ewsletter - Entente Cordiale Creuse

Issue 6, February 2009
ewsletter
Winter/Spring 2009
www.ententecordiale-creuse.org
President’s Edito
Our world is changing rapidly. We are all in the same boat: only solidarity and friendship will help us
through the forthcoming changes. In 2009, thanks to Entente Cordiale,
you will be invited to meet new people, discover new areas in the
Creuse, read, go to concerts, do art and needlework, play scrabble,
speak French and English, plant irises, harvest grapes and honey, act,
reflect………The choice of activities is getting bigger every year. So let’s
keep our optimism and let’s enjoy living in la Creuse!
I wish to take this opportunity to thank all the members of Entente
Cordiale for their participation in the events organised by the
Association and, above all, all of you who have accepted
responsibilities within the ‘bureau’ or the different ‘commissions’. It is
your work and involvement which has made Entente Cordiale a unique
Association. Thanks for your help.
Entente Cordiale in action at the Fête de Vigne
The Assemblée Générale 2009
Monday 27 April at 19h00 at the Apollo, Dun le Palestel
Questions and suggestions in writing to David Johnson before 20th March, please!
David Johnson, President, Entente Cordiale
20 rue des Sabots, 23800 Dun le Palestel
05.55.89.14.61
From the Editor……………..
A belated Happy New Year to everyone and a warm welcome to new members of Entente Cordiale. We
hope the programme of activities for the coming year has something for
everyone: concerts, trips out to places of interest, a garden party, a
gastronomic meal – and much more besides. What more could you want
to look forward to on a cold February day? As you will read inside,
Entente Cordiale’s ongoing activities continue to flourish: the vineyard
and the library. The library has lots of books to borrow, of course, but
it has also become the ‘hub’ of Entente Cordiale where lots of
additional events are taking place. It all happens at the vineyard as
well: last year the vineyard hosted a successful Fête de la Vigne and a
summer picnic/barbecue.
Winter in a Creuse village
You can see lots of additional photographs from these events on our
website: www.ententecordiale-creuse.org, as well as up to date
information on what’s happening and the newsletter in full colour.
The next newsletter will be the Summer 2009 edition and should be
out in June. Summer? Something else to look forward to! Please send
me some articles to include – I would love to hear from you.
Linda Bates, Editor
3 la Jaussée, 23160 la Chapelle Baloue
[email protected]
05 55 63 00 15
Signs of Spring
Page 2
Entente Cordiale Recent Activities
The ‘Fête de la Vigne’ on 4 October at the vineyard was a great success. The birds had eaten most of the
grapes the week before, but that did not deter anyone, not least the Bacchus and Nymph look-alikes from
having fun and entering into the spirit! We pressed the
grapes, launched balloons and drank the wine. But not
‘Clos Brégeot’ wine – not just yet! One balloon reached as
far as Clermont-Ferrand.
The next event was a ‘repas gastronomique’ on 9 November at Le Moulin Noyé’ restaurant at Glénic. These
Entente Cordiale people do like their food and drink! I was in the UK and couldn’t go, but I’m told it was
‘delicieux’.
Entente Cordiale once again supported the Téléthon in December and raised 313€ for charity.
The Christmas Concert normally takes place in the church at Dun
le Palestel, but had to be moved to the Apollo at almost the last
minute. But what a success! At least 200 people were there on
21 December and there was literally standing room only. The
atmosphere of the event somehow caught the imagination of the
local press, and there was extensive coverage in ‘La Montagne’
and ‘Le Petit Marchois’.
We started the New Year in the traditional French way
with a ‘Galettes des Rois’ afternoon (more food and
drink!) at the Apollo on 25 January. This gave people the
chance to hear about the programme for the year and
meet up after the Christmas festivities.
Editor
Page 3
ENTENTE CORDIALE – DIARY FOR 2009
(All details to follow)
Sunday 15 February
Presentation in English and French about "l'École de Crozant" (school of painting) by Mr. Delage at 15h00.
This will take place at the Bibliothèque Municipale, Maison Bord, Dun le Palestel.
Monday 27 April
Assemblé Générale of Entente Cordiale at the Apollo, Dun le Palestel at 19h00.
All questions and comments in writing please to David Johnson before 20 March.
March or April (date to be arranged)
Visit to Oradour sur Glane or Aubusson, depending on preference. Transport could be arranged if people
want it.
April
Visit to a garden and exchange of plants
Saturday 16 May
Visit to the Étang des Landes with the well known ornithologist Jean Michel Bienvenu.
Friday 12 June
Concert by the La Souterraine Philharmonic organised at Dun le Palestel church in partnership with
l'Association d'Animation Dunoise
Sunday 14 June
Garden Party at Les Marronniers (Villeneuve, near Crozant) to raise funds for the pantomime.
Saturday 18 July
Outdoor Jazz Concert with the group Am Ketenes (Django Reinhardt) at the Arborétum de la Sédelle.
Gates open 17h00. Concert starts at 19h00
July or August
Fête de la Bibliothèque
Saturday 15 August
Rock and roll concert at the Apollo, Dun le Palestel
Sunday 27 September
Second 'Fête de la Vigne'
October
Concert at Dun le Palestel - part of the 'Jazz à la Sout' festival
November
Repas gastronomique
Late November or early December
Pantomime
December
Téléthon and Christmas Concert
Page 4
The Vineyard
We had our first ‘vendange’ on 4 October 2008, but our little feathered friends had theirs in the week
preceding. It was never going to be a large volume
anyway and we are pleased that we did have fruit that
was ripe and with a sufficiently high sugar content to
(theoretically) make wine. A good sign for next year as
long as we get our bird-scaring rota sorted. Perhaps there
are some frustrated scarecrows out there?
Six litres of grape juice – what to do? ‘Pinot’ suggested
our French members. We rushed down the the pharmacie
– alcohol is available in bulk, although you can’t pay with
a carte vitale! Then to the supermarché for sugar.
M…… managed to pick a blind person to ask where to find
it – she was thrilled to show us! So grape juice, alcohol
and sugar were blended in carefully calculated quantities
and the resulting concoction put into bottles for a tasting
at some future date. Meanwhile the ‘Fete de la Vigne’
continued around us.
Our grapes before the birds got them!
Work starts again at the vineyard in February with general repair of the supporting post and wire system. In
March we will prune – we’ve got much better wood for 2009’s fruiting as a result of pruning methods and
anti-mildew treatments used in 2008. April means planting some replacement vines and starting the
weeding cycle. Monday mornings 10am-midday are the usual times, but if in doubt contact Robert Bates on
05 55 63 00 15 to avoid a wasted trip.
Charles Walker
Cinderella/Cendrillon
As a lot of you may know, due to unforeseen circumstances and
personal reasons, the 2008 pantomime had to be cancelled.
However, the aim is to stage it this year at the Apollo in Dun le
Palestel. Rehearsals are due to start on 23rd February, but I'm
afraid not with a full cast. I am still looking for a Buttons (Frenchspeaking) and an English-speaking comedy character called Dash
(male or female). So if you feel like having a go, or know of
someone who would be ideal, please give me a ring or send an email. I'm also looking for a musical director/pianist who fancies a
challenge!
Susie Richards
05 55 89 24 08
[email protected]
Page 5
The Library, Dun le Palestel.
All information www.ententecordiale-creuse.org
On behalf of all the volunteers at the library, may we wish you a very Happy
New Year – we hope 2009 bring you all you wish for and the best of health.
The Library is nearly a year old, and is thriving. Some time ago I accepted the
Entente Cordiale commission and with the help of dedicated volunteers (now
friends), the generosity of those who have donated books, and the keen readers who regularly use the library – the
commission promise has been achieved. Just recently our pavilion room in the gardens of the French library has been
revealed to everyone, as the high hedge hiding this lovely house and garden has been removed. We hope this may just
encourage those of you who have joined the library but are not regular borrowers and the new association members
who need to make that first visit. Here we are – on show! There is always a warm welcome, we love to chat and swap
experiences of our changed life, and the kettle is always on!
This association has never opened and run a library before .... some of our volunteers have worked in libraries but let's
say, it has all been a learning experience and adventure. It has been mostly laughs, but (like something out of one of
our books) we have had a few heart aches too. However, it is a lovely place and – it's yours.
The library has a wonderful mixture of books, about five and half
thousand now on the shelves, with novels for all tastes, from up-todate writers to the great classics, all ages are covered with a great
children's library. Our Video library is growing all the time and we still
welcome DVD's of films and television. We have a wonderful nonfiction library and well worth all the work put into this. Recently in
the UK I visited the main library in Solihull in the West Midlands – we
are more relaxed, friendlier, obviously, and there is time for tea but we compare well with the range of books we have.
Librarians and friends at a Christmas lunch
As a member of the Association you can borrow books all year for a fee of 5€, non members 8€. We will be looking for
a renewal of membership starting in April and we would welcome anyone can come into the library to renew their
subscription, as this will save postage. This is the only money we can “earn” to keep us going. Our coffee is well worth
a euro by the way! Just taking a moment to mention money. We are all feeling the difference the exchange rate has
made to our living here: the library offers books and films and company all year round for those few euros –so take
advantage of us!
But we are not just about books. The room has enough space for small meetings, and we are delighted to welcome
many people to the various groups which have been set up. Relaxed French and English conversation each month with
the Franglais Club on the first Tuesday morning of each month. Alternate Thursday afternoons the library is open with
a group painting and drawing one week, looked after by Chris Hardy, and the following Thursday (currently resting for
a month or so) is a group of needle people: embroidery, knitting and tapestry.** (2.30 until 4.30) When the summer
arrives these groups can take advantage of our lovely garden surroundings. Each month Sylvie Brel livens up our grey
cells with a Philo Club – this is a French traditional discussion group and everyone is welcome. There are many plans
for other groups and it's easy to book the library: 05 55 63 15 88.
** Our organiser for the sewing group has taken off for three months holiday, nothing we said – so can you help? Give
us a call 05 55 63 15 88.
We really do have a wonderful selection of books, and have had wonderful donations. We are not taking books at the
moment – but later in the year will again accept really good up-to-date, good-condition offers. We of course only have
so much space, our shelving has been expensive and we now have to raise money again to keep our heads above water.
This we will do with a couple of “vide greniers” - table sales. We will start as soon as the season kicks off and our
dates will be on the website. HOWEVER if you have any good “stuff” we could sell, please bring it to the library or
telephone and we can collect. 05 55 63 15 88.
Continued on page 6…………………………………………………
Page 6
Library continued……………………………..
With all our duplicate books, we have opened a “branch library”. This is just across the border in Le Dorat,
Haute Vienne. It is in the old Barber Shop next to “La Maison Bleue” run by Deborah. Check it out www.la-maisonbleue.co.uk. Our duplicate books are helping raise money for a cancer charity. Our next
lot is destined hopefully for another branch library in Ars near to Aubusson. We are also donating our
“compilation” books to the hospital libraries in Guéret and Limoges.
There are many other plans too, we still dream of setting up – using our books of course - a system to help
students of all ages, learning our language. We have so many retired teachers ... get them back into work!
We do so want to communicate you know, but are often nervous of the French language we have. But this
is improving across the table with the artists and those who sew- and at the other conversation groups – so
this is truly Entente-Cordiale.
From me, thank you all so much for the support over the year. If you have “joined the library” it would be
good to see you there. And if you haven't joined ..... why not?
Gyn Freeman
Cafe Club Franglais
Unfortunately the weather was pretty awful on the first Tuesday of the New Year so the
Café Club Franglais didn't happen. However, we made up for it the following week and
although we had some overnight snow and freezing temperatures, a good dozen members
turned up. Only one native French speaker braved it though, so she was in great demand. If you have any
French neighbours or friends who might enjoy a coffee and gateau in friendly company, please bring them
along. They don't have to belong to Entente Cordiale. The next meeting is 3rd March and hope to see you
then.
Linda Ward
PC Tips
For those of you who enjoy editing photographs, I expect you have a favourite Picture
Editor. It’s even better if you can install a suite of them to cover everything you want to
do. If you go to the Entente Cordiale website, and access the Free Software page via the
IT Information button, you will see a few free graphics packages to download and try.
Another one I’ve recently come across is PhotoScape: a free graphics package that
covers a lot of ground, from simple editing to animation. Why not visit their website and see for yourself.
www.photoscape.org
Key Features
Viewer: View your folders photos, slideshow
Editor: resizing, brightness and colour adjustment, white balance,
backlight correction, frames, balloons, mosaic mode, adding text,
drawing pictures, cropping, filters, red eye removal, blooming
Batch editor: Batch editing multiple photos
Page: Make one photo by merging multiple photos at the page frame
Combine: Make one photo by attaching multiple photos vertically or
horizontally
Animated GIF: Make one animation photo with multiple photos
Print: Print portrait shot, carte de visite, passport photo
Splitter: Divide a photo into multiple parts
Screen Capture: Capture your screenshot and save it
Colour Picker: Zoom in screen on images, search and pick the colour
Rename: Change photo file names in batch mode
Raw Converter: Convert RAW to JPG
Robert Bates
The Photoscape screen
Page 7
“CREUSE CHAT”
Just a reminder that one of our local radio stations: Radio Pays de Guéret, carries an English language
programme; “Creuse Chat” on Wednesday evenings between 19h00 and 20h00.
The station itself has been broadcasting for a little over a year now, from its glorified bus-shelter (formally
a tourist information office) in the centre of Guéret, and can be picked up within about a 30km radius for
the town.
“Creuse Chat” is broadcast fortnightly on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, with repeats on the 3rd
Wednesday and (if there is one!) the 5th. Sound complicated - until you look at a calendar!
The multi-talented Julia Dunbar has evidently found a way of squeezing more than 24 hours out of a day, as
she manages (with the assistance of her daughter Olivia) to find the time to compile and present the
programme, in addition to producing the newspaper ‘Creuse News’ each month. Some might say she’s a
glutton for punishment!
Anyway, the show is always an interesting listen, and a good source of news and information relevant to the
English population living here in the Creuse. Julia is always happy to receive items of news, or pleas for help
for inclusion in the show (for example, in last week’s show we broadcast an appeal for new cast members
for the panto). She can be contacted on either [email protected] or [email protected].
Radio Pays de Guéret broadcasts on 96.5 FM in the Guéret area, but if you find the FM signal too weak, why
not listen online at www.radiopaysdegueret.fr
Paul Freeman
Credit Crunch Shopping
At the time of writing, the Euro stands at 1.150 against the pound, the highest for a while, but still not
good. With pension and other income paid in Stirling, it makes some sense at the moment to buy goods
using pound notes where you can. You can obviously take trip to the UK, but if you can’t be bothered to do
that, there is another way.
I’ve always said that the main things I miss about not living in the UK, apart from family of course are Marks
and Spencer and Dunelm. Now I don’t have to move from my computer! Marks and Spencer have started
delivering to France for ₤10 per parcel from their site – www.marksandspencer.com. They will deliver
clothing and selected homeware and beauty products.
Dunelm charge a bit more at £20 per box. They will tell you at the time of ordering if all your stuff will fit
into one box. Use the website www.dunelm-mill.com to select your goods, but then you have to phone to
place your overseas order: 0845 1 65 65 65.
Next do not deliver outside the UK, but have recently launched a European site:
www.nextdirectory.eu where delivery to France is 5€. But the prices on this site are in Euros. Catch 22!
However, you still might prefer Next clothes to what you can find in Creuse!
It’s much cheaper, of course, to buy nothing. But where’s the fun in that?!
Good shopping!
Editor
MEMBERSHIP OF ETETE CORDIALE
www.ententecordiale-creuse.org
Our part of France is le Pays Dunois in beautiful northern Creuse (Limousin)
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Like to join in our social activities and outings?
Want to find out more about the local area?
Interested in getting involved in projects
Like to meet new friends?
Join Entente Cordiale!
Our aim is to help people of all nationalities integrate into French society by organising activities, projects
and social outings.
Annual membership fees are 15€ (single) or 20€ per couple
Want to find out more?
Contact David Johnson, President Tel: 05 55 89 16 54 or 05 55 89 14 61
Or e-mail: [email protected]
L’ADHÉSIO A ETETE CORDIALE
www.ententecordiale-creuse.org
(otre coin de France se situe dans le verdoyant Pays Dunois, au nord de la Creuse
(Limousin)
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Souhaitez-vous nous rejoindre pour des sorties culturelles?
Des rencontres amicales franco-britanniques?
Pour participer à des projets fédérateurs
Pour découvrir notre patrimoine?
Devenez membre d’Entente Cordiale!
)otre but est d’aider les nouveaux arrivants de toute nationalité à s’intégrer dans la societé française locale,
en organisant sorties, rencontres, projets novateurs.
Adhesion par an 15€ (célibataire) ou 20€ couple.
Pour en savoir plus, contactez:
David Johnson, President Tel: 05 55 89 16 54 ou 05 55 89 14 61
Ou e-mail: [email protected]