Books to jump on

To the coming book swap on the 5th Dec. I will be taking two Detective stories by Andrea Camilleri from  the humourous  Inspector Montalbano series set in Sicily. They are beautifully written and the smells and colours and landscapes of Sicily come to life. We have seen two productions of them on BBC 4 in Italian with English subtitles which we enjoyed very much. Another which I think many will have read is A.S.Byatt's The Children's Book with some loose pages as it has been so well read. Going back in time but a book I have read more than once J. M. Coetzee's  Disgrace which was rightly a winner in 1999 of what was then just The Booker Prize. Winner of the Man Booker Prize in 2003 Vernon God Little by D.B.C. Pierre. I picked this  up at the last book swap and many thanks to who ever took that one. In 2003 he was just starting his second novel Ludmilla's Broken English, it has not had good reviews but the man himself being interviewed by Andrew Denton sounds an interesting, oddball scoundrel. Read that interview on  http://www.abc.net.au/tv/enoughrope/transcripts/s1642002.htm
Another I will be taking is Margaret Attwood's Amazing Grace, a novel I really enjoyed but it was brought over to France by my brother-in-law who had ploughed through it because he knew it was worthy.[so not everyone's cup of tea]
Tony Parsons Man and Boy must be a favourite of mine as I tend to pick it up at every brocante I go to and then remember I have read it and knew it was good.
I never used to read crime books but it seems to be such a popular genre that I have been coaxed  in and there will be lots of Patricia Cornwell's etc.coming. Last but not least Michele Giuttari The Death of a Mafia Don and yet another insight in to the world of the Mafia.If you have any 'Jump on books ' write and tell us all. Books cannot be reserved before the day.

London calls

Diana Jackson writes 

gee thanks, Val!   Here in London it is cold, misty and drizzly for good

measure.   Can't wait for March when I can come back to La Taupiniere.......

Tuesday 22nd November and still sunny

 Especially for those second home owners back in their native countries we have just had lunch on the balcony in our tee shirts. The exceptional  mild sunny weather continues totally confusing the plants and flowers in the garden.When we say 'this is why we came' never mind about cheaper house prices, wonderful French culture and food, it is the blue skies and the sun. Can't be entirely true though because on that basis we would have gone to Spain.
Malcolm on reading this thought it was all a bit 'smug' sounding.My apologies but it is a sunny 20 degrees!

A response about the poison

Helen Graham of St. Antonin has contacted us with more information... read on

"Just a couple of comments in relation to the article on Mop. As you may

know, David and I have a wealth of experience with dogs, having owned, bred

and judged them internationally for a great many years and having also been

involved with dog rescue organisations , canine health committees and much

else.

Our bitch Dede was poisoned the day after Boxing Day last year and her life

was saved by the prompt action of the vet.The kind of poison used was

different to that which killed Mop as Dede suffered convulsions so severe

that she was literally at the point of death when the vet arrived.  He

believes the poison used was a rodenticide of the kind used to kill moles,

rats and mice.

However, the point I wish to make in relation to the piece on Mop is that a

Labrador would need to eat a pretty huge piece of very dark chocolate and

even more onions in order to be poisoned and the symptoms would be totally

different.  Moreover, it would have been most unlikely that she could have

ingested large enough quantities of either without her owners knowing.  If

it would be of any help, I can provide a full list of poisons affecting dogs

and the treatment they require.

Having said which, the nature of the poison that killed Mop doesn't appear

to fit any of the known categories of poison and by the time it was realised

that she was ill it was almost certainly too late to be able to help her.

This is what makes the recent cases of poisoning so alarming and why animal

owners should be backing James in his attempts to bring this to official

notice".

Huge Chandelier

HugeChandelier for sale 

500 euros or near offer

Really needs to be viewed

Contact Anke at    anke.terbruggen@orange.fr

Beware Poison

Saturday, 12 November 2011

Mop - labrador empoisonnée

Mop died on Wedneday 9th November 2011,

On Tuesday she went for a walk with Bregtje on the field between the camping car site in Saint Antonin and the river (see map below) - she was off the lead. She did not want her food that evening and the following morning they decided to take her to the vets as she passed what appears to be blood. She died later that day. 

The poison didn't affect he mouth nor her throat and the vet came to the conclusion that it must have been packed in something edible. 

She was poisoned by some corrosive chemical agent hidden in food, according to the vet who dealt with her, Dr Gobet at Negrepelisse. 

She was 11, and a healthy, lazy, loving, ‘’slightly’’ overweight Labrador, who although she liked her food didn't just eat anything.

Having said that there are 'natural' things she could have eaten that might have the same effect such as anti-freeze, onions or chocolate.

En français:  Mop est morte le 09/11/2011 elle a mangé quelque chose pendant sa promenade sur le champ entre le site des camping -cars et la rivière. Le poison a détruit son estomac pendant 24 heurs. 

.

James Sweeting starts a campaign

If you read the article above and you have a pet you will be rightly worried by the story. About 6 weeks ago a van with a loudspeaker went round Varen saying  'Come to the Town Hall as the van is parked outside giving away free poison' When this has happened in previous years a lot of the village cats were poisoned and in truth if giving poison  is to get rid of vermin a much better way is by having a cat.
If you are not a cat lover consider your Grandchild playing by the river and consider the implications of that.
So let's support James in his campaign. Click on the link below.

http://poison82.blogspot.com/

Angus finds a new home

Angus the lost  black labrador met today with a lovely couple who fell in love with him and will take him to his new home at Figeac  next Friday. Good luck Angus, we wish you the best life possible.

Traditional Carol Service at Parisot

Traditional Carol Service, 9 Lessons and Carols.  Parisot Church : 17h00 Sunday 18th December, and afterwards wine and festive nibbles offered by the Mairie at the Salle des Fêtes.

Chants de Noel en Français et en Anglais, Eglise St Andéol, Parisot (82) : 17h00 dimanche 18 Décembre, et après une verre de l'amitié offert par la municipalité à la Salle des Fêtes.

Information from Karen and Chris Robinson

New Year's Eve

A group of mature 'Varenois' plan to hire the salle de fete in Arnac for New Year's Eve festivities. We have done this on previous occasions with some degree of success. Catering is DIY [ bring a dish] and entertainment is Ad Hoc [make it up as you go along]. If you have nothing better to do and would like to join us ring
Sylvia Gray on   0563 65 48 25   or
John Taylor on   0563 27 64 92
preferably before December 5th so that some planning and forethought can be applied.

Anyone with ferrets?

Do you have a dog, cat or a ferret, or feed the birds in your garden?

I have trouble finding sunflower hearts and niger seeds here and would like to order in bulk from this supplier, so if you are interested in placing a group order to take advantage of large bags, smaller prices and saving on delivery costs, have a look at their website and let me know what you want. http://www.seulementnaturel.com/site/index.html I expect we could buy a large bag of sunflower hearts or niger seeds and split it into one or two kilo bags for example. You could also order cat litter, or food for dogs, cats & ferrets, not forgetting dog poo bags. The larger the order, the bigger the discount!

Gill Catterall

Email me - gill@auxvoletsbleus.com

Victory for Common sense

John Taylor is pleased to report that the planning permission for the black tin shack proposed to be built near them on their lotissement has been overturned by the DDE. Something more in keeping and sympathetic to the neighbourhood is being requested. For those who have been supportive of John in his campaign please talk to him for details. Well done John and Sheila

Reminder for Hangar sale

Hangar sale at Campagnac Sat 19th and Sunday 20th 11am to 6.30pm each day.
See earlier post for more info, directions etc.
Claire and I would like to add that Karine, our friend with the mobile restaurant (aka a food van!), will be with us during both days to serve home made chips, grillades and a  'plat du jour'!  The vin chaud is free...as long as you buy something! Live music is expected on Sunday.....

 

Also available for sale is a stack of old roof 'tuiles' and seven white sunbeds...stored near to Claire's but space limited to display them at the weekend.

 

 

Christmas Carols and Aperos

The sky at night above your house.

We are so lucky having such wonderfully clear skies here especially in winter with out any light pollution.Caroline Kirk has sent in some information for star gazers to know the stars above you.

To make it local to you you'll need the coordinates for your location which you can find on Google Earth, also the height of your house which again is on Google Earth.

http://www.stellarium.org/

The following site tells you when, & in which direction, you can see the International space stations (ISS) & other wonders of the universe:

http://www.heavens-above.com  again you need to put in your coordinates.

Old Freezer Wanted / TAGlines works, we have got one.

Is anyone changing their kitchen and wanting to get rid of their freezer. We don't mind it being scruffy if it works.We can pick it up.

Val or Malc on  mail@bromlea.com or tel 0563 640673

Satellite digi box for sale SOLD

FOR SALE 49 Euros

SAGEM DS186 HD freesat satellite digital box. Over 140 TV and radio channels, subscription free HD, full UK coverage, no contract, no bills.  

Contact Martin by email: martinlinda@pourramond.com

By telephone: 05.63.03.22.59.

Emmaus at Villefranche de Rouergue

Emmaus is a charity in France set up by L'abbe Pierre [died last year I think] It is a charity which aids the poor and homeless. Someone told us about it when we first came here and since then I have been a sort of regular visitor at the branch at Carmaux. It is especially good for white linen beautifully embroidered sheets which I use on the beds or as tablecloths. It sells everything one has in the home and I have bought many a garden table and chair. All the goods are donated so it is a bit like a huge Oxfam. Often I go with things to donate and come back with other things. Generally men hate it but us ladies appear to love 'ferreting' about
I have just discovered a branch of Emmaus at Villefranche de Rouergue which is near HyperU, up past the roundabout and behind a funeral parlour.It is open Friday afternoons 2.30 to 6pm.

Tinker,Tailor,Soldier,Spy is coming

The much talked about remake of the film Tinker,Tailor,Soldier,Spy is coming to the Querlys Cinema in February. It's French title is 'La Taupe'

Book Swap at the Gazpacho

I have arranged  to hold the book swap with the Gazpacho for Monday morning  10.30 to11am ish  on 5th of Dec.I bought 5 books from the Chats de Quercy sale chosen without the benefit of my specs. All excellent reads but I had read them all before. I keep reminding myself it was a good cause and they will be coming to the swap. Malc and I have both read 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' what a funny, unusual but sad read that was. Karen Sweeting brought with her a fine selection of crime books last swap and I have really enjoyed those I came home with, all authors I would not necessarily have chosen before.So I look forward to the next swap and perhaps after the exchange we could all stay for a festive drink.

Gym extra douce

We have just joined our local 'gym' which is held for the over 60s in the village Salle de Fete. It is held twice a week in the mornings and is in French (so a free French lesson). Each session (séance) starts 20 minutes early so the participants can take coffee and cake before the ‘strenuous’ tai chi type exercises! The first session involved filling out 5 forms in French and meeting the other participants. It is a mixed class including the previous Maire and other local folk. Ages range from 89 to 60+.

Luckily, body-hugging, gold lame lycra suits or special sports clothing are not obligatory and, when we do foot exercises in our socks with a small ball, holes appear quite frequently! One man comes in his slippers and the others are wearing an assortment of comfy shoes. Ian and I get top marks for wearing joggers (trainers)!

The exercises are varied and everyone takes them seriously, including press-ups against the wall, walking on our heels, then toes, then along a taped straight line (best in the mornings!). There is much laughter and egging each other on. The lady who takes the class is professional and very supportive of aged people with less flexibility and fitness. When Ian is staggering around and not hearing, or understanding the instructions, she follows behind him saying ‘coucou, Yan, coucou’. Ian says ‘If you see yourself as an under training Clint Eastwood, this can be pretty hard to take!!’

Each week we get a short lecture on safety in the home, proper foot-ware, keeping healthy and the importance of exercising. The nicest part is greeting the local folk who attend, being accepted, kissed and, at times, gently teased when trying out a new exercise. There is a warmth and kindliness that is exceptional. No competitive or comparative aspects at all.

However, I don’t think we shall be entering for the Olympics next year though, despite our increasing flexibility and improved ‘equilibre’!

Alison Croft

Low cost transport from or to England

George White of Ripley has a transport company that is well known in this area [ his sister lives in the region]
He is apparently very reasonably priced and has a good reputation. He is willing to bring small or part loads and will transport anything that is legal.
His tel number here is   0563 33 25 59 and for his website details  click on.
 http://www.georgewhiteeuropean.co.uk/

Maybe a thought for the mobility scooter?

Mobility scooter

Sylvia Gray of Varen has been offered a mobility scooter but it is in Lancashire. Is there anybody going in a car to that area before Christmas who would have space in the boot for a fold down scooter?
Sylvia can be contacted on tel. 0563 65 48 25

Opera from the Met

Margaret Atkins informs us that the Cinema at Gaillac is showing live opera from the Metropolitan Opera, New York, on various dates from now to February. Each showing is 25 euros, 100 euros for 5 showings.
 Rodelinda, by Handel on  Sat. 3rd Dec.18 30h
Faust by Gounod on  Sat 10th Dec 19h.00

Full details can be found at the link below.

http://www.cine81.com/

Has anyone become a citizen?

We have lived here happily all year round now for more than 10 years. We have no plans to go back to England as we think even though costs have risen here it is balanced by the quality of life. It takes time to feel you can integrate into French life but it is rewarding when you feel you are getting there.When we have lived here 15 years we will no longer have a vote in England and in truth that means nothing to us now as French politics are what concerns us much more. I should imagine like all the rest of the bureaucratic stuff in France becoming a citizen will not be simple.We noticed in the newspaper Connexion that there is now a new language test as part of the procedure. It says candidates "should be able to tell  of an event, experience or dream:describe a wish or an ambition and outline briefly their reasons or explanations  for a project or idea".There is no written exam only oral. Previously candidates would be interviewed by an official from the Prefecture but now testing will be done by an  EU accredited  language organisation. As long as you have lived here for more than 5 years, have a permanent address, have no convictions, can speak enough of the language to get by and pay 55 euros you may be considered. Interestingly you are allowed to change to a French name if you would like to or 'frenchify' your present one. Can anyone see me as a Fifi Chantal?  The language test is not applied for under 15's or over 70's. Also if you are refused no reason is given.
So if any one has achieved becoming a French Citizen and can give us advice we would be grateful before we apply.
Val Johnstone
For more info check out the website below.

http://vosdroits.service-public.fr/particuliers/N111.xhtml

Man's bike for sale

Ann Herdman has 

Man's bike, 21speed, for sale 50 Euros

Please email aecm2010@live.fr to make an appointment.

Nintendo Wii Sports Resort Pack For sale SOLD

Every thing you need to have the family laughing at Christmas. Nintendo Wii with many additions. It came as the basic Sports Resort Pack and we added an extra handset. There are 12 different sports to enjoy including tennis  for which we bought the extra tennis raquets. Bowling a definite favourite, table tennis, canoeing, frisbee, sword play etc. We then added the pack of Formula I Racing which we found  as difficult as Hamilton this year  but  the youngsters were soon flying round the track like Vettel. All complete and looks as in new condition in box if wanted as a pressie. Initial cost exhorbitant  now a reasonable 75 euros. Tel Val or Malc on 0563 64 06 73 or email mail @ bromlea.com

Microchipping or tattooing your dog in France

In France it is compulsory now that dogs have a tattoo in the ear or have a microchip inserted beneath the skin around the neck called a puce. If a dog is being advertised one must gave the identification number with the advert [so after being told I have added that to Angus advert ] There are at this moment 300,000 lost dogs in France. 170,000 dogs are left at refuges each year. But the good news 100,000 dogs each year are returned to their owners because of their microchips.

Is Cassoulet really British?

British comic David Lowe living in France with his french wife decided as a joke to sell British Cassoulet in a french market at Castlenaudary. Click on the link to see how he gets on.
We did wonder what reaction he would get if he tried to sell French Yorkshire puddings in York.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_o4S7Yw4TaE

Turkey for Christmas

Looking for a delicious turkey for Christmas?

Free-range Norfolk Blacks for sale.  Hand reared, all organic turkey raised on the south facing, sun-drenched slopes of the Causses National Park in the Valley of the Lot. The turkeys will be supplied plucked and eviscerated.

Cost is €10.50 euros per kilo. Contact Sarah Meakin on 05 63 64 97 21.  You must reserve your turkey in advance for collection just before Christmas.

Angus the black labrador

If any one needed another incentive to adopt Angus the black labrador, Malcolm and I are more than willing to have him for his holidays when his owners go away.Also dog trainer Anke Terbruggen will give up time to train him not to pull on the lead, We have also discovered  whilst walking him on a morning that he responds to french commands. See earlier post for more information.
Telephone us for more news about  Angus    contact Val on 0563 64 06 73 or mail @bromlea.com

Remembrance day Poppies

If you would like to buy a Remembrance

Day poppy, please contact Dianne Hope on:

dianne.hope@orange.fr or 05 63 63 26 04

Free range bunnies for sale

Rabbits no longer fluffy ready for the table or freezer, 10 euros each for a good size and jointed.. They had a good life being well fed and kept in large runs until their time was up and the end was quick. 
For more information, contact Derek  at 05-63682551 (please leave a message) or anke.terbruggen@orange.fr

Extra hour in bed tonight

Don't forget tonight (Saturday) to turn your clocks back an hour if you want to profit from that extra hour in bed. Unfortunately, if you have animals you may find that they dont understand and demand to be up as usual tomorrow...

Find yourself on the plan cadastral

Thanks to James Sweeting for the link to this very interesting site, a kind of Google earth (but newer round here) onto which you can overlay the plan cadastral if you want to check out what parcels are around you as well as lots of other overlays  (you can also see all those pools etc you may have added to your parcels).

The link below should take you to the geoportail,  from there you can navigate to wherever you want.



http://www.geoportail.fr/visu2D.do?cg=djoxLjEqYzptZXRyb3BvbGUqY3Y6MS4wKnZ2OjEuMSp4eToxLjc2Nzc0MzYxNzk0Nzg5MzZ8NDQuMTcxMjAyMjk5ODY3MTgqczo0KnB2OjE

Adorable black labrador seeks loving home

Probably around 3 years old this black labrador was found a month ago wandering without any identifying marks, collar, tattoo or puce.Everything has been tried to find his former owners but to no avail. He is house trained, likes the car, does not bark, waits to eat his food when given and is very affectionate. He loves his walks and is used to walking on the lead but he does pull and will need some training on this. We have found he does respond to french commands. Although not used to living with cats he is now placed in a cat household and is accepting the cat without signs of aggression and does not bother about hens.He needs a loving home as soon as possible as after two moves already he is getting attached to the new carer. He has been seen by two vets with a clean bill of health and he has now been puced [ no. 250269801658928] and castrated. He is fine with other dogs and children. If you were thinking of a dog it would be difficult to imagine a better choice.
For more information speak to carer Jill Spearman on   tel. 0563 26 45 57  or email  jill.spearman@aliceadsl.fr
He is currently in Varen  which is near Cordes and St. Antonin. in Tarn and Garonne

Les Hivernales du Documentaire

For 8 years now Beatrice Amiel and Jean-Michel Filiquier have put together a season of documentary films, with no underlying theme other than the desire of the directors to present their view of things that concern them and maybe should concern and interest us.
The thing that unites the films is the form (documentary) and the "fond" (content): the directors' use of the medium of film, their interest in cinematography and the ability to present their view in a new and arresting way.
The season started on Friday evening in the salle des fetes at Verfeil, with two short films "Ce que peut le lion", a story of the director's search for his childhood through observing his father and his baby son. Although I found it a bit self indulgent there was lots of "ahh" factor with the baby.
The second film "Une escroc tres discrete" was the director's search for details of an elderly woman con artist who spent much of her life in Nice conning local shopkeepers and businesses out of many thousands of francs, and the rest of her life in prison. A mixture of live interviews and excellent pencil drawings kept the audience interested and painted a bleak portrait of this anonymous woman (as well as making Nice in winter seem very unappealing).
The directors were both present and a lively discussion followed each screening. No doubt lots more questions were answered over the usual "pot d'amitie".
The series continues with more films from now until mid- February in various towns and villages in Tarn and Garonne - see your local library for details or visit http://leshivernalesdudoc.free.fr/accueil.htm
Malcolm Johnstone

Quercy du Chats Book Sale

There is a book sale this week end in aid of the cat charity which works so hard for our feline friends.
Book sale is from Friday 28th Oct. to Sunday 30th Oct. inclusive.For more info look on www.chatsduquercy.fr
Also lots of things in the shop for Christmas presents
For those who do not know the shop it is at   12 Rue de la treille in St.Antonin. At the far end of the large parking in Place Besserel.

Interest inTyres

Often asked question 'Where do I buy tyres?'
Kath and Glen sent this message
It would be useful to know if Chris gets any answers. Our VW will need tyres in the foreseeable future and it would be helpful to know the experience of others.   
Kath and Glen.
Glen and Kath Bloomfield <glenkath85@gmail.com>  
Malc has posted a comment on our experience of where we buy tyres. Have you noticed a comment box under the posted article by Chris. Tick comment  to read .

Peugeot Tyres

Our little Peugeot 206 needs 2 new tyres and I'm thinking I might buy them on-line from Allo-Pneu, and have them fitted by one of the 3,500 French garages tied in to their scheme. If anyone has any experience of buying tyres this way, good or bad, I'd really appreciate hearing from them at chezfoz@gmail.com or on 05 63 31 70 84.   

 

The last time I put two tyres on this car, the local garagiste charged me an eye-watering €277. The car does take an uncommon size, admittedly, (205-45-16) and it seems the only ones the garagiste could source quickly were "ZR" speed rated - good for 240 kph - hence the price. My devis from Allo-Pneu is for €150 plus fitting: maybe €185 in total. Too big a difference to ignore...

 

Thanks

 

Chris Robinson    

Christmas Stocking pressie - proceeds to charity

Doreen Porter must be feeling very proud of herself- well done.
Her own blog is at    www.anatozoflifeinfrance.blogspot.com


The 2011 anthology from Writers Abroad has just been published. 'Foreign Flavours' is based on the general theme of food, drink and cooking from around the world and contains articles, short stories and recipes. All profits from its sale will go to The Book Bus, a charity that aims to bring the joy of reading to children in the developing world. And one of my articles has been included.

http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/foreign-flavours/18192264
www.writersabroad.com
Writers Abroad is an online community of expat writers from around the world. I'm a member, and every year they publish an anthology. Details are above. I have an article, "Cheese, Snails and Dandelion Jam" in the current one, which was published today.

French girl seeks au pair position in England

A young French girl - the daughter of Corrine, my Tai Chi teacher - is looking for an au pair position preferably in London for a year. She is 21 and wants to learn English. If anyone has any friends or family who might be able to help please let me know.

Thanks James

james@rysuk.com

0563676251

Couple need help

A bit of information and a plea for help!

Anyone who has passed my house recently will have observed the 'abri jardin' constructed on the next plot. Having visited the Direction Departmental des Territoires (the former DDE) I learned that whilst they had refused the Permis de Construire , our Maire had over-ruled their decision, hence the construction. It now appears that the empty plot on the other side has been given a permis for (for me) an even greater disaster, as I will be facing a 20 square metre blank wall of black corrugated iron/steel. I still have the opportunity to protest but only under the Code Civile. 
I will probably need to engage an Huissier and a notaire if I am to challenge this, if anyone has experience of any of these preferably English speaking, I would be very greatful for their names.
Please contact Sheila or John Taylor
Tel. 0563276492
or shejontay@free.fr

Contact email address for Pauline at the Jardin des Paradis

For those who wish to contact Pauline direct by email click below

pauline@bellecascade.com

Fire folly at Verfeil earlier this week.

Thank God it was a Frenchman! After a sprinkling of rain assuming one can burn a bit of crop off your fields after months of dry weather is nothing but madness as one French agricultor discovered [too late!] managing to burn 12 hectares of fields and woods and a hangar full of hay stored for winter. The fire was deemed so potentially serious that 71 pompiers from all local departments were deployed and 22 fire department vehicles.
We saw the flames  and smoke here in Varen and the next day our French cleaner who is married to a pompier was full of the tales of horror. There were no injuries however though 3 houses were narrowly missed by the flames which were being swept along by the wind.
The unfortunate or foolish farmer has now been presented with a bill from the fire department for 6,260 euros. So beware of burning that bit of rubbish as you may end up with the bill even if you don't burn your house down.

La pétanque: pastime or passion

For many years now a dedicated group of boulistes, mainly Brits but with regular assistance of some French, occasional Dutch players and often supplemented by summer visitors, have met on Friday afternoon to indulge in this most French of pastimes.

 Numbers vary from 10 to 20+, all ages, both men and women, plus many children in the holidays. In order to achieve some fairness in the teams players are generally seeded into “tireurs” (those who think they can knock out opponents’ boules) and “pointers” (the rest). Teams are always drawn at random to try and give some semblance of equal opportunities.

The game is usually played in either “doublettes” – teams of two players using 3 boules each - or “triplettes” – teams of three players using 2 boules each. Given the unknown number of people attending on any Friday we don’t usually know until we start how many doublettes and/or triplettes we will have. But we usually manage to sort something out.

We usually play 2 or three games, “parties”, up to 13 points. The afternoons last about 2 hours.

In summer the matches are at the Verfeil boulodrome, but in winter we find Varen is less likely to be cold as the sun remains on the “terrain” much longer.

All the matches are played in a serious but friendly spirit and the regulars would welcome any newcomers and will willingly help explain the rules and the tactics. You don’t need to become a regular; come as often or a little as you wish. Some of us have even become familiar on the French circuit of “amicales” – occasionally the very proud winners of a few euros! It’s a pastime or a passion, as you wish.

From Friday 4^th November we will be meeting at Varen on the boules terrain by the little Vival supermarket, rain always permitting. So if you would like to come and play or just find out more we would love to see you.

For more details ring Malcolm 0563 64 06 73 or email taglines82@gmail.com

Hangar sale with lots to sell

Could we please advertise our hangar sale on the web site?

 

Come and browse! Pre Christmas Curiosity Sale in Campagnac, Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th November, 11am to 6.30pm each day. One weekend only, no sneaky previews!

 

Claire and Lizzie are both on the move and have a multitude of must have bits and pieces for sale...some large, some small in our joint vide grenier, hangar sale. Our for sale stock includes art deco as well as hand painted, shabby chic and other furniture, chests, mirrors, china, old LP's, household bric a brac, rugs, pictures and engravings, firewood and various farming antiques.

 

Lots of parking, mulled wine and a warm welcome for all visitors to Vieuresque, chez Claire de Soissons, two minutes from Campagnac on the D8 between Cordes and Le Verdier.

 

Contact Lizzie Jewels for more info: 0563 401346    lizziejewels333@btinternet.com

Jardin des Paradis needs financial and physical help

A letter from Pauline at the Jardin des Paradis
It's a rare thing that I send out a begging letter but I'm having to do so now.

 As most of you know, I'm a volunteer at the Jardin des Paradis in Cordes.

 This is an educational garden open to the public which manages to cram

many

different ideas and events in an area of only 2500 sq metres.

The garden costs over 100,000 euros a year to run and our subvention is a

 measly 8000 euros from the Government.

We manage to run with a staff of one full timer, two part timers and

whatever time the volunteers can give. Basically if we don't get more

 funding and more physical help we are going to have to close which would

be 

a pity not only for the 3 youngsters employed there, but also for the parties of kids and disabled people we welcome every year.  At our recent Conseil d'Administration meeting we decided to launch a 

membership scheme and we are now looking for "adhérents" - basically

 people who help support the garden financially (and physically if they

wish)

and are then given free access to the garden whenever they want and a free

 invitation to all the social events. The cost is just 10 euros a year per

person.

So…... would any of you be prepared to help us out please? I'm not asking

 for money now, just a promise to support us. If we can get enough

promises,

 it will give us the means and the encouragement to continue next year. For

your 10 euros, you'll get free access whenever you wish to visit and for

many of you who have to cart visitors around during the summer and rack

their brains what to do with them, it could be very useful, even if you

just

 sit in the garden with a cold beer while your visitors walk around. If you

want to you can also join us on our volunteer days or just come along to

potter in the garden - great for anyone who wants to practise French or

 learn anything about gardening. You'll also get free entry to our annual

plant sale (we sell our surplus perennial and shrub stock in October each

year - everything priced at between one and four euros) and our proposed

 vegetable plant exchange (in spring everyone comes with their surplus

small

plants and swaps them with others).

If anyone is prepared to help us out by becoming an "adhérent", I'd be

 really grateful. Just let me know and I'll add your name to the list and

when the time comes, arrange to collect your money and have a card printed

with your photo.

 Many thanks for taking the time to read this and for those of you who

don't

 know the garden please have a look at our website

 *www.jardindesparadis.eu*

Best wishes, Pauline

Meteo Passion

If you are avid followers of weather and weather predications in France a TAGlines  reader Howard Williams of Chez Phillipe in Varen has suggested you look at
http://www.meteopassion.com/
I now know I will have to fight for the computer as Malcolm has marked it up on favourites and is very interested having kept his own weather measurements in past years.

Organic/bio farm near Najac

Jamie Stickler runs an organic/ bio farm ''La Singlarie' near Najac. He has for sale beef, pork, sausages, bacon,chickens,eggs and  you can order your Turkey for Christmas.
Click below for more information.
http://www.lasinglarie.fr/index.htm

Sapeurs/pompiers need new blood.

At the moment the local Pompiers are asking for new recruits and this article for Taglines written 6 years ago by Malcolm Johnstone  shows why it is such a rewarding job.

''Sauver une vie, c'est genial''

Saving a life would please any of us, but to the sapeurs/pompiers it can be a regular but still rewarding experience.

No sooner had I arrived for my appointment with  Laguépie chef de service, Yves Farjounel, than his bleeper went off and he left for the caserne – the fire station. Fortunately, an adequate replacement in the shape of  pompier Emmanuel Cros, arrived to take over. [Emmanuel, son in law of Yves Farjounel has now taken over the position of Chef]. A typical cameo in the life of village sapeurs/pompiers (don’t ask what the difference is – it’s philosophical).

I had wanted to find out what the men – and women – who make up the fire service in our region thought about their mission and how they were organised. Under their chef, the 24 personnel based at Laguépie offer a service to us all on a basis so different to the paid professionals that we are used to, that it is almost unbelievable.

Over 90% of France’s pompiers are volunteers, paid professionals being reserved for the major population centres. And we are not talking about the system of retained firefighters as in the UK, but out and out unpaid volunteers. In villages it is not uncommon for sons to continue the work of their fathers, whether in the butcher’s shop, the farm or indeed the pompiers.

Anyone aged 17 – 55 can train to be a pompier. Around 200/300 hours of training at the beginning. then many refresher and up-date courses.

Dialling 18 (for the pompiers) or 15 (for a medical emergency) will connect you to a centre in Montauban or Albi and they will give you advice or pass the call to a local caserne. Laguépie covers nine communes, three in each of the departments adjoining the village, although the over-riding authority is in the home department.

Laguépie gets an average of around 300 interventions a year, over 80% being assistance to people in some kind of distress. In 2003, when there were floods on two separate occasions in the year, over 500 interventions were needed.

We are all used to the pompiers’ loto , the Bal on the 14th July and of course the calendar at Christmas, all ways of boosting the income of the caserne.  But major funding is provided from a departmental budget, which whilst never enough, provides for a very well equipped station, with several specialist vehicles designed to fight fires in buildings or forests, provide water-borne rescue, get cats out of pot holes or hornets out of trees….

No permanent staff is maintained at the station, but an up-to-date radio system enables the watch to be called out at any time. Be prepared for your plumber to down tools not for a tea break but to answer his bleep.

I wondered if the influx of foreign residents had made things more difficult as often they have a poor grasp of the language. It can cause problems when an emergency arises and the person is unable to respond clearly to the pompiers’ questions and it was suggested to me that one of the best ways to overcome this (apart from learning to speak French of course) would be for some of our younger compatriots to consider becoming pompiers. That way they would integrate wonderfully into village life and provide a service to all the residents.

At the end of February the pompiers celebrate the feast of St Barbe, their patron saint. Best uniforms and medals are worn, speeches and presentations made. And being true to their traditions it is likely that all will be celebrated with a repas. These men and women offer a valuable and professional service, but with a dash of humour and joie de vivre. I asked what advice would be of most use to our readers and was told “do not be afraid to dial 18 (or 15).” The operators will decide what help is needed and take the necessary steps. I know this to be true from several interventions I have seen over the recent years, so don’t be afraid.

When I wondered why the sapeurs/pompiers devoted so much time and energy to such a demanding past-time, M. Cros  explained that it was just a public service to their fellow villagers. And to any pompier, “sauver une vie, c’est genial”.


If you or your friends/family would like more details on how to become a pompier contact your local caserne in St Antonin, Laguepie or Caylus.

Cardboard from Ikea

I make my own boxes to send our photo frames all over the world and have found the best cardboard to use is the type Ikea use for their flat pack kitchen units - it's not too thick and not too thin! I have nearly used up my own supply from the kitchen units we installed last year, so I was wondering if anyone in the St. Antonin area has any of this type of cardboard lurking in their garage, or perhaps you are about to buy some new kitchen units soon. If so, I would love to take the cardboard packaging, so don't throw it away!

I can come and collect, or meet up in St Antonin Noble Val if that is more convenient.

My email is: denisemackenzie2009@gmail.com

Thanks so much.
Denise Mackenzie
Fabre de Lagrange
81140 Penne

Discounted art collection

3 years ago, I inherited my fathers art collection. Part of this collection my father bought as an investment; high quality art by a young Italian painter who is already quite established in italy, as is his father. I planned to keep this collection for some years, but my financial situation is such that I need to sell it sooner, unfortunately!
The collections consists of about 55 oil paintings, mixed techniques and drawings, all in high quality frames. Gallery prices ranged from 1000 to 25.000 euros (original bills on demand). I might take the entire collection to Italy, to have it sold there, but before I do so, I would like to know if anybody around here is interested in buying the collection as a whole, as an investment, or to decorate several houses in the same style,. Information about the artist can be found here:   http://www.tommasiferroni.com/ or   http://www.tommasiferroni.it/

For more information, contact me at 05-63682551 (please leave a message) or anke.terbruggen@orange.fr

Old sofa wanted

Has anyone got an old sofa they are thinking of getting rid of. I want something I can let my dogs climb on with me with out worrying about damage.Can collect.
Thanks in advance
Anke tel. 0563682551
 email   anke.terbruggen@orange.fr

What a whopper !

Can any of our readers beat this?

A pumpkin weighing in at 22 kilos

It is the largest of my crop and at 2 euros a kilo on the market- worth its weight in er! pumpkin.

Dumped dog needs a loving home NOW REHOMED

A message from Jo Stephens

Tressor is a 7 year old castrated German Shephard cross Border Collie. I was asked to look after him for 2 weeks whilst his owner returned to England, yes you have guessed the rest ............. 4 months later he is still with me.

I cannot afford to keep him and in fact as lovely as he is I dont want another dog , I have 3 of my own and a foster dog.

He is a real gentle boy although does bark when people arrive. He has been excellent with all my other dogs and dogs he meets on walks. He has met and been fine with children of all ages, cats, horses and chickens. He in the typical french fashion loves to chase cars, however with discipline this has really improved . He is perhaps one of the least demanding dogs I have met but he does love a cuddle and a walk. He has been a really good boy with me and just enjoys being part of our family however I really can't afford to keep him.  Please think of  Tressor if you are considering adopting a dog.

I am really desperate to rehome him and would be loath to put him into a rescue centre.

tel Jo Stephens 0565 298856
email  stephensjoanne@gmail.com

Telescopic roller and heavy iron gate for sale

For sale a telescopic roller for a swimming pool summer cover in very good condition at 160 euros and also a heavy, iron gate which is 1.36m wide and 1.9m high for 150 euros, please contact  Lizzie Jewels 0563 40 13 46 or by email on lizziejewels333@btinternet.com

Foire a la Chataigne Laguepie

Sunday 30th October Laguepie hosts a day of celebration for the sweet chestnuts .Once very important in this region and even though that importance has declined the day of celebration has expanded beyond belief. When we first came over 10 years ago there was a very sedate repas in a small tent in the square. Now as well as the lunch  priced at 17 euros there is a market of local products featuring guess what ? In the salle de Fetes there is an exhibition of patchwork. A display of mushrooms/champignons all labelled as to their various states of toxicity. Lots of singing and dancing performed by various groups and marching bands and loads of roasted chestnut and crepe sellers. Get there early for a good parking spot otherwise you may end up at the top of the bank [all right if you are fit to walk down] The place will be packed like you have never seen Laguepie but it is a great day. For more information tel. Office du Tourisme 0563302034

Pit bike championships

If you like your moto cross with a bit of bite why not try the French National finals of the pit bike championships. This weekend (8th and 9th) at the Laguepie moto cross circuit many leading riders will be trying their luck. The circuit has hosted many prestigious events, including major international meets between the wars and in the 1950's.
The track is well signposted on the Laguepie/Najac road with ample parking and on-site refreshments.

Adorable mouse destroyers

Help!

We have two kittens aged 8 weeks. One is a beautiful ginger and white female and the other a pale golden male with blue eyes. House trained, clean, and adorable! We leave for the UK this month and cannot leave them – a neighbouring farmer shoots  cats.

We can deliver anywhere (almost) to a good home.

NB this could be an easy answer to your mouse problem.

If you can help please contact us asap.

Polly 0563 67 06 40

Or mail Catherine.fawcitt@wanadoo.fr

Well done Fifi

Friends in France Fifi have raised 2,000 euros for Macmillan Cancer Relief at their recent coffee day. Well done to every one who put in so much work and a lovely convivial day it seemed to be.

Washing machine and single bed free to a good home. NOW GONE

We're giving away a couple of items we no longer need :-

Firstly, a 90cm wide adult length divan single bed in good condition - sound timber construction, on castors, comes complete with interior sprung mattress and 2 large drawers (150 litre total capacity) built into the base. We don't want anything for it if the new owner can collect from Caylus.

Also a French Arthur Martin top-loading washing machine (50cm wide, 60cm deep, 85cm tall), easy to operate, works perfectly and produces good results. Ideal for a gite or a maison secondaire. Similarly, free to a good home as long as the new owner collects from Caylus.

For anyone interested we can forward pictures of the above. Email chezfoz@gmail.com for more information or ring Karen and Chris on 05 63 31 70 84. If it would help, we could deliver for a small, distance-related charge.