Dont go to Montauban on Monday

Farmers from all over the region will converge on Montauban on Monday morning as part of the protest against the redefining of  disfavoured areas, reducing the right to EU subsidies.
The three main entries to the city will be closed from 8.30 am until the demonstration ends.

"Ca va gicler" - the contents of the trailer are going to be spread.

The prefecture has banned parking and traffic from the city centre for the duration.
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Bataclan:one year on

The 13th November 2015 marks the anniversary of the attacks in Paris on various cafes and the music venue Bataclan. Nearly 150 people died under terrorist bullets that night and tomorrow many will remember family members and friends. The concert hall will re-open tonight with a concert by Sting, several French acts having declined to appear.
The attacks in Paris pointed out disastrous failures in French and Belgian intelligence. Most of the killers were known to the security services: one under a warrant for arrest, one under an order not to leave France. Yet they were able to plan an attack, visit Syria, hire cars, drive to Paris and back. It is said that Paris was a "wake up call" to the security services and far more stringent measures have been in place since. Sadly the Nice attack six months later, probably the work of a disturbed individual, has set back the process.
The fortitude of the Bataclan survivors, many of whom are part of a long term study and counselling group called "Remember", seems to be an example to the rest of us: life goes on, but never normally.
Not even a concert by Sting can bring normality back.
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Lest we forget

Yesterday was Armistice Day, a national holiday here in France with services of remembrance in all villages. Although the day marks the end of the Great War in 1918 we also remember all who served and died in all conflicts, including WWII. How callous must be those who decided to mark the occasion in a Dordogne village by painting swastikas on the cenotaph.

Cenotaph in St Michel de Double, Dordogne. Photo by Elsa Arnould

France suffered greatly under Nazi occupation and those with sympathies for the occupiers caused great divisions in society. Those same forces are at work today, trying to create hatred and forgetting what those millions died for. Shameful.
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Nous sommes le samedi douze novembre

A cold sunny morning with 30 bales of hay to unload from the trailer/ remorque. Yesterday as we drove up the road with the piled high stack we were concerned as it rocked about, but we made it home intact. The bales cost 2 euros each, as it stands nearly £2 a small bale, 60 euros, for the lot. It will last 2 months.
It comes to something when you start thinking about the cost of hay for donkeys! then we need some straw for bedding!
One car has a flat battery and so Malc is going to buy one today, how much will that be?
We, like others,  are starting to count the pennies and euros!
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Opera at Mas del Sol

Wednesday 23rd of November getting here for 18h we are showing the opera
Der Rosen Kavalier  written by Richard Strauss, one of my late fathers favourites. You can see from the DVD cover who produced it and who the singers were and the production is from 1994
You arrive at Mas del Sol( please ask for directions or look in the opera tab) we then have an apero dinatoire before the start of the opera. The cost is 10 euros and all proceeds go to Via Sahel Enfants d'Afrique.
They are the most intimate and friendly evenings and a pleasure for us opera lovers.
Please book now
opera bookings  taglines82@gmail.com

France's favourite singer leaves

Jean-Jacques Goldman has been voted France's favourite show biz personality for many years (over taken this year by Omar Sy) and his songs are amongst the most popular. But he has decided to move to London, partly he says because he wants his three young daughters (aged 9, 11 and 12) to learn English, but also to distance himself from the pending elections next year.
It is claimed that the move is not for financial reasons. The family has rented a house in the London suburbs for about 50000 euros a month.
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Could be interesting

This evening in the Distillery Arts Centre, Laguepie, from 17h (5pm) there will be a showing of short films on bygone activities in the area. The short films will include the Laguepie Moto Cross in 1968, a cavalcade from 1954, the Parisot saw mill and various artistic presentations.
The séance will last about one hour, entrance 3 euros. Later is a film presentation of the water resources of the area. 5 euros for both.
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Armistice Day

11th November also marks the end of World War One and ceremonies will be held at cenotaphs (monuments aux morts) throughout our towns and villages today. Here in Varen the main ceremony is at noon, though earlier in outlying monuments in the commune. All the local memorials have the names of villagers who fell and the lists of young men from the same families are always moving.
In these difficult times the families and veterans from later conflicts (no poilus survive now) will gather to remember the sacrifices made for the freedoms we seem to be so ready to throw away.
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Nous sommes le vendredi onze novembre

Another damp morning, two lonely donkeys in the field as the males were taken off to their winter home at Espinas. There has not been much shouting so perhaps they are getting used to the boys coming and going. I looked after the boys for two years initially till their owner found a field and now they come in the summer to cover the holiday period.
Looking after two is easier but I also also miss Filou and Coco. The dogs who are not donkey lovers waved their tails and barked with joy to see the back of at least two. There are lots of rabbits in the donkey field and the donkeys stop the dogs chasing them.
I do have a lot of friends with donkeys who understand donkey talk but I bet there are many readers yawning by now!
 Malc has fallen asleep in the middle!
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Salon D'Automne D'Albi

Hi Val
Salon D'Automne D'Albi 2016
Rebecca J Allen 'celebrity' artist  is selected once again to exhibit several of her large black and white portraits  at
'Le Salon D'Autome D'Albi 2016!!
The exhibition is held on the river at  the beautiful red bricked 'Moulins Albigeois, 41 rue Porta ALBI from 11 November to the 4 December.
A selection of photos and video clips of last nights  ' private view' opened by Président Louis Paul Ponthus can be seen by googling 'Rebecca J Allen Artist Facebook'.
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Miserable week is looking up

How miserable TAG has been this week, scams, Trump, the week is going to get better. I will tell you why.
We are getting lots of donations to help our local refugees. This makes me realise even though times are hard people who care will always be out there caring for others.
We are planning to take the young people who have had such hard times out shopping hopefully  next week. A  big thank you if you have donated and for our daughter and her friends in Henley, a special big thank you.
If you want to contribute and cheer yourself up after this miserable week you can still donate and we are using Jacky Malotaux's charity to make donations to. Just click on the link.
aider-helpandhope.org

This is tomorrow at Laguepie

 Ce vendredi 11 novembre de 17h à 21 h ! 

Venez passer un moment cinéma à la Distillerie des Arts en cette date toute particulièrequ'est le 11 Novembre !
L'Association Vidéo Quercy Rouergue nous y proposera des documentaires locaux (la licière d'art, cavalcade en 1953, le motocross de Laguépie en 1968, scierie de Parisot) de 17h00 à 18h-18h30 suivi d'un entracte où vous pourrez vous restaurer au café culturel et nous reprendrons à 19h30 avec un documentaire local d'une heure De Pierres et d'Eau (partiellement en occitan sous-titré) sur l'eau dans la région.
Du brouillard étant annoncé nous finirons la soirée vers 21h afin que les plus éloignés puissent rentrer en toute sécurité.
Tarifs :
- 3 € chaque programme (courts ou film)
- 5 € l'intégralité

Two handome chaps

Shaban not a great alcohol drinker being advised by Malc who likes the odd glass on the differences between rosé white and red.
Shaban can distinctly notice the difference betwen house wine and the wine we have a glass of at home on an evening!

Rain, rain go away come again another day

A showery but warm morning found  Malc, Shaban and I working in the garden, working through the rain. Quite exhilarating  infact as it was not cold. We were all still quite happy to down tools and go to Charley's at Verfeil for lunch. There we met a lovely couple who live in Verfeil and I have been facebook friends for months with, Terence and Patrick. Terence kindly donated a lot of stuff to set up Bruniquel. I may post another photo of Malc where he looks more animated, he looks as if I am tiring him out on this photo!
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Christmas creches may be allowed

It is one of those oddities of "laïcité" in France that representations of the nativity in cribs are banned in public buildings. Our Christian heritage means that often we accept some representations without assigning too much meaning to them. A crib with shepherds, sheep and oxen, a crude representation of a baby and parents is often no more religious in our mind than a Christmas tree - perhaps to our shame.
Now France's highest administrative court has ruled that cribs may be in public buildings provided that they are in a "cultural, artistic or festive" setting and not a purely proselytising context. The court overturned various local judgements either allowing or refusing cribs, ruling that the context was all important.
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Nous sommes le jeudi dix novembre

Beware of this scam

This morning's inbox had a message purporting to be from HMRC (UK tax office) asking us to claim a modest refund for 2015.
Clearly HMRC would never contact you by email and if you want to check your tax position go to HMRC's site with your personal reference, or write or telephone the office shown on your tax return or notice of code.
This was a scam and would inevitably ask for access to your bank account or a payment for "administration". Do not fall for it.

Auto entrepeneur

The official site of the URSSAF warns against sites that charge for signing up. This link should be to the governments site https://www.cfe.urssaf.fr/autoentrepreneur/CFE_Bienvenue

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Two kittens need a home

2 georgeous abandoned kittens (male & female) , just 6 months old, looking for a new home.  The female will be sterilised next week.  For more information please contact Mary 0563 65 47 75

Nous sommes le mercredi neuf novembre

Auto Entreprenur beware

Hi Val,

Can you please put this on tag just in case anyone else falls for it.

My son recently became an auto entrepreneur, we filled in the forms on line on the site Portail Auto-Entrepreneur.fr, we paid the e59 requested (I was a bit surprised about the payment as it was free when my husband and I started up...) This month a further e29 was taken from our bank... I phoned Portail Auto Entrepreneur.... we had never received a bill for the e29 & there was no mention of any further payments after the initial e59. 

Now here's the con - in filling in those forms on line we unwittingly signed up for business assistance at a cost of e29 per month for ever.... A company based in Sweden.. no mention whatsoever anywhere of these monthly payments!

I phoned the company in fury, spoke to a pleasant chap who understood that this setup was wrong, as SOON as I mentioned that it was deception he agreed to repay the e29 and stop the contract (which we never asked for)

I have an email confirming this from him and will watch the bank in 10 days time to see that the money is reimbursed. So if there's anyone else out there who has recently started up a business and paid e59 to do so - be warned.

Laura x

M & S closing in France

Hi Val:

It doesn't surprise me that M&S in France is closing....the clothes were different from UK, the prices were higher (especially for larger women)...in fact, the whole website was different.  I and others I know complained a few times with no response.  The frustrating thing was it was impossible to buy directliy from the UK site.
So...not surprised.  
carolyn
taglines82@gmail.com

Getting high in Millau

Over 1000 kilos of cannabis were seized by customs officers near the Millau viaduct during Sunday night. The drugs, together with 10000 euros in cash were in a refrigerated lorry travelling from Spain towards the Netherlands.
Officers said it was a routine check as the route is used regularly by drug smugglers. The drugs were kept in the refrigerated trailer in polystyrene trays wrapped in bundles they call "Moroccan cases" - we imagine not made, however, from finest morocco leather.
A few years ago customs officials made a seizure of 1500 kilos in the same place.
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Nous sommes le mardi huit novembre

This is heartbreaking. This young man a Christian Kurd , a journalist in his country is waiting for asylum. After three months here at Rehoboth above St. Antonin he was sent with others to an area in the north of France to await news of his asylum application. He has just had his first interview and is awaiting the result, which I am pretty sure will be positive. All our lads who have gone to this area, 8 of them have been terribly unhappy. To night I received this.
Hi Val
i do not want to live here.
People here think we are savages.
I am forced to live here
Here Hitler is alive.
in this area 2 times I was spat at
Why? I am human
It is the same all over Europe.
All people not good like you.
Everyday I see people here in the spirit of Hitler.

Val says
I am fed up of telling people that our attitudes are becoming like in the 30's towards the Jews. What does it take for us to see what we are doing. Where is our humanity?
My heart bleeds for them, for us. Us for our selfish, cruel,  uncaring treatment of people who have no desire to be here. People who running and escaping to save their lives and thought the West would care and they would be safe.
Tonight I am ashamed of us all, me for not being able to change opinions and you who make this young man feel like this. I despair and hope your children and young people never need help to survive.

M&S to close Paris stores

As Marks and Spencer announces store closures, it does include all 7 stores in the Paris region, including the flagship Champs Elysees store. This could mean 500 jobs will go, though there is an outside possibility of independent management of the brand, as with many of the French groups.
If you still want M&S clothes their on-line store is generally efficient.
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Great book swap

Great book swap this morning lots of books, lots of DVD's lots of people.
Lots of donations for refugees and lots of discussion about the theatre at Les Cabannes last night where FET( Friends of the English Theatre) had an absolute winner with Tom Crean, Antarctic Explorer written and performed  by Aidan Dooley.
It was the only topic of conversation between those lucky enough to have been there and was bemoaned by those who missed it.
Someone actually said, I kid you not, in their many visits to the theatre it was the most enjoyable production they had ever seen.**
The last production of the season and what a way to finish the year.
Having  heard about some of the productions and actors coming next year including
Simon Williams and Lucy Fleming well known in our last home town Henley on Thames and Edward Fox, all I can say is can we please book for the year now.
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** see below

Review of Tom Crean, Antarctic Explorer

Hi Val, Malc and Taglines readers

Last night Aidan Dooley brought off an extraordinary feat at the Theatre Le Colombier, Les Cabannes, for Friends of the English Theatre. 

He managed to convince me that his few cardboard boxes and sheets draped over an easel or two were another poor, crouching encampment in Antarctica backed by icy mountains from which he clawed his way from certain death, time and again, in expeditions with Captain Scott and Sir Ernest Shackleton. The chilling starting sound track of crashing waves and howling wind helped achieve this. 

Dooley himself wrote the one man play and he and it are closely identified. His hands are actors and join the text. His lilting West Irish rural accent was a pleasure to listen to in itself. He second guesses the questions in the audience's minds. He answered, in delicious detail, one of mine. What on earth were those poor early explorers WEARING? Answer, yes they were underdressed and freezing cold because if they got up a sweat it would freeze to them and kill them! And yes they liked to wear ordinary leather boots. And weird frilly hoods and windproofers like dresses.

The extreme intensity of the experiences he underwent was conveyed with courage and truth, humour, butch understatement and occasional tears. An example of this was the way he described the necessary killing of loved and trusted husky dogs, pups and the ship's cat after Shackleton's ship became crushed in pack ice. No comment about the emotion....and it was all the more powerful for it. I hope the ghost of Crean is proud. Bouquets for Mr.Dooley.

Love

Sally Bradshaw

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From Helen and David Graham

Hi,

 After the performance of Tom Crean, Antarctic Explorer, David and I drove home in complete silence, both completely stunned by what we had experienced. Once home, we tried to articulate our feelings and spent a long time discussing what we had seen.  In short, we consider it the most amazing theatre, storytelling, we have ever experienced. The most extravagant words and phrases simply don’t do justice to it: it was utterly remarkable. Aidan Dooley took us with him on two most extraordinary journeys- expeditions -and we were there with him, all the way.  Moreover, we would go with him again, and again- as his hero, Tom Crean did with Scott and Shackleton.  The privilege was all ours. Thank you, Aidan Dooley.

Helen

Have you heard of Tom Crean?

No, us neither. But FET last night answered all the questions about this unsung Antarctic explorer in a brilliant performance by Aidan Dooley. Full review to follow.
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Les Hivernales back

The first of the documentaries will be shown on Saturday 12th November at Montricoux.

Full details of the schedule and programme can be seen at http://leshivernalesdudoc.free.fr

Cinema at Milhars

«   Comment a-t-on pu ignorer si longtemps l’amitié qui unissait depuis l’enfance Paul Cézanne et Émile Zola,

deux monuments de la culture française ? » Elle

«  Une belle réflexion sur le statut d'artiste, portée par deux Guillaume en costumes, au diapason. » Femme actuelle

«  Gallienne et Canet inspirés. » Studio Ciné Live

Rendez-vous mardi 8 novembre à Milhars !

********************************************************************************

Le cinéma à Milhars existe grâce à la mairie et les associations MIARS & Cinécran81.

Il nous semble important que de telles propositions culturelles continuent à exister dans les villages.

Soutenez-nous en venant découvrir les films proposés dans vos localités.

********************************************************************************

Le Cinéma à Milhars, une séance par mois salle G.Bosc et en plein air l’été… en qualité numérique !

Infos au 05 82 95 15 20 ou sur cinemilhars@gmail.com et Cinécran 81.

Morning smile

Book and DVD swap today at St. Antonin Noble Val

Quite a chilly morning but it is dry, will it be inside or out at the book swap? If it is dry let us go for books outside and coffee inside it gets so hot and crowded otherwise.
Look forward to seeing you all there.
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Nous sommes le lundi sept novembre

Le monument aux morts at Caussade 1923

Vendée Globe skippers set sail

29 single hand 18 metre boats set sail today from Sables d'Olonne, in the Vendée on a non-stop round the world race. Of the previous starters in the race little over 50% make it to the finish, a mark of the difficulty.
Over 300000 visitors to the port have been to see the boats in the month or so they have been there and over 14000 spectators took to the sea to see the start.

La Vierge Noire blesses the boats. MaxPPP

One "spectator" was the "Vierge Noire" of Rocamadour. The tiny statue from the Lot has long links with the port, since the year 1183, when a local curé returned from a pilgrimage and built a chapel to Notre Dame de Rocamadour. Ever since, sailors leaving the port have sought blessing from saint. Visitors to Rocamadour can see models of the boats taking part in the race. The statue (a replica) will remain in the port until all the finishers have returned, in about three months.
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The Pyrenees have their winter blankets on

Photo by Carol Silverlock

and cats are just the same

Toulouse chocolate maker wins prize

Sebastien Bello, of Bello et Angeli in Toulouse, won a prestigious International Chocolatier award in London. From 1006 entries a jury of other professionals, critics and journalists chose Bello to receive the top prize. The jury had to consider the quality of ingredients used as well as creative results. Bello considers that the best chocolate now come not from the traditional African and South American growers, but from two French producers based in Saigon and whose expertise was learned in Vietnam.
Bello has now been invited to take part in the Japanese Salon de Chocolat in 2017 as a result of the international award.
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Nous sommes le dimanche six octobre

We want to adopt them

Hi Val,
A super time was had by everyone at Realville, we wish we could adopt them all. What lovely, lovely boys.
Laura x

Val says  there was a cake and tea get together with the new arrivals at Realville. Laura and Sid were bowled over with them and so was I.

Sadly they are not up for adoption,all want to go to family in the UK when there documents are completed.

In the bottom photo we were all wearing gloves as a joke, someone had sent them along with some great jackets etc. It ended up not being so much of a joke as some of the boys have scabies, one of the Calais jungle problems.

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Pork from Naomi

Morning Val, Just a quick message to let tag readers know, we have Free Range Basqui Pork available next week. Chipos, Sausages, Pork Chops, Echines, Roasts, Filet Mignon, Spare Ribs, Shoulder of Pork, Saute for Casseroles,  or minced sausage meat with your favourite seasoning for sausage rolls, pork liver, trotters, if there are any cuts you  require and are not above get in touch, any preferred cuts need to be ordered  by Sunday night. Contact me via email naomie.westbury@orange.fr or phone 0563652578. Have a great weekend Naomi

57 hornet stings: and he survived

Frelons asiatiques: photo MaxPPP

The young director of a company dealing with insect infestations was called to deal with a nest of Asiatic hornets (frelons asiatiques) in a tree near a maison de retraite in a south Tarn village. Correctly kitted out and using a suitable platform he climbed up to the nest, but the hornets attacked him and after 57 separate stings he suffered an anaphylactic shock and was taken in charge by pompiers. Happily he survived the attack after treatment and returned to work.
He said that as a volunteer pompier himself it was his youth and fitness which helped him pull through.
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Nous sommes le samedi cinq novembre

One really despairs of the press at the moment, principally The Daily Mail ! Makes one despair. Why does anyone read such rubbish, it demeans us all.
Anyway onward and upward
It is the book swap on Monday, cannot believe how quickly it has come round again. Monday at the Gazpacho, 10.30am.
Look forward to seeing you there. If you want to bring a donation of socks for refugees or give a donation please do.
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Do you mind?!

It is really annoying when someone sitting near you in the cinema talks all through the film, or rattles a crisp packet. Or at the theatre someone fails to silence their mobile phone. Or in a restaurant there are loud groups spoiling your quiet meal.
Imagine you are in the middle of an important tennis match (to you and your opponent) and someone in crowd behind you carries on a conversation with their companion. What do you do in these circumstances? Stan Wawrinka playing in Paris last Wednesday got fed up with such a situation when he could hear voices continually chattering behind him. "Is the tennis disturbing you?" he asked. The Minister for Simplification of the State was embarrassed to be challenged like this. Jean-Vincent Placé was actually talking to Jean Gachassin, the head of French tennis.
Despite video evidence that M Placé did indeed spend much of the match chatting and laughing with his neighbours, he pleaded that it wasn't him particularly, there was a lot of whispering behind him.
Wawrinka lost the match.
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Good news

Some really good news last night, the Prefect of Tarn and Garonne has said he would pay for shoes for the young refugees who were walking round in only flip flops. Working on that straightaway friend Jacky Malotaux went out and bought shoes. The young boys were excited and it was a timely buy as it started raining in the afternoon
There are still shoes to buy for the older refugees 20+
and for the young children we will spend money on jeans and hoodies.
We are getting donations of clothes but they are mainly from 60 year old men with expanded waists!  These are  small skinny kids.
I will be going this afternoon to say hello and  chat, everyone welcome for tea and cakes..but  bring a cake, sweets or biscuits. If you have any games they might like that would be good.
taglines82@gmail.com

from Varen to Caylus with a new chef

This was last year

 The local scouts ( us) French and English, are out looking for jeans and hoodies in the charity shops
Socks and underpants one pair of each for each boy has been supplied by Jacky Malotaux's charity set up to help refugees.
Trainers or shoes are such a different ball game, trying to find shoes that fit them all a near impossibility. So that is what we are going to set our sights on doing, buying  them shoes.
Last year when our refugees arrived in St. Antonin FET, Friends of the English Theatre had a collection after a show and raised 700 euros and with donations from TAG readers we were able to go and let each boy choose a pair of trainers 40 to 45 euros each pair. Not the best but certainly adequate.
This time we have 30 young people and 12 Sudanese young men.
Please, please if you care about the plight of young people who have suffered much... I am not even going to go into possible TB coughs, broken jaws, broken arms, long term health issues, that will all be sorted with medical treatment. The beds, bedding, furniture we all provided now they need shoes. please make a donation to the charity listed which will set aside monies sent for this cause. I am told paypal is not working well but there are options of credit card, cheques and bank transfers.
I know times are hard for us all but how much harder for these young, homeless and at the moment stateless people. Click the link to see how to donate
aider-helpandhope.org

Government by decree

At a time when we are debating whether Parliament is the ultimate decider in the UK's Brexit debate, it is interesting to note that the French government has issued a decree that all personal identity data held by various government departments should be held under a single computer record. This concerns passport or identity card details, including biometric data (eye colour or scan, fingerprints), date and place of birth etc.
The 60 million or so citizens concerned (age under 12 exempted) have no right of access and no possibility to appeal or refuse. Government sources say that it will aid administration and help prevent fraud, identity theft and counterfeit passports.
Opponents believe that it is open to hacking, is "big brother" and cite the last time a national register was made was under the Vichy government, which was scrapped after the war. It is also claimed that Assembly approval is required for such a measure.
The government says that a purely administrative measure, approved by the Data Protection body, does not require parliamentary approval.
Apparently it is not a legal requirement to have an identity card (or passport), but since one can do virtually nothing without one it seems an odd thing to do just to avoid a big brother database.
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A thank you from Poorpaws

Dear All,

 

A thousand thanks for your support at our Halloween Book Sale last Saturday – in fact 3,500 thanks because that was the amount raised !!!  It was, as we hoped it would be, our ‘bestest’ ever and it is thanks to all you lovely people who came along.  

 

Hope you see you next Easter Saturday and we will be arranging more book pick ups before the event in order to avoid the huge drops on the day.

 

On behalf of Poorpaws and Cancer Support France......... THANK  YOU !!!

 

Sue x

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Nous sommes le vendredi quatre novembre

Lovely start to the day and not as cold as yesterday morning, but dire warnings from the sub editor on the sofa opposite of frost some mornings next week.
My geranium and tender plants are still outside, I must find time to get them in to the dependance and pigeonnier. Such a tiring job heaving heavy pots about.
Friends thought Malc and I would have quieter time once the St. Antonin boys moved off, we now know they will never leave, they will always be back and forth and we are pleased.
We also have the new refugees at Bruniquel and 30 youngsters at Realville.
 Two refugees friends who have joined the commune / group in Verfeil are contantly in touch. I must write about this interesting commune when I have the chance.
Our life in France has never been so busy, interesting and rewarding.
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Young agriculteurs en colere

Several bridges over the rivers Garonne and Tarn were blocked for some time yesterday when young farmers dumped loads of rubbish and manure as part of their protests against a proposal to reduce subsidies.

Pont Napoleon on the D813. Photo DDM

The EU wants to reduce amounts paid by re-classifying areas considered "disfavoured" from 181 to 24 in Tarn and Garonne. The young farmers consider that this will severely affect their income and future ability to continue. The Minister for Rural areas is the local Assembly member Jean-Michel Baylet who, with other local members, has approached the Minister for Agriculture for government aid.
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Looking for an apartment in St. Antonin

a young couple looking for an apartment in St. Antonin, with a bit of outside space, up to 300 euros

Bonjour à toutes et tous,

Héloïse et son partenaire sont à la recherche d'un nid douillet à petit loyer (300€), idéalement à St Antonin et avec un coin de verdure, mais toutes les propositions sont les bienvenues !

On compte sur vous pour les aider !

Merci d'avance !
contact tribu.bauby@gmail.com

how you can donate to help our young refugees?

http://aider-helpandhope.org/

You can pay by cheque, paypal, credit  card , all the info is on the site.

Hil Val,

When Sid and I were working in the Calais jungle last year  a portion of my everyday, whilst Sid was sawing & nailing would be spent taking lists, not only of those who needed a shelter but of those who didn't have shoes.... Name & size would be taken for footwear & when the list got to about 20 I'd drive to the warehouse & raid the shoe bins. Shoe distribution was a contentious issue with various scare stories of what would happen if you did it independently and I would invariably find that when I returned to the jungle with the relevant amount of shoes boys would have told their friends who would also be waiting.... so yes shoe distribution could be long winded and a wee bit fraught at times but we lived to tell the tale. 

So it took me back to the jungle today to see youngsters yet again in flip flops, no socks.... 

Tagland worked wonders collecting money for the shelters & then Rehoboth - well done, I know times are harder for most of us this year with the exchange rate and all but I'm sure we can do it and get those shoes... No more Calais footwear....

Laura x

would you prefer it if we were babies?

I purposedly did not take lots of photos of the tired youngsters.  The picture is of the Prefect and some of the guys.

"You would prefer it if we were babies", said one of the young boys to me when I asked how old they all were.
I responded "well we all love cuddling a baby, but do not think you are too old for a cuddle", grabbing one and cuddling him. It sent his mates into screams of laughter. Their ages by the way are between 15 and 17, no one looks older.
The 30 young men looked tired and confused this morning after arriving at Realville at 3 in the morning.
They awoke to see a mass of officialdom. Loads of gendarmes, so many that when I arrived I asked if the gendarmerie was located next door to the centre.
A group of them laughed and explained that as well as the young people the Prefect Pierre Besnard was there and officials from the UK.
The youngsters gradually appeared from their rooms looking tired and confused
I was delighted that three of our guys from the first intake at St. Antonin were there to help translate.
I started talking to a little group which gradually  became a bigger group as the guys realised I was speaking English and they understood me.
Along with Misbah doing the odd bit of translating we established all of the youngsters without exception wanted to go to the UK where they had family.
It was a chilly morning, the first chilly one for weeks and I noticed all had no socks and many were in flip flops.
I reassured them they had nothing to worry about and they would be well cared for. What did they need I asked?
The  tentative replies, trainers, socks, underpants, warm jackets, T shirts and so I started listing names and their needs.
Quite a few said  " games" Two had discovered " Scrabble " and some asked if we could get more boards, that would be good. Others  wondered how they would amuse themselves and wondered about gym equipment.
As we were talking the Prefect appeared and came and talked to the boys. He realised they do not speak French but English and so he talked to them in this language. He asked them if they found everything was OK and one replied that he was cold in the room as the heating did not work. The Prefect flashed me a smile with the same thought as myself... what was the heating like in a tent in Calais? But good on him,that lad for being brave enough to say that. The Prefect said it would be sorted.
The Prefect had a friendly word with me realising I was a Brit and asked about " Brexit" You can imagine what I said.
He had a joke saying if I had any influence with the government in the UK could I remind them these youngsters had the right to go to the UK as they had family there. He did qualify it with of course after the checks confirmed the validity of each claim.
We are so lucky in Tarn and Garonne having this intelligent guy with a sense of humour and some humanity.
Now down to the nitty gritty we have 30 young men needing socks, underpants, warm hoodies.
trainers ranging from sizes 40, 41, 42 to the odd ones at 43

Jeans, waist size mainly 30 to 32, none of them are tall like the Sudanese, these are mainly Afghan by the way.
Moosa, Jawid, Harar, Homayun, Janver, Ali, Muhammad, Hossain, are  just some of the young people who hope we can help them out.
I am going to borrow a loan from "the bank of Malcolm"and go and buy socks and underpants for them for tomorrow.
I really hope you will all help me to help them, they need us.
I wondered about sponsoring a youngster for 100 euros which would  buy them a complete
outfit.Then you trying to raise money to cover amongst your friends.Anyway any donation any clothes or trainers that fit the description gratefully received.
 Thank you to all the French benevolves who were there helping and Laura  Havard for spending the day with the youngsters.

Fined and jailed for working on the black

At Rodez magistrates court a couple of British people were convicted of "travail dissimulé" - ie working on the black. The defendant known a "PP" and his wife "NS" were both sentenced to 2-4 months in prison, suspended and he was fined 5000 euros.
It came to light when URSSAF, the body responsible for collecting social charges asked a British couple for invoices to cover work on their barn, valued at 50000 euros in total. The work had been done by PP who supplied no invoices and passed all the payments through the bank account of NS.
PP only used his account for his housing and unemployment benefit. And the account of NS showed payments out to "friends" - sub-contractors perhaps.
PP explained that as his company had gone into liquidation (leaving lots of unpaid bills) he could not find work so "had no choice" but to continue to trade on the black. NS denied that she was aware that the source of the funds was illegal. The court was not sympathetic.
No doubt there are plenty more ex-pats trying to exploit their position by working only for other compatriots and hiding their "cash in hand" income. The prosecutor asked for a fine of 45000 euros, so perhaps they got off lightly. Imagine what the Daily Mail would have made of that story had it been a French builder in England.
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Our new lawn is growing well

According to Meteo France today will get brighter later after a dull start. But is going to get colder towards the weekend.. The weather has been excellent for growing as the crops in the fields demonstrate, as well as our new lawn.
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Air France's new venture

Photo Stephane de Sakutin/AFP

Jean-Marc Janaillac is the new boss at Air France and has outlined a plan to launch a low cost airline to compete on long haul flights. With its partner KLM there is already a short haul brand called Hop! which caused disputes when it was proposed to use pilots on different contracts to the main airlines.
The new airline will use existing pilots but recruit dedicated cabin crew. Passengers will experience a lower standard of comfort and on-board services, but more attractive fares. M Janaillac wants the new enterprise to take over loss making routes, but with the co-operation of the staff and not despite their objections.
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France's kindness day

Today, 3rd November, is the "Journée de Gentillesse" in France. It's the little acts of kindness that can make a difference: greeting a neighbour; bisous to a friend; helping someone cross a road; give up a seat on the train or bus; a smile at a stranger; a few coins to a homeless person.
Apparently 85% of the population think it a good idea, though whether it is the day that is a good idea or an act of kindness that is seen as good is not clear. How sad would be the 15% if they were opposed to doing something kind
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Nous sommes le jeudi trois octobre

Autumn in St. Antonin Noble Val
photo  by Sophie Hautefeuilles

They are only kids

Some of the children of Calais all under 18 some as young as12, who have travelled the world all on their own are on their way to us. Will we care for them... yes we will.
They arrive tonight at Realville, how frightened they will be. I am going to tomorrow to see what they need, clothes, shoes, footballs, games.
If you can offer help to entertain them or clothes, or money to buy clothes please do.
You are also invited for tea on Saturday 4 pm, take a cake and find the
the old stables at Realville

Les Ecuries Des Elfes Blancs, 1187 Chemin de Bel air, 82440 Réalville
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Science museum proves popular

Science museum at Toulouse. Pic MaxPPP

The Quai de Savoirs is a science museum based in the old science faculty of Toulouse University, which opened its doors in February this year. But it is not just an exhibition of old instruments, but a participative experience for scientists, engineers, local businesses, artists and animators. Over 45000 visitors have already crossed the threshold  and organisers hope to improve the appeal to tourists over the next 12 months. The appeal to children is apparent with many school trips planned during the holiday.

What am I bid for this fine hen?

A strange auction is held every 1 November in the Aveyron village of Sainte-Eulalie-d'Olt. It is known as "Poule Un" because lot one is always a hen. Successive lots are eggs, walnuts, eau de vie: ie products donated by inhabitants from their exploitations or gardens.
The date is chosen so the proceeds can be used to pay for mass for the souls of the departed on the day of All Saints (Toussaint).
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An outing to Cazals

Those who hate and those who love, which one are you?
read this post  received from  Emma a friend last night

Hi Val

A friend of mine went yesterday to Bruniquel with her three children.  She can speak Arabic as her parents were from Algeria.  They also had a lovely time, here is what she said:

Today we went with Ismael, Selma and Walid to the CAO. It was very cool. The refugees played dominos with the children. Walid played his guitar. I spoke with them Arabic. It's not the same dialect but we can understand each other.  My husband will go at the weekend as he speaks better Arabic.

Val says two new families now involved. Once you have met them you are won over.
I also like the story written in France Info I read today.
A local elderly neighbour at Bruniquel was very frightened after all she had heard about refugees but went and took a cake. She ended up in tears saying " they are so lovely, with lovely smiles, why was I so worried."
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Nous sommes le mercredi deux novembre

Some of the young people from Calais now on their way to reception centres through out France to have their applications processed, some possibly meeting requirements to be able to go to the UK. Just look at those little ones at the front having travelled the world without parents. Do not ask where their parents are, they could be dead.      Miguel Amortegui Photography
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That picture again

Hi Val

 

Here’s a photo from the bridge taken before the 1930 flood.

The old houses to the right of the tall house with blue shutters in Paul Jack’s photo were all destroyed in the 1930 flood which reached their top floor, and came over the top of the town bridge.

 

John

Busy, busy day but all worth it

What have I achieved today?

Tried to cheer up three young men all feeling very low.
One friend had ended up in hospital after trying to commit suicide.( then someone says they look like fit young men to me, not refugees!)
You will be relieved to hear not one of our Rehoboth boys but a young man who has not had the same care. The treatment they have had, sometimes their families killed is not something you just brush off.
We hope he will survive but I cannot imagine after 6 bottles of paracetemole he will have done his kidneys any good.

Another refugee in very low spirits in the North of France in a very racist area, where the young men are banned from going in any local establishment. Can you believe how that affects morale.

Two young men from Afghanistan with the help of myself, Jacky and Michel Malotaux and Anais Rondeau, brought from living on the streets of Toulouse to live with lots of young people in a nearby village.'Both are in the asylum system but somehow slipped through the net on housing.

Sorted through bags of  clothes and bedding brought by lots of TAG readers, soon on its way to Bruniquel for the store room.
One of the benefits of helping refugees is meeting and being friends with the most amazing people.
All you volunteers you are just amazing.

Picked some apples from one of our trees and fed some to our donkeys. I love seeing the apples eaten as if in a press, with juice running from their mouths.
I did a test to find out which was the favourite, apples, pears or hay.
Apples came out tops
Now collapsed with a glass of red.

Little happy hooved Coco

Coco and Babouche are the best of friends and having an idyllic life.. thanks to TAG readers.
Coco is really a delight and he has really fallen on his hooves with donkey friend Babouche  and his owner Maxime
TAG, along with TAG readers, who all pulled together. One reader who used her rather smart horse box on two occasions to move him, the blacksmith /marechal ferrant who trimmed his badly deformed hooves/ sabots for free, and a myriad of us who raised the money to have him castrated.
A few hiccups along the way when Coco was moved to someone who did not understand donkeys (they are just not like horses in their behaviour) and a panic when I was threatened with the knacker's yard.... not me personally but Coco.
As it happened I knew someone who had one donkey and may like another for free and after a visit with Maxime he confirmed he would like him.
He is now being trained to pull a carriage with Babouche and gives donkey rides to holidaymakers.
He is just the sweetest donkey and I love seeing him now happy in the fields.
Without all your help this could have been quite a different outcome involving donkey burgers.
Coco is the one looking up hearing me shout him.

Order your smoked products today

Hello all
Could you please let me know your requirements for the November order by midnight tonight.

·         Smoked Bacon                                  10 euros per 500 gms

·         Duck breast                                        12 euros each
·         Garlic                                                     3 euros each
·         Brie (large)                                          10 euros each
·         Smoked Salmon                               15 euros per 250 gms

Please note that all products are priced to include slicing (where appropriate), packaging and delivery.

Delivery will take place around 14/15 Nov TBC

Regarding Christmas, please let me know asap so that I can pre-order etc. I will e mail again with a reminder but delivery will be on Wed 21 December.

I look forward to hearing from you and please remember that if you introduce me to a friend who places an order, I am happy to supply you with a complimentary 500gm pack of bacon

Best regards

Austyn

austyn@chh.co.uk

Reflections of St. Antonin Noble Val

Photo taken by Paul Jack

Mushrooms expensive this year

The long dry autumn has prevented the usual crop of edible mushrooms being as abundant as usual.
Cepes and girolles would normally make their appearance at this time, and there have been some seen on the markets, but prices are sky high. This weekend in Ariege vendors were selling dried cepes (so probably not even this year's crop) at 15 euros for 100gms (ie 150 euros a kilo).
Amateurs will be seeking out their favourite (and secret) locations, but we have not had sight or our neighbour returning with bulging plastic bags as normal, so perhaps they are just not there.
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How do we treat young refugees?

Malc made the joke
" if you want to know the time ask a policeman"
but for this little refugee being cleared from the streets of Paris with nowhere else to go, it is not a joke.
More than 150 minors are still awaiting their fate, not accepted by the UK and as yet with no provision here in France.
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Moi(s) sans tabac

The government has launched a "stop smoking" month from today (1st November). Since this idea was floated in the UK in 2012 it has helped over 300000 people to stop smoking.
About 13 million people smoke cigarettes in France, with known ill effects on their health and enormous costs to the national health service and contributes to 73000 deaths each year.
There are self help kits available by post or from pharmacies, with ideas and advice on how to stop smoking for one month (hence "mois"). Giving up for 30 days increases the chance of stopping completely by five times.
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Nous sommes le mardi premier novembre

So what is it Val ?
It is an old fallen log that has been in position for numerous years. Any gardener we have wants to move it.. but it is the home to hedgehogs, millions of insects, and I delight in it.
One patch of garden I do not want touching.
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Algeria: from war to war

ALGERIE 2016 : ETAT DES LIEUX

Rencontre / Débat avec Miloud Zaater.

In 1962 when Algeria became independent there was hope of liberty and peace. But the enthusiasm and hopes soon dissipated into civil war and the inexorable rise of Islamism.
Miloud Zaater, a historian and former journalist will recall recent Algerian history and its effect on the immigrant quarters of French cities

Il est l'auteur d' «l'Algérie de la guerre à la guerre»

Entry is free, but if you wish to go please reserve at ventpropice.fr@gmail.com  or by phone to 05 63 49 91 03 or  06 80 98 98 87

NB the Association Vent Propice presents authors from around the world to talk about their work. Situated in Vaour.