Afternoon Val
It was good to see you the other day when we brought our books, I hope that you're feeling much better. As you may remember we're returning to the UK at the end of March so I have things that I want to advertise, I've put a cheque in the post to you (Honest!) and I'll take some pictures and get them off to you. However I've got lots of smallish things that, if I were in England I'd take to a charity shop, I've got lots of good curtains, light fittings/ lamps and small pictures that I'd be happy to give away for maybe a donation to one of your charities. All this preamble is leading up to asking about a charity shop in St Antonin which I have a recollection of you mentioning some time ago, could you let me have the details again or suggest where I might donate things, I can't take them to the dechetterie that's just plain wrong in all sorts of ways.
I'll try to get the photos to you tomorrow when you might have got my cheque. Thanks
Jennifer Sopwith
Hi Jennifer for the curtains and lamps we are hoping to set up flats round about for some of the refugees who have asylum. One which has nothing we need to totally furnish so soon we will be looking for beds and curtains etc. We have bedding
Also for little bits and pieces there is a new charity shop opening in Parisot soon.
If you want to bring things to usI can decide what we can use and pass on the rest.
Tuesday, 23 February 2016
Protect the children
Dear Val,
Hi Val
You, and some of your readers, may be interested in this petition.
https://home.38degrees.org.uk/2016/02/19/open-letter-to-david-cameron-protect-the-children-of-calais/
A different but related suggestion.
Have you thought about getting clothes, shoes etc for you boys from the Friperie in Vaour. Of course you have to take pot luck, especially with men's clothes, and you may object to buying them second hand items (although I regularly wear a shirt I bought at the "Frip") but the quality is usually very good and items are very cheap. All profits go to "Familles Rurales". The Frip is usually open on Thursday morning (market day).
Best wishes
Robert
Dr R D Peacock
Val says thank you Robert I will sign and the friperie is a good thought, nothing against second hand clothes, some of my favourite items are second hand.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Hi Val
You, and some of your readers, may be interested in this petition.
https://home.38degrees.org.uk/2016/02/19/open-letter-to-david-cameron-protect-the-children-of-calais/
A different but related suggestion.
Have you thought about getting clothes, shoes etc for you boys from the Friperie in Vaour. Of course you have to take pot luck, especially with men's clothes, and you may object to buying them second hand items (although I regularly wear a shirt I bought at the "Frip") but the quality is usually very good and items are very cheap. All profits go to "Familles Rurales". The Frip is usually open on Thursday morning (market day).
Best wishes
Robert
Dr R D Peacock
Val says thank you Robert I will sign and the friperie is a good thought, nothing against second hand clothes, some of my favourite items are second hand.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Let us save two young horses from any abattoir.
Two young horses, sisters, absolutely nothing wrong with them, only 4 years old destined for the abattoir with out our help. The Owner no longer wants them and can get 350 euros each from the abattoir. A good home has been found for them all we need to do amongst horse lovers is raise the money.
One does not feel too bad an old horse going to be meat but at 4 years old with a home waiting it is a shame.
I know we can put in 50 euros and if other horse lovers could do the same we could soon do it.
I think the money could be paid to the dog association which is trying to save them truffe and moustache, but once you have made your pledge I will get back to you. More info as it comes in
Contact Val taglines82@gmail.com
merci Val!! non pas de photos, ils sont chez un vieux paysan! une dame de l'ariège est prête a les adopter, à venir les chercher mais il y a beaucoup de frais! Les juments "serviront" à nettoyer les chemins de randonnées, c'est mieux que d'être a l'abattoir!
We have between Kathy and I, 200 euros pledged so far now 300 I think we can save these horses.
Cheques please to
Des truffes et des Moustaches
40 Chemin de Santou
82140
St. Antonin Noble Val
Please let me know you are donating so we know how we are doing.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
One does not feel too bad an old horse going to be meat but at 4 years old with a home waiting it is a shame.
I know we can put in 50 euros and if other horse lovers could do the same we could soon do it.
I think the money could be paid to the dog association which is trying to save them truffe and moustache, but once you have made your pledge I will get back to you. More info as it comes in
Contact Val taglines82@gmail.com
merci Val!! non pas de photos, ils sont chez un vieux paysan! une dame de l'ariège est prête a les adopter, à venir les chercher mais il y a beaucoup de frais! Les juments "serviront" à nettoyer les chemins de randonnées, c'est mieux que d'être a l'abattoir!
We have between Kathy and I, 200 euros pledged so far now 300 I think we can save these horses.
Cheques please to
Des truffes et des Moustaches
40 Chemin de Santou
82140
St. Antonin Noble Val
Please let me know you are donating so we know how we are doing.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Watch and then sign the petition
This is a video taken in an abbatoir in the Aude, truly disgusting. It was in the Depeche and it would appear everyone is trying to get it closed, there is a petiton to sign.
http://www.l214.com/pages/2015/abattoir-made-in-france/
http://www.l214.com/pages/2015/abattoir-made-in-france/
We are all worried about the young children on their own
CALAIS CAMP - TOTAL NUMBER OF RESIDENTS CONFIRMED (FOR FIRST TIME)
When the French Government announced on Friday 12th February that they would be clearing the Southern section of the Calais camp, they estimated this would involve the relocation of approximately 800-1000 residents to the containers or alternative centres of accommodation in approx 100 locations around France.
Our teams on the ground felt these numbers wildly underestimated the true population of the camp, and concerned that many would be evicted from their homes in the midst of winter, without sufficient alternative accommodation on offer, Help Refugees and L'Auberge Des Migrants began a thorough and methodical census of the entire camp.
We can now reveal total numbers of residents in the non-government run areas of the Calais camp for the first time.
Our census shows:
5497 Total Residents
182 Family Units
205 Women
651 Children of which 423 are unaccompanied.
The French have stated that once the Southern section of the camp is cleared (3455 residents), they will begin on the North section (2042 residents - including 137 Syrian households).
Our census did not include government run facilities including Jules Ferry (for women and children) and the shipping containers which hold 1500 and have only 300 spaces left.
Our concerns remain with welfare of the unaccompanied minors.
We have had no assurances from the French authorities that they will conduct assessments to determine best interests of these children and ensure proper safeguarding is in place before removing them from the camp and the communities they know and trust.
We urge them to delay the demolition of the southern section of the camp until these needs are met.
Tomorrow afternoon our concerns will be heard at the court in Lille. We will keep you updated on events throughout the day.
When the French Government announced on Friday 12th February that they would be clearing the Southern section of the Calais camp, they estimated this would involve the relocation of approximately 800-1000 residents to the containers or alternative centres of accommodation in approx 100 locations around France.
Our teams on the ground felt these numbers wildly underestimated the true population of the camp, and concerned that many would be evicted from their homes in the midst of winter, without sufficient alternative accommodation on offer, Help Refugees and L'Auberge Des Migrants began a thorough and methodical census of the entire camp.
We can now reveal total numbers of residents in the non-government run areas of the Calais camp for the first time.
Our census shows:
5497 Total Residents
182 Family Units
205 Women
651 Children of which 423 are unaccompanied.
The French have stated that once the Southern section of the camp is cleared (3455 residents), they will begin on the North section (2042 residents - including 137 Syrian households).
Our census did not include government run facilities including Jules Ferry (for women and children) and the shipping containers which hold 1500 and have only 300 spaces left.
Our concerns remain with welfare of the unaccompanied minors.
We have had no assurances from the French authorities that they will conduct assessments to determine best interests of these children and ensure proper safeguarding is in place before removing them from the camp and the communities they know and trust.
We urge them to delay the demolition of the southern section of the camp until these needs are met.
Tomorrow afternoon our concerns will be heard at the court in Lille. We will keep you updated on events throughout the day.
One reader's opinion on Brexit
My opinion.
We have been concerned about this ever since the crafty and Europhobic Nigel Farage started ranting and via his UKIP creation pushed Cameron (who at the time was more than a little concerned for the election success or otherwise of his party) into calling a Referendum (‘before the end of 2017’ but now set to be 23rd June this year). Farage of course has succeeded in splitting the Tory Party down the middle, all the while collecting millions of €uros in expenses from Brussels where he and his cronies hardly ever appear.
The very last thing that the average UK citizen thinks about (including many with homes here who, incredibly, are ‘against the EU’) is conflict. Putin of course, is sitting on the sidelines bombing hell out of Syria and pushing more and more refugees to our shores and thus causing an accleration of the problem. Following a break up of the EU, he will be more than ready to take direct advantage.
What many think is pretty well what Murdoch Press and ragbag of tabloids tell them to think, which is – that Europe costs them a fortune ( they actually receive more than they put in directly and indirectly – British Universities alone receive 19€billion annually – highest grant in the EU ), that ‘the French’ don’t like them’, that everything is the fault of Brussels and more. Most voters have little actual statistical knowledge where Brussels is concerned and few if any vote in EU elections or could name their MEP. To drive a car one needs a licence but to vote....................
But can he play football?
Hi Val – again !
I shouldn’t be sitting here I should be up and out but thought this would make you smile. A lovely, lovely couple are adopting Bobby the Beauceron mix and I asked them for their full details for the identification card. Bobby was to be in the lady’s name but it was then decided to be put in her partner’s name, they just could not give up the chance of having a dog called Bobby Robson !
Ok, now I’m ‘outta here’ !
Sue Poorpaws
xx
Nous sommes le mardi vingt trois fevrier
Raining this morning, Malc who fed the donkeys says it is not cold.
I am having a day keeping warm trying to clear up my cold.
The boys have a lovely day planned shopping in Albi, a visit to Lacaune in the Tarn to meet 29 refugees who have just been placed in the area
You will have heard about half of the camps at Calais being dismantled, the hope being that refugees will decide to take out asylum in France rather than trying to get to the UK. The sad thing about this is a third of the refugees are minors on their own, they really need to be offered a safe place and one worries about their safety. Quite a lot of film stars and actors have been in the jungle campaigning to get the government to make their safety a priority.
It was interesting when our 15 year old granddaughter was here she immediately connected with the youngest boy from Sudan, just 18. He left what family he had left, and his country and set off on the journey here, all alone. At age15 from a priviliged background our Sharki found it hard to imagine her doing that in another years time. She now wants updates on his progress with asylum, he is being interviewed in Paris this morning.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
I am having a day keeping warm trying to clear up my cold.
The boys have a lovely day planned shopping in Albi, a visit to Lacaune in the Tarn to meet 29 refugees who have just been placed in the area
You will have heard about half of the camps at Calais being dismantled, the hope being that refugees will decide to take out asylum in France rather than trying to get to the UK. The sad thing about this is a third of the refugees are minors on their own, they really need to be offered a safe place and one worries about their safety. Quite a lot of film stars and actors have been in the jungle campaigning to get the government to make their safety a priority.
It was interesting when our 15 year old granddaughter was here she immediately connected with the youngest boy from Sudan, just 18. He left what family he had left, and his country and set off on the journey here, all alone. At age15 from a priviliged background our Sharki found it hard to imagine her doing that in another years time. She now wants updates on his progress with asylum, he is being interviewed in Paris this morning.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Monday, 22 February 2016
Why cannot we all treat each other with respect and love?
I have had a terrible cold leaving me with a cough, but Alaaldein has sent a message tonight saying
" I love you Mama Val"
I replied " I love you too and I am your mamy in France"
His reply, " you are mamy to us all"
Then he sent "we love you more mamy"
Now If that does not make one feel better.
I cannot think of anything nicer.
Love you all boys.
x
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
" I love you Mama Val"
I replied " I love you too and I am your mamy in France"
His reply, " you are mamy to us all"
Then he sent "we love you more mamy"
Now If that does not make one feel better.
I cannot think of anything nicer.
Love you all boys.
x
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
We know nothing about mobile phones
Anyone know where we can get an expensive mobile phone repaired.
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
If I could help you all I would.
Dear Val,
( you need to read an earlier post to understand this)
( you need to read an earlier post to understand this)
Sid is after a used Mazerrati to replace his old van, it still works but we feel with all the help you are giving to our friends from outside the EU that we also deserve some assistance, our politics are the same as yours & we feel hurt & upset that we cannot have what we want just because we're not fleeing terror, life just somehow doesn't seem fair. We would like to attend the bookswap again but only if you're forthcoming with a suitable vehicle.
Yours spoilt & stupid living on the Causse xxx
Laure says
Honestly, I don't see why we should choose between helping the refugees and local people in need, or indeed anyone in need anywhere on the planet. I have been perfectly comfortable doing both in the last few months, depending on what I feel is fair whenever confronted to a need. However, I do understand local people who feel it's unfair to help "only" the refugees, but I'm sure a lot of "bonnes âmes" do both, as they do for example at the Croix Rouge or the Secours Catholique.
Also there are many ways to help : money, of course, but also time, attention, physical or technical help and of course, a simple smile... All manifestations of love I'm sure...
Laure says
Honestly, I don't see why we should choose between helping the refugees and local people in need, or indeed anyone in need anywhere on the planet. I have been perfectly comfortable doing both in the last few months, depending on what I feel is fair whenever confronted to a need. However, I do understand local people who feel it's unfair to help "only" the refugees, but I'm sure a lot of "bonnes âmes" do both, as they do for example at the Croix Rouge or the Secours Catholique.
Also there are many ways to help : money, of course, but also time, attention, physical or technical help and of course, a simple smile... All manifestations of love I'm sure...
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
FET the AGM
Dear Members
This is to inform you that the AGM of the Association of Friends of English Theatre at Le Colombier will be held on Tuesday the 22nd March 2016 at 14h in the bar of the Theatre Le Colombier, Rue des Tanneries, 81170 Les Cabannes
If you are unable to attend the AGM we would be grateful if you could let us know in writing (by email if possible) by 15th March 2016
AGENDA
Annual General Meeting of the Association ‘Friends of English Theatre’
Tuesday 22nd March 2016 at 14h
In the bar of Theatre Le Colombier, 81170 Les Cabannes
Do they grow on trees?
Val:
I have hesitated writing to you for quite awhile now...mainly because I have felt angry and confused as to why my request to you several months ago to solicit a used laptop on your blog was never taken seriously. After seeing several laptops refurbished and fixed up by Andrew (who I have used and paid in the past for jobs...when I had the money, and referred to several other people) and given to the refugees...what I feel now is sadness...and I wonder why I am not considered as worthy. I read your blog all the time and I commend the help that is being given to them and I wish them all well but, as I said in my first letter to you, there ARE people in your own backyard who are in dire need, too.
\
I know you don't know me very well and I know you can't solve everyone's problems....I can only conclude that the reason is that we don't share the same political views...even though I have said over and over that I am not anti-immigration...just a a better system...
I've written this now because I would like to continue attending the bookswap occasionally and I didn't want to see you there and exhibit any negative energy...
...and now I've let you know my feelings, I can let it go and hope you accept this letter positively.
Carolyn Byrne
PS: FYI, I have noticed on ebay that there are used laptops anywhere from 80 pounds to 200 pounds.....unfortunately, even at that price, I can't afford them but perhaps it might be answer for you
Val says Oh! dear. If I could only help the world. You surely do not think I am not helping because of politics.
As I understand it you need a better computer to carry on your small business of buying and selling on ebay which brings in a bit of income for you. You have a very small flat overlooking Cordes.I am sympathetic Caroline but on the scale of what these young people have suffered, you just do not seem to understand.
The young men who literally have nothing but the donated clothes they are wearing have I admit taken up a lot of my time.
I hope you can come to the book swap and not exhibit negative energy... I just cannot help everyone.
Not sure where you think I am going to get 80 to 200 pounds to buy a laptop on ebay
If anyone feels that they can help Carolyn whatever their political persuasion please contact me for her email address.
Sam says
Are there any state subsidies Carolyn could apply for? Depending on her circumstances In the UK she might be entitled to housing benefit and/ or small business grants. Do similar things exist in France?
Sam says
Are there any state subsidies Carolyn could apply for? Depending on her circumstances In the UK she might be entitled to housing benefit and/ or small business grants. Do similar things exist in France?
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
One more laptop, please
Honestly I hate asking for things all the time, but having had numerous pleas from one of the boys for a laptop I thought I had to try once more.
We can have your old laptop cleaned of all your information and up dated. So if you have a laptop lurking anywhere please contact me.
It would be going to a good home.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
We can have your old laptop cleaned of all your information and up dated. So if you have a laptop lurking anywhere please contact me.
It would be going to a good home.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
This young man knows how to cook
A lot of our perceptions being altered about the young men from unsafe areas around the world who are now taking out asylum in France.
I was asked to make sure the men learnt our Western ways quickly, women were not slaves here, we did not cook and look after our men, that was not our role.( sorry men, it is the truth)
As far as we can see all the men from different countries cook. They love cooking and even the truck drivers, gardeners, students all like to cook.
They also love children, they unselfconsciously pick up children and talk to them. The youngsters who go up to Rehoboth love them. I cannot get over how different they are to western men in their love of children.
Conversely the thirteen that are Muslims do not like dogs. They say they are not afraid but do not want the dogs who are dirty to touch them. It seemed so odd I looked up the Koran to find dogs are dirty and black dogs could be the devil in disguise. I do not think we will ever get them cuddling the dogs.
I loved the friend's comment " have you discussed female genital mutulation with the Sudanese boys, it is very important"
I can honestly say with a smile this topic with young men who barely speak English, never mind French has ever been raised.
Gently, gently we discuss roles in society. They are generally shocked at our permissiveness allowing births outside marriage. It would be disgraceful in their country if this happened, this seems to apply most to the Sudanese.
Bit by bit they are learning our ways and seem happy to fit in.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
I was asked to make sure the men learnt our Western ways quickly, women were not slaves here, we did not cook and look after our men, that was not our role.( sorry men, it is the truth)
As far as we can see all the men from different countries cook. They love cooking and even the truck drivers, gardeners, students all like to cook.
They also love children, they unselfconsciously pick up children and talk to them. The youngsters who go up to Rehoboth love them. I cannot get over how different they are to western men in their love of children.
Conversely the thirteen that are Muslims do not like dogs. They say they are not afraid but do not want the dogs who are dirty to touch them. It seemed so odd I looked up the Koran to find dogs are dirty and black dogs could be the devil in disguise. I do not think we will ever get them cuddling the dogs.
I loved the friend's comment " have you discussed female genital mutulation with the Sudanese boys, it is very important"
I can honestly say with a smile this topic with young men who barely speak English, never mind French has ever been raised.
Gently, gently we discuss roles in society. They are generally shocked at our permissiveness allowing births outside marriage. It would be disgraceful in their country if this happened, this seems to apply most to the Sudanese.
Bit by bit they are learning our ways and seem happy to fit in.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Thank you
Dear Val,
It was so lovely to finally meet you and Malcolm face to face yesterday. What a lovely pretty drive we had to your place, ideal for a sunny Sunday afternoon. I had a cursory look at the books when we unloaded them and they look really good sellable ones – not a ‘Tax Laws of 1982’ to be seen.... so far ! Please can you, through Tag, thank everyone who donated, we are very grateful and if anyone is brave enough to cross the border in to the Lot we will be delighted to see them at the St. Pantaleon Salle des Fetes on Easter Saturday from 10am to 3.30pm., where they can buy a load back !!!
Love,
Sue x
Val says Well done to everyone who donated books to Poorpaws for their big sale at Easter. The profits going to rehoming dogs and cancer research.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
100 years ago
The Great War was at its bloodiest in 1916. Later in the year we will remember the Battle of the Somme, so bloody for British troops and this week France (and Germany) are remembering the Battle of Verdun. The 21st February saw the first shots in a battle for territory close to the German border which lasted 300 days. Over 700000 casualties were taken, more or less equal numbers on both sides. A memorial building at Douaumont has been refurbished and re-opens today. Francois Hollande and Angela Merkel will attend a service there on May 29th.
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Nous sommes le lundi vingt deux fevrier
A mist in the valley morning. We have the heating turned off ready for the plumber arriving to fit the bathroom, but it is so mild we are not missing it.
Yesterday was it was 16 in the shade here, but a friend said it was 19.
Enjoy your walks and your gardening, the weather is perfect.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Yesterday was it was 16 in the shade here, but a friend said it was 19.
Enjoy your walks and your gardening, the weather is perfect.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Why kill a falcon?
Hi Val,
We were having a lovely time out for a joyride in the direction of Les Abriols (between Vaour & Bruniquel) this afternoon when we came across a very large contingent of the cretins who call themselves the chasse, We were coming up a lane in quite a deep valley when we heard 2 shots from the hillside above & saw a falcon fall out of the sky, there were 2 French ladies in their garden who also witnessed this in horror, they advised us to hole up in their driveway until the chasse had left the area but we didn't have all afternoon to hang about. When Sid & I arrived at the head of the valley I stopped & asked one of the chasseurs what on earth they thought they were up too, Why shoot a falcon? I got a derisory laugh in reply. We descended in the direction of Bruniquel through a phalanx of chasseurs all the way. At the mouths of two footpaths we saw hikers emerge looking shocked, worried & obviously wondering how to escape, cyclists likewise. A sunny Sunday in France, how on earth it can be deemed acceptable to have large numbers of trigger happy lunatics out amongst the general public whom were present & attempting to enjoy the countryside whilst putting their lives at risk I cannot imagine & they talk about terrorists! Another black mark where I'm coming from.
Laura
Val says, respect the countryside. That is so mindless, a falcon does not affect the chase in anyway. This needs reporting to the head of the chasse in that area. Are they protected ?
It probably had a mate and was checking out nesting sites. They tell us that the chasse have training!! well this bunch did not.
Laura replies
Hi Val, it was a huge chasse, approx 60 that we could see & more hidden down the hill i'm sure, it was up by the restaurant les chenes near Les Abriols, there were big signs along the lines of grande chasse de gibiers( I think) & they ran into the next chasse that had signs up for sangliers. Yes, we know the peregrines are protected, we were so furious & all we got was the shrug & a laugh & the suggestion that we went & spoke to the person responsible which we obviously couldn't do as we didn't know who it was, the birds mate was left circling solo.... unbelievable.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
We were having a lovely time out for a joyride in the direction of Les Abriols (between Vaour & Bruniquel) this afternoon when we came across a very large contingent of the cretins who call themselves the chasse, We were coming up a lane in quite a deep valley when we heard 2 shots from the hillside above & saw a falcon fall out of the sky, there were 2 French ladies in their garden who also witnessed this in horror, they advised us to hole up in their driveway until the chasse had left the area but we didn't have all afternoon to hang about. When Sid & I arrived at the head of the valley I stopped & asked one of the chasseurs what on earth they thought they were up too, Why shoot a falcon? I got a derisory laugh in reply. We descended in the direction of Bruniquel through a phalanx of chasseurs all the way. At the mouths of two footpaths we saw hikers emerge looking shocked, worried & obviously wondering how to escape, cyclists likewise. A sunny Sunday in France, how on earth it can be deemed acceptable to have large numbers of trigger happy lunatics out amongst the general public whom were present & attempting to enjoy the countryside whilst putting their lives at risk I cannot imagine & they talk about terrorists! Another black mark where I'm coming from.
Laura
Val says, respect the countryside. That is so mindless, a falcon does not affect the chase in anyway. This needs reporting to the head of the chasse in that area. Are they protected ?
It probably had a mate and was checking out nesting sites. They tell us that the chasse have training!! well this bunch did not.
Laura replies
Hi Val, it was a huge chasse, approx 60 that we could see & more hidden down the hill i'm sure, it was up by the restaurant les chenes near Les Abriols, there were big signs along the lines of grande chasse de gibiers( I think) & they ran into the next chasse that had signs up for sangliers. Yes, we know the peregrines are protected, we were so furious & all we got was the shrug & a laugh & the suggestion that we went & spoke to the person responsible which we obviously couldn't do as we didn't know who it was, the birds mate was left circling solo.... unbelievable.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)