AUDE FLYER
October 2005
Next flyer 27 October submissions on or before 24 October There are 35 people who may recall receiving the first flyer 6th October 2004 this edition is going to 600+ addresses Bonjour
As we struggle shivering into the hibernation months, shifting from vide greniers in abundance, seamlessly into loto season via the black stained sticky roads of vendange. I have asked Kate Mosse author of Labyrinth to come and have an informal chat glass of wine and a nibble with those interested, she will also sign copies Labyrinth which you can buy, somewhat dependent on whether I can get them over in time!?
Friday 14th October 12.00
Espace Zand’art 6 place Gambetta Carcassonne On the right hand of the square (which is boarded up because they are building an underground car park, and in doing so they unearthed a monastery that burnt down in the 18th century)side as you come into to Carcassonne from Narbonne direction
This is the gallery of Zanda the artiste who did all of the striking design for the Carcassonne festival this year who’s music is also wonderful and was discovered by Rick Stein on his canal due midi voyage which you may be watching on bbc2 Wednesday evenings, the music is featured in the programme, and Zand- will be attendance bon appetite ricki!
Let me know by return if you will attend as I must know numbers Let me know if you want to buy the book it will be between 15 and 20 euros I presume Uk price is £9.99 500+ pages |
Description 'LABYRINTH is a reader's Holy Grail, mixing legend, religion, history, past and present in a heart-wrenching, thrilling tale. Eat your heart out, Dan Brown, this is the real thing.' Val McDermid • Effortlessly weaving together past and present, Kate Mosse has written an engrossing 'time-slip' novel - the perfect big summer read. • LABYRINTH combines brilliant storytelling, strong characters with a puzzle that has obsessed men for centuries: the secret of the Grail. • With a gorgeous setting in southern France, this novel will appeal to thousands of readers who visit the region and are fascinated by its history.
When Dr Alice Tanner discovers two skeletons during an archaeological dig in southern France, she unearths a link with a horrific and brutal past. But it's not just the sight of the shattered bones that makes her uneasy;there's an overwhelming sense of evil in the tomb that Alice finds hard to shake off, even in the bright French sunshine. Puzzled by the words carved inside the chamber, Alice has an uneasy feeling that she has disturbed something which was meant to remain hidden...
Eight hundred years ago, on the night before a brutal civil war ripped apart Languedoc, a book was entrusted to Alais, a young herbalist and healer. Although she cannot understand the symbols and diagrams the book contains, Alais knows her destiny lies in protecting their secret, at all costs.
Skilfully blending the lives of two women divided by centuries |
Local review If, like me, you’ve looked across the highway on the way to Narbonne onto La Cité, and wondered at it’s formidable beauty. Or walked its streets and tried to imagine what life must have been like there in the 13th century. Well, wonder no more, but read Kate Mosse’s new novel ‘Labyrinth’.
Her knowledge of the Pays d’Oc, its language, traditions and history recreates the past and fleshes out the present. Her evocation of medieval Carcassonne is both social and historical. Market smells, medicinal potions and chivalric rituals are there along with intrigues, religious and political. It is the era when Christians launched a Crusade against Christians. When the Catholics persecuted and attacked the Cathars. When the north of France joined forces with the Papacy to attack the south. Mosse brings it all to life.
And in amongst all this is the conundrum, the mystery. Based both in the present day of July 2005 and July 1209, two women, Alice and Alaïs are bound together by - intrigue, murder, spirituality, secret societies, and the Holy Grail. Alice of 2005 finds herself drawn into events and mysteries which are as much a part of her life as they were of Alais, 800 years ago.
A wonderful evocative book for everyone who lives and loves Languedoc and who likes a mystery. |
Let me know if you want to buy the book it will be between 15 and 20 euros I presume. Uk price is £9.99, 500+ pages |
Who is Kate Mosse
Kate Mosse presents BBC 4's Readers and Writers Road show and is a regular guest and presenter on BBC Radio 4's Saturday Review, Open Book and Front Row. She is the co-founder and Honorary Director of the Orange Prize for Fiction, and was named European Woman of Achievement for her contribution to the arts. She lives with her husband and children in West Sussex and Carcassonne.
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Transport
RYANAIR ANNOUNCES ITS 15th EUROPEAN BASE
AT NOTTINGHAM EAST MIDLANDS AIRPORT Ryanair, Europe’s No. 1 low fares airline today (Wednesday, 14th September 2005) announced Nottingham East Midlands as its 15th European base. From the 7th of March, Ryanair will base 2 brand new Boeing 737-800 aircraft worth $120M at Nottingham East Midlands Airport and add 10 new routes to its existing 5 routes.
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Wanted new subscribers You know you have some more people that you thought would benefit from it, go on do it now send me those address’s |
| Letter from a new Bonjour, Sometimes we never learn….again…a cautionary tale of Ryanair regulations. What is it about Girona airport? A couple of weeks back we set off to the aforementioned place in order to fly to Liverpool to spend a week relaxing in exotic Ormskirk…(small town near Liverpool where inhabit the family of Mark) not quite as exciting as the prospect of the Canary Isles perhaps but a break ‘en famille’ which we were looking forward to. After the last fiasco with petrol mix-up we were well prepared, the right essence, tyres not too bald, carte gris etc. As we passed through Quillan Mark did the usual checking thing. “Have we got the flight number”? “Yes” “Did you remember your driving licence”? “Yes” “Was the cat outside”? “Yes” “Have we got the passports” “Yes…but Ezra’s seems to have expired in February….” Silence while we considered the worse case scenarios… “Suppose we dropped a bit of blackcurrant juice on the bit that says February?”, I suggested. We decided that defacing a passport could result in something very bad, deportation to the Falkland islands possibly, torture? At the very least lots of boring paper work. So…what shall we do..? umm Decided we would go for ‘innocent surprise’ rather than a full confession of ineptness when we were to arrive at the check-in desk, and drove on knowing in our hearts that people who work for Ryanair are human, and kind and also make lots of silly mistakes themselves all the time… There is the most haphazard parking system at Girona airport, a mad free for all despite signs that warn that cars parked in a ridiculous fashion will be taken away and burnt. All spaces were taken. Opted against the two-wheels-on-a-wall style, and gave in to the pay car park situated some distance away with ‘walk of peril’ across many roads with no pavements. After some time queuing with hearts thumping rather like man in “Midnight Express” while he waits to pass through customs with a lot of strange packets strapped to his abdomen, we arrived in front of a severe looking young lady. “Passports please”….Ezra’s was last, she spotted the problem, few words with colleague…”sorry but you cannot travel with this passport, it has expired”…Tried the wide eyed surprise tactic, the, “but we must travel, this may be the last time Ezra will see his grandma” tactic, and then in desperation pulled an ancient but effective colt45 from handbag… not really… We were directed to a thick glass window which had obviously seen a lot of blows in its time. Two men sat behind, one round and friendly, the other with weird stylish black specs and blond streaks. Mr style reiterated what we had been told but Mr friendly waved him away and said he was sure that it could be sorted with no problem. He telephoned someone while we cheerfully chatted about how great it was that our holiday would be saved. Then he told us there was actually…nothing he could do. Seeing our crumpled expressions he helpfully suggested that we could go on…and Ezra (7 years old) could stay. Must write to Ryanair and explain that well meant proposals such as the above do not really help in these situations and that they could train their staff a little more. Eventually decided that Mark should go on and we would return rather than the whole plan be abandoned, tearful goodbyes, and Ezra and I left feeling very depressed. As I drove back towards France I reflected on how I would be feeling if we were still living in Britain and had missed our holiday to France, near suicide probably. Suddenly things didn’t seem so bad. I had, in a moment of sheer helplessness, promised Ezra he could go to a certain emporium of plastic food, so we turned off to go to Céret which of course is much too cultured to have such a carbuncle. Instead we stopped in the town had a drink and agreed on having a small break there. Booked into a hotel and spent a very agreeable evening eating and wandering around admiring the architecture…or I did anyway. I was looking up at the ancient stone walls of the oldest part of Céret, feeling content, slightly drunk and benevolent towards my young offspring who had behaving exceptionally well after our strange day. “Look at that Ezra, isn’t it beautiful, think how long it must have taken to make a wall like that with no machines etc etc”…We looked for a couple of minutes….”Mum?”, “yes”, I said waiting for a comment about the magnificence of the wallmanship…..how would a cat walk if it only had one leg?” Ten days later I was again driving towards Girona with slight apprehension…airport would have been turned into a Tesco’s? Police would notice the rather smooth back tyres on the car,? Mark would have decided that Ormskirk was in fact the place to be? Mission accomplished despite one and half hour delayed plane from Liverpool. We dashed to Céret just in time to get into the hotel I had booked. We spent another agreeable evening eating and looking at architecture and no one asked about one legged cats, whether they give you anything to eat in prison or whether you would die if your head fell off, as we had left the small being with some friends for the evening. The next day dawned clear and bright, had a relaxed breakfast, wandered in the hills above Céret and then set off home. Unfortunately I had remembered to bring only a map of the whole of France, and we proceeded to do the thing we always do in this situation…a short cut…through a very huge area of Pic de Canigou full of single track wiggly roads. “look its only that far to cut across from Amélie-les-bains to Vinça” I said enthusiastically, “we can cut out Perpignan altogether”…forgetting that an inch of the map equals masses of tortuous driving and passing through villages called La Bastide de something, which have no cafés. Two hours later we took a wrong turning and ended up at “la bastide” which did in fact have a café, which was shut, and looked like it belonged in Wolverhamton bus station. Just another inch to the right and we could have taken in Marseille. Tant pis….retraced and eventually arrived in a pleasant town somewhere not very far from Perpignan…where we collapsed into a bistro. Anyway it was a beautiful drive and we didn’t shout at each other at all. Back in Limoux, the sun was still shining, the boy was pleased to see us and Mark was delighted to be back…must send him back to Liverpool every few months for a bit of ‘remember what its like’ therapy. Right, off to try and water our desert-like piece of Terrain, and gather a lot of cherry tomatoes. It’s the one thing our land grows really well, my gardening neighbours do not regard these as real food and are always bringing us tomatoes the size of a guinea pig. Stock up on the sun! bonsoir, Kate. Seems I needed to publish a little earlier Kate, Steve |
Wineguru Hello all you wine lovers. We have finally returned from our painting holiday in Brittany. If ever you go to Brittany watch out for two shops- Noz and Max Plus. They sell everything and anything with a quick turnover of stock so you have to grab it. They both had fantastic wine bargains from all over France (and mattresses and exotic bird food and plant pots and porn videos etc. etc.)I got some white Coteaux du Languedoc from La Clape area. I know it is like coals to Newcastle but at 1.50 euros per bottle I couldn't resist. It is worth 4 times that! Anyway, back to reality. Who hasn't been to Chateau Pennautier tasting room and bistro in the Cabardes AOC (on the left hand side of RN113 going towards the Leclerc roundabout at Carcassonne). If not shame on you - the food is good and you get a glass of wine thrown in for the set price. They also have a great range of wines, not just from Cabardes but Minervois and St. Chinian to name but two. You can buy them off the shelf without using the Bistro. The last time we were there we had a bottle of Les Hauts de La Borie Blanche from Minervois La Laviniere (the top quality heart of the Minervois region). This is a powerful example of Minervois at its best with a high proportion of syrah and mourvedre. It is spicy and plummy and has a backbone that will help age it beautifully. Not cheap at around 8.50 euros per bottle takeout shelf price but worth every cent. It is definitely a food wine.
Oh and by the way when you eat at Pennautier you can buy extra wine for your meal at the takeout shelf price!
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| Now available due to an independent publishing relationship with Lulu, ‘the worlds fastest-growing provider of print on demand books’.
A POEM FOR ALL REASONS, BOOK I.
BY R. R. J. THATCHER.
Poetry is an exploration of the heart and soul from a personal perspective, reaching out for all to see. These poems tell of adventure, joy, sadness, love and anger and the discovery of the author’s social and spiritual self in our fast changing world.
Ray’s book can be reviewed and/or purchased onpriced at $12.99. NOW. (Approx £7.20 or 11 E )
Note: Because this order is coming from the USA, postage can be excessive. It is cheaper to order 2 copies or spend over $25. The postage is then free, Just select the supersaver delivery option. Why not buy one for a friend as a Christmas gift!
Alternatively, you can email thatcherry@wanadoo.fr giving your name and telephone number and we will order a copy for you. (price 11 E. )
We are planning a Launch party at the Salle de Fete, Gardie. Near St Hilaire on Friday October 28th. 4 - 7 pm. When Ray will be signing copies of his book and reading some of his poems. Come and join us for a glass of Blanquette!
Just what you need to
The History of England and France
A course of 26 lectures by Oxford Historian Hugh Nicklin, at the Salle de Fêtes, Cailhavel, starting Sunday 18th September at 7.30. Ring 0468695683 or go to www.history-man.com, or hdjnicklin@onetel.com
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The garden
La Petite Pépinière de Caunes 21, Avenue de la Montagne Noire (D620, route de Citou), 11160 Caunes-Minervois
plantes vivaces, arbustes d’ornement, plantes grimpantes plantes moins connus plantes qui résistent à la sécheresse visite libre au jardin d’exposition visites conseils sur votre jardin perennials, shrubs, climbing plants unusual plants plants for dry climates visit the show garden advisory visits
Ouverte le vendredi et le samedi (10.00 – 18.00h) et le dimanche matin (10.00 – 12.00h) pendant les mois de mars à novembre, ou sur rendezvous : téléphonez 04 68 78 43 81 ou email gill.cei@wanadoo.fr
For sale or wanted Thanks to my very organised daughter (not!!), I have bought a Ryanair ticket to Stansted for a wrong weekend! If anyone would like the ticket...you can change the name on it through the Ryanair call centre; it is Carcassonne > Stansted and back Thursday 3 Nov to Monday 7th.Nov. I am happy to let it go to the highest bidder. The ticket cost 45 euros, and I'll accept anything over a bottle of wine, rather than let it go to waste! If you fancy a weekend in the UK call me! Or pass my email on to anyone you think might like it. I've no idea what the change in name will cost.elisabethmedleyburgess@wanadoo.fr
Very powerful,large pair of MEADE 20x80 Field 3. 5 degrees BINOCULARS (You can even see the spots on the face of the man in the moon with them!!!!!!!!!!!!) complete with tripod and case. Reason for selling:- They are too heavy for present owner who wishes to purchase a smaller pair. Price:- 200 euros.
Contact Terence Watson, email address: - watson828@aol.com, Tel/Fax 04 68 94 27 32 Services
HOME FURNISHINGS MADE TO MEASURE 30years of experience CONTACT Janis Pagès tel. 0468762613
French lessons on Monday, Tuesday & Thursday afternoons in Villemoustaussou if you could include it in the Flyer! Karen Wallier 06-75-91-55-33
Are you looking for Building Surveyors in France who are professionally trained and RICS qualified and can respond quickly to your survey needs and are conversant with ancient & modern French construction techniques and are French/English bilingual and have experience in architectural design & the remodelling of buildings and are familiar with French bureaucracy and procedures? Then you have found what you are looking for: www.surveyorsinfrance.com
Helping you with your French property is our business
Building
All Building works undertaken, including design ,French planning and legal procedures by French builder experienced with working with English clients. Very competitive prices. For quote or preliminary discussion
Call 00447770946195 Have your hair cut bilingually COUPE D'OR is located on the main road in my home village of ESCUEILLENS ( 5 mins. from Belveze du Razes). After 15 years of experience in the UK where I had my own salon I feel I am able to offer a personal & professional service for women, men & children in a calm & modern environment. The Air conditioned Salon is furnished with the latest equipment & products from Wella. I normally work by appointment yet can be flexible with my opening hours. ANNETTE CARR, COUPE D'OR Telephone 04 68 31 59 95 Home Telephone 04 68 69 34 07
Long winter let required and garden maintenance and design undertaken I'm on the lookout for a three bedroom gite as a long term let in the sense of it being six to twelve months. It has to be in the Montreal/Carcassonne area.My telephone number is 0468693305. Many thanks Louise Baker Jeffrey and Magaret Pullen of St. Hilaire kindly sent me a email of the AUDE FLYER as I'm a newcomer to both St. Hilaire and France. Please add me to the mailing list as it certainly has lots of useful and interesting information in it for both me and the family.Jeffrey also said you might be able to add something about the service that I provide - which is garden design and maintenance. I’ve got twenty years experience of both maintenance and design using indigenous plants aimed at low maintenance. Pruning done with sensitivity and advice freely given. 0468693305. Many thanks Louise Baker
House for sale in Rouvenac by owner, currently a gite (2epis) On the edge of the village 76m² surface area, ground floor kitchen living room, utility room/toilet First floor 2 bedrooms Electric heating, sun terrace with panoramic views over the village Land not adjoining including shaded parking
119,000€ mr.bennavail@wanadoo.fr |
For Private Sale by Owner QUILLAN, FRANCE: Stylish Family home currently for sale in the High Valley of the Aude River See "House Details" page for complete information This classic, bright and sunny home was lovingly remodelled and decorated by it's current owners; one of them a professional film & television stylist who worked in NYC on The Cosby Show, Sesame Street, Disney etc... Everything has been finished to a very high standard and with a lot of attention to detail. All the furnishings & fittings have been carefully chosen and many were special ordered from Scotland, Italy, Belgium & Germany. All the appliances, furnishings, high end fittings, lighting fixtures and electronics sold separately. The house is absolutely ready to move in! Tailor-made for people who want all the comfort and luxury of modern life while enjoying their peace and sunshine in the beautiful Pre-Pyrenees region of the south of France. For Sale 265,000 (Euros)
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What’s on A German Requiem, ( Brahms), will be sung by the Languedoc - Rousillon Regional choir under the direction of William Hedley at the main Church, Collegiale St Michel at Castelnaudary at 9 pm on Saturday 8th October. The first part of the concert is performed by the children's choir of Castelnaudary with works by Dvorak, C Franck and JS Bach. 10 euros.
Sunday 9 October, Vide Grenier- Arzens Sunday 9 October, Vide Grenier- Caderonne, Esperaza Friday 14 October, Kate Mosse, Book signing - Carcassonne Tuesday 15 November, MOBY - Zenith Toulouse Tuesday 15 November , Robert Plant, LA GRANDE HALLE - Toulouse Friday 18 November, COLDPLAY - Zenith Toulouse – SOLD OUT, I do have some tickets that can be bought for around 40€ - let me know if you are interested Wednesday 7 December, TRACY CHAPMAN - Zenith Toulouse 8-11 December, RIVERDANCE - Zenith Toulouse Friday 3 February, DEPECHE MODE - Zenith Toulouse Tuesday 14 March, NIGHT OF THE PROMS - Zenith Toulouse
And on a lighter note
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Archive |
Past issues are available here Issue 01/2004 , Issue 02/2004 , Issue 03/2004 , Issue 04/2004 Issue 01/2005 , Issue 02/2005 , Issue 03/2005 , Issue 04/2005 |
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Steve Hedges |
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