Having said below that Taglines is often ahead of other English language media in reporting happenings in France, here is one thing we totally missed. Readers will probably say "we knew that" - well you could have told us.
In Laguepie this morning looking for a piece of hardware, Malc said "I'll go and see if Vidaillac has one". The legendary quincaillerie has everything. And the proprietor will personally look it out for you. But no more! Michel and Francoise sold the family business months ago!
Now one client remarked to the Depeche that "Vidaillac has everything, sometimes with a smile". I can only think he was being ironic, because one thing Michel rarely had was a friendly gesture. Indeed customers were made often to feel that they were potential if not actual shoplifters, such was the suspicion which greeted you. Two customers setting off for opposite ends of the shop could engender apoplexy with the patron, who immediately called up reinforcements. But generally you could buy that single nut you needed - even if at eye-watering prices.
The new proprietor is David Cerbelle, a native of Nantes who has lived in the region for some years with his wife and small son. Previously employed in the retail tool departments of "grandes surfaces" David intends to keep the "we've got everything with local service and knowledge" aspect of the shop and judging by the reception this morning, definitely with a smile. And we saw Michel passing by in his green overalls looking quite content with life.
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