September is such a lovely time of the year as the hustle and bustle of the school holidays pass and the daily routines of school and work return to their usual patterns.
This month we have focused on the River Thouet which passes through most of the department and although its daily rhythm rarely changes, many of the animals and plants that rely on it, breathe a sigh of relief as the temperatures cool and the flow of water increases. It has been a real pleasure learning more about the River we hope you enjoy reading all about it.
As always we like to share our thanks and appreciation to our advertisers and contributors. All of whom make the publication of the magazine possible.
Every effort is made to ensure that all our advertisers are reputable and appropriately registered, it remains your responsibility to verify that any company or individual you are dealing with is registered and has a valid and accurate siret number and insurance where necessary.
All the events we highlight in the magazine are correct at the time of publishing. However please verify the location and timings with the organisers to ensure that there have not been any changes before you travel.
The DSM est édité par Lisa Jones, 10
chef: L Jones Siret 84895864100021.
Are you ready to embark on a journey of discovery and connection within your local community?
Exciting experiences and the rich cultural treasures of our region await you!
Here are a few larger events that are going on in the area, but don’t forget to check out your local
Here are a few larger events that are going on in the area, but dont forget to check out your local supermarkets, facebook groups and tourist offices for events local to you.
Embrace the thrill of embarking on an unforgettable journey brimming with hidden treasures just waiting for you to uncover!
Exploring Brocantes and Vide Greniers is not just fun; it's an unmissable experience! These events are hosted throughout the region, and you are guaranteed to discover a host of surprises.
VIDE GRENIERCHÂTILLON-SUR-THOUET 36 route de Thouars
VIDE GRENIER - L'ABSIE
Rue Raymond Migaud puis Rue de la Poste
VIDE GRENIERLORETZ-D'ARGENTON
Bouillé Loretz à la salle des fêtes
VIDE GRENIERMAUZÉ-SUR-LE-MIGNON
Rue de la Place des Halles, La Grillière
VIDE GRENIERSAINT-MAIXENT-L'ÉCOLE
Allée verte/ Rabelais
VIDE GRENIER - VOULMENTIN 27, Rue Centrale
Saturday 27th September
VIDE GRENIER - SAINT-LIN
Stade municipal, Rue de la Saisine
Sunday 28th September
.
VIDE GRENIER - BOISMÉ Centre bourg
VIDE GRENIERSAINT-CHRISTOPHE-SUR-ROC
Église Saint-Christophe, Place de l'Église
Monday a.m. Cerizay79140
Tuesday a.m. Bressuire79300
Coulonges-sur-l'Autize79160
LaCreche79260
Lezay79120
Niort79000
Thouars79100
Vasles79340
Wednesday a.m.Celles-sur-Belle79370
Niort79000
Parthenay79200
Thursday a.m. Argenton-les-Vallées79150
LaMotteStHéray79800
Niort79000
Sauzé-Vaussais79190
Friday a.m. Coulon79510
Melle79500
Niort79000
NueillesAubiers79250
Thouars79100
Saturday a.m. Airvault79600
Bressuire79300
Cerizay79140
Champdeniers79220
Chef-Boutonne79110
Coulonges-sur-l'Autize79160
LeTallud79200
Lezay79120
Mauleon79700
MauzesurleMignon79210
Moncoutant79320
Niort79000
Parthenay79200
SaintMaixent-l'Ecole79400
Sunday a.m. ChatillonsurThouet79200
Coulon79510
LaCreche79260
Niort79000
Saint-Loup-Lamairé79600
Thénezay79390
With summer season starting to draw in and the crisp chill of the morning breeze, signs of autumn are not far from our minds. The vibrant colours of autumn leaves serve as a perfect backdrop for the seasonal harvests that begin to emerge. From pumpkins to apples, the array of choices is both diverse and exciting. However, this month we are going to focus on two key products. Firstly, fresh and sweet figs. These delectable fruits not only enhance our dishes but also bring a sweet touch to seasonal desserts. Full of fibre and tasty eaten fresh, cooked or even preserved.
Secondly, Cantal Cheese AOP, known for its creamy texture and fruity notes, it pairs beautifully with many autumn ingredients. A delightful combination of flavours awaits those who take advantage of the harvest season.
Fresh Figs
Figs have been cultivated in France since Roman times, particularly in the warmer southern mediterranean climate. Some varieties of figs have AOP status, especially the Figue de Solliès, coming from the Var department in Provence.
Figs are wonderful eaten fresh with their earthy, sweet flavour and high fibre content. They pair beautifully with cheese, salads, honey nuts and wine.
Such a versatile ingredient, adding something special to sauces, appetizers or desserts, it also makes a fantastic preserving ingredient in jams and compotes.
Cantal Cheese AOP
Cantal cheese is one of the oldest French cheese varieties. Orginating from the Cantal region in the Auvergne mountains, central France, it is a firm cow’s milk cheese with a pale yellow interior and natural rind.
The texture of the cheese changes depending on its age. Cantal jeune (young) only aged for around 1 - 2 months has a mild and creamy taste, with smooth texture. Cantal entre-deux has been aged slightly longer, around 3 to 7 months and has a firmer texture with nuttier taste. Cantal vieux is a more mature cheese, aged for 8 months or more and has a crumbly texture with complex flavours. Cantal is a versitle cheese which is great for melting, eaten with bread, fruit or charcuterie and pairs particularly well with red wine.
Fig and Goats Cheese Bruschettas
Ingredients
• 225g ripe figs
• 2 Tablespoons (30ml) balsamic vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon (15g) brown sugar
For the Fig Bruschetta assembly:
• Crusty bread loaf or baguette , sliced thin or grilled (optional)
• Olive Oil for brushing the bread , if you are serving it grilled
• 5-6 ripe figs , quartered
• 240g Goats Cheese or other soft cheese
• 60g chopped pecans
• Fresh thyme leaves
Method
• Preheat the oven to 160°C.
• Slice the tough stems off of the figs then slice the figs into quarters. Place the figs in a baking dish and toss with one Tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and brown sugar.
• Cover the baking dish with foil and roast for 15-20 minutes or until the figs are soft.
• When cool enough to handle, add the figs and remainign balsamic in a bowl. Smash the figs with the back of a spoon until smooth and chunky. The more you smash, the smoother the mixtre will become (feel free to add more balsamic to taste).
• Put puree in a bowl and place in fridge to cool until ready to use
Bruschetta Directions
• If you are grilling the bread: heat the grill and lightly brush each sides of sliced bread with olive oil. Grill each side of the bread until crisp.
• Spread goats cheese over each slice of bread.
• Top each bread slice with fig puree, pecans, fresh figs and fresh thyme leaves.
Serve on a platter or wood cutting board as the perfect appetizer.
Roast Duck With Figs
Ingredients
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 175g/6oz unsalted butter, softened
• 3 sprigs rosemary, finely chopped
• 2-3 ripe figs, cut into quarters
• icing sugar (optional)
• 1 sprig fresh thyme, leaves picked
• good splash cassis
• vegetable oil, for deep frying
• 1 large, good chipping potato, chopped into rough cubes a little bigger than 1cm/½ in
• 1 free-range duck breast
• small bunch tenderstem broccoli
• flaked sea salt
Method
• Combine the garlic with a pinch of sea salt and make a fine paste. Stir into 150g/5½oz of the butter and set aside. Meanwhile mix the rosemary 50:50 with sea salt in a small bowl.
• Heat the remaining butter in a frying pan and add the figs and a sprinkle of icing sugar, if using. Cook, until lightly caramelised. Stir in the thyme leaves and season with the rosemary salt. Deglaze the pan with the cassis, simmer for a moment and set aside.
• Preheat the oven to 210C/190C Fan/Gas 6.
• Boil the potato cubes in lightly salted water, until cooked. Steam dry and gently fluff the edges in the colander.
• Heat the oil in a deep fat fryer or large pan to 190C. Fry the potatoes until crisp and golden-brown. Carefully remove and put on a plate lined with kitchen paper. Remove the kitchen paper and add the garlic butter, toss together with a good sprinkle of rosemary salt.
• Heat an ovenproof frying pan and add the duck, frying skin-side down, until golden-brown.
• Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and continue to cook skin-side down for about 6 minutes (depending on the size of the breast). Remove from the oven and leave the duck to rest for about 5 minutes skin-side up.
• Put the broccoli into a steamer or colander set over a pan of boiling water. Cover with a lid or tight-fitting foil and steam for 5 minutes.
• Carve the duck and serve with the figs, rosemary potatoes and steamed broccoli. Drizzle with the cassis sauce.
Succulent Fig Cake
Ingredients
• 300 g (~⅔ pound) of fresh figs
• 150 g (1 cup) of "00" flour
• 50 g ( ~2 oz) of almonds
• 110 g (1 stick) of unsulted butter, softened at room temperature
• 45 g (3 tablespoons) of whole milk, at room temperature
• 2 eggs
• the zest of 1 organic lemon
• 110 g (½ cup) of granulated sugar
• 10 g (2 teaspoon) of baking powder
• powdered sugar for decoration
Method
• Add softened butter to a bowl and add the sugar. Cream these ingredients together using a hand mixer until light and fluffy.
• In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Add them a little at a time to the butter and sugar mixture whilst still using mixing the ingredients with the hand mixer.
• Wash the lemon and grate its zest. Add the zest to the mixture and combine.
• Sift the "00" flour and baking powder into a separate bowl and mix.
• Whilst the hand mixer is running add the flour and baking powder mixture one tablespoon at a time to the other ingredients. When the flour is well incorporated, add the milk and mix well.
• Chop the almonds not too finely and add them to the mixture.
• Grease and flour a 20-cm (8-inch) diameter cake pan. Pour the mixture into the cake pan and level it well with a spatula.
• Gently wash and dry the figs. If the skin is thin, you can also avoid peeling them. Cut them into thin slices and arrange them on the cake covering the entire surface.
• Bake at 170°C (340°F) for 45 minutes. At the end of baking, do the toothpick test: if by sticking it into the cake the toothpick comes out dry and clean, it means it is ready.
• Remove it from the oven and let it cool. When cool, dust it with a little powdered sugar and serve.
Cantal Cheese Tart with Caramelised Onions
Ingredients
• 1 sheet puff pastry or shortcrust pastry
• 200g Cantal cheese, grated (young or semiaged preferred)
• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 eggs
• 150 ml crème fraîche or heavy cream
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 tsp Dijon mustard (for a flavorful base)
Method
• Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
• In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and soft. Season with a pinch of salt and thyme.
• Meanwhile roll out pastry and blind bake in the oven using baking beans for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven taking care to remove the baking beans from the pastry. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to dry out the bottom.
• Remove from the oven and spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the base for extra flavour (optional)
• In a bowl, whisk eggs and crème fraîche (or cream). Add grated Cantal cheese and season with pepper (salt cautiously, as Cantal is salty), and stir in caramelized onions.
• Pour mixture into pastry shell and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden and set.
• Cool slightly and serve warm or at room temperature with fresh green salad or warm salad potatoes.
Potato Gratin with Cantal Cheese
Ingredients
• 1 kg potatoes (waxy type like Yukon Gold), peeled and thinly sliced
• 200 g Cantal cheese, grated (preferably Cantal entre-deux)
• 250 ml crème fraîche or heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh herbs like thyme or parsley (or ½ tsp dried)
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Butter (for greasing the dish)
Method
• Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Butter a medium baking dish and rub with a garlic clove (optional for extra flavor).
• Carefully thinly slice the potatoes and try to keep the slices a uniform thickness. Spread a layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom of the baking dish.
• Sprinkle with salt, pepper, a pinch of herbs, minced garlic, and grated Cantal.
• Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top. Finally pour the crème fraîche or cream evenly over the layers.
• Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30–35 minutes.
• Remove from the oven, take off the foil and return to the oven to bake uncovered for another 20 minutes until golden and bubbling on top.
• Remove from the oven and leave it to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
With Jacqueline Brown
An English cyclist, a Dutch cyclist and an Irish cyclist met in a French chateau. I’d love to come up with a witty punchline to turn this into a joke, but it was just another day in the office for me. The Vélidéale cycle route that crosses the Deux-Sèvres and passes right outside the Château de Javarzay is not only growing in popularity but is also becoming internationally recognised as well. It was my job to welcome two journalists who had travelled from Holland and were cycling from Lac Vassivière on the Millevaches plateau, to Saint Nazaire on the Atlantic coast, and give them a guided visit of the museum, in English. This was refreshingly different from my usual days at work, and I enjoyed the intimacy of sharing the château experience with just two others, but their loaded bikes were somewhat of a distraction. If I’m honest, I was rather jealous of their adventurous life.As well as this 665km route from the centre of France to the Atlantic coast, on a previous ‘work’trip they had already cycled through France from Holland, via Paris, Poitiers and Biarritz, before crossing the Pyrenees and carrying on to Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain. Having posed for photos on the steps of the château, I wistfully wished them bonne route as they continued towards Melle.
At least we have been able to enjoy some mini cycling/camping adventures this summer, including a three-day tour in the north of the department. Taking advantage of sections of the Vélo Francette and the Vélidéale, we created our own 150km route from Bressuire, via theArgenton valley, up to Lys-HautLayon in the
Maine et Loire, and back again. One of the highlights of this trip had to be the eco campsite we found on the banks of theArgenton River, and just three kilometres from the Vélo Francette cycle route. Camping Les Planches in Loretz-d’Argenton is a quiet haven of calm and clean living, dedicated to retro-camping and slow travel. There weren’t many other guests when we arrived, but we did introduce ourselves to the chickens who played an important role on this eco-tourist site, namely, to dispose of any food waste left by campers that would otherwise be thrown in the bins.Also provided on site were chemical-free shampoo, shower gel and washing up liquid, which felt like the height of luxury, and ensured their waste disposal was as clean and free of nasties as it could be. If any more eco-proof were needed, my Merlin bird identifier app registered twenty-four different bird calls on our overnight stay, including a Cirl Bunting and a European Serin. There is still lots for us to explore in the north of the Deux-Sèvres, so I am sure we will be back. https://www.camping-lesplanches.fr
Having spent my summer working at the château, I’m looking forward to my rentrée, to the ChefBoutonne library and catching up with our regular readers. Good luck to all parents who have navigated the mind-boggling back to school lists, and I hope the return to school will be a happy one for all.
http://www.frenchvillagediaries.com
La Rentrée
Reviews by Jacqueline Brown
Wheredowego�omhere?
by Nick Alexander
Wow, I have to admit that it has been a while since I read a Nick Alexander book and although they have never disappointed, this one turned out to be a much more powerful a read than I was expecting.
To begin with I felt sorry for Wendy, acclimatising to time alone in her mountain cabin, in the wilds of the Alps, just above Nice, although I enjoyed the memories the views of her vistas gave me of our holidays in the area. As her story was revealed, I felt hurt and angry for her, at the traumas she witnessed as a nurse in England during the pandemic and her family’s lack of understanding at what she experienced. Then things took a darker, more difficult twist, meaning that at times it wasn’t an easy read.
Wendy wasn’t always and easy character to like, but there was always an optimism in my head that she would find the signs she was hoping for, and in doing so “find herself”. The people she met in France, or those from her past who she tried to reconnect with, all had interesting stories to throw into the mix of emotions that this book stirred within me. It was a pageturner, but not how I imagined it would be.
If you are looking for something a bit grittier and more grown-up than cosy, and that is guaranteed to make you think, then this book could be just what you need.
UnderaRivieraMoon
By Helen McGinn
Maggie is at a low, both personally and professionally, so as a favour to her mother, agrees to a few days on the French Riviera to collect a box of her late grandmother’s possessions. What she hopes will give her a change of scenery, turns into an adventure from the moment she meets the enigmatic Allegra.
As the sun sets on Allegra’s terrace in the old part of Cannes, the wine is poured, the stories begin to flow, and Maggie’s eyes are opened to a life lived in a different era. Paris in the 1960’s is alive with jazz clubs, art, but also political unrest. It is also where a chance meeting brings together four young people with passion and ideas, whose lives are on the brink of change.
Allegra now has the wisdom of old age, so as well as sharing the passions and heartbreaks she has experienced, she also encourages Maggie to open up about her heartache. This is a crucial step in helping her move forward from
a traumatic period and begin her healing. I loved watching Maggie slowly come back to life as she enjoyed her time with Allegra.
This is a beautifully written dual time-line novel, whose characters piqued my interest, especially the wonderful Allegra, and I was easily immersed into their stories. Be warned, this book is not your usual love story, but it will make you think and reflect on the importance of living your best life every day.
With Karen Taylor
Slipping slowly into September
A�er 2 months of summer madness, life’s finally beginning to se�le down here on the Vendéen coast. The yearround popula�on of our li�le town of Longeville sur Mer is just 2,500, yet as we step into the month of July, it swells to 30,000! But with over 7kms of beaches running alongside the town, there’s always space to spread out your towel or build a sandcastle in peace.
Restaurants stay open every day ‘�l late, beer gardens appear for the summer season and food trucks pop up on the beach. It’s a different world for a couple of months!
As for summer entertainment, there’s something for everyone. The circus Big Top sets up on the local football pitch, the ever-popular Guignol puppet spectacle puts on performances for the li�le ones in the town square (the equivalent of our beloved UK Punch & Judy show), and Monster Trucks (yes, really!) take pride of place on an area of wasteland. Even the beaches become event venues with yoga groups, Pilates classes and volleyball compe��ons.
So, what of September? All of a sudden, those 7kms of beaches empty to make way for us locals once again. The sun’s s�ll shining, the sky’s blue and the sea’s a pleasant 20°C. This is the perfect �me for us to walk our young pup down on the beach, and maybe even have a sneaky dip in the sea (sorry, no pictures of us in our maillots de bain!!).
Admi�edly many seasonal businesses shut up shop un�l the Spring (where do they go??), but we locals know where to find les commerces that stay open all year round.
It’s also the ideal �me for us to jump in our campervan and head up the coast for a few days. Campsites that were teaming with youngsters just a week earlier make way for the older genera�on (like us!). Although most of the summer entertainment has packed up and disappeared overnight (la rentrée is almost a religion in France, especially as the 1st is a Monday this year!)), many cafés & restaurants realize that there’s s�ll business to be done as we slip slowly into September.
Don’t get me wrong – we love the hustle & bustle of the high summer in France, but with September evenings staying light un�l 9pm on the west coast, it’s a great �me to get out & about and discover more of our adopted country.
Eskerrik asko totheBasqueCountryfora wonderfulweek.
Welcome back to my garden diary, here we are, September already.Afriend said to me a few days ago why does January seem like 842 days long and July seems just like its 31 days go by in a blur? I don’t know but I had to agree!
I always have a back to school feeling in September, hopefully the weather is a little cooler and the evenings we can still enjoy time outside, although this summer we have both been bitten by various bugs, despite lashings of anti bug spray!
The garden here has been looking a bit dry and dusty, although rain overnight has cheered it up and more is forecast this week too. I am off to collect my 3 new irises on Friday, from the iris garden we visited in May, and will find space for them among my other irises. There’s something about planting inAutumn looking forward to the following Spring time isn’t there? The bulb selections available to purchase seem to grow year on year, I have decided to try to stick to a colour palette of creams and lavender to purple for next Spring, we will see if I can stick to it!
I am still battling with nettles here in various parts of the garden, and of course any rain we have the bindweed grows an extra few feet! The grass has been very dry and leaves started to fall from our trees very early with the drought, but recent rain has seen a slight return to green.
With Clare Hill
September can be a time to start anew and refocus our energies, it may be a new hobby, it may be the year you start gardening! If so, welcome to the garden club! If you are new to gardening or if you have a new garden, take your time, and observe what grows well in other gardens in your area. Chances are your soil will be very similar and you can then choose plants which will thrive rather than be a struggle to keep alive.
I really found this out one year when I fell in love with someAzeleas at a local plant nursery.Acouple of them came home with me and failed to thrive. I then read up on them and discovered they love rich acid soils which is the opposite to my limestone ridge I call home. I dug them up carefully, bought the correct acidic compost and planted into pots, watered well and hoped for the best. They limped on for a few months but did not flower. In the end they went to live with a friend with much more acidic soil and are fine. So, the phrase “right plant, right place” is the key and always at the front of my mind when I think about planting.
Over the summer I spot where the blackberries are doing well and then I like to go out in the early evening and pick some, usually lateAugust and into September. Some for the freezer for those winter days when there's less fresh fruits, and some for breakfast with yogurt, others will become blackberry and apple jam. My Mum makes a wonderful apple and blackberry crumble and always freezes the fruit together for when I am visiting and we can enjoy eating it together.
Here's a few gardening jobs for September;
• Collect ripe seeds, store safely in paper bags or envelopes and make sure you label them for next years spring colour.
• Order Spring flowering bulbs, either online or from garden centers. Plant out late in the month, or for Tulips into November is recommended to avoid Tulip fire disease.
• Take photos around the garden so you can look back at successes and less successful areas. Review what has worked well and why, and review what hasn't. OverAutumn and Winter can be time to make changes or clear areas ready for your new ideas.
• Bare root fruit trees and roses can be ordered now, ready for planting later inAutumn into Winter. Usually end of November for planting, but they sell out fast. Look locally for a specialist pepiniere nursery for the best selection of fruit trees.
• Take cuttings from fuchsias, salvias, pelargoniums and osteospermum, all fairly easy to do with a good strike rate, use a dab of hormone rooting powder if you have it.
• You can divide healthy perennials this month, to either create more for your self or give away. Hucheras,Agapanthus,Asters, Helianthus, Hostas, Iris, Sedum and Verbena can be good choices.
• Re plantAutumn or winter baskets and pots. I often see autumn crocus and autumn cyclamen and then add some variagated ivy, winter flowering violas or pansies too, all make a pretty display by a doorway.
• If you sowed spring flowering biennials, plant out duringAutumn for flowering plants next year.
• Keep dead heading dahlias, delphiniums, roses and penstemons to prolong flowering and colour all month.
•
• Harvest Lavender now, the later flowering variety can be picked in September, and then give them their annual tidy up, remember don't cut back into the old wood.
• In the greenhouse you can prepare and plantAmaryllis and Hyacinth bulbs for Christmas displays. Either into pots or glasses. Keep them protected against cold nights as autumn sets in.
• Clean out and hose down the outside and inside of greenhouses and cold-frames at this time of year.
• Sow Sweet pea seeds for an early start in Spring.
• Sow hardy annuals like Calendula, Centaurea, Poppies and Limnanthus.
• HarvestAutumn raspberries, and enjoy their fresh tasty fruit, or if plenty make some jam.
• Potatoes (main crop) will be ready to harvest too, for eating now and for storage into winter.
• Help for our wildlife friends;
• Leave some sunflower heads on for the bird seeds. Afew teasel plants here and there through a garden will attract gold finches to eat and nest nearby.
• Add some autumn flowering plants like sedums and asters to the garden to bring nectar, and provide pollinators an extra few weeks of food as they prepare for theAutumn and Winter.
• Leave some perennials to go to seed, to provide more seed heads, for insects to over winter in, and for the birds to eat. Verbena bonariensis left tall becomes sculptural over the winter landscape and the birds will feast on the seeds too.
Well, I hope theAutumn brings you a successful harvest time, more next month.
Abientot,
A Glimpse into the World of Garden Coordinators
Ian Warden's Journey with Open Gardens - Jardins Ouverts
Open Gardens - Jardins Ouverts (OG/JO) is a charitable initiative, created in 2013, where garden owners are encouraged to open their gardens to members of the public in return for charitable donation. The funds raised are then donated to organisations that support disabled & seriously ill children in France. The initiative was inspired partly from the work of the National Gardens Scheme in England and has steadily grown in popularity with gardeners and visitors alike.
Ian’s Garden Coordinator Role
Ian’s journey to becoming a garden coordinator for OG/JO is a tale of passion, dedication, and community spirit. His story showcases how a lifelong love for plants can blossom into a fulfilling role that brings joy to others and supports charitable causes.
Plant Nursery Roots
Ian's horticultural journey began long before his involvement with OG/JO. As a young adult, he cultivated his first garden, sparking a passion that would shape his future career path.
Ian took early retirement in 2002 to pursue his dream of opening a plant nursery. This venture allowed him to immerse himself fully in the world of plants and gardening.
Through running the nursery, Ian honed his plant knowledge, customer service skills, and ability to create engaging garden spaces. These skills would prove invaluable in his future role as a garden coordinator.
Joining Open Gardens - Jardins Ouverts
Ian's involvement with Open Gardens began in 2015, when he became a volunteer coordinator while still living parttime in France. Drawing on his experience opening his garden for the UK’s National Gardens Scheme, Ian was keen to support the development of a similar initiative in France. Since moving permanently in 2020, he has continued to help other garden owners prepare to
welcome the public, and in 2025, he proudly opened his own garden for the first time.
The organisation is looking to expand it’s reach across other areas of France and to build on the success of the Association. In the 11 years it has been running, more than 176,000€ has been donated to a diverse range of children’s charities.
We are looking for new members and garden coordinators in your area!
Has Ian’s story inspired you? If so, we are looking for more people to open their gardens or even become a garden coordinator. It is a voluntary role, with lots of support from other Garden Coordinators, who can help you with everything you need to know.
If you would like to find out more about how to become a Garden Coordinator or would like to open your own garden, please contact Susan Lambert at president@opengardens.eu or via their website https:// www.opengardens.eu/
I closed last month’s debut column by promising to pass on some basic principles behind running a successful holiday rental business, with the claim these never change, wherever you are. And that’s true. They don’t. Even better - they’re pretty simple.
The first/worst is an acceptance that regardless of whatever you’re hoping to rent-out in Deux-Sèvres, any rental income you make from your property is unlikely on its own to provide you with an annual living wage. It’s true that it might if you have a spectacularly highend property, in an equally high-end location, capable of accommodating several groups of guests, and generating a four/five figure weekly income, pretty much throughout the year. But on the other hand, such deluxe properties invariably have deluxe running-costs too - and need staff to keep everything running smoothly. Fabulous to visit. Anything but fabulously easy to run and maintain.
So…let’s be realistic. Running a rental - gîte or chambre d’hôtes - isn’t going to earn you untold wealth. And acceptance of that instantly removes an awful lot of pressure to meet what might be unrealistic occupancy/ income targets. But if you run your rental well/successfully, it will generate a useful income stream for as long as you want. And that might also help you achieve a premium price if you include a demonstrably successful rental operation in any future property sale.
Always remember that running a rental is a business. Not a hobby. Your call if you decide to open year-round - or just for a specific annual period. But when you are open, be aware that days off can be a rare luxury, and that guests can/do arrive at wildly inconvenient times.
You’ll also need to be sure your family is as enthusiastic about running a rental as you. (Or you’re as enthusiastic as them…) Provided other commitments allow, one person can reasonably cope with looking after a single, low-occupancy Chambre d’Hôtes. More than that would be a major task. Running a multi-occupancy Gîte - as Pauline and I found in Italy - is perfectly achievable for just two people provided each of you takes responsibility for when - and how - regular tasks are carried out. Or when an emergency meant we needed to pitch-in together.
With your Gîte or Chambre d’Hôte. - especially if more than just two of you will be involved - reach an early and set-in-stone “who does what…and when…rain or shine” agreement with each family member. If you stick to ityour hol biz will run like a well-oiled machine !
And…final principle…always build a little downtime into your schedules to relax and recharge. It’s a paradox that the more successful your rentals are, the busier you get, and the more frazzled your lives can become. Pressing the pause button to get away - even if just for an hour while you reward yourselves in your favourite bar - can be a massive stress-buster !
Next month: Chambre d’Hôtes - part 1
If you’re already running – or planning to start – your own holiday rental business in Deux Sèvres, and would like to discuss your ideas with David, contact him on 1davidbrenner+DSM@gmail.com
Next Month:I’llbelookingathybridvs.plug-inhybridvs. fullEVtodiscusswhichmightbebestforyou…
Journey along The River Thouet
The Thouet is a river in western France that flows into the Loire River. It starts in Beugnon-Thireuil, in the Gâtine Vendéenne area, and travels mostly east to west. After passing east of Parthenay, it turns north and continues in that direction until it meets the Loire near Saumur, covering a distance of 142 km.
Along its route to the Deux Sèvres department, the Thouet passes through several towns and villages, including: Secondigny, Azay-sur-Thouet, Le Tallud, Parthenay, Châtillon-sur-Thouet, Gourgé, Saint-Loup-Lamairé, Airvault, Saint-Généroux, Missé, Thouars, Taizon, and Saint-Martin-de-Sanzay. It then flows into the Pays de la Loire, passing through Montreuil-Bellay and Saint-Just-sur-Dive before reaching the Loire River at Saumur.
As the river flows north, smaller streams join the Thouet. These include: The Viette at Parthenay on the right side; The Palais at Parthenay on the left side; The Cébron at Saint-Loup-Lamairé on the left side; The Thouaret near Taizé on the left side; The Argenton at Saint-Martinde-Sanzay on the left side; The Losse at Montreuil-Bellay on the right side; and The Dive at Saint-Just-sur-Dive on the right side.
The land around the source of the Thouet mainly consists of granite bedrock and is about 240 m high. The Atlantic weather brings frequent rain to this area, but because the granite is impermeable, the rainwater drains quickly into the river, leaving little in the ground. As the Thouet continues on, the bedrock changes to softer sedimentary rocks, allowing the water table to hold more water.
Natura 2000 site “Bassin du Thouet amont”
In the central Deux-Sèvres department, in the Parthenay district, lies the Natura 2000 site “Bassin du Thouet amont.” This area is part of the Gâtine landscape, which is the southeastern edge of the Armorican Massif. The Natura 2000 network aims to protect biodiversity across the European Union and ensure habitats and species of interest are preserved or restored.
The Bassin du Thouet amont covers 7,000 hectares and includes 15 communes: Beugnon-Thireuil, Vernoux-enGâtine, Secondigny, Le Retail, Allonne, Azay-surThouet, Saint-Aubin le Cloud, Saint-Pardoux-Soutiers, La Boissière-en-Gâtine, Mazières-en-Gâtine, Le Tallud, Parthenay, Pompaire, Beaulieu-sous-Parthenay, and Vouhé.
Ten animal species of special interest, some at risk or endangered, have been found in the Natura 2000 site. These include the White-clawed crayfish, European brook lamprey, European bullhead fish, Rosalia longicorn beetle, Southern damselfly, Greater horseshoe bat, notch-eared bat, Greater mouse-eared bat, barbastelle bat, and River Otter.
Other present species include the Common toad, Tree frog, Agile frog, Palmated newt, Marbled newt, Ringed chorus frog, Woodchat Shrike, and Eurasian tree sparrow.
Beyond the Natura 2000 site, the Thouet Valley is home to diverse wildlife. Mammals like Badgers, Water Voles, European Beavers, Red Deer, and Hedgehogs are present. The river also supports various bird species, such as Kingfishers, Black Storks, Buzzards, Terns, and Corncrakes.
The riverbanks are a great habitat for wildlife too, including rare Orchids. These areas support many insects, amphibians, butterflies, and more.
The river's ecosystem is affected by climate, geology, sunshine, and human actions. Pollution and physical harm from human activities, along with climate change, can seriously impact its health and the services it provides, like food, clean water, and flood regulation.
The River Thouet has an extensive network of tributaries, requiring ongoing monitoring. This includes daily impacts from agriculture, such as runoff and pesticide use, as well as managing environmental incidents.
Changes in land use and management can affect the Thouet Valley's health and sustainability. This includes shifts in farming practices and the loss of grasslands
and hedgerows, impacting aquatic health and ecosystems. Environmental issues like erosion, watercourse damage, flooding, and maintaining water levels are monitored and managed as needed
Conservation and Preservation
While the River Thouet was once used for trading, today it is mainly for recreational activities like kayaking and fishing, which are managed carefully to avoid harming the ecosystem.
Tourism in the Thouet Valley is a good chance to promote the beauty of this natural area and educate visitors on how to help preserve it.
Cycling and walking in the Thouet Valley is an important focus for those managing the region's environment.
Various events and exhibitions are held throughout the year to celebrate the stunning landscapes and wildlife, while promoting sustainability. By visiting the Valley and enjoying its natural beauty, we can all play a part in its health and sustainability for many years to come..
Riding the River: Discovering the Thouet Valley on the Vélo Francette
France is a country best seen slowly. And few experiences capture this gentle rhythm better than cycling along the River Thouet via the Vélo Francette. Winding its way through serene countryside, medieval towns, and vine-covered hills, this lesser-known portion of the popular Vélo Francette cycling route offers a quiet escape, away from tourist crowds and into the very heart of rural France.
What is the Vélo Francette?
The Vélo Francette is a long-distance cycle route stretching over 600 kilometers, connecting the English Channel at Ouistreham to the Atlantic coast in La Rochelle. Along the way, it passes through some of the country’s most charming landscapes—including the verdant Thouet Valley in western France.
The section following the River Thouet is a hidden gem. From the heritage-rich town of Thouars to the historic city of Saumur, this stretch offers a scenic, slow-travel experience ideal for cycling enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone in search of authentic French charm.
Starting in Thouars: A Town Draped in History
Begin your journey in Thouars, a small town perched on a cliff above the river. With its impressive Château des Ducs de La Trémoïlle and vibrant Saturday market, Thouars offers a perfect blend of history and local life. Stock up on picnic provisions—think goat cheese from local farms, crusty baguettes, and fresh berries—before hitting the trail.
The Path Less Pedaled
As you leave Thouars, the route follows the meandering River Thouet. Unlike the busier Loire routes, this section is blissfully peaceful. You’ll pass by sunflower fields, sleepy hamlets, and stone bridges that haven’t changed in centuries. The terrain is
mostly gentle, making it accessible to families and recreational cyclists alike.
Along the way, pause in Montreuil-Bellay, a postcardperfect town with a fairy-tale château and vinecovered hills. Stop for lunch at a riverside bistro or enjoy a tasting at a local wine cellar—the region is known for its elegant Saumur wines.
Into Saumur: Where Rivers and History Meet
After about 60 kilometers, the path leads you into Saumur, a jewel on the Loire. This town, with its striking château overlooking the confluence of the Thouet and Loire rivers, is a fitting finale.
Saumur is steeped in equestrian culture— home to the Cadre Noir riding school—as well as fine food and wine.
Celebrate your arrival with a glass of Crémant de Loire and a view of the sunset over the river.
Exploring the Thouet Valley by bike is more than a scenic ride—it's an immersion in the rhythms of French countryside life.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just someone seeking a slower pace, the Vélo Francette offers a journey rich in beauty, flavor, and authenticity.
As the French say,
“à vélo, on voit mieux la vie”
“By bike, life looks better”
Practical Tips for Cyclists
Best
Time
to Go
Late spring through early autumn offers the most pleasant weather and vibrant landscapes.
Bike Rentals & Logistics
Rentals are available in both Thouars and Saumur, with some companies offering one-way drop-offs.
Route Difficulty
Easy to moderate, suitable for all levels of cyclists.
Where to Stay
Charming B&Bs and bike-friendly gîtes dot the route, often with welcoming hosts and hearty breakfasts.
Walking the GR 36: A Peaceful Path Along the River Thouet
For those who prefer walking boots to bicycle wheels, the GR 36 offers a serene and scenic route through the heart of western France. Part of France’s national network of long-distance footpaths, this well-marked trail winds its way from the English Channel to the Pyrenees—but one of its most enchanting stretches follows the River Thouet through the Deux-Sèvres department.
A Trail Through Timeless Landscapes
This section of the GR 36 unfolds gently alongside the River Thouet, taking walkers through a landscape of quiet valleys, ancient bridges, Romanesque churches, and rolling farmland. The pace is unhurried, the views unspoiled. It’s an ideal way to reconnect with nature—and with the rhythms of rural life.
Highlights Along the Way
Starting near Thouars, a historic hilltop town with a grand château and lively market, the trail meanders south past medieval villages, mills, and shaded towpaths. Walkers pass through SaintGénéroux, known for its 11thcentury church, and Airvault, a picturesque town with a beautiful Romanesque abbey and cobbled streets.
Every step brings a new glimpse of heritage: ancient stone washhouses (lavoirs), ivy-covered ruins, and peaceful riverbanks perfect for picnicking or quiet reflection.
Taking Better Photographs Finding a New Perspec�ve
By Steve Marshall
One of my greatest joys in life is finding out a thing I did not know or learning about how I might appreciate something of which I was unaware or discovering evidence that challenges or contradicts a fact I thought was true. And this works in photography as well, and you can help make it happen by trying some of the following exercises –some�mes more than once.
Change your viewing angle. Most of us will take most shots from about eye level when standing and will be fairly level. So do something different. Choose a day to only take photographs that are decidedly upward or downward from where you stand. Alterna�vely take all your shots from a low angle – beware the impact on your knees if you are my age. The world looks different from there. It also looks different if all your shots are from a high angle poin�ng down. A small step ladder changes your perspec�ve.
You need to try this for some �me, not just five minutes. I considered calling this column One Day Exercises – so be prepared to spend some hours experimen�ng with each exercise.
Try shoo�ng into the light, but beware direct sunlight. Through flowers or leaves can create remarkably calming images. Through water or ice or glass, especially frosted, can add unexpected sparkles and refrac�ons. And portraits shot into the light mean no squin�ng subjects and might create halos around some people’s hair.
Find a photographer you like – there are lots available on the internet. Hunt through the ones that have an instant appeal un�l you discover someone who takes the type of photograph you never take. Now study their images. Work out what they do that you like. Then see if you can emulate them. You might see if you can take their ideas one step further – to something that is truly your own.
Go somewhere you might not normally or regularly go such as a zoo. If you go there a lot you will have some idea of what to expect. So at least go to a different zoo or a spor�ng event or a big outdoor entertainment. Photograph what is different and unexpected. And if it is a zoo frame your shots to avoid cages or bars.
Choose a colour, any colour, and then build a series of pictures where that colour runs through everything. And work hard at finding your colour in unlikely places. For yellow I could have included my photographs of a bowl of lemons or a field of sunflowers but chose the books because they are a less obvious subject.
Get involved with other photographers, ideally joining a group that meets regularly, like the one of which I am a member. Discussing photography and cri�quing each
other’s images is a great way to learn. Some discussion will centre on aperture and shu�er speed and ISO and other technical aspects but most of it will be about how to create the image the photographer wants.
Learn the primary ‘rules’ of photography – such as the rule of thirds and its big brother, the golden ra�o. I always put ‘rules’ in this context in inverted commas because they are really guidelines that can and some�mes should be broken.
Beware always using automa�c se�ngs. Take one se�ng at a �me and play with it. Shu�er priority and aperture priority allow you to change just the one se�ng and the camera sorts the rest. Try taking one photograph many �mes with different apertures or different shu�er speeds. Most photographers like talking about themselves so get someone from that group you joined to do this with you. Most teachers end up learning as much as those they are teaching.
Use a tripod. It will slow you down from shoo�ng all sorts of pictures handheld. It should make you think about how and where your camera is pointed and give you �me to adjust the zoom and the composi�on. If you do not have a tripod try borrowing one from another photographer. Chose a view or a place to photograph and take one set of pictures handheld and one set from a tripod and compare them.
My final exercise is the toughest. Chose a day, and I mean a full day, when you are going somewhere that ma�ers and where you will be able to take photographs. I o�en recommend taking lots of shots so you end up with some you like. Today you must ignore that advice. Today you are limited to the equivalent of one old-fashioned film roll. 36 shots if you must, preferably 24 and if you are brave just 12.
If you would like to discuss improving your photographs and those of other friendly photographers please get in touch with me at stevemarshall128@gmail.com
Life in France as a disabled adult
With Karen Jones
Here I am nearing the age of 65 and seeing the world from a different point of view. Three years ago, I suffered a spinal fracture and ended up partially paralysed.Aseries of physio appointments did nothing to reduce my pain or assist with my mobility. I pay privately for sports massages to help loosen overtight muscles that were causing a posture issue and visit an osteo regularly. Keeping mobile was important. In the meantime, a wheelchair, mobility scooter and other aids were purchased. Most paid for in full without any money from the state.
As many other people have done, I contacted the MDPH to see what help we could get. Dossiers take a while, and the representative visited me in hospital to complete the details for my dossier.Amedical examination is required by your GP. We were awarded a carers allowance for my husband to look after me. It equates to 5€ per hour. We were also awarded funding for some disability aids but not all. We can apply for funds to adapt our home to my needs, but the devis is quite high and we must raise about 15,000 euros ourselves. So, for the moment the adapted home has been shelved until we can raise the funds.
People registered handicapped are entitled to little cards that give them priority to go to the front of the queue in shops, to park in the disabled parking and to receive an extra 0.5 parts on your tax return for tax relief in certain cases.
With all these things in place, however, being in a wheelchair or using walking aids suddenly make you invisible to the rest of the world. Handicapped parking places are often taken by the abled who don’t have the blue card for parking. Very rarely is this abuse punished with fines. Going to the front of the queue in a shop, flashing my priority card as I do, you can see people’s faces change as it can annoy shoppers. Checkout operators will call you through but most of the time I wait in the queue as at least I can sit on my wheels.
This year we took the first step to travelling abroad by car to Italy. Flights are not possible until we can find airlines that protect the wheels. Whilst we enjoyed our travels, the reality is, the world is still not adapted enough, and I don’t expect it to be especially in ancient cities. Search for accessible rentals on the booking portals - they are few and far between. Maybe this is something that owners of tourist accommodation need to take into consideration, especially those who renovate and create rentable properties. The reality is we can take the dog anywhere, but not my damaged body.
We won’t stop travelling, we must adjust to the places we go and check beforehand how accessible everywhere we want to visit. Next year - the plan is Germany and its castles.
“Hello Amanda, I’m 59 and moved to France 10 years ago. I’ve recently started receiving letters about different UK pensions that I can access at age 60. Can you explain what I need to do?”
Firstly, it’s great that your UK pension providers know where you live. Many people forget to notify their pension companies when they move abroad, which can lead to missed letters, lost benefits, or delays. So, well done for keeping them informed.
Now that you’re being contacted about these pensions, the first step is to reach out to each provider—either by phone, email or letter—to ask exactly what kind of pension you have with them. Not all pensions are the same, and understanding what you hold is key to making the right decisions.
There are generally three types of pensions you may have:
Workplace or Company Pension Schemes
These could be either Defined Benefit (DB) or Defined Contribution (DC) schemes.
A Defined Benefit scheme (often called a “final salary” or “career average” scheme) pays a guaranteed income for life. This amount is usually based on your salary and years of service. At the time of taking the pension, you can often choose to include a widow’s or spouse’s pension, but this must be arranged at the start.
A Defined Contribution scheme is based on how much you and your employer paid into the pot, plus investment growth. The income you receive depends on the size of this pot when you retire and how you choose to access it
Personal Pensions
If you weren’t enrolled in a workplace scheme, you may have taken out a personal pension. With these, it’s important to ask whether any Guaranteed Annuity Rates (GARs) apply. These are special terms from older pensions that can offer you a significantly better income than the market currently offers.
Once you understand what kind of pension you have, the next questions to ask are:
● Can I defer taking this pension beyond age 60?
● Is there flexibility in how I take the money—for example, as regular payments, occasional withdrawals, or a lump sum?
● What are the tax implications for me living in France?
This is where flexi-access drawdown can be useful—it allows you to take income when you need it, rather than committing to a fixed annuity for life. Not all pensions offer this, so check.
After clarifying all of the above, ask for a retirement quote. This is a personalised illustration that outlines:
● Your expected monthly income
● The amount of any tax-free lump sum (called a Pension Commencement Lump Sum or PCLS)
● What benefits, if any, would be paid to your spouse after your death
● A transfer value, if you decide to explore different options with another provider
It usually takes one to two weeks to receive this. The transfer value is especially useful if you’re considering consolidating your pensions or seeking a potentially better offer from a different pension provider—but this step should be approached with professional advice, especially when living abroad.
Taking your UK pension while living in France can be complex—especially with cross-border tax rules—so once you’ve gathered your information, it’s wise to speak with a qualified financial adviser who understands both the UK and French systems.
If you’d like to learn more in person, one of the guest speakers at my Tours de Finance roadshow this month is a UK pension specialist. They’ll be on hand to answer questions and provide guidance tailored to expatriates living in France. You can book your seat here
https://ltdf.eu/
Whether you want to register for our newsletter, attend one of our roadshow events or speak to me directly, please call or email me on the contacts below andI will be glad to help you. We do not charge for our reviews, reports or recommendations.
Amanda Johnson works as an Independent Financial Adviser with the Spectrum IFA Group tel: 06 73 27 25 43 or email: amanda. johnson@spectrum-ifa.com www.spectrum-ifa.com/amanda-johnson Whether you want to register for a newsletter, attend a roadshow or speak Amanda directly, please call or email her. The Spectrum IFA Group do not charge for reviews, reports, or recommendations. « The Spectrum IFA Group » is a registered trademark, exclusive rights to use in France granted
34 Bd des Italiens, 75009 « Société de Courtage d'assurances » R.C.S. Paris B 447 609 108 (2003B04384) Numéro d'immatriculation 07 025 332 - www.orias.fr « Conseiller en investissements financiers, référence sous le numéro E002440 par ANACOFI-CIF, association agréée par l’Autorité des Marchés Financiers »
Easy Crossword
Down
1. Secret (4-4)
2. Irrigate (5)
4. Polar Region (6)
5. V-shaped incision (5)
6. Housebreaker (7)
7. Carbonated Drink (4)
8. Nap (6)
13. Decapitated (8)
15. Wealthiest (7)
17. French riviera resort (6)
18. Dances (anag) (6)
20. Composition for eight players (5)
22. US president (5)
23. Renowned Swedish pop group (4)
Across
1. Wail (4);
3. Marijuana (8);
9. Devilish (7);
10. Weary (5);
11. One of the Marx Brothers (5);
12. Breathe in (6);
14. One of the Home Counties (6);
16. In short supply (6);
19. Reflected sounds (6);
21. Nobody (2-3);
24. Lamb’s cry (5);
25. Green Gem (7);
26. Height, elevation (8);
27. Magician’s tool (4)
SOLVE THE SUDUKO PUZZLE! EACH BOX SHOULD CONTAIN A SERIES OF NUMBERS FROM 1 TO 9. EACH LINE GOING DOWN AND ACROSS SHOULD ALSO HAVE A SERIES OF NUMBERS FROM 1 TO 9.
CAN YOU WORK OUT WHICH NUMBERS GO WHERE?
Dingbats
Use the picture clues to guess the popular TV Shows
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
WITH THANKS TO MIKE MORRIS
Clues Across
1. An Asian countries war may consume a great number? (5)
4. …. Or so it has been announced? (4)
7. Two Europeans agree to be in contact with the board? (5)
8. Getting the blame for putting on another coat? (7)
10. Install some soft furnishings in the flat ? (3)
11. Characteristic of the origins of those reacting against internal tensions? (5)
12. Leavens a recipe for a captive audience? (7)
14. Reflects on transport organisation having repeated love for Policeman? (6)
HINTS AND TIPS TO SOLVE THE PUZZLE
Clues Down
1. Greek dish can be made by holy man, provided there is a party afterwards? (7)
2. Made an adjustment and was able to get it off dead-pat? (7)
3. It is often said that traffic in London is a capital crime (6)
4. Skips over the onset of epidemic raising optimism? (5)
5. Someone in Hanover agreeing to port and wine? (5)
6. Receiver starting to see the content of what is stolen? (4)
9. Initial scraps of food left, eaten every time in fast? (5)
13. The French island determined to present a garland (3)
14. Pair first of British rookies with Biggles? (5)
15. Globe’s path of travel taken with no computer training? (3)
17. Turning over LP providing release after bout of amourous advances? (7)
18. Basis for legal action taken over surrounding land? (7)
19. Something to read for inspiration? (6)
21. Knowing of the conflict surrounding the fences of Aintree; or the opposite in fact? (5)
22. Rescind international organisation, for example? (5)
24. Put stuff together and pull out of the game? (4)
16. Escape for large number involved in fracas? (6)
20. Athlete also known as London Transport number one? (7)
23. Nothing arriving in Rio, for example, is turned over to a military group? (5)
25. Egg found on top of colloquail idiot? (3)
26. Being pleased to submit to reorganisation now time has passed? (7)
27. Small particle taking control of style of architecture? (5)
28. Group of birds having a drink in Scotland….? (4)
29. ……… moves slowly towards the Borders? (5)
There are many different tactics employed this month; one that is very common in cryptic crosswords is a clue that presents a double meaning for the answer.
The clue for 8 Across, for example can be thought of as in two halves; the first half “getting the blame”, the second half “putting on another coat”. Both halves can be represented by the one word answer.
28 Across similarly leads to a one word answer than can mean both “group of birds” and “ a drink in Scotland”. Very straightforward for the experienced cryptic crossword solver perhaps, as are (in my opinion) the clues at 29 Across and 18, 19 and 24 Down.
Perhaps less obvious is 10 Across; the answer being one word that can mean both “soft furnishings” and “a flat”. The word “install” is superfluous, but just adds a little complication and perhaps presents the clue in a better fashion.
You might also look out for ploys that I have written about and used before, as in the anagrams in 12Across (“a recipe”), 26 Across (“reorganisation”) and 2 Down (“off”).
Full house moves, part loads to single items and vehicles
Free pre-move storage for part loads.
Deliveries accepted on your behalf between 8am-4pm, Monday to Friday
French-speaking crew Owner operated since 1995
International transport licence.
PLEASE CALL STEPHEN on +44 (0) 7966 287430 or email: smartmovers@hotmail.co.uk
www.facebook.com/smartmovesukfrance
• Interior and exterior fitting
• Drywalls and interior insulation
• Doors, windows, gates and shuttersincluding automatic and Smart home
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
•
•
•
•
Dingbats: 1. EastEnders; 2. X Files; 3. Downton Abbey; 4. Pointless; 5. Bridgerton; 6. Black Adder
Puzzle Solutions
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE YOU CAN TRUST
Les Forges €138,500
Ref: A37806 - 2-bedroom villa with pool and amenities, in gated community.
9% agency fees included paid by the buyer.
Energy class: D Climate class: B
Cherveux €394,000
Ref: A38752 - Charming 7-bedroom house with garden and outbuildings.
Agency fees to be paid by the seller.
Energy class: C Climate class: A Let me entertain you!
St-Christophe-sur-Roc €420,000
Ref: A38642 - Stunning 4+2-bedroom gîte property with outbuildings.
Agency fees to be paid by the seller.
Energy class: D Climate class: C Rental Potential
Salles €224,300
Ref: A37384 - 3-bedroom house on 5010m², in a superb location.
7% agency fees included paid by the buyer. Energy class: E Climate class: B Valley Views
Our selection of properties for sale in the Deux-Sèvres welcomes you
Le Busseau €26,600
Ref: A38531 - Old house for renovation. Planning permission applied for.
Agency fees to be paid by the seller. DPE: Not required Start from Scratch
Plaine-et-Vallées €83,333 Ref: A37827 - Spectacular home to be restored, in a quiet village.
Agency fees to be paid by the seller.
Energy class: G Climate class: C Rare Opportunity
Moncoutant-sur-Sèvre €189,000
Ref: A37744 - Spacious 5-bedroom manor house with original features.
8% agency fees included paid by the buyer. Energy class: E Climate class: E Historic Logis
Lorigné €313,829
Ref: A35056 - 3-bedroom former presbytery with studio, pool and garden.
Agency fees to be paid by the seller. Energy class: D Climate class: D Super Property
Lezay
€445,200
Ref: A33366 - Large 3-bedroom property with towers, gîte and garden.
6% agency fees included paid by the buyer. Energy class: D Climate class: D
Aubigné €187,000
Ref: A35609 - 4-bedroom house with outbuildings and land, in quiet setting.
Agency fees to be paid by the seller.
Energy class: D Climate class: C Country Life
Loretz-d’Argenton €161,956
Ref: A38679 - 2-bedroom longère to renovate, with barns and outbuildings.
Agency fees to be paid by the seller.
Energy class: F Climate class: F Renovation Project
St-Georges-de-Noisné €344,500
Ref: A38366 - 3-bedroom 1930s home with pool and gardens.
Agency fees to be paid by the seller.
Energy class: D Climate class: B Views over the lake
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