1.What is your name and profession past or present ?
My name is Val Johnstone, I am the TAG editor but in the real world I was an
antiquarian bookseller specialising in turn of the century childrens and illustrated books.
Childrens authors being Kate Greenaway, Lewis Carroll, Rudyard Kipling, Robert Louis Stevenson, Beatrix Potter, etc. and specialising in Glasgow School of Art material focusing on Jessie M. King.
We only sold first editions, signed material or special copies. A wonderful occupation seeing and handling rare editions, often then sold to libraries or institutes around the world. We also had quite a starry mailing list of customers. Actors and film stars seem to be book collectors, so life was interesting.
2.Do you have other family members here?
The sub editor Malcolm is my suffering long term partner of 48 years. We are still together even after the ironing board fiasco and other such incidents.
3.How long have you lived in France and are you here full or part year?
We have been here 13 years and are full time, when you have pets you need to stay
4. Do you have an activity or profession you wish to promote?
TAG a community tool I promote all the time wherever I go, but it has to have an essence of me, I just cannot help it.
Via Sahel Enfants D'Afrique, I cannot bear to think of children black, white or brown suffering. When we had such stable backgrounds love, food, education why would you not feel the need and pain of others suffering who are not so fortunate. I do not think it is anything to do with politics but a basic caring of humanity.
5. Would you say you are enjoying integrating, give examples?
I am enjoying integrating but wish my language skills were better to make it easier. I keep plugging away and I think readers know of my efforts, as do the poor French folk who struggle with my accent. I am hoping our café and conversation becomes popular, any nationality can come but the conversation is in French and the French know they are helping us with the language.
After the last French elections it was clear when one party in St. Antonin felt they lost votes by including the British that there was work to be done, and we were clearly falling short. This was reinforced by our Mayor in Varen having a meeting and making it clear learning the language was the way to integrate and he wanted the high percentage of " etrangers" in Varen to speak French and mix more.
I have restarted my French lessons and I am improving.
6. Do you think you will stay in France for some time or forever.?
We have been here 13 years and envisaging staying but Malc always says " never say never"
7.What activities do you enjoy?
Walking the dogs and donkeys, reading, gardening, planning things, I tire myself out with the next great idea. Malc groans when I say " I have a great idea." I also enjoy eating a good meal as everyone in France seems to be a fab. cook, trying new recipes and culinary delights out on you. Whilst I am an old fashioned cook relying on yorkshire recipes from my Mum, can't beat yorkshire pudding, 2 veg, roast beef and gravy, basically a Sunday dinner ( not lunch, we are from the North) If we are invited out for a meal do not try giving us yorkshire pudding, it will never equal mine. It is the only thing I crow about, that and my chutney. I do no longer enjoy eating in big groups of French or English, just hate the noise levels and indifferent food you get served in large groups.
8.Do you enjoy travel ?
We have travelled much in our working life but now with the animals find travel difficult.
To be honest when you live in the most beautiful place, where else do you need to go. I am content.
9. Have you got pets?
Have we got pets?
10.Is there anything you miss living in France?
Grandchildren and nephews and nieces who are all a delight and fortunately they do come to see us.
Pease pudding from Newboulds at Guisborough. Bacon ( not so bad now with British Corner shop) Just now and then shopping in a upmarket location with designer shops and really spoiling myself, or in desperation M& S
Laguepie market clothes stalls just do not compare with Max Mara in New York. Gosh those were the days.
