Maybe May or June, Maggie.

Hi Val,
If you do try to get Martyn Cox again...I really would love to see him!  We will be in France March 7-30 and then probably last week of May - 3rd week of June.  Hint..hint...
Thanks for sending his reading list; I have been able to find The Girl who Fell from the Sky and have Citadel waiting for met at home (I'm at my mom's right now).  I just bought the Charlotte Gray DVD after recording the movie from TV many times; will show it to my Mom tomorrow, I hope. 
Thanks ever so much for TagLines!  It's such a nice way to keep up with things in our corner of France!
Best regards,
Maggie Herbert
Promilhanes and Inverness, Nova Scotia Canada, currently in Maryland...

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Saint Valentine's Day, commonly known as Valentine's Day

The 14th of February is the Saints Day   St. Valentin,   from the early Christian Saint  Valentinus
There are two reasons why many people link Valentine's Day with France. One is that it was commonly known, in both England and France, that birds and other animals paired off and mated 'in the middle of February'. Coincidence? Most likely not, since February 14 is exactly the middle of February. It is thought that people began celebrating this as the special day for lovers because of this association with 'love' in nature.

In addition, a Frenchman, the Duke of Orléans, is thought to have written the first love letters that later became Valentine's Day cards. The Duke of Orléans, Charles, was captured in 1415 and taken as a prisoner to London; while imprisoned in the Tower, he is thought to have written love letters to his wife back in France. These are thought to be what became cartes d'amitiés, now known as French Valentine's Day cards.

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A few useful French expressions

• Ça m'est égal: It doesn't matter to me. (Literally: To me it is equal.)

• À jeune chasseur, il faut un vieux chien: Someone inexperienced needs someone older to show him the ropes. (Literally: A young hunter needs an old dog.)

• À bon chat, bon rat: Tit for tat. (Literally: For a good cat, a good rat.)

• À deux pas de chez moi: Right by my house. (Literally: Two steps from my house.)

• Acheter quelque chose à prix d'or: To pay an arm and a leg for something. (Literally: To buy something for the price of gold.)

• Souris qui n'a qu'un trou est bientôt prise: Better to be safe than sorry. (Literally: A mouse with only one mouse hole quickly gets taken.)

• Courir sur le haricot: To annoy someone or get on their nerves. (Literally: To run on the bean.)

• C'est le ton qui fait la musique: It's not what you say but how you say it. (Literally: It's the tone that makes the music.)

• Les carrottes sont cuites: The die are cast. (Literally: The carrots are cooked.) Always my favourite  " your goose is cooked"
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Never mind that Martyn, we want more.

Thanks to Val and Malcolm for arranging the event, and especially to everyone who took the trouble to travel to Le Riols on a pretty grim evening. I was very touched by your keen interest and kind remarks afterwards. My only regret is that I talked too much! 

Instead I should have let you hear more from the veterans I've interviewed, but there will hopefully be an opportunity in the not too distant future when I can show you a selection of excerpts from my own interviews with more men and women from the 'secret war' - French as well as British, and especially three veterans of the 'local' Maquis d'Ornano about whom Ross knows so much more than me that he's written a book about them. Maybe we can devise some kind of double act!

If there is a 'next time' then you'll inevitably also hear on-screen memories from the former French SOE agent, Bob Maloubier DSO, Ld'H, CdeG. He was ninety last Saturday and not too well, so I'm thinking of him a lot this week and in touch with his family for updates. It's no surprise that Bob's wartime bullet wounds in the liver and lungs (received while escaping German arrest) and the results of a badly broken foot when parachuting, are now aggravating other ailments. 

There's a connection here with 'The Real Charlotte Grays' in that on Bob's second SOE mission he parachuted into France with Violette Szabo, probably the best known of all SOE's women agents and a great friend of his. Following Violette’s capture Bob and his comrades had a plan in place to free her from Limoges prison, but unfortunately she was taken to a prison near Paris before they could take action.

I've been privileged over the last five years to spend quite a lot of time with Bob, and have formally interviewed him twice on camera. I think I mentioned last evening that two years ago I was able to reunite him with the RAF pilot who, in February 1944, clandestinely flew him out of France after he'd been so badly wounded - they hadn't seen each other since that flight, so their reunion was really quite something!

After WW2 Bob Maloubier joined the new French secret service and so he is a 'real James Bond' in fact. You can see and hear him in English here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSOwLujJTnw. The commentary on this clip from AFPTV is sometimes generalised and not entirely accurate, but at least it gives a flavour of Bob's character and spirit. (You can click to skip the ad!)

Val already has a long list I gave her of books about SOE and other aspects of the 'secret war' - and for French speakers here's the Amazon.fr link to Bob Maloubier's recent auto-biography"Agent secret de Churchill": http://www.amazon.fr/Agent-secret-Churchill-Bob-Maloubier/dp/284734795X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1360148106&sr=1-1

As with my talk, I've now also managed to 'go on a bit' in this message! So I'll just say thanks again to everyone there last evening and I hope we can do it all again some time soon.

Val says Martyn's reference to Ross, is Ross Jenkins of Puycelci who will have a book published late summer on local resistance characters. Will give you more and accurate info. come the time.

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What different lives we lead.

When we go to collect the key from the caretaker of the Salle des Fetes at Le Riols, he is always in the barn attached to the house,  slap bang in the centre of the village. The first time he came out with bloodied hands and explained he was killing canard, 18 of them. The next time he came out he explained he was killing lapin. Last night he walked round to the Hall with us and we joked what have you been killing today ? " Ah,  Aujourd'hui c'etait une  grande quantite de volaille et pintade!" So in that sleepy heart of the village is a veritable charnel house. Malc says  "like the killing fields of Le Riols!"
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And they want more... Martyn Cox, Oral Historian

It was a fascinating evening! Thank you again for putting it together. Martyn is a man inspired by his passion. I would love to hear him speak again especially on the Resistance activity in this area. I have SO many questions!

Evelyn Jackson

46160 Cadrieu

Val says  Sorry we had scheduled an 8pm finish, I think we have left you all wanting more!

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Thank heavens I booked the Salle des Fetes.

You know we  had planned on crushing in 25 people for a talk on "ladies of the Resistance", the real Charlotte Grays,  in our Salon, but then a few more people were interested, so I booked the Salle des Fetes at Le Riols;  thank goodness I did. There were 45 people who came along on a wet windy evening, some driving miles, a couple from Limogne for example. But gosh! it was worth it. A really big thank you must go to Martyn Cox who now lives at Septfonds for a really interesting evening introducing us to some ladies  of the SOE. When you get someone who is as passionate about his subject as Martyn,  what you get is a  most  passionate presentation, of a most fascinating subject. I have never had so many people thanking Martyn and then myself for a good evening. Let me say Martyn we will have to arrange more such nights. Martyn has a wonderful idea of getting expats throughout France to search out older people with war time memories and then videoing them and their stories whilst we still have the chance. Martyn explained that this is his second life having been in the music industry earlier;  welcome to your second and best life  Martyn.
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Rental Property needed

I am looking for a rental property long term in the Tarn, or not too far away. I sold my house between Cordes and Gaillac last October and have been travelling for a few months, before re-starting my house search. I am single, self employed and solvent! I have a small, friendly cat and would ideally like to find somewhere semi rural, within a village or not too far away, with a minimum of two bedrooms, but preferably three, a small garden at least and a garage or area I could use as a workshop. I'll be in France from this weekend until the 17th and wonder if there's anyone put there with links to a suitable property I could conside

Lizzie Jewels

0044 (0)7907 080607       0033 (0)788 188951

 

 

 

SALE! SALE! SALE!

SALE AT MAISON NOBLE VAL- LAST DAY. SALE AT MAISON NOBLE VAL- LAST DAY.

Just a last reminder to everyone that our 3 for 2 sale ends this Sunday. ALL stock is in the sale, from our upholstered furniture, made here in Saint Antonin, to our hand-made greeting cards. Don't need three items? We'll offer 20% off any single item. We are currently working on a new range of bags and fabric goods. We will be introducing these and other products from new suppliers to enhance our Spring-Summer range in the coming weeks. We look forward to seeing you!

Bazar Curieux, special offer for TAG readers

A special offer  below for TAG readers
- all dinnerplates:  50% discount
- the aluminium plates/bowls/lanterns: 25% discount
- from the 3 euro cabinet: buy 2 items, pick out a 3rd one for free.
Lots of items for lovers on Valentine's Day, surprise your partner 
Apparently at least 3 TAG readers were in  the shop last Sunday buying. Near the Auberge Lion D'Or.  Also special offers on Valentine's Day week end.
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I give him " cauchemars"

Second Malcolm story of the day but  I do like a laugh. He has just finished the latest Inspector Montalbano, Camilleri novel, where Montalbano has nightmares. Which reminded Malc that last night he woke up in a hot sweat furious with me. Why? I had apparently bought 9 goats, which were running everywhere and we did not even have proper fencing, what was I playing at!  The poor bloke often has nightmares about me and what I may do next.
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It happens to the best of us!

Anyone who knows " my Malcolm" knows he is an exceptionally fluent French speaker, but it even happens to the best. I sent Malc into the quincaillerie to ask for a small plastic spade, you know bucket and spade type. I use this to clean out the nesting box of the hens each day, and today the handle snapped off the one I use. Malc got into the shop and had a mental block on the word for spade, all he could think of was " pique" which in card games that is what spades are! He explained to the dreaded Vidaillac ( he is well known in Laguepie) that he wanted an implement to clean out the hens, when pique did not work. A huge shovel was produced and Malc said  "we only have two hens and a little box" I want something children play with in the sand. He did eventually manage but I do wish I had gone in to witness this, I would have been rolling around the aisles.The word by the way as we all know is pelle. ( as in mini pelle)
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Pantalons ou culottes, now anything goes

In 1799 a law was passed in Paris to stop ladies wearing trousers, a symbol of the French working class and associated with the revolution, the more aristocratic amongst them wearing knee high culottes. That is where the expression which is still used by the French for the more socialist  women characters " sans culottes"  Anyway the law has just been revoked and we ladies can wear what ever we jolly well like.
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Maison Noble Val, wants to be involved.

Hi Val. Gaz and I would like to donate one of our Coucou shopping bags to
raise money for Mali. Please feel free to sell, auction or raffle it with
our best wishes. I can drop it off or you can come and choose one from the
shop on Sunday, whatever suits you best.

Kind regards

Michelle at Maison Noble Val

Val says Thanks Michelle, I will be in on Sunday to choose one and then perhaps sell it on the day at Sautou.
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Valentin Neraudeau on Top Chef

Another Chef in the region, Toulousain Valentin Neraudeau age 28 from the Restaurant Carre Rouge in the Carmes area at Toulouse is in the programme Top Chef. Find it on M6 on Monday evening.
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No sooner said than done Jamie

I hope that all goes well for you and Malcolm?  Each year we cut/make to sell around a 1000 chestnut fence posts, from large corner and line posts for cattle/other animals, through to poles and stakes for the garden/potager and I wondered if this is something that could be posted on TAG (there is more information on our web site athttp://www.lasinglarie.fr/the%20farm.html under "Woodland Management")

As a by-product from pointing the fence posts we create a large amount of wood perfect for kindling (some of it more like small logs).  Although this is outside and damp at the moment it would be perfect for next winter if put under cover.  Anyone would be welcome to take this free of charge if they are prepared to come over and put it in sacks/load a trailer.

 Would you let me know if a post is possible?

 Many thanks and best regards

 Jamie

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Jeremy Rewse Davies original painting to be raffled.

For raffle  tickets  mail@bromlea.com

This original design in a naive style by Jeremy is going to be up for grabs, well raffle tickets.
Martin Mackenzie picture framer has offered to frame it for free [ thank you Martin] and I am selling raffle tickets up to and on the day of the Friperie at Sautou. The tickets are 5 euros each and all monies will got to the children of Mali, Via Sahel, Enfants d'Afrique. Do not panic if you live in England you still have a chance to buy a ticket , or even tickets by emailing me Val  on 
mail@bromlea.com to reserve your ticket. Once you have contacted me I can discuss  easy payment  methods. Let me tell you a secret that when Jeremy holds exhibitions he is known to sell everything he submits. 
If anyone would also like to sell raffle tickets please let me know.

Jeremy Rewse-Davies was trained as an illustrator and graphic designer at the Royal College of Art, London. He spent his working life in design; first as an art director / production design with the BBC, then as managing director of a design consultancy, and finally as Director of Design and Architecture for London Transport.
He has always been active in the design profession, and has lectured and contributed to publications in many countries  He was President of the Charted Society of Designers.
Board member of the Business Design Association and the Arts Club, London. He has published two books on design and architecture.
During his working life he has always found time for drawing, and has been greatly influenced by the English romantic movement and by the draughtmanship of Toulouse Lautrec and Degas.
Get emailing for your tickets NOW
In a ''Where's Wally ?'' type moment I think I have spotted Peter Rabbit on a bike and even a footballer in a Sunderland shirt!
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Check out the links for uplifting Music from Mali

I saw this about Mali and wonder if it's something for TAG? 

Anyway, here it is, with good links to wonderful music... Rokia Traore is one of my favourites.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2013/jan/18/mali-magical-music

Forgot to add this link which is a song for peace in Mali
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2013/jan/18/fatoumata-diawara-mali-peace
Sent by a reader.

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Sign if you think we need a dedicated MP

I thought I should bring to your attention an e petition that has been started for UK expats living in Europe,  The petition proposes that the UK should have an elected MP for British nationals living in Europe who would be able to represent their needs and issues in parliament.  The petition needs to get 100,000 signatures so can I encourage you to sign and also to send the link to as many people in your address book that may in interested/effected.

You never know when you may need some extra help!

The link you need is http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/43238%3Cbr%3E 

Sent by Sue Carter

Jill Spearman says   I think it's a good idea, & I'll sign the petition.

Val says I have signed and it was simple to do.

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Pavement / traffic calming measures into Varen

John says " With you all the way on this one, it is on my 2013 to do list"
This refers to me saying we need a pavement from the lotissement in Varen into the village. There are quite a few young families with toddlers and pushchairs and dogs on leads and with no pavement into the village it is not going to be long before an accident occurs. Particularly dangerous at dusk. Maybe John we need to attack the Maire ! with the suggestion.
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The Friperie at Sautou, Sat and Sun 16 and 17 Feb.

I am now not only taking books at one euro but an amazing collection of clothes, some Jaeger, Laura Ashley, Alexon in all sizes and nothing above 5 euros,  some t shirts at 50 cents. We will gave directions to The Domaine de Sautou,which is in between Castanet and Parisot nearer the time.
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Beatrix, Varen Hairdresser back

In the shop part time this week and then next week hoping to be back full time.
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Exciting find in a Leicester Car Park

OK so it is not French news but I can tie it in.  The bones of Richard the Third who was killed in battle in 1485  have been found in a Leicester car park, and the bones even show evidence of a curved spine and battle injuries. It is amazing to make such a find and the DNA confirms that they are the bones of the King. This is the French tie in, he was married to Adele the daughter of the King of France, Robert le Pieux.
Amazing picture of the skeleton in the Depeche clearly  showing the curvature of his spine.
Sent by a reader with second home here

Lots of funny stuff on the radio re K Richard.

'King Richard - The Car Park Years' and a really good piece on Today this morning from a Reduced Shakespeare Company chap. Poor man's going to buried again in Leicester scene of his undoing (quite apart from just being Leicester) and not York, one of his Dukedoms. The years are hard on all of us!

Val says I dare not comment I can think of  a reader with home in Leicester

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Who has the answer ?

My daughter Poppy is getting married in a civil ceremony in London at the end of August but wishes to have ceremony of Blessing and Celebration in our local church in the Tarn et Garonne two weeks later.  Is there anyone locally who performs ceremonies of this kind. I have already tried a website called Celebrants in France but they are fully booked and because they are based in the North of the Dordogne prohibitively expensive.
Kind regards
Terry Lumb      lumbfamily@hotmail.com

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Must be a bit chilly.

An interesting story in the Depeche which I am sure will confirm in the minds of the  French that we Anglo Saxons are all a bit "potty" A dozen or so boats filled with people from our native shores ( assuming GB ) are living all the year round in boats moored at the Ports of Moissac and Castelsarrasin. Like the Noble family, who potter up and down the canal most of the year but just stay in Moissac in Jan and Feb. as canals are closed for work on the locks etc. Ian and  Karen Noble and their little girl live all year round in the boat alongside  other expat boaters. Now I love boats having sailed or windsurfed most of my life but I also like a bit of warmth and comfort especially in January and February.  bbrrr.
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Willow Festival at Milhars

Fête de l'Osier - Willow Festival

Milhars - 10 am Sunday, 10th February,  Salle des Fêtes.

Stalls, demonstrations, tombola. Lovely handmade willow baskets and garden objects to buy or learn to make. 

Lunch is an Auberge Espagnole (bring a dish and share it and don't forget your plate,  glass and cutlery). 

If you want a stall, reservation is essential - 05 63 56 11 98 

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Kellie O'Dempsey Exhibits at Caylus

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Reminder Tuesday night, Resistance Talk

The Salle des Fetes at Le Riols 6.30pm, a talk on " The Real Charlotte Grays" given by Oral Historian  Martyn Cox Tuesday 5th.  2 euros ( to pay for the Hall) If anybody wants to go a bit earlier and give us a hand setting out chairs, help gratefully received,  Martyn, Malc and I will be there at 6 pm.
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Janet Emmelkamp and a lovely interlude

Janet Emmelkamp mezzo soprana and Micheline Pinocely on piano  tonight gave us a lovely musical interlude. When I say us, there must have been an audience of 50 plus to enjoy the concert held at the home of Janet and Reit near Caylus. Many thanks for a lovely programme, we enjoyed it.
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It even happens in Winter

A little 2 year old was visiting his Grandparents in the Var with his Dad when after lunch he was discovered missing. He was found an hour later, too late, having fallen in the neighbours swimming pool. The neighbours were away on a skiing holiday.The child had found a hole in the fence between the two houses ''grillage etait troue'' and the pool had no security  ''Leur piscine etait depourvue d'installation de securite.'' The Gendarmes were awaiting the neighbours return.
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Be careful parking in St. Antonin

We have heard of two people getting parking tickets of late in St. Antonin and depending on the severity of the infraction charges range from 11 euros to 135 euros. This morning we noticed two Gendarmes going about ticketing cars parked on pavements, and they caught quite a few whilst we were watching.
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Baby camel as transport?

Francois Hollande received a gift from the Malian President of a  very unhappy baby camel, whilst in Bamako. Hollande gallantly said ''I will use it as often as I can as a means of transportation'' The baby camel must not have been long from its mother as it was obviously distressed. All I can say is if it is like donkey babies watch out for a sneaky bite.
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Equality for gay partners nearly there.

France's marriage equality bill today cleared the first and main  hurdle when lawmakers approved the most important article redefining marriage as two people of opposite or the same sex.
Report from France 24
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Profile on Resi van Eeten

On the road, Africa

Resi started teaching classes almost 35 years ago and also organized exhibitions whilst running her own shop in Veghel (Netherlands), which specialised in supplying arts and crafts materials.

She has developed her many talents using a wide range of skills and techniques to further her interests and now offers courses in several disciplines.

If you are interested you can join her classes in Modeling, Sculpting and Painting in her atelier in Saint Grat on Monday-, Tuesday- and Wednesdaymornings from 10.00 till 12.30.

You only pay 12 Euros per morning.

Resi finds her inspiration in nature: the shape of the nodes in a tree, flowers that bloom in the garden, the animals in the meadows, invite her to start painting, modelling or textile creations.

During walks she finds things that she will use later in her creations: the horn of a cow, a piece of wood or a strangely shaped shell.

Her work is a pilgrimage through a whole range of techniques; it combines heterogeneous materials and objects in turn. This quest leads to a rich inspiration which Resi materialises in her favorite media: painting in oil, modelling with clay, stone cutting, textile creations, designing and making unique pieces of jewellery.

Her creations emerge slowly from her hands, according to the co-operation and interactions of the various materials she is working with.

In all areas of her work Resi uses a multiplicity of technical mastery combined with excellence, which is expressed through her art to reveal part of her soul. Life in the French countryside offers Resi the peace and space she needs to create.

Resi’s work can be seen in her Gallery:  "Residence Ambert"  in Saint Grat, which you can visit by appointment. You also can take a look on the webpage of Art en France:

http://www.art-en-france.eu/resivaneeten.html
Resi also teaches and takes commissions.

Gallery Residence Ambert,

Resi van Eeten

Saint Grat, 12200 Vailhourles

Aveyron, La France
Tel.  05 6529 8752
info@residenceambert.com

www.ResidenceAmbert.com

Liberte des Anes send thanks

hello anouk and franz

 i went for the post this morning and have your cheque for 20 euros from val johnstone.  thank you so much for thinking of us.

the 20 plus donkeys here eat hay all the time and also need bedding of straw and ecolit to keep them warm at night so we are always very grateful for any donations.

 thank you for thinking of us at these difficult winter times for us.  most of our donkeys have come into us after having been ill treated with long hooves or having gone through a meat market and luckily for them someone has bought them and sent them to us !

 they all look very good now and you cant imagine the change that has occurred in both their mental and physical behaviour.

 thank you very much for your generosity.

 jan lemmy

And also to Spiced Cuisine

val has very kindly forwarded your cheque for 10 euros towards our donkeys, this will buy us 4 small bales of hay and feed 4 of our donkeys for 2 nights, that is very kind of you to think of us.

we have 25 donkeys here and all they do is eat all day at the moment, they prefer to come in as it is a bit cold standing around outside,

all donations help us in our work here.  all except for 3 of the donkeys/mules/ponies come from a bad background, either with long hooves or having been left in a field or one who was kept in a barn and the roof fell in on him, he is still very nervous as you can imagine.  we have just had a donkey gelded as he had changed in character when two of our girls got out and stood beside his fence, before that he didnt even know about girls, only food.  anyway he then started to get out by walking through the electric fence if there was a girl in season and then biting and attacking his best friend.  he also bit me by mistake one day !  this operation together with the antibiotics costs 200 euros.  he is just starting to calm down, thank goodness after 3 months he is starting to calm down and doesn't now call or take any notice of girls in season - just looks from afar which is what we want.

Jan lemmy

Val writes smiling, the trials and tribulations of our lives with  these, our long eared friends. I have not been bitten since mine were babies and had just left their mothers at 6 months old. I was explaining to Lucy I would be her new Mum when she bit me on the breast. I staggered off saying I meant I  would give you hay... and the impressive  teeth marks stayed for about 3 weeks and I could not even bare my breast to show them off, except to Malc.!

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Remember that old frieze I sold ?

I have just collected my wooden pelmet from your friend's  house.  Sorry it took me so long, it completely slipped my mind.  Just had to tell you that I am thrilled with it.  I have a facebook page for our business and I have just written a post about it at http://www.facebook.com/vintagefrenchtwt if you want to take a look.  It is going to go in our living room. 

Thanks once again.  Janette

Val says

   You may want to check this website out if you like ''old french things'' Also this is the third person I have spoken to who sells such things on the Etsy site.

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If I was the sort to start campaigns, I would...

I would make everyone at 70 years old have to have a compulsory eye test before renewing a driving licence, or a chasseur retaining his permis. ( probably a brain scan for elderly chasseurs as well )
I would campaign for a pavement running along side the road in to Varen from the housing estate.
I would insist on  dog pooh bins  with plastic bags at places where people walk dogs and a fine for anyone caught not cleaning up the stuff.
Have readers any campaigns they would start ?
Malcolm says his campaigns are against people who interrupt whilst you are trying to read a book!
Phones being banned at meal tables
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Well done, Delphine Batho.

From July Ist 2013 all French shops and public buildings will have to turn off their lights at night (1am) to save energy and reduce light pollution. The Enviroment Minister,  Delphine Batho says it will make France a pioneer in Europe, preventing light pollution which disrupts ecosystems and disturbs people's  sleep patterns. There are some worries from Parisian shopkeepers that it will affect tourism. Can I suggest star gazing holidays come to Paris, money to be made there.
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A new record this winter

More snow this winter in the Pyrenees than the Alps.
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Francois Hollande is not left wing enough for voters

Disappointment from many French voters that Hollande is not being left wing enough (strange when I have heard expats call him a communist!) Teachers, Civil Servants  and  Hospital workers are marching for more pay and better working conditions. The unions are organising 120 marches throughout France. Cheered on the streets in Mali but Hollande is starting to lose the war with voters at home.
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Hopes that the military phase is over

Hollande says " the military phase in Mali is over and now we move to the political phase"  A lightning visit  (visite eclair) to Tombouctou ( Timbuktu)  is taking place today by FH, Laurent Fabius, Ministre des Affaires Etrangers and Defence Minister Jean Yves Le Drain.
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Foxy Whiskered Gentleman spotted

Sad day coming up for hens I feel. Just been out cleaning the donkey shed with Henny and Penny clucking around my boots, looking up I saw in the field the most magnificent fox with a superb brush. The donkeys gave chase but he had spotted Henny and Penny before he turned tail [apt that ] He will return ...
Foxy whiskered gentleman is a reference to Beatrix Potter's character Mr Fox, but you all knew that.
Sally from Najac cleverly adds " as are Henny and Penny"
Lorraine says. Him indoors says that you should join the chasse!
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Weather in London

Grey and miserable in London, but heh, what's this....????   The sun has just broken through (cue song from 'Annie')...   The sun WILL come out tomorrow!!!!
Love to y'all
Diana Jackson

Best seller in the PSG shop in the Champs Elysees

Incredible, if you want a Beckham shirt, number 32 in Paris Saint Germain colours they are selling like hot  cakes at 90 to 110 euros. I am contemplating selling TAG  tee shirts at a fraction of the price!
Would you pay for a " I read TAG" tee shirt?     thought not.
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Doreen Porter with a new face.

Doreen Porter has very kindly sent a profile of Martyn Cox, which has  just been sent out with the latest Fifi newsletter. So TAG readers are benefiting  from the close relationship of the two organisations [Is TAG an organisation?]. Martyn is giving his talk on the French Resistance on Tuesday 5th at 6.30pm in the Salle des Fetes at Le Riols and there are places now for everyone who is interested. To prepare yourself for the talk click on ''Face to Face'' to read Doreen's article on Martyn.
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An exhausting, but fun evening.

Burns at the Folk / Jazz Club celidh

With many of the regulars seeking excitement and / or sunshine elsewhere we had concerns that a) no one would turn up and b) those who did turn up wouldn't dance. No problem though - last night there was a respectable turn out for the Burns night (well a bit late but never mind) celidh at the folk/jazz club at Le Riols and dance they did!

Between dances Gavin Porter valiantly kept the Burns theme going with poems and songs from the bard and Anna sang too. The Riols band for the evening were Trevor, Anna and fiddle player Michel Alloza with percussion from Frank. Special thanks are due to Michel a French fiddle player friend of Trevor's who stepped in when Charles found he would not be able to play. Dances included Scottish favourites the Gay Gordons and Strip the Willow and also some popular French ones. Carole and Alan had come along to demonstrate and everyone was soon joining in and having fun. At the end of the evening there was even some talk along the lines of  "we must do this again sometime".

One notable absentee was Charles Ketteringham - and it had been his idea all along! He was at home recovering after his operation ( actually too scared to come in case he had to dance with me!). Anna reported that things had gone well and we all passed on our good wishes for his speedy return. He will undoubtedly be back as MD next month.

The next club night is Thursday 28th February - hope to see lots of you there and if you want to entertain us contact Charles at  chas5strings@orange.fr before the evening so that he can arrange the programme.
Sue Carter

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If you have a Facebook or Twitter account email Becks

I have joined the dreaded Facebook just so I can send an email to Becks.Can I suggest anyone with an account, send an email to Becks telling him about The Nosals and children of Mali, maybe just send Via Sahels website details below. Becks does give a lot of money to Unicef, another worthwhile charity.
http://www.viasahel-enfantsdafrique.fr/
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Tarn and Garock starts at St. Antonin

The 23rd edition of young amateurs who are given the concert floor to play their rock music through out the region. Sat. night 21hr Feb. 3rd. On stage will be 'Burnin Flowers', Les Braquers, et Le 4 Noir and an invited group will be 'The Florentines' There is a picture of this group in the Depeche, who look a bit like a very young bunch of Beatles. Maybe the evening will be a bit like "The Cavern Club"
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Beckham at Paris Saint-Germain

David Beckham has joined Paris Saint-Germain and is planning on giving the 3 million or so pounds he will earn at that club to childrens charities. Are you thinking what Malc  and I both said ? Why do we not try and involve him with Via Sahel Enfants d' Afrique, nothing ventured, nothing gained is my motto.
Karen says
You never know, Becks may well be watching his new side in Toulouse tonight. Get down there and if he is you can ask him about donating some of his salary !!
Don't ask, don't get.....go for it.
Val says    Just been on the news, Becks has not come to Toulouse, glad I did not go Karen
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Last year 52 "chasse " deaths

Just out of interest I wondered how many deaths were caused by chasseurs in France 2011 to 2012, I googled it and was amazed to see in the year there were 52 deaths, and that is not even mentioning the accidents not ending in death.
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David Beckham joins Paris Saint- Germain

Malc says  " is it definite?" Yes, he signed today according to the big media sources. Becks in Paris, I am sure there will be some stories in this booking. Paris Saint - Germain are top of the French  football league.
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When we first came to France...

I had a routine Hospital visit, I was reminded of this today after another routine visit. There was a form to fill in with your details, name, address, tel. no. and   " nom de jeune fille"  My French  was not very good and amazingly I had a young daughter, how did they know and why did they want to know her name ? I duly filled in Samantha, came back home and said to Malc, why would they want to know our Sam's name? Malc explained they wanted my name before marriage and we had a bit of a "titter " about it. Two years later when I went for another check up and I got a form saying my maiden name was Samantha, I laughingly explained it to the clerk. The harridan was not amused and told me in no uncertain terms these were serious forms, and strangely  enough I was the last one in the long queue to be seen by the Doctor that day. I could imagine her saying " that took the smile off her face"
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Snowdrops at Beaulieu

On our walk today a French lady who was single handedly clearing the drainage ditch on the hill towards Espinas assured us the "Grand hiver" was over ( though lots of gel to come) . Before that the snowdrops at Beaulieu had been well worth a visit especially if you like a bit of photography - we saw one keen lady lying prostrate with some very impressive equipment!

The lady might have had impressive equipment but she could not have taken two better pictures
well done, Sue Carter.
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Pesticides are becoming a real threat

Another post sent by a reader , this time showing bees are under threat. When will we ever learn.
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Former Master Beekeeper ask us to sign to save Bees

Thanks for taking action to save bees sent by David Atkins Thank you for signing the petition to get the EU to ban the deadly pesticides that are killing off bees. Let's build our call before the meeting in 48 hours!The more people join this campaign, the more powerful our call will be. Forward this link to friends and family, and post it on Facebook:  http://www.avaaz.org/en/hours_to_save_the_bees/?tKNqUdb Dear friends, Quietly, globally, billions of bees are dying, threatening our crops and food. But in 48 hours the European Union could move to ban the most poisonous pesticides, and pave the way to a global ban that would save bees from extinction. Four EU countries have begun banning these poisons, and some bee populations are already recovering. Days ago the official European food safety watchdog stated for the first time that certain pesticides are fatally harming bees. Now legal experts and European politicians are calling for an immediate ban. But Bayer and other giant pesticide producers are lobbying hard to keep them on the market. If we build a huge swarm of public outrage now, we can push the European Commission to put our health and our environment before the profit of a few. We know our voices count! Last year, our 1.2 million strong petition forced US authorities to open a formal consultation on pesticides -- now if we reach 2 million, we can persuade the EU to get rid of these crazy poisons and pave the way for a ban worldwide. Sign the urgent petition and send this to everyone -- Avaaz and leading MEPs will deliver our message ahead of this week's key meeting in Brussels: http://www.avaaz.org/en/hours_to_save_the_bees/?tKNqUdb Bees don't just make honey, they are vital to life on earth, every year pollinating 90% of plants and crops -- with an estimated $40bn value and over one-third of the food supply in many countries. Without immediate action to save bees, many of our favourite fruits, vegetables, and nuts could vanish from our shelves. Recent years have seen a steep and disturbing global decline in bee populations -- some bee species are already extinct and some US species are at just 4% of their previous numbers. Scientists have been scrambling for answers and now the European Food Safety Authority is saying that toxic chemicals called neonicotinoid pesticides could be responsible for the bee deaths. France, Italy, Slovenia and even Germany, where the main manufacturer Bayer is based, have banned one of these bee-killing pesticides. But Bayer continues to export its poison across the world. Now the issue is coming to a boil. EU parliamentarians are stepping up their pressure on the European Commission and key governments to push new legislation to ban the deadly pesticides, and we can offer them the public support they need to counter the powerful pesticide lobby. Sign the urgent petition to Europe’s leaders, then forward this email widely: Our world is beset with threats to what makes it habitable, and to what fills it with wonder. The Avaaz community comes together to defend both -- large or small. Whether winning a battle to keep the International Whaling Commission from sanctioning the murder of these giants, or saving bees, the tiny creatures upon which so much depends, we will come together and stand up for the world we all want. Pesticides pose danger to bees (European Voice) http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/2013/january/pesticides-pose-danger-to-bees/76158.aspx Crop pesticides are 'killing our bees' - says MEP (Public Service Europe) http://www.publicserviceeurope.com/article/3007/crop-pesticides-are-killing-our-bees-says-mep#ixzz2JGICse6a Death knell for nerve agent pesticides in move to save bees (Independent) http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/death-knell-for-nerve-agent-pesticides-in-move-to-save-bees-8454443.html Give Bees a Chance! (The Greens European Free Alliance) http://www.greens-efa.eu/give-bees-a-chance-9012.html Studies fault Bayer in bee die-off (Christian Science Monitor) http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2012/0406/Studies-fault-Bayer-in-bee-die-off

Newcastle United Football team have at least 5 French players so...

Newcastle United have successfully applied to the council to have the City renamed "Chateau Neuf sur Tyne", in honour of our new arrivals.

Let's hope Pards can parlez le francais un peu.

To help the crowd make the newbies feel at home, we have taken the liberty to translate the Blaydon Races to "Le Blaydon Races". Please laarn ye'sel it and come prepared to sing.

Je suis allé aux Blaydon Races, c’était le neuf juin,
Mille huit-cent soixante-deux, une après-midi d’été,
J’ai pris le bus de Balmbra, et elle était bien chargée,
Nous sommes allés au long de la rue de Collingwood, sur la chemin qui mène à Blaydon.


Ah, les gars, il fallait que vous nous auriez vus aller,
On passait des gens sur la route qui se tenaient là,
Il y avait beaucoup des gars et des filles, tous avec un mine souriante,GAAN SUR LA SCOTSWOOD ROUTE POUR VOIR LES BLAYDON RACES.

Val says , after checking the Magpies have 14 French speaking team members.
Sent by Eileen Davidson who has a home in Varen and is a Geordie!
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Forget your worries and enjoy the sun

Another lovely sunny day, the Pyrenees were so clear and visible this morning, topped with snow. Leisurely lunch on the terrace,  the sun being so bright I needed to put out the sun blind. What is the weather like in England, you second homers?
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And now French troops in position to take Kidal

The last town in the North of Mali to be held by terrorists Kidal, is on the point of being taken back under control of Malian and French fighters.
I have kept looking at The Connexion on line and wondering why they have not covered the War in Mali at all. Infact I have sent them an email to ask them that question. The English newspapers and French  are all full of  the story. Does the Connexion think we expats do not care, or am I wrong in thinking that we are interested ?
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Imams set to be deported

French Interior Minister Manuel Valls has said France is set to deport a handful of Imams who are foreign born preachers who refer to the need to fight against France.
I say good. Malc says they will never manage it as they will say their human rights are being  violated or infringed. We shall have to wait and see how it plays out.
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Marius In Concert at St. Antonin Noble Val

Marius in Concert at St. Antonin on Friday 21h in the Salle des Thernes. Chanteur / guitariste, organised by L' Association Culturelle.  5 euros.
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Always interesting, accents.

If you have an accent from the North and talk Ch'tis or are from Marseille you are thought drole /funny. If from Brittany you are thought intelligent and if from Toulouse sexy. oh, la, la.
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How awful, possibly killed by one of us

The poor lady jogger killed at Nimes, who if you know the story had a young child waiting at school for Mum to arrive, and of course never did, could  have been killed by a Brit. The suspect taken into custody lived only 300 metres away  from the body in a gated house and his DNA has been matched to that found on the body. The suspect is a 32 year old British man, living with his Mother in a luxury villa. Report  in the Depeche and I am sure it will be on French news tonight.
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Laguepie Circus leaves deposits behind!

Malc went out with the dogs this morning to Laguepie, walking along what we call ''the beach'' the grass down to the river. As always Malc had the bag and scoop at the ready in case the dogs ''faire une betise'' After walking gingerly around the beach he wondered why he bothered as the Circus had obviously tethered BIG animals there, as was evident from the size of the '' cannabis resin'' everywhere. I wonder if the Mairie has any come back on making them tidy up the mess, I do hope so.
Val says. For those who have not understood the cannabis resin please read again earlier post!
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The dog with no name and soulful eyes, has a home.

I am sure like me, readers will be pleased to hear  that the poor dog chained and left in his own excrement has found a home. He will be cared for initially by Terri Tippett of Parisot and then in a few weeks will be moving to his permanent home in England. Well done Terry.
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L'Isard decimated in the Pyrenees

L'Isard which is like a mountain goat is struggling to survive in its habitat at the moment. The goat the symbol of the Pyrenees has difficulty raising its "faunes" and the culprit is thought to be toxic pesticides.  This seems in my mind to tie in to another story, " Our children will accuse us " That post by the way has had the most  hits from google.
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"Shit in his boot"

105 kg of  " shit  dans le coffre " resin of cannabis found in a car around the Perpignan  area. Our rude word means cannabis. The man got 3 years in Prison.
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Happily driving along and then shot in the head

Just been on French news, a 76 year old chasseur has shot a passing driver whilst out hunting sanglier... and they have all passed the  safety tests, these chasseurs. How long is it since I reported the last death, just before Christmas
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Architect or Artist who wants this book?

Sedad Eldem  Architect in Turkey Published in 1989 by Butterworth Architecture. For over  50 years Sedad Eldem had practised, taught and researched Architecture in Turkey. He was the country's most important architectural figure and has played a major role in reshaping Turkish architecture. A book with lots of plans and drawings and 170 colour photographs and the text in English. Worth 10 euros and probably more to the right person.  Just checked prices on the net, they  range depending on condition from  £24 to  £40  The condition of this is mint so save yourself  £30 by buying from TAG   Val         mail@bromlea.com

Ceilidh at the Folk /Jazz Club Thursday evening

With Charles Ketteringham having something akin to a face lift this week [Good Luck Charles] the Thursday evening 31st will be hosted by regular performer Trevor Carter. A Ceilidh with Occitane dancing is on the menu we are told. From now on the evenings are free as the Salle des Fetes in Le Riols is now paid for up till the end of May.Venez nombreux for a fun evening of song and dancing. 8 pm sharp start.
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Two donations for donkeys and one for Via Sahel

Just sent 30 euros off to Liberte des Anes, thanks to Anouk and Franz and Spiced Cuisine. Received another 10 euros today from Leila Mclelland and with books sales on TAG running at 25 euros, that is another 35 euros for Via Sahel. Every little helps.
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