FREE Monthly
THE HAT
SEPTEMBER 2014
THE HERAULT AND AUDE TIMES
ISSN: 2273-2748
THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE MAGAZINE www.theheraultandaudetimes.com
The HAT September 2014.indd 1
1
01/09/2014 04:22:28
EDITORIAL THE HAT SEPTEMBER
S
mality.
eptember. A month that offers a slight drop in temperature, a lessoning of traffic and the autumnal promise of strikes, all which give that comforting feeling that life is returning to nor-
Just as many of our native birds begin to dust down their suitcases ready for their annual trip abroad, a far rarer species arrives at The HAT.
J
erome is the new ‘go to guy’. A man for all seasons and available across all of the Languedoc. We hope you welcome him as kindly as you welcomed us. What we can tell you is that he is available for weddings, bar
mitzvahs and all HAT enquiries.
I
n this issue, new columnists Nick Barrett writes about Lucid Dreaming and photographer and World Photo Adventure founder Wilf James shares his insights and advice on how to take better photographs and how to store and improve those already taken; we have recipes from Caroline Conran’s award winning cookbook ‘Sud de France: The food and cooking of the Languedoc’; a young journalist writes about why September is definitely not her favourite time of the year (sshh have to whisper the word ‘rentrée); and Richard Fowler takes a stroll in the heart of Béziers and meets some of the more interesting local residents.
The Herault & Aude Times
The HAT September 2014.indd 2
01/09/2014 04:22:31
K
THE TAL
A list of what’s popular and what’s being asked in France now..........
POLITICS
Mr Hollande has thrown the dice and got his ‘people’ on board. What? No Bernard Tapie? The Cabinet is as follows:
IT’S BACK IN FASHION...
Minister of Foreign Affairs: Laurent Fabius Minister of Ecology: Ségolène Royal Minister of National Education: Najat Vallaud-Belkacem Minister of Justice: Christiane Taubira Minister of Finance and Public Accounts: Michel Sapin Minister of Defence: Jean-Yves Le Drian Minister of Social Affairs, Health, and Women’s Rights: Marisol Touraine Minister of Employment: François Rebsamen Minister of the Interior: Bernard Cazeneuve Minister of Agriculture and Government Spokesman: Stéphane Le Foll Minister of the Economy and Industry: Emmanuel Macron Minister of Housing: Sylvia Pinel Minister of Decentralisation: Marylise Lebranchu Minister of Overseas Territories: George Pau-Langevin Minister of Culture and Communication: Fleur Pellerin Minister of Cities, Youth and Sports: Patrick Kanner
The unfortunate issue is that it is reported that up to 4 people politely declined posts to serve on what they see as a sinking ship!
MONTPELLIER & TOULOUSE IN ‘TOP HOSPITAL’ POLL.
Courtesy so feminine.co.uk
Le Point has published it’s list of top hospitals in France and Toulouse’s Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) moved up one place to take the top spot and Montpellier CHU comes in at number 6.
POLICE TO WEAR CAMERAS IN TROUBLESPOTS
WHY, DON’T THEY TRUST THEMSELVES?
After a trial period that was so successful 6 people were arrested (sic) Le Figaro has reported that at great cost some Police will be fitted with body cameras in ‘troublesome areas’. When asked by The HAT a police spokesperson declined to say if this was to record the police or alleged perpetrators of crime.
LA POSTE AND THE MISSING DELIVERIES “Any post this morning?” is a familiar cry but many areas noticed a lack of deliveries throughout the summer months. 6 villages in the Hérault do NOT get monday deliveries and some reports are claiming that deliveries are down by a third. The reason, holiday planning!
The Classic French Twist This season a timeless hairstyle, synonymous with chic and glamour is embodied with the reemergence of the French twist, always accompanying the best and the most elegant evening looks. Thus, what Monique Lhuillier and Altuzarra suggested for their best options were combinations including both classic and modern interpretations of the French twist, also adding some touches of effortlessness.
WHAT’S HOT
Skinny jeans (boys and girls), sailor stripes (think Jean-Paul Gautier) and fruit smoothies.
www.theheraultandaudetimes.com
The HAT September 2014.indd 3
3
01/09/2014 04:22:32
The HAT The Herault & AudeTimes - 1 Grand Rue, St Thibery,34630 (11100) Publisher: Gatsby B - Editor : Emma F - Advertising Director: Tom B Advertising: Vicky M-B Art Editor: Daisy B EDITORIAL editor@theheraultandaudetimes.com PUBLISHER gatsby@theheraultandaudetimes.com Executive publisher jerome@theheraultandaudetimes.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Online or contact us on gatsby@theheraultandaudetimes.com ADVERTISING For display advertising, print classifieds please call 0644 80 24 32 or mail advertising@theheraultandaudetimes.com For free classified online advertising please visit http://classifieds.theheraulttimes.com www.theheraultandaudetimes.comPYRIG HT AND DISCLAIMER
The Herault & Aude Times The Herault & Aude Times is owned and published by L’Herault Art (L.A. Publishing) (51926616300010). The publisher, authors and contributors reserve their rights in regards to copyright of their work. No part of this work covered by the copyright may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means without the written consent of the publisher. No person, organization or party should rely or on any way act upon any part of the contents of this publication whether that information is sourced from the website, magazine or related product without first obtaining the advice of a fully qualified person. This magazine and its related website and products are sold and distributed on the terms and condition that: The publisher, contributors, editors and related parties are not responsible in any way for the actions or results taken by any person, organisation or any party on basis of reading information, stories or contributions in this publication, website or related product. The publisher, contributors and related parties are not engaged in providing legal, financial or professional advice or services. The publisher, contributors, editors and consultants disclaim any and all liability and responsibility to any person or party, be they a purchaser, reader, advertiser or consumer of this publication or not in regards to the consequences and outcomes of anything done or omitted being in reliance whether partly or solely on the contents of this publication and related website and products. The publisher, editors, contributors and related parties shall have no responsibility for any action or omission by any other contributor, consultant, editor or related party. END
WRITERS
T
he writers and contributors are the stars of this magazine and without them I would have all of my hair and would not be drinking gin at 9am every day. Having said that, you should know more about them. All their bios can be found at www.theheraultandaudetimes.com. Please read them, they deserve to be recognised for their fantastic contribution and for being patient and generous to me.
IMPORTANT:
T
t: 0468 90 55 17
his magazine is intended for the use of the individual(s) who picked it up. This magazine may contain information that is helpful, opinionated and can at times be unsuitable for overly sensitive Persons with no cultural credibility. If you are not sure then may we politely suggest that you pass it onto someone else as to continue reading is not recommended and may constitute an irritating social faux pas. No animals were harmed in the making of this magazine, and believe it or not one single opinion is definitive- period.
ISSN: 2273-2748 4
The HAT September 2014.indd 4
The Herault & Aude Times
01/09/2014 04:22:36
CONTENTS
September 2014
02 Editorial
03 The Talk 09 My Place Yulia Rudakova 13 Nick’s Dream Corner 16 Beziers - The city the anglophones avoid...but why? 22 The Magical Folk of France
26 Review - The samsung nX3000 Camera. Retro and sooo cool baby! 30 Art - Gordon Seward
32 Take Better Pictures
03 Editorial 06 Letters 08 My Place 09 And Another Thing 12 Wine Times 16 GTBY 20 Lifestyle 22 Music 23 History 25 A French View 27 English for Expat Children 28 - 31 Art 32 Recipes 34 Business 38 In the Garden 40 Subscribe 42 E-male 42 - 46 Classified Ads 47 Sport
The Cover Story
W
e are proud to have the talents of Mr Barry Beckett producing the wonderful original covers that you currently see. And online now you can purchase these beautiful images and have a piece of the Languedoc in your own home.
Prints and selected Limited Editions available. Barry Beckett 2013 - 2014 All rights reserved
dharmacamera@googlemail.com www.barrybeckettphotography.com
www.theheraultandaudetimes.com
The HAT September 2014.indd 5
5
01/09/2014 04:22:40
Don’t Miss September RESTAURANT Vigneron OPEN every day for lunch ( except Mondays) & Saturday evenings Friday 26th September- Fete des Vendanges Serge Casero trio - Orgue- Batterie Sax organisation Culture Jazz ** Nimes
La Féria des Vendanges Staple of the festive nîmoise life, La Féria des Vendanges transforms the city of Nimes into a friendly and festive gathering , where the watchword is party. For three days , the bull is king. 19 to 21 September 2014 Reservations 0 891 701 401 (0,225€ TTC/mn) ** DEMOISELLES de VERRE Glass Museum HALLE de VERRE 50 Avenue du Nouveau Monde 34270 Claret Tel. 04 67 59 06 39 halleduverre@ccgpsl.fr www.halleduverre.fr Sep open everyday 14h/18h Until 14 December 2014 Free entry / visit the site for workshops ** Jean Latinne Contemporary Art Space of Bedarieux 19 avenue abbé Tarroux 34600 Bédarieux Tel. 04 67 95 48 27 culture@bedarieux.fr Open Wednesday to Friday 9h3012h/14h-18H. Saturday-Sunday 15h-18h Until 06 September Free entry Originally from Belgium Jean Latinneis a self-taught artist and former professor of History and Literature at Brussels University. The exhibition features Latinne’solder work and a space especially dedicated to his love for elephants where paintings, sculptures and ceramic will be shown. **
6
The HAT September 2014.indd 6
Welcome to the letters page
Do you have something to say? About the magazine? About life? Do you have a question or even a co
Letters Anyone else? I have read recently in the press in the UK, France and the USA that France is a country in terminal decline. And in this magazine there are plusses and minuses but it points to an over inflated beaurocracy and a country in trouble. But I would like to ask what people really think? I am a retiree who has come to this wonderful country and do avoid many of the difficulties that many experience but I believe France should be allowed to fail. Not intentionally but all of the strong European economies have crashed and fell before rising again in recent times. Look at Germany, look at the United Kingdom and now Spain. Italy and France are in decline and not merely as a result of electing their current leaders but because of bad management over decades and a changing world. When France hits rock bottom it should not be bailed out but will do as other countries have done and rise from the ashes a leaner and more coherent country. The French mentality is not as closed as many believe, it is just ponderous and no one in power can change that. Robert K. Carcassonne
La Poste I read with interest your article on La Banque Postale and the commentary in the business section. I too have had the same thing happen when my wife paid in cheques to our local post office. After 14 days we phoned our agent who told me to contact the clients (we run a B&B) and ask them to reissue the cheques. No explanation, they just told my wife that they didn’t have the cheques and there was nothing they could do. We complained and went to a solicitor; after 11 weeks of registered letters to this day we have never had the money credited. In most cases an understanding clientele re-paid their bills but two couples from overseas who stayed for a combined period of 16 nights just didn’t bother. Please continue with your campaign, it is not right. Withheld, Aude
great but Jed Thompson, you are the man. Bringing brisket to the French, I’m with you. Dave B Nimes Ah Dave B, Such fun. And reading your email I longed for a 32oz steak and a few beers and jellied donuts and pastrami on rye and weighing in at 300lbs! Cool man! Mental Health II Hello, the feature by T King in your June issue was wonderful. To see a magazine here talk openly about this issue and to see it written so delicately was inspirational to myself and my wife. We have a son in the ‘system’ here and although we have nothing but gratitude to the individuals involved, the system is flawed. Thank you so much. Ian
The Jacksons Last issue you had an interview with the Jacksons which was amazing. My family and In the Garden I went and it was fantastic. Love this column. So many Yes, they are not in the first good ideas and they thrive flush of youth but dancing, here. Thank you. singing and all round enterYvette tainment....they’ve still got it. Recipes USA Jen, Beziers I loved your recipes last month. Go USA. All this The Jacksons French and Persian food is Your interview with The
The Herault & Aude Times
01/09/2014 04:22:43
Send us a letter or a mail or a text. Your chance to have your say. The HAT Letters Page
or even a complaint? Send your letters to gatsby@theheraultandaudetimes.com
Letters Jacksons in the last issue was a huge disappointment to me. I had hoped for some insights into life in this most talented and strange family and it read more like a press release. Comments? Nick R. Exeter UK Hi Nick. In truth many of the questions we asked were not answered. And yes, they were much more personal but what do you expect? One of the most famous families on the planet may not be that keen to answer questions about groupies and relatives after what they’ve been through. I thank them for what they did do and will you tell us all about your ex-girlfriend and that issue you had with a hamster? Diets Very funny and yet very sad! Jan, by text History Just wanted to say thank you to Sue Hicks and to wish her the best. My favourite page in the magazine. George H, Lodeve History 2 The history page will be missed. It was well written, interesting and gave my family a dinner conversation. Thankyou. Withheld History 3 I see that your History through street names writer Sue Hicks is leaving. I enjoyed this page very much and hope it is replaced by somone else. Freda And there were more. A wonderful column and person who deserves all the plaudits.
Distribution What happened to the magazine last month. I haven’t had a copy since the July issue. Jim P, Arles Hi Jim, there wasn’t one. That’s why it says July / August on the cover. Outraged I am writing to complain about the good to be young article in which it appears that sex is the subject. Is this appropriate for this magazine? I don’t read this in the Riviera Reporter or Connexion. Are you dumbing down? Withheld GTBY Your article ‘Is it really only sex that makes guys clean and tidy?’ was bloody fantastic. I put it on my 17 yer old sons bed and asked him for a week if he had read it only to be told he’d do it later. When his girlfriend came to visit it miraculously turned up in the living room and I showed it to his girlfriend and we went and saw that his bedroom was at last tidy. We laughed. Ah yes, we thought we’d go tabloid journalism to please those of you out there who seem to so enjoy it......
FOU D’Anglais
NOW IN MONTPELLIER all your favourite foods from home frozen sausages and bacon scones and tea, delicious homemade cakes baked potatoes, pies and sandwiches 10, Rue Anatole France 34000 Montpellier 04 67 29 60 49 Tuesday to Saturday 10-6
This is my last letters page as it gets handed over to someone with less manners than myself. It has been an honour to know that I have improved all of your lives and you have seen how manners and calm are such a good thing to work with. Now off with you all. Ciao! www.theheraultandaudetimes.com
The HAT September 2014.indd 7
7
01/09/2014 04:22:47
My Place Where did you grow up? I was born in the USSR! Today, that sounds almost exotic since the USSR no longer exists…it’s a kind of political “Atlantis”. But, well, people here still refer to us as « the soviets ». I was born and grew up in a Rus-
The People that make up the Languedoc special », contrary to how many Western people may imagine. I used to spend my summer holidays on the Black Sea coast with my parents at my dad’s high school resort camp. I also loved the parties my parents had at home with all of their friends
Yulia Rudakova Russian tutor, tour manager and Languedoc B&B owner
sian southern region, Kuban, between the Caucasus mountains and eastern Black Sea coast. It is the only region in Russia where wine is produced. The Russian people used to say that this region was « not so Russian » because of its very hot climate and blend of Caucasian and Ukrainian Cossack culture. Can you tell us about your family? Mum was a librarian who filled me with classical Russian and European literature from my very early childhood. And my dad was a polytechnic high school professor... who used to play guitar and made his own wine. So he gave me a taste for both of his passions... What are you most important memories from your childhood? Well my soviet childhood was not « so 8
The HAT September 2014.indd 8
– there were always lots of people at each birthday around the table overflowing with different tasty meals my mum had prepared over the previous 3 days... there was singing, laughing, having a good time. I wish I could make the same thing today here... What were your dreams back then? I was fond of classical music and classical English and French literature. My dreams were filled with travelling in Europe – London, Paris, Vienna... You were educated in Russia, what led you to come to France? All those things I mentioned before and my passion for French culture and language. What was your first job? I started working when I was 17, giving private lessons in foreign languages … after my own University classes. This way I could earn money to pay for my air ticket to France in 1994. You are fluent in Russian, French and English, does learning languages come naturally to you or do you have a personal technique for learning? Thank you! My English is not as fluent as I wish it could be as I’ve never lived in any English speaking countries. I learned my first words in English when I was five and since that time it has always been a game for me to learn languages. I love it! I like to listen to people speaking in their mother tongue... It’s like music. Phonetics are a fantastic art form! What led you to travelling with theatre/ dance/music companies? At the end of my French university course I used to translate. One day I was given a contract to translate texts for a new website dedicated to the memory of a Great Russian conductor; through this I met his last agent and the whole production company who invited me to work with them on tours and during their international conductor competitions. It was a fantastic job suggestion for me! I was always fond of
My Place
theatre and classical music. Can you describe your role in this job? I’m a tour manager. - « The-crazy-personrunning-around-the-backstage-and-beingin-several-places-at-the-same-time ». Basically, I’m in charge of the overview of the tour when it is sur le terrain. First of all – I take care of the artists. I deal with both the local staff and foreign workers and artists; translating technical information as the show is set up, but also conducting media interviews, photo shoots, pre-show talks with the public, negotiations between the tour director and the company manager. And all kinds of day to day requirements for the tour, such as checking transfer schedules, organising the hotels who will often be hosting up to 100 person orchestras, etc. You have worked with some extraordinary theatre and dance companies, do you have any particular stories about your time with them? My very first tour, 11 years ago was, was with the Seiji Ozawa and Saito Kinen Orchestra in Paris and my next one will be with the Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra of Moscow at the Laroque d’Anthéron International Piano Festival. I have also worked at great theatres such as the Théâtre des Champs Elysées and the Auditorium de Louvre. The most extraordinary experience was to work at the Pragues Estates Theatre, the venue where Mozart created his Don Giovanni. I also had a crazy and exiting time at the Folle Journée de Nantes where I had to prepare with stage workers the set up of a philharmonic orchestra in 5 minutes! Of course, there are also all sorts of « adventures » with artists who are often very absent-minded, because their whole being is dedicated to their art. And that’s something I understand very well and respect. But, I’ve never been spoken to in a bad manner, never had to deal with any extravagant behaviour... I think classical artists are very different from the cinema or pop and rock music star crowd. They are more humble and distinguished. So, I admire them, but also, as I know that they like to be considered as ‘ordinary’ when they are not performing; I respect their private lives which includes not speaking about things that may have happened backstage. Do you have a favourite company and why? Surprisingly my favourite company was also the most « difficult » one, The St Petersburg Eifman Ballet Theatre. When the whole theatre structure is on tour – with dancers, stage workers, scenery, costumes, make up – it’s a huge and an amazing challenge! It is absolutely exiting!
The Herault & Aude Times
01/09/2014 04:23:17
THE FRENCH AND STRIKES
I
If you could work with any company, which one would it be? I’ve worked with different orchestras, ballets and choirs, but never with an opera. I wish I could go on a tour with an opera, because it is my favorite kind of show. It is so complete! For you, where is home? My home is where I feel good living... I used to say that my soul belongs to Russia forever, but my heart is in France. What are the most evocative/important elements of Russian culture for you? I think I need some 20 pages... at least !) The crucial element of my native culture which is so dear to me lies at the crossroad between eastern and western heritage, culture, lifestyle and temperament, which can be very hard and conflicting at times, but also very rich and surprising... You have lived in Languedoc for the last few years, what led you coming here? Love! I met Eric, my partner, when I lived in Bordeaux and very soon we decided I should join him here, in the « vrai sud »... last December. We’re very happy to be living here together! What is the most ideal working environment for you? A few years ago I was fond of travelling for my work. But today, I feel more like staying in the same place, being « based » somewhere. It definitely doesn’t mean working in an office or, - worse -, in an « open space » platform. I have tried all of those work environments, being an office assistant, as well as working in French administration, and today I can tell you – I hate it! I think that working at home is the most suitable way for me personally, but
still not the easiest one, because I’m a very undisciplined person. You have recently opened a B&B, what inspired you to do this? Indeed, I decided to quit the classical “world of working” and I love our house. I like cooking and welcoming guests as my mother used to do when I was a child... But my friends are all far away, the kids are getting older and the house is large and mostly empty, so we decided that it could be a business! When you are not teaching or running your B&B how do you like to relax? Walking in the countryside around the river banks, admiring medieval heritage and monuments, practicing yoga outside with my partner, dancing and cooking with my step-daughter... If you could invite 6 people (dead or alive) to dinner, who would they be and why? Mozart, who is much more than just a favourite composer – a universe of cosmic perfection and an Aquarius (!), Hans Christian Andersen – the Poet, Lars von Trier (I still like his craziness and provocative intelligence … and his sadness towards today’s poor world), Anton Tchekhov – my favourite Russian doctor (and also another Aquarius!), Vladimir Nabokov - the Mozart of literature (it would be funny to see those two guys at the same table !), probably Anna of Kiev, the queen of France (we would have a few things to talk about) and François Villon ...there must be at least one French guy, quand-même! And as well as my partner Eric, I would also invite my two best friends from Moscow, Aleksey and Daniil. ** www.theheraultandaudetimes.com
The HAT September 2014.indd 9
t is with a usual weariness that I read that French air traffic contollers are probably going to strike in September. For those of you that visit or commute to family, friends or business this really is not a shock but in this case I do have a little sympathy. Over 75% of the union members were in favour of striking as we go to press and the unions have flexed their muscles again to bring a national brand to its knees. “The threat to our jobs is just too big,” were the words of the President of the SNPL union Jean-Louis Barber. ALWAYS ON STRIKE ‘The French are always on strike’ is an oft heard conversation but is it true? Well yes they are and no they’re not. This is an anglophone magazine. For the British the French alaways strike; for the Germans they always strike; for the Canadins they hardly strike; for the Americans rarely. Up until 2010 France regularly lost over 120 days for every 1000 employees per year. It is a little higher now. Compared to Germany in the same period: 4 days per 1000, the UK: 9 days. France is the top of the leaugue in Europe but someway behind Canada, yes Canada and South Africa, so is this stereotype of the French striking correct? Sarkozy claimed to have broken the unions by demanding that skeleton services had to run whenever a strike took place. But look again. The French reputation for strikes is more about the street protests; the need to publicly let the government know how people feel. It allows media coverge to focus on children, families, workers....the people protesting, and is not always about money but rights, whereas other countries usually strike when financial negotiations break down. And the breaker for this militnt union dominant stereotype? In the UK, Germany and Italy around 30% of the workforce are in unions, in France it is nearer just 8.5%. 9
01/09/2014 04:23:20
Train Journeys - The Aubrac Express If it were to be called a TER then it would be the responsibility of the region(s) and in this case Auvergne, Midi Pyrenees and LanguedocRoussillon and they would have to finance it. Now it has shrunk to a size almost small enough to squeeze through Alice’s keyhole. More to the point, it is as a direct result of reducing costs which equals reducing the number of trains = less availability and journey times, even though stretches of the line in question have been re-laid in recent months. What SNCF cannot grasp is that a reduced offer = reduced income= reducing costs even further until you arrive at almost zero income and the service is closed.
Is this the shortest Intercité express in Europe, surely it cannot get any smaller?
T
his one unit class 73 ‘Rhone Alpes’ Diesel railcar forms the Intercité Aubrac Express from Béziers in the South of France as far as Clermont Ferrand.
Albeit in the real world it is small for a TER, it is in effect one of the TET (trains d’equilibre du territoire) financed by the government as a result of an agreement with SNCF.
I think we all know that SNCF talks with a forked tongue as not wanting any competition but quietly taking shares in private rail companies in other countries such as Italy. If any reader can find and photograph a smaller intercité, mail the writer and he will buy him a pint in the bar in his village of Magalas where this famous Intercité does not stop en-route for Clermont Ferrand but does stop at Magalas on the way back to Béziers. Perhaps the only compensation for us the SNCF society readers is that it brings units from various regions Rhone Alpes, Auvergne and even the Pas de Calais Chris Elliott is the author of the Lost Railway Lines of l’Hérault christopher.elliott@club-internet.fr **
A moment if you please.... SPA CARCASSONNE
B
lackie was brought in as his owners moved house and did not want to take him with them. A story that is all too common. Quite often in these scenarios the owners try to blame the dog, but Blackie has come with good references. He is house-trained, good with children (not with cats) and obedient. He has wiry fur and a little beard and resembles a jack terrier. He is very friendly and nice to walk and could make a perfect pet for someone who does not have much time to spend educating a dog.
If you can help or would like to assist please contact: SPA Carcassonne dogrescuecarcassonne.co.uk The Herault & Aude Times
The HAT September 2014.indd 10
01/09/2014 04:23:35
Carrington MEDIA MOVES
W
hile the people at the HAT were taking a well earned break, there were events taking place in the media world which could change the media landscape forever. I’m not sure if News Corps’ media interests extend to regional France, although there have been rumours; certainly one of the world’s largest media organizations has had dealings in France with Vivendi International, Canal +, SFR and others. And nothing is too small for Rupert Murdoch’s acquisitive tendencies to manifest themselves. I remember once visiting the newsroom of a county weekly in the English West Country and being surprised to find a cardboard cutout of a kangaroo strung up at the end of a light cord. Mr Murdoch had just bought the Berrows Group and the locals weren’t happy. Murdoch has come a long way since then. He has just made a bid for Time Warner. Time Warner have rejected the bid but there is little doubt that negotiations are still in play and if successful will make News Corporation the biggest media organization on the planet. But Murdoch started in a small way. Although his father, Sir Keith Murdoch, had left his son some important newspaper titles, none were very profitable and it was up to Sir Keith’s son Rupert to prove that he could turn a loss maker into a commercial winner with efficient management and a strong editorial line. I was working for the Murdoch organization shortly after Rupert launched Australia’s first national newspaper The Australian. I was not working for The Australian but for a small provincial television station just outside Sydney. Murdoch bought this station because he saw it as a stepping stone into the lucrative Sydney market. A Murdoch man from Sydney was made general manager and my news operation was given some much needed help. It was at the time of the Kennedy assassination. There were no satellite links to Australia. The first pictures to come out of Dallas were wire photos from the news agencies. The Murdoch appointed general manager arranged for the Murdoch newspaper in Sydney to send all its best wire photos to our newsroom.
That Sunday we went to air with an hour long current affairs show making use of more than 100 wire photos. None of the Sydney television stations had access to the same material. We had a scoop, a veritable scoop. That Monday the general manager called me to his office. He congratulated me on the show but cautioned me not to make too much of a fuss. The Murdoch newspaper did not have television rights to the wire photos and we were in breach of copyright. For people in Languedoc Roussillon this may seem a bit remote. But the media world is shrinking and what happens in one part of the globe is bound to affect the other. It is a matter of making wise and informed choices to protect your freedoms.
The Media heads that make their own headlines Image courtesy of grazie.fr
I
t’s not just Murdoch (above) whose companies appear to be embroiled in continuing scandal. When Arnaud Lagardère, one of France’s media oligarchs and buddy of Nico Sarkozy, released a video of himself with his half-his-age, ridiculously taller, bikini model partner Jade Foret announcing true love, it caused such shock waves in French high society that it was asked if he was fit to run his organisation. The public on the other hand found it as amusing as Tom Cruise jumping up and down on Oprah’s sofa, making it the viral video of the year. Industry: Media Founded: 1992
www.theheraultandaudetimes.com
The HAT September 2014.indd 11
11
01/09/2014 04:23:39
Wine Times Rosés for the Summer
T
Rosemary George Rosemary George was lured into the wine trade by a glass of the Wine Society’s champagne at a job interview and subsequently became one of the first women to become a Master of Wine, back in 1979. She has been a freelance wine writer since 1981 and is the author of eleven books. Both her first and last books were both about Chablis. Others include The Wines of New Zealand, two books on Tuscany, the most recent being Treading Grapes; Walking through the Vineyards of Tuscany, as well as The Wines of the South of France which covers the vineyards between from Banyuls and Bellet, from the Spanish to the Italian border, and also Corsica. She also contributes to various magazines such as Decanter, India Sommelier, www.zesterdaily.com and writes a blog on the Languedoc: www tastelanguedoc.blogspot.com
12
The HAT September 2014.indd 12
his is the season of rosés, the perfect wine for sipping by the pool and to accompany a leisurely lunch or a picnic in summer sunshine. Rosé is a remarkably versatile wine, and should not be seen as a compromise for when you are not sure whether to have red or white. It can go surprisingly well with quite substantial dishes. Barbecued lamb with rosé is a surprisingly delicious combination. And then there are the more obvious summer salads and fish dishes, while lighter rosés make a lovely aperitif. Most winegrowers will tell you that rosé is remarkably difficult to make. The first thing to get right is the colour; too dark and it looks like a light red wine, nor should it be totally anaemic. There is current trend for very pale rosés led by the Côtes de Provence, which is the largest appellation of rosé. So a rosé should look pretty in the glass enticing you to take a sip, or two. Nor should rosé be a sideline of red wine; the parameters for making red and rosé are quite different. It is not enough to run off any excess juice and make a rosé. The grapes for rosé need to be picked at a significantly lower degree of ripeness so that the wine has a fresher acidity. Most of the appellations of the Languedoc are much better known for their red wine, but most vignerons make a rosé as well. And the good wine growers will pay as much attention to their rosé as to their red wines. So here are a few suggestions: They are all from the 2013 vintage, as it is generally best to drink the youngest rosé available. Domaine des Trinités, Faugères – 6.50€ Simon Coulshaw wants his rosé to be tight and taut, and as mineral as possible. And he succeeds. It is a pretty delicate colour, with some fresh strawberry fruit, with good acidity, and some stony mineral notes on the finish. I’d drink this as an aperitif or with a summer salad. I love the red Corbières of Domaine de la Baronne and was delighted to discover their rosé at the Vinisud wine fair this year. Paul Lignières
explained that he wants his rosé to be as low in alcohol as possible, so he picks a week earlier than for his red wines, to give an alcohol level of just 10⁰. The result is a wine that is crisp and fresh, and almost crunchy, or croquant. He also makes a Grenache Gris, which is pretty pale colour, with more weight on the palate and even a touch of tannin. This is more of a food rosé. The Château de l’Engarran is one of the leading estates of St. Georges d’Orques but Diane Losfelt also makes a delicate rosé, from vineyards of Cinsaut and Grenache, which are destined for rosé alone. The juice is run off after a short maceration on the skins and the wine is delicate and rounded with a fresh finish. 8.80€ a bottle or splash out 20.50€ for a magnum, for there is nothing like a magnum to get a party going with a swing. Mas Soleilla has a reputation for serious red la Clape, but in 2013 Peter Wildbolz had a new estate manager who likes making rosé, and so Peter allowed him a free hand and the resulting wine is delicate and fresh and lightly rounded. 12.00€ Montpeyroux is yet another area for which you think red first. Jo Lynch and Andre Suquet at Villa Dondona make Esquisse, a pure Cinsaut and therefore Pays de l’Hérault rather than an appellation. It has a delicate fresh nose, with some herbal fruit on the palate, with good acidity and a rounded finish. Jo is an artist and designs all her own labels, so the bottle looks as enticing as the glass. The Pic St. Loup is generally considered to be one of the best areas of the Languedoc for red wine, but there again the rosés can be remarkably successful. Try Dame Jeanne (10.00€) from the Bergerie du Capucin, which is a delicate pale colour and on the palate fresh and elegant, making a very versatile rosé, for picnic or pool. . Rosemary George M.W. www.tastelanguedoc.blogpsot.com
The Herault & Aude Times
01/09/2014 04:24:03
W
Nick Barrett is the author of books; ‘Spirit Guided Lucid Dreaming‘ and ‘Dreamscape series one‘. Nick is also the website author for AlwayzLucid.com
elcome to the first ever ‘Nick’s Dream Corner’, whereby monthly I will bring to you great information regarding the power of dreams and how they can really benefit your day-to-day lives. Let me first begin by introducing myself to you, the reader. My name is Nick Barrett and although I am British by origin, I live currently in Bordeaux with my partner Marion and my one-year-old boy named Sacha. I have been researching the incredibly vast world of dreams for over five years now and have discovered some incredible things along this, not so ‘norm’, journey. As well as being an author of four titles, I also host many dream workshops and retreats in the UK and the rest of Europe. Through the coming months, together, we will slowly peel off the outer shell of the dreaming-self and bring our attention more and more as to how we may use dreams to benefit our lives. Ask yourself now, how do you currently view your dreams? Are they something which rarely occurs? Or, do you perhaps record a dream journal next to your bed every night and inscribe eccentric tales from another life? For some of us, including myself, I treat the dream world as another ‘type’ of life. This intern gives me a total of two simultaneous lives that I’m currently living. As opposed to the one life we generally adhere too on a daily basis. For this I am truly grateful, as I now have extended my own life by at least 30%, on a average life expectancy of about 70-90 years! How is this even possible? Well, we sleep about 25-35 years of entire lives. That’s a long time to not notice and do anything with this time constructively, don’t you agree? Today, I will gladly share with you an ancient way in dreaming. Throughout history, and recorded, ancient doctrines including the bible, speak of dreams as another doorway into a different type of world, whereby the dreamer under-
goes some task or mission, which then leads to extreme spiritual transformation. The Dream yogis of Tibet, for example; passed down from generation to generation their secret teachings in how to implement certain techniques; exercises and meditational practices to consciously control their dreams and move beyond the physical world as we know it! Yes, that’s right, you heard me right! There is, in fact various methods in learning how to dream with conscious awareness. The secret teachings from the ancients have left a trail, and thankfully this information is now available in the West. Back in the early 1900’s, a Dutch psychiatrist and writer, Frederik van Eeden, coined this phenomena of the mind, ‘Lucid Dreaming’. The word ‘Lucid’ is defined as ‘clear’. Therefore, there is crystal clear awareness within this dream state. The complete definition of Lucid Dreaming, is knowing that you are in a dream, having a dream, therefore you are now completely in the driver’s seat of the dream and can now control it which ever way you feel is necessary, as opposed to the dream controlling you. Since this time, there have been many conducive scientific studies on the effects of the brain whilst lucid dreaming, whilst trained dreaming participants carried out a series of tests within the dream state itself. A substantial amount of evidence can be found all over the internet, that this phenomena is not just sudo-science, imaginary or something mystically esoteric, but rather a skill which can be developed within the mind of the dreamer, no matter what age or background he or she is. Lucid Dreamers, including myself, feel a great sense of freedom once the light bulb moment is clicked on within the dream. Although the body is fast asleep, the mind is awake and a conscious awareness is born that one is in a dream and is presently having this altered state of consciousness. We can now therefore control it to a certain degree and bring about great change within our daily lives. For example; Imagine for a moment that you are in a nightmare and running away from a scary looking three-eyed monster! Naturally, you run as fast as you can, quicker than you’ve ever sprinted. Your heart is racing and you truly believe that this monster is chasing you! It is very real and very terrifying! Then suddenly, in an instant, a very www.theheraultandaudetimes.com
The HAT September 2014.indd 13
deep awareness overcomes you, and you begin to slow your sprint to almost a halt. You now fully know that you are presently in a dream and smile at yourself of this realization! You fully stop and turn your body to face this monster. The monster has now fully stopped chasing you and is standing there looking at you three feet away breathing heavily. You now ask, with full Lucidity, “What do you represent monster?” The monster now morphs into a small puppy, all cute and cuddly which is very familiar to you… You begin to weep and realise now that the fear stemmed from missing your favorite family dog all those years ago and you wished you didn’t have to put him down. You caress and love the puppy and feel like a huge weight has been lifted form you. You now, can move on from this deep routed guilt that has been hidden away for many years and you can forgive yourself. The nightmare that once repeated itself to you over and over again has now ceased to exist. Lucid Dreaming has helped countless people across the globe in overcoming their nightmares. This is just one of infinite ways in directly, self-healing yourself emotionally with the incredible tool known as Lucid Dreaming. In the coming months, I will shed more light in regards to the phenomena of dreams and how to control them. This will assist you in creating a better outlook on life and will break the boundaries of the 3D world that we all live in today. To experience Lucid Dreaming with likeminded people, please visit: www.alwayzlucid.com/event/lucid-dreaming-yogaretreat/
13
01/09/2014 04:24:08
THE FRENCH VIEW _TRANSLATED Translation by Alison BY ALISON REID
FN - YOU’VE GOT NOTHING! es, the Front National received
Y
one quarter of French votes in the European elections. Yes, the political scene in France will experience considerable fallout, seeing as the FN can no longer be considered the outsider it used to be. But this evidence should not overshadow another point, which is no less important. Aside from the fact that it remains to be seen whether or not Mme Le Pen could gain as many votes in a national election – an election which, however wrongly, will be considered by many as being more important – the truth of the matter is that more than two thirds of voters did not come from the extreme Right, do not favour leaving the euro and do not wish to ‘block everything’ in the European Union in the hope that the organisation might collapse. Aftershock there may be, but it remains limited in France thanks to this balance of forces, and the same is to be said throughout Europe. Even if we were to assume that nationalists, europhopes and crypto-fascists all fell into the same single category (which they do not), this category would still only make up a fifth of the seats in the European parliament. Of course, they will be given a voice and will be able to strengthen their cases with the resources made available to parties in Strasbourg. This is by no means insignificant. But, however many of them there may be, these ministers will not be able to ‘block everything’, or even influence the European developments which will emerge from the compromises made between parties more favourable of unity within Europe.
The only member state in which the European election results will have any real immediate consequences is Great Britain, the reason being that there, it is not just supporters of the extreme Right who are rejecting Europe. Britain only joined the European Union (named the European Community, at the time) so as to avoid being excluded from the common market, and since joining, the country has done nothing but hinder the progress of political union, today preferring to step out of the community rather than to remain in an organisation it sees as moving, however slowly, towards a federal horizon. This would certainly create a shock. The false but absolute belief in the durability of the European Union would be undermined. But with Britain no longer there stepping on the brakes, political unity within the European Union could soon take some decisive steps… that is, before Great Britain comes back knocking on Europe’s door again, having realised after ten or fifteen years that it has no real prospects without integration in the continent it forms part of (island or not). So aftershock there may be, but its intensity is only really so great because it is beginning to highlight the extent to which the fall of the Soviet Union has rocked the political chessboard of Europe. The Rightwing is no longer united by its fear of communism. The Left-wing is no longer characterised by its rejection of capitalism. With some exceptions, the market
economy is now generally accepted, and the differences between Left and Right are thus no longer as great as they were. Even at the heart of these two forces, the differences are now based on degrees of divergence regarding regulations and the
distribution of capital, acknowledgement of environmental concerns, changes in laws based on moral developments, and the pooling of national sovereignty. But these are not small differences. On the contrary, they represent fundamental dissimilarities which sketch out the dot ted lines of new political boundaries, still in the process of development. Parties dating back to the 19th century along with those which appeared during the last decades are all undergoing a chemical change, and the fact is that it is this
Gary Jackson
Bespoke massage, Mobile service Group bookings taken. Thai massages, Reflexology, Neck and face massage, Reiki, Oil massage. Susannah 0652752445 / 0467243142 Based in Ceps / Cazedarnes 14
The HAT September 2014.indd 14
Painting & Decorating - Plastering Partition walls & Doors - False Ceilings - Laminate Flooring Friendly Reliable Service
t: 06 23 33 30 22 e: gsj44@yahoo.co.uk
The Herault & Aude Times
01/09/2014 04:24:12
Written by Bernard Guetta www.liberation.fr/chroniques/2014/05/27/le-paysage-apres-la-bataille_1028233
F
rance’s taste for horsemeat dates back to 18th century when revolutionaries seized the fallen aristocracy’s horses to satisfy their hunger. The demand for horsemeat continued for two centuries until gradually becoming less popular due to a a more “squeamish” younger generation.
The French now consume less than 300 grams (0.66 lbs) per person per year, a fifth of what they ate 30 years ago and less than 1 percent of the total meat they consume.
The Elephant Blanc I
f you have a sudden, overwhelming pang for freshly cooked Thai food, The Elephant Blanc, a mobile Thai restaurant is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 18h-22h in Montady. Great, very reasonably priced food from an impressive extensive menu offering dishes from traditional Pad Thai to duck/chicken/or pork Phat Muang, all prepared fresh on site. We also noticed lots of options for vegetarians. Orders can be telephoned in advance. Location: parking lot of the tennis court at Montady. Opening hours are from 6pm to 10pm Tuesday through Sunday. Tel: 06 51 71 00 23 (Eng/Fr spoken) Definitely not a white elephant!
www.theheraultandaudetimes.com
The HAT September 2014.indd 15
Photograph:Richard W.M. Jones:
development which has enabled coalition governments from all leanings to exist in 13 of the 28 EU member states, which has made it possible that Right-wing and Leftwing parties might govern Spain together, and which has meant that today in France, there is a lot more common ground between the socialist party in power, the centrists and a big part of the UMP, than there is between the Socialists and the Front de Gauche (far Left) or the Front National and the Right-wing as seen by Alain Juppé. In other words, in a Europe where the progression of reactionary, nationalist or extreme Right-wing parties is based on appearing more like the centre parties from the Left or the Right or the Greens in order to gain more popularity, as has already happened in the European Parliament and in many capitals, the political spectrum is proving itself untrustworthy. For these parties to truly gain power – and perhaps we are not far from it – all they really need to do is to come to a compromise regarding the necessity of accompanying the stabilisation of public funds for policies of regrowth with investments in the industries of the future. Whether we like it or not, this is the view after the battle. **
Neigh Way
15
01/09/2014 04:24:17
Beziers Why do anglophones avoid this vibrant city and its Arabic influences?
Dick Fowler writes..
F
or a long time I’ve been intrigued by that vast area of Béziers which extends from Place Jean Jaurès down to the railway station , the river Orb , and up to the Cathedral . For me it’s a black box, full of people from the Mediterranean edges - yes , Arabs . You know, the area where the mayor says more than 60% live 16
The HAT September 2014.indd 16
off social security; well, here it’s probably a whole lot more. I have walked miles along ancient alleys up to the Eglise St Jacques and am amazed by what a legacy of old buildings are to be found; an Englishman’s dream, buy up a wreck and bring it back to life. Plenty of scope here. A bit daunted by the desire to dig into the people who live here I managed to
persuade Arnaud Gaulthier from the Midi Libre siège in Béziers to hold my hand and take me in! Did he speak Arabic , who did he know ? Well we walked from the siège across the bottom of Les Allées and straight into the nearest Khebab restaurant and in no time I arranged to meet a guy later who would answer questions. On to another restaurant where a guy who at first was
The Herault & Aude Times
01/09/2014 04:24:23
reluctant to talk soon opened up. He says the Feria never comes as far as him. The mayor forbade parking and he wasn’t getting the trade he wanted. Heartened by the first contacts, Arnaud left me at this point and I was on my own. I no longer felt uncomfortable and wandered on into the Salon Marocain. A souk in Beziers ! Thé Vert de Chine , Thé Vert Gunpowder de Chine, Broken Orange Thé de Pékin, Orange Flower drink , bags of pistachios, cacahuètes, chestnuts, arachides en coques, semantes d’orgue, couscous , poivre noir moulu (1/2kg for €8.90 :white pepper €2.50/kg ) canelle , Anies pimento, Indian Curry, Eastern Teapots, Pasta machines, endless spices, Aladdin’s slippers... a host of vegetables and much, much more at prices below what you would expect in the safe environment of your local supermarket with the customary sterile ambiance. Overwhelming. Next was the ‘Mediterranean Travel Agent / Money Transfer/ mobile phone/internet connection/ all goods Emporium! €1 search fee for your flight and €10 for a reservation’ shop. Probably the main man in Béziers to facilitate your Haj. The polite owner, a Moroccan, has been here ten years . With time to kill and hungry for lunch before my arranged meeting I decided on the Star of the East for lunch. With a smile I asked for a beer, which was returned and I settled for a can of orange. Khebabs were off but something I understood to be similar was offered and I settled on that. A fairly long wait on the table out in the street was enlightened by the neighbouring company of four men who seemed to have all the time in the world to drink a rather small cup of tea. It worried me how the restaurant owner could possibly cover his overheads with customers who spent a lot of time, but no money. Mobile phones were constantly used for, I assumed, important business, in who knows what. Perhaps enough to buy another small cup of tea. The plate was full, lots of salad and I’m afraid I don’t know what else. It was wonderful, and I ate all the bread as well. When
the time came to leave I became anxious. With only one ten euro note in my bag, I was bound to be forced to dash off to the nearest machine to convert card to cash. I handed the note over to the smiling waiter, fearing the worst. Another smile, while he searched for a couple of euros change! Wow!
image Left:by: Demeester image above by: Vpe
Ten years ago we were told it was possible to get a menu for nine or ten euros, but we never did find one, well that was eatable. And here it was! Back at the Khebab Restaurant, the owner and two others sat down at a table on Les Allées to answer my questions. The first being, where do all these people come from? All Arabs, they do come from all over , but many come from the car factories and industries around Paris. The Béziers climate suits them and there is no incentive to go back home. Many from overseas have been able to join them, even legally. 20% come
from the old colony of Algeria. They come here to retire. The children are forced to move away since the quantity of traditional work in the Languedoc vineyards has vanished. They grumbled that Spaniards come and work here for ridiculous wages. The French employers discriminate against Arab workers. An employer will pass a well-qualified Arab for less qualified people of his ‘own kind’. One said he had been to Manchester and said there was far less discrimination there. Unemployment is seriously bad here and there really is not a lot of hope for the future. The methods of taking on employees here discourage employers from doing so because of the contracts they are forced into accepting by the current laws. There are just not the opportunities for an unskilled worker to get a start and graft his way into being a loyal employee. The much vaunted history of syndicats makes conditions better for employees has become monopolistic, favouring those in employment too much. They voiced the quantity of paperwork and discrimination against Arabs who want to form their own businesses. That and the extremely high social security payments, with which, from my own experience, I can sympathise greatly. In times of uneven cash flows the demands for social security payments are not flexible or understanding. The Arabs are well known for their business ability and France is missing a trick here by not harnessing it to the greater benefit. Quite a strong indicator of the Eurozone’s present predicament. There was a strong feeling that old France is afraid of the new France full of these people who want their part in it. The new France is multi-racial and it’s up to all to embrace the future and make more possible together. But at the moment the restaurateur said “MARHABA; HAY, HAY”. Which means: “Hi ! We’re not changing anything!” ( Bienvenue ! On ne va changer rien ! Was his translation.)
0609 540 662 - 0499 416 180 enquiries@problemsolved.info
PROBLEM SOLVED Renovations, Handyman Services, UK tv www.theheraultandaudetimes.com
The HAT September 2014.indd 17
17
01/09/2014 04:24:29
GTBY
moms.pop
Back to School – Oh no! So the glorious summer has gone and school has crept back up on us. Because my father is French my parents decided that they would rather live in a country where the sun shines over their heads, as opposed to rain. Sadly, due to their weather preferences I had to leave the charming English countryside, and start life in the sunny Languedoc, the location of my grandparents. Luckily, after arduous French lessons language was not a problem. But after being here for several years now, I must say at the end of the long holidays going back to school is not what I most look forward to in a year. Not that it’s bad, but it’s not necessarily that good either. At
least the school I’m at has quite a good reputation in our area, despite it always seeming so chaotic. For instance, I get the impression that some of my teachers, whilst being good at their subjects, are not always that good when it comes to communicating or controlling the class. This results in loads of children cursing them or simply not caring and it can be really hard to concentrate above all the talking in class. I very rarely meet people who take school seriously; most of the girls in my class last year skipped school whenever it suited them or slept during lessons. This turned out not to matter that much because we missed so many classes last year from teachers not turning up, especially our French teacher who was absent for what seemed like half of the year and we never had a substitute, so all we could do was to hang around waiting for the next class, sometimes up to two hours. We’re not allowed stay in the classroom if the teacher isn’t there and have to go into a separate room where a surveillant watches us; we’re not allowed to make a sound, so we have to sit there for ages, which is ok if you happen to have a good book with you. Some of my classes were quite challeng-
ing last term, usually the ones where the teacher was still enthusiastic about their subject (there are definitely some teachers who seem to have lost their mojos). The main thing I have noticed about education in France is that you definitely get the impression that hardly anyone, my friends or teachers, seem that happy about being there; maybe that’s why there are never any pictures or posters on the walls anywhere, and you certainly don’t see anyone’s work in the corridors, just scuffed paint. For me, I don’ like the fact that classes consist of taking notes which we copy (if you can read your teacher’s handwriting) off the board, we rarely discuss anything or have the chance to write our own thoughts down. I shall be going into 3ème this year, which is the last year of collège. This means I’ll be sitting the brevet at the end of May 2015. The brevet is a test taken at the end of collège based on all the lessons of the past 4 years; if you pass you can go on to Lycée for your last three years of education. I don’t know much more about it because I haven’t been told, I suppose that’s because it’s been the same system for so long that everyone just knows what to expect from their parents or family, but it’s still very daunting. Especially, considering we missed so many French, history and sport classes last year. All in all, although for the most part I don’t mind school. I do look forward to seeing my friends but cringe at the thought of having to go through all the chaos, very heavy school bags and hanging around all over again. Oh well, c’est la vie! By Hetty D.
The Herault & Aude Times
The HAT September 2014.indd 18
01/09/2014 04:24:30
Left: Emmanuel Macron
THE NEW FRENCH GOVERNMENT – A JEREMAID
H
ow does the new French government differ from the old? The answer is contained in a single name: Emmanuel Macron, the new minister of the economy. Macron is a familiar type to anyone who follows French politics: the brilliant student who, by the age of 36, has succeeded in more careers than the average mortal will experience in a lifetime. He is a graduate of the Lycée Henri IV, of course, of the Ecole Normale Supérieure, of course, and of the Ecole Nationale d’Administration, of course. Before the ENA he served as Paul Ricoeur’s assistant on the strength of a series of brilliant (of course) dissertations on the general interest, Hegel, and Machiavelli (of course), and after the ENA (from which he graduated no. 5 in his class, of course) he joined the most prestigious of the French corps d’élite, the Inspection des Finances (of course). But because he “values his independence,” he left public service for a few years to join the Banque Rothschild (of course). He is said to exercise a strong seductive power on elder statesmen, and it was one of them, Jean-Pierre Jouyet, Jospin’s Mr. Europe before becoming Sarkozy’s Mr. Europe and now secretarygeneral of the Elysée, who persuaded (of course) the young meteor to take a 90% salary cut to join Hollande’s staff. For that strategic decision he now reaps the reward of a ministerial portfolio, replacing the mercurial Arnaud Montebourg. So what does this portend for French economic policy? The conventional wisdom is that it consummates the victory of the “social liberal” wing of the Socialist Party: free-market economics combined with whatever (little) can be salvaged of the welfare state. Of Hollande it has been said frequently in the last 24 hours that il assume son choix néolibéral, as if that tells us anything. In fact, Macron in his former job worked closely with the ousted Montebourg, particularly on implementing the
recommendations of the Attali and Gallois reports to increase competitiveness. But for the most part it was small-bore incrementalism: reducing the fees charged by huissiers and notaires and chauffeurs de taxi may be long overdue in France but is hardly the stuff of a Thatcherian overhaul of the economy, nor is it the thin end of the German Ordoliberal wedge or the mainmise of the Banque Rothschild. Soyons sérieux. Montebourg spoke loudly and carried a small stick. Macron speaks softly and will carry a small stick. The heavy lifting remains, and will no doubt be avoided as long as Hollande is president. There is no doubt that the French economy is much in need of structural reform. The problem is that structural reform requires political finesse as well as a strong will, and Macron, for all his bourgeois discreet charm, embodies the congenital defect of post-Mitterrand socialism in France. Mitterrand surrounded himself with bright énarques who could get things done elegantly and efficiently. At some point, however, the énarquesceased to be content with being mere exécutants and developed a taste for political legitimacy, encouraged to do so by le Florentin himself. Jospin and Hollande are perfect examples. They were able to win office but without developing the political instincts, the flair, the networks below the elite level that are necessary to facilitate action and communicate les doléances du peuple back to the palace. They became les intendantsof the Fifth Republic, a caste of royal officials utterly divorced from the society they purport to govern. One after another, we have seen brilliant young men (and some women), of whom Macron is the latest, rise to power, greeted by journalistic trumpets such as the Libération article I cited above. And with each new appointment, le pouvoir grows more out of touch and less capable of responding to the groans from below. The rise of the Front National is only one sign of the resulting malaise. www.theheraultandaudetimes.com
The HAT September 2014.indd 19
Does the ouster of Montebourg represent a real change of economic policy? Surely not. Macron would no doubt like to see a softening of the German heart as dearly as Montebourg did, but if he ever alludes to his feelings on the matter, it will be with an ironic smile and sotto voce. Montebourg was at bottom no more of a politician than Macron: he was a lawyer, playing on the emotions of the jury and courtroom with his elaborate effets de manche and a not always well-calculated mise en scène. Montebourg’s error was to think that Angela Merkel might be moved by his stagecraft. But he was no Racine and no Sarah Bernhardt, and in any case Merkel doesn’t speak French. Macron’s error will be to think that Merkel and her counselors will respond to his very French-style elitist brillance maligne. In fact, Merkel will continue to attend to German interests, and the best Macron, Sapin, Valls, and Hollande will be able to do will be to demonstrate that the German economy, too, is being sandbagged by German policy. It will be a slog. One other comment on yesterday’s change of government. In my Twitter feed yesterday a rather ugly note popped up from Laurent Wauquiez, another bright normalien of the Macron type who is one of the fair hopes of the Right and who seems lately to be pursuing his ambitions by playing to the Hard Right contingent in the UMP. Wauquiez’s tweet read: “@ ChTaubira maintenue, l’ultra pro-gender @najatvb à l’Education. Un gouvernement entre tragi-comédie et provocation contre les familles.” The reference to justice minister Taubira, who was “symbolically” retained by Hollande despite her overt support for Montebourg, is Wauquiez’s bid to curry favor with the racists in his party who applauded the photos of Taubira with an ape and the child who tried to hand her a bunch of bananas, while the reference to Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, now elevated to minister of education (replacing frondeurBenoît Hamon) attempts to capitalize on the extremist fear-mongering about the Socialists’ alleged (but non-existent) promotion of “gender studies” in French elementary schools, which Wauquiez pretends to construe as a “provocation against families.” He knows better but apparently has decided that, despite being a normalien, his best shot at power is to pretend to be a yahoo ignoramus in the Sarah Palin mold. (h/t Arun Kapil) In recent months I have been tempted to believe that French politics could sink no lower, but life is full of surprises. Art Goldhammer artgoldhammer.logspot.fr 19
01/09/2014 04:24:32
www.lerabling.org
HT Life Style in partnership with
Lerab Ling Buddhist Centre Maggie’s Column PERSONAL COACH & HYPNOTHERAPIST
This is because you’re being asked about something you don’t know so you are constructing an answer What was the colour of your first car? Which of your friends has the longest hair? Up and left - Visual remembered This response is to something you know so
Goal Searching Here’s a bit of summer fun. Be careful! You may be giving yourself away without even knowing it!! What you may not be aware of is that our eyes are a clue to what we’re thinking. We move our eyes to the part of the brain that we’re needing to engage in response to questions we are asked.
Ask yourself the following questions and note where your eyes move as you reach for the answer (pictures below are as if you’re looking at someone else or in the mirror). Then try asking a friend or partner some questions and notice where their eyes move. Have some fun! Where will you go on holiday next year? What would your room look like if you painted it green? Up and to the right - Visual constructed
can remember What would your phone sound like if it was ringing under water? What would it sound like if you played two pieces of music at the same time? Across and right - Auditory constructed This is something you haven’t heard before so you construct the sound in your mind What was that sound of the school bell when you were at school? Which is louder, your door bell or your telephone? Across and left – Auditory remembered You’ve heard the sound before so you will remember what it sounds like Think about a favourite pet, your partner, parents? What does it feel like to walk barefoot on the beach? Down and right – Kinaesthetic You get right into the feeling or emotion of the issue What are your thoughts about a certain
article? What do you continually tell yourself? Down and left – Audio digital This position is for people who tend to process in their heads rather than emotionally and spend time thinking rather than feeling So if you’re asking someone if they were out the night before and their eyes shoot up and to their right – you know that they’re constructing an answer and not remembering what actually happened. So you could question whether or not they’re being truthful! Or if someone is telling you that they’re not upset about a situation and that everything is fine, but their eyes go down and right to access their emotions, you know that they are actually more upset than they are admitting.
Now this is not fool proof. Some people react in totally different ways and left handed people may even swap the positions. But it’s fun to play with - so just become more aware of your eye movements – because they may be saying a lot more about you than you think!! Maggie is a personal coach and hypnotherapist: If you wish to contact her personally to discuss any issues, please email: maggie@maggieminter.co.uk
LIFE Soyez réaliste, demandez l’impossible
T
he French have their own distinctive slogans that express their attitude toward life and their sense of possibility. There’s “Under the cobblestones, the beach” (Sous les pavés, la plage); “It is forbidden to forbid” (Il est 20
The HAT September 2014.indd 20
interdit d’interdire); “The alarm clock rings, first humiliation of the day” (Le réveil sonne: première humiliation de la journée); “Be realistic, demand the impossible” (Soyez réaliste, demandez l’impossible), coined by students during the 1968 uprising; “Boredom is a counter-revolutionary act” (L’ennui est contre-révolutionnaire) , “Take your desires for reality”; “God, I suspect you of being a left wing intellectual” (Dieu, je vous soupçonne d’être un intellectuel de gauche)… Oh, and “Never work” (Ne travaillez jamais)!
The Herault & Aude Times
01/09/2014 04:24:34
www.lerabling.org
HT Life Style in partnership with
Lerab Ling Buddhist Centre Touch for Health® Kinesiology
Matthew Thie interviewed by Alexandra Thevenet Matthew, can you tell us where Touch for Health® Kinesiology comes from and how it originated? Touch for Health® Kinesiology (TFH)has its roots in the work of Detroit chiropractor, George Goodheart. Dr Goodheart began using muscle testing to evaluate muscle strength or injury in relation to postural imbalances, but soon found that muscles dramatically improve function in response to a variety of touch reflexes, including acupuncture points and meridians. Goodheart developed a system called Applied Kinesiology, which he shared with physicians who are licensed to diagnose - medical doctors, chiropractors, osteopaths, dentists, psychiatrists etc. My father, John Thie, D.C., one of the early promoters of Goodheart’s work and the founding chairman of Goodheart’s International College of Applied Kinesiology (ICAK) had the vision of sharing this information with the wider populationso they could learn to help themselves. TFH was designed to empower every person to become active in the creation, maintenance and restoring of their own health and well being, and to allow families to enhance their self-care. Today,TFH is probably the most widely used system of “Energy Kinesiology”or “Specialized Kinesiology” in the world. Millions of people have experienced and benefited from TFH. TFH has also proven to be a useful holistic approach for many professionals who integrate the techniques in their health care practice, and is widely recognized and respected as a fundamental training in the emerging field of Energy Kinesiology and Energy Psychology. TFH is a synthesis of ancient knowledge of the Chinese acupuncture meridians and modern techniques derived from chiro-
practic, naturopathy, osteopathy, and even person-centered counseling. This includes manual muscle testing, acupressure and a several other types of touch reflexes, meridian tracing, nutrition and a variety of mind-body techniques for balancing the subtle energies while focusing on meaningful, personal goals. In TFH we use muscle testing as a method of biofeedback to identify imbalances in the body’s energy system. Using a holistic approachwe rebalance the body’s energies and activate the body’s intrinsic healing process so that the body can better heal itself, creating that sense of effortless effort, and being in the flow of life. For me TFH represents a “tried and true” method of improving peoples LIVES. It is such a joy to use because of the immediately observable changes in muscle response, posture, emotional state, mental clarity and motivation. We CAN do simple things to take care of and enhance our own life and vitality, whether as a simple help for aches and pains or lethargy, or as a lifetransforming process. What can TFH be used for? Between 70% and 90% of the everyday aches, pains, discomfort and distress of every day life does not have any medical diagnosis or treatment. TFH puts power back into the hands of every family, and additional holistic tools in the “utility belt” of all kinds of practitioners. It is meant more as a program for ongoing development of health, vitality and wellness to help prevent disease by maintaining high level of health. Where there is injury or disease, it can be a powerful adjunct and support to professional care and the body’s natural healing capacity. Many chiropractors, massage therapists,
www.theheraultandaudetimes.com
The HAT September 2014.indd 21
acupuncturists, psychologists, and even medical doctors integrate TFH into their treatment protocols as a holistic support to their particular specialty. In cases where there is no medical diagnosis or treatment, no discernable disease or cause for discomfort, TFH is often a very effective alternative to simply taking “pain pills” or assuming, “it’s all in my head”. It also offers the possibility of greater comfort and functionning with less medical treatment or medication. Who can learn and/or practice it? TFH Kinesiologycan be can be easily learned by anyone for their self-care and development of wellness, without any prior knowledge. In my workshops I usually have a mix of lay people and professionals. If you would like to immerse yourself in TFH, attending a workshop is a good opportunity and you find details of workshops available on www.ikc-info.org. Useful info: To find TFH Instructors and practitioners please visit: www.ikc-info.org (Official TFH website) www.tfh.fr (French TFH website) www.ffks.fr (Fédération Française de Kinésiologies Spécialisées) www.formation-mediterranee.fr (Accredited training center in Montpellier - Le Crès)
21
01/09/2014 04:24:36
The Music Page - In partnership with:
‘Family Trees’
W
Richard Pullen on Music
ell Italy came and went with nothing musical to report except some infuriating ditties from the kids club usually involving the singing repeatedly of the word for the local speciality “mozzarella “ ! The summer has been somewhat Bristolian in feel starting with Massive Attack in Carcassonne and ending with Portishead in Paris so I’m going to recognise that city’s contribution and take a trip ( hop) down memory lane for those of you old enough to remember the nineties... Massive Attack are probably the best known group from Bristol and have just amazingly entered their 26th year together - they are a nucleus of Robert Del Naja and Grant Marshall with certain famous and not so famous collaborators ( Robert is also a painter starting off around the same time as another luminary from the city the reclusive Banksy) In Carcassonne they were joined on vocals by Martina Topley-Bird, Debbie Miller and the sublime Horace Andy. Martina took the honours on “Teardrop “and first came to peopleʼs attention on Bristol boy Trickyʼs first album Maxinquaye (this album helped define the “Bristol Sound” and also featured Alison Goldfrapp) but I am a big fan of Blowback where Tricky collaborated with most of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Cyndi Lauper and Alannis Morrisette and others- good family tree album this! Horace Andy is originally a Kingston, Jamaica Studio One star but began collaborating with Massive Attack in 1990 most notably on Angel which was possibly the highlight in Carcassonne - there was an unplanned light show courtesy of the weather which treated us to magnificent lightning flashes underlining the anger of the political statements flashing up on the screens behind the group. Other famous collaborators throughout the years have been
Tracey Thorne , from Everything But The Girl on possibly their most famous track “Protection” , Liz Fraser from the Cocteau Twins and Neneh Cherry with her husband Cameron McVey If you go back to the making of their first album Blue Lines in
Beth Gibbons -Portishead
[http://flickr.com/photos/goulao/2368910458/ flickr
1991, there was a young trainee tape operator working there called Geoff Barrow and in between various takes the band allowed Geoff to get his own ideas on tape and then Geoff , with Beth Gibbons and later Adrian Uttley , went on to become Portishead ( named after the suburb of Bristol where Geoff grew up ). In 1994 they produced their first album Dummy which , because of its re-issue this month on sexy 180 gram vinyl to celebrate its 20th anniversary , becomes my album of the month at the time Rolling Stone magazine described it as “Gothic Hip Hop” and Melody Maker said it was music for a film not yet made. Order the album at www.portishead.co.uk Chitra and I have VIP tickets to see them at “Rock en Seine “in Paris on Saturday 23rd of August, so a review will follow next month. Thank you Bristol ……..
Massive Attack Image courtesy of Jezhotwells
25JULY - THE JACKSONS, CARCASSONNE15 OCTOBER, KYLIE MINOGUE 17 JULY, LANA DL REY - 30 JULY, JAMES BLUNT - 20 JULY, FRANZ FERDINAND THE HAT HAS TICKETS - WATCH THIS SPACE TO WIN! 22
The HAT September 2014.indd 22
The Herault & Aude Times
01/09/2014 04:24:37
The Magical Folk of France
T
ners and blind duty to the king. On the contrary, Marie-Catherine handled her material freely, making additions, amplifications, and moral reflections to the original tale, which she also used as a vehicle through which to spew venom at what she portrayed as a dark, suffocating social system under Louis XIV, the self-proclaimed Sun King. Her weaving together of incidents is artistic and her style graceful and not unpleasing. It is marked by ornamentation, sumptuousness and French sentimentality. It shows a lack of naivete resulting from the palace setting given to her tales, making them adapted only to children of high rank. Often her tale is founded on a beautiful tradition. The BlueBird, one of the finest of her tales, was found in the poems of Marie de France, in the thirteenth century, whilst three others were borrowed
duce with gentleness, sneak into our beds, and get us there. The sexual undertones are not lost on us — after all, the contemporary French idiom for a girl having lost her virginity was elle avoit vû le loup!
he Bluebird and other stories... France has a rich history of The origin of the word “fairy,” as given by Thomas Keightley in his Fairy Mythology, oral tradition and folklore, the and later in the Appendix of his Tales and Popular Fictions, is the Latin fatum, “to enelements of which became the inchant.” The word was derived directly from the French form of the root. The various spiration for many well known fairy forms of the root were:-- Latin . . . . fatum, “to enchant.” tales, celebrated now more as literFrench . . . . fee, feerie, “illusion.” ary works than for their oral variItalian . . . . fata. ants, and encapsulated for all time Provencal . . . . fada. by 17/18th century writers Charles In old French romance, fee was a “woman skilled in magic.” “All those women were Perrault (author of Cinderella, Puss called Fays who had to do with enchantment and charms and knew the power and virin Boots, Little Red Riding Hood) and tue of words, of stones, and of herbs, by which they were Marie Catherine d’Aulnoy (authoress of The Bluebird, Goldilocks, The Yellow dwarf). from Straparola. In the late 1600s, the French Salons were Charles Perrault (d.1703), whose stories filled with fairy tale writing, primarily by taken from the oral tradition and entreatwomen writers. The telling of fairytales ed to a certain amount of the author’s started almost as a conversational game and own imaginative embellishment,were provided a means for women, unable to hold published in his Histoires ou Contes du office, to prove their intellectual abilities. temps passé (better known amongst naThe fairy stories were often used as a vehicle tive English speakers as ‘Mother Goose through which to rail against moral issues, Tales’) and remain among the most but as well as reinforcing social norms they popular tales today – although in the were also used to subvert them. past decades children have been served One of the most prolific and influential of up somewhat sanitized versions of Perthese women is Marie-Catherine D’Aulnoy rault’s original work. In Little Red Riding (d.1705) who published four volumes of Hood, for example, there is no intrepid fairy tales. She was a brilliant, witty counthuntsman placed artfully in the story ess, and brought into her tales, entitled Conto save the poor little girl. Rather, Little tes de Fees, the graces of the court. Red simply strips naked, gets in bed, and She adhered less strictly to tradition than then dies, eaten up by the big bad wolf, her male contemporary, author Charles Perwith no miraculous relief (in another rault, whose own literary fairy tales had won version, she eats her own grandmother him almost instant success, notably ‘Puss in first, her flesh cooked up and her blood Boots’ which idealized the rise of an advenpoured into a wine glass by our wolfish turous cat through the ranks of courtly socifriend). Instead, Perrault gives us a little ety; the story sends the message to young rhyming verse reminding us that not men that nobility is a reward for good manall wolves are wild beasts — some sewww.theheraultandaudetimes.com
The HAT September 2014.indd 23
23
01/09/2014 04:24:41
SUPPORTING LOC CHARITABLE, ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND AND ECONOMICAL? WHY NOT BUY YOUR CLOTHES, BOOKS (AND OTHER THINGS) FROM US?
L
ots of people know about CSF Languedoc’s existence, and The Herault and Aude Times has kindly shared information about us and our work before. In order to support people living in the Herault, Gard and Lozere who are affected by cancer, we do a number of things to raise the funds to help us operate. One of these is a monthly pre-loved clothes, books and games sale. Are bad memories of badly-organised and slightly smelly charity shops kicking in? Stop there and think again! Hannah Waters runs the monthly event from her home in Puissalicon and has a keen eye for what will sell. “I am always looking for more donations. We only sell things that are in good condition and it can be hard to do that and keep the turnover of stock. Everything that hasn’t
sold after three months is identified and if it doesn’t sell in its fourth month , we take it off sale.” During the recent sale in July, the space was bustling with people all scanning the well-ordered rails and stalls (organised by size and type of clothing, with books organised by author). Hannah knew her stock so well that she was able to guide individuals to items she felt would work for them – with lots of pleased customers. Clothes were being donated during the sale and Hannah spotted anything that was new/unworn/barely worn and flagged it up to likely buyers straight away. It felt like one short step away from having a personal shopper. Nicole Hammond of Ladies in Languedoc was clear, “It’s so good, and I can’t believe it’s so cheap!” This was born out when the writer of this article scanned the rails and found a skirt from Karen Millen that fitted perfectly, was in pristine condition and was only 3 euros. The fact that re-use is one of the cornerstones of the environmental movement only adds to the attraction. Extra to the usual donated products, The Delicious Sisters were selling some lovely homemade products at the July sale. Their banana and curry chutney (and other flavours – too many to mention) received rave reviews from tastings, as did pickles, cake, marmalade and other items – all sold with a percentage donation to CSF Languedoc. Hannah makes every effort to try and make the experience more than a quick shop. It is a genuinely sociable experience, with people commenting on each other’s finds, catching up with old acquaintances and meeting new ones. As well as supporting our work with
individuals, the money raised supports our monthly (excl July, August and December)
Drop in Days. In the last 18 months, these sales have raised 2000 euros towards our work. With wider support, they can raise more. We would love to see numbers of donators and buyers increase, so if you have some lovely things you don’t wear, read or use anymore, or are thinking it would be nice to see what’s on offer, please look out for our sales, which are: Monthly – 1st Monday (none this October) 2pm-4pm 96 Ave de Béziers, 34480 Puissalicon Tel: 09 81 22 68 19 for information or directions Every item you donate or purchase will support our work. For more information about CSF Languedoc, please see our website: csf-languedoc.com For any queries about receiving support from or volunteering with CSF Languedoc, please email us on: csf.languedoc@gmail.com jjmccullough.com
24
The HAT September 2014.indd 24
The Herault & Aude Times
01/09/2014 04:24:42
OCAL CHARITIES CANCER SUPPORT FRANCE CYCLING FROM CHERBOURG TO THE MED!!
D
o you like a challenge? This is what Hazel Turner and Geoff Hunt are taking on when they cycle from Cherbourg to St Cyprien! They will be starting their 1,400km journey on Sunday 7th September and plan (all being well!) to reach their destination on Thursday 25th September. Their arrival will coincide with Cancer Support France Awareness Week. Both Hazel and Geoff lost their partners to cancer and will be doing the ride in memory of Jeff (1955-2009) and Anna (1953-2012), and in support of the many people, whatever their nationality, affected by cancer in some way. Their thoughts are particularly with Linda Shepherd, the founder of Cancer Support France, who has just been diagnosed with a recurrence of cancer after 12 years in remission. They will also be raising money for “CSF- Sud de France” and
“La Ligue Contre le Cancer”, any monies raised to be shared equally between the two. If you would like to make a donation you can donate as follows:• On line through www.cancersupportfrance.org using Paypal. 1. Log on to the website, 2. Under Affiliated Associations, select Sud de France, 3. At the bottom of the Sud de France page you will find a “Donate” button Or, by cheque payable to “CSF – Sud de France” or “La Ligue contre le Cancer” and posted to Judith Bourne, Treasurer, Chemin de Fuche, 11300, Magrie Bonne Chance Hazel and Geoff!! You can follow Hazel and Geoff’s progress on http://cherbourgtothemed.blogspot.fr Cancer Support France offers emotional, linguistic and practical support to cancer patients and their families through our team of trained volunteers. See our local website for further information: www.csf-suddefrance.webs.com Local helpline: 04 68 69 01 37 **
3 500 KM OF MOUNTAIN BIKING TERRAIN IN HÉRAULT
H
érault is today the number one department in France for mountain biking (VTT). The improvements of biking trails over the last three years parallel a huge increase in enthusiasm for the sport. For amateurs and seasoned professionals alike there is an amazing choice of terrains here. Atlanta, 1992: Mountain biking become an Olympic sport. Born in 1970 in the USA, the huge, grooved wheels of the bikes meant that the most rugged ground could be explored. And in Hérault… staying within the confines of marked paths, it’s also secure. There are so many options: le Réseau vert® which stretches from east to west; The Traversée Larzac-Méditerranée running from north to south; and the 10 VTT areas designated by the Fédération de cyclisme (FFC). That’s 3,100km in total, to which a further 50km of the green way (voie verte) can be added. www.theheraultandaudetimes.com
The HAT September 2014.indd 25
25
01/09/2014 04:24:44
The Geek we call ‘E-Male’
HANDS ON
Samsung SmartNX3000 Camera Samsung SmartNX3000 Camera I’m sexy and I know it!
H
ave a look at the months or year just past and remember the good, the great and maybe even the not so good times. Anybody got any pictures? On a mobile phone? Well that’s all good and great, I use a Windows Nokia phone with a better camera than most of you and a Samsung S4 which is really, really good and vibrant but you know sometimes I want the chunky feel of power in my hands, so I called some people and I got my hands on the Samsung SmartNX3000 camera. And even better I got it in cool retro brown!
And boy was it worth it. The Samsung NX3000 with 16-50mm lens is the entry-level camera in Samsung’s mirrorless lineup, but it is no slouch in image quality. A 20mp image sensor captures images with the same resolution as higher level cameras. For those who like modernity with a retro feel this is the dream; and for those who want a little extra it has a
26
The HAT September 2014.indd 26
The Geek we call ‘E-Male’
flash shoe for an external flash. And if you have cool kids, the rear display flips to allow the dreaded ‘selfie’ in 3 variants and the screen itself, although I’ve seen better is easy to see in bright ‘light of the languedoc’ mode. Wifi mode is, as you would expect from Samsung, excellent and in collaboration with the Samsung Smart Camera App (available free on Android and iOS) you can send all your photos and videos straight to your phone wirelessly. You can also share images Home Monitor+, which allows you to use the NX3000 as a home security camera and Auto Backup to copy photos and videos to a PC. For you geeks, you can use the camera from your phone (in auto mode only) and believe me with a little imagination this is such fun eh mom!! Downsides to this camera are few and far between for this level and in truth it punches above its weight. In my view this is a great camera if you want a little more than just your phone. I’m just going to call Samsung and see if I can keep it. Pros - Compact. Excellent image quality. Lens change facility. Raw support. Wifi Cons - No RAW Transfer via wifi. Plastic build. Little bit slow on focus for the overly zealous. 431.90€ FNAC 349.90€ Darty
The Herault & Aude Times
01/09/2014 04:24:48
European Brain Drain
F
rom 2003 until now, 276,124 EU citizens have applied to go to another member state to work on a permanent basis with their profession. The countries experiencing the most brain drain have been Poland (33,207 professionals), Germany (29,670), Romania (26,496), Greece (22,260), and the UK (21,519). At the same time, the UK has been the country with the most brain gain as well: 76,956 professionals moved there after obtaining their qualification in another EU country, followed by Germany (38,343), Belgium (22,835), Cyprus (22,834) and Austria (19,625). In France 9,985 French professionals moved to another EU country after obtaining their qualifications. The most mobile brains within the EU since 2003: 1. Secondary school teacher 54,040 2. Doctor of medicine 47,998 3. Nurse 39,773 4. Physiotherapist 12,529 5. Dental practitioner 8,907 Source: www.alpbach.org
The colours on the map indicate whether a country lost or gained more professionals since 2003. Green means that more brains moved there than left (brain gain); red means more brains left this country than moving there (brain drain).
DID YOU KNOW
- France produces some of the world’s most famous liqueurs, including Grand Marnier, Cointreau, Triple Sec, Mandarine Napoleon, Cognac, Armagnac, Crème de Cassis, Pastis and Chartreuse.
www.theheraultandaudetimes.com
The HAT September 2014.indd 27
27
01/09/2014 04:24:53
Learning French You don’t need to go to classes if you don’t want to
N
ow that the glorious August sun has set on the height of summer, September is unavoidably the month to join the throngs of the willing (and not so willing) to garner the over rested brain cells and get back to learning. The well known Foires des Associations, held on various dates throughout September across France, offer a breadth of learning opportunities and activities to get involved with. But for those of you who like to develop your learning in the privacy of your own home, below is a list of free on-line resources for improving your French and understanding of France: Le Monde (proficient to advanced): Leading French daily newspaper: www.lemonde.fr/Videos from the lemonde.fr site: www.lemonde.fr/rss/videos.xml Telezapping: a review of the day’s newspapers in France. www.lemonde.fr/podcast-ele-zapping.xml Internet actuel (intermediate to advanced): Accessible articles for French learners: www.vanin-methodes.be/cms_master/arcades/default.asp?webpageid=1773 Revue2Presse: A daily update of all the front covers of magazines and newspapers in France, organised in different categories and with links to each publication’s website: www.revue2presse.fr Le Petit Journal (advanced): Daily 15 minute humorous take on the day’s news: www.canalplus.fr/c-divertissement/ pid3351-c-le-petit-journal.html TF1, le journal de 20h (intermediate to advanced):35 minute daily prime-time news bulletin from one of France’s leading broadcasters: www.tf1.fr/jt-20h/ TV5 monde (all levels): The “langue française” section of TV5 monde, especially designed for French learners. Learn French while watching short TV shows on current affairs and complete interactive exercises:
28
The HAT September 2014.indd 28
www.tv5.org/TV5Site/enseigner-apprendre-francais/accueil_apprendre.php; Discovering French regions: http:// cabouge.tv5monde.com/france/alsace/ Le JT de Canal+ (all levels): This news bulletin is quite short and clear – it’s a good one for the lower levels of proficiency: www.canalplus.fr/c-infos-documentaires/pid2800-c-le-jtde-canal.html France Inter - Radio (proficient/advanced): Radio France Inter has a great selection of recorded interviews and discussions of both news-related and cultural topics. You can listen to them online here: www.franceinter.fr/player Le Journal de la philosophie (advanced):Get your daily 5-minute fix of what’s going on in the world of French philosophy: www.franceculture.fr/emission-le-journal-de-la-philosophie Philosophie magazine (proficient to advanced):Print and online magazine covering all aspects of philosophical inquiry. Premium subscription service offered, but lots of free content on the site: www.philomag.com/ ;Good videos section: www.philomag.com/les-videos;online philosophical games: www.philomag.com/jeux Télérama (proficient to advanced):Telerama has reviews of films and shows on in France. It is an interesting read to get up to date on what is on in France, as is a good guide of what to look for if you are interested in French film: www. telerama.fr Polar FLE (Intermediate to advanced): Learn French grammar by following a French “detective” trying to solve a crime. polarfle.com Cavilam en ligne (intermediate to advanced): A wealth of online resources, including French song lyrics, French short videos: cavilamenligne.com Radio France Internationale (Intermediate and advanced):The “langue française” section of Radio France Internationale, especially designed for French learners. Learn French while listening to short radio shows on current affairs: www.rfi.fr/lffr/statiques/accueil_apprendre.asp; www.rfi.fr/lffr/dynamiques/liste_fait_du_jour_archive. aspx; www.rfi.fr/lffr/pages/001/accueil_exercice_ecoute.asp Canal académie (Intermediate and advanced): “L’espace apprendre” section of Radio France Internationale, especially designed for French learners. Learn French while listening to thematic radio shows (Art, Economy, Medecine,Sociology…): www.canalacademie.com/apprendre/
The Herault & Aude Times
01/09/2014 04:24:56
WHAT’S ON IN SEPTEMBER FÊTE DES ASSOCIATIONS MONTAGNAC From 9h to 12h30 at the Maison de Associations 6 Sep, 2014 POLYPHONIC SONG FESTIVAL IN UPPER VALLEY Festival of traditional songs. QUILLAN 6 to 14 September, 2014 24th RONDE DES VENDANGES Carcassonne 11.25km walking tour, from age
16, including 3 stages of 3.7km. Leaves 20h, Sqaure André Chenier, Carcassonne 6 Sep, 2014 WEEK-END BELLE ÉPOQUE AT THE JARDIN DE SAINT ADRIEN SERVIAN Price : 10€ Route de Pézenas 34290 SERVIAN 14h-18h30 Telephone : 33 (0)4 67 39 24 92 jardinstadrien@wanadoo.fr 6 September to 7 September, 2014 EXHIBITION “IN SITU” HERITAGE AND CONTEMPORARY ART Summer Event supported by the association Le Passe Muraille to establish a dialogue between the historic architecture and contemporary art. NARBONNE - Abbaye de Fontfroide Until 21 September, 2014 TOURNOI DE JOUTES LANGUEDOCIENNES PALAVAS-LES-FLOTS Event of the Season! Start: 15h Free 7 Sept 2014 HUMORISTIC DRAWING FESTIVAL The atmosphere is always happy in the village of Brugairolles (next to Limoux). BRUGAIROLLES - Salle des Fêtes Free admission 7 September, 2014 THE MIDDLE AGES IN SCENE In the heart of the medieval city of Carcassonne, the festival “Middle Ages in Scene” invites you to an unforgettable experience CARCASSONNE - Medieval town Until 31 October 2014 ONION FESTIVAL, CITOU, PAYS CATHARE
CI-
Free admission 07 September, 2014 ANDO RAZES 2014 The Rando-Razès is a family sporting event based around cross country and open air sport. ESCUEILLENS-ET-SAINT-JUST-DEBEL 13 to 14 Sept 2014 FREE, GUIDED VISITS TO THE ARBORETUM DE LUNEL LUNEL FREE OF CHARGE 10h-18h Chemin du Gazon, 34400 LUNEL Telephone : 33 (0)4 67 71 01 37 Mail : contact@ot-paysdelunel.fr Site : www.ot-paysdelunel.fr 13 to 14 September, 2014 GOURMET POTATOES FESTIVAL PAYS DE SAULT All day activities on the theme of the Potato: various animations, demonstrations and also on-site dining. BELVI Free admission 14 Sept, 2014 FÊTE DU VIN PINET 14 September, 2014 Market and Discovery Day 10h to 18h at the lac de la Pène, l’Association “Le village des Producteurs de l’Aude, Pays Cathare ESCUEILLENS-ET-SAINT-JUST-DEBEL Free admission 14th September, 2014 FETE DES VENDANGES ROQUEBRUN Grillade and refreshments, musical entertainment, 19h30 Hameau de Ceps 34460 ROQUEBRUN escolansdeceps.blogspot.fr/ 20 September, 2014 NARBONNE ORGAN FESTIVAL 2014 17h, Saint-Just Cathedral. Featuring Christopher HAINSWORTH (organ) & Laurence FRAISSE (flute). Free entrance. NARBONNE Cathédrale Saint Just et Saint Pasteur 20 September, 2014 FÊTE MÉDIEVALE OLARGUES 20 to 21 September, 2014 African Dance Workshop Cazilhac, Montpellier
www.theheraultandaudetimes.com
The HAT September 2014.indd 29
With Aminata Touré, Guinéenne dancer 14h -17h at la Maison Pour Tous Georges Sand, Montpellier Registration recommended 34190 CAZILHAC Mobile : 33 (0)6 15 12 88 94 Mail : mimakitu@voila.fr 21 September, 2014 Brame du Cerf Who would not hope, whilst strolling in the forest, to spot a deer, or simply to have the pleasure of hearing one? The Centre Cebenna is offering you the chance to come and listen to the “brame du cerf” at dusk, accompanied by a forest warden. A talk will take place after the walk in the Forest of Monts d’Orb. CENTRE CEBENNA, Avenue du Champ des horts, 34390 OLARGUES RDV 17h30; Price: 11€ Telephone: 33 (0)4 67 97 88 00; website: www.cebenna.org 26 September,2014 Sculpture Trail Mayronnes (Mayronnes is a hamlet in the Corbieres hills, near Lagrasse. It hosts a stunning free sculpture trail 5km (two hours 30 minutes) long.) Free admission. Until 26 September, 2014 A Glass of Wine on the Canal QUAI ELIE AMOUROUX 34310 CAPESTANG 18h Téléphone : 33 (0)4 67 37 85 29 www.tourismecanaldumidi.fr Free - 26 September, 2014 EXHIBITION ANNA HAUSER PELLERIN CASTELNAU-DE-GUERS Free admission; open from Monday to Friday, 8h-12h and 13h3018h 32 Avenue de Castelnau 29 Sep to 19 December, 2014 ORCHIDS AT FONTFROIDE For the 8th year running this “orchid événement” takes place over an extended weekend; prestigious producers eager to share their passion for orchids NARBONNE - Abbaye de Fontfroide 3 October to 5 October, 2014 TRADITIONAL ROWING “COUPE DE FRANCE” 14th edition of the Coupe de France of traditional rowing. Several rounds expected and hundreds of rowers… GRUISSAN - Port de Plaisance Free admission 4 October to 05 October 2014 ** 29
01/09/2014 04:24:59
A R T
30
The HAT September 2014.indd 30
The Herault & Aude Times
01/09/2014 04:25:00
A
s a British artist working for many years in the south of France: GORDON SEWARD is a firm believer in the beauty of pure pigments. Still life; Everyday intimate scenes; Urban compositions; Classic themes revisited; Gordon Seward’s oil paintings are composed with bold brush strokes and dazzling colours, and are as instinctive as they are endlessly creative. Into the oil paint often applied directly from the tube, he adds unexpected elements - plastics, porcelain or sequins etc. - that play with the light and surprise the eye.
Far from being decorative elements they are the result of his ongoing courageous searching for an art where painting can still be spectacular and deeply emotional without being superficial or vulgar. Within the freedom of his work there is a smile for the world and the grace and audacity of one confident in his art. Admired and recognised by collectors and galleries throughout France and internationally, the artwork of Gordon SEWARD, immediately draws into the joy of serious contemporary oil painting. “I start each painting as if I had been blind and have just recovered my vision. There are no preliminary drawings or decisions, I just burst onto the canvas. My painting is instinctive though I am a meditative person. The joy of painting is to extract primal beauty; And when I have it in my hand, I lay it out as boldly and brightly as I can. A successful painting has an overwhelming sense of abandon and creative courage, exactly as in a poem or a piece of music, an echo of that place beyond our limited imaginations. “My work has changed a lot over the years, even everyday. Its not having a style that is important, that will take care of itself with time and work. Most important is to create real emotion everyday, using line and colour and the adrenaline they inspire. “I use oil paint as to me it represents the relay between generations of painters and more importantly it suits me! I paint my life having taken out the dividing line between painting and living. I am not a painter who says - OK dear, I’m off to the studio, back at 6.30. I paint, cook, paint, wash up, paint, watch a film, chat, paint; no difference. Art is a state of mind, I never leave it (like love I think). “I take a lot of photos in sepia, always with paintings in mind. Things that happen, friends, compositions that seem interesting born of the day to day. My wife is central, I paint her a lot. More and more I am approaching new themes, ones that seem treacherous or unsuited to my style; However, a sense of ridicule is an artist’s best guide. Cave art fixed the fact that painting is a part of man. Art and war. In 20, 200 or 2000 years time, will people find some positive vibration and a little of their own humanity in my work? I only hope so.”
Gordon Seward
*
From top clockwise - Baigneuse (The Bather) - Diptych. oil and mixed elements on canvas 170 x 88cm - Honfleur - oil and mixed elements on canvas 65 x 50cm - La Brasserie - oil and mixed elements on canvas 65 x 54cm - La Malienne - oil and mixed elements on canvas 100 x 150cm
www.theheraultandaudetimes.com
The HAT September 2014.indd 31
31
01/09/2014 04:25:00
HOW TO TAKE BETTER PICTURES
TEXT & IMAGES: WILF JAMES Panorama: Peyriac de Mer, Aude.
We have instant photographs!
M
ost of us now have a smartphone or a compact digital camera that allows us to snap away and see the results instantly; in fact we have so many photographs we might not know what to do with them. But do you remember the days of 35mm photography? It was not so long ago but the advances in technology over a relatively short space of time have changed completely how we see, take and store our images. In this article I am going to focus on the smartphone. If you are like me you may have a few boxes filled with those photo envelopes with your photographs and negatives still in place, pulled out from time to time to have a look and a laugh, and fond memories, or perhaps you were more organised and have sorted your favorites into albums, but you still had to take your film to get it processed and depending where your local photo processing shop was, and your wait could be from a week to a day. And then the whole process was turned on its head with one-hour processing – wow, how good was that!! Don’t forget Edwin Land and the Polaroid camera, but still you had to wait for up to a minute before the image magically appeared before your eyes, but it was fantastic nonetheless, and all of these processes came at a cost. So being careful of how many photographs were taken and perhaps a little more care in the composition gave a better quality of photograph. I now have on my person a small slim electronic gizmo that allows me to make a phone call, with GPS find a location, play games and lots more, plus it takes fantastic photographs. The cameras built into today’s smartphones will allow me to take standard images, close-ups (macro), panorama and lots more and instantly see the results. However, the same rules for taking photographs apply. I need to compose the photograph. I need to check and see what the light is like – and usually I need to move closer to my subject. Wait for the right light. If you are shooting landscapes then the best times are an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset, usually referred to as the golden hours. The sun is lower in the sky then and it is possible to get some truly great results. Composition, what you see with your eye, is different to what may appear on your phone screen. Move closer, find something of 32
The HAT September 2014.indd 32
interest in the foreground of the frame that will give perspective to your shot, experiment with the best angle. If you’re photographing people, friends, family, then the same guidelines apply about getting closer. In a group photo you may want to include some of the background, but be careful not to lose the group. Taking portraits can be fun finding the right light inside or out and framing the subject as you want them, and don’t forget our animal friends! They can be difficult to get a good portrait because unlike our human subjects you can’t tell them how to pose, although watch out for the unexpected! Always take more than one shot, lots more – this applies to all the subjects you photograph. You can then select the best and delete the rest. Remember, you have no processing costs!! What comes first is, you need to learn how to operate this great piece of equipment and check what apps are available that will help you in the creation of taking better photographs. I use a Samsung Galaxy S111 and the ProCapture 2 Camera app. No matter what smartphone you have there will there will be an enhanced camera app to help you get the best from your camera phone. There is normally a small cost for the better apps, but it is well worth it.
Close-up: Wild Flowers. Most apps have a Macro setting that allows you to get in close amongst the flowers.
The Herault & Aude Times
01/09/2014 04:25:02
Artistic: Experiment with light and composition. Gare St Charles. Marseille. Animal Friends: Kiper, The miniature Pony. A nice portrait then he shook his head, I clicked the shutter and a much more interesting photo was the result. Family: Great Granddad. My father wanted to send a photograph to his great grandson who was born in Brazil. The time of day was around midday with very bright sunlight. Moving into the carport produced lovely ambient lighting and a colourful photo.
Wilf James
Over the past three decades, photographer and World Photo Adventure founder Wilf James has gathered a wealth of experience by doing what he does best: taking photographs. Wilf calls home the beautiful Mediterranean village of Peyriac-de-Mer surrounded by the Étang de Bages et Sigean.Web: www.worldphotoadventure.com
www.theheraultandaudetimes.com
The HAT September 2014.indd 33
33
01/09/2014 04:25:03
Caroline Conran
C
aroline Conran is a well-known food writer, former Chairman of the Guild of Food Writers and Trustee of the Oxford Symposium on Food and Cookery. After leaving Cambridge Art School she worked for House and Garden and subsequently worked as Home Editor on Queen Magazine for several years, editing the food columns. In 1963 she married Terence Conran, and she brought up his five children, her stepsons Jasper Conran the fashion designer and Sebastian Conran the designer and her children Tom, owner of Tom’s Restaurant, The Cow gastro pub, Crazy Homie’s Mexican restaurant and Lucky 7 American Diner, Sophie Conran the designer and cookery writer and Ned Conran, painter and cofounder and owner of El Camion, Mexican Restaurant with his wife Sage Conran . She has had a house in France since 1973, moving from the Lot to Provence and subsequently to her mill in the Languedoc; she divides her time between France and the UK. She helped to found Habitat in 1964, setting up the kitchen department and working as its buyer alongside Terence Conran. She went on to pioneer the Food and Wine sections of the Sunday Times Magazine, the first of any newspaper to offer this section, now one of the main components of all the colour supplements, acting as Food Editor for the Sunday Times for 13 years. She was also food editor of Nova magazine. At the Sunday Times she started, with Michael Bateman, the very successful Real Bread Campaign and introduced, amongst
34
The HAT September 2014.indd 34
other things, the Sunday Times series on Self-Sufficiency, telling people how to make their own smokehouse, ginger beer, bread, cheese, yoghurt and muesli. She introduced to the UK, and the US, the cooking of the three star French chefs – inspiration to Marco Pierre White and many other British chefs. She became friends with Michel Guérard, translating and editing his Cuisine Gourmande and later the work of the Troisgros Frères, Alain Chapel, Roger Vergé, Jacques Maximin and others. She is the author of the well-known and scarce Poor Cook, written with Susan Campbell. She is also the author of the highly acclaimed Conran Cookbook, done in collaboration with Terence Conran and, in the latest edition, with Simon Hopkinson, which has sold well over 1,000,000 copies (first published 1980 by Mitchell Beazley and last republished in 1997 by Conran Octopus). It has been translated into numerous languages and her readers include Fidel Castro who has a copy of the Spanish edition, which, before his ill-health, he shared with his late friend Gabriel Marquez. Under the Sun, published by Pavilion in 1993, was her first book on the Food of Southern France; this was followed by Sud de France, the Food and Cooking of Languedoc, published by Prospect Books, which last year won The Andre Simon Award for Best Cookbook and also the Fortnum & Mason Award for Best Cookbook. **
The Herault & Aude Times
01/09/2014 04:25:08
Recipe Times Anchovy and Tomato Salad (Anchoiade bouzigaude)
Le Marin Restaurant in the fishing village of Bouzigues, on the edge of the shining Bassin de Thau and in full view of the oyster fisheries, serves this simple dish. It is traditional to serve this salad without vinegar, but you can add it if you think it needed. 2 large, firm tomatoes; 2 green peppers, preferably the long type, grilled or roasted, skinned and sliced; 12 anchovy fillets; 3-4 spring onions, cut lengthways into four; 6 hard-boiled eggs, halved; 2 tbsp black olives, preferably stoned; 4 tbsp olive oil; salt crystals Roughly slice the tomatoes and arrange on a nice earthenware dish. Arrange the peppers on top, season lightly and then add the anchovies. Scatter on the spring onions, and lastly place the halved eggs and black olives on top. Dribble olive oil copiously over everything and sprinkle with a few salt crystals. It looks like summer itself (Serves 6).
Long Pimentos with Goat’s Cheese (Poivrons farçis)
This excellent first course was cooked for us in Saint-Chinian by my singer daughter-in-law Gertrude and, like her, it is both elegant and practical. The weather was hot and heavy, as it can be in mid-August, with occasional flashes and rumbles from the clouds hanging over the mountains, and we wanted something simple and light. She made it with the long, mild, thin-fleshed peppers that are grown throughout the Pays Catalan, called piments doux or piments du pays. They are also called Romano peppers. 6-8 long red or green pimentos; 200g feta or other brined goat’s or sheep’s cheese, cut in small cubes; 3 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced thinly; small bunch of fresh basil leaves only, torn into small pieces; 3 tbsp olive oil; salt, pepper. Heat the oven to 200°C. Wash the pimentos and slit them all the way along one side. Don’t cut off the stalk end. Working carefully with your fingers, scoop out the seeds and as much of the white pith as possible. Place them, cut side up, in a roasting tin or gratin dish. Sprinkle a little olive oil into each pepper. Divide the pieces of cheese between them, pushing them into through the slit and put the shreds of garlic on top. Put the leaves of basil on top of this and sprinkle again with oil. Season well with pepper but very little or no salt, as the cheese is salty. Put the dish in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes until the cheese has melted and the peppers are tender. Serve hot or cold. (Serves 4).
Chicken with Green and Black Olives (Poulet aux deux olives)
The sumptuous colours – the colours of the Pays catalan – red, gold, green and black, and the sweetness of the red peppers against the sharp saltiness of the olives, give a great lift to this dish. It appears to be complicated, with a long list of ingredients, but most are simple things that we tend to have at hand. The peppers I prefer are the long, thinner-skinned ones as they are more delicate, but the thick, square peppers are also good for making a mellow and harmonious dish. 1x2kg free-range chicken cut in 8 pieces or 4 chicken thighs and 4 drumsticks; 4 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp paprika or sweet pimenton; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper or hot pimenton; 3 onions, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, peeled and halved; 200ml dry white wine; 2 tsp tomato purée; 2 bay leaves; 1 tsp dried thyme; 3 red peppers or 6 long red peppers, roasted, skinned and deseeded; 150g stoned black olives; 150g stoned green olives; salt, pepper Heat the olive oil in a wide, shallow casserole. Season the pieces of chicken with pepper and salt and fry, in batches, on both sides over a moderate heat, until they are a deep golden brown. Remove the pieces to a dish and season with paprika and cayenne. Soften the onions and garlic in the same oil, adding more if needed. Stir from time to time. When they are soft and melting, after 15-20 minutes, add the white wine, tomato purée and herbs. Return the chicken, cover the pan and cook for 10 minutes, turning the chicken once or twice. Add a little water or stock if necessary. Cut the peppers into strips and add them with the olives to the casserole, pushing them down into the juices. Taste for seasoning and cook for a further 10 minutes. Serve with pain de champagne and a green salad. (Serves 4-6) www.theheraultandaudetimes.com
The HAT September 2014.indd 35
35
01/09/2014 04:25:10
Daphne Foulkes
EU SUCCESSION RULES – the perfect solution?
I
don’t have any statistics, but it seems to me that more properties are being sold in France - at least this seems to be the case in the Aude and the Herault. Many of the properties are being purchased by British people, who are taking advantage of the strength of Sterling against the Euro, but they are also planning to become resident here. I know this because my telephone has been particularly busy for this time of the year, as I am being contacted by many of these people for advice. As well as seeking advice on how to restructure financial assets for French tax-efficiency, French inheritance planning is also high on the agenda. Rather worryingly, I am finding that many clients think that potential French inheritance issues are going to disappear when the EU Succession Rules come into effect in August 2015. Whilst it is true that people will be able to choose the succession rules of their country of nationality, what is being misunderstood is the fact that this will not change the inheritance tax rules that apply. The most common scenario that we come across is one that involves there being children from a previous marriage. Unless the couple buy the property ‘en tontine’ or the children enter into a family pact with their natural parent, the surviving step-parent will not have full control over the property. The EU Succession Rules could change that, for example, if the couple elect for the succession rules of their country of nationality to apply and that country does not have any concept of children being ‘protected heirs’. A perfect solution? Well yes for protecting the surviving step-parent, but if the stepparent wishes to leave the property to the
step-children, then there will still be a 60% inheritance tax bill., so not quite the perfect solution. Like all aspects of financial planning, every case will have to be looked at on its own merits and what seems clear is that there will be some cases where the ‘French way’ may still be best – see my own personal situation below, which demonstrates that tried and tested solutions already exist for dealing with property, plus assurance vie will continue to be an effective tool for succession planning for financial assets. You can find out more about this by reading my article on ‘Inheritance Planning in France’ on this magazine’s website or by contacting me directly for a copy. As a British citizen who is in a French civil partnership (PACS) with someone who has dual US and British citizenship, as well as him having two daughters and two grandchildren living outside of the EU, we will not be rushing ahead to request that UK succession rules apply to our estates. No – we will definitely continue to depend upon our French family pact and assurance vie because in that way, we know that when the time comes, the survivor will be fully protected and the potential inheritance tax bills of our heirs have been mitigated. Now is also a good time to mention that we are taking bookings for our client seminars, which will be taking place across France – “Le Tour de Finance - Bringing Experts to Expats” during the Autumn. Our industry experts will be presenting updates and outlooks on a broad range of subjects, including:
Financial Markets Assurance Vie Pensions/QROPS Structured Investments French Tax issues Currency Exchange
The date for the local seminar is Friday, 10th October 2014 at the Domaine Gayda, 11300 Brugairolles. This is always a very popular event and so early booking is recommended. But if you are reading this further afield, you may be interested in attending one of our other events, for example, St Endréol in the Var on 8th October and full details of all venues can be found on our website at www.spectrum-ifa.com/seminars/ Places for our seminars are limited and must be reserved, in advance. So if you would like to attend one of the events or you would anyway like to have a confidential discussion about any aspect of financial planning, please contact me, as soon as possible, either by e-mail at daphne.foulkes@spectrum-ifa.com or by telephone on 04 68 20 30 17. The above outline is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute advice or a recommendation from The Spectrum IFA Group to take any particular action on the subject of investment of financial assets or on the mitigation of taxes. The Spectrum IFA Group advisers do not charge any fees directly to clients for their time or for advice given, as can be seen from our Client Charter here
SIRET 522 658 194 00017 Numéro d’immatriculation ORIAS 10 056 800
See ya!! 36
The HAT September 2014.indd 36
The Herault & Aude Times
01/09/2014 04:25:13
Business Interviews, rhetoric and opinion. Michael D’Artag writes, interviews or comments on topics that impact you.
Quiet now, don’t mention the Germans I’m going to say something here that frankly I know deep down I don’t mean....... I feel a bit sorry for Franny Hollande. No, really, in a conversation that I had recently I found myself nodding agreeably but having a twinge of pity for the man with no experience suddenly thrust into the headlights of running one of Europe’s largest economies. And why you ask impatiently? Because a conversation that was about the difficulties of the German economy and the not so secret drive of Germany to mould the route out of recession turned quickly into a statement that Germany could do what they wanted because France were told to do it all first to see if it worked. With Hollande having a musical chairs game to get the nasty people from his government he now has to watch over his shoulder. Many believe the biggest casualty, Arnaud Montebourg, was better in the cabinet than out. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer eh? But did he really criticise Germany? And complain that our Angela was bad for Europe, well Italy and France? Oh la la Mr Montebourg. You want Monsieur Hollande to stand up to Angela Merkel? He tried that. Hollande came to power arguing against Germany’s fiscal austerity.......’spend your way
out,’ he shouted, ‘Germany is wrong’. He even tried to get Italy and Spain on board and that worked out well right? But the problem is that this reshuffle is because of the crisis right? Well no. Being outspoken about your government’s direction is one thing, but to indicate that your esteemed leader is a bit of a wet fish who can’t stand up to a girl (even if that girl is the highly skilled and intelligent Angela Merkel) is not acceptable to some Frenchmen. So I am sorry for Franny. He got into power going up against the heavyweights. He tried and as unemployment rises and the economy stagnates and his popularity plummets he looks across the table and sees Germany hanging in there doing a hell of a lot better than France. Merkel is leading, Hollande is floundering.
Fiona Let’s talk SAILING.....
A
hoy there Captain! Ok, I’ll admit – I am no sailor. However, here in the Herault and Aude there are many opportunities for yachting enthusiasts and professionals, after all we have the waters of the Med and the Canal du Midi on our doorstep! The team, here at Currencies Direct France, are really excited to announce the arrival of our brand new HORIZONS product, which is aimed exclusively at the yachting industry. The Horizons brand has been developed after many months of research by Cossette Cutrara, who is a Business Development Executive based in our French office in Nice. For so many people involved in the yachting industry the need to be able to move money from country to country is paramount – and often time sensitive. For example if you are off on a 6 month trip you need to be able to ensure all those home based commitments, such as mortgage payments, regular bills etc are covered. That is why we have developed Horizons, to provide that valuable service, and it is not just aimed at the crew members but all the other subsidiary
As always , if you have any questions about any of the products and services we offer – or would like to get a free, no obligation rate quote for your next international money transfer then please do get in contact. And on a final note, CONGRATULATIONS to Kim Mousseron, who is our lucky winner of an iPad in our recent competition. Kim will be receiving her prize very soon. Many thanks to all the others who entered…
He tried you know, he really did. But in a little while there wisier has been sent and we’ll see what ll be the drum happens next. roll of people who sound remarkably How interesting that you read the piece like Arnaud on La Banque Postale with not as much Montebourg Did you know that the Banque de shock as I had hoped or expected. and you can’t France can suspend your accounts As of the 18th of August I have rekeep asking without any notice or justification? ceived 11 letters outlining the same your cabinet Apparently so... I mean it isn’t in their issue which I have passed on to the to resign so remit or even European law but if you relevant person and as of writing I have that you can are a terrorist, or should I say if they dereceived a solitary email telling me that put your friecide you a terrorist, hey, there you go. this isn’t good and it will be dealt with. nds in place Banking in France - use your mattress! And that’s that.....nothing else. A doscan you? * Due to legal circumstances the article on MR BT cannot be published at this time.
BANKING - Part 2 La Poste
www.theheraultandaudetimes.com
The HAT September 2014.indd 37
industries that all play a part in making sure a trip goes well – such as yacht maintenance, brokerage, crew recruitment and training etc.. So if you, or anyone you know, is involved in the Yachting industry in anyway then please do get in contact to find out a little bit more about how Currencies Direct can make sure your international money transfers are plain sailing and that life is a breeze (I write my own material you know!). For more information on Horizons feel free to contact myself on 04 68 20 41 35 or email at fiona.w@currenciesdirect.com or you can contact Cossette directly. Cosette’s number is 04 22 32 62 41 and her email is cossette.c@currenciesdirect. com
Banque de France
37
01/09/2014 04:25:16
In The Garden with Gill Pound SEPTEMBER
W
e normally are waiting for September to bring us some much needed rains but, at the time of writing, we have had an unusually wet July and a fairly wet start to August. Nonetheless, for the vast majority of shrubs and perennials the autumn is the best time to plant – there is warmth and moisture in the soil and the plant starts to develop roots before the cold of winter and in mild winters may keep growing during the winter thus producing a more established plant – better able to withstand dry winds and heat next summer. In general the autumn planting season can start once we have had September rain and can extend until early December. Remember that when planting it is a good idea to dig a hole twice as deep and twice as wide as the pot, take this soil out and mix some of it with terreau de plantation or compost (organic material) and clean sand or gravel, use this mixture to give your plant a better start in life! Before planting fill the planting hole with water and allow it to drain away several times, this will ensue that there is moisture at depth for the roots to seek out. Whenever possible plant small plants rather than large specimens, they are less susceptible
to wind rock, will establish faster and long term will result in healthier plants. If you haven’t yet done so now is the time to buy spring flowering bulbs from garden centres (jardineries) or by mail order, there are many online sources. I have found that anemones (De Caen hybrids and Anemone blanda), native Gladiolus communis and Scilla peruviana (which is a Med native despite the name) do well. Botanical or species tulips such as Tulipa greigii, kaufmaniana, saxatilis & fosteriana are particularly successful here as well as other Med natives such as grape hyacinths and Star of Bethlehem. When buying bulbs make sure that what’s in the packet are firm, healthy looking bulbs with no signs of premature sprouting. During September think also about the following tasks: *continue to deadhead perennials to prolong the autumn show of flower *take cuttings of tender perennials such as geraniums (Pelargoniums strictly speaking) *prune late summer flowering shrubs after flowering *trim evergreen hedges *clip back lavenders after flowering – use
Nature Notes Golfer
The weather in the Languedoc is ideal for a species that is living across the globe but during the months up to and including September you can see almost all varieties in the Languedoc. The golfer is curious creature with a plumage that can vary from flip-flops to the the most garish of multi coloured and non matching colours seen in the wild. The calls vary from the polite ‘fore’ to the almost violent calls and destruction of their appendages they call ‘clubs’. The common call of ‘fore’ is believed by those that study the breed to be a warning call: ‘forewarned’ that male chauvanists in garish outfits are nearby. A risk to the species is that the males totally out number the females by an overwhelming rate and this can be seen in the rituals that take place on a ‘green’ which appears to be an arena chosen by golfers to preen and showcase their desirability to 38
The HAT September 2014.indd 38
hand shears and clip back to just above the old flowering stem, don’t cut back into old wood as the plant may not reshoot. Many Mediterranean native plants flower earlier in the year but there are many species of Origanum that flower through the summer into September. The popular cooking herb, oregano, is Origanum vulgare but many species are very ornamental. For example; Origanum dictamnus has woolly, silvery leaves with pink flowers & purple bracts, another good ornamental is Origanum Kent Beauty with beautiful, large pink bracts around mauve flowers. There are many forms of Origanum laevigatum which are most attractive too; Herrenhausen is a deep purple form and Nymphenbug is a lovely compact cultivar. And, for fans of Middle Eastern cooking, don’t forget the white flowered Origanum syriacum which is the main constituent of the zatar spice mix. And, if you want more convincing to try some oreganos, remember that they are all extremely attractive to bees and butterflies. At La Petite Pépinière this autumn we are offering our popular two day gardening course:
A golfers widow 2014
the female or their strength to the other males. A common ritual here is for the male to stand straight, walk around a pole staring at it and then bend down to look at the pole a number of times whilst muttering to themselves. Biologists have surmised that this is a territory marking and intimidzation style and appears to work as, after leaving, many of the males can be seen going into trees to ‘mark’ their area after the show. One of the most remarkable features of the golfer is their inability to count. I once witnessed a group of golfers (collective name ‘goofers’) in a circle continually looking back from where they had been and arguing about the number of ‘shots’ taken. On any golf course in the world if you watch this will happen. The golfers however are a sociable breed. They will congregate regularly in the same place and do not tire of repeating their trek around the same land (course).
It should be noted that if you approach a golfer one time and they are wary but polite that may not be the case the next time you see them, especially if you see them hitting their projectiles into water. The feeding of golfers on a course is frowned upon. Their habits are quite simple. Most male groups will retire to drink beer and talk about their prowess whilst the weakest in the group is harangued and mocked relentlessly. On occasion it is a different male every week. In mixed groups it is common for the male to ingratiate himself with the female by offering food and wine. Rarely approach this couple as there is quite a good chance the correct female is at home tidying and cleaning while the male dresses up and partakes of the ritual. And finally, if one of the males states he is a ‘bit of a tiger’, lock up your daughters and look out for strange cars at supermarkets
The Herault & Aude Times
01/09/2014 04:25:19
In The Garden with Gill Pound
Origanum rotundifolia Kent Beauty
An Introduction to Gardening in Summer Dry Climates: Tuesday 14th (11am – 1, 2 – 5pm) and Wednesday 15th October 2014 (10am – 12.30, 1.30 – 4pm) 2011 A two day course which is aimed at those relatively new to gardening in the Languedoc climate, our intention is to provide information and promote discussion in a relaxed and informal atmosphere which will help those interested in creating interesting, easy to maintain and colourful ornamental gardens in our summer dry climate. We will consider the nature of the local
Origanum dictamnus
climate, the physical problems associated with gardening here (heat, drought, cold, wind, soil) and how to cope with them; recognising plants which are suited to this climate; buying plants; planting techniques and maintenance. We shall also look at design basics and planting schemes, succession – planting for year round interest and plants for particular situations. Appropriate resources and useful French/English vocabulary will also be included as well as a guided tour of the garden here to illustrate points made. There will be plenty of opportunity for discussion of issues raised
by course participants. The timing of the course is designed to help anyone who wishes to come from further afield and would like to stay locally on Tuesday night, if you would like recommendations for accommodation do ask. Course fee: 90 euros, including teas & coffees. Please bring a packed lunch. CONTACT - For further information contact
Gill Pound at La Petite Pépinière de Caunes, 21, Avenue de la Montagne Noire, (route de Citou) 11160, Caunes-Minervois.
Tel: 04 68 78 43 81,
email Gill@lapetitepepiniere.com
IT REALLY IS THE PLACE TO BE FOR THE SUNSHINE Total Annual Sunshine Hrs 2119 Carcassonne 2002 Lyon 2858 Marseille 1 2668 Montpellier 2724 Nice 2465 Perpignan 2839 Toulon
Days of Sun Strong Weak 89 112 81 128 70 60 148 74 147 64 120 79 166 62
Enough said!!
Image courtesy of: trolllollol
www.theheraultandaudetimes.com
The HAT September 2014.indd 39
39
01/09/2014 04:25:23
English for Expat Children - - An indispensable guide
ENGLISH FOR EXPAT CHILDREN with Laura Smith My aim is to provide you with materials that will not only stand alone, but perhaps give your own English support ideas a framework and inspire you to develop your own. My general focus is largely to apply learning to real-life situations and needs, but every once in a while a ‘sit-down with a piece of paper’ moment presents itself. The key to this kind of activity is to keep it fun and challenging, perhaps tackling the exercises orally together first will make them feel less like ‘work’. PLURALS : Regular or Irregular? Complete the spelling table below. As with so many aspects of grammar, sometimes there just aren’t any rules and irregularities need to be learnt through repeated exposure. (A ‘regular’ plural is one that only needs an ‘s’ on the end of the singular spelling.)
SINGULAR Baby Mouse Box Fish Child Knife Cup
PLURAL
The following groups of four words each have one odd one out. Try to think of the verb that will fit with three out of the four. Some are more difficult than others, but there are clues at the bottom if you are really stuck. For example: apple, cucumber, rice and magazines. Magazines are the odd one out because you can’t eat them. You can eat apples, cucumber and rice. Incidentally, verbs are quite often made up of two words in English; these are called ‘phrasal verbs’. They are made from a verb paired with a preposition like... ‘get up’, ‘fall over’, ‘look into’. The preposition after the verb changes the meaning quite distinctly. One of the odd ones out below is a phrasal verb.
TROUSERS
Women
SIGNPOST
GAMES
BOOK MAP
Toys
BENCH BUS
COUNCIL
SCHOOL
Teeth Potatoes
PHOTOS
DINNER
FRIENDS
SUBSCRIBE
**
Never miss an issue of The HAT. Fill out the form, write a cheque and watch your letterbox......
Subscription Never miss your copy of The Herault & Aude Times delivered direct to your door. Please fill out this form and send with your payment
€28.00 €36.00 €48.00
The HAT Subscribe L’Herault Art 1 Grand Rue St Thibéry 34630 FRANCE
Please send me 12 Issues starting with the next issue Name............................................................................... Address .......................................................................... .......................................................................... Town ..........................................................................
Please send your cheque (euro only) made payable to L’HERAULT ART to:
The HAT September 2014.indd 40
TIME
CLUES IF YOU ARE FEELING STUCK... THIS LIST OF VERBS INCLUDES THE FIVE ANSWERS: BRUSH, LOOK AT, TAKE, FOLLOW, SIT ON, WEAR, MAKE, READ, HAVE.
Word Families : Which is the odd one out?
40
SHOES
TEETH HAIR DOG FINGERS
Thieves
France Europe (EU) R.O.W.
SKIRT HANGERS
Postcode.......................................................................... Country .......................................................................... Email ..........................................................................
The Herault & Aude Times
01/09/2014 04:25:32
PROPERTY Summer star Buys
W
ith the pound at the strongest it’s been against the euro in the last few years and relatively stable property prices, now is one of the best times to buy a property in the Languedoc. Indeed, we are seeing a definite rise in activity in the market as savvy foreign buyer are taking advantage of these factors, plus the generally cheaper mortgage rates throughout Europe , to snap up a bargain here. Whilst there is still some reluctance to accept that the ‘good old days’ for sellers are well and truly over, some sellers have woken up to the fact that buying conditions are the most favourable they have been in years and therefore, are pricing their properties realistically to take advantage of these conditions to secure a quick sale. We have highlighted 3 properties currently on our books which we think are particu-
larly good value for money at the moment. The first is a 2 bedroom stone house in a lovely canal side village popular with our international clients, about 20 minutes from Narbonne. The property benefits from a south east facing roof terrace of around 8m2 with great views over the Canal du Midi and countryside beyond. Priced at 76,000€, you will be hard pressed to find a ready to move into 2 bedroom property with outside space in a popular location, at a better price. The second property is a beautiful ‘Maison Vigneronne’ in the heart of a lively winemaking village between Narbonne and Beziers. With almost 200m2 of habitable space, this house has 3 bedrooms, 2 open plan living rooms, a garage and a secluded courtyard garden with summer kitchen. Bought 3 years ago by its current owner, the property has been lovingly and painstakingly restored, with new electrics and plumbing throughout. At 265,000€, we predict this property is not destined to stay
on our books for long. Our third property definitely has the ‘wow’ factor in abundance. This superb towered period property dating from 1860 is set in a private gated park of 4600m2. It has 800m2 of habitable space comprising 9/10 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 2 kitchens and a huge artist studio, with a stunning 15m x 5m pool, internal courtyard and outbuilding. Renovated and decorated in an inimitable style with no expense spared, it is hard to believe that this property comes under the million euro mark at 950,000€. This return to realistic pricing may be the long awaited catalyst to regenerate a market that been in the doldrums for the past 5 years! Richard & Chitra - Pullen Real Estate +33 (0)4 68 48 84 03 +33 (0)6 76 64 10 10/ (0)6 87 72 17 32 chitra@pullenfrance.com www.pullenfrance.com
From top clockwise - 2 bedroom stone house 76,000€ - 3 bedroom beautiful ‘Maison Vigneronne’ 265,000€ - 9/10 bedrooms period property dating from 1860 set in a private gated park of 4600m2. 950,000€
More Properties with English Speaking Agents online www.theheraultandaudetimes/property Agence Guy Estate Agency English/French owned 25 years of experience
www.pezenas-immobilier.com agenceguy@wanadoo.fr tel 0467 98 37 77 mob 0622 34 30 56 “Quality Assured” www.theheraultandaudetimes.com
The HAT September 2014.indd 41
41
01/09/2014 04:25:34
ADVERTISE ON THESE PAGES FOR AS LITTLE AS €15.00 PER ISSUE
CLASSIFIED Advertising from €15.00 DISPLAY Advertising from €40.00 advertising@ theheraultandaudeaudetimes.com
Publication Dates Online 01 of the month Print delivered 01 to 09 of every month
42
The HAT September 2014.indd 42
C L A S S I F I E D S
ADVERTISING PLEASE READ Please note that The HAT takes no responsibiity for the content supplied in advertising provided by others. If you have a problem do let us know and we will also contact the advertisers on your behalf.
The Herault & Aude Times
01/09/2014 04:25:38
Classified Adverts ASSOCIATIONS
The Tuesday Club A lively group of English speaking people from all nationalities meet to hear talks, exchange ideas and socialise. www.tuesdayclub.eu tuesdayclub.fr@gmail.com **
Anglophone Group Languedoc Roussillon (AGLR) Adults & childrens’ activities including bridge, golf, French conversation, cooking, excursions in convivial atmosphere www.anglophone-group-languedoc-roussillon.com/ AGLRSete@yahoo.co.uk **
We meet at Maison pour Tous, Florensac, second Thursday of each month, at 1430h (except July & Aug).Info: 0467 77 19 06 www.wicmediterranee.org. **
SERVICES
Cleaning Services: Holiday homes (including mobile homes) reliable efficient couple offer cleaning, change over service for your rental properties. Serignan area. Steve Martin Tel:0780367536
**
Door Restore
Meetings are conducted in both French and English and commence at 14.30 on the first Thursday of each month at Salle de l’Abbatiale, Saint Chinian For further information please contact info@wic-lr.com www.wic-lr.com
Perfect Property Management Professional, reliable company for all of your property needs. Changeovers, pool maintenance and repairs, project management. Siret registered. Contact Trudi: 0499570589 trudi@ppm34.fr www.perfectpropertymanagement.com **
Is your Front Door showing its age? Try Door Restore. Specialists in the restoration and repair of all wooden exterior and interior doors and shutters. On-site repairs or workshop restoration Contact us for a site visit Free quotation Tel: 0671 52 61 93 m: door-restore@hotmail.fr
SERVICES
Commercial Cleaning Machine for hire.Cleans soft furnishings, rugs, mattresses, sunbed cushions, car interiors, etc.Contact Trudi: 0499570589 trudi@ppm34.fr ** French PLUMBER Plumbing - Heating- Gas t: 0467 00 11 19 p:0689 02 31 62 Denis Huyart 34630 ** (N.I.C.E.I.C. Registered in UK 1986-2008) Rewires or extra lights/sockets. Siret registered Tel: Terry Smith 0467 95 82 05 Email: smith_terence@orange. fr ** Decorate your home with a Scandinavian style and sophistication.
Scandinavian furniture, tableware and decor. 23 rue des Chevaliers de st Jean You will find us behind the Post Office in Pezenas www.troissoeurs.com Port. 0634509015 Dom. 0963211140
www.roofingbuildingservices.com
www.dysonpropertyrenovations. com
HANDYMAN/ SKILLED CARPENTER WITH VAN Removals. All types of repairs. Flatpack assembly. Furniture/ storage solutions built. Tiling, painting, electrics. Rubbish/Garden clearance/maintenance. No job too small. Col O’Neill 06 48 86 98 66. Photos www.meubles-creatifs.fr **
Gray Solutions Bilingual building and renovation project management, with excellent tried and tested teams covering all trades. Bernie Gray 06 49 21 55 71 www.gray-solutions.co.uk
European Property Services *Supply and fit windows and doors and conservatories. * Supply and fit shutters in all materials * Supply and fit kitchens * Repair windows and doors Contact Paul Roberts t: 0467 62 30 65 m: 0627 59 22 08 email: europeanpropertyservices @live.com ** For All Your Property Care Needs Complete pool care inc. winter shutdown, gardening inc strimming, changeovers, general painting interior and exterior, varnishing, oiling shutters etc. Siret registered est 10 years Tel: 04 67 24 83 72. M: 06 87 64 97 29 www.property34fr.com **
** French PLUMBER Plumbing - Heating- Gas t: 0467 00 11 19 p:0689 02 31 62 Denis Huyart 34630 **
www.theheraultandaudetimes.com
The HAT September 2014.indd 43
Roofing and Building Services Roofs replaced or repaired: Leaks, Insulation, Velux, Guttering, New beams, Structural, Terraces. Building maintenance and repairs. References. Professional – Reliable longden888@lycos.com Karl : 06 04 45 63 57 Paul : 06 34 95 19 71
READER RECOMMENDED DYSON RENOVATIONS, Qualified British Builder Full house renovations. Tiling, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Decorating. Qualified electricians, Professional and Reliable. Tel 06 27 55 04 79 dysonrenovations@gmail.com
Electrician
DECOR WIC, Women’s International Club is an international group of ladies, for all nationalities, who meet to share experiences, knowledge and to have some fun.
PROPERTY SERVICES/
LANGUEDOC PROPERTY SERVICE.COM Help in Hérault with property repairs & garden maintenance, pools, decoration, keyholding & changeovers. Established. Bilingual. 06 31 74 45 88 **
43
01/09/2014 04:25:42
Classified Adverts PROPERTY SERVICES/ GARDENING SERVICES
Roquebrun Property Management Personalised services for holiday homes and seasonal rentals. Full or ‘pay as you go’ service. Homes available to rent for 1- 15 people. Call Sue on 0652752445. wwwroquebrunproperty.com **
Painter Decorator Plasterer Partition walls Laminate flooring Honest and reliable 06 23 33 30 22 Gary Jackson **
Master builder 30 years experience in France Dick Fowler Construction Liner Pools, Solid Pools All house renovation and construction work Email; fowlerbatiment@gmail.com Port: 0670 91 12 17 Check out www.houzz.com/ decklevel-pool-designs and then call me! ** RT MULTISERVICES No job too small - Painting, decorating, land clearence, keyholding. Translations. Collections, deliveries, removals. Regular van trips to/from UK. Reliable, local, bi-lingual. Chris 06 84 29 34 34 e-mail chris.remnant@orange.fr **
FOR SALE
Romahome “mini” Camper. Ideal for 2 people. LHD, 2005, 144000 km, air-conditioned, sink, fridge, gas burners and grill, heating, etc 14,750€ t:04 67 96 12 03 m:06 61 48 40 16 john@thelords.eu **
House contents for sale
Furniture, kitchen equipment, plates, glasses etc. bedding, garden pots. Roujan area. Telephone from September 04 67 25 30 78 44
The HAT September 2014.indd 44
General building, roofing, roof terrace, facades, kitchens, bathrooms. Raymond Kelly, Kelly Projets company 04 67 77 64 20 www.kelly-projets.com *
Food Safety / Health and Safety courses
Seminar An exceptional seminar will be in held by Matthew Thie in Le Crès (34)- in English with full consecutive translation in French - from September 20th to 23rd. Cost: 480€ For info contact Bernadette Naud on contact@formation-mediterranee.fr.
WELL-BEING READERS RECOMMEND
TRANSLATION SERVICES
Consultant/Trainer holding Food Safety course and Health and Safety course from June. Date to be confirmed. If interested telephone for details. Examination in English or French. CIEH accredited London. Contact: 0467234460 after 18h **
Bespoke massage, Mobile service Group bookings taken. Thai massages, Reflexology, Neck and face massage, Reiki, Oil massage. Susannah 0652 75 24 45 / 0467 24 31 42 Based in Ceps / Cazedarnes ** Stress Management & Kinesiology TFH® Three in One Concepts® Perinatal Kinesiology® Bilingual French / English Based in Juvignac (34)
WONDERFUL GARDENS, MINIMAL UPKEEP. Garden Creation and Maintenance. Watering Systems,Landscaping, Building and Paving. Hedges, Beds,Dry Lawns and Waterfeatures. Mathieu Goudou, Le Jardinier Prompt, reliable & perfect English Tel 06 23 46 35 42
Specialist in Midi Gardens and Courtyards ** Courses / Lessons Piano Teacher Wanted
I am looking for someone to teach me to play the piano freestyle. I can already read sheet music. Lessons at my home or yours. Prices please to amikgo@yahoo.co.uk 04 67 37 05 55
** French Lessons
French lessons, one to one or small groups in the heart of Pézenas with a French native teacher Hélèna (00 33) 0650772414
For more information or to book an appointment, Please contact Alexandra Thevenet on: 0695 183 969 / heraultkinesiologie@yahoo.fr Nathalie Esthetic Fabulous, affordable, beauty treatments - Nathalie Esthetic 4, Place du Marché St Thibéry Tue-Sat, Mon & evenings by appt. Tel : Nathalie on 06 47 40 10 45 ** Centre d’Ostéopathie et d’Intégration Structurelle (®Rolfing) Recently opened in Lodève Annette Beckett qualified osteopath since 1992 cranial osteopathy for adults, children, babies annette@beckettosteo.com Barry P. Beckett Certified Rolfer, Rolf Institute 1993 Structural Integration, Postural Improvement, Osteopathics. motionpresent@gmail.com 06 30 64 88 40 **
**
READERS RECOMMEND Independent Anglophone translator. All texts considered. Working languages: French, Spanish, English - Contact Alison: aer.translations@gmail.com **
CLASSES
Nizas Langues French language lessons & Translation Service. (34320) Qualified teacher & native speaker with over 25 yrs. experience of teaching French in the UK – GCSE & AS/A Level. Hours to suit you 8.00 am – 8.00 pm. Price from 15€/hr 0ne to One. Tailor made programmes – 10 lessons 100€. Small groups on request. 04 34 53 18 36 info@nizaslangues.com www.nizaslangues.com
** Russian Language
Learn Russion language from a native speaker Yulia m: 0646 674 841 Hérault 34 ** MOBILE HOMES FOR SALE. Prices starting from 1500€ up to 6000€. Wide range in stock. Transport and installation available on request. Telephone: 0609 54 06 62.
The Herault & Aude Times
01/09/2014 04:25:46
Classified Adverts BUSINESS FOR SALE
Property Management / Multi Service Due to retirement after 20 years For details contact info@francesos.fr or call on 06 73 75 14 50 **
POSITIONS OFFERED / Fully qualified mechanic (speaks a little French) Relocating to Saint Marcel / Narbonne area. 30 yrs experience Subaru Kia Peugeot and Aston Martin Historic racing cars. Seeking contacts with garages in 30 - 40 mins driving of Narbonne chrislawmon@yahoo.com
PROPERTY FOR SALE
House, Orb Valley, south of Bedarieux. Sunsets across panoramic views of the Orb Valley and the Espinouse mountains, two hectares, 10 metre pool, 3 double bedrooms. €420,000 information: www. palagret.co.uk jamesstrike@blueyonder.co.uk
**
PROPERTY FOR SALE
House for Sale. Bédarieux.
Riverside,Grau d’Agde/ Agde house currently in 2
appts.4/5 beds, very light, spacious living room,dining room,kitchen, terrace all overlooking Hérault studio and summer kitchen in large tropical garden, pool. Beach 5 mins. Pot.rental income Jul/ Aug 20k. Con:0467375310
438,000€ maisonfleurie@fsmail.net **
Currently laid out as a four bedroom, family town house with a glorious terrace garden; fully rewired with completely new plumbing fitted, full central heating installed in a quarter earmarked for substantial modernisation and redevelopment. Free municipal car parks are adjacent and the centre of town containing a variety of shops / weekly market is a two minute walk. Numerous supermarkets and garages are handily placed. I am reluctantly looking for a much smaller house to reflect my changed situation. €270k Contact: posiwilliams@ymail.com **
PROPERTY - Rental
Sweet home for sale in the heart of the village 40 square meters 30 minutes from Vias airport, 30 minutes from the beach, 45000 Euros Genevieve: 0608 62 81 24 0467 26 44 09
**
Close to Pézenas 2 Bedroom House to Rent / Buy Garage, Terrace, (Stairs) 2 s/c studio flats attached. Seperate entrance. 10 minutes by car from Pézenas. All amenitied v close. €650pcm or €161,000 Enq: 0644 80 24 32 **
HOUSE SEARCH
Swedish Househunter Karin Kloo Your help finding your French home in Languedoc karin@husilaguedoc.se
**
B&B
Maison De L’Orb, Béziers Beautiful five bedroom bed and breakfast overlooking Pont Vieux and river. Private garden, bathing pool, fantastic breakfast. Book: www.maisondelorb.com info@maisondelorb.com ** LARGE TRADITIONAL HOUSE FOR SALE 200m2 beautifully renovated house between Pézenas and Clerment l’Hérault. Four bedrooms, two bathrooms; self-contained top floor master bedroom with terrace + separate entrance. Is gîte if income required. Dining room, large modern kitchen, 65m2 living room, remise/workshop, landscaped garden with terrace. t: 04 67 44 37 73 for more details / to view
** ADVERTISE ON THESE PAGES FOR AS LITTLE AS €15.00 PER ISSUE advertising
@theheraultandaudetimes.com
** Exceptional property in Carcassonne.
Centrally located 250 sq. m. townhouse, 10 rooms, 60 sq. m. walled garden (not overlooked); 100 m. from Court of Justice, 250 m. from train station, 20 min. walk from Medieval Citadel. 4 floors + attic. Gas central heating. Ideally situated for B&B rooms or offices for independent professionals. Requires renovating. Price: € 270 000 tel : +33 4 68 74 03 22 +33 674 522 471
Stylisshh Contessa A place for beautiful, sexy, elegant clothing. sexy, elegant clothing. www.stylisshhcontessa.com admin@stylisshhcontessa.com t: 0953201623 **
CHURCHES
The Church of England at St. Pargoire, Holy Communion 2nd Sunday each month at 1030 am. Everyone welcome. Details achstp@gmail.com ** International Chapel of Montpellier Worship Services in English Children’s Bible Class provided Services held every Sunday at 11:00am Website: www.internationalchapel.eu **
HIRE
FOOD AND WINE Chillis and Spice.
Discover the Chipotle chilli from Mexico, a wonderful dried, smoky Jalapeno. We sell them as they come and also use them to make sauces, chutneys, relishes and rubs, perfect for the BBQ. We also have a good selection of Indian spices. www.chillisandspice.com ** Cakes by Ann - since 1980 Rich fruit cakes for your celebrations. Hand made to order Helen REMNANT 06 89 61 06 88 helen.remnant1@orange.fr **
www.theheraultandaudetimes.com
The HAT September 2014.indd 45
CLOTHING
Hire a 2cv Convertable for the day or longer. A wonderful slice of French Culture. More info at: www.cornelia-rentaduck.com
WANTED
**
Duck billed platypus pictures for unusual event. Please send photos by email to info@theheraultandaudetimes. com quoting Nigel n the sunbject line. 45
01/09/2014 04:25:50
FOR SALE Satellites FOR SALE
TRIAX TD 110CM SAT DISHES 120 EUR OTHER DISHES IN STOCK 110CM / 120CM PRICES ON REQUEST DELIVERY AVAILABLE Ashley 0609 54 06 62 or 0499 41 61 80 enquiries@problemsolved.info ** COUNSELLING SERVICE
Shenanigan’s Irish owned and run, family pub and restaurant. Come and join us for the best prices in the Languedoc. All rugby, Gaelic and Hurling shown live. Guinness & Bulmers Home cooked food, prepared daily.Plate of the day 10e with a glass of wine. Taxi available. Open all year. Vias centre – 0430 17 83 87.
**
UK qualified, experienced counsellor. Helping resolve your crises or long term issues Depression/Stress/Relationship issues/Addiction/Bereavement/ Trauma/Anxiety/Anger/Abuse/ Isolation/Eating Disorders/Illness Individuals, Couples, Adolescents Face2face, telephone, skype Shona Luck 04 67 90 70 01 shonaluck@orange.fr Confidentiality and BACP ethics assured **
BOOKS
English Bookshop - Pézenas Please call in for a chat plus your favourite English foods. Delightful & unusual gifts for family, friends and you! A wide selection of English books. Rue St Jean ** English Books and Cards available at The English Bookstall: These markets; Monday - Bedarieux, Tuesday - Marseillan Ville, Wednesday Clermont l’Hérault, Sat- Lodève. Kerith 0467 96 68 87 ** Le Bookshop - Librairie Anglophone / café 8 rue du Bras de Fer Montpellier T/F: 04 67 66 22 90 contact@lebookshop.com www.lebookshop.com ** English Books at the Bourse, Pézenas. First Sunday of every month from 10 to 12. The Café de la Bourse is next to the Hotel Moliere in Pézenas. All books are 1 Euro or less. Excellent coffee and company. Want to book a table? Call Carole on 0467905910 46
The HAT September 2014.indd 46
I
n every village and every town the Hérault and Aude has a chance for you to visit and explore the magnificent produce and wares that it offers. Below is a selection, please visit www.theheraulttimes.com for a complete listing
AUDE
Restaurant L’Amandine 3 Place du 14 juillet, 34450, Vias In the historic centre of Vias village, traditional, family restaurant, serving fresh local produce & quality wines Open daily for lunch & dinner English Spoken Tel: 04.67.30.29.78.
**
La Charnière Bar Restaurant A newly opened bar / Restaurant in Beziers Aiming to combine the serving of top class food with a special rugby ambiance. Place Jean Jaurés, Beziers t: 0467 36 83 10 **
EMERGENCY NUMBERS Police - 17 Fire - Pompiers - 18 Medical - SAMU - 15 Sea Rescue (Land) - 112 Sea Rescue (Sea) - CH 16 SOS Europe - 112 Child Abuse - 119 EDF (Electricity) English Line 0556 17 40 70
Markets Carcassonne every morning (except Sunday) in Les Halles; Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning, Place Carnot Narbonne every morning in Les Halles inc. Sunday; Thursday morning opposite the hospital, clothes and diverse until 16h by the canal; Saturday morning, Organic market, place Forum Lézignan-Corbières Wednesday mornings (centre); Grand Foire every first Wednesday in the month until 16h Castelnaudary Monday morning (Place Verdun-Cours de la République) Bram Wednesday morning Espéraza Thursday and Sunday morning Gruissan Monday, Wed & Saturday morning Limoux - Friday morning Olonzac Tuesday morning Port La Nouvelle Saturday (place de l’église) and Wednesday morning Sigean Tuesday and Friday morning Quillan Wednesday and Saturday morning Trèbes Sunday morning Saint Pierre la mer Every morning
HÉRAULT AGDE – Thursday morning. Covered market every morning, except Monday BEZIERS Friday morning: Flower market in the Allèes Paul Riquet Saturday morning: vegetables in the Allèes Paul Riquet; organic produce by Les Halles/ Sunday morning:large general market CESSENON-SUR-ORB Tuesday morning Produce / Saturday morning: various LODEVE – Saturday morning MEZE – Thursday and Sunday morning MONS-LA-TRIVALLE Thursday morning MONTPELLIER – Historic centre, Monday to Thursday 7h to 13h30, Friday and Saturday from 7h to 1800h (full list of Montpellier markets on HT PEZENAS Saturday morning SAINT-CHINIAN – Thursday and Sunday SETE – Monday morning: regional produce/Wednesday morning: various/Thursday morning: organic and regional produce/Friday morning: regional produce.
The Herault & Aude Times
01/09/2014 04:25:53
HAT Sport by Stuart Turpie
T
he great thing about sport is that it is unpredictable.Who would have guessed that Spain would be thrashed 5-1 by Holland and then Germany beat hosts Brazil 7-1 in the World Cup.To make matters worse the HAT expert got it completely wrong in the Tour de France! The ding dong battle between Chris Froome and Alberto Contador did not happen. Froome crashed out early with a broken wrist and the Spaniard later cracked a tibia. We hoped that Mark Cavendish would add to his tally of stage wins. He crashed out on the first stage! We tipped Peter Kennaugh to cause a few surprises and Frenchman Demarre to do well.Peter was not selected to ride and Demarre was not in the hunt. Thank goodness Sagan won the green jersey! As we know Nibali dominated the race and despite the local media trumpeting the French riders they were a long 9 minutes adrift. The Pro D2 rugby XV league looks to be really exciting. There are 4 Languedoc sides in the race with a glut of derbies. After 103 years in the elite USAP Perpignan must be favourites to bounce back up. It would be a disaster for the City if they did not. Per-
pignan is a rugby mad place at both codes. Racing Narbonne reached the play offs last term. Can they do better? Will Rocky Elsom and his men do it? Béziers were OK at home last season. American prop Shawnee Pittman is an interesting signing. Australian scrum half Josh Valentine could make an. Impact. USC Carcassonne just stayed up last time. The club expects to do better. The derbies should have a big say in the fortunes of the sides. It is a tough division with a number of famous clubs like Albi, Biarritz, Dax and Pau. Good luck to all the XVs. Footballs Ligue 1 is much more predictable. Money talks. Bastia have a budget of only 22 million and a clutch of clubs are relatively poorly off. Montpellier with 40 million are willing to sell players before the season has started. There are two big clubs. The Olympiques of Marseille and Lyon, known as L’OM and L’OL. Each can muster funding of about 120 million, way ahead of other teams. They both should finish in the top places. Astonishingly there are two teams amongst the super rich. Monaco have 300 million and Paris SG an incredible 490 mil-
TAMBOURIN Hérault WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU FIND AN INJURED BIRD OR ANIMAL?
T
he Centre de Sauvegarde de la Faune Sauvage in Villeveyrac, takes in and cares for injured wild animals and birds, before releasing them back into the wild If you find an injured bird or mammal, cover it with a sheet
games but once they get rolling they should be second. The other clubs are playing for survival. Let’s hope that we are as wrong as we were for the Tour de France. Good luck to all the small budget teams.
CRICKET - MIDI CC
or towel in order to catch it and place it in a cardboard box lined with newspaper or towels. Pierce the top of the box to ensure that there is enough air for the animal/ bird. Do not feed or give it liquid and bring it to the Centre of Sauvegarde de la Faune Sauvage as soon as possible. When it arrives, once registered, the animal will be admitted and treated. Once it has recovered, it will be released back into the wild.
www.theheraultandaudetimes.com
The HAT September 2014.indd 47
lion. Not many will bet against PSG for the title! Monaco have struggled a bit in early
Opening hours : Summer: Mon to Sat, 9 h-18 h 30 and Sunday, 9 h-17 h Winter: Mon to Sat, 9 h-18 h 30 and Sunday, 9 h-16 h Tel : Tel: 06 29 81 66 31 or 09 67 18 76 24 CRSFS/LPO Hérault 15 rue des Cigales, route de Loupian, 34560 Villeveyrac. herault@lpo.fr 47
01/09/2014 04:25:54
% 20 FF O
BRITISH PAINT
NOW IN LANGUEDOC - ROUSSILLON
Licensed Distributors Crown - Sandtex - Macpherson Market Place - St Chinian - Languedoc Roussillon
Herault & Aude Times www.mididecor.com - 04 67 24 21The72
The HAT September 2014.indd 48
01/09/2014 04:26:04