16. Sheltered and secluded place (4)20. A sharp twist or bend in wire, rope 17.Unforeseen obstacle (4)or hair (4)19.Detest (4)22.Caring only about yourself and 22. Pinch (3)your own needs (10)23.Collection of things for publicdisplay (4)DSM Crossword #6Across:Down:8. Wild band? (7)1. Male trees form swamp plant (8)9. Midlands home of Roman house? (5) 2. Roman governor in endless keep fit10.& 11.exercises (6)Ambitious plans for piano? (5,7) 3. Tough writer? (5)12. Not less than the regulation 4. Top teams have words with thenumber of balls?(4)audience (6)13. Wed when wrong pose used. (8) 5. Male’s article in the big house(7)16. Missed big thing in the room (8) 6. Sets up modes of travel out west? (3-3)19. A brief I will is heard in small 7. Aims and finishes (4)island (4)14. Unusual red hen mixes CD and gets22. Diver halfway to handsomesoaked (4-4)princehood? (7)15. Arranged French bedroom to fit in23. Small change adapted after short bullets (7)time can pick you up (5) 17. Worn down newspaperman split by24. Saw, we hear, is part of play (5) ride past (6)25. Let changes rest to offer support (7) 18. Trendy alien in New York is short ofa ton (6)20. Healthy state of mind results after Iget nasty in mix-up (6)21. Sounds like take-away bringsprocessed iron (5)22. Winner missing regular in clenchedhand (4)Sudoku Corner...Toughie Crossword#3.....think cryptic!With thanks to M.Morris#1 #2Please see website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr for answerswww.sudokupuzz.compage 9

THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLYOperation Scenery 16/17th November 1943by Tony BarrettPlaque outside the church at Périgné records Operation Scenery.Operation "Scenery" took place just outside of the villageof PÉRIGNÉ, on the road to Secondigny, it had beenchosen for its particularly easy access and its surfacesuitable to land a small aircraft.The night of the 16/17th November was a full moon witha hard frost, and the mission was to pick up two agents ofthe Franco-Belge ‘Delbo-Phenix’ Louis Michaud alias‘Baby Louis’ and Jean Depraetere alias ‘Georges’, leaderof the information network.decided it was time to make a decision, he would burn theplane where it stood. Smashing all the cockpit dials andthen puncturing the fuel tank he set fire to the strandedLysander. Luckily for Robin Hooper and the group, thenearest Germans were some 10 miles away.The reception committee, as well as the pilot and theagents for whom this operation had been arranged weretaken back to Niort and Celles. Flight Officer Hooper wastaken to Mr. Poirault’s in Celles. "Baby Louis" took careof the others dividing between the members of thenetwork ‘Delbo-Phenix’ in Niort. Then Robin Hooper wasaccommodated in Chaban de Chauray at the home of Mr.Andre Bellot.The following day the Germanscame in force to recover the wreckand to search for the pilot andresistance men. The truck on whichthey tried to load the remains ofthe Lysander got stuck in the mudand once again the bullocks of Mr.Fournier were called to assist. Amonth later on the night of the16/17th December another of 161Squadron’s Lysanders piloted byWing Commander Lewis Hodgeslanded and took off with RobinHooper and the agents.Robin HooperAuthorʼs impression of Flight officer Hooperʼs Lysander MA-DThe Lysander Mk.III, serial V9548, and coded MA-D wasflown by Flight Officer Robin Hooper of 161 Squadron, andthe outward flight was uneventful. The reception team wasin position at about 0 h 30. At ‘La Prairie’ LZ (LandingZone) The Lysander arrived and after two unsuccessfulattempts finally managed to land off of a very tight lowcircuit, dropping in rather fast and rather late through themist. Initially applying the brakes the wheels just locked upand slid across the ground, and it required a lot of throttlejust to keep any forward movement. Turning proved to bedifficult as the wheels dug grooves into the soft groundbut finally he made a turn of 90 degrees to port beforegetting completely stuck.After loading his passengers Hooper found that the craftwas totally immoveable even with +6 of boost. Orderingthe passengers out Hooper also got out of the Lysanderto inspect the problem for himself. Sunk up to the wheelspats,it appeared he had landed in a wet soggy watermeadow and was well and truly stuck.With help from the reception committee Hooper instructedthem where to push to attempt a take-off. Again with +6of boost the Lysander if anything got even more firmlystuck. ‘Baby Louis’ then suggested enrolling the help of alocal farmer who lived nearby, and dispatched three wellarmed resistance men to get him, while the rest of theparty started to dig trenches in front of the wheels withthe plan of making an incline on which the Lysander couldbe pulled to firmer ground.Twenty minutes later an odd procession loomed out of themist, two very large bullocks (Papillon and Fridolin) withclanking chains, the farmer Mr Adolphe Fournier, his wifeand two daughters and the three resistance men, carryingspades, brushwood and planks. Mr. Adolphe Fourniergreeted Robin Hooper warmly and wanted to know whenthe British were going to invade France before setting towork on freeing the aircraft.The effort was in vain even with a further two bullocksthe plane stayed stubbornly stuck in the mud and HooperThe Northern Section of the Linazay Poitou-CharentesBranch held an Autumn Fest on Sunday 25th September2011 at the home of Jo & Will Rowe in Fenery and over200 visitors, French and ex-pats, enjoyed a nice sunnyday at the event.They experienced lots ofactivities including many stallsselling goods such as trees,books, cards, spices, jewelleryand brocantes. Games such asSplat the Rat, horse shoes andskittles. Rob Berry won themale Throw the Welliecompetition and Josie Migionwon the female competition. Abottle of Whisky was won by acompetitor with a bullseye in the target golf and Ted &Elaine Kemp won the Giant Hamper with the luckyprogramme number of 111.There were also 3 horse races where bets were placed onmodel horses and competitors also took part in the realthing in the Equine ring with the Best Turned Out, RiddenObedience, fancy dress, dressage demonstration and aSpanish riding display.Ten vintage cars also were on display, many of themhaving driven some distance from the South of the area.Food and drinks were in abundance with British Beers inFrance, wine from the Loire, Le Grande Four Noir generalfood and drinks, RBL tea and cake stall and hog roast.Although some outgoings are still to be met, it isanticipated that the event will have raised over 500€which will go towards the Poppy Appeal.Thanks to all the stallholders and other participants and thosenon RBL members who helped to make the day a success andlast of all thanks to all those who attended and took part, forwithout them, the total amount of money raised for the charity,could not have been achieved.page 11

THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLYOur Furry Friends...They are playful, friendly, lovingand ready for someone to lovethem. I am lucky now to have ahome. I have been sterilised sono more kittens for me! I willalways be semi-wild but mykittens are ready now for goodloving homes.Can you give them a chance?Two are black and fluffy, one isblack with some grey stripes, andone is grey stripey...Please call Rosemary on 05 49 95 63 81.MAYDAY MES AMISJust for Fun....Hi..my name is Sybil.I gave birth to 5 gorgeous kittens inAugust in the loft of the person whofeeds me.I was a good mother until my babieswere 6 weeks old. They were takenfrom the loft to be loved andsocialised by human hands in order togive them a chance of having a goodfamily life.Mayday Mes Amis is a new association under the 1901law which has been formed to help animals in need inl'Absie and the surrounding area.For more information please email: jill.zub@sky.com.HOOF (Horse Orientated Open Forum)HOOF is open to anyone with an equine interest. You donot need to own a horse! We meet about once a monthfor talks, visits etc. Interested?Contact Jo Rowe on 05 49 64 22 67 or email: willjo@live.co.ukOur adorable furry friends... Please send us your picturesand any comments to be featured here.Meet Noodle, headopted us when we livedin Portugal and I can't imaginelife without him! He has awonderful character and goeseverywhere with us.Sharon Goddard,La Ronde.Send your entry via email to: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.frAngel and Dalton are two loving family pets, but due to afamily break up their owner, who has three children tosupport, cannot keep her dogs. This is a tragic situationand sadly not uncommon. But that’s not the dogs’ fault.Dalton is a 3 year old castrated Labrador with a lovelyloving temperament; he is good with both children andadults, loves to please and loves to play. Dalton isvaccinated (but not for Rabies) and is microchipped.Angel is 2 years old, a lovely intelligent dog with a playfulnature who is also good with children, but she does needsome more training. Angel is micro-chipped andvaccinated (but not for Rabies) and is not sterilised.These are two young andfriendly dogs who just needlots of space, exercise and afirm hand. Animals do pickup on our human problemsand these two lovelyanimals deserve a goodlife. If you think you couldgive it to one or both ofthem, please contacthopeassoc@orange.fr.APPEALUpdate: Latest update on Angeland Dalton – I met these twolovely dogs this afternoon togetherwith their family. They get on amazinglywell with the children and all they wanted to do was be fussedand then taken for a long, long walk. Itʼs very sad to think thatthey will have to be split up, but in the long run it will be betterfor these two super dogs. They need someone who will “work”them as well as plenty of cuddles. I certainly recommendmeeting them, I donʼt think you will go away empty handed.HAPPY ENDINGZen (featured in the April issue) - now renamed Max wasadopted by English couple, Pete and Lynda and now livesin a wonderful home. "From the moment he got into thecar he has been absolutely wonderful. He has settled inreally well, had a good first night, and it did our heartsgood this morning when Jezzie our own dog, took himround the garden to show him all her favourite spots.Meeting our cat Holly didn't go quite as smoothly as we'dhoped and in his excitement he playfully nipped her bum!She's currently staying in one of the spare bedrooms andwe're planning the slow re-introduction, though sure thatall will be well in time". In celebration of finding Max,Pete and Lynda very kindly made a donation to Hopewhich has gone to help other needy animals.None of the re-homings would be possible without the dedicationand hard work of people who care about animals. We are verygrateful to The Deux-Sèvres Monthly for continuing to support usin our effort to re-home animals in need.Hope Assoc Tel: 05 49 27 26 20 or email: hopeassoc@orange.frHOPE ASSOCIATIONTWO DAY BOOK SALEOver 15,000 new & nearly new books at 1€4th & 5th NOVEMBER 201110am - 3pmSalle des Fetes, Clussais la Pommeraie, 79190Hot & Cold RefreshmentsALL FUNDS RAISED HELP RESCUE ANIMALSwww.hopeassoc.orgpage 12

THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLYHealth, Beauty & Fitness...A very special christmas gift for men andwomen. Thai Manicure Massage.I started my career 25 years ago in England offering handand foot treatments, Swedish massage and Shiatsu headmassage. I have re-opened my business in France doingmany aspects of hand and foot treatments including,manicure, pedicure, nail art and the wonderful Shellac.These treatments are done in the tranquility of my salonthat is attached to my home in La Caillere.The most luxurious of treatments that I can offer in thecomfort of your own home is the Thai manicure massage.This is a unique restorative, relaxation treatment using afusion of eastern and western massage strokes on thehands, arms, shoulders, neck and head.Manicures are extremely beneficial from a healthyperspective as well as an emotional and mental well beingperspective. Regular hand and nail maintenance canprevent various diseases of the nail, keeping them lookinghealthy and strong.Head massage can relieve feelings of tension anxiety andheadaches, relaxing this muscle can improve the bloodflow and relax your whole body, soothing and rebalancingthe energy flow, creating feelings of ease and peace.This 90 minutes of pure relaxation and pampering is anideal christmas gift. Take advantage of my special offerof a free pedicure voucher for every Thai manicuremassage booked.To lose yourself in pure relaxation or to treat someone you careabout to the experience of any of these treatments pleasecontact me, Tracy Corrie on my mobile: 06 02 31 76 43 or bypage 13

THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLYWinter with AvonOh Dear. We’ve wintered our pool this week. We’veclung onto the last days of summer and delayed theclosure in the hope that it will continue a while longer.But of course it won’t and now it’s time to get wood inand hunker down for the colder months. Not all badthough, we’ve got Christmas to look forward to. (SorryshouldI have whispered that?)Is it too soon to be thinking about Christmas? Look in theshops & they’re already stocked with woolies & pulliesand all things chunky and warm. And who REALLY likesthe annual chore of making present lists and traipsingaround shops to find something original for our friendsand families? Wouldn’t it be LOVELY to have a personalshopper to bring things to us in the comfort of our ownhomes, with all sorts of goodies that will please everyoneand won’t break the bank?It doesn’t take a genius to see where I’m going with this.But you know it makes sense. Avon has been around for125years, and EVERYONE I meet has a fond memory ofAvon products in their Christmas stocking as a child, orthat Grandma always seemed to have an Avon book in thehouse. This year there are some FABULOUS productsavailable. Gift sets of ladies perfumes and men’saftershaves, scrummy orange and cinnamon footcare andbath products for winter pampering, dazzling jewelry andbeautiful lingerie. The high tech developments in skincareare reflected in Avon’s fabulous creams and lotions forface and body for you to treat yourselves to on coldwinter days.We hold regular ‘Relais Colis Avon’ events where you areVERY welcome to come along & browse the catalogue,try samples, & collect and place your orders; as well ashaving a personal Hair Consult with Hair By Janet, allwhile enjoying your afternoon tea and cake at theLemontree Tea Rooms in Sauzé-Vaussais or theRestaurant des Canards at Chef-Boutonne (See ouradvert on P.14 for details, PLUS your chance to win anAVON goodie hamper in our Christmas Raffle) OR why notget together with a few friends and you can enjoy apersonal shopper service in your home with your localAvon Lady.If you would like an at-homeAvon event, or if you think youtoo would like to be an AvonAmbassadrice (earn extra cashfor Christmas :-) contactkaren.avon@orange.fr or call 0625 23 64 85.Happy Shopping!Advertise online with ‘The Deux-Sèvres Monthly’ from just 5€ per month!Go to: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr to find out more.page 14

THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLYDon’t forgetto mention‘TheDeux-SèvresMonthly’whenrespondingto anadvert!Don’t forget to mention‘The Deux-Sèvres Monthly’when responding to an advert!The Great Outdoors...Common newts in Western France(Tritons communs dans l'Ouest de la France)by Roger MeekAmphibians are an unusual group of animals in that theyhave a combination of biological characteristics that setthem midway between fish and reptiles. They evolved thecritical stages that enabled the backboned animals tomove out of the water onto land, including limbs to enablemovement on land and lungs to breathe air directly.However, to reproduce most amphibians must return towater to deposit eggs (spawn) from which larvae emergethat in turn develop in to the adult amphibian. Theconstraint of having to return to water to reproduce wasnot solved until the reptiles evolved a shelled egg that isable to develop in the absence of water. Amphibian larvae(tadpoles) live in ponds and lakes breathing through gills,as do their fish ancestors, but with the change to the adultcondition the gills are absorbed and lungs appear. A lifehistory that involves living in both terrestrial and aquaticenvironments is what gives the group its name, which isfrom the Greek amphi = both (or two), bios = life.Amphibians are therefore frequently constrained to aperiod of migration between summer home territories forfeeding and the need to return to aquatic areas forreproduction. In western France amphibian migration backto ponds for reproduction occurs on wet nights in lateautumn and early winter, which reduces the risk ofdehydration due to water loss through a skin that has poorwater retention properties. Two common species of newt,the brightly coloured marbled newt (Triturus marmoratus)and smaller palmate newt (Lissotriton helveticus) canoften be seen at night at the bottom of ponds usingtorchlight at this time.The reproductive period in newts begins in Februarywhen each female may lay up to 400 eggs. The newlytransformed young leave the water in late spring or earlysummer, again on rainy nights. On land they must live inmoist environments, as do the adults, although adultmarbled newts may descend into underground retreatsduring the summer and remain inactive. You may findthem at this time under log stacks, cellars, rubbish heapsand in drainage systems. They feed on earthworms andsmall insects when on land or in water. However, incommon with many other amphibians their populationsfluctuate substantially, particularly those of the marblednewt, and in some years you may come across them onlyrarely.A range of predators including snakes, especially grasssnakes, prey on both species. For defence marbled newtshave toxins in the skin, which are released when it isattacked (or handled roughly). If you do pick one up it isgood practise to wash your hands afterwards – althoughgentle handling rarely induces this behaviour and thecompounds are not normally dangerous to humans -although dogs and cats may have problems if they graspthem by mouth. Marbled newts frequently hybridise withthe less common crested newt (Triturus cristatus)producing animals that grow larger than either parentspecies. A photograph of the hybrid can be seen onwww.rogermeekherpetology.com along with otherinformation on reptiles and amphibians in western France.For the more technically inclined there are downloads ofresearch papers as pdf files including a few on Frenchspecies.Marbled newt (left photograph) may grow to 16cm (includingtail). The smaller palmate newt rarely exceeds 8cm. Life spansof 25 and 12 years have been recorded from captive marbledand palmate newts respectively but individual from wildpopulations will live for much less. The palmate newt is a maleas indicated by the swelling at the base of the tail, the absenceof a swelling in the marbled newt indicates female. Note thevivid colouration in the marbled newt, which is a warning topotential predators of an unpleasant taste experience shouldshe be attacked.~ The Deux-Sèvres Monthly ~Sarah Berry, La Bartière, 79130, Secondigny. Tel: 05 49 70 26 21page 15

THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLYFrench Life, Food & Drink...Vive la Differenceby Gilly HuntAs autumn falls over France, it is a pleasure to walkaround the glorious countryside enjoying the wonderfulcolours that only appear at this time of year. But haveyou also noticed amongst all this beauty how many HorseChestnut Trees are struggling to survive? Apparently it isthe tree with white flowers rather than pink that areunder attack from disease; or so the owner of a localChateau informed me.Now to me it really would be a disaster if there were tobe no more conkers, not for playing conkers the game,but they are my main defence against all the spiders thatalso seem to live in France and particularly if you live inan old house. If you put conkers in the corners of yourrooms you will find that the number of spiders will reduce– it works!We have been out and about in the last few weeksenjoying all the wonderful events that Deux-Sèvresoffers. I find that not only do I enjoy the event such asthe Carriage-driving in Parthenay, the Chateaux to visitover Patrimoine weekend, but also you discover othervillages and places whilst you are en-route. There is somuch to see and do in this area of France, that I do notthink I will ever see it all.We visited the Chateau at Maisontiers, which is very nearus, and were really surprised by how beautiful it was andfelt very ashamed that we had not visited it before. Thegrounds are only open for a month each year, but it iswell worth a visit. The grounds are exquisite and theChateau reminiscent of one in the Loire Valley. It neverceases to amaze me what one can find behind thesetowering gates that you see as you drive around Deux-Sèvres – it is truly another world.The Chateau at MaisontiersLiving in France, many people feel isolated and frustratedwhen they want to do something as simple as sellingthings they no longer need. There are no Friday FreeAds, or the local free paper, or notices in the shopwindows. Well you can put cards in some supermarkets,but I have never found this to be particularly successful.However we do have the Internet. There are of coursethe English forums on the internet; but have you tried theFrench ‘leboncoin’? Which literally translated is “the goodcorner”. It is amazing for buying and selling just aboutanything. I have recently successfully sold a car and ascooter, and dare I say it for a better price than I wouldhave received from English people! If you want to alter anadvertisement, you just remove it and then put it on again– quick and simple. So if you are selling anything give it ago, the French use it all the time, www.leboncoin.fr and itis free.Vive la difference.Keenan’s Cornerby Keenan DomineyThis is my third article and this month Ihave decided to give you an inside view intomy third year and explain about what wecan do in our spare time.In September 2006 at the age of 13, I wasstarting my third year in French school.This year is very important in the French education, 4émeis the year where we have to find our way and startthinking about being independent and to decide on yourfuture career.Compared to the previous years the school had completelychanged. A lot more work was asked of us in school andat home, we had about 2 hours of homework a week. Wehad to do a lot more project work which was posted on theinternet (articles, biographies, etc.). The teachers wouldask us to read out loud in front of the class and answerquestion’s much more.During the year there was a school trip to England, whichI did not attend because my sister had decided to go. Thisschool trip was organized every 2 years for the 4émes andthe 3émes, and took 50 pupils around London and toWiltshire to see Stonehenge.At the end of the school year everyone in 4éme had tofind a place for work experience (in French “Stage”) tolearn more about professional life. I chose to work at abuilding firm who specialises in road works and generalbuilding, so for a week I went and worked with a fewbuilders. I did not enjoy it at all. This led me to decide notto become a builder.In England there are often after school clubs. I took partin many, for instance the Cricket club, Rugby club, Chessclub, sign-language club and Warhammer club. When Imoved to France I didn’t take part in any clubs until the4éme because we finished at 5 o’clock in the afternoon sothere wasn’t much time left in the day. In 4éme I decidedto get back to Rugby and found a local club at Ruffecwhere I started training with the under 15s every Fridaynight at 5.30pm and matches were every other Saturdayor Sunday.In the summer, I used to go to the public swimming poolon Wednesday afternoons with some friends. There aresometimes youth clubs in town and I used to go to one inSauzé-Vaussais. There is not a lot to do in the country sowe have to go to places like Niort or Poitiers to findanything. The youth club organises trips to do activitiesin town, which allows the children to be more active.As my sister was in 3éme she passed her “Brevet desCollèges” at the end of the year, so in the next article Iwill explain how we are prepared for the “Brevet” andhow we decided on what school we wanted to opt for.page 17

THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLYAdvertise online with ‘The Deux-Sèvres Monthly’ from just 5€ per month!Go to: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr to find out more.page 18

THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLYShmeaujolais NouveauDon’t miss out! The Beaujolais nouveauest arrivé, oh joy! It’s the thirdThursday of November, the traditionaltime of year when all good marketingmen gather to lick their lips and fondletheir calculators for the annual cull ofconsumers paying inflated prices forvin ordinaire. Time was when theBeaujolais made honest wine to bematured, while ensuring there wasenough young plonk left over forfriends and family to swim in atChristmas.Simple enjoyment of simple wine gave way in the 70’s toa hypefest which continues today. Let’s be clear.Beaujolais nouveau is a wine which has hardly learnt tocrawl. Entering it into the 100 metres doesn’t make itgreat, but it does create cash flow. Sirs, I am but a simplevigneron, what about the customers? Pah! Tell them it is afruit-driven pleasure with hints of banana and fig. Butsirs, isn’t it still just plonk that smells a bit funny? Hownaïve you are! Look at the pretty label... And so on.Don’t forgetto mention‘TheDeux-SèvresMonthly’whenrespondingto anadvert!But the golden goblet (the marketing worked) turned outto be a poisoned chalice. Now the world equates beautifulBeaujolais with the nouveau nerd. Time to take a stand.On the label, look out for any one of these names: Saintamour;Juliénas; Chénas; Moulin-à-vent; Fleurie;Chiroubles; Morgon; Régnié; Cote-de-brouilly; Brouilly.These small areas are the princes of Beaujolais, and theirswords are not double-edged. They will never be kings,and are best drunk quite young (2 to 5 years), but theyhave the ‘f’ word: finesse. If scents of peony, rose, violetor iris don’t work for you, how about apricot, cherry orpeach? Serve around 10 to 12°C with rabbit, pork, lamb,pheasant, partridge, frogs legs.These wines really represent value for money. Don’t callme a shmuck, think twice before you buy shmouveau.John Sherwin. French Wine ToursEmail: johnsherwin@orange.frThe recipe from the Cancer Support Deux-SèvresFavourite Recipe Book this month has been requestedby a number of people who came to our recent Barbequein St. Marsault. Tuna Mousse is an ideal starter andproved extremely popular.Ingredients :1½ cups (375ml) mayonnaise3 tins of tuna (thon naturel) 140g½ cup (125ml) tomato saucePepper (little)1 sachet of powered gelatine or equivalent1 grated or very finely chopped onionPut all ingredients except gelatine into food processorand process until well mixed and fairly smoothconsistency. Dissolve gelatine in a little warm water asinstructed on packet and add to mix. Pour into a longplastic container ( a bacon storage box is ideal) andplace in fridge for 24 hours. Turn out carefully ontoserving plate and decorate with cucumber, lettuce andtomato. This will serve 10/12 people as a starter. It canbe made two days beforehand.If you have a favourite recipe of your own please send it byemail to ivan7thelma@wanadoo.fr, marked “recipe”.If you would like any information about the work of Cancer SupportDeux Sèvres, please contact June Searchfield on 05 49 64 59 96 ore-mail junesearchfield@gmail.comA helping hand whilst searching for items in theSupermarket...Herbs Herbes Herbs HerbesBasil Basilic Oregano OriganChervil Cerfeuil Paprika PaprikaChive Ciboulette Parsley PersilCinnamon Cannelle Pepper PoivreCoriander Coriandre Rosemary RomarinCumin Cumin Sage SaugeDill Aneth Salt SelFennel Fenouil Tarragon EstragonGarlic Ail Thyme ThymGinger Gingembre Turmeric CurcumaNutmegMuscadeFlour Farine Sugar SucrePlain Flour Farine de blé Caster sugar Sucre en poudreSelf RaisingFlourFarine GateauxGranulatedsugarSucre cristalpage 19

THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY~ The Deux-Sèvres Monthly ~Sarah Berry, La Bartière, 79130, Secondigny. Tel: 05 49 70 26 21page 20

THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLYFrench Adventures...Sussex to SanzaySteve and Tracey Latchford arrived in Sanzay, Argenton-Les-Vallées in April 2003 with their son Ben then three.Steve had had a good business in Sussex doing mainlyrenovation work, with his speciality being carpentry. Butthey were seeking a better quality of life for Ben andthemselves and so the decision was made to move toFrance.Moving into a small hamlet near to Argenton-Les-Vallées, Steve and Tracey set about forging a new life forthemselves and Ben. The language was obviously goingto be an important factor, Steve had “school boy” Frenchand knew that he and Tracey had to learn French quicklyin order to establish themselves. Steve admits that theywere lucky as their neighbour spoke superb English andwas therefore able to help them in those first few difficultmonths. However, after 8 months their neighbour refusedto speak English to them as he considered 8 months longenough to learn French!They also wanted to meet all the neighbours and decidedto visit them all and ask them round for an aperitif. Theirneighbour who spoke English said that he wouldaccompany them and make the introductions. Theystarted off and the first set of neighbours invited them allin for an aperitif, this trend continued and Steve andTracey arrived home a few hours later, a bit wobbly afterquite a few strong home brewed aperitifs; as Tracey saidit was a real baptism of fire into French hospitality!As a carpenter Steve is always looking for new things tomake from wood. He now has an upmarket range ofchicken houses, a wonderful selection of hand craftedwalking sticks with the handles made from Buffalo horn,Cow horn, wood and Deer antler, wine racks sculpturedfrom branches and his latest creations are woodenmushrooms which he sculpts from logs with a chain saw –these are already very popular with the locals.The first few months were spent working out how toregister a business, there was little information availablethen and in order to register Steve had to attend a weeklong course, in French, in Niort run by the ‘Chambre deMetier’. This was no easy task for someone who was stillstruggling with the language.A few months after they arrived Steve was asked tovolunteer at the local Chateau to help with renovationwork, alongside some disadvantaged children, as part ofan annual team building exercise. This one bit ofvolunteering led to Steve being offered his first paid jobin France by a Frenchman.Steve has gone from strength to strength with hisbusiness and recently decided to opt out of beingregistered as an ‘Enterprise Individual’, changing to the“less paperwork option” (if that is possible in France), toregister as an ‘Auto Entrepreneur’. Steve has found thathis regular customers are quite happy to now supplymaterials, and Steve is still always available for advice.Steve’s main work area is in renovations, replacementwindows, fitting kitchen and bathrooms, plaster boardingand flooring, but he also sub-contracts for local Frenchcompanies. He has quickly built up a strong customerbase of both English and French clients and has thereputation for completing work to a very high standard.In 2004 Samuel was born and Tracey told me that herexperience in France in support and care whilst beingpregnant and in Hospital having Samuel was far superiorto that which she had experienced in England. Ben andSam both attend local schools and Steve and Tracey lovethe fact that the teachers really seem to know the boysand that the classes are so small in comparison to theclass size their cousins are in back in the UK.Tracey took the courageous step four years ago to jointhe “Bureau APEL”, Parents Teachers Association, ofBen’s school and through this the family have made manyclose friends and now have a full and active social life,having a superb balance between French and Englishfriends.Tracey loves her life here and is currently investigatingthe possibility of registering to make cakes for birthdaysand special occasions, but as is the way in France, thereis a mound of paperwork and legalities to be overcomefirst.Steve and Tracey have totally embraced the French wayof life, working in their friend’s local vineyard when heneeds an extra pair of hands, striving to be self sufficient,rearing animals for food and also having a very largevegetable garden.Their main aim when re-locating to France was toachieve a good work/life balance with a good quality offamily life for them and their children. They are certainlyliving their dream.Steve and Tracey can be contacted on 05 49 80 09 32, oremail: stevielatch@hotmail.com.Website: www.deuxsevrespropertyservices.comSiret no.: 450 822 457 00021Written by Gilly Hughes-JonesIf you would like to share your ‘French Adventure’ with us,please email your story for consideration to:info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr.For more information, please visit the Written Contributionspage on our website: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr.page 21

THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLYGetting Out & About...Driving Down Underby Helen Tait-WrightSince last writing for DSM, I have been in Australia, andso I thought I would share with you some observations onmotoring Down Under!On arriving in Queensland we were delighted to find wehad a Holden V6 Commodore hire car, (Holden being theAussie branch of the GM group) and slightly alarmed tofind that it was metallic emerald green! However afterdriving the relatively short distance from the airport intoCairns we realised that it was quite a subdued colour! Nodull European colours for our Aussie friends; lime green,turquoise, purple, orange, yellow, burnt orange, lilac androyal blue cars seem to be the norm, and actually seemedto complement the exotic colours of the tropicallandscape. As one Queenslander explained “happycoloured cars for happy people”. Amen to that.Our Holden V6 Commodore hire carIn town finding your way is easy as the streets are a gridsystem. Once we hit the highway for the drive south toSydney we found surprisingly empty roads, albeit singlelane, stretching along the coast with signs giving youuseful information such as “Do not sleep and drive” tobreak the miles of ghost gums!! The trucks have thesame speed limits as the cars, and boy they have bigtrucks, so sadly the verges are littered with kangaroosand other animals unfortunate enough to haveencountered a road train. And the car itself was a joy,despite the relatively low speed limits restricting the funto be had from the V6 engine.But Holden make another version of the Commodorewhich really took my eye. A V8 Ute. From the front itlooks just like our saloon car, but with only two doors therear section is pick up style with a hard top. Howeverthis description does not do it justice. This is a realsports vehicle with a practical twist (perfect for thosetrips to Bricoman, I think). As Holden’s publicity says“Low slung on massive 19” wheels and powered by 6litres of awesome Gen IV V8, this traffic stoppingperformance Ute will put a smile on your face that nevergoes away.” Trust me when I tell you this is true.Dear Santa, please can I amend any previous Xmas list. Iwould really like one of these!Don’t forgetto mention‘TheDeux-SèvresMonthly’whenrespondingto anadvert!Don’t forget to mention‘The Deux-Sèvres Monthly’when responding to an advert!page 22

THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLYFind the cheapest fuel prices in your area.This government website provides comparative prices on petrol and diesel in all areas of France.Go to: www.prix-carburants.gouv.fr and simply click the department of your choice on the map (Deux-Sèvres= Dept.79) and a list of fuel stations will come up, giving their location and current price.Advertise online with ‘The Deux-Sèvres Monthly’ from just 5€ per month!Go to: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr to find out more.page 24

THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLYA-Z of the Communes of the Deux-Sèvres.by Sue BurgessSome definitions:• Un lieu-dit is a place with a very small number ofhouses (if any). The name of the lieu-dit is oftenconnected with its geography or with the name of thepeople who lived there.• Un hameau (hamlet) is a group of houses in a rural area.The number of houses is too small for the hamlet to beconsidered as a village. A hamlet always has peopleliving in it whereas a «lieu-dit» does not.• Un village (village) is a group of houses and otherbuildings with different and varied usages, in thecountryside.• Un bourg is a large village often with a market. It is alsofound in country areas.• Une ville (town) is an urban area regrouping housing,places to work, commerces, businesses and places forsocial activities.• Une agglomération (built up area) is the large built uparea surrounding the town and including the suburbsand even small neighbouring towns and villages that arenow connected to the town.L'agglomération de Niort – Greater Niort• Une Cité : this word has two very different meanings. Itcan be the old centre of a town (Parthenay has its « citéhistorique »). Or it can be a housing estate, often onewith council housing and families with problems.Les Alleuds is a commune belonging to the canton ofSauzé-Vaussais. There were 297 inhabitants in LesAlleuds at the time of the last census in the village. Thecommune is surrounded by Maisonnay, Melleran andClussais-la-Pommeraie. It is at 164 metres above sealevel and 40km south west of Niort.Allonne is a commune situated between Le Retail, La-Boissière-en-Gatine and Secondigny. In 2006 thepopulation was 645. 1.4% lower than in 1999. The riverThouet crosses Allonne. Allonne is about 205 metresabove sea level.A VOIR / MUST SEE:The sculpture of the Emmaüs meal on the altar in thechurch.Amailloux stretching over 3,725 hectares is the largestcommune in the canton of Parthenay.The origins of Amailloux go back to the Roman occupationwhen Amailloux was known as Animalya (Animals) andthen as Amallo in 1095. The people of the commune arecalled Amaliens. The first church in Amailloux in the 11thCentury was a priory church which was given to theAbbey of Airvault by the Bishop of Poitiers in 1095.The castle, of which only part of the tower and somefoundations remain, was at that time made up of acourtyard surrounded by a moat and protected by a highwall. The keep was in the middle. There were towers atthe three corner angles and the two storey dwelling wasat the side of a tower with a stone staircase. There were950 inhabitants in Amailloux in 1750.Amailloux was the first market town to be burnt duringthe Vendée wars. Only the church, the presbytery, part ofthe castle and an old house with its timbered facadesurvived the fire. The old house is today the Town Hall.For many years wolves were a huge problem in the villageand the cause of poverty and destruction. In 1800 a hugewolf hunt was organised.Of all the castles which surrounded the commune onlyTennesus and Fougerit arestill visible.A VOIR / MUST SEE:The Town Hall, Tennesuscastle (private), Fougeritcastle (private).Amuré had 450 inhabitants in 2005, an increase of 40.2%in relation to 1999. Surrounded by the communes ofSaint-Georges-de-Rex, Le Bourdet and Sansais, Amuréis at about 10 metres above sea level. The riversCourance and La Rivière cross the commune. Theinhabitants of Amuré are Amuréens and Amuréennes.The large port of Arçais has been completely restored.This is the place where the magical boat festival, theFéerie Batelière, takes place in August. It was the mainplace for commercial exchange between the plains and theSèvre Niortaise river valley. A wooden crane reminds usthat years ago the trunks of poplar trees, transported bywaterways, were hoisted out of the water onto the banks.At the edge of the river port stands an 1829 dwelling (aprivate property visible from the street). The elevenwarehouses at road level were used for stockingmerchandise in transit between Niort and Marans.Continuing along the Chemin de la Garenne there are oldfarms which overlook both the street and the Minet millrace. Arçais is a village which has typical marsh housingand is an ideal place from where to set off to discover thewet marshes on foot, by bicycle or byflat boat.A VOIR / MUST SEE:The Féerie Batelière boat festival inAugust. This is a son and lumière showperformed by the locals.Ardilleux is situated 41 km southeast of Niort,between the communes of Bouin, Chef Boutonne andLoubigné. The commune is crossed by the river Aume.There has been a church here since the end of the 10thCentury. During the 11th Century the church wasdedicated to Saint Saviour (St Sauveur). The church wasfinally dedicated to St Junien in 1118 when it was attachedto Nouaillé Abbey. Nouaillé Abbey is also dedicated to StJunien.A VOIR / MUST SEE:St Junien Church.Please return to this section nextmonth to see the continuation of ʻA-Zof the Communes of the Deux-Sèvres.ʼ~ The Deux-Sèvres Monthly ~Sarah Berry, La Bartière, 79130, Secondigny. Tel: 05 49 70 26 21page 25

THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLYCommunications...How to speed up your PC – Part 3This is part three of How to speed up your PC, in the firstpart we checked that your PC had the correct hardwareresources to perform well, since then we have covereditems 1 and 2 on the list below. I hope all is going wellfor you and you are already seeing an improvement inperformance. Section three this month is below.1. Does your PC have the correct hardware resources toperform properly?2. Create a System Restore Point,3. Clean up your desktop,4. Scan your PC and Fix Windows System File Errors,5. Running the Check Disk Utility (Chkdsk)6. Scan for Viruses, Spyware and Adware,7. Adjust Windows Visual Effects,8. Only start up programs you need,9. Defragment your Hard Disk.3. Scan your PC and Fix Windows System File ErrorsThis will help improve the speed and functionality of yourPC. Your PC is a versatile tool permitting you to do manythings, emailing, surfing the web, creating documentsstoring and editing pictures and videos. Each programthat permits these activities is controlled by the WindowsOperating System (OS), which itself is a collection ofprograms that work together to enable the programs to dowhat you require.Microsoft strives hard to keep these programs workingproperly regardless of who made your computer or wrotethe programs that run on it, constantly updating theWindows OS to cater for changes and correct errors.Inevitably some of these files may get changed orcorrupted by new programs and hardware being installed,the update process itself, viruses, or simply turning off aPC before it has finished shutting down. This will ofcourse affect the running of Windows. Once againMicrosoft anticipated this and has a program called theSystem File Checker (SFC). The SFC is a program thatscans all of the protected system files that make theWindows OS work and will replace incorrect or corruptedversions with the correct Microsoft versions.This process is especially recommended if your systemhas been running erratically or displaying error messages.During the process SFC will check for Windows protectedsystem files that have changed and attempt to replacethem. You may need your Windows OS CD handy so thatSFC may replace certain files. If you do not have one,then you should seek the assistance of whoever maintainsyour PC for you.Using the SFC is quite straight forward; first however, useSystem Restore to set a Restore point as mentioned in lastmonth’s article (you may read this on-line here if you did not geta copy of the magazine http://www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr).In Windows XP1. First close any programs that are running2. Left-click the Start button.3. Left-click Run4. Enter this command in the Run box:SFC/SCANNOW5. Left-click the OK buttonIn Windows Vista and Windows 71. Open the Start Menu and left-click All Programs2. Left-click Accessories and right-click CommandPrompt3. Left-Click Run as administrator4. Enter this command in the box:SFC/SCANNOW and press enter.In both cases above Windows will advise what it is doingand when it is finished. I would advise you not to useyour computer during this process that may take from 30minutes to a couple of hours to scan and fix all of theWindows OS files. You should be on hand to follow anyinstructions the SFC program gives you. When the SFChas finished the run window closes, and you may be askedto re-start your PC.Next month we will check that your hard disk drive isfunctioning correctly and not introducing errors andcorrupting files.Once again if you are having difficulties please give me acall or send me an email.Ross Hendry is the proprietor of Interface Consulting andEngineering, who has over 42 years experience inCommunications, Computer Technology and Direct Marketing.He operates from his home onthe Deux-Sèvres/Vendéeborder adjacent L’Absie.(See advert below for moreinformation).For a full list of advertising rates, please request an advertising pack or download from our websitewww.thedeuxsevresmonthly.frpage 26

THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLYDon’t forgetto mention‘TheDeux-SèvresMonthly’whenrespondingto anadvert!Don’t forget to mention‘The Deux-Sèvres Monthly’when responding to an advert!France TelecomEnglish Customer Services:- 09 69 36 39 00EDF (Electricity Provider)English Helpline: 05 62 16 49 08 or 08 10 12Get iPlayer in France!Assign yourself a UK IP address bygoing to www.expatshield.com andyou will be able to use BBC iPlayer to watch those TVprograms you’ve missed. Not available for AppleMac.Useful English Language Numbers...Cancer Support Deux-Sèvres: 05 49 64 59 96French State health insurance advice line: 08 11 36 36 46Elizabeth Finn Care (Grants and advice if in Financial need): 04 68 23 43 79S.O.S Helpline: 09 69 36 39 00Hertford British Hospital (English speaking Hospital for the Paris area): 01 46 39 22 22EDF International Customer Service : 05 62 16 49 08CLEISS (Social security advice between countries): 01 45 26 33 41Association La Porte Ouverte (Open Door): 05 49 87 97 36 or www.opendoor-civray.comBritish Embassy (Paris): 01 44 51 31 00Funeral Information (AFIF): 01 45 44 90 03 or 06 08 24 42 71Passport Advice: 0044 208 082 4729Consulates:Bordeaux: 05 57 22 21 10Lille: 03 20 12 82 72Lyon: 04 72 27 81 70Marseille: 04 91 15 72 10Building & Renovation...Advertise online with ‘The Deux-Sèvres Monthly’ from just 5€ per month!Go to: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr to find out more.page 27

THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLYDON’T GO UP IN SMOKE...Cleaning of Chimneys and Flue Pipes by David Watkins.Last year the regulations that govern the cleaning ofchimneys and flues changed over the whole of Europe andmainly stemmed from the border countries betweenFrance, Germany and Belgium. France changed theirregulations last October, which is set out in Article 31 ofReglement Sanitaire Departmental (RSD). The basics areas follows:-• Solid fuel burners must have the chimney or flue sweptat least once before the burning season starts with asecond sweep halfway through. Liquid burners ie oil,must have the flue swept once per year.• Gas burners must be swept once every two years.• The above applies to appliances that are used fordomestic room heating only. If an appliance is usedconstantly for heating water, cooking etc then theappliance and flue should be cleaned at least twice ayear. The build up of carbon (soot) and crystallisedcreosote which is produced from burning organic mattercan be very fast if the fuel has a high moisture content.• Dry seasoned timber for use in log burners should havea moisture content of less than 2 %.There is also a requirement that the installation be fittedcorrectly by a qualified installer so that there is nopossibility of the appliance not conforming to theinstallation regulations. Insert and free standingappliances should be fully lined and the chimney sealed atboth the top and bottom.Professional Chimney SweepThe regulations require that a professional chimneysweep is used and that a certificate de ramonage be issuedby the sweep on completion of the work. You cannot nowdo it yourself and self certify as according to thelegislation any cleaning will need to be inspected by aprofessional chimney sweep who is fully insured to carryout the work. Do not simply use any person who turns upat the door touting for work. Make sure they are businessregistered, professionally qualified and insured otherwiseany certificates they issue will not be worth the paperthey are printed on. The use of ramonage or chemicalblocks are not to be recommended as they alone cannotreplace the effect of a mechanical clean.Whilst on the internet recently I stumbled across thiswebsite offering handy hints regarding building and DIY.The website is www.hints-n-tips.com.Here are a few hints taken from the building page:• Easy Sawing. Use a candle to lubricate your saw, rub onboth faces and you will find cutting a lot easier.• Clean Cuts. If, when cutting fibreboard you want a splinterfreefinish then use masking tape and cut thru the tape - abetter cut will result.• Plastering. I find that plaster will set much quicker when Iuse warm water to make it.• Hinges: Use Vaseline rather than oil as it will not run anddirty the paintwork.• Ladders Safety: The ladder rule is - the foot of the laddershould be one measure out for every four measures in height.Ladders should be placed on a firm level surface, and the topshould be resting on something solid, and not on guttering ora window-sill.Insurance CompaniesInsurance companies do differ in their approach to firescaused by a lack of chimney cleaning. Whatever theterms of the policy and the difficulty of provingnegligence, the greater risk may well be to your ownsafety, not only from the risk of fire, but also from carbonmonoxide poisoning. If the fire causes injury or death tothird parties, then you could face civil or even criminalproceedings.Please remember for the time it takes and the small costinvolved it is far better to be safe than sorry, so use aprofessional.Article written by David Watkins Chimney Sweep and Memberof the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps UK and RegisteredRamoneur France. Email watkinsdavid@live.co.ukPhone (H):02 51 00 33 01 (M):06 42 77 40 13Artisans & Tradesmen.....Do you have any top tips you can share withour readers? If so, we would love to includethem in this section!Please email to: info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.frpage 28

THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY~ The Deux-Sèvres Monthly ~Sarah Berry, La Bartière, 79130, Secondigny. Tel: 05 49 70 26 21page 29

THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLYFor a full list of advertising rates, please request an advertising pack or download from our websitewww.thedeuxsevresmonthly.frpage 30

THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLYAdvertise online with ‘The Deux-Sèvres Monthly’ from just 5€ per month!Go to: www.thedeuxsevresmonthly.fr to find out more.page 31

THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLYBusiness, Finance & Property...The Benefits of QROPS for British Expatriatesby David Franks, Chief Executive, Blevins Franks.QROPS are Qualifying Recognised Overseas PensionSchemes which allow British expatriates to move theirpension funds out of the UK and achieve more flexibilityto set up their fund to suit their lifestyle and requirementsin France.More and more British expatriates are moving theirprivate pensions into QROPS as they can offerconsiderable benefits.• Your fund and the income received can be in Euros, thusreducing currency exchange costs and risk.• No UK tax on any benefits received and no UK PAYEapplicable.• No tax is payable on income or gains within the fund(other than withholding taxes on certain investments).• The taxation of withdrawals from a QROPS is usuallymore beneficial than if you keep your current pension.• The benefit of the fund can pass to your heirs, and it isprotected from UK inheritance tax.• If you have been non-UK resident for five complete andconsecutive UK tax years when you die, QROPS escapethe 55% death charges which apply to UK pension fundsif you were in drawdown or aged over 75 when you die.• There is no requirement to buy an annuity, though youcan buy one at any stage if you wish.• You can have a flexible investment plan across a widerange of funds, designed around your personalobjectives, circumstances and attitude to risk.• With a QROPS you are not necessarily restricted to theGovernment Actuary’s Department (GAD) rules forincome drawdown.To find out more about QROPS and whether they would besuitable for you, contact a firm like Blevins Franks whichis authorised and regulated by the UK Financial ServicesAuthority.Blevins Franks Financial Management Limited isauthorised and regulated by the UK Financial ServicesAuthority for the conduct of investment and pensionbusiness.To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world,check out the latest news on our website www.blevinsfranks.comDon’t forgetto mention‘TheDeux-SèvresMonthly’whenrespondingto anadvert!Don’t forget to mention‘The Deux-Sèvres Monthly’when responding to an advert!~ The Deux-Sèvres Monthly ~Sarah Berry, La Bartière, 79130, Secondigny. Tel: 05 49 70 26 21page 32

THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLY2nd Loi de Finances Rectificative 2011 –Further Taxation Changesby David HardyOver the last couple of months we have discussed the ‘Loide Finances Rectificative pour 2011’, dated 29th July2011, and its impact on Wealth Tax, Inheritance Tax andother aspects of personal finance.Barely two months later, however, a second ‘Loi deFinances Rectificative’ has been adopted by parliamentwith the explicit intention of reducing the country’s largebudget deficit whilst it faces a predicted slowdown ineconomic growth.In this article, we shall cover two of the measuresfeatured in this new law which should hold greatestinterest to our readers.Social Taxes (“Contributions Sociales”)Social Taxes have been increased for the second time inless than 12 months, having previously been increased bythe last budget to 12.3%. This time round, they have risento 13.5% and are applicable to unearned income eg.interest, investment income and gains, and Frenchproperty rental income.Furthermore, the rise has already taken effect as of 1stJanuary 2011 except for certain French investments andbank accounts which are taxed at source. In those cases,the tax rise came into effect on 1st October 2011.Capital Gains Tax On Property SalesAt present Capital Gains tax (CGT) is applicable on thegain arising from the sale of a second home, at a rate of19%. However, there is an allowance for the length oftime the property has been held, with a 10% abatementbeing allowed for every full year of ownership after 5years. This means that there is no CGT payable after 15years ownership. Should you be a French tax resident,then the Social Taxes of 13.5% will also be levied,bringing the total tax rate up to 32.5%.However, for all property sales concluded from 1stFebruary 2012 the annual allowances have been reducedto the following:• 2% reduction for each year of ownership between the6th and 17th years.• 4% reduction for each year of ownership between the17th and 24th years.• 8% reduction for each year beyond the 24th year.Therefore the house is only free of all taxes ie CGT andsocial taxes after a full 30 years ownership.David Hardy, Poitou-Charentes Regional Manager for SiddallsFrance, who have been providing impartial independentfinancial advice to the British community for over 15 years.www.siddalls.fr Tel: 05 56 34 71 77Don’t forget to mention‘The Deux-Sèvres Monthly’when responding to an advert!page 33

THE DEUX-SÈVRES MONTHLYGreat Expectationsby Peter Elias.Everybody knows that we are in difficult financial timesand economic uncertainty doesn’t help the property orfinancial markets at all. At times such as these there isneed to step back and view the greater picture.A good analogy is to compare the weather to the marketconditions that we are facing – temperatures reachingextremes, storms more frequent, floods, droughts etc.etc.But whilst the day to day changes take us by surprise, wehave grown used to these conditions, and with thechanging seasons we know broadly what to expect. Wemay buy a new brolly, but we’re not moving to highground or getting a boat just yet.The £ is gaining against the Euro after a relatively longperiod in the doldrums. Now is a good time to be buying inFrance, there are some great opportunities out there.If you need help, please contact me on 05 55 28 46 40 fora more detailed explanation.Peter Elias (Agent Commercial) www.allez-francais.comemail: sales@allez-francais.com. Tel: 05 49 27 01 22In the same sense, buyers and sellers of houses need toadapt to the changing market, and listen to the advice ofthe sensible agents about how best to proceed. Somevendors are hitting the panic button, and selling at priceswell below market value. In turn, some buyers are sensingthe opportunity for a killing and coming in with offersmassively below the asking price. (Indeed some agenciesare encouraging them to do so).Vendors need to price their properties accurately, in linewith the market. It is no use pricing it at a level that willenable you to buy a 3 bed semi back in the UK – it doesn’twork like that. Similarly, just because you paid 200,000 €in 2007 and have since spent 60,000 € on improvements,you don’t put the property back on at 260,000 €, (or evenmore), as it doesn’t work like that either.We can see from our websites, those properties that areattractively priced simply by the number of hits they geteach week. Some get 100 times more hits than others –doesn’t that tell you something?Our experience shows us that the best time for interest ina property is during the first 6-8 weeks on the market, soit is critical to get the pricing right for this initial period.Too high and no interest and no viewings. We then findthat those properties stagnate, and often fall in pricebelow our original estimation, (well below that of thevendor) and eventually the market forces determine theprice.Advertise your private house sale here...From 10€ per monthEmail the house details and 1 x photo to:info@thedeuxsevresmonthly.frBuyers too need to step back. True, this is a buyersmarket, but you can’t expect everyone to accept a pricereduction of 20% just because an agent has told you aboutan example of one recently. That is an extreme example,a bit like the weather we experience from time to time.Cash buyers are in a great position, and can negotiate agood deal currently. But the wise client will make asensible proposition for the right house, in a good locationat the right price, and secure a deal. The market isn’t asdepressed as you may imagine, and numerous surveysshow a high percentage of British citizens coming up toretirement age, are planning to retire abroad, at least forpart of the year, and their preferred destination is LaFrance.page 34