As you can guess this is my sort of story.

Sets built for British television show Jekyll and Hyde have been shipped to the Calais "Jungle" as shelters for migrants and refugees after the series was cancelled, its creator has announced.  "One small good thing to come out of #JekyllandHyde cancellation. Our sets have been shipped to Calais to make refugee shelters," writer Charlie Higson wrote on Twitter on Wednesday.

At least 4,500 people live in notoriously squalid conditions in the sprawling makeshift camp which is located in the northern French port city of Calais in the hope that they will one day be able to cross the Channel to Britain.

Since June, at least 18 people have died while trying to make the crossing illegally.

Loosely based on Robert Louis Stevenson's split-personality tale, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, the 1930s-set drama was dropped after only 1.1 million people tuned in for the final episode, compared to the 3.4 million that had watched the first.     http://www.thelocal.fr/20160107/british-tv-sets-sent-to-calais

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A massive thank you

Arriving in the post today, a massive 400 euros for the young men.
Thanks once again to Elly, Linda and Martin and Janna
As I have just paid over 130 euros today for a train ticket ( which hopefully will be refunded) funds go up and down.
I am so, so grateful as we are spending so much time up there we do not want money worries as well for them.
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How many "bise"? This is funny.

We are all perplexed from time to time by how many "bisous", who to greet with a kiss, do men kiss other men, and how long it takes to greet a group of friends when bises all round  are called for.
English comedian Paul Taylor, sometime resident of Paris, has made a very funny film on this dilemma, which is extremely popular on YouTube.
Try the link below for a witty exposition of the situation

http://www.francetvinfo.fr/monde/europe/video-l-art-complique-de-la-bise-a-la-francaise_1255505.html

Wednesday afternoon at the Collège

Hujatullah sent me this photo of the young men using the facilities at the St.Antonin Collège on a Wednesdy afternoon. This MBA graduate is very keen to learn the language of his soon to be adopted country, France.
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Twelve months on

One year ago today terrorists attacked the offices of the satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo and then the Jewish supermarket Hyper Casher. Seventeen people died that day, some of whom were simply in the wrong place at the time. A moving documentary was shown on BBC tv last night with many eye witness accounts, CCTV footage and live recordings of the killers speaking to journalists and police. The three terrorists all claimed to be "avenging the Prophet" for the depictions in the magazine and the attacks on Syria. Police warned of further attacks but still had no idea about the Bataclan assault eight months later. These attacks have changed our lives here in France but on a day when reports of  40000 people being starved to death in a siege of the town of Madaya by Al Assad's troops in Syria we can only hope for a quick resolution to the conflict there before security is restored here.
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Nous sommes le jeudi, sept janvier

I took one step too far last night and  on one English site on facebook which is meant to be about life in France I posted the  " affiche"  of humour  someone had posted in the Calais jungle.
I had already made the decision, this site with its prissy posts about an idealised life in France was not for me. I was obviously being given a second chance being allowed one more post, a chance I took with glee. Before I was BANNED the post had about 12 likes.
 That must have got up the admitted to me   "a site with readers who would be happy to carry a kalashnikov," right wing administrator's  nose.
If I had such readers THEY would not be allowed but a mild mannered do gooder like me who only wants to save dogs and the world is deleted.
Principles and freedom have to be fought for, staying quiet is not an option. Honestly I will be there on the barricades if need be.
Malc says the pen is mightier than the sword so stick to writing Val, the barricades are for the young.
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Best little dog imaginable

Dear Val
She looks like a boy to me........?
Sally S
Val says I have studied the photo but not clear enough around the private part area. Sid would have spotted if she was a boy surely?
The verification has been done, defintely a girl.
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In all the horror of the Calais jungle, someone can still have a laugh

You have to love them to bits

Our first two young men to successfully jump the hurdle, here with big smiles on their way back from the OPFRA interview in Paris. They were both put up by Dominque Perchet a second homer of St. Antonin, whose wife also cooked them a halal meal  last night.
So exciting for them.
 I wish one of them had just someone in his family he could tell.
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Aid for Mali

I have told you before how friend Jean Marie Nosal often turns up on the doorstep for a chat.
I had put my cleaning the donkey stable gear on and the dogs had rolled in something very nasty.
A knock at the door and there was Jean Marie with a spendidly attired Malian lady, Madame Konaré Nafissatou Guindo. Her husband was a minister in the Malian government and she herself was also a minister.. She is a great friend of Jean Marie and as they have both been working very hard for children and women of Africa, Jean Marie suggested she should take a holiday here.
Malc sat talking to Jean Marie and I sat on the sofa talking with her in beautiful understandable French (hers, not mine of course) We had a fascinating conversation where she explained being a great friend of the now President she was able to present to him all the work Jean Marie had done over the last 35 years for Mali. The President was impressed and awarded him the "Legion d'honneur"
Madame Konare is an economist working for the CCSI ( Cabinet Counseil et suivi des Investissemets) At the moment she is concentrating her efforts as is Jean Marie on finding and paying for milk for the nursery at Sangha. She is also helping  find funds for the women who are growing their own produce.
Once again she had tales of hardship and fear. This fear  in the country which has caused the tourist industry to collapse and thrown thousands into poverty. Jean Marie says in 35 years he has never  seen the people and the country so poor and deprived.
We have promised to go and support the musical evening at Sautou on January 16th  (the information was on TAG a couple of days ago.)
Oh and I forgot to add all the money has  now been found to finish building the new school
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Anyone know a French girl wanting time in the UK

Our daughter who lives in a very nice house in Henley on Thames and has two lovely girls aged 15 and 9 needs an au pair for couple of months around April time. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone sympathetic to young people. Terms and conditions will be discussed with any applicant.
A level of English essential but the girls are learning French at school so speaking French would be helpful to the girls.
Contact me if you would like more details:
taglines82@gmail.com

Lovely chair for sale including cream loose cover

Lovely chair for sale 75€, complete with cream loose cover. E.mail Susan Hunt at sueandlarry0@gmail.com

Sales at Carpetman

Dear Val,

Firstly I would like to wish you and all the TAG readers a very Happy & healthy New Year !!!!!And yes its that time again............ JANUARY SALES !!

All of our roll stock is on sale, 
20% off all rugs and Seagrass
30% off all Vinyl, Artificial grass, Carpets & remenants.So for those of you who have been thinking about giving that floor a makeover pop in and pick up a bargin. You could also look at the facebook pages for photos.
Also please remember we have a large stock of English book for a small donation to the 'Liberté des Anes' charity they could be yours to pass those long evening by the fire.
Take care and keep warm
With kind regards 
Steve
Carpetman 
Lot 5b, Voltaire 2
2 Rue Voltaire (dans la cour)
82000 Montauban05 63 20 51 59 

www.carpetman.fr  
facebook.com/carpetmanfrance 
tweet @carpetmanfrance                                                    

Toulouse Syrian refugees in court tomorrow

One of the questions we are often asked concerning the refugees at Rehoboth is why they are housed in the country rather in the bigger centres of population. Some think that it is part of a deliberate policy to disperse them for various reasons, including to spread the load on housing, education etc. Others think that it is preferable to keep families in close proximity for their mutual support. The problem with housing a large group, even in a big city like Toulouse, is being highlighted in the central court tomorrow when eviction notices may be enforced on 200 refugees who have been squatting in a building scheduled for demolition by the housing association Habitat Toulouse. The families have been there since April and are not the only inhabitants - there are people there who rent their apartments, but who also have been told to leave. Both groups of inhabitants are calling on others to show solidarity by demonstrating outside the court tomorrow. Some of the clothes and goods donated by Tag readers last autumn were destined for the association supporting these very refugees.
Habitat Toulouse is accused of wanting to demolish a perfectly good building where it would be cheaper to up-grade and find rent-paying families than to demolish and re-build. As soon as any apartment becomes vacant they take out the doors and windows and destroy the bathrooms. Many of us traditionally hate the idea of squatters as free-loaders depriving owners of their rightful property, but with a shortage of social housing a building owned by the local authority is surely an ideal opportunity to house families in need, be they refugees or indigenous, at an affordable price.
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You have to laugh

A site for horsey people received a mail from someone on how it was important to have your hay tested (no doubt with a hay tester they could sell you) You need to test for essential minerals etc, etc for a good balanced diet for your horse.
I love the comments in reply
How do you test hay?
Ask your horse to eat it.
One lady says she already has lots of hay testers in her stable.

For me I know rich hay is not good for greedy donkeys, so anyone who has hay that they think does not meet the requirements, send here for my girls. They will soon polish it off.
You will be pleased to hear that they are settling down and have stopped calling for the boys.
The boys I hear who have a full field to munch, have not lifted their heads from grazing!
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Six months in prison for trying to save two euros seventy

A young driver age 22,  the worse for wear on New Years Eve drove with force through a barrier at a péage. He was chased by a helicopter, caught and has ended up with 6 months in prison. The Depeche reports ending up in prison for 2.70 euros. but in truth the young man was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and had no driving licence.

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Nous sommes le mercredi six janvier

A bit damp looking out there,  not stopping the birds visiting the sunflower seeds. Yesterday we had a visit from a female hawfinch. She is not quite as brightly coloured as the male but her distinctive nut cracking beak was very marked.
Our kestrels are nowhere about. If you remember a pair stayed all year roosting on the roof of our house and ejecting  furry food pellets outside the salon window /door. They then nested very early in Spring.
Have you got any interesting bird activity ?
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Birds just for pleasure

One of the boys sent photos of these birds, because I like birds.Thank you Siddique.
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The sales start tomorrow

The sales in France start tomorrow, big bargains to be had we are told.
I do not think we will be going... just too busy.
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A rat on holiday

Hi Val,

I am wondering if any of your other readers have encountered our latest
visitor which would appear to be a Spanish Tree Rat.
We have a tall mature Hibiscus tree just at the rear of the house and our
dogs have alerted us several times at about 10 pm to the presence of a
rodent high in the tree which at this time of year has huge globular
buds/fruits' which look like large hazelnuts. It is certainly a rat but
unlike any other species of rat in that it is a pale brown/beige on the back
and white underneath. It also has an incredibly long tail, much longer than
its body. Its face isn't altogether rat-like, being a little more like a
squirrel or loir but it definitely isn't either of the latter as its size,
colour, markings and ratty tail are very different. It seems to be feasting
on the hibiscus 'buds'
My searches on the net suggest that it is a tree rat of the kind found in
Calpe and other areas of southern Spain so presumably this one is on
holiday.
Any information from others would be of interest.
Helen

Hi Helen,

Rats - this spring I was shutting the chickens in & saw a rat - beige on top/white belly wandering very nonchalantly along the top of the chicken wire, a very long tail... the chicken run began to show quite a lot of evidence of rats - they were high profile, numerous sightings at around the same times & various holes, the cats got one & then we moved the chicken house & found a nest 2 adults, 2 teenagers & 4 babies, offed some, some were too fast... in the end we put traps down, haven't come across them since. Rats/tree rats not sure but they fit your description & I think came from a large bale of straw the farmer had delivered, we now have a terrier! Laura

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We all have dogs haven't we?

If you have not got a dog let me know and I will soon fix you up!
Actually
I am writing this post after numerous requests  asking about our dog friendly hotel, just over the border in Spain on the Costa Brava.
http://www.hotel-llevant.com/en/

The Catalan family speak English and if you are having a double room make sure you get a sea view.
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Concert at Parisot

What fun this invitation sounds

A very Happy New Year to you Val and Malc, and to all your readers. We had more fireworks here at Baltazar than Paris and Brussels together…Ha! Ha!

And did you watch London’s  fireworks? They were fantastic! !!

Family have been visiting mum who has been with us for 2 months now, recovering from a broken pelvis and I must catch on with my mails. I haven’t been in the office very much lately and I am not on top of things anymore.

Yesterday the rain started to fall and mum announced: here is some bad weather…and I thought that actually this is good weather as we need the water so much. Geoff records the rain water ceremoniously and told us that this year we had 230mm less than last year. An average year here sees about 800mm of rain water, so 230mm is quite a lot less…  In the summer I’d installed an immersed pump in our well and got all the pipes and connectors and water butts in the orchard and the big barn rain water is now going into the well, used as a reservoir. I am so looking forward to being able to water the trees this year during dry spells.

But we all enjoyed December with its mild weather and the donks especially. Here is a picture Geoff took last week on our walk in the neighbourhood. We cannot let go of their leads anymore like in the woods as all the fields have been planted out and they could potentially make a mess there, but the donks didn’t seem to mind.

INVITATION: On friday 22^nd January, Geoff and I will be having Fish and Chips in Septfonds at the “bar des pêcheurs” with some of my mature students, a jolly bunch of artisans from the area learning English at the “Chambre des Metiers” in Montauban. For their sake I would love for those of you expats from the area to join us and give them some English practice as well as a laugh or two. I have suggested to them that we all wear “berêts” so that you’d recognise our group straight away….. We’ve booked our meal for 8.30pm, but we’ll meet around 7.30pm for a drink beforehand. I hope many of you will join us.

And on this, this is goodbye from me until next time.

xxx Martine @ baltazard

Val says that sounds so much fun, I will see how many want to come and will get back to you with numbers

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Is this a good idea?

Not one of mine but Malcolm's
He has some jeans that need a zip and a couple of others that need repairs, he phoned Penny Smith now living at Septfonds. She can sort it for him. Whilst he was talking to her,  he had an idea.
Penny as we know is a wonderful seamstress, making curtains, dresses, repairs you name it with a needle she is a whizz. What a bonus if she could come each month to the book swap and take the  work away, to bring it back the next month. ( you can of course arrange an earlier visit if you wish)
Penny was quite up for doing this so in February bring anything you need sewing along. Her business name is " A stitch in time"
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A Lot of wind

A "mini tornado" hit the village of Loubressac, near St Céré in the Lot. Winds up to 150 kmh blasted the village and its nearby hamlets in the middle of Monday afternoon. Despite damage to houses and trees blown down nobody was hurt, during the incident, which lasted only a few minutes.

photo: Florent Delon

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New President, new name

The new regional assembly duly voted to elect Carole Delga as president of the region. Mme Delga led the Socialist Party and left coalition in the recent elections, defeating the challenge of the Front National and Les Republicains.
As for what the region is to be called, a decision needs to be taken before 1st July and the electorate will be consulted via an internet poll. This decision has been taken to reduce the cost of the poll, but a list of choices will be given, with preference given to the most popular choice.
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Speed camera in Lego in Toulouse

The artist Chat Maigre has covered an automatic radar with Lego. He did it in the middle of the night he says to brighten up Christmas and give a bit gaiety to the town. He says they are objects detested by most of us and wanted to add something sympathetic.
Report and photo from the Depeche
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Nous sommes le mardi cinq janvier

A dry morning but the sky has not decided which way to go. Being an optimist I will go with the blue arriving from the west, but better check the meteo.
Today I am going along with Rana, a reader who believes in positive thought.

On positive thought, helping the refugees takes up a lot of our time, but what have we gained from it?
We have gained a respect ( which we always had) for each other, respect from other members of the family, a respect from like minded friends and here in France made new French and Dutch friends who are also benevoles. I think also respect from the young men and we have also learnt a lot from them.
Now that has all got to be pretty positive and makes us so happy.
Bonny and Eldo the dogs are not so respectful and having never spent so much time on their own are planning to run away. ( so they tell me!)
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"Gégé" says goodbye

How many of us have popped into Gerard Grosborne's shop in the Place de la Halle in St Antonin for a passport photo, have a film developed, buy a special photographic gift or enlargement? Well no more, because GG as he is known has decided to put the cap on the lens and take a well-earned rest. A familiar figure in the town since 1997 Gerard turned his passion for photography into a profession and moved to St Antonin after meeting his wife there. Also involved in local affairs and culture Gerard has welcomed new ideas with enthusiasm and energy. Just a few days ago we met him at Rehoboth and said "could you take this bike to St Antonin, please?" "No problem - pop it in the boot" he said. We looked (in vain, sadly) for a photo we had of him sitting on one of the superb eggs in the sadly missed Fete d'un oeuf, which he supported with typical verve. But this is not an obituary and we hope to see him in and around the village for years to come.

 

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The sofa bed for sale

Very comfy sofa bed. 100euros
Buyer collects or can deliver locally for 20euros

Thanks
Karen

0563676251
Karen@rysuk.com

It is looking good troops

Dominque  a St. Antonin second homer has met one of our boys and accompanied him to the OPFRA  for his asylum interview. He says the interview was 3 hours long, and he stood waiting outside in any icy wind. Aladin emerged with a great big smile and has now been whisked off to the Dominique's for a cup of tea and a warm up.
We are on the way troops, dissemble the barricades, the first one application is looking good.
I have just said to Malc, when we have these 17 lads safe, all these people French, Dutch and English who have helped and the lads, we are going to have a party of a lifetime.

AND PERHAPS WE WILL BREAK OUT THE FIREWORKS
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Upright piano for sale / SOLD

Hi Val

Upright piano - picture to fellow. With stool
180euros buyer collects or 20euros local delivery.

Karen@rysuk
0563676251

Football table for sale / Sold

Hi Val

150euros

Buyer collects or can deliver locally for 20euros

Karen@rysuk
0563676251

New Years Accounting.... Things we will not forget....

Hi Val,
Sid & I would like to say a massive thank you on the behalf of all those that were helped in Calais by TAG  in 2015. Through TAG readers generosity we were able to house over 1100 people in the jungle - the thousands (nearly 4) raised by TAG & local events gave us a massive springboard to get this going not to mention the volunteers who drove up at their own expense from this area & worked so hard alongside us. Neither must we forget the car after car load of donations - clothes, bedding, cooking equipment that again arrived on our doorstep courtesy of TAG.

Now we're into 2016 & you just don't stop Val - more thousands, plus laptops, clothing, bedding, phone credit, dictionaries, the endless list gathered once again from ordinary people who are making do with a little bit less in order to give yet again - this time to the lovely boys at Rehoboth.

We take our hats off to you Val & to everyone who has been so very generous. 

As the old Irish blessing goes :

May the sun rise to greet you, 

May the road rise to meet you, 

May the world not defeat you

As you work your way on.

Where would we be without Tag to keep us all in touch? .... Love Laura & Sid

Val says you lovely troops are there to rally and we have all achieved so much... and it continues as you say. I cannot do the physical work  but TAG can affect minds.
One little sentence " the boys have no charge in their phones" has resulted in a donation directly from one person for each boy to be able to charge their phones and from the pledges received today they will now get 20 euros worth. I just love it, charity.
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The boys are going to OPFRA, not the Opera

 Votre demande d'asile est examinée par l'Office français de protection des réfugiés et apatrides ... 
and apartides are stateless people.
so this is were the boys go in Paris to have their ayslum applications examined, to OPFRA
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Absolutely jammed packed

That was the Gazpacho this morning for the book and DVD swap, heaving it was.
The tables were also heaving with books and  DVD's.
I am often proved wrong and as we drove there this morning I said to Malc" January, it will be quiet"
Wrong again, the buzz was great, the noise level horrendous.
It is still my favourite morning of the month.
 I can say that even with the car to unpack and mountains of books to sort out for next time. I will spend an afternoon sorting out the books that have had a couple of outings, and off they will go to a charity.
Thank you for the couple of people who slipped me donations and also for the 3 laptops brought in.
What would we do without TAG ?
Malc suggested " have a quiet life"
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A new prefect in Tarn and Garonne

The Prefet (Prefect) is the head civil servant in each department, whose responsibility it is to ensure that government policy is implemented, security is maintained and the constitution upheld. He is in charge of the department's police and has the power to suspend a maire who tries to do things which are unlawful or who is derelict in his duty. As many of us know, the prefecture is where we go for all kinds of administrative needs, such as driving licences or cartes de sejour.

Pierre Besnard. Pic. MaxPPP

Today Pierre Besnard takes over in Montauban, having previous experience in Hautes Alpes, Aveyron and in the Elysee equivalent  of the Cabinet Office of President Hollande. Aged 49 he is said by colleagues to be "warm and humorous". But as a new broom we can probably expect all kinds of "initiatives" to have some effect on our lives, even if it is just more traffic controls.
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Badgers on the line

The French railways always seem to be efficient, but their tendency to go on strike does make one worry about relying on them to get to an important rendez-vous on time. British railways have been ridiculed for "leaves on the line" or "wrong sort of snow", but passengers on last night's Toulouse/Paris sleeper were less than pleased to arrive five hours late as a result of dead badgers on the line. SNCF explained that although animals such as deer and wild boar (sanglier) are often hit by trains they "bounce off" whereas the badgers were caught under the engine, affecting the braking system. Passengers had to wait until a replacement locomotive was brought.
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Do you know about this?

Transports Culturels
www.obabeltut.com

tel 0678791385
how difficult sometimes getting to the opera, theatre, dances, bals etc.in and around the region.
A programme has been put together by 5 local people for the year. You book the event and book the mini bus or car which has pick ups
ligne A  St. Antonin, Cazals Haut, Montricoux, Negrepelisse
Ligne B  St. Antonin, Milhars, Cordes

Sometimes a mini bus, sometimes someone driving and offering places in their car.
Look it up it may be useful if you like the arts.
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Book and DVD swap this morning

Meeting at the Gazpacho at 10.30am losts of books and DVD's to be swapped this morning.
Look forward to seeing you there, probably coffee inside this morning.
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A game of three halves

Our football correspondent reports on the second most important match of the weekend - Verfeil v Rehoboth.
Normally matches are over 90 minutes with two 45 minute halves, but this Sunday's match at the Verfeil stadium was split into three 30 minute "halves" when local stars entertained the crack Rehoboth international XI. Unfortunately the visitors were wearing trainers and borrowed boots which restricted their mobility on a slippery pitch. Several of the Pakistani boys, who had been so adept at cricket on Friday. were actually playing their first ever football match and I imagine the sight of two girls playing (one on each side) was even stranger to them. But the African boys, especially Malik - who is really quite talented - held the team together and with some heroic goalkeeping kept the score to 5-0 after 60 minutes.
There was some adjustment to the teams at this point, Verfeil transferring their star player to Rehoboth in exchange for a novice (but game) goalkeeper. This led to Rehoboth actually winning that session 1-0 (plus a disallowed goal), net 5-1.
After the match all went back to the Salle des Fetes for fruit juice (plus the odd beer) and fouace. The refugee team thanked the hosts for their generous reception and some new links were forged to mutual benefit.
The Rehoboth boys want a re-match as soon as possible, but home commitments mean it could be a few weeks away.
Pictures in posts below.
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What a line up

What a great looking team and spot the brilliant girl player, Aloise McNorton from Caylus. This girl impresses us more than we can say. At 15 years old she phoned me and asked how she could help. She got her Mum Grete to bring her up to Rehoboth and in no time at all has become a firm favourite with the boys. Malc was even more impressed that she played the full term  of the game giving it her all. In the bottom photo Kerwan who proved to be an out standing goalkeeper.
Sadly the lads lost 5 - 1, but shoes were a problem, with Shezab playing in just one trainer as the other hurt being too small.
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The rise of Flixbus

All this talk of cheap transport and the top story in the Depeche is the rise of Flixbus. Cheap travel to Barcelona, Berlin or London, starting this year departing from Toulouse

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Something TAG readers will never do, turn a blind eye

Sent by Peter
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Thank you all

To all those who have sent helpful emails and messages  about the young men travelling to Paris, I would like to say thank you.
Today has seen a big break through. Firstly our young French neighbour Magali at Mas del Sol has taken on the role of organising all the trips. For Tues/ comming back Wed. a train voyage has been found for 40 euros and once again second homer Dominque Perchet will look after Malik in Paris and put him up for the night.
Our friends Magali and Luc know many friends in Paris who will also help.
That is all pretty good news but the best is that Florence has pressed the Directrice at the Prefecture to have the travel money refunded. It started as they could possibly refund part but with a firm stance it would appear we may get it all back.
Great news that.
Although  though Malc phoned me at half time from the football match to say our boys were losing against the Verfeil team 1 - Nil
Final score Verfeil 5 Refugees 1
Malc says our boys were robbed, lack of football boots had them sliding all over the pitch.
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Marmalade, Marmie for short, looking for love

A cat who likes to be indoors, I suspect on your knee if given a chance. Is OK with other cats, does not know dogs or children.
A little shy but as you can see beautiful and loves being brushed and stroked. Two year old castrated male. There must be someone with a corner, a cushion and a set of comfy knees for this cat.
Contact Val who will then sort it with Kathy. No charge for the adoption.
Want that cat    taglines82@gmail.com

Support women in Mali

Here is a chance to support women in Mali trying their best to make a life for themselves and their families. Plus of course have a lovely evening together, good food, main dish cooked by a Malian, Chicken Yassa, (vegetarian option possible if  reserved in advance), and a concert.

If you can’t come but would like to support this charity please send cheques to:

“Via Sahel Enfants d’Afrique”  

Address: Winnie Nosal, 

Domaine de Sautou, 

82160, 

Castanet

 

To help you make your reservation i have written a french version for you to send by email.nosalw@wanadoo.fr

Je voudrais réserver une/deux places pour la soirée le samedi 16 janvier.

(I would like to reserve one/two places for the evening of saturday the 16th of January.)

( If you are vegetarian add : Un/deux  repas végétarien(s)

Veuillez me confirmer ma réservation. (Please confirm my reservation)

Avec mes remerciements, (thank you)

Amicalement (best wishes)

............. (your name!)

Or phone  05 63 65 72 64 /  07 50 36 54 95  

RachelShamash 

 

Tale of two singers

The papers are full this morning of the death of Michel Delpech, who was one of the country's favourite "chanson" practitioners - that style of song that is so typically French. In the 70's Delpech led a "hippy" lifestyle, moving to the country and promoting alternative values through a string of hits. president Hollande today says that Delpech incarnated the spirit of the 70's. He died from cancer aged 69.
In a poll to find France's favourite personality, singer Jean-Jacques Goldman was top for the 6th time in the twice yearly poll. The list is dominated by showbiz personalities, with Simone Veil being the highest politician and woman, at No 2. We sang one of Goldman's songs last year in Becky Brown's Voices choir - I  thought it had a good tune but trite lyrics, typical of so many "chansons".
Sadly, Delpech did not figure in the top 50.
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Nous sommes le dimanche trois janvier / it went ahead

A bit damp again, so the football match between a Verfeil  football team and the Sudanese and Kurds will probably have to be postponed. The ground will be slippy and the football organiser thinks for our boys not having football boots and only one pair of decent trainers it might be dangerous. Malc  had promised he would go to support ( decked out in his Boro' football scarf and hat)
I am picking 4 boys up to go to the market in St.Antonin, as is Sarah Brown. They love the market visits the boys.
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Ideas for transport to Paris

Hi Val

I’m sure you’ve been inundated with suggestions for saving money on future
trips to Paris. e.g. ouibus, megabus, flixbus:

http://www.kelbillet.com/recherche/recherche-billet.php?depart=Paris&arr
ivee=Toulouse&date_aller=03%2F01%2F2016&date_retour=&ville_depar
t_id=26687&ville_arrivee_id=24314

Not sure why a Toulouse departure should be a major stumbling block - the
train goes directly there from Lexos. Lots of our helpers (mostly
inexperienced teenage travellers) travelled here that way to save money with
few problems encountered.
With love
L xXx
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Asylum seekers

Hi Val

I'm sure it's not deliberate, but to send asylum seekers to accommodation this far south - the Réhoboth is only 100 miles from the Spanish border, as the crow flies - in the full knowledge that they'll then struggle to attend essential interviews in Paris quite soon after, smacks of some sort of terribly unreasonable trial by ordeal.  It's as if the system is set up to be difficult, to discourage the feeblest percentage, who will disappear from the process and try their luck elsewhere.  

My new year's wish is that the lads at the Rehoboth don't get unduly put off by this, that they do develop a genuine desire to learn French and settle here, and that if anyone drops out it will be others, less determined, lodging elsewhere, who don't make the grade because the going became too tough.  What an awful world we live in, where achieving ongoing shelter and nourishment becomes an official obstacle course, and gaining a degree of safety comes only through competition! 

Happy New Year.

xC   
Val says having spoken to others who help refugees around France, our centre is in a new situation just developing. In the past refugees go into an official CADA / a welcome centre and they would get their transport costs to get papers, but because we are an unofficial CADA, no provision has yet been made for reimbursing journeys. It is all a mad situation, I agree sending refugees miles away from Paris and then expecting them to go back at their own cost for an hour meeting, how daft is that?
I do not think it is a deliberate act, as I did not think the catering company sending in  pork dishes for a week was a deliberate act.
I am sure everyone is as keen as the benevoles to get the boys with their asylum papers
 ( am I sure? )

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Best little dog imaginable

Hi Val and Malc

 Lilou came to us via a roundabout route - rescued from a homeless man sitting sodden in the rain in Paris with her as a tiny puppy, via a foster home near St Sabine & finally to us courtesy of Tag. I think we can honestly say she is a success... best little dog imaginable. 
Thank you Val
Laura and Sid
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OuiBus, heard of that?

Hi Val,

A cheaper method of travel to Paris for the boys would be OuiBus http://bus.voyages-sncf.com/ but unfortunately, it doesn't seem to stop at either Montauban or Cahors so they would either have to get down to Toulouse or up to Brive to pick it up.  Tickets generally around 19 euros each way..... just a thought.
C x
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Does seem bizarre!

Hi Val and Malc

Happy New Year to you both.

I'm sure I'm not the only one thinking this.  Why Paris? You didn't answer the question in your post -  why Paris and not Toulouse.  Surely as these young men are under the guidance of Montauban there should be arrangements in place there for the paperwork?  Seems a lot of effort, and I'm sure, some concern on their part to have to trek up to Paris, not to mention the costs.

I hope it all works out for their journeys & good luck with the French paperwork!!

Karen

Hi Val and Malcolm

Good to see some happy boys up there!
I was wondering why it isnt possible to hire a mini-van for the guys to go to Paris to process their papers?
Surely they didnt spend all the money we raised at the theatre, on shoes?
Or, perhaps the St A Mairie has access to one ?
All best
Anne

Val says you are right Karen and Anne, it is just madness. Why not Toulouse we ask? But ours not to reason why, it is important each young man keeps his appointment. Great discussions about the rights and wrongs of this on a site "France and beyond " but apparently other people have found themselves in the same situation. Helpers at Bezier had to fund a couple to go and it cost them 500 euros!

Saying this is France as an explanation just does not seem enough. We will make sure all receipts are kept and we will try to get it refunded. We will also try looking at cheaper ways it can be done. Tomorrow I am paying 191 euros for one train fare, accommodation overnight will be provided by a second homer in St. Antonin, who spends the winter at their home in Paris.

To Anne, mini bus no good as they all have different times which we only find out about a couple of days before.
On the money front we have now just under 1,000 euros left but that will soon go.
The money raised from the theatre 750 euros was used to buy  well fitting shoes ,trousers and t shirts for each one, able to spend 45 euros each.

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Just love having my hand smacked.

Such a wonderful New Year's Eve I wanted to share the post, foolishly (or was it) I posted it on a facebook site called  "La Vie En France"
The manager of that site has just contacted me to ask why after he has warned me before not to mention refugees, I have done it yet again.
Hey! come on,  what a question, do these guys not exist in France," life in France" the site is called!! Surely the refugees in Calais or here in St. Antonin must be worth a teeny weeny mention, and they certainly are part of our life.
Apparently not, the site prefers pictures of wine bottles, pretty photos and very little else.
It was with pleasure I could say to "the sniffling git" perhaps it is time to remove me from your subscribers list. I did wish him Happy New Year.
Do you know my language has gone rapidly down hill recently and I cannot blame Malc!
Oh! by the way I know here you are getting more than your fair  share of refugees, but that is our life at the moment.
Malc reading the post asked should it not be "snivelling git?" I am sticking with sniffling!
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Concerning Aladin/ copy and share with all your friends

A solution has been found for getting the young men to Paris to have their very important interviews and get their papers. Aladin has to go tomorrow by train, someone will take him to Montauban, someone will meet him in Paris and take him to the Prefecture and then he can stay with some second homers in Paris overnight. They will then take him to the station and someone will pick him up in Montauban. Co -voiture on Blah, blah car was not possible and the cost on the train is 109 euros which from all our donations we can pay. If however we have to do this for 17 young men we will soon run out of funds. We have heard Malik is due to go Wednesday.
We have had cheques arriving often from French and English readers  but we need to keep up the fund raising. I know these journeys are essential but I was hoping to give the lads 10 euros each so they could use it on their phones to contact family. Mateen showed me his empty dead phone yesterday and I was tempted to slip him 10 euros, but then stopped myself as all the others need it as well.
It must be awful having absolutely no money in your pocket and  relying on hand outs, if and when they come.
Please keep it coming. We have so much and they so little.
Valerie Johnstone
Mas del Sol
Varen
82330
For all those who have sent cheques including second homers in the UK and French readers from Paris our heartfelt thanks.
Malc keeps the accounts which are checked by Florence and Anais.( I would tell you Malc is a former Inspector of Taxes, but that might affect donations!!)
How would they manage to do all this without help? The answer is many do not manage, without money and language skills they slip into the world of " sans papiers"
Which is not going to happen to our 17
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New grocery store with old idea

Pic France 3 TV

When we were very young before supermarkets with their plastic bags and excessive packaging, shops often had boxes and bins of loose produce. Ahead of the next ban on plastic bags in shops due in April a new grocery shop in Castres has decided to go back to the future. Goods will be sold by weight from jars and boxes, with paper bags or "bring your own" containers. Of course this idea is well used on the markets and we re-use the plastic bags as "pooper scoopers", so don't fancy using paper bags for that.....
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The local photographer is Bruno Bengamra

Once again there is Alan and Val's house with the blue shutters. This is just a fabulous photo of our beautiful St. Antonin. OK so I know we live in Varen but we love the whole area.
Thank you Bruno Bengamra for lettimg me share this with our readers.
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Damp squid

Or should it be damp squib? Apparently that is one of the commonest mistakes in the use of English language and since one would expect the aquatic creature to be damp it presumably refers to the firework. Squid or squib, the refusal to allow fireworks at Rehoboth on New Year's Eve seems to have been contrary to the prefecture's decision. The Tarn had an official ban on the sale and use of fireworks (and it is the explosive types that are particularly of concern), but neighbouring Aveyron and Tarn and Garonne had no such ban. Explosions in crowded town centres may well have provoked panic - even though crowds would have been aware that they were likely - but surely in private gardens, especially in rural areas, the ban was just a damp squib (or squid!).
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Pretty quiet in SW France in January

If you know of anything happening in the area in January please let us know about it, so we can pass it on.
Many people go away this month but there must still be things happening.
Monday is ofcourse the book and DVD swap and as well as some super books we have more DVD's than normal. We have been through all the DVD's sent for the refugees and sorted some more bags out for the swap.
Spiced Cuisine will also be coming.
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Nous sommes le samedi deux janvier

A damp misty morning, not at all what we are used to. Just looked out over to the donkey field as we have not heard any noise yet from there. Two heads are poking of the hut, sensible girls are keeping warm and dry.
Are you all still partying? I feel we are living in a parallel universe with our normal life on hold, as we scoot backwards and forwards to Rehoboth. A big advance for us this week is the centre is going to get access to a mini bus. What a help that will be, arranging rotas just to get 17 young people about is not easy for Anais the animatrice or for us the drivers.
We are not complaining, as we can see the effect all our care is having on the young men.
By the middle of the year they will be able to find their own accommodation, start studying, start working and begin their lives again.
We will so pleased when simply by me writing TAG and involving the troops we have been in a position to back up Florence and help someone in need.
Definitely the TAG ethos.
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They certainly know how to bowl maidens over

Sadly not many maidens about but the cricket was good.
Andy Ilsley organised the match and Malc was umpire.
Good game, good game but it has to be noted the Pakinstani's were unbeatable.
Not a French man in sight for the match although towards the end of the afternoon some were playing football.
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House sitting in a beautiful place

Hi Val,

Sorry to see you so briefly this afternoon, I was in a flap - nothing like a last minute let down....I hope the mosque run went ok. The boys were certainly enjoying their cricket & football... great idea, the wind up there was so cold though...

Anyway, due to a last minute let down by someone we need clean, reliable, non smoking housesitters for 6 weeks, we are flexible with dates but would like to be away by the 14th January (or earlier if possible...) we have 2 cats, chickens & some pigeons, it's just a case of feeding everyone & shutting the chickens in at night. Phone /internet, water & electricity included but we would appreciate payment for wood used for the heating (approx e25 per week depending on the amount used).

We are 6kms out of St Antonin in the direction of Septfonds. If you are interested please email us Sid & Laura at  green.havard@gmail.com

Walking around with hangovers!

Don't you just hate a clever dick! Whilst you have been sporting dark glasses and headaches, Malc and I are in fine fettle with working livers.
We were both needed for a car run with other car driving volunteers to take the lads to the mosque at Caussade. There we met a  French man from near Montauban who had also taken two refugees. He introduced himself  whilst  we waited, having a coffee. It works out that he actually is a" famille d' acceuil" for refugees and has done it for 17 years, and yes he told us there have always been refugees.
What an amazing selfless man. We took his telephone number and he suggested if we needed to ask anything if he could help he would.
This year our life has really been a turn up for the books, so many caring people in the world and we keep meeting them.
On another note I am not sure who could help us on this one.
Monday one of the lads has to go to Paris to continue with his papers( why Paris and not Toulouse we ask?) Unfortunately all the boys in the next 3 weeks will need to go. We are hoping to get them to go in batches but  Monday one has got the call.
The boys have no money yet from the state but fortunately from your donations we will be able to fund this important journey. ( what do others do who are not so fortunate?)  Then French friends in Paris will met the boy and later boys and  put people up for the night. Then drive home the next day.
Over the next couple of weeks this will be happening.. now this is a big ask, but I have done big asks before and pulled it off.
There will be no cost involved for the two day journey.
Initially one boy will be taken/ driven to Paris, someone French will take him to the Prefecture, someone will put you up. The next day you will drive back, hopefully with one happy  French boy.
Is there anyone on Monday who could do this? Is there anyone who could do it in the next couple of weeks. As I say, no cost to you.
OR alternatively go on the train with the boy, same thing met by French, stay with French, home the next day
What do you think, if you need to know more contact me asap for more details
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Some of the stars of the evening

Kerwan and Ayla enjoying the multi cultural event. Ayla the youngster of our  French friends Julia and Johan. Kerwan just loves children and he is the life and soul of ... well anything that happens.
He is the lad I persuaded not to go back to Calais and ever since I get hugs for his " Mamy Val"
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2016 enters with a love of humanity amongst us

A mixture of photos taken by Malc and Gareth, a night for us all to remember.
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Florence of Arc

Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake but to our Florence that will never happen.( even though it looks as if this was happening here)
Florence who took it upon herself as a councillor to organise to help the refugees of St. Antonin.
Without Florence setting the ball rolling when hearing that Johan at the Evangelical centre would accept refugees none of this would be happening. Then Anais the animatrice working her socks off and us the happy band of caring volunteers. We do not finish there because over the few weeks since we heard the boys were coming, we all have raised  more than 1,750 euros. We have been given clothes, shoes, laptops, computers, bikes, dictionaries. 
Our 17 have suffered but  now they are grateful to us all and wish everyone one of you a Happy and Peaceful New Year and give you their thanks.
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Some of Gareth's photos

A night filled with laughter, caught by Gareth Brown on camera.
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The first photo in for 2016

Alaaldein, Rana, Laura  and Rachel at the start of the evening. What a night we had.
Gareth Brown photographer was there snapping away so expect some great photos coming up.
The boys were snapping with their cameras all evening so I am sure there will be loads for their friends and family on facebook.
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The happiest New Year of our lives

Last night proved you do not need alcohol to make you happy. Everyone who came up to Rehoboth had the time of their lives with love and joy over bounding.
The helpers French and English have a camaraderie of working together to help these young men. The young men are so grateful to be here, happy and safe.
There was an auberge espagnol and Charlotte and her daughters helped the boys prepare a meal that made our table of quiches, pizza etc left mainly untouched as everyone dived into to the hot delicious food. Furniture was pushed back for dancing and at 11pm we all put on coats and went to dance and sing in a circle round the bonfire.
A memorably night for us all and for the lads a great welcome to their new country France.
The first photos sent to me are of two the boys making the meal
Happy New Year to all readers and if you have donated in any way this happy evening was helped to be created by you, if you were there or not.
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