The Road to The Road Home

Hey All, I've had a busy month juggling multiple things:  refining my future feature scripts, prepping for a  commercial I'll soon direct, and making headway  with getting the first feature off the ground. Suffice  it to say that my plate has been overloaded as of late! Remember I told you I was being interviewed  last month for a series on Third Culture Kids and  expat life? It went quite well - so well, in fact, that  it lasted 95 minutes. Some of you mentioned you  wanted to hear it, but weren't able to listen to it live.   So I thought I'd share it with you now. I know it might be hard to find time for a 95-minute interview, so here's a 50-minute version that tells why  I made the short film and talks about being a TCK,  moving around, and other such themes. You can  download and hear it while eating lunch: http://t.opsp.in/r17RO If this one is too long, here is an 18-minute version: http://t.opsp.in/j1jxI Hope you enjoy it! - Rahul ps. I know I mentioned last time about sharing a  behind-the-scenes peek at the three actors who  could have been Pico in the short film. That, I  promise, will be my New Year's present to you!   Val says  I loved this mans short film the Road Home and can see him going places, might be interesting to listen? The road home was featured in TAG a few weeks ago with a link  comments to taglines82@gmail.com

A story with a happy ending

A US-based foundation bought 24 Native American artefacts sold Monday at a controversial Paris auction and will return them to the tribes from which they originated. The auction went ahead despite a request from the US embassy to halt the sale.

A US-based foundation has purchased dozens of Native American artefacts sold Monday at a controversial auction in Paris, and will return them to the tribes to which they originally belonged.

The Annenberg Foundation revealed Wednesday that it had bought 24 of the sacred Native American artefacts for a total of $530,000 (€390,000).

"Twenty-one of these items will be returned to the Hopi Nation in Arizona, and three artefacts belonging to the San Carlos Apache will be returned to the Apache tribe," the foundation said in a statement.

The auction of 24 Hopi masks – which are worn by dancers during religious ceremonies and are considered living beings – and three San Carlos Apache objects took place Monday at the EVE auction house despite a request from the US embassy to halt the sale.

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Local scenes on Christmas cards

Dear Val,
Thanks to you and TAG, all of our radiators are now sold!
Please remove the ad from your For Sale section.
Readers may be interested in some French Greetings Cards:

Available from the Hotel Restaurant - Relais-Mont-Le Viaur at Saint-Andre-de-Najac (12270)
A bit late off the press, but did you know French people don't send theirs until after Christmas?
They wish people 'une bonne et heureuse année' right up to the end of January!
5 designs available with photos of the village in the snow last year
For sale at the restaurant/shop for 3€ a card
Or directly from me for 2€ a card:  leila.design@hotmail.com

Thanks again, Leila

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Wonderful sunny week with blue skies from horizon to horizon

What a wonderful warm sunny week we have had in the region, walking, gardening, cleaning the fields of donkey pooh, ( has to be done) it has all been fabulous. There was an irksome afternoon where I had to make some mince pies and sausage rolls but even that was not too bad with sun shining in, a glass of sherry and traditional Christmas music playing.
Rain is forecast tomorrow but next week promises to be more sun but colder. The oak trees are still holding on to their golden leaves making the views across the valley stunning, green fields, golden leaves, blue sky.
When the days are sunny it gives me more time for donkey care, they love me being in the field and follow me about in a line, Malc says I look like the Pied Piper of Hamelin. Rosie, the naughty one waits till the wheelbarrow is full of pooh then delights in pushing it over, whilst the others look on laughing. Or do I just feel that is what they are doing? I am not having much success with Coco, he will come for food but as I do not feed treats, he will have to learn being brushed with  a rough brush is the treat. My girls love it and vie for attention when they see the brush come out, and of course they love the whispering in their ears telling them how special they are. Well I must push on, another day another donkey ... to care for.
Malc says readers will think we have got yet another donkey. That made me laugh and I can picture my daughter in England  saying " what is she doing my Mother?" with an exasperated shrug.
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Kate Barry falls from fourth floor window

Photographer Kate Barry, the daughter of actress Jane Birkin - partner of late French singer Serge Gainsbourg - and composer John Barry, has died aged 46 after falling from her fourth floor Paris flat, police said Thursday.

Kate Barry, the photographer daughter of singer-actress Jane Birkin and James Bond film composer John Barry, has died after falling from her fourth floor Paris flat, police said Thursday.

The 46-year-old’s body was found beneath her flat in the city's wealthy 16th district on Wednesday evening.

She lived alone and anti-depressants were discovered inside her flat, which was locked from the inside, police said. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of death.

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Gillian Green is back on form

Gillian Green who was once a inhabitant of Varen now living in Gaillac is back writing her blog. Many will remember the couple Gill and Leon with rescue dogs Bruno and Tina. I have given a link to her website below.
www.olgaswan.blogspot.com

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Anglican Christmas services in English

ANGLICAN CAROL SERVICE

11am   SUNDAY  15th DECEMBER

brens church  gaillac

CAROL SERVICE at Mazamet

6pm  at protestant st jacques temple 

CHRISTMAS DAY EUCHARIST

11am  AT BRENS CHURCH ≈ GAILLAc

 

anglican chaplaincy of midi-pyrénées & aude

services at BRENS every Sunday at 11am in english

for information call 05 63 33 12 76

Everybody has a story in them.

Reading a blog by Vanessa Couchman who lives near Parisot called Life on the Lune, I noticed she tells a story about the life of one of her French neighbours, and it is an interesting read, but just about everyone you meet here French, Dutch, English, German, ( I added German as I know Renata and Walter who now live back in Bavaria are avid TAG readers, Hi Renata) all these people have interesting life stories to tell. One could easily write a book called " Lives in South West France,"
it is often at dinner parties where you discover the most interesting facts about the lives people have led and the adventures some of them had and some are still having.
I know of French people who never had toilets, people who lived in grand Chateaux, children who lived in Algeria and were caught up in the fight for Independance, people who were born in foreign climes often with parents in the army, people who came from modest backgrounds and made it rich, people who were rich and lost their fortunes, people who had illness thrust upon them but triumphed over it. People who had affairs, probably still are doing, staid married couples but there is often a story behind the facade, often on their third marriage or even in one case their fifth! I think this area throws up more than the average "interesting" person and I am always amazed when someone looking like a little old granny tells me about a life on the ocean waves for 27 years, or a gentle old man tells me about his business empire worth millions. I am too busy writing and editing TAG to follow it up but by gum it could be an interesting read.
To  read Vanessa's blog go to      http://vanessafrance.wordpress.com
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A book and DVD being returned on Monday January 6th to the Swap

I have just finished a very enjoyable book called " The Lotus Eaters"by Tatjana Soli, picked up at the last book swap. I found the first chapter a struggle for some reason but after that I was hooked. It follows the fictional life of Helen Adams a photojournalist in Vietnam, a love story in the atmosphere of war, so not worth recommending to Malc (he is not a love story sort of person). I enjoyed picking up the book as I liked the cover so much, that gave me pleasure as well as the written word. I can see it as a film and I must check to see if it has been made into one.
One of the DVDs I am returning will be "The Statement" starring Michael Caine. As soon as it started I remembered the book I had read by Brian Moore. The film is worth a watch partly because the story was initially a good one and as set in the South of France the scenery and village  shots  are good to us francophiles. What is not good is totally the wrong English actors were chosen for what is  essentially a film about French men and life. No concession was made to the French language and it seemed bizarre Michael Caine being himself, a London boy.
The most annoying thing which I could not believe is the main character plays boules with a priest and they do not play according to the rules. Any boule player knows you have a shot, your partner has a shot and the one furthest away goes again till he is closer to the cochonet or he runs out of boules. In the film they played turns, what was the researcher thinking of!
Anyway that apart both worth reading and worth viewing and they will be going back next time. If any one else has a good book or DVD going back tell TAG about it.
Val says again The book does not appear to have been made into a film ... yet
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Us on high

Malc met a man on his walk in Varen who said he was glad the fog had gone. Malc said " we have not had fog en haut/ on high. The man said "how high is Mas del Sol?" It is 310 metres,  where as apparently Varen at the Vival is 140 metres according to the mans GPS system.
Often we see the mist filling the valley bottoms along the rivers and we are up in the sun. We are not called " Mas del Sol" for nothing.
Please do not write and tell me sol means the ground as that is another explanation but we stick by the " House in or of the sun" version.
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Meet and greet friends at Sautou

Reminder that the marche de noel at Sautou takes place this weekend and that Father Christmas will be there both days.
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Daughter loses legal battle

For the past six years, The Adventures of Asterix have been the source of a bitter family feud between the series’ co-creator Albert Uderzo and his daughter, who has accused her father of selling out to big business.

The latest twist in the ongoing dispute came on Tuesday when French judges dismissed a the claim by Sylvie Uderzo that her father was mentally frail and being exploited by those seeking to profit from his famous creation. The judge also ordered the dismissal of the whole case.

The claim was first filed in 2011, in which Sylvie accused an unnamed party of “abuse of fragility” against her 86-year-old father in order to influence the management of his literary estate.
The judges found "no sufficient evidence to suggest anyone had committed the offence of abuse of fragility" against Uderzo, he said, describing the comic book artists as a "lucid" man who was "not in a state of vulnerability" and who "has the full capacity to make decisions ".

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Winter boulists take note

The group who play boules/ petanque at Varen will be at Verfeil sur Seye tomorrow and for the next few weeks. The children of Varen are still having cycling lessons on the boules pitch at Varen.
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Two more businesses renewing their adverts

Carpetman, Steve at Montauban, as far as I can see his name is on everyone lips. Carpets in France practically impossible till Steve appeared on the scene. I know he will be saying "golly if Val gives me a mention I hope she mentions I do flooring of all types and paints and papers"
Also renewing  Focus Hypnotherapy, where Irene can certainly de-stress you, and I know someone who has been for treatment and it worked. The mental gastric band is something I have heard readers talking about and considering giving it a go. You need to read the website to understand more.
Thank you both of you for supporting TAG  and our charities and I am sure you will continue to grow; hopefully with TAG's help.
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The opera is Hansel and Gretel at Mas del Sol next week.

Wednesday at 6.30pm,18th of December is a performance by the  Royal Opera of Hansel and Gretel, with music by the orchestra of the Royal Opera House, filmed in high definition with full surround sound, and by jolly have we got surround sound since Nev (thanks Nev) mended our sub woofer.
We could at a push and because it is Christmas squeeze two more in. For a 10 euro donation to charity you get wine / aperos and this performance will be cakes and mince pies, well it is nearly Christmas, Oh and of course in a friendly multicultural atmosphere.
In the New Year the 2014 season starts with The Mikado from the Australian Opera House, supposed to be the best Mikado to buy on DVD, come and make it an "Aussie fest" That is on Jan 16th.
February 12th is The Marriage of Figaro from the Royal Opera House
March 12th is Carmen also from the Royal Opera House
April - the Opera has still to be chosen
Contact Val  mail@bromlea.com  for more information or to book

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Looking for Mas del Sol?

Often our visitors arrive a little late, sorry for having driven about the lanes in a desperate attempt to find us. Even with the directions on Taglines in the "Opera" tab, it's not always easy. But our landmark feature is a tall cypress tree in the garden. Obviously there are lots of cypresses (?) about , but if you happen to be at the Moulin de Varen by the river, look up to the north, using the compass from last year's Christmas cracker (smuggled in via Ryanair..) and spot on the far horizon our cypress. If you also happen to have a telescope or binoculars you may discern that it looks like this.

So just two minutes as the crow flies or (Malc says: excuse the old sexist joke) 5 minutes if the crow's wife is navigating.

( Val says  I let Malc write a post and he immediately makes a sexist joke, last time for awhile he is allowed near TAG!)

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Happy Birthday to Charlotte and to us

Twelve years ago to this very day we attended our granddaughters first year old party and then left for the ferry to bring us to our new life in France.
How green we were, we were sure it was going to be warmer and sunnier and it had been up to our arrival. I kept reading chat rooms with people saying " still in my shorts". When we arrived it was the coldest winter in 50 years or maybe it just seemed like that. Everywhere was a winter wonderland and the place looked more like Greenland than France.
We had hired a gite  for a week till we signed the final act and that gite ( never to be forgotten) was freezing. It was not set up for a winter let and we went to bed in coats and socks but surprisingly still thinking it a great adventure.
That is what it has been, a great adventure which we are so glad we embarked upon, twelve years on and no regrets.
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The Dechetterie at Christmas

The heading is deliberately misleading, I imagine the tip is the same all year round but if you are new to France you need to know how to use your local one. Firstly get to know which commune can use which tip. There are always disgruntled residents living a stone's throw from a tip but may not be allowed to use it as it is in a different commune. An example of this is Le Riols, many houses literally on the doorstep but if they try and use the commune of Varen's tip they are non too politely sent on their way.
Once you know which tip you are allowed to use you need to arrive and talk to the patron and show taxe d' habitation and your immatriculation / carte grise for the car. Then you will be given a little plastic card which you need to produce each visit. It is courtesy to wait at the gate, show your card and be told where your particular rubbish should go. We had a friend once from England who not knowing the rules drove straight in and started unloading. He ended up in an argument with the Patron, saying "it is not what we do in England" !
If you get on the right side of "Jo Jo" the  chef he will even help you unload heavy items.  He certainly helps Malc and I but maybe he has us marked down as a couple of doddery codgers, which we are not!
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The Christmas tree has a new role

Our controversial Christmas spruce tree has been chopped down. I have to say not happily by Malc who kept muttering "she is a vandal" whilst doing it. A tree in the wrong place Malc, I say each year, and at last he had to agree. An opportune time to cut it down and for a couple of weeks it will spend its last days bedecked with lights giving joy to us all.

The tree enjoying  welcoming visitors ( I have removed Malc' s caption, poor little tree)

We are now both planning the hide we can construct next to the wall for those in our midst who are keen wild life photographers. Hopefully the kestrels will be back for their 15th year nesting in the walls of the gite. We are going to mark the weeks for people booking the gite to tell them there will be " twitchers" on site! to watch nesting birds. Not sure if it is a plus or minus for holiday makers.
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The planning regulations need more thought in Varen

With reference to the new Mairie,one only has to look at our house, 

sandwiched

as it now is, between The Bilabong Trailer park and something resembling a

cricket pavilion, to understand(?) the local planing regulations.

Regards

John

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Cine-concert at Le Querlys

Le Duo Catherine Vincent a créé pour la Cinémathèque de Tanger en septembre 2013 un accompagnement musical pour le film The tiger’s coat avec Tina Modotti dans le rôle principal.

Tina Modotti a été tour à tour ouvrière, actrice, modèle, photographe, et révolutionnaire. Elle a été à l’affiche de plusieurs films à Hollywood. Aujourd’hui il n’en demeure qu’un seul, «The tiger’s coat», restauré par la Cinémathèque du Frioul.

Next Wednesday, one peformance only the duo Catherine Vincent will accompany the 1920 silent film "The Tiger's Coat" at Le Querlys, St Antonin, 19h. (5.50 euros). With songs and readings the duo pay homage to the film's star, Tina Modotti.
Devised by O'Babaltut in partnership with "Meme sans le Train" and Le Querlys.

O'BABELTUT

26, chemin du tour du pré

82140 Saint Antonin Noble Val
06.78.79.13.85 & 06.32.39.47.70

Peter and Val Hughes get a puppy

Val Hughes shows off their new little chap at 4 weeks old. He will be ready to leave his Mum on the 21st of December
What a super Christmas present.

Get to know the face of Val Hughes, she is one of the new Commodores for Varenly Regatta held in August
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Concert de Noel

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Cheers in court as Jean- claude Mas gets 4 years in Prison

Jean-Claude Mas, the founder of PIP, the French firm at the centre of a global scandal over defective breast implants, was yesterday found guilty of fraud and sentenced to four years in prison.

Four other former executives were also convicted and given lesser sentences — from 18 months to three years — after one of the biggest trials ever seen in France.

Cheers erupted in the courtroom in Marseille, southern France this morning from around 50 women present out of at total of 7,113 civil plaintiffs, with one slamming Mr Mas as being “disdainful, arrogant and odious” throughout the proceedings.

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Two soldiers from a regiment at Castres honoured by Hollande

Deux militaires du 8e régiment de Castres ont été tués dans la nuit de lundi à mardi à Bangui qui est loin d’être sécurisée par l’armée française. François Hollande s’est recueilli devant leurs corps avant de s’entretenir avec les autorités du pays.

Two young men 22 and 23 were killed on a reconnaissance mission in CentralAfrica and yesterday the President stood in silence to honour the men who died for France.

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What do French people do on Christmas Day?

Many people in France put up a Christmas tree, visit a special church service, eat an elaborate meal and open Christmas presents on Christmas Eve. However, special Christmas meals are also popular. Dishes may include:

• Rabbit terrine.
• Brouillade de truffes (omelet with truffles).
• Roasted capon (a small bird).
• Salad, peas, green beans, carrots and potatoes.
• Aigo-boulido (garlic soup).
• Papillottes (small chocolate candies wrapped in shiny paper).

Many people spend Christmas Day quietly and some attend a special church service. Popular activities also include walking in a park or the countryside and sharing a meal with family and close friends.
Val says  Not unlike us really, although I see no mention of turkey and stuffing, parsnip and sprouts, essential in my book for Christmas Day. 

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Ah...

Dear Val

 

I don’t know if you can copy a video clip to your blog but I thought those of your readers who knew our dear old Irish Setter Finn, who died a year ago, might like to see our new addition.

 

She is also an Irish Setter, just 8 weeks old and called Feena.

 

She will be coming to France with us in the spring.

 

(People who have recently had puppies might click sympathise !)

 

See you then.

 

John & Susan

 

 

Varen : new and old

The new health centre, being roofed

The new Mairie in between the Chateau and the Church.
Malc is  just pleased it has disabled access. I was distraught that they could put such an unimaginative modern building between two ancient gems. Infact as the Maire came out on to the steps I had to leave, it was one of those steam out of my ears situation, where I was thinking '' how could they get it so wrong?' 'and I could have very easily told him that!
Later Val writes, it looks like one of those 50's charmless buildings.

The most beautiful 140 year old house in Varen, looking out on the Aveyron
Just look at the blue skies, photo taken this morning

The impressive steps and railings under a portico

Another reader for the subscribers' list.

Hi there!

I am looking on your website, but nowhere do I see your name?

My name's martine and I live in Puylaroque in the very north of 82. I just discovered your taglines82 and it's such a great idea! Well done you. 

I would love to write in it and contribute to it. 

Please put me on your mailing list!

Until next time,

Martine Lewis

Val says  Please enjoy reading Martine and contribute, that is what TAG is all about.

I just love TAG

No: that is not a reader writing in, it is me. I have had emails today to renew adverts, I have been told by two readers they have new puppies, I have just received the super pictures for Neville for Wild photos, people tell me what is happening in the area and I can research French life myself. Sorry folks but I am so lucky and that is even without mentioning our animals.Never tell me what a chore writing and editing TAG must be.
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I just love nature.

A funny thing relationships. Take the Cattle Egrets' relationship with livestock.  The Egret follows the passage of cattle, eating the grasshoppers and other insects that are thrown up by their hooves, or the Egret will pluck flies or ticks directly from their bodies whilst the host animal looks passively on.  This habit benefits both species and the Egret has migrated to other large grazing animals and can be seen in large numbers around grazing herds.

For more photos from Neville please look in Wild Photos.
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All the men will click "sympathise" every time I mention poor Malcolm!

Malc noticed that Facebook are considering a " sympathise" button to click. If someone had died or it is a bad news story it is impossible to click "Like" or interesting and so they are considering a "sympathise" button. We thought I never know what to write with "tell me more"  so we should try swapping it for "sympathy" We also noticed they do not have a " dislike " button, working as we do on the principle, you don't like, you don't read.
So from now on - if you agree but did not enjoy - tick Sympathise.
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Simon Curtis wants to renew his advert

Simon who now lives at Le Riols is renewing his advert. Handyman Simon is building up his contacts and " bouche á oreille", word of mouth works for him along with TAG.
Do a good job and people pass on your name, do a poor job in our small community word soon gets about.
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Leila from MCL Design / architect renews her advert.

Hello Val,
yes the past few months have flown by and been busy thanks to TAG!
I am putting a cheque in the post today to you made to Via Sahel Enfants d'Afrique. (35€)
Now that some of my projects are built, I have updated my website to show them off -see ad on TAG or link below.
Thanks again for your support!
Love Leila.MCL Design
05 65 65 84 83
06 24 89 79 60
http://mcl-design.blogspot.com
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Montauban at Augustins an exposition called " Cabinet de Curiositiés"

L’exposition «cabinet de curiosités «ouvre ses portes à l’Espace des Augustins le jeudi 12 décembre et ce jusqu’au 28 février 2014. Ancêtres du musée et du museum d’histoire naturelles, les cabinets de curiosités désignent du xvie au xviie siècle, des lieux privés dans lesquels on collectionne une multitude d’objets rares ou étranges représentant les trois règnes de la nature (monde animal, végétal et minéral) ainsi que des objets créés par l’homme «œuvres d’art, instruments scientifiques, armes etc.). Le mercredi 18 décembre à 20 h 30 une conférence sur le thème «histoire et cabinet de curiosités» sera animé par Dominique Moncond’huy. Exposition, entrée libre du mardi au dimanche de 14 heures à 18 heures (fermée du 24 décembre au 2 janvier 2014) ; Visites scolaires ou groupes sur réservation

Renseignements et réservation : Espace des Augustins 27 rue des Augustins, quartier Villebourbon Tél. : 0 563 939 086

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Truffles arrive at Caussade market

Avec l’arrivée des premières gelées significatives, la fameuse truffe «tuber melanosporum» du Quercy vient de faire son apparition sur le marché à l’espace Bonnaïs deCaussade, ce lundi matin. Ils n’étaient cependant que deux producteurs à présenter leurs plus beaux spécimens, lavés, brossés et canifés comme l’exige le règlement du marché contrôlé. «Généralement, la truffe arrive à pleine maturité, quinze jours après les premières gelées», expliquait Bernard Laborie qui veille sur la qualité des produits. Lundi, certaines truffes étaient un peu trop blanches, donc sûrement pas assez mûres, mais lundi prochain, jour du concours de palmipèdes gras, les senteurs du diamant noir du Quercy devraient encore plus se diffuser sur le marché. Hier, les truffes étaient proposées entre 700 et 800 € le kilo. À l’ouverture des portes, Florian Bessède, le chef des Délices des papilles, était présent, en repérage en prévision des menus truffés qu’il prépare pour les fêtes de fin d’année.

Val says it is coming up to truffle time. TAG will have interesting truffle stories in January and February. It seems that the truffles appear on the markets two weeks after the first frosts, and that the two dealers at Caussade had some not quite ripe specimens. At 700 euros a kilo you want them ready n'est-ce pas? Next Monday's market will have more sellers as it will be the first "fat duck" market of the season.

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Folk n Jazz meets FIFI

Everybody welcome - bring a drink and something to eat - contact Linda or John.

Red Cross Braderie Saturday.

French Red Cross is holding a "braderie" - A JUMBLE SALE - next Saturday at St Antonin Mairie. Note that because of works to the mairie the entrance is via the side street.

Sign a petition to stop deep sea trawling

http://petition.bloomassociation.org/stop-the-destruction-of-deep-sea/
Sent by Rachel Shamash, let us save the oceans for future generations.
The Supermarket Casino has stopped selling fish that has been caught by deep sea trawling.
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Puppies at Le Moulin

Pups at le Moulin, read all about them in ''Pets to go''
There will be 6 puppies needing homes

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120 Femmes

A reader has asked me where to find the information as she has decided to support a lady gardener in Mali. I have made a label at the top of TAG, which says 120 Femmes. All information about the project is there.
Winnie Nosal tells me that they have sent 500 euros to the ladies as it is the time to plant seeds and grain.
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Voting in local elections, register now

Dear Val,

Thank you very much for reminding us to fill in the forms at our local Mairie so that we can vote in the local elections next year. We turned up with our passports and a utility bill. The forms were quite straight forward. It was very easy.

 

Deirdre  

Home tel: + 33 (0)5 63 31 86 73 / Mobile: + 33 (0)6 04 13 25 44
Email: dash0049@yahoo.co.uk

Our own minature Seb Coe

Cross Country event - Annie makes a clean sweep of wins for the winter series.
Our little soon to be 7 year old Annie can run for her life, she just keeps going!
Not only that but she has already entered the life of politics becoming her class representative on the school council.With a real appetite for life, Annie is starring in her school Christmas play as the   wicked witch and gosh, is she wicked? She is the girl who chose and named Scratch and Peck, we still have to explain that Scratch was a thug and has been returned. A shining star in all our lives is our Annie.
Sister Charlotte who likes to be called ''Sharki'' by her mates is also no slouch, coming near top of the class in exams and passing her first year violin grade one with distinction
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Guitarist Joseph Lipomi

On 13 December at the Salle des Fêtes, Parisot, there is a solo concert of World Music by guitarist Joseph Lipomi. Doors open from 8pm for 8.30. Entrance is (5 euros for members of Rencontre et Partage, 8 euros for other adults).

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A special memory of Nelson Mandela

Jean Verbeke of Montauban has his own special memories of the great man of our times Nelson Mandela. When he was Director of the French team in 2001 he met and chatted to Mandela and the photograph of him at that moment is now very special to him.

Jean Verbeke, ancien vice-président de la Fédération française de football, ex-président de la Ligue d’Ile de France (pendant plus de 20 ans), directeur de l’Equipe de France championne du Monde en 1998, vainqueur de la coupe confédération 2001-2 003, championne d’Europe 2000; délégué UEFA.

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Field news

What on earth is "field news" Malc asks.
It is what is happening in the fields at Mas del Sol. There is always a story out there, this morning involved missing donkeys! I can hear the sighs from readers. As I stood in a frosty field at 7.30 am shouting the donkeys and rattling buckets my heart sank ( does that a lot ) Normally we are wakened by heehawing boys and girls but this morning nothing. My biggest fear over Christmas, after not having any tea bags is "four  escaping donkeys" I went and let out and fed  the two hens Penny and Peck, who both seemed fine, then back to the donkey field. Nothing, oh! merde!... trudging around the lanes trying to find donkeys on a cold morning like this I thought, is not what I want.
Hang on, shadows appearing in our distant wood, the little beggars had been out all night still in our clotured/ fenced area but sleeping in the woods. They have never done that before, normally they come and tuck themselves up in one of the two stables they have to choose from. I wondered if they had been following a star ( a bit of Christmas symbolism) Anyway they eventually arrived for their buckets and then a pile of hay, so I could get back in for breakfast and a cuppa.
Some of you, not so lucky ones get up have breakfast and read the papers, (those where the days)
After breakfast our task is to unload a trailer full of bales of hay to take over to the donkey compound.
Not so easy as the ground is too wet to drive the car on so we will have to wheelbarrow it over or if the mower with carrying truck starts, truck it over in bales of two at a time! We never have time to be bored.

Job nearly done Malc.

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Coming up to Christmas

Coming up to Christmas and living here in a foreign country possibly on your own can sometimes be a bit lonely and frightening. I hope TAG makes you feel more involved in the community and less alone and introduces the bits Malc and I know about French life to you. The idea of TAG has always been to involve everyone and make us more integrated in to French life. I think from TAG you can hear about things happening, find out about services in the area, learn about local and national politics, see things photographed in the area, local cookery, singing groups, book swaps, Fifi the ladies group,etc, etc.
If you are here on your own please do not feel lonely, there is lots to do, lots of friends waiting to meet you and TAG will keep you in touch with friends you meet.
The charity projects all stem from a chance because of the number of readers to do some good and it would be foolish not to pick up on it. Some readers have their own charities but TAG is grateful to those readers who have given something back to TAG by supporting the chosen charities.
If you are new here or lonely contact me and I will try to find contacts near where you live to come and chat.
Val mail@bromlea.com
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Marché de Noël au Domaine de Sautou 82160-CASTANET

If anyone has the time to either bake a cake for sale or donate a prize for the tombola that would be much appreciated..

We could collect if needed on Thursday afternoon or Friday morning.

You can also call us directly  on 05 63 24 01 39. 

Many thanks,

Jane and Colin
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Liberte des Anes Lunch and Christmas sales

Hello Everyone

We hope you will come and join us for our Christmas Lunch here in Belveze on Tuesday 17th december at 1 pm.  Still at only 15 euros, wine included.

Here is our exciting menu .......

RED PEPPER & TOMATO SOUP,  followed by

MONGOLIAN LAMB. POTATO & OINEN CAKE with SEASONAL VEGETABLES

the vegetarian option is

MUSHROOM & ALMOND ROLL. P & OINEN CAKE, SEASONAL VEGETABLES

CHOCOLATE FONDANT with CREME ANGLAIS or

PEAR TARTIN

As we are eating inside spaces are limited so with only a week to go please send in your reservations as soon as possible.

Jan Lemmy
Christmas Sales

Hello again

 

To help raise funds to support the enormous amounts of hay we need to buy we are holding a xmas stall in aid of the donkeys at LIBERTE DES ANES on .....

 

Tuesday 10th December at La Sirene, Montaigu de Quercy from 11 until 2 with three other lovely stalls where you can find interesting and original christmas presents. stay for lunch too ?

 

Friday 12th & Saturday 13th December at the Le Peit Coeur Brocante, Cinq Sols in the Courbiac Valley, ladies only mornings for shopping at ease.   A brocante to visit if you havent been before with beautiful gifs for sale.  Refreshments served.

 

Hope to see you at one of these events.

 

Jan Lemmy  Libertedesanes@gmail.com

Good works all round

Andrew Media Man had a visit to  clients, Janice and Leonard Martin who in the visit offered Andrew a computer which needed a bit of tweaking to put it right.
Andrew tweaked ... and came up with a very serviceable computer.
He contacted me to see if a)  Sautou would find it useful for the children
                                 or      b)   could it be sold on TAG for the benefit of street children of Africa
I contacted Winnie Nosal who by chance was looking for a  second hand computer for the 8 children in their care at the moment.
What a superb stroke of luck and a big thanks to Janice and Leonard, then Andrew for tweaking and making the offer.
Lovely to have good news stories at Christmastime.
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URGENT - Who can take care of me for two months?

We are a couple from Amsterdam, living in Peremorte (Villefranche-de-Rouergue). We are looking for someone to take care of our lovely cat Pjotr from December to February 2014. Pjotr is a very sweet and easy going, four year old male. He always adjusts very quickly at a new (temporary) home.

We will pay 60 Euros a month on top of necessary expenses (food etc.)

If you're interested, please let us know as quickly as possible! Many Thanks!

Home: 0565816238

Mobile: 0031 637385650

E-mail: asvani@yahoo.com

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Scratch goes home

Scratch the non laying, aggressive hen has gone back home, so Penny can heave a sigh of relief and start growing tail feathers again.
We took Scratch and Mimi, the farmers wife put her back in with her former friends! whilst we stood admiring the many types of hen and plummage, there was a fight behind us and I asked if it was a pair of cocks fighting... no, it  was Scratch attacking one of the other hens and before we could separate them feathers and blood  were flying.
Sorry Mimi but we are glad to see the back of that hen!
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Horse rescue

Hello, I have created a blog about the horse rescue project  Ihave been working on for more than 6 months .I am living in the Aveyron north of Villefranche., but will be moving near Najac in the Spring.
I would be helpful if you could post this however you feel in most appropriate on your site.

The rehabilitation of the horses and the work to make them adoptable is slowly moving along thanks to the small donations friends and of animal advocates.  This blog is an outreach for info and support.

http://helping3horses.blogspot.comCheers.
Jeannine
http://www.jeannineedelblut.com

Val says  Well done Jeannine on spotting the problem and then picking up on it and doing something about it. Malc and I have just looked at pictures of the horses hooves with horror. Thank heavens you are doing something and I do hope animal lovers in the area will come to your help.
I have also looked at the website for Jeannine's paintings which are wonderful, take a look.
Jeannine says

Oh thank you thank you for the support!!. I have had discouraging moments wondering if I was crazy to think I could really get this done. I probably should just put the mailing address on the website..I will do that I think. Many people don't have a Paypal account, or would rather avoid the Paypal fees.

I will be happy to send you blog post updates as I find the time to write them.  I just found your lovely  blog yesterday by chance when I was exploring the  the Surviving France site.
If you want to support these horses please make a cheque payable to jeannine Edelblut amd send toMy Address
Jeannine Edelblut
le bourg
12200 Saint RémyBest wishes. Jeannine
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The Fifi troopers

Under the leadership on the evening of Judith Reynolds the Fifi troopers were in place to sing traditional Christmas songs along with mince pies, sausage rolls and mulled wine. The local children being taught by Alice Smee and Kathy Don sang a couple of English songs they had learnt to perfection.
Outsiders would never have known that the President of the group had just recently lost her husband, the Treasurer Sue Hunt was not long out of hospital having had a hip replacement and our "eminence grise" who sends out the monthly newsletter Doreen Porter was not able to manage coming in her wheelchair.
That is why I call the ladies troopers.
 A big thanks to John Taylor and Max James for gender swapping and becoming "ladies" for the evening to join the singing group. I do hope you get your legs pulled over that remark!
Thank you ladies for arranging for the third year this free  evening open to everyone in all language communities and Happy Christmas to you all.

Local French children singing in English

John Taylor replies
I was very happy to 'bend my gender' in support
of Fifi. I thought the ladies performed exceptionally well and I enjoyed  being
part of a very jolly evening. Being described as 'a male member' was certainly
my highlight of the occasion, it's not the first time I have been described thus, but certainly the most
polite!
Here's to a ding dong merrily on high!
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An anonymous donation

Received in the post a donation  which the sender asks to remain anonymous and to give to one of TAG charities, the goodly sum of 100  euros.  The sender would like it to start off our association with Alzheimers 82 based at Montauban, our third charity which we will support in the New Year.
Malc and I now remember that this association used to come and visit our neighbour  at the Chateau, who had alzheimer's, one of the few visitors she sadly received.
Thank you  very much.
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Marché de Noël, many today

Our nearest Marché today is at Laguepie and lots of Christmas stands, crowds and Christmas cheer. The real Christmas trees are up all around the streets with those little baubles stating " We love Laguepie"
We have arranged to go and pick up hay and straw and return Scratch and then we are invited out for lunch so not sure if we will have time to fit it in.
The sun is forecast to shine although a cold day forecast. the views from the window this morning are fabulous, blue skies with touches of pink along the hills and a crunchy frostiness on the fields. The snow capped Pyrenees are in view.
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Yesterday evening

Dear Val

I’ve asked Kim for some statistics – how many people came along and how much was raised etc  – and will send that information when I have it. In the meantime I just thought I’d write to say a big thank you to everyone who came along last night.

The event was really well attended and was loads of fun. The stalls were busy, with lots of families enjoying the activities, visiting Father Christmas, and sampling snacks and cakes. Of course, Kim was amazing, and in her own inimitable style, was up on stage, encouraging the audience to join in with the zumba and hip hop. Thanks to everyone who made it such a huge success!

Love Debbie

Dear Val,

We want to thank you, your husband and all the other people who came to Parisot or helped to organise.  It was for us a very special evening wich gave us lots of energy to continue our battle. Great to know that there are people who care!

Marco, Miranda and Laurent

Val says

Lots of people care, just look at the turn out of young people.

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One happy French lady

I had a phone call this morning from a French lady who had won Glynis' s christmas cake in the TAG  raffle. We had arranged that she pick it up from Judith Reynolds house centrally placed in St. Antonin ( thank you Judith)   She was delighted and had to tell me how beautiful it was. I explained that they are also good to eat but in truth it takes will power to cut into them as they are little works of art. For example,  how will we be able to eat the cake with a donkey.
Malc says " do not worry I will manage it!"
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Book swap once a month in 2014

Hi Val

Just to let you know that while your emails from other accounts arrive in my
inbox, this one was found lurking in the 'junk' folder!

Monthly book swaps is good for me (then I have more chance of remembering
when it is!)
Love    Linda
Val says  Particularly if you have hotmail you need to check your junk folder as I give a link to TAG hotmail does not seem to like it.
Very positive response to having the Book and DVD swap once a month so we will go forward with that, first Monday of the month. I am prepared to carry books away afterwards each month and then sort them and I will have to check with Martin Mackenzie if he can do the DVDS monthly.
Martin says he can do it
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Put a bottle in your barrel

If you have a big plastic water barrel put an empty  plastic bottle in and then the barrel will not split when the water in it freezes. We know of two people with cracked water butts, someone gave us this advice a couple of years ago and we have had no trouble.
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Un coup de foot

Whilst the England football management are bemoaning the difficulties of their World Cup draw for Brazil 2014 (Uruguay, Italy, Costa Rica) French officials are quietly rejoicing that France has probably been drawn in the weakest group. With Switzerland, Ecuador and Honduras lined up les Bleus are already favourites to go through (Swiss readers may dispute that!).
An added bonus for TF1 viewers (and advertisers) is that all three matches are mid evening, whereas England's opener versus Italy will be at 3.00 am...
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Christmas songs and mince pies

Verfeil salle de fetes tomorrow, 5pm for songs and aperos, free admission, venez nombreux!

How to spend a lovely evening

As planned we went to the salle des fetes at Parisot which was packed with fundraisers raising money for sick children and Sethi. I am sure Debbie from Jardin des Espiemonts will give us an update on the evening.
Then we went on to the jamming session organised by two French men from Parisot, one a guitar maker and the other a local school teacher. We really loved the music which had violins, bagpipes, guitars, congas / drums and singers, mainly folk and Irish folk  and some just could not sit still and had to dance. We will certainly be there on the first Friday of January for the next one and I will put a reminder on TAG.
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Wreath making, so easy and look so good.

You have heard lady readers saying how much they have enjoyed wreath making with Marion at " Jardin de la Mothe". I went last year and also loved it and this year thought I was up for the challenge of making my own on my own. To start you need some vine or virginia creeper, we have it on various stone walls around the garden, but a trip to the country or a walk in the woods finds it easily. Make a ring with the vines weaving it through. This year I added bits off the Christmas tree which is soon to be Christmas decoration. That darling boy, yes! I mean Malc, he came in from a walk with strands of ivy with small leaves that I had been explaining I needed. ( it shows he listens sometimes!) this was woven into the ring. I still need some red berries but we know where we can find some. Add a red bow et voila! We have four doors in the courtyard, two now have wreaths that I used on my shop doors years ago but the two I like best are the homemade ones which are there to welcome you all to our pet friendly home.
Just don't bring your pets we have enough of our own!

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In response to "Two good reasons to be in Parisot tonight"

Dear Val

In response to “Two good reasons to be in Parisot tonight” I’m really glad to hear that you will be coming along to Kim’s charity fundraiser at the Salle de Fete! It starts at 6.30 p.m. Please come and say hello to me - I shall be behind the bar all evening.

It’s going to be a fantastic night and fun for all the family. There is a Santa’s grotto and lots of stalls with activities for children as well as a selection of food and drinks. The raffle prizes are amazing. For only 1 euro per ticket you can be in with a chance of winning any of these prizes: laptop; flat screen TV; wii (2 of these available); playstation (2 of these as well); a microlight flight; a meal for 2; designer jewellery; limited edition prints; a 30 euro voucher for an interior design shop in St Antonin; a pedicure; champagne; a basket of local produce; a hand-made hat; wine; chocolate; and more!

There will be zumba and hip hop (children’s sessions and adults’ sessions) and live music as well. There will also be prizes for the best fancy dress costumes.

We’ve had a great response from people saying they’ll be coming along tonight. It’s going to be a great night out, and for such a good cause, too. It’s also good value, as the entrance price (5 euros per person) provides the children with access to activities (10 “credits” to be used on whatever stalls they like, including Santa’s grotto) and provides the adults with a raffle ticket and a drink at the bar. Further raffle tickets and drinks can be purchased for only 1 euro, which I think is a bit of a bargain!

Hope to see lots of TAG readers there!

Love
Debbie

www.lejardindesespiemonts.fr 
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Parisot choir carol concerts

The Choeur de Parisot are again singing carols this year.

Sun 15th in Limogne Church

and Saturday 21st in Parisot Church

both at 4pm.  

Come and join us

Best wishes,

Karen Robinson

Secretary, Choeur de Parisot