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BIBLIOTHÈQUE ANGLO-FRANÇAISE"
JUNE 2014
the English Library
newsletter
www.theenglishlibrary.net
LIBRARY NEWS
There are lots of recent books in the library. Check out the Hakan Nesser books about Inspector
Van Veeteren [Scandi Noir]. We plan to order Peter May's Enzo books, set in the Dordogne; also
Thomas Piketty's book which has been all over the news recently. We have some new shelf space, so
if you have a new/recent paperback that you have read we will be pleased to give it a new home.
WHATS ON IN JUNE
Loads of things to do in June…here’s our pick of things to put in your diary
MARKETS/VIDE GRENIERS/BROCANTES
1 June – Jour du Lait Bio. Taste organic milk and cheese, see sheep and goats milked, enjoy mini organic market of local producers at GAEC ‘Aux Fromages de Compostelle’a la Tour, Villeneuve.
1 June – annual Fete de l’Ane at Balaguier d’Olt, inludes vide grenier from 8am.
8 June – Brocante and horse drawn carriages at Villeneuve, Vide Grenier at Najac
15 June – Foire Bio (Organic Fair) at Capdenac le Haut
16 June – Love old cars and swapping parts?
Don’t miss the annual fair of the collectors of the ‘Petites Reines’ (2 CVs) at St Croix.
22 June Vide Grenier La Fouillade/St André de Najac
PATRIMOINE/GARDENS
30 May – 1 June – Rendez-vous aux Jardins with many gardens open this weekend. In
Villefranche this includes Yves and Margaret Guerit’s garden at Le Falgarenq, Le Bastide l’Évêque; Helen McLoughlin’s garden at Peyremorte and Marion Wilson’s garden, La
Mothe at Salles Courbatiers. Check out Figeac’s gardens too…more info from the tourist
offices in both towns.
June 14-15 Journee du Patrimoine de pays et des moulins. This year entitled ‘Lumiere et
couleurs’ the weekend of 14 -15 june offers lots of colourful ideas, including guided tours
by master glassmaker responsible for restoring many local works who will help you discover both how to make stained glass and the history behind some examples. Tour the
workshop (Zone Industriel de la Rotonde, Capdenac Gare, between 10-12 Saturday
and Sunday) then pick from Eglise Notre Dame at Faycelles (14.30 Sat), Eglise St.
Pierre at Assier (17h Sat), or Eglise Notre Dame at Capdenac Gare (14.30 Sun) and
Felzin’s Chapelle de Guirande (17h Sun). Local mills are also highlighted with tours
of the Moulin de Vitrac at 11h, 15h and 17h.
ARTS/MUSIC/OTHER
31 May – the Soulages Museum opens at Rodez (see article inside) – free entry for
first 3 days.
7-8 June – ‘L’Autre Festival’ – annual weekend of high quality street theatre, music
and arts, centred round the Parc de Capele in Capdenac Gare. Programme www.derriere-le-hublot.fr
21 June – Fête de la Musique – music, dancing, visits and more near you for this
national event.
21 June – ‘Ballons en Bastides’ –6.30 am, hot air balloons take off in Najac alongside
the river.
27- 29 June – Fete de la St Jean, Villefranche de Rourgue, with music, parades and
animations.
Lots of info on all sort of activities on www.villefranche.com
"
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BIBLIOTHÈQUE ANGLO-FRANÇAISE"
JUNE 2014
THE GARDEN IN JUNE
This year, for the first time we are overwhelmed by slugs, a combination of lazy ducks and ideal slug
weather. This is not what we expect from France. Those organic slug pellets which I brought from England all those years ago have actually been put to use. I use them sparingly and take great care to make
sure they are out of reach of wildlife, even ducks. They are meant to be harmless, but who really knows.
After a reasonably mild winter I expected this year to have far more pest and disease problems. Aphids
have been quite late to appear and haven't really been a problem at all with the broadbeans. I am finding
them now on some of the ornamental plants, but then I either squish them or leave them to the birds
and ladybirds. Last year aphids were a major problem in the greenhouse. I tried an organic spray, but it
didn't really control the problem. In the end I cut off some of the worst leaves and then developed a policy of stroking the leaves. The tomatoes were not affected so it was only really a case of 6 plants. It took
just a few minutes, but it worked. The aphid population couldn't spread or build up so I kept healthy
plants for the whole season. So far the greenhouse, with the exception of the odd slug seems to be pest
and disease free. We do have a resident lizard so maybe he is helping.
It looks like this year we might just get some apples. The Bramley is loaded with tiny fruits, but the
leaves are a mess. I think this could be the winter moth. I shall have to put grease bands next autumn to
stop this happening. I have certainly seen more lackey moth caterpillars this year. Odd caterpillars won't
do much damage, but look out for a nests as these could contain more than a hundred and will soon defoliate whole trees or shrubs. They particularly like the prunus family, but you can find them on a range
of fruit trees. Best to cut off the branch and burn it, nest and all. The coddling moth (le carpocapse) trap
is already hanging from a nearby tree. It won't stop the problem but it should
reduce the numbers. You can now find similar pheromone traps (pièges) for
plums and cherries.
As usual we have an uncatchable mole in the veg garden. The dog is doing her
best and so far she has got 2. Even the cat caught one, so I could almost forgive her using my freshly sown spinach for her toilet. I suspect the voles (campagnols) might well prove to be more of a problem as they have all ready
munched through several shallots. They fed well last winter on my over wintering parsnips and carrots. This is a good reason to keep the grass around the
veg garden nice and short as they prefer the cover of longer grass.
Most of the gardening jobs are now done so it is now time for the gardener to sit back and enjoy the garden. June is a great month to visit other
gardens. Rendez-vous aux jardins is early this year 31st May/1st June, so you
might get to visit Helens’ garden at Peyremorte, and Marion's garden, La
Mothe continues to be open right through the summer. Our garden Jardin de
Amis will also be open to visitors, every Sunday afternoon during June and
July. See the web site amisdujardin.fr.
Y&M
CODEUROPE.
We flew the flag for the UK once again at Villefranche’s European Day when the Library’s book display included cookery
books, gardening ideas and well known novels (also available in
French translations). Highlight of the stand was the sampling of
dollops of home-made
chutneys on cheese and
crackers. Reactions included ‘You do have some
bizarre ideas, you English!’ A big thank you to everyone who
helped staff the stand on the day.
JF
"
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BIBLIOTHÈQUE ANGLO-FRANÇAISE"
JUNE 2014
THIS MONTHS RECIPE
Prawn Pad Thai with noodles - 183 calories.
This is from a 5:2 recipe book by Samantha Logan. She may be American or Australian, looking at the
unusual ingredients in some recipes. The book is also badly edited. However, there is a delicious Onion
Soup and this wholly inauthentic, but very tasty Thai meal. Serves 2.
½ tbsp rice vinegar
1 ¼ tsp honey
1 tsp chilli paste [Piment d’Espelette or any chilli powder could substitute]
1 tbsp low-salt soy sauce [low salt Tamari, Bio Coop]
170g peeled and deveined medium prawns [about 400g shell on]
60g flat rice noodles [now at Hyper U on Asian counter]
½ tbsp groundnut oil
8g cashews, chopped [unsalted at supermarket]
½ tbsp garlic, finely chopped
8g finely chopped fresh ginger
6 sweet mini peppers, halved [See what I mean about the ingredients? We use 3 or 4 Peppadew, chopped,
but ordinary red pepper cut small enough to cook quickly would do]
45g carrots, peeled into strips[a mandoline is your friend here, or use your peeler]
23g mange tout [frozen in Leclerc]
40g fresh bean sprouts
Whisk together the vinegar, honey, chilli paste and soy sauce. Toss the prawns into the mixture and
marinate 30 mins to 1 hour.
Cook the noodles. Rinse in hot water, drain and set aside.
Heat up the oil in a large frying pan [if you use a wok, reduce the cooking times]. Add the garlic and ginger. When the garlic begins to colour, add the cashews, sweet peppers and carrots. Then add the prawns
with their marinade. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
Now add the noodles and mange tout to the pan and cook for 2 minutes. Take pan off the heat and stir
in the bean sprouts. Let it sit a minute to warm them and serve.
LS
SOULAGES MUSEUM OPENS IN RODEZ
On 31 May the Soulages Museum opens in Rodez, celebrating Pierre Soulages, the
‘master of ultra-black’. Soulages is one of France’s greatest living artists, famous for
his paintings, engraving and sculptures including the hundred + stained glass windows he created for the Abbey de St Foy at Conques, all with the theme of ‘black’
and tones thereof. As well as housing a collection of his works, there will be national and international exhibitions throughout the year in the new Museum.
This is a huge development for Rodez with President Francois Hollande and the artist himself set to open the museum and, according to La Depeche, there will be free
admission to the public for the first 3 days.
More info inc opening hours : http://musee-soulages.grand-rodez.com. Note that
from 15-30 June there will also be an exhibition of Soulages’ glasswork at Conques.
JF
DISCLAIMER The English Library takes no responsibility for articles, reviews, financial advice, advertisements
etc. published in this newsletter. The views of the reviewers are personal and do not necessarily represent those of
the Newsletter nor the Association. Readers should verify all articles for sale, trades persons etc. before handing
over money. The Editors reserve the right to accept, reject or edit any ad or article sent for publication.
The next newsletter wi# be published in the beginning of July 2014
"
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BIBLIOTHÈQUE ANGLO-FRANÇAISE"
JUNE 2014
RESTAURANT REVIEW
Having accumulated a combined age of some 130
years, together with over 40 years of acquiring
things together, Significant Other and I decided
long ago that we no longer wanted stuff as birthday presents. Combined with a joint ambition to
eat our way through our children’s inheritance,
this gives us an excuse to sample all the Michelin
starred restaurants the Aveyron can offer.
SO’s birthday in April gave as the opportunity to
try Le Belvedere, un restaurant avec chambres at
Bozouls, just outside Rodez. Combined with a
visit to BricoDepot what more could a boy want
on his special day?
I booked an overnight package and opted for the
Menu Expressions, which is described as
degustation-surpise and which changes on a daily
basis. No carte, just a voyage of discovery. Perhaps 9 courses (plus amuse-bouche) was a tad
over-ambitious, but for those of us who are living
proof that the 5:2 regime actually works, it puts
the maxim that on non-fasting days you can eat
as much as you want to the test.
And what a voyage of discovery it was. Quite
simply Guillaume Viala, who trained under Michel Bras, cooks exquisite food. We journeyed
through a ribbon of potato encasing mackerel and
leek, through a light broth with spring vegetables,
onto a beautifully cooked piece of fish with
lemon leaves, baby onions and radishes, taking
advantage of the season to have asparagus with
peau du lait and black truffle, before arriving at
poached egg, celeriac and green lentils (so simple
but for SO the stand-out dish).
A brief pause and then the main event – a supremely tender pigeon breast with cabbage and
juniper-smoked potato. Obligatory cheese from
the Rouergue and elsewhere made from raw milk
preceded the two desserts. No 1 was a honey
cornet filled with lemon sorbet, strawberries with
"
pitcholine and paprika and fennel. No 2 was a
muscovado sugar tuile with caramel and a lightly
curried ice-cream. Madame Viala, who presides
over the dining room, seemed quite disappointed
when we declined her offer of coffee and petit
fours.
I had a partial view of the kitchen from my seat
and it was an oasis of calm, so unlike the frantic
style portrayed in top kitchens by the English
media. Mme Viala runs an excellent dining room,
helped by a very accomplished young man and,
when we went, a charming stagiaire from Mexico.
What she makes of Bozoul after Mexico City is
anyone’s guess.
The room was largeish by French standards and
decorated in a modern, light style. Breakfast the
next morning could be as substantial as you want
– and yes, we did manage breakfast after eating all
that food.
It’s a Michelin starred restaurant so it’s not cheap
– the Menu Expressions is 79e (but as my other
used to say, you’re a long time dead and there’s no
pockets in a shroud) but you can also opt for the
Menu Nature, 5 courses for 52e and there is a lunchtime menu for 31e. I work on the basis that
that’s just about three lunches at La Glebe… The
wine list is eminently reasonable.
If you like the Vieux Pont at Belcastel you will
like the Belvedere where the style of cooking is
slightly more modern (lots of foraged ingredients)
but of the same high standard. I’m a competent
cook but I can’t cook like this, so on that basis I
am happy to pay the right price for something I
could never emulate. And miss a few lunches at
La Glebe.
MJ
Le Belvedere 11 route du Maquis Jean-Pierre
12 340 Bozouls. Tel: 05 65 44 92 66
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BIBLIOTHÈQUE ANGLO-FRANÇAISE"
JUNE 2014
FINANCE
Funny Money
From 30 April 2014 some £50
notes ceased to be legal tender,
if you have any tucked away then
they can be exchanged, as follows:The £50 note featuring Sir John
Houblon which is no longer legal
tender, meaning retailers will not
be able to accept them.
Although the withdrawal of the Houblon note was
announced in January, the Bank estimated that
53m notes worth £2.65bn were in circulation just
before the deadline. It said that it was not unusual
for notes to remain in people's hands after they
ceased to be legal tender. Almost four years after
the £20 Elgar note was withdrawn, the Bank said it
believed 80m worth £1.6bn were still outstanding.
Only the £50 note featuring Matthew Boulton and
James Watt, which was introduced in November
2011, will hold legal tender status.
Anyone holding Houblon notes may be able to pay
them into a deposit account held at a bank or
building society. Barclays, NatWest, RBS, Ulster
Bank and the Post
Office have all agreed
to exchange the
notes, up to the value
of £200, until 30 October 2014.
At any point, members of the public
can get notes exchanged by the Bank
of England, either by
visiting its premises in London or by post (details
are here:
http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/Pages/a
bout/exchanges.aspx ).
The offer of an exchange extends to every note
ever issued, although in some cases consumers
would be better off contacting a dealer rather than
the Bank. While an exchange will get you 50p for a
10 shilling note, they are selling on eBay for at least
three times that amount.
Acknowledgement to the Guardian Unlimited, this
article was adapted from their article posted in
April.
DS
MYSTERY SHOPPER
So…the predicted backlash has happened, and how! As I write the results of the European Parliamentary
election have just been revealed. And for the established political parties they’re scary. In Britain, the UK
Independence Party at 4.3 million votes beat off both Labour and the Conservatives, while it’s a similar
story in France with the Front National taking the lead over UMP and the ruling Parti Socialiste.
Setting aside the parties’ individual merits or lack of them, I believe this election has highlighted three
important trends:
The message of these new parties is more negative than positive. Aside from disaffection with the EU
and immigration, what do they actually propose and moreover are they likely to achieve it? And do they
have intellectual appeal?
Can they work together in Europe? I doubt whether UKIP would wish to be associated with Front National, let alone Greek neo-Nazis so the sort of alliance that for example European Social Democratic
parties enjoy in Strasbourg is unlikely to happen. This may mean that their messages are simply splintered.
The electoral turnout was historically low. For example in the UK it stood at 34.19% this week, down
from 43% in 2009. Interestingly in France participation was 42.5%, actually up from 41% in 2009, which
is supporting evidence that the French are somewhat more democratically ‘engaged’ than the British. But
the fact is that in both countries these turnout figures should double in a general election so which way
will current non-voters jump at that time?
As a believer in Europe’s place in the world and the value of EU member countries working towards
common goals, I’m concerned by all this. There are uncomfortable parallels with American isolationism
in the last century and the signals being sent to countries with either no or nascent democracies are not
very encouraging to say the least. It’s probably true to say these movements originated in the economic
"
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BIBLIOTHÈQUE ANGLO-FRANÇAISE"
JUNE 2014
crisis which we seem to be emerging from in a very hesitant manner. The old story that problems arise
when emerging from crises rather than going into them holds very true here.
So in a general sense neither capitalism nor democracy would seem to be in quite as good a shape as they
were before 2008. Can we restore their lustre? Or do we look to adapt the model? Perhaps China can tell
us something, at least if the grip of the Communist Party weakens.
But before you reach for the whisky bottle, remember that we have a major distraction in the FIFA
World Cup this month. And for Britain, the thrill of the Scottish referendum in September. Provided
that the weather favours us, it’s going to be a roller-coaster summer! Me? I prefer the Tour de France (5th
July).
I was going to take up some consumer issues this month but events have forestalled that. So I’ll just wish
you all a sunny June with plenty of action round the goal area!
Mystery Shopper
Homes wanted for 4 beautiful kittens born to one of the
Najac street cats. One white, one ginger and 2 grey
tabby, gender unknown at the moment. Pedigree guaranteed (We're pretty sure that Waioo, the bar cat, is the
dad and the mother has a lovely disposition). Should be
ready to leave the mother in a couple of weeks. Contact:
David or Jack at [email protected] or telephone
0565297860
YOGA COURSE
Starting Thursday 15May, 9.15 - 10.45pm
Qualified Iyengar Yoga teacher. First lesson free.
Villefranche de Rouergue, 12200
Information : Penny Mackey T: 05 65 81 74 58
Email; [email protected]
HARVEY THE HANDYMAN
Plumbing, Electricity, Metalwork: Gates, Railings,
Pergolas, Hand Rails etc Welding Repairs,
Woodwork. Brickwork.
Odd Jobs - Help with DIY Projects
Also - Stained Glass Windows, Lamps, Boxes,
Sun Catchers etc Tel: Harvey: 05 65 63 81 08
Email: [email protected]
Does your house, holiday home or Gite need finishing? All kinds of interior and exterior finishing work
undertaken. Skirting boards and wood trims. Tiling.
Painting and decorating
Fixtures and fittings etc etc
Telephone Tim Fortune on 05 65 45 48 14 or e mail
[email protected]
"
Are you looking for a special present?
Look up www.fortunedesigns.co.uk
Free fitting service within twenty km of
Villefranche de Rouergue
Telephone Tim Fortune on 05 65 45 48 14 or post
enquiries on the web site.
PAGE 6
BIBLIOTHÈQUE ANGLO-FRANÇAISE"
JUNE 2014
SEWING SERVICES
Machine and Hand Sewing. Clothing Alterations
Curtains. Miscellaneous Sewing Tasks
Price from 10 euros
Contact Lesley: 05 65 63 81 08
Email:[email protected]
Alice Jones
Qualified French-to-English Translator
Native English speaker. Reasonable rates &
friendly, professional service. No job too small!
[email protected]
www.proz.com/translator/1510507
HAIRDRESSER AVAILABLE
I am a fully qualified hairdresser with 30 years
experience. From a simple cut to a complete
restyle, colouring and highlighting, I can attend
to all your hair care needs! I come to your
home, so you can relax in privacy on a one to
one basis. Tel: Jayne on 0632842384 or
[email protected]
"
PAGE 7
BIBLIOTHÈQUE ANGLO-FRANÇAISE"
Spiced Cuisine will be at
Villefranche-de-Rouergue.
On the 2nd Thursday of each month
We offer a wide range of tantalising Indian dishes to suit all tastes. All are freshly
cooked to individual requirements.
We also offer British style sausages, hand crafted using the finest & freshest
ingredients.
JUNE 2014
Je fais de la traduction de
documents français-anglais
pour des anglophones qui
ne parlent pas le français.
Ils peuvent me contacter:
Vania BELLECHASSE au
0650-979314 ou par email:
[email protected]
Please select from our menus at www.smc-cuisine.com E\FOLFNLQJRQWKHFKLOOL·VDQG%%4
icons. Bulk &/or Freezer orders also welcome.
On each 2nd Thursday of the month Spiced Cuisine deliver your orders
at 10.30am to M.Bricolage car park &
at 11.00 to the English library, Centre Sociale, 19 rue Serges Bories.
All orders to be received by Spiced Cuisine before the Monday prior to delivery.
Orders in excess of ½30 will be delivered free of charge.
This is in addition to the existing Home Delivery Service as detailed on the menus.
Email [email protected] RU¶SKRQH
Siret No: 503.815.417.00012
MASTER BUILDER
Nicholas Powell
(Maçon du Bâti
Ancien)
Marin, 12260
Sainte Croix,
Tel: 0620551040
Siret: 413 116 963 00013
HORSE MANURE FOR SALE
Contact Bridget Blunsdon
05 65 65 78 60
"
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