AdvertiserThe

NORMANDY FREEGRATUIT

August 2010 - Issue 8

We need to reconquerBritish holidaymakers

Tourist board’s plans Page 9

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A ROW has broken out between the oper-ators of Cherbourg port and ferry compa-nies that has put the long-term future ofcross-Channel passenger services in doubt.

A crisis meeting is to be held to try toreach a compromise over cuts needed torein in a €2m deficit as passenger num-bers dwindle.

Port operator SAS, a private partnershipbetween the Cherbourg-Cotentin Chamberof Commerce and shipping giant DreyfusArmateurs, had planned to shut the mainferry loading ramp next month to save€300,000. However an outcry from ferryoperators has forced it to rethink.

The port has just spent €2.2m refurbish-ing ramp number two, the biggest and mostmodern of three ramps at the port and thepreferred option for the bigger ferries.

The three main ferry operators, BrittanyFerries, Irish Ferries and Celtic Link, com-

plained in a joint letter that closing itwould have safety implications.

The ramp will remain open for themoment, but the need to save cash isgrowing. The ferry terminal has seen pas-

senger numbers shrink from 1.8 million afew years ago to just 700,000 in 2009.

Passenger numbers have fallen another14% in the first five months of this yearand car numbers are down 19%.

According to Didier Aumont, the portdirector, the reduction in ferry traffic is like-ly to lead to a loss of €117,000 in port feesand €240,000 in mooring fees per year.

Normandy port authority developmentdirector Bertrand Marsset said: “The port islosing a lot of money.”

The crisis meeting this month will beContinued on page 2

By Ray Clancy

Photo: Mike Cattell/flickr

Trade union fearspassenger servicescould be pulled inrow over cost cuts

Crisis talks tosave ferriesat Cherbourg

CHERBOURG: Ferry operators are angry at the port’s plans to cut back costs

Zoos Parks and gardens Watersports Seaside resortsHorse shows Theme parks

Medieval fairs and more

4 Pages of eventsto help you startyour summer

“The port is losinga lot of moneyBertrand Marsset,Normandy port authority

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The Advertiser, Normandy August 20102 News

Useful ContactsEMERGENCIESSamu (medical aid): 15Sapeurs-pompiers: 18Police/gendarmerie: 17Duty pharmacy: 3237

More contacts, page 13

HOSPITALSCaen: 02 31 51 51 51Cherbourg: 02 33 20 70 00Avranches: 02 33 89 40 00Flers: 02 33 62 62 00Le Havre: 02 32 73 32 32Rouen: 02 32 88 89 90

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Directrice de la Publication (Managing Editor): Sarah SmithRédactrice-en-Chef (Editor-in-Chief): Sarah Smith

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Editor: Sarah SmithContributors: PatriciaMansfield-Devine,Jonathan Gates, RayClancy, MaggieWakefield, Paul McNally,Alice Cannet.Design andlayout: Wil Pace, DaveCooper, Gemma Hill

Contact Us Vire maternity at risk asward closure list revealed

‘It will bethe end ofChannelferries’

EXPECTANT mothers in Vire could haveto travel for up to an hour to give birthbecause of a severe staff shortage in thetown’s maternity ward.

Management at the Centre HospitalierUniversitaire (CHU) say the ward will haveto be closed if an extra gynaecologist is notfound by mid-August.

The service currently has two gyaenocol-ogists working split shifts, but one of themis due to retire this month.

The head of the Basse-Normandieregional health authority, Pierre-JeanLancry, said: “For a maternity ward tofunction, you need to have a gynaecologiston call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“With just one gynaecologist you cannotsafely continue to provide treatment with-out putting future mothers at risk.”

If the ward closes, mothers-to-be willhave to travel to either Flers or Saint-Lô,both about 30 to 40 minutes away, or themain CHU in Caen, which is almost anhour’s drive. Up to 40 jobs could go if theVire unit closes.

The potential closure could be the first ofseveral in Normandy. The health minitry

has drawn up a list of hospital operatingtheatres that could be forced to close withinthree years because they are not carryingout enough operations.

Vire is the quietest of the six hospitals onthe at-risk list, performing an average of just

181 operations a year. Each of the hospitalshave been given until 2013 to improve theirperformance or form partnerships withother nearby hospitals.

The Fédération Hospitalière de France(FHF) says closing small hospitals’ operat-ing theatres would improve patient safety,because surgeons who carry out few opera-tions are less alert and may not have all theequipment and staff that they need.Quieter hospitals also have difficultyattracting young graduates.

FHF president Jean Leonetti, said clo-sures would be examined on a “case-by-case” basis.

Basse-Normandie: Vire (181 opera-tions a year); La Côte Fleurie (184)

Haute-Normandie: Lillebonne (317);La Risle-Pont Audemer (950); Gisors(1,129); Bernay (1,347)

Threatened

By Paul McNally

HORSEMEN show their skill galloping through a wall of flames during the finale ofthe Knights of the Round Table spectacle at the medieval pageant in Gavray, thebiggest event of its kind in Basse-Normandie.

The riders from the Troupe de Cheval Spectacle had to take a longer break than usualduring the show because of the heat to make sure the horses were able to cool down.Extra water was also brought in for spectators, who braved one of the hottest days ofthe year to watch.

“It was very hot and the horses had to drink more than usual: they sweat a lot whenthey are galloping,” explained troop director Marc Devallois.

The two-day event is held every two years and is organised by the Association deSauvegarde du Château de Gavray.

A hot performance

Photo: Ray Clancy

From front pageattended by all of the ferryoperators.

A spokesman for IrishFerries told The Advertiser:“We were deeply concernedabout the proposal to closeramp two. It could lead tosevere disruption.”

Brittany Ferries welcomedthe decision not to close theramp immediately. Businessstrategy director ChristopheMathieu said that cutbackswould impact on the companyand it may have to “review thedeployment of our vessels”.

The closure of the ramp hasstill not been ruled out in thefuture.

Rachel Marie, general secre-tary of the CFDT trade union,which represents workers atCherbourg, said cutbackswould be disastrous for theport. He is convinced that, ifthe ramp is closed, thenBrittany Ferries will pull out.

He told The Advertiser: “Itwill be the end of cross-Channel ferries in Cherbourg.Over the years, many compa-nies have left the port andnew initiatives have not beenrealised.”

VIRE: Thenearestmaternityward will be30km awayin Flers

Photo: Ikmo-ned/W

ikimedia CC

The Advertiser, Normandy August 2010 News 3Caen airportclosed for worksNO flights will serve Caen-Carpiquet airport this summerbecause of renovation work.The €6.7m project includesthe full resurfacing of the 2km-long runway and new, clearermarkings. Scheduled flightslinking Caen with Nice,Ajaccio and Lyon are taking offand landing at Deauvilleinstead. Paris flights are can-celled. Services should returnto normal from September 6.

Region told togive surplus awayHAUTE-Normandie regionalcouncil has been ordered todonate some of its operatingsurplus to less well-off regions,such as Languedoc-Roussillonand Corsica. The region, whichis one of the best budget per-formers alongside Paris, Alsaceand the Rhône-Alpes, willmake several tens of millions ofeuros in “solidarity transfers”between now and 2015 under agovernment scheme to reduceinequalities between differentparts of France.

Lisieux imposesyouth curfewUNDER-13s have beenbanned from going out inLisieux at night without beingaccompanied by a parent orguardian. Mayor BernardAubril said the curfew, from23.00 to 6.00 every night,aimed to reduce crime andnoise pollution, and also pro-tect young people from dan-ger. The ban applies for a trialperiod until October 31.

New préfet joinsTGV campaignTHE NEW préfet of Basse-Normandie and Calvados hasbacked a campaign for a newhigh-speed rail link throughthe region. Dider Lallement, aformer transport ministrybureau chief and secretary-general in the ecology min-istry, said journey times toParis had to be cut to get morecars off the roads.

Look out forwrong-way cyclingCHERBOURG and Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët areamong the Normandy townsto have adopted a new set ofrules allowing cyclists to trav-el the wrong way up one-waystreets in 30kph zones. Newsigns and road markings havebeen introduced to warn driv-ers of the changes. The newrules apply nationwide, butindividual mairies have theoption not to follow the initia-tive if they consider it toodangerous. An extra lineshould appear underneathno-entry signs reading: “Saufvélos” (except bikes) inallowed areas.

Rouen fights back to halt population declineROUEN has set a target toattract 10,000 new residentsto the city by 2025, after anew study revealedNormandy’s main citieshave lost tens of thousandsof people to other parts ofFrance in the past decade.

The mairie is redevelopinga plot of industrial and portwasteland on the banks ofthe Seine into new afford-able riverside housing.

It also wants to build newaccommodation for 600extra students within thenext five years.

The move comes as areport by Paris Dauphineuniversity found Rouen,Caen and Le Havre wereamong the French agglom-erations to have lost themost in terms of populationsince 1999, with migrationto sunnier parts of France.

Le Havre has lost 17,621

residents in a decade, mak-ing it the 97th worst city outof 100 for populationdecline. Rouen lost 13,902and Caen 11,381.

The biggest growth was inAjaccio, Perpignan,Toulouse, Bayonne andMontpellier.

Rouen mairie spokesmanJérôme Savoye said the citycentre itself had gained2,000 residents since 1999but the decline had comefrom the suburbs.

“Rouen’s agglomeration isa strong industrial zoneand, with the industrial cri-sis, we have lost some resi-dents,” he said.

Construction work on theriverside complex is due tobegin in January 2011. Itwill include 70,000 m2 ofoffice space, 35,000m2 ofhousing and 25,000m2 ofshops and facilities. SPECTACTULAR: Rouen cathedral, upstream from the new Seine riverside development

Anger overracist attackon mosqueA MUSLIM group and the Frenchimmigration minister have condemneda xenophobic graffiti attack on amosque in the Caen suburb ofHérouville-Saint-Clair.

Swastikas and anti-Islam messagesincluding “Islam out of Europe” and“No Islam, no burqa” were sprayed onthe mosque’s perimeter wall on the eveof Bastille Day.

Police have launched an investigationbut admit that there is little evidence tohelp them identify the perpetrators.

The Conseil Français du CulteMusulman said it was “deeply shockedand angered" by the "completelyincomprehensible” attack.

Immigration minister Eric Bessonsaid: “The xenophobic messagessprayed on this mosque are not onlyevidence of an immense cowardice andstupidity, but they also suggest a desireto go against the founding values of ournation.

“France has always been, and mustremain, a country of immigration andintegration.”

In May, xenophobic and pro-Nazigraffiti was sprayed on the front win-dow of a halal butcher's shop in nearbyLisieux.

Some immigration experts and racerelations groups have argued that theparliamentary debate on banning theburqa and a recent consultation onnational identity have fuelled racismand prejudice in France.

FARMERS in Normandy have taken tothe streets to protest against falling pricesand worsening living conditions, amidfears that an exceptionally dry summerso far will make matters even worse.

Basse-Normandie council has called aseries of emergency meetings betweenproducers, distributors, banks andlocal Chambres d’Agriculture after theregion’s agriculture industry reported a56% drop in revenue in just a year.

The meetings, the first of their kindsince the economic crisis began, cameafter 300 dairy farmers from aroundthe region demonstrated in Caen withtheir tractors and cows to call for betterprotection.

Regional milk producers’ unionCirlait walked out of negotiations withrepresentatives from the distributionindustry after the two sides failed toagree on prices for the rest of the year.

The union says distributors are tryingto force French dairy farmers to settlefor lower prices similar to those inGermany, while production costsincluding fuel, electricity and fertilisersremain high.

Basse-Normandie president LaurentBeauvais said more needed to be doneto “act in favour of our farmers, whofind themselves today in an extremelydifficult situation”.

He acknowledged that the problemfaced by farmers is not just a cyclicalissue linked to the economic situation,but a “structural crisis”.

The problems risk worsening this sum-mer as farmers are being required to cutdown on their water use following aperiod of very little rain. Producers areconcerned that the hot, dry summer willmean not enough forage is available tosee cattle through the winter.

The total income from Basse-Normandie's farming industry fellfrom €530.8m in 2008 to €233.8m lastyear, according to unions. This wasworse than the national average declineof 33.7% over the same period.

Cider producers pray for rain, p7

Farmers flock to Caen tohighlight income crisis

DEMO: Farmers brought their cows to the protest outside préfecture

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The Advertiser, Normandy August 20104 News

THE D-DAY beaches are anobvious place to take visitorsthis summer, but if you wantto head off the beaten track,take a trip to Mortain torelive what General OmarBradley described as “one ofthe epic battles of the war”.

The battle for Mortain inAugust 1944, and in particu-lar the defence of Hill 314,was the turning point thatled to the collapse of theGerman counter-attack afterthe invasion.

Some 900 men of theAmerican 30th Infantry heldthis hill against Germanforces over six days of con-fused and desperate fighting.

Take your camera andbinoculars and follow the“Contre-Attaque” signs anda stroll along the woodedridge will bring you to LaPetite Chapelle, a littlebuilding that was old longbefore the battle.

Across the road from thecar park, a small woodensign saying “Cote 314” (Hill314) beckons you on past amodern house and into theshade of the woods. Fadedarrows direct you along arough path through the

trees on your left. Slipperyafter wet weather and steepin places, this is a differentbattlefield experience. Thetrained eye can pick outtraces of the fox-holes thatwere all the tired anduntested troops had forshelter.

A short climb and you arestanding on the summit of asmall outcrop the other endof the ridge from the chapel.A few metres on, and clearlyvisible by your feet are allthat remains of the lookouttower; the steel bases for thelegs twisted and cut offshort, the broken concretewater tank, decaying whereit fell.

Ahead is the unfencedrocky edge of the hill. Greatcare is needed because thesite is overgrown, but theview is worth it. On a clearday, the Mont Saint Michelis visible and the moderntown of Mortain is at yourfeet.

It is easy to see how thedefenders could call inAllied air strikes againstGerman tanks below, andhow easily supply dropscould fall into enemy hands.

Did you know?

Mortain: sixdays of struggle

LEST WE FORGET: a

memorial toUS troops of

the 30thInfantry

Division whofell at Mortain

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Posties’ new quad-bikes are yellow and greenTHE YELLOW postal vanwinding its way throughNormandy’s towns and villagescould become a rare sightunder new plans to make LaPoste more eco-friendly.

The central sorting office inSaint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët,Manche, has become the firstin the region to test out a newgeneration of electric quad-bikes that are designed to cutfuel usage and ease the strainon postmen (facteurs).

The €13,000 yellow andwhite vehicle has a round, aero-dynamic design, two seats, a

windscreen and roof to keepout the Normandy rain – butno doors, making it easier fordrivers to hop on and off.

Up to 150kg of mail can bestored in the boot – at least sixtimes more than a walking orscooter round, thereby reduc-ing the need for repeat tripsback to the sorting office tostock up on more mail.

With a maximum speed of50kph, the quad is ideal forurban and suburban routes –while the longer and hillierrounds will still be carried outby cars and vans.

The vehicles will start to beseen on some of the sortingoffice’s 61 daily rounds in thesouthern Manche, whichbetween them amount to7,000km of travel each day.

If the tests prove successful,220 of the vehicles will beintroduced all over Basse-Normandie by late 2012.

La Poste’s head of distributionin Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët,Bruno Davy, said the trial waspart of a bigger initiative toencourage post delivery driversto be more conscious of theirimpact on the environment.

He said the group wanted to“promote responsible drivingand make postmen the ambas-sadors of eco-friendliness”.

Since 2008, all the sortingoffice’s 109 drivers have beentrained in how to make theirrounds more fuel-efficient: nosudden stops and starts, intelli-gent gear changes and regularmaintenance of each vehicle.

“The goal is to reduce our fueluse by 5%,” he said. “We are onthe right track – and the driversuse the same environmentallyfriendly techniques for theirprivate journeys.”NEW IN TOWN: La Poste’s electric vehicles are on trial

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The Advertiser, Normandy August 2010 News 5

WORK on a new high-voltage powerline through the Manche is due to beginnext February, it has been confirmed,despite energy firm EDF admitting thatthere are still doubts about the healthrisks.

The ecology ministry has ruled thatthere is a strong public interest case forthe 163km-long, 400,000-volt THT lineto be built, carrying electricity from thenew nuclear reactor at Flamanville,near Cherbourg, through theNormandy countryside.

The déclaration d’utilité publique is alegal formality that will pave the wayfor €343m construction project tobegin.

The last set of building permitsshould be obtained by November intime for the February 2011 works.

The ruling has angered residents inthe 64 villages along the path of theline, as well as Basse-Normandieregional council, which is against theproject unless a full health investiga-tion is carried out.

An official report published last yearfollowing a public inquiry into the

impact of the THT lines came backwith a favourable conclusion, but withfive key reservations.

Campaign group Stop THT is work-ing with lawyers and a group of localmayors to attempt to overturn the rul-ing before the two-month appealsdeadline on August 25, on the groundsthat the problems raised in the reporthave still not been resolved.

The group has been calling for thepast five years for a full health study tobe carried out, without success.

Campaigner Alain Ruamps told TheAdvertiser: “We realised quickly thathigh-voltage lines were not somethingcompletely without consequences andthat there were different studiesthroughout the world which showedthe danger as far as magnetic fields areconcerned.

“However, in France, there has beenno study published yet. In the absenceof a study, we constantly hear that norisks have been found and that the linesare without danger.

“A full health study takes several yearsand if it had been done five years ago, asit was asked for, there would have beenquite enough time.”

Mr Ruamps said the high-voltage

lines had been linked to childleukaemia, migraines, depression andinsomnia.

Research has also found that animalsnear the lines are more prone to dis-ease, abortions and even cannibalism.

“We asked for a meeting with ecologyminister Jean-Louis Borloo and so didour MPs, but he has always refused tomeet us,” Mr Ruamps added.

“The minister’s decision to approve theproject is unfair. The report clearly spec-ified that unless the reservations abouthealth were lifted, the project should notbe approved.”

A spokeswoman for EDF’s distribu-tion arm, Réseau de Transportd'Electricté (RTE), said local residents’concerns were legitimate, but no for-mal cause-and-effect relationship hadbeen established between the lines andhealth problems.

However she admitted: “The last per-sisting doubt as far as the dangers of thelines are concerned is the question ofchild leukemia.”

A further consultation has beenlaunched among the 3,000 residentsand business owners within 100 metresof the line. The state is offering to buytheir properties.

Power line approveddespitehealth fearsEDF admits there are unansweredquestions about 400,000-volt line’spossible link to child leukaemia PROTESTS: Stop THT are trying to get the approval overturned before the end of August

By Alice Cannet

BANNER:Campaignersare callingfor full healthinquiry

Deauville set tocelebrate 1,100 years of NormandyDEAUVILLE has announced plans tobecome the focal point forNormandy’s anniversary celebrationsnext year.

The Calvados seaside resort is start-ing to draw up plans for a full year ofevents to mark 1,100 years since thetreaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte.

The treaty in autumn 911 betweenCharles III of France’s and Vikingleader Rollo officially created the fiefdom of Normandy. Rollo agreed towork with Charles III and convert toChristianity. He was then granted territories around Rouen.

Deauville has experience putting ona busy programme of festivities. Theresort is halfway through a year-longcelebration of its 150th anniversary.

www.deauville-2010.fr

A CONSTRUCTION site worker fromthe Manche has been crowned theworld’s best pig-squealer for the sec-ond consecutive year.

Noël Jamet, from Villedieu-les-Poêles, beat off competition from 20rival pig imitators at the competitionin Brittany.

Dressed in a pink costume with tail,ears and nose, the 43-year-old waspraised by judges for his perfect imita-tion of every stage of a pig’s life cycle –from birth to its dying shrieks in theabbatoir.

Mr Jamet has spent years mimickingfarmyard animals, including hens,donkeys, peacocks and turkeys, beforedeciding to specialise in pig squealing.

The bizarre hobby paid off: he wonthe national pig imitation title at theParis Salon de l’Agriculture in 2007and 2008 before going on to becrowned world champion last year.

Normandy pig-squealer steals the show

JAMET: He spent years practising farmyard animal impersonations

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Caen considersmuseum chargesTHE MAIRIE in Caen is con-sidering scrapping free entryto two of the city’s most popu-lar museums, the Musée desBeaux Arts and Musée deNormandie. The proposal hasbeen condemned by opposi-tion councillors, who say itwould deny low-income fami-lies access to culture.

Normandy to hostMiss France finalTHIS year’s final for the MissFrance beauty contest will bestaged in December at theZénith in Caen, the hometownof current title-holder MalikaMénard. Details of how toattend will be made availablein the autumn.

Seasonal jobs forDeauville festivalSOME 250 temporary jobs areon offer at the DeauvilleAmerican film festival fromSeptember 3-12. Ticket-check-ers, ushers and general helpersare needed to welcome the55,000 festival-goers. Send CVand letter to cmarion@congres-deauville.com or callClaire Marion-Chanlon on02 31 14 14 14.

Caen universitygains autonomyCAEN university is to join thegrowing list of universities inFrance to declare autonomyfrom the state. It will havecomplete independence tomanage its own budget andhuman resources from 2011.

Saint-Lô to Paristrain is axedA DIRECT daily commuterservice linking Saint-Lô toParis Saint-Lazare is to beaxed because of low passengernumbers. The 6.50 train,which took three hours toreach the capital and did notarrive back until 21.40, waslosing €1m a year. The routewill continue to operate atweekends.

Coutances losesmobile receptionRESIDENTS in Coutancestown centre have lost theirmobile phone signal after theregional council ordered thata mast be taken down as asafety precaution. The trans-mitter, on the roof of an agri-culture school owned by theregion, was dismantled fol-lowing complaints from par-ents and anti-mast groups.Mayor Yves Lamy has lodgeda formal complaint and hopesto speed up the process offinding a new site and granti-ng planning permission torestore service to SFR andOrange customers.

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The Advertiser, Normandy August 20106 Profile

Le Renouard has all the attributes ofa typical Pays d’Auge village: perchedon a hill with a panoramic viewacross two valleys, a church, a townhall and a picturesque assortment ofcolombage buildings clusteredaround the centre and scattering outinto the countryside.

However, two aspects of life herecombine to make Le Renouardrather remarkable. First, almost one third of its population is non-French; and secondly, the commune’ssocial life has flourished so vigor-ously in recent years that plans havejust been drawn up for a new villagehall because the existing one is toosmall to cope with demand.

Mayor Georges Langlois says:“About a fifth of our 200 inhabitantsare English. There are also Germans,Dutch, Belgians, Americans,Egyptians and a Lebanese couple.

“Some are permanent residents,others have holiday homes, and alto-

gether they account for about 30% of the total population.

“Naturally I’m delighted to seehouses being renovated and lived in,rather than left to crumble, but whatpleases me more is that everyoneinvolves themselves in the commu-nity. Each nationality adds a differ-ent little cosmopolitan touch thatmakes Le Renouard’s events special.”

A retired engineer and factorymanager, Mr Langlois is a native ofCaen. Prior to his retirement, he wasbased in the south of France, and hethen spent several years cruising theworld on his boat before returningto the Pays d’Auge to be near family.

Before long he had been recruitedto an electoral list and, in 2008,somewhat to his surprise, he wasvoted mayor. “It just happened that

way,” he says, with a smile and ashrug.

As mayor, he has deliberatelysought to reinforce the social lifewithin the commune. “You oftenhear it said that people in townsnever talk to anybody, and people in

villages talk to everyone,” he says.“But that’s not strictly true. Often

in villages people don’t talk either.They need encouragement to comeout and socialise, and it’s not alwayseasy.”

Mr Langlois outlines Le Renouard’s

annual programme of events. Thereis the tennis club with 97 members,which hosts a 10-day tournamentevery August. More than 100 playersfrom neighbouring clubs enter, andeach evening everyone gathers for ameal in the village hall, with anorchestra playing.

Then there is the Club de la JoyeuseRencontre, whose fortnightly meet-ings regularly attract too many members to fit in the room – anotherreason why the new hall is needed.

There are art groups that put onexhibitions; local historians; organ-ised walks, day trips and concerts; inJuly, a weekend-long village fete; andin October, Le Renouard presses itsown cider from apples donated bythe villagers.

The mayor’s descriptions reveal adiverse mixture of sporting, artistic,artisanal and social interests withinthe commune – with the word “con-viviality” cropping up frequently.

Mr Langlois adds: “I firmly believethat it is the clubs, fetes, exhibitions,cultural activities, all the communityevents that are most important ofall, because they breathe life into avillage.”

By Maggie Wakefield

COSMOPOLITAN: Georges Langlois’s commune is growing

Everyone involvesthemselves in thecommunity. Eachnationality adds alittle cosmopolitantouch that makesevents special

“

Meet your mayor

‘Village lifedoesn’t justcome together’

Every month we talk to a local mayor about his background and the issuesaffecting his community.

In this issue we visitGEORGES LANGLOIS inLe Renouard (Calvados)

The Advertiser, Normandy August 2010 Food 7

NORMANDY’S apple andpear farmers are praying for awet August, as a harsh winterfollowed by a dry summer isthreatening this year’s harvest.

Producers fear that yieldswill suffer this autumn andthe fruit will fall too earlyunless there is a sufficientamount of rainfall within thenext two months.

Philippe Derouault, whoowns a farm with his wifeMarie-Claire in Loré in theOrne, told The Advertiser: “Ido not remember a summerso dry since 1976.”

Pears in Normandy are typi-cally gathered from mid-September and apples fromthe end of October. Onetonne of fruit will typicallyproduce 600 litres of cider or700 litres of poiré.

It is a misconception thatfruit is actually picked fromthe trees. “We wait until thefruit has fallen to the groundfor maximum flavour andjuice”, Mr Derouault added.

The family have farmed atLe Bois in Loré for three gen-erations, and the farm has notchanged much in that time.

However, while maintainingtraditional non-intensivefarming techniques, withcows enjoying the orchardpasture beneath the trees, theDerouaults have recently

taken the first step towardsachieving organic farm status.

This process will take threeyears for the fruit, and twoyears for the milk before offi-cial organic recognition isachieved.

The couple say growingnumbers of people inNormandy are supportingtheir local producers and buy-ing cider and poiré direct fromthe farm, with the addedbonus of tasting direct fromthe oak barrels before you buy.

As well as apple and pearcider, the farm produces anumber of fruit liqueurs.Unique to the area, Calvadosde Domfront is made specifi-cally with a minimum of 30%pear juice and is delicious as anapéritif but can also be enjoyedboth during or after a meal.

Pommeau is fabulous withcheese. Finally there is Saveurdu Bois, a blend of Calvadosand pear juice. At 16% alco-hol, this uses a late variety ofpear called the Poire deCloches, so-called because ofthe bell-shaped fruit.

The Derouaults are happy towelcome visitors to their farmand explain the process ofproduction – from the initialpressing to the fermentationand filtration processes.

They both speak excellentEnglish. For further informa-tion or to arrange a visit callthe farm on 02 33 30 16 89.

Cider producers praying for rainBy Jonathan Gates

STAYING POSITIVE: The Derouaults hope for good harvest

3 apples3 pears80g powdered almonds80g butter120g sugarcinnamon

For the pastry:300g flour150g buttera pinch of salthalf a glass of water

Make a shortcrust pastry mix and leave it to rest for anhour.

Work together the butter, the sugar and the powderedalmonds to make a smooth and even mixture and add thecinnamon.

Peel the apples and pears, cut them in half, core them andremove the pips.

Use two-thirds of the pastry to cover the base of a deepflan dish or sandwich tin, arrange the fruit halves on top,rounded side up, and pour over the almond mixture.

Cover with the rest of the pastry, seal the sides with a littlewater and brush with the egg yolk. Insert a pie bird into themiddle of the pie to allow the steam to escape during cook-ing.

Bake in a hot oven for 45 minutes.

This is one of more than 100 traditionalNormandy recipes from Anne Prével trans-lated into English by Alex Bramble in anew book, Recipes from Normandy.

The 160-page book features the Frenchand English recipes side by side to helpyour food shopping vocabulary. It is pub-lished by Editions Bonneton, priced €10.ISBN: 2-86253-473-2

Apple and pear pie

The Advertiser, Normandy August 2010 Summer events special 9

‘Reconqueringthe British is our priority’Normandy CRT (comitérégional du tourisme) is theonly one in France to grouptogether two regions(Haute-Normandie andBasse-Normandie). Howdoes it work? Throughout the world, cus-tomers do not come to acampsite in Haute-Normandie or a hotel inBasse-Normandie – theycome to Normandy. We neverhear the public speak aboutHaute- or Basse-Normandieso the CRT decided to pro-mote the destination ofNormandy as a whole.

Our CRT is a tool whichserves both regional councilsand everyone who makestourism happen everyday inthe region. We are here toincrease tourism in Normandy.Each region brings the samefunds and the CRT presidencyalternates every three yearsfrom an elected candidatefrom Haute-Normandie andBasse-Normandie.

How has British tourismevolved?Today, we are the seventhbiggest French region in termsof British tourists after the twogiants of Paris and the Côted’Azur and several others. If welook at numbers for hotel andcampsite activity, we are thefifth and sixth French regionrespectively for the British.

However we are concernedabout the British market inNormandy and it is today ourhighest priority.

The British market has beenin a state of collapse since2004, and we launched areconquest strategy in 2006because we were aware ofthis. We are looking atNormandy’s overall touristimage. We need to stir thetourists’ interest by renewingour offer. We need to surprisethem.

We have also faced a cyclicalproblem with the poorpound-euro exchange raterecently and harsh competi-tion from low-cost airlines, asthe British have discoveredother regions in the south ofFrance and in Europe.

However, we are optimisticbecause the British marketremains the largest foreignmarket by far in the regionand everyone is working veryhard to counter the recentfall. We think we are going toovercome these problems.

Another important fact isthat, between 2005 and 2009,

the number of second homeshas increased by 13% inNormandy. Today, 71% of for-eign second homes inNormandy belong to Britishnationals. So these people donot need to go to campsites orhotels, and our numbers thusdo not reflect their presencein the region.

What do British touristslook for in Normandy?All of our studies show thatthe British love us. For them,Normandy is the ideal Frenchdestination with its landscapeand history.

The British have a veryextensive knowledge ofNormandy and they comehere all year round. They lookfor the French art of livingand landscapes which remindthem of 18th-century Britainwhich have largely disap-peared in Britain itself.

We also have a historicaldimension which makes usinteresting: William theConqueror, Richard I, theSecond World War landings.This is our shared history. TheBritish find in Normandysomething well-preserved, verygenuine, that reminds them ofan old England they love.

Finally, cuisine is also a veryimportant aspect and a verypowerful attraction. Goodproducts, small markets oreven the local bakery are asimportant as fancy restaurants.

What initiatives are inplace to increase thenumbers of visitors fromBritain?Since 2006, we have a publici-ty team in London whichdoes an incredible job. Theresults have been very signifi-cant: 245 press articles werepublished in the UK abouttourism in Normandy in2009. This is worth £2.5m interms of advertising value.

We have also increased ouradvertisement campaigns andcome up with a strong slogan:“Normandy, so close, so dif-ferent”. We have been adver-

tising for three years in theLondon Underground andtrain stations on posters andLCD screens.

Which other nationalitiesare you focusing on?We have had two priorities:the French and the Britishmarkets. Behind these areBelgium, the Netherlands,Germany and the UnitedStates. Generally, nearbycountries have had a renewedinterest in Normandy sincethe credit crisis of the pasttwo or three years. Peoplewant to rediscover regionsclose to them and travelcheaply. We can take fulladvantage of this.

What sites are the mostvisited?The Mont Saint Michel abbeyhas more than a million visi-tors yearly and holds therecord for the region. Thesites of Second World Warbattles, the American ceme-tery in Coleville, the Etretatcliffs, Giverny gardens, thecathedrals of Rouen andBayeux, Lisieux basilica, theCaen memorial and theBayeux tapestry are amongthe other major attractions.

Which sites have had diffi-culty attracting tourists?We are making an enormouspromotional effort on allparks and gardens inNormandy, but besidesMonet's gardens, we are nottargeting massive numbers.The visitors here are garden-lovers who look for beautyand peace.

There are successful siteswhich attract great numbersand there are sites which aremore secret but sometimestheir discretion is part of theiroverall quality.

What effects will thelaunch of UK air links fromDeauville have for tourism? It is absolutely essential forregular tourists and the busi-ness clientele who now havethe possibility to travel toLondon very quickly and con-nect with other Europeancapitals such as Milan andDublin. We are very commit-ted to the success of this lineand think it is a fantasticinvestment.

Pages of the bestsummer eventsand days out 4

Tourism officials are working hardto lure British visitors back toNormandy this summer. The headof the CRT regional tourist board, Jean-Louis Laville, tellsAlice Cannet he is optimistic the‘reconquest’ plan will work

ATTRACTION: Mr Laville says nearby countries see Normandy as ideal for a cheap break

“The British find in Normandysomething that reminds them ofan old England they love

The Advertiser, Norm10 Summer events special

The glamorous seaside resort obrating its 150th anniversary thnothing to chance and has comagenda featuring a different evto show the extent of the dynamlocals in their beloved town. InMorny, a great Parisian figure brother, imagined the future luing the then small coastal villato create a “realm of elegance” horse lover, he was the prime mof Deauville hippodrome. The Clairefontaine and La Touquesracing season which lasts untilmakes for yet another reason t

www.deauville.orgwww.deauville-2010.fr

Enjoy a sizzling NormanThe region has so much to offer local residents, second home-owners and tourists over August. Here we select 20 ofthe best things to do – and there are dozens more over the page

Soak up the

Opened in 2002, Cherbourg’s Cité de la Mer (4) wasbuilt in a former marine station inside a beautiful artdéco listed building. The complex is divided into fourspaces, which look at different aspects of the sea and itsmysteries. The famous French submarine Redoutable,which when in service carried 16 missiles and 130 crew,has helped to attract some two million visitors since thecomplex opened. The Redoutable first arrived in thedocks in July 2000: its 10th anniversary is being cele-brated this summer.

www.citedelamer.com / 02 33 20 26 44

Celebrate the sea in Cherbourg

Nip across to Jersey (1), Guernsey and Alderney in justover an hour with the Manches Iles Express ferry fromGranville or Barneville-Carteret. Once arrived, you canchoose from hikes along green lanes, a tour of the lovelyharbour of St Aubin’s, a view of the French coastline fromthe Mont Orgueil castle in Gorey or a plunge in thesurfers’ favourite, St Ouen’s Bay. Jersey is also a popularchoice for Brits in Normandy because it has all the familiarUK high street names, and tax-free shopping to boot.

Tatihou (2) is a small island across the port of Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue in the Manche, 30km from Cherbourg.The island welcomes a maximum of 500 visitors per dayand can be accessed at low tide with a 25-minute walk thatis better experienced with waterproof shoes. Alternatively,you can get there on a small 58-capacity boat at high tide.It leaves every 30 minutes from the port.

Chausey archipelago (3) is made of 365 islets at low tide,according to a local legend. The biggest of them, 17kmaway from Granville, is home to 30 people. No vehicles areallowed.

Jersey: www.jersey.comTatihou: tatihou.manche.fr / 02 33 23 19 92Chausey tourist office : 02 33 91 30 03

Go island-hopping

The vast fertile region of Normandy offershundreds of wonderful gardens and parks.Some of the most outstanding gardens, asrecognised by the French culture ministry,include the botanical gardens of Vauville(16) in the Manche and the garden àl'anglaise at the Château de Canon (17) inCalvados. The Petite Rochelle garden inRemalard (18), Orne, consists of eight

smaller gardens in one.Miserey (19) rose garden in the Eure is

another wonderful site themed around hell,purgatory and the Garden of Eden. Finally,there is the Bois des Moutiers inVarengeville-sur-Mer (20) in the Seine-Maritime, a park designed by British land-scape designer Gertrude Jekyll.

parcs-et-jardins.normandie-tourisme.fr

Explore beautiful parks and gardens

Champrepus zoo (14) in Villedieu-les-Poêles in the Manche has just beenawarded a tourism award from the préfec-ture. The zoo is the third most-visited sitein the Manche with 120,000 people a yearand has a great variety of exotic animals.

Cerza zoo (15) in Calvados is the mainleisure park in Normandy with 300,000visitors per year. More than 700 animalslive in the massive park. There are twotrails to follow, as well as a tropical space,farm and a safari train.

www.zoo-champrepus.com /02 33 61 30 74

www.cerza.com / 02 31 62 15 76

Go wild at the zoo

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CHAMPREPUS ZOO

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Summer events special 11mandy August 2010

of Deauville (5) is cele-his year. The town has left

me up with an ambitiousvent every day of the yearmism and involvement ofn 1848, the Duke ofand Napoleon III’s half-

uxury retreat while visit-age of Dosville. He wanted

accessible from Paris. Amover in the constructiontown’s two hippodromes,

s, are prepapring for thel the end of August andto visit Deauville.

ndy summerFestyland (6) on the outskirts of Caenhas a range of attractions around thethemes of pirates, Vikings and the MiddleAges with rides and roller-coasters. Thepark even has a train ride dedicated tothe Normandy Impressionist movementallowing you to discover the paintings ofSisley, Monet, Boudin, Pissaro, Renoir,Pinchon, Lemaître and Guillotin on aride through a hilly landscape.

In the Seine-Maritime, the smaller Parcdu Bocasse (7) has more than 20 mainattractions which include mini-golf, ridesand waterslides. If you are feeling a bitmore adventurous, book a day of paintball, kayaking and tree-climbing at Woody Park (8) inFécamp.

Festyland: www.festyland.com / 02 31 75 04 04Parc du Bocasse: www.parcdubocasse.fr / 02 35 33 22 25Woody Park: www.woody-park.com / 02 35 10 84 83

Theme park fun around the regione sun in chic Deauville

Bungee-jump off a viaductThe Viaduc de laSouleuvre (9) in LaFerrière Harang inCalvados is an extraor-dinary railway viaductconceived by GustaveEiffel and built in 1889.It has now been given asecond life as a platformfor bungee jumping.Rising 60m above theground is the 140m-long platform built byAJ Hackett in the 1990s,one of the first peopleto commercialisebungee-jumping, Bornin New Zealand,Hackett first got theidea after seeing a videoof the OxfordDangerous Sports Clubjumping from bridgeswith ropes tied aroundtheir legs. The manhimself became famousafter an illegal jumpfrom the Eiffel Tower in1987.

www.ajhackett.com02 31 66 31 66

Normandy boasts 90riding schools andequestrian centres,including two nationalstud farms: the Harasdu Pin (10) in theOrne and the Haras deSaint-Lô (11) in theManche, which inAugust will be holdingthe Normandy HorseShow. Both of theharas organise specialshows this month.Horse racing takesplace all year round,but the summer seasonis especially big in thefamous hippodromesof Deauville andDieppe.

www.haras-national-du-pin.com

Horse about at summer shows18

Admire the waterfalls in the small villageof Mortain (12) in the Manche. TheCance falls 20m into the Sélune and theimpressive feature has given birth tosome prolific vegetation. The mainwaterfall site is well signposted. Stairstake you down to a wonderful viewpointlooking out over the falls. Follow thedeep, lush gorge dug by the river formore views. Alternatively, try a leisurelyearly-evening stroll along the banks ofthe Seine (13).

www.ville-mortain.fr

Cool off by the riverside

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The Advertiser, Normandy August 201012 Summer events special

August 1-8 – A week ofmedieval festivities preparedby historical troupes, crafts-men, archeologists and histori-ans at the Château deCrèvecoeur (14), aiming togive a close representation oflife in the 15th century. Call02.31.63.02.45 or see www.chateau-de-crevecoeur.com

August 4 and 18 – Guidedwalking tour of Domfront (61)and its castle in English, 15.00,€2.50 per person. To book,call 02 33 38 53 97.

August 4, 11, 18 and 25 –Discover Les Andelys (27) bybike with a ride through thecountry’s natural heritage,with explanations from a tourguide. Meet at 14.00 with yourown bike or a rented one fromthe Ile des Trois Rois campsite.Booking necessary. Phone02 32 54 41 93 or visitoffice-tourisme.ville-andelys.fr

August 6 – Night-time marketof handicraft and regional pro-duce with several shows andtasting sessions in Allouville-Bellefosse (76). Tourist office:02 35 95 08 26.

August 8 – Step back in timeat a medieval fête at the wind-mill in Hauville (27) withscenes reconstructing 13th-century life. Guided tours ofthe windmill, medieval foodand meetings with local pro-ducers. Call 02 32 56 57 32.

August 13 – Discover theCôte d’Albâtre (76) and learn

about the local history withspecialist guides. Tours fromLe Havre to Le Tréport. Theday out is free, but booking isrequired. Call 02 35 07 44 54.

August 14-15 – Artists cele-brate the sea in Yport (76).Fireworks on August 14, thenpainters and sculptors will dis-play their art on the beach andin the streets on August 15with an auction to close. Seeseine-maritime-tourisme.com

August 15 – A walk to the tinyisland of Tombelaine in thebay of the Mont Saint Michelto celebrate the Christian festi-val of Assumption. The walksets off from the foot of theMont at 16.00.

August 29 – More than 70 oldCitroën 2CVs gather in thetown of Barc (27) for a daydedicated to the classic Frenchcar. There will be walks, games,food and 2CV christenings.Call 06 31 59 72 72.

August 6 – Ludiver planetari-um presents a free “night ofthe stars” from 20.30, withgames, exhibitions and star-watching. www.ludiver.com

August 13-15 – A family festi-val of ancient games takes overFalaise and its castle for threedays. A regional produce mar-ket will take place on the lastday, Sunday August 15.www.falaise-tourisme.com

August 15 – The Floriesd’Antan festival in Saint-Fraimbault (61) celebrateslocal produce and traditions,with a market and and dis-plays of ancient crafts. Therewill be music, children’sgames, a ball and much more.Entry costs €5. Call the touristoffice on 02 33 38 32 22.

Until August 31 – TheMichaudière, a horse farm inJuvigny-sous-Andaine (61),organises a horse show featur-ing species from Normandy

and Brittany. The auberge nextdoor opens its doors for tradi-tional Norman cuisine. Show,plus lunch, costs €30. Theshow alone is €10 for adults,€5 for five-to-12s and free forunder-fives. 02 33 38 27 78 orsee www.lamichaudiere.fr

August 6-7 – Attend amedieval dinner followed by alight and sound show at theChâteau de Creully for thesixth edition of the Médievalesfestival. Dinner + show costs€35 and €20 for children.

Call 02 31 80 67 08 or visitwww.bessin-normandie.com

August 6 – Autour d’un Pianofestival in the beautiful Châteaude Carrouges (61) ends with aviolin, piano and clarinet trioperformance from 20.45.Reserve on 02 33 31 90 90.

August 6-7 – Calvadose deRock music festival nearBayeux (14) in the Ferme deSully. www.mairie-bayeux.fr

August 10-14 – Head acrossto Tatihou island off the coastof Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue (50)at low tide for the Festival desTraversées Tatihou – a seriesof concerts from local acts. See www.tatihou.com

Until August 13 – Classicalmusic festival in Cormeilles(27) featuring works fromLiszt, Chopin, Bach andMozart. Concerts take place in

Music/danceFamily

Out and about

What’s On Listings

Event listings are free in The AdvertiserEmail normandy@connexionfrance.com

UNTIL AUGUST 29: Try to find your way around a giant cornmaze over four hectares of land in Equemauville nearHonfleur (14). The route takes about 90 minutes and apirate’s treasure awaits at the end. Free for children underfive, €5 for five- to 12-year-olds; €6 for all others. Seewww.labyrinthehonfleur.fr

AUGUST 15:Courseulles-sur-Mer

(14) celebrates the seawith a range of events

and activities all afternoon.Call 02 31 37 82 20 or see

www.courseulles-sur-mer.com

English-languagechurch services

Christ Church, CoutancesCollège St GermainRue d’Ilkley, CoutancesServices every Sunday, 11.00christchurchcoutances.com

Vezins (just outside Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët)Services every third and finalSunday of the month at 17.00Contact: 02 33 58 86 76

Caen Anglican ChaplaincyChapelle de la Miséricorde, Rue Elie de BeaumontSundays at 17.30http://tinyurl.com/caenchurch

RouenReformed Church of RouenPlace du Pasteur MartinLuther KingContact: Quentin Braddockq.braddock@free.fr02 35 71 08 66

Hautot-Saint-SulpiceAnglican communionReverend Anthony Chadwick02 35 96 30 36 http://tinyurl.com/hautot

Condé-sur-NoireauEglise Reformée, rueLenormandServices every first and thirdSunday of the month at 15.0002 33 66 67 02

AUGUST 6-7: The beautiful Orne villageof Bellème (61) puts on a spectacularshow around the legends of the Percheregion. To book a seat for Le TrésorMaudit, call 02 33 25 23 23 or seewww.perche-passion.com

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Accueil des Villes FrançaisesFor newly arrived residentshttp://tinyurl.com/avfnorm

Alcoholics Anonymouswww.aabassenormandie.comBilingual meeting every Friday inPicauville (50). Alan: 02 78 08 41 23

Alliance Anglo-NormandeFrench and English lessons, meetingsand a social calendar. Based betweenLivarot and Vimoutiers.anglo.normande@orange.frwww.alliance-anglo-normande.info

Amicale Culturelle EuropéenneCultural events for all nationaltieswww.amicale-culturelle.euhegarty.thomas@orange.fr

Anglo-French Club, The PercheEcole de Français Du Perche (61)Lessons, monthly events and walks.Maureen or Danielle: 02 33 25 25 63www.efdperche.com

Anglophone Association,CoutancesA social and cultural association forEnglish-speakers of any nationality.Liz Armstrong: 02 33 72 25 32lizarmstrong22@hotmail.com

Association Euromayennewww.euromayenne.orgFrench language classes in Mayenneand Gorron for all levels. ContactJohn Robinson on 02 43 03 36 75 oremail robinsonj@wanadoo.fr

Association Française des Soloswww.asso-des-solos.frCaen: 06 08 37 06 11Saint-Lô: 06.34.47.47.64Cherbourg: 06 45 50 57 69Dieppe: 06 61 16 68 84Rouen: 06 60 18 54 91

Association Franco-Britanniquede Buais (50)French tuition, all levels welcomeJuliet Sharp: 02 33 69 36 55juliet.sharp@yahoo.co.uk

Association Franco-Britannique,Barneville Carteret (50)An informal group of French andBritish residents who meet for socialevents on the Cotentin peninsula Claude Bastian: 02 33 93 10 70http://francobrit50.wordpress.com

Bocage GardenersFor gardening enthusiasts, offeringadvice, meetings and outings.groups.yahoo.com/group/bocagegardeners

Calvados Polo ClubPolo matches and events in Lisieuxarea (14). Open to non-members.Mme Garmond: 02 31 31 19 85polocarol@wanadoo.fr

Cancer Support Basse NormandieJenny Luck: 02 33 60 27 82jennyttluck@hotmail.comwww.cancersupportfrance.info

Classic Car and Bike Club of Désertines (53)Meets last Thursday of every monthat the Red Lion Pub, Désertines

Alan Soutter: 02 33 69 55 62alan.soutter@orange.fr

Club Franco-Anglais deConversation de Gacé (61)Weekly conversation exchangebetween local French and EnglishLynn and Phil Slade: 02 33 34 53 20philip.slade@orange.fr

Epona TrustCharity helping sick and mistreatedhorses and poniesAnn: 02 33 61 88 41www.eponatrust.org

The 50 Photo ClubMeets on first Thursday of the monthat Laforge Pub in Le Petit-CellandJackie: 02 33 48 89 64laforge@nomotech.net

Gay NormandieWebsite with news and events for gayand lesbian people in Normandywww.gaynormandie.com

Groupe Ornithologique NormandRegular bird-watching outings02 31 43 52 56www.gonm.org

Mayenne and Orne Writers Relaxed, friendly creative writinggroup on third Tuesday of month.Kitty Stephens: 02 33 64 12 20kitty.stephens@virgin.net

Neufchâtel Twinning AssociationEnglish, Spanish and French tuitionfor all levels. Various activitiesneufchatelwhitchurch@free.fr

Orne LinkAnglo-French network for the Ornehttp://ornelink.orne.frScarlet or Véronique: 02 33 81 62 97

Royal British LegionNormandy/Calvados district branchhttp://rblnormandy.wordpress.comGoona Naidu: 02 31 78 36 40Ron Matthews: elronmat@wanadoo.fr

Royal Naval AssociationFrance Nord branchOpen to all ex-service members andanyone with an interest in the navyGeoffrey Baldock: 02 97 51 54 77gbaldock@yahoo.com

Société Protectrice des AnimauxCherbourg: 02 33 20 49 74Cabourg: 02 31 28 09 71Etalondes: 02 35 86 88 51

SOS HelpTrained listeners provide confidential,anonymous counselling service inEnglish to English-speakers living inFrance. 01 46 21 46 46 from 15.00 to23.00 daily. www.soshelpline.org

“Ville-Beau-Son” ChoirAnglo-French choir in Villebaudon(50). Meets every Wednesday.Sylvia Miles: 02 33 59 21 81moulin50410@hotmail.com

Get the latest news and events alertsby following us on Twitterwww.twitter.com/NormandyNewswww.twitter.com/WhatsOnNormandy

Community contacts

The Advertiser, Normandy August 2010 Summer events special 13

If you would like your grouplisted here, please email:

normandy@connexionfrance.com

several local churches andtheatres. More at www.musicalesdecormeilles.com

August 19-22 – Music festivalat the Orphéon in Bayeux (14)looks at the human voice, witha series of concerts of a capel-la artists and choirs. Pricesfrom €7. Call 02 31 92 74 66or see orpheon-bayeux.com

August 27-29 – Musiqued’Orne festival starts with aseries of concerts in Alençon,Autheuil, Mamers and Cetonfrom national orchestras,young talents, major artistsand choirs. Find out more atwww.septembre-musical.com

Throughout August – Thebirthplace of William theConqueror near Falaise holdsa free exhibition on the castle.See www.chateau-guillaume-leconquerant.fr

August 6-8 – Hunting andfishing fête at the Chateau deCarrouges (61). Shows andcontests featuring dogs andhorses. The event attractsmore than 75,000 people everyyear. Call 02 33 28 94 12 or seewww.fetedecarrouges.com

August 7-8 – About 30welders will meet at the portin Granville (50) to create artpieces from bits of scrapmetal. Concerts will accom-pany the creative event and anauction will take place on theSunday afternoon. Call02 33 91 30 03 or seewww.granville-tourisme.fr

August 8 – Special event tomark anniversary of painterEugène Boudin’s death, at hisold house in Deauville (14).Walk at 11.00 through theplaces Boudin liked to paint.Afternoon exhibition of youngartists’ creations by the beachhuts. 02 31 14 69 50 or seewww.deauville.fr

August 6 – Pétanque contestin the the Mare de l’Essay inAgon Coutainville (50). Meetat 13.30. Entry €5 per player.

August 9-15 – The 23rdBasse-Normandie horse showin Saint-Lô. Full details atnormandiehorseshow.com

August 17-22 – Solitaire duFigaro boat races arrives inCherbourg-Octeville (50).Special event which has cometo Cherbourg seven timesbefore. www.ville-cherbourg.fr

August 21-27 – Ouistreham(14) hosts a week-long juniorsea sports championship.Board-sports fans will have a

chance to see 200 of the bestyoung sportspeople around.See www.srco.fr

August 7 – Créances in theManche celebrates its annualcarrot festival, the emblematic

vegetable of the west Manchecoast. The festival attracts25,000 visitors every year andincludes a procession, localproduce market selling fruitand vegetables, a cooking con-test, music and a car boot sale.Call 02 33 45 05 71 or seewww.canton-lessay.com

Food/drink

Sports

Exhibitions/talks

Villages work togetheron major summer showMORE than 250 volunteersfrom around Cérisy-la-Sallein the Manche have cometogether to put on a specialseries of shows this month tocelebrate their local history.

The local amateur actorswill be joined by horses,dogs, cows, ancient farmcarts and Second World Warjeeps in a major outdoorspectacle running fromAugust 13-16.

The show is written anddirected by local residentBruno Hamel and imaginesCérisy’s small neighbouringvillage of Guéhébert as the

birthplace of creation, a placewith the power to influencethe destiny of the world.

The performance features20 scenes tracing the com-mune’s growth from theStone Age to today – withadded music and fireworksmaking sure it will be anevent not to be missed.

The show is in French andhas wide support fromEnglish residents in the area.Organisers say it will be anideal opportunity to meetneighbours and have fun.

Volunteers have been work-ing since February on their

roles, plus costume and setdesign and ticket sales.

The last local show of thisscale, in 2006, was very pop-ular and the committee saythe tickets will sell out fast.

For more information orto book, contact LindaBrooke (in English) on 02 3346 44 86 or committee presi-dent Antoine Aubry (inFrench) on 02 33 76 63 30.

SHOW: Actorsand animalsshare stage

Hundreds more freeWhat’s On ideas,updated every daySign up for alerts atwww.twitter.com/WhatsOnNormandy

CARROUGES: Classicalmusic from Anne Heliasand Brigitte Palisson

UNTIL SEPTEMBER 18 – Sées cathedral celebrates its700th anniversary with a special light show in the magnifi-cent gothic church every Friday and Saturday at 22.30.Call 02 33 28 74 79.

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The Advertiser, Normandy August 201014 Business

IN MANY cases, the chain ofevents that leads a British person to start a business inFrance starts with a desire tosettle here and embrace theFrench lifestyle. Conversely,Alison Sykes came to Franceonly because she had decidedthat Normandy was the bestplace to launch her business.

How did things start?I lived in the south ofEngland and for more than 10years I had been learningabout gardening, in theknowledge that one day I wasgoing to start my own nurs-ery. Having served myapprenticeship, I started look-ing for a property inHerefordshire, but the suddenrise in prices put this out ofthe question.

A nurseryman friend ofmine suggested France. I looked into this and saw a

lot of reasons for optimism. I found a manor house nearVire which was the perfectsetting to get the businesslaunched.

I brought over a lorry-loadof mother stock, and the gar-den and nursery opened forbusiness in the summer of2008.

How did you find thebusiness set-up process?I hired an accountant, and themechanics of setting up thebusiness went through verysmoothly. I have found theMutuelle Sociale Agricole (theprofessional insurer for rural

workers) quite adaptable andeasy to deal with. For exam-ple, I didn’t have the mini-mum hectarage specified for ahorticultural business, but itcame out and inspected myland and accepted it. It wantsto encourage new land-basedbusinesses. Too many peopleare leaving the countryside.

How was your first year?It was an atrocious year interms of trade, but I knew itwould be because I had suchlimited stock. My main objec-tive that year was to promotethe business. I attendedshows, began networking, set

up our website and startedwork on a garden book that Itake to shows to illustrate mydesigns. I also placed cards inshops and tourist offices.

What makes your business stand out?One big selling point of myplants is their rarity. However,because my range is so famil-iar to me, I hadn’t fully appreciated this until I didshows and saw people staringin amazement because theyhad never seen such plantsbefore.

Once people have become

interested, I can show themhow to match colours andshapes in their gardens –because design is at the heartof everything I do.

What are your plans for the future?In the longer term, the nursery will act as a spring-board for related businesses:garden design, lectures, workshops, although frustrat-ingly all of these bolt-ons willhave to be set up separately.The nursery is classed as horticulture. The other activities are not, so they can-

not be part of the same business.

The growth of the businessis taking a little longer than I would have expected in theUK, but it will work. I willmake it work.

By Maggie Wakefield

My first year inBUSINESS

What was your firstyear in business like?

Share your experienceswith readers at:

normandy@connexionfrance.com

Normandy hasgrowth potential

PLANS: Alison Sykes wants to grow business to include garden design and workshops

Alison Sykes wanted to turn her gardening hobby into a business – and decided that moving toNormandy was the best way to do it

AllianzInsuranceMayenne

Friendly, English speaking agent

House, Car andHealth Insuranceplus savings account

at 4% netinterest, freewithdrawal.

Tel 02 43 05 21 82

4005417@agents.allianz.fr

www.english-speaking-insurance.com

Orias 09052461

AXAInsurance

Agence Vigneau CherbourgYour French Insurance In English

Health - Home - CarCall Thomas: 02 33 52 87 46

agence.vigneaucherbourg@axa.fr

FRENCH INSURANCE - IN ENGLISH

For peoplewho live in / own

property in FranceStraight-forward, honest

advice on the besthouse, car, life & health

insurance policies for youOver 15 years

experience in Frenchinsurance marketsEnglish, Dutch & German spoken.

Philippe Schreinemacherswww.insurance.fr

Tel: 33 00 05 62 29 20 00Email: cover@insurance.frRCS Auch B479 400 657

Regions: All France

bml angloagence.comEnglish registered cars

House insuranceHealth cover

1700 British clients trust us02 96 87 21 21

contact@angloagence.comDinan, Brittany

AXA INSURANCE

J. LECLUZEST HILAIRE DU HARCOUET

50600

HOME - CAR - HEALTHWe insure UK registered cars

ENGLISH SPOKEN(call Angeline)

02 33 49 12 34agence.lecluze@axa.fr

AllianZ InsuranceCAR HOME

HEALTHInsurance in

Lower Normandy Christophe Marie, Vire

Tel: 02 31 68 01 96 Email: christophe.marie@agents.allianz.fr

Siret N° ORIAS 07/022 348

THE ADVERTISERDIRECTORYTHIS DOUBLE

DIRECTORY COSTS

€285HT for a yearCall our sales team

Freephone in France0800 91 77 56

From UK0844 256 9881 (4p/min)

Email: directory@connexionfrance.com

www.connexionfrance.com

Cours àCucugnan

Yes, you canLEARN FRENCH !

At your own speed, in private lessonswith professionalteacher (British).Study-holidays in

stunning scenery: tuition plus self-cateringaccommodation.

Tel: 06 78 15 19 29http://www.cours-a-cucugnan.com Email: campbellclaire53@yahoo.fr

Regions Covered: All france Siret In progress

NORMANDYFRENCH TUITIONQualified bilingual teacherSmall groups, 1 to 1, intensive

courses, translation, paperwork

Tél: 02 33 65 39 73www.normandyfrenchtuition.com

Mascha TaniaTranslator-Administrative Help

Lifetime experience of the French system.

Privacy Guaranteed.Tel: 02 31 67 60 55 / 06 79 86 22 69

Siret 451 736 318 00010

Crafts at Les LandesSpinning and other crafts.

Half, Full day tuition orresidential courses

www.crafts-at-leslandes.comtel: 00 33 (0)2 33 960904

SIRET No 489 459 438 00011

CERTIFIED TRANSLATIONS

All legal translationsby French-

English speaking

sworn translator

Property-legal-birthcert., driving licencesAdministrative help

Expat assistancewith 25 years of experience

Regions : All FRANCEKaren RENEL-KINGTel: 06 18 03 18 38

Email: karen.king@wanadoo.frWeb: www.certified

frenchtranslation.comFast and affordableSiret: 38058374000028

Help with theFrench system• Paperwork, Phone calls• Translation, Interpreting

Call Hilary Reynolds00 33 (0) 2 33 59 17 07

www.leapfrogservices.net

GitecompareFor

Accommodationand TouristBusinessesIncludingHoliday

Auctionswww.gitecompare.com

france 4 savvy people

SW COMPUTERSPC Repairs, Upgrades

New and SecondHand Sales.

Help with dial up andBroadband Internet

ConnexionsCall out or Bring to Us.Tel: Mark 02 33 90 64 93Mobile: 06 72 66 61 51Web: www.swcomputers.eu

Email: swcomputers@wanadoo.frSiret: 483 973 863 000 10

WEBSITESBoost your business with anaffordable, high-performance

website that you canedit yourself

www.rob-tomlinson.comTel: 05 62 67 39 98

rt@rob-tomlinson.comRegions: All France Siret: 419 490 297 00027

Penny Graphicswebsites

from

75€€including design, hosting

and domain name

pennygraphics.net02 33 90 92 15

Chenil du Val KennelsSmall, friendly, professional kennel

Special care/attention for your pets.Quarantine alternative

Contact Angie: Tel 02 33 17 17 61Between Periers/Coutances/St LoEmail: angie.clarke@wanadoo.fr

Siret 50993743900016

ANIMAL COURIERSExperienced couriers

specialising in pettravel between France / UK /

Spain or within France. Pet passport advice.Tel: 0044 (0) 1483200123

Email: animals@animalcouriers.comWeb: www.animalcouriers.com

THE ADVERTISERDIRECTORY

THIS DOUBLE COLOURDIRECTORY COSTS

€399HT for a yearCall our sales team

Freephone in France0800 91 77 56

From UK0844 256 9881 (4p/min)

Email: directory@connexionfrance.com

www.connexionfrance.com

CCaattss WWhhiisskkeerrssCCaatttteerryy

caters solely for catslarge heated pens all withindividual outside areas

Tel: 02 33 49 11 57email: pauline.watkins@sfr.fr

www.catswhiskerscattery.pi8.comSiret 51060809400015

GOLDENWAYINTERNATIONAL PETS

World Wide Pet Transporter /

RelocatorMinistry approved

No. 61195004 – 61195001Offices CDG Airport Paris

Offices and Kennels NormandyTel: 01 48 62 87 25 CDG ParisTel: 02 33 38 41 32 Normandy

www.goldenwaypets.comSiret: 397549551

Acorn Kennels & Cattery

Qualified and professionalcare of your pet while

you are awaywww.AcornKennelsandCattery.com

Tel: 02 33 49 63 22 Siret: 479 825 168 00012

Chenil Les Mille CalinsEnglish Run

5 Star accommodationfor Dogs/Cats

Comprising of underfloor heated kennels Qualified staff

Top Quality food and exercise

Only 45 minutes south of Caen

Convenient Ferry AccessSAFETY COMFORT ANDCARE FOR YOUR PET,

PEACE OF MIND FOR YOUwww.goldenwaypets.comTelephone 02 33 37 49 19Emergency 02 33 38 41 32

Fax 02 33 38 44 16

NORMANDY KENNELSSmall, caring and qualified

English run kennelsand cattery

Contact Jon or SueTel 02 31 67 93 48Near Vire Dept 14

www.normandykennels.comjonathan.moir@orange.fr

Siret 48914001200019

The Advertiser, Normandy August 2010 Directory 15

Exclusive online and print listings of tradesmen andbusinesses across Normandy that speak English

THE ADVERTISER DIRECTORY

Organised by servicetype - it’s quick and easy to find English-speaking businesses near you

“We are very pleased with the progress our business hasmade since we have been advertising with The NormandyAdvertiser, we will definitely continue to do so and wouldrecommend it as a means of advertising in Normandy.Craig Booth BOOTH & CO GARDEN SERVICES AND LANDSCAPING02 33 59 36 39

Advertise here all year from just €165HT

Read what our advertisers say about the results

GARDEN MAINTENANCE

Garden ClearanceGrass CuttingHedge Cutting

Strimming and Weed KillingTel: Charlie 02 33 91 78 05

Email: habin.charlie@wanadoo.frSt Sever Area

Siret 49763502900018

Seans Garden ServicesLawns – Hedges – TreesOvergrown plots cleared.

Free quotes for one-off jobs.Call Sean 02 33 57 86 02Email: sean.melanaphy@

wanadoo.frSiret: 50139841600013

WIDE OAKFLOORING

LOW PRICES DIRECTFROM PRODUCER

www.wide-oak-flooring.comPhone Bill 02 31 63 94 36

Siret 83661000014

CHIMNEYSWEEP

Expert, mess-freeservice from

a dedicated andprofessional

English Sweep.Steve Bainton-Smith at

Black Cat Services;02 33 50 84 91

email; steve@baintons.comDepts: 50,14,61

“Proud to be associated withThe Stove Shack for premierstove and liner installation.”

ELECTRICIAN / PLUMBERand HEATING ENGINEER

French RegisteredOver 35 years experience

David Christie02 33 51 05 91

Mobile: 06 31 97 58 15Email: Christie.david@wanadoo.fr

South Manche Siret: 481 604 411 00019

Francois LabadieAgence immobilière

Currently looking formore houses to market

on our portfolioAli Lamerton-Hunt 06 59 18 68 57

Email: ali-maisonsnormandy@hotmail.frWebsite: www.maisonsnormandy.com

HOUSES ONINTERNETDo you wantto sell your

house quickly?Our fee is only 2.5%

Find out how on:

WWW.HOUSESONINTERNET.

COM

Tel: 05 55 65 12 19

BESPOKEKITCHENS AND FURNITURE

Designed and handmadeTo the highest standards

Visit

www.allyouneedinwood.com or contact

TOBY PLATTS02 31 66 98 04

Fully qualified cabinetmakerand designer

22 years experience

References available

Andrew Morgan

Electrician All works guaranteed and carried out

to French regulations standard.Tel: 02 31 67 34 40

Email: morbox@orange.frRegions Covered: 50,61,and 14

Siret: 49427469900011

SBA Painting ServicesPainter and Decorator

Experienced Quality Work,interior and exterior.

Tel: 06 42 89 84 61Email: sarmstrong970@yahoo.co.uk

Regions Covered: 24, 16Siret: In Progress

THE ADVERTISERDIRECTORY

THIS TREBLECOLOUR

DIRECTORY COSTS

€555HT

for ayear

Call our sales teamFreephone in France

0800 91 77 56From UK

0844 256 9881 (4p/min)

Email: directory@connexionfrance.com

www.connexionfrance.com

JS MenuiserieJohn Shipton

02 33 55 15 90Carpenter/JoinerAll kinds of handmade furniture

and carpentry work.From door fittings to kitchens.

email: jshippo1962@gmail.comsiret 499 313 658

English Carpenter/JoinerMichael Bambridge BSc

Very experienced in renovationand carpentry including

stairs and furnitureTel: 02 33 50 40 24

Email: summit@west-telecom.comSiret: 48131662800017

Stuart Upton CARPENTRY &

ROOFINGFull 10 year Insurance

Backed Guarantee Tel: 02 33 64 89 28 / 06 06 43 52 28Email: upton_stuart@hotmail.com

Regions Covered 61, 14, 50Siret 48036552700013

NEWHOUSEChambre de Métiers registeredStonemason, Structural Timber

Roofing and Renovation Specialist100% Reliable

Tel: Terry 06 78 79 67 72 / 09 63 58 72 79

Email: mjward@orange.frSiret : 509430009600016

Andrew Hadfield

BUILDERAll building works undertaken.

Mini digger, Full Registered,10 year decennale insurance.

Tel: 02 33 61 72 90Email: lizrom@sfr.frArea: Near St Hilaire

Siret: 499 532 059 00015

JOHN DAVIES RENOVATIONSAll types ofrenovation

work undertaken15 years experience in France.

tel 02 33 57 12 22mob 06 13 72 75 53

john.davies@nordnet.frsiret 444.648.828.000.10

WWW.BOCAGERENOVATIONS.COM

For All YourBuilding &

Renovations WorksLarge or Small Projects

( Many can be Viewed )Backed up by 10 year Insurance

14 years working in France

Tel: 02 31 67 62 51Mob: 06 19 91 29 48

Email: ave.goosey@wanadoo.frSiret: 48877612100011

Mesnil RenovationAreas 14/50/61

Full / Part Renovations, carpentry,masonry, plastering, tiling, kitchens,

replacement windows and doors.www.buildersnormandy.com

Tel. 02 31 09 26 54Siret 48423125300010

Architect. Resident in Normandy.

Wide experience including interior

and garden designs. Tel: 02 33 49 69 26.

Regions: 14/15/50/61Siret: 50409652000011

SSPPAARREESS,, SSEERRVVIICCEE&& RREEPPAAIIRRSS

Mowers, Tractors, Generators,Mixers, Dumpers, Diggers

and More25 yrs. Experience06 83 27 04 17

andy.mechanic@hotmail.com

Kilrush Cars Ltd

A large selection ofEuropean

Left Hand Drive

CarsOne owner - FSH - C.O.CTel: 00 44 (0) 1252 782883

www.kilrushcars.com

Kilrush Cars Ltd

HUGESAVINGS!!!

BRANDNEW LHD

CARS NOWIN STOCK

INSIGNIA & TOURERZAFIRA

ASTRA & CORSAALL AVAILABLE

Tel: 00 44 (0) 1252 782883www.kilrushcars.com

QUALIFIEDMECHANIC

Mr James Marsden All makes & models undertakenHeadlight conversions possible

Tel: 02 33 69 40 16/06 88 66 28 98Email: garagejames@gmail.com

SIRET : 491 165 825 00028

DEVILLE PROPERTYSERVICESBarn & attic

conversion specialists.

We undertake allaspects of renovation

& improvementprojects.

We legally employEnglish speaking staff& do not sub-contract.

Full 10 year insurancebacked guarantee.

TEL: 02 31 67 76 90www.devilleservices.com

Areas: 14 , 50 , 61 Siret: 45026366000018

GENERAL BUILDERRoofs, Loft conversionsPlumbing & Electrical,

Groundworks.Experienced team forall renovation work.

________________________

TIMBER PRESERVATION Eradication of rot andwoodboring insects20 year certificatedguarantee covering

all France

Tel: Jim +33 ( 0 ) 679274563Email: jimmoto@hotmail.co.uk

Siret 488081233

The Advertiser, Normandy August 201016 Directory Advertising Feature

Punctuality to catch you in your pyjamas PUNCTUALITY is a problemfor builders like Peter Laws -his unexpected arrival, ontime, can often surprise clients.

Mr Laws enjoys the tale of aclient in the Seine-Maritimewho greeted them as if she hadseen a ghost when his teamarrived at 8.00 to begin repairwork on her country home.

After a quick expletive andattendez! she returned 10 min-utes later, dressed and apolo-gising, explaining that she hadnot expected them to arrive onthe appointed day and certain-ly not on time.

She went on to recount pre-vious experiences with errantbuilders.

Mr Laws said punctualityand building expertise werethe foundations of LawsConstruction, which he runswith his wife, Ann.

"My wife used to work inpublication marketing. Sheknows the importance of relia-

bility and meeting deadlines,"said Mr Laws.

"She markets my buildingservices, arranges appoint-ments and generally organizesme and my working diary.

"Our aim is to build up areputable business, in the hopethat we may have a worthwhilelegacy to hand over to our son,Jonathan; should he wish tocarry it on."

He said: "This can only beachieved if you work closelywith the client.

"Communication is the keyto a good working relation-ship. However you must sur-round yourself with good, reli-able tradesmen. We are luckyto have the available servicesof a good team.

"I also believe in only takinga 15-minute lunch break - notvery French I know, but itmaintains continuity of work.

"I like to finish the workingday around 17.00 so that, dur-

ing the summer, I can see myfamily and enjoy a glass ofwine in the garden. We did,after all, come to France forquality of life."

Mr Laws has more than 35years' experience in the indus-

try, having started work as anapprentice estimator for anational building contractor.

He then trained as an electri-cian, which led to a 15-yearoverseas posting to Bahrain.

During this time, he was

promoted into project man-agement where he oversaw theconstruction of large-scaledevelopments such as hotels, aschool and a hospital.

On his return to England, heset up a development company

and for 10 years was an NHBCregistered house builder;involved in the renovation andrefurbishment of period prop-erties and the construction ofnew homes.

The Laws's relocation toFrance was driven by a desireto slow down their pace of life,(although they admit they arenot sure if they have achievedthis) and to find a better envi-ronment in which to bring upand educate their son.

If you live in the Seine-Maritime and have a buildingproject in mind, be it a totalrenovation, the developmentof an unused loft, an exten-sion, a new bathroom orkitchen, or just need repairsand maintenance, then pleasetelephone or send an email.

annlaws@live.comLaws Construction

02 35 97 00 5606 21 09 08 23

PREPARATION:Peter Laws andhis team on site.Punctuality andreliable tradesman arekey to theirbusiness

Qualified French TeacherOffers One 2 One Tuition and Conversation In YourHome. Call Isabelle 06 65 22 27 83 Email:goby.isabelle@laposte.net

LEARNING

HEALTH

CLASSIFIEDS

TO PLACE ACLASSIFIED

ADVERTlog on to

www.connexionfrance.com and click on ‘classified ads’

WOODBURNERSAsh Grove Stoves

Supplier ofHunter - Villager

- Clean Burn - Fire Visible - Boiler versions available- Deliveries all over France- Prices on our website

Lowest Prices Guaranteed

Tel: 00 44 (0) 1392 861579www.ashgrovestoves.com

sales@ashgrovestoves.com

Work &Safety WearPlain/Printed, Polos to 7XL,

T's to 3XL, Boots to 13+Much More!

www.veti-travail.eu09 73 00 84 34

BRITISHBEDS BYBEAUXRÊVES

2 & 4 Drawer Divans3/1 Guest Beds

Headboards & BedsteadsVaccum Packed-Memory Foam

Orthopaedic-PocketSprung Mattresses

Budget Range From €€99.00 Single€€119.00 Double - €€139.00 King

Opening TimesTues, Thurs, Fri

9.30-12.00 14.00-17.00Wed, Sat 9.30-12.00

Closed Sun-Mon23 rue de Bretagne,

53120 GorronTel- 02 43 11 26 77

Email- beauxreves@hotmail.co.uk

WOOD STOVE STUDIOWood burning stoves and

Cuisinieres from

Cashin CaminaCleanburn Esse Hunter

Parkray Stovaxon display at our dept 61 showroom

Selkirk chimneyand flexible liner

Full installation service

www.woodstovestudio.com info@woodstovestudio.com

Tel 02 33 12 57 26Siret 498 597 632 00013

WOODBURNERSBY

THE STOVE SHACKESSE - HUNTER - WOODWARM- Full lining and installation

of all Stoves - Free Survey and Advice

in Depts 14,50,61- Stoves eligible for

Credit d'impots- 20 yrs experience - HETAS and NVQ

QualifiedTel 02 33 17 25 21

john.purslow@orange.frwww.thestoveshack.eu

Siret No 510 070 535 00016

REMOVALSFREE quote, FREE

short-term storage,self-pack - save money.www.BritServ.com

FR 02 99 98 31 81UK 0208 144 3538

FISHFACE REMOVALS UK - FRANCE - UK

Full and part loads You pack, we move, you save!

0044 (0)1327 264627 UKEmail: info@fishfaceremovals.com

www.fishfaceremovals.com

REFLEX MOODYS LTDSALISBURY

REMOVALSUK - FRANCE - UK

• Weekly Service • Full & Part Loads• Container Storage

• BAR Members• On-line Quotation• Internet Shopping

Deliveries00 44 1722 414350

info@reflexmoodys.comwww.reflexmoodys.com

Company Regn No: UK 5186435TVA / VAT No: UK 864 7217 04

D & KREMOVALS

Removals toand from France.

Best prices, best service.T: + 44 (0) 079705 30723

E: classicalternatives@msn.com

George White EuropeanTransport

Special rates to S/W France13.6m/45ft trailer - Full/Part loads

Removals/materials/vehiclesOwner driver. RHA memberTel: +44 (0)7768 867 360Fax: +44 (0)1773 570 090

Fr Mobile: +33 (0)6 23 03 85 59www.georgewhiteeuropean.co.uk

POWER & LIGHT SERVICESELECTRICAL & PLUMBING

ELECTRICAL AND PLUMBINGSERVICES, ALL WORK

FULLY INSURED.Tel: 02 33 70 88 24

Email: john.hipwell@orange.frRegions Covered: 50,14,61,22

Siret: 515 210 847 00015

HHoolliiddaayy LLeettttiinngg &&PPrrooppeerrttyy MMaannaaggeemmeennttHoliday Booking Management, 7/7Bilingual Assistance, Changeovers,

Security Checks, Translations.Mob: +33 (0)6 30 28 13 67 Tel: +33 (0)2 31 86 14 01

Email: zpouppeville@gmail.comwww.holidaydestinationnormandie.com

Regions covered: 14, 50, 61Siret: 511 964 983 000 15

BOOTH & COGGaarrddeenn MMaaiinntteennaaiinnccee

LLaannddssccaappiinngg,,CCoonnssttrruuccttiioonn ooff DDeecckkiinngg,,

DDrriivveess,, FFeenncciinngg aanndd GGaatteessFFuullllyy IInnssuurreedd

Tel: 02 33 59 36 39email: langtons@wanadoo.fr

Siret: 49123150200015

GENERAL BUILDINGSERVICES (76)

Ground Works (mini digger)Septic Tanks

Renovation / RefurbishmentRoofing and Joinery

Kitchens / BathroomsMaintenance / Repairs

Total Project Management35 years experience (NHBC UK)

SIRET: 517 429 056 000 16Fully Insured

LAWS CONSTRUCTION02 35 97 00 56 06 21 09 08 23

annlaws@live.com

Fosse Septic installationsAll Groundworks

Equine ArenasDrives & ditching

Ponds & landscapingAreas 50,14,53,61,35

KG EXCAVATIONS02 33 59 91 73 / 06 50 58 94 49

www.fosseboss.com

Fitzgerald Garden Services

Regular Maintenance including:

Mowing, Strimming,Hedges and Weeding

We are happy to quote for:

Clearing overgrown plots,Tree Felling, Rotavating

and Lawn creationReferences Available

Contact Peter/Trudie at:Tel: 02 33 59 42 46

Mobile: 06 78 41 85 78Email: fitzgeraldgardens@yahoo.fr

Siret 48495870700016

PJM LOCATION PLANT HIRE & SALES

Mini diggers and machinery available.For hire and sale.

Tel: +33 (0)2.33.30.89.20Email: pjmlocation@orange.fr

Web: www.pjmtoolhire.comRegions Covered: Lower Normandy

Siret: 449247550

ChimneySweep

Wood StoveInstallationProperty

ManagementIain Davison

www.propertycarepeople.comTel: 02 33 14 09 55

Email: property.care@orange.frSiret: 494799968

CHARLES WILKINS (Crouttes) Garden design, construction

& advice. Patios, decking, garden buildings

RHS qualified Tel: 02 33 67 24 96

Email: charleswilkinscrouttes@orange.fr Regions Covered 14, 61

Siret 50404254000022

RenoartisanbuildersKitchens, bathrooms,

loft conversions,electrical work,

carpentry.Complete renovations,

to minor works.All work carried out by

quality, registered tradesmen.10 yr decennale insurance.

See our new website formore Information:

www.renoartisanbuilders.frTel: 06 32 02 76 33

Email: contact@renobuilders.fr

Mark DupeeLANDSCAPEGARDENER

Est 1994

Mowing, Hedge Cutting,Clearance, Maintenance,Fencing, Decking, Patios,

Property Management.

Tel: 02 33 90 92 28Mobile: 06 68 74 83 41

Email: markdupee@hotmail.comSiret 49509842800016

Kitchens, Bathrooms& Loft Conversions

Renovations, all aspects of buildingworks, electrical, plumbing.

Tel: 03 22 32 50 02Email: office@mrdesign.eu.com

All Northern Regions ConsideredSiret No. 394 360 945 00015

CONNEXION DIRECTORYFind services onlineSearch for English-speakingbusinesses on our website

All the adverts that appear inThe Connexion Directory

can also be found in ouronline directory.

Go to www.connexionfrance.comand type what you are looking for

in the search field at thetop of the page.

The Advertiser, Normandy August 2010 Directory 17Advertising Feature

Take lessons in the traditionalskills of spinning and dyeingSEEING someone spinning is like taking astep back into the past, but for Gloria Peekit is a great craft and a great hobby to learn.

Now she passes on her skills to others."I teach people to spin their own wool - or

any fibre because you can spin pretty muchanything from bamboo to soya, alpaca tocamel and up to finer fibres like silk.

"I have three spinning wheels which aresuitable for beginners and intermediateusers and one that is better for spinningfine yarns like silk. You can even spin fibreslike doghair - I spun the hair to make ascarf for a friend who had kept the hairsfrom her samoyed dog.

"You can buy fibres for spinning whichcome in a long rope, untwisted which havebeen 'carded' or combed so that all thefibres lie in the same direction, or as fleece.

"You spin it and then normally ply it -which allows the fibres to mesh together tomake a stable yarn when it is knitted orcrocheted."

Her classes take half a day and cost €30or €70 for a full day including buffet lunch.Beginners get an introduction to spinningon a wheel or drop spindle together withpreparing the fleece (washing, carding, etc)and learning about different wool types.You spin the wool, ply it and take it home -but it is a specialist craft so takes practice.

More experienced spinners can try otherfibres such as alpaca or silk - and there are

also dyeing or felting workshops.Gloria, who has been spinning for more

than 20 years and has belonged to theSpinners, Weavers and Dyers Guild inDevon, Dorset and Hampshire and was amember of the editorial committee of theNational Guilds publication, The Journalalso holds informal workshops where peo-ple can get more familiar with the tech-niques.

She uses both natural and artificial dyes toget colours. Plants give many colours - wal-nut husks give dark brown to tan; nettlesand daffodils - green; onion skins - lightbrown; woad or the indigo plant - blue;madder root - orange or red depending onthe acidity of your water. Kool-Aid lemon-ade sachets give a rainbow of colours.

www.crafts-at-leslandes.comenquiries@

crafts-at-leslandes.comTel: 02 33 96 09 04NIFTY FOOTWORK: Gloria Peek with spinning wheel

“You can spin pretty muchanything from bamboo tosoya, alpaca to camel andfiner fibres like silkGloria Peek

The Advertiser, Normandy August 201018 Gardening

AUGUST can have a dry anddusty look in Normandy,with the fresh greens of earlysummer giving way to heav-ier, duller growth.

It can also be a month whenit is difficult to get thingsachieved, as many businessesclose for several weeks for theannual holiday.

Watch out for this if any ofyour equipment needs main-tenance because, if it breaks,you may not be able to get itrepaired easily.

Making sure there is plentyto look at in the garden atthis time of year is somethingof an art, and is one reasonthe French are so fond of

dahlias, which give a wonder-ful splash of late-summercolour as well as flowers thatcan be cut for the house.

In general, the later flower-ing perennials are among the

most useful plants in theAugust garden, includingasters, red-hot pokers, verbe-na bonariensis and Japaneseanemones.

Among bulbs, the taller

lilies such as madonnasflower now; bedding plantssuch as alyssum andmarigolds are looking good;while for shrubs, the autumn-flowering ceanothus varieties,

cotinus, abelia andhydrangeas continue to givetheir best.

Remontant roses willreward any extra care you cangive them, including regulardead-heading, ready for theirsecond big flush inSeptember.

When it comes to chores,August is a better month forlazing around in the gardenthan working hard, if you canavoid it, as the heat can bepunishing.

The grass should haveslowed down its growth, andthe jobs consist mainly ofwatering (preferably in theevening so that the sun doesnot burn it all away), tidyingand dead-heading, along withcatching the multitude ofwasps and hornets thatappear at this time of year.

Things to do this month:Shop now for spring-flow-

ering bulbs. These tend to be

expensive in France com-pared with the UK (which isa large bulb producer), so youmay prefer to stock up in theUK, or get friends to bringthem over, so can plant themin September. If you haveacreage, daffodils will natu-ralise easily, as will fritillariesand crocuses, and this time ofyear is also a good time toplant colchiums - theautumn-flowering crocus. Forpots and borders, tulips andcrown imperials are verygood, and if you wanthyacinths for forcing forChristmas, they should be inthe shops about now.

You can also take semi-ripecuttings from your shrubs (ie:from shoots produced thisyear, but which are hardeningat the base). Follow the sameprocedure as for softwoodcuttings (see last month’s col-umn for further details: it isavailable online atwww.normandyadvertiser.fr)

DAHLIAS: Add colour toa late-summer garden

Interested in stocking TheAdvertiser? Email us at thecontact details shown onpage 2. To receive a copy athome every month, see p6

14 – CalvadosAquavire, VireBar de la Poste, La GraverieBar Patio, LisieuxLes Bons VoisinsBricomarché, VireCafé at Intermarché, VireCarrefour Market, Falaise, Honfleur,Villers BocageAu Cochon de Lait, FalaiseLe Comptoir Irlandais, Caen, DeauvilleFlying Fish, La Graverie, St ManvieuBocageFrançois Labadie Estate Agents, VireGedimat, La GraverieGolf Club, ClécyIntermarché, Condé sur NoireauLeclerc, VireMarc Trouverie Estate Agents, VireMarché U, BayeuxNormandie Wine Warehouse,OuistrehamLe Patio, LisieuxLe Petit Chambourin, Champ du BoultSteve’s Fish and Chips, Champ duBoultSubway, CaenSuper U, Thury HarcouëtShopi, St Sever, VassyTourist Bar, OrbecTourist board, Ouistreham terminal

27 – EureBritish Food France, Cormeilles

35 – Ille-et-VilaineDinard Airport

50 – MancheAssociation Franco-Britannique, BuaisA Propos du Jardin, Ste CécileAuberge du Lac, VezinsAxa Lecluze, St HilaireBellefontaine ParkLes Bons VoisinsBricomarché, Avranches, Carentan,Coutances, Parigny, Saint-Lô,TourlavilleCarrefour Market, Barneville Carteret,Ducey, Haye du Puits, Mortain,Pontorson, Torigini-sur-Vire Château de Tallis, St André de BohonCeltic Link, Cherbourg portChez Madeleine, St Maur de BoisChrist Church CoutancesLa Clé des Temps, CoutancesComptoir Irlandais, Cherbourg,GranvilleThe Country Kitchen, SourdevalEpicerie BarentonEpi-service, ChaulieuFlying Fish, MoyonLa Forge, Le Petit CellandGimazane Immobilier, Barfleur,Cherbourg, La Haye du Puits, LesPieux, ValognesGedimat, Gavray, Mortain, Périers, St Hilaire, St JamesIntermarché, Avranches, Saint-Pair,VilledieuJug & Jazz, GerLeclerc, St HilaireMajestic Wine, CherbourgMarché U, Gavray, Sourdeval

Normandie Wine Warehouse,CherbourgOdyssey Cafe, Leclerc, Saint-LôLe Relais de St Jean, St Jean de DayeSteve’s Fish and Chips, Mortain, LePetit CellandThe Stove Shack, LessaySubway, Cherbourg, Saint-LôSuper U, St Sauveur le Vicomte, SainteMère Eglise, Brécey, Saint JamesLe Tie Break, Le LuotLe Train Bleu Pub, PontorsonMarc Trouverie Estate Agents, Mortain and VilledieuVive La Différence, MontpinchonTerminal Building, Cherbourg port

53 – MayenneLe Bon Choix Dépôt Vente, LaBaroche GondinLe Famous Knight Public House,CouptrainGedimat, GorronThe Red Lion, DesertinesSteve’s Fish and Chips, Couesmes-VaucéSuper U, Pré en Pail

61 – OrneAngloFrench Club of the PercheBar au Relais, St FraimbaultBar du Pêcheur, l'Epinay le ComteBistrot du Coin, Passais-la-ConceptionBricomarché, La Ferté Mace, FlersCarrefour Contact, TrunCarrefour Market, Domfront,TinchebrayCatena, Argentan, VimoutiersClub Anglais/Français de GacéCinema le Normandy, TinchebrayHairchic, La Ferté MacéJardileclerc, ArçonnayLe Brewery, Joué-du-BoisLe Coin Secret, La Ferté MacéLeclerc, Argentan, FlersLes Favorites, DomfrontLe Réveillon Jazz Café, near Mortagne au PercheLe Secret Knight Public House,ChampsecretMonsieur Bricolage, AlençonRugby Tavern, TailleboisShopi, Athis de l’OrneSteve’s Fish and Chips, TailleboisSuperU, Bagnoles de l'OrneWoodstove Studio, Trun

76 – Seine-MaritimeSubway, Le Havre, RouenLD Lines, Dieppe, Le Havre

Jersey: Maison de la Normandie

Our distributors

Photo: e30

00

/FlickrDog daysBy Patricia Mansfield-Devine August is the

month to takeit easy in thegarden – andmaybe stock up on bulbs readyfor next spring

SECOND HOME owners in Normandyshould make arrangements now to pro-tect their property after they return to theUK at the end of summer.

Leaving a home unattended for weeksand even months on end can bring a hostof problems if it is not properly securedand has no one checking it regularly.

Everything from burst pipes in the win-ter to the nightmare of a break-in canturn a pleasant property-owning experi-ence into a stressful one.

Some second home owners in Francerely on good neighbours or friends tokeep an eye on their property, but moreare now taking advantage of propertymanagement services, which are provingincreasingly popular in Normandy.

Unfortunately, like many rural areas,crime is increasing and there have beeninstances of second homes being targetedby opportunist thieves.

Jane Wilson, who owns a property nearBayeux in the Manche, said: “When Ibought my house 25 years ago, you didn’treally worry about anything.

“But last winter thieves made off with alot of expensive tools in the workshop,the television, DVD player and even thekitchen pots and pans.

“When I spoke to the gendarmes, theytold me that seven other houses owned byEnglish people had also been broken into.

“We were covered by our insurance, butit was a horrible experience and now Iam always worried about the house.”

According to Sally Stone, owner andfound of the property management net-work Les Bons Voisins, one of the prob-lems for British second home owners inparticular is that they tend to fall in lovewith isolated properties.

However, they do not think much aboutthe fact that the ongoing caretaking of theproperty needs a budget, or about the bur-den they may be placing on friends wholive near and have offered to look after it.

“Of course they will look after it, but in acasual way which is difficult to police,” shesaid. “There is nothing worse than findingthat a burst pipe has undone all the DIYyou spent your last holiday doing.”

Another must is making sure yourinsurance covers you for long absences: a lot of policies do not. Quite stringentconditions can apply once the property isempty for more than 30 days, such as

draining water systems and turning offthe electricity.

Some policies will pay for the cost ofhaving to travel to your holiday home tocarry out emergency repairs.

It is also a good idea to get someone tokeep the outside of the house lookingtidy by keeping the grass cut and theweeds down, as a bedraggled lookingproperty can be a sign that it has no oneliving there full-time.

It is no surprise that property care-taking and management is a growth areain Normandy. These kinds of servicescover everything from key-holding withregular checks and photographs and amonthly email report, to maintenance,gardening and emergency callouts.

According to Ms Stone,the service typically costs between €18 and €25 anhour depending on what is required.

Available in English from The Connexion,priced €7.50 or £7 (plus postage and packaging)

Written by the Notaires de France and published by Conseils des Notaires.

THE authoritativeguide to buyinga home in France

See the helpguides section at www.connexionfrance.com

Protect your holiday homePROPERTY FOCUSBy Ray Clancy SURVEILLANCE:

Property managementfirms can watchover your home

The Advertiser, Normandy August 2010 Property 19

Calvados, CaenClose to St Sever forest, Anexceptional position with 8 acresof land, no neighbours andbreathtaking views yet only min-utes from town, this stone houseis ideal for horse and dog owners.REF: 11015

€€148,500

Buying or selling a property in or around Normandy?We can help. Our website www.connexionfrance.com carriesdetails of more than 14,000 homes for sale across France. We also feature properties for sale in this dedicated section of

The Advertiser every month. Use the code under each property tofind out more on the website. For sellers, the adverts are also dis-played across a range of popular English-speaking websites which

ensures they are seen by thousands of potential buyers every day. Prices start at just €119TTC for 12 months’ online advertising.

Online advertisers can also place their adverts in The Advertiserfor an additional €60TTC for one month, €150TTC for three editionsand €275TTC for six editions. Contact our sales team for free inFrance on 0800 91 77 56, from the UK on 0844 256 9881(4p/min) or email sales@connexionfrance.com to find out more.

REF: JL2222

€€179,600 Avranches, Brecey Lovely Country House and Gitewith separate entrance. Situatedon the ouskirts of the small townof Brecey. 1h.30 to Cherbourg orCaen ferry ports. 1hr Dinard air-port. 30 mins to the sea side.

More details of all the homes shown here - and 14,000 other properties for sale across France - can be seen at

www.connexionfrance.com Enter the code listed with the property to take you straight to the information

More details on all these properties - and how to contact the seller directly - can be found in the property for sale section of www.connexionfrance.com. Simply enter the code under each home to find out more

Houses for sale in and around Normandy

REF: 22459

€€100,000 DomfrontA renovated 2 bedroom stonefarmhouse comes with outbuild-ings including a half-timberedbarn and bread oven, and is set in1.2 acres of land.

DomfrontStone built house in small coun-try hamlet. Good condition withterrace and garden. 90m livingspace. 3 bedrooms, 2 Bath/Shower rooms (one en-suite).Land 700mREF: DOM1114

€€135,975

REF: 10789

€€110,000 Saint-Lô Pretty 2 bedroom cottage withinwalking distance to the localmarket town of Sourdeval. Readyto move into condition.

REF: 11418

€€121,000Saint-Lô Two bedroom completely reno-vated detached property. Centralfireplace and double glazing.Over an acre of lawned groundswith shrubs and trees.

Manche, SenovilleThis pretty recent house is set in3 acres of land, 5 minutes fromthe west coast. The propertycomprises 2 bedrooms, a lounge(31 sqm), a fitted kitchen and abathroom. REF: 28172

€€187,000

REF: DOM1143

€€199,500 GranvilleFarmhouse built 200 years agoand renovated in 1986. Shortdrive to sandy beach. 3 bed-rooms – Easy to manage garden1200m2 (0.29acres) . Workshop.Excellent condition.

REF: M31802/FL

€€212,000 Saint-LôLovely property comprising din-ing room, lounge, 2 fireplaces,fitted kitchen, and utility room.On the 1st floor, 4 spacious bed-rooms and bathroom with a bathand a shower.

CaenCharming house renovated in aquiet village just 20 minutes fromCaen and 5 minutes to AunaySur Oden.Gardens just underhalf an acre. A must see !

REF: 11361

€€250,380

11062

€€318,000 CaenAll the benefits of town but set inthe countryside. Beautifully ren-ovated 6 bedroom house withseparate gite and another oldhouse to renovate, paddocks, sta-bles and a walled garden.

REF: 135031

€€330,000 Orne, PercheAttractive property, full of char-acter, sitting in the middle of itsmagnificent garden with beauti-ful old trees and a lake. With a19the century manor house andtwo stone buildings.

CaenImposing 7 bedroom stonehouse, tastefully converted to 3self-contained apartments. Quietlane close to shops, bars, schoolsand services. 2 garages, ample offroad parking.REF: 11374

€€256,800

REF: NOR61PAT

€€275,000Bagnoles de l’OrneIn a small village, this renovated19th century old vicarage hasapprox. 175m of living spacewith 5 bedrooms. There is a gar-den with approx. 2,000m landand some small outbuildings.

REF: IFPC18752

€€352,000Lisieux, Le Mesnil Germain Main building with 3 bedrooms,living-room, lounge, fullyequipped kitchen, bathroom,shower room, cellar, and attic, 3garages, a workshop and a shelterfor the wood.

Near Mortagne au PearcheA property with real character,set in 13 hectares of pasture in alovely tranquil environment.Near the house a lovely gardenwith old trees and a terrace.

REF: 135128

€€380,000

REF: 11074

€€399,000 Saint-LôTotally renovated 4 bedroomhome with Gite, stables and 20acres.With breathtaking views,total privacy, adjoining long dis-tance bridleway, less than 1kmfrom a gourmet restaurant.

REF: 135118

€€470,000 Orne, VimoutiersCharming small stud farm onover 7.69 hectares in the heart ofFrance's principal breedingregion, near Vimoutier.

ArgentanOf interest to professional breed-ers and trainers. Stud farm andyard 10 kms from Argentan in agood and convenient location.

REF: JS134

€€479,250

REF: 11024

€€551,250 Saint-LôSet in the countryside but only10mins. from Granville and thesea. Charming traditional housewith separate gite, artist's studio,stone barn and other outbuild-ings on 24 acres of grassland.

REF: 135373

€€595,000 OrneSet in a beautiful rolling country-side, looking out over a lovelypond, on the banks of a littleriver is this mill - without doubtset in one of the most spectacularlocations in the Orne.

Help promote Normandy – and win a great day out

The tourist board terms and conditions are as follows: The competition is open to anyone aged 18 years or over. You may submitas many photos as you wish. The closing date is 9.00 on September 15. Any entries received after the closing date will not be con-sidered. Illegible, incomplete, late or defaced entries will be disqualified. The winning entry will be selected by a jury at the touristboard and the winners will be notified by email or telephone. The judges’ decision is final and binding. No correspondence will beentered into regarding the outcome of the decision. The indicative value of the prize mentioned in this article is based on fouradults at the Cité de la Mer in Cherbourg. The prize cannot be exchanged in part or whole for cash and is not transferable. Thefree tickets are valid from September 15 until the end of 2010, subject to opening restrictions. Booking conditions apply. By sub-mitting photos, you agree to give the Normandy CRT tourist board and The Advertiser (Normandy) the rights to use the images topromote the region and accompany articles about tourist sites. The people featured in the photo and the place where it was takenshould be identified in your entry. Any photos featuring children require express written consent from their parents.

Free tickets to attractions intourist board photo competitionREMEMBER to take a dig-ital camera with you ontrips out this summer andyou could win free ticketsto some of Normandy’s topattractions – and do yourbit to help promote theregion at the same time.

Normandy tourist boardis appealing for Advertiserreaders to send in theirbest photos of peopleenjoying activities andattractions around theregion.

The five best entrants,selected by a jury inSeptember, will each winfour tickets to their choiceof either the Cité de la Merin Cherbourg, the Parc desBisons in Maisoncelles-la-Jourdan or the zoo inChamprepus or Cerza.

The photos need to begood quality digital images(300dpi) and by submittingthem you agree that they

can be used by the they can

be used by the tourist boardand The Advertiser in printand online.

Your entry needs toinclude the details of whois in the photo and whereit was taken. The photoscan only include identifiable children if youare their parent or youhave express written per-mission. We will publishthe list of winners thisautumn in The Advertiser– good luck.

Email your photo and descriptions (who andwhere) to normandy@connexionfrance.comby 9.00 on September 15. Please include acontact telephone number

WORTHUP TO

€€72

PRIZES: Each winner will receive four tickets to either Cité de la Mer, the Parc des Bisons or Champrepus or Cerza zoo

Photos: CRT N

ormandy

www.normandy-tourism.org

The Advertiser, Normandy August 201020 Advertisement