AUDE FLYER

February 2006

                                                        

 

Next flyer March 8th submissions on or before March 1st

Subscribe or unsubscribe at muttonbirds@easynet.co.uk

Past issues http://www.domaine-des-etoiles.com 

  

Bonjour

 Ok so here we are in 2006, the Liverpool flight has started into Carcassonne, next month sees the arrival of the Nottingham flight, who knows what will be added next!?

Ryanair in their wisdom have instituted a system which starts with all bookings made after March 16, whereby theoretically you will pay 3.50 € less per sector for the flight ticket but you will pay 3.50 € to register per checked bag on line in advance. If you leave it and check it in at the airport it is 7.00 €. I guess many will not pre register and therefore will pay more than before?

I still haven’t worked out how Ryanair will reduce a ticket which previously cost 1 cent?

However your baggage allowance does go up to 30kgs, 20kgs hold 10kgs carryon. And be warned that the 10 kgs is strict and I think its 8.00 € per kilo above 10kgs

At this time you will also be able to check-in on line avoiding one of the queues. (EU passport holders only) It seems this process will produce a boarding card and it will be machine read at the airport? I can only imagine you have to line-up for baggage registration and tagging so I am not sure what time will be saved. Good luck

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Special feature in next issue Cars for sale

 There are many things that I find a little more difficult in France, with my less than perfect French, and one of them is buying and selling a car.

So maybe it will be of some assistance to put it in the Flyer if anyone has a vehicle to sell, send me the info and I will put it in the next issue (early march) yes its still free!

 Apologies to anyone who has been sitting waiting expectantly  for the January Flyer, and indeed those contributors whose text has reached a point of being a little dated, but I have been trying in  vain to find a simple way to send this out to the ever  growing number of you. So I am sending now in a very laborious way again.

What’s on? Let me know please!

 I did a quick survey of a few people who receive the flyer and everyone I spoke to thought that someone else would be letting me know of events in their area.

Obviously some people do let me know, but please don’t leave it to someone else to tell me, tell me yourself.  I’d rather have a dozen emails telling me about the same event, than none at all.

After the last flyer I discovered lots of things were happening over the Christmas period in Carcassonne, which no-one had told me about.

So, hit reply in the tool bar and let me know what’s happening in your area, big or small, any nationality, new or old, anything at all.

 The more the merrier for January 06.

 Cheers and thanks

Steve Hedges

Sixty Million Frenchmen Can’t be Wrong

What makes the French so French.

Jean-Benoit Nadeau & Julie Barlow

 

First of all, apologies for the sexism in the title, but it’s based on a Cole Porter song.

 

For any of you who are new to France and indeed for some of you who have been here a little longer, this is a fascinating insight into all the little foibles and contradictions of living in France that you just couldn’t understand.  It is a revelation.  A wonderful book written by two people eager to learn, understand and explain the strange paradox that is France.

 

‘Imagine….a country where people work 35 hour weeks, take seven weeks of paid holidays per year… keep alive their local shopkeepers…finance the best healthcare system in the world….and whose post-industrial consumer society ranks among the most prosperous in the world.  You are now in France.

 

..Imagine a country where citizens tolerate no form of initiative or self-rule, where unions are so pervasive that they virtually dictate the course of government… You are still in France.

 

Written by two Canadians, one of whom is French-Canadian, this is a well-structured analysis into all aspects of French life.  From the early history, through to the predominance of land and farming, what really happened in World War Two, education, society and Europe.  Not only well written but lucid and easy to understand.

Published by Robson Books and available on Amazon (for £3.50), this really is something which should be handed out at Carcassonne airport.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Any avid users of Ryanair may like to see this programme tomorrow night

if you can get Channel 4.

Pass on to friends if you wish.  Chris

 

 

Subject: Documentary on Ryanair, 13 February 2006

 

 

 

Dear website visitor,

 

We are writing to you today to let you know that on Monday at 8pm GMT, Channel 4 in the UK are showing an investigative documentary about the inner workings of Ryanair. They describe the programme as "A major undercover investigation into the way in which Ryanair, one of the largest and most successful low-cost airlines, operates".

 

We would also like to take this opportunity to remind you of the aim of this campaign: to unionise Ryanair employees to protect workers' rights. Trade unions can provide legal support, and also help counting the flight hours properly. There are such contacts, and there are such possibilities.

 

This is step one: join a trade union, and liaise with the relevant officer. Please let us know where you are based, as we can then possibly provide you with a relevant contact person.

 

Then, there is step two: spread the news. Spread the news about this website, so we can have even more updates and information on there, and can offer more help. But also, spread the news about what trade unions can do.

 

This is the only way for us to change things in Ryanair! It is not always an easy way, but it is a very successful way. It has changed the way many airlines operate and treat their employees, it makes a difference in how Easyjet operates, bmibaby, Britannia, and all the others. Please think about this, and if you feel like you want to do more, then get back in touch with us. We would never ask you to do anything which could put your job on the line, as we know many Ryanair workers are in very vulnerable situations.

 

The website was not just created as a forum for complaints, the aim is to raise awareness of how employees at Ryanair are treated and show workers they are not alone, but ultimately the aim is to unionise employees in order to improve their working conditions. The message board is a useful source of information for us and others, but we agree wholeheartedly with you that more needs to be done - but we cannot do this alone. The only way this campaign can move forward  is for employees such as yourself taking positive action to improve your terms and conditions by joining a union.

 

Like you, we hope to change this website so that it's used more and in a more efficient way, so that we make a difference. You can help us do it, and we hope very much that you will.

 

Please keep in touch,

 

Warmest regards,

 

Ingo Marowsky, ITF Aviation Secretary

Letter from a new Limouxine

BONNE ANNEE 2006

 

Hope all your Christmases were full of cheer, well wishing to fellow men, even if they backed into you in Leclerc’s car park, and red green and gold festive twaddle prevailed in merry abundance.

Well it’s over again…what is all that mad build up about? “what d’y mean you forgot the sprouts, have we got enough cheese? What the hell can we get Uncle Henry? He hates everything except cigarettes”, etc etc. Its easy to forget that the celebration is about a small infant whose birth caused great excitement and large gathering of kings, sheep etc, and not about mountains of plastic toys that will become landfill  quicker than you could say away in a manger. Anyway we tried to tell all this to Ezra. He did enjoy putting the “Top –la’ creche out, collecting holly etc, but it was still the plastic mountain that was the centre of the day. I suppose we were all the same at that age….

Enough cynicism. We had a lovely day, woken at 5.00, by “hey mum look Santa gave me a bandage that you put on your finger, then you let it go, and it pings into someone’s face. GREAT!!   and…. a nail through the finger joke….thanks Santa” (Mark). Ezra is still very cautious when it comes to the great question of does the red and white being exist. He did ask me anxiously about 10 days before Christmas to tell him THE TRUTH…’I think I evaded the subject, it being so close to the actual event with “Wow look at that huge cake in Pujola’s window” or some other useful distraction. I think he does know the truth but there is a sort of insurance policy element to be taken into account. If I say “yep he doesn’t exist”…will I still get some toys…

Ahhh January, don’t we love it. Time of sleeping  pale coloured landscape, when it is impossible to remember the searing white light of summer and the welcome coolness of a dappled terrace. Time of numb extremities, pansy covered municipal flower beds and …THE NEW YEARS RESOLUTION.

My two of last year failed. Swearing less, and not putting off phoning people one would rather not, bank managers, dentists etc. This year I have three. Swearing less, not putting off phoning people I would rather not and streamlining THE LIST. So far this one has worked.  On Jan 2nd I went out and bought a huge fat red note book. Each page is a day and a potential list. It saves scrabbling around for the usual A4 piece of paper I start as a list in the morning and then lose by midday. So far most of the information as been doggedly moved from the last page to the next as none of the written items get crossed off, but…..It gives a great feeling of satisfaction and in-controlness.

So what of the new year. The warm cushioned feeling of holiday is evaporating and the credit card bills announce what one really did spend at Christmas. The needle-less trees are appearing on the street corners and the excitement of wearing all ones clothes at one go is fading. One thing is for sure, there are certain things which happened in Britain in the new year which fortunately we don’t seem to experience here.

1/  No one seems to feel the need to camp outside a shop on Jan 1st to make sure they are the first to buy a pink leather sofa.

2/ There does not seem to be the same mania to book a summer holiday as soon as the last turkey sandwich has been eaten.

 I always found it very depressing, the fact that the year was  modelled by…

JANUARY….must book a summer  holiday

FEBRUARY …must make sure we have Easter eggs, I mean Safeway’s have them in now! SEPTEMBER…Oh look B.H.S have got all there Christmas stuff in, that reminds me, what on earth can we get uncle Henry, he hates everything except cigarettes etc etc.

JANUARY….must book a summer holiday.

  It seems that time still moves a little slower here, and if the months are announced by mushroom or wild asparagus picking, or what sort of fruit you can make jam out of at any given time, then that’s great by me. Long may it last! Happy 2006,

Salut, Kate.

 

The Garden

 

January 2006

Id like to wish you all the best for 2006. Each time the New Year comes around we

start to plan for the coming year.

I remember even though the thermometer was in minus figures starting to sow

scented stocks, perennial seeds and sweet peas on heated propagation beds in

January. A lot of satisfaction can be gained from growing plants from seed. Right now you can be pruning Wisteria taking back side shoot to 3 buds to

encourage flowering. Established Hazel trees can have last years growth cut back by

half.

Special plant for this month Witch Hazel Hamamelis x intermedia Pallida its flowers are delicate but its fragrance is its secret strength.

The only word of caution is to check that trees and roses are not suffering from wind rock,make sure that they are well supported and staked.

 Febuary

Did I say prune trees and shubs ? I think I did.....

It seems that the latest snow has left a trail of destruction. Travelling from Montclair to Bram, the roads were blocked with community minded opportunist logging up all the fallen trees.

Lumber jack impressions aside, we are looking forward to giving some thing back by planting a new woodland and orchard this month(weather permitting). On a positive note Imogen and I have been getting our seeds sown in doors ready for early planting.

If you are thinking of living the "goodlife" now is the time to start buying in your seed potatoes, raspberry canes

.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For sale or wanted

 COLLECTABLE TRACTOR FOR SALE

Massey Harris Pony 820 diesil , First registered in 1958 and still in working order or simple restoration project.

A cute little red light weight tractor with working hydraulic lift and  PTO (drive shaft to operate mowers, pumps, diggers etc)

Included Small trailer, Two furrow plough, Disk Harrow, Cultivator harrow, basically the utility vehicle with every thing you need turn a mud patch into a garden of eden.

Every home should have one 

Euro 2500

Delivery possible for more details photos etc phone 04 68 31 35 53

 

Jonathan Barton                                 

Landscape Gardener             

National Diploma Horticulture       

Siret 482 572 302 00016 

13 Rue Du Bassin, Pauligne, 11300, France          

Tel 04 68 31 35 53 

 jonathan.barton@wanadoo.fr 

 

Over 10 years experience, Well Equipped, Professional service.

Mini digger, tractor & long wheelbase transit van for hire.

Regular garden/pool maintenance service year round.

Small or large garden projects terracing and excavation undertaken,

Trees and hedges pruned. Logs and firewood delivered

Supplier and installer of swimming pool security fencing required by French law by January 2006.

Free information and pool survey available. 

Contact Jon for his landscape and gardening service

Art

 ADULTS

ART WORKSHOPS

at l’atelier vert, Montréal

 

For all abilities, in all media, in small groups:

1) Traditional skills/techniques

for drawing and painting

(observation, draughtsmanship, tone,

perspective, painting styles, etc)

or 2) Focus on creativity & imagination

(inc. self-expression, overcoming inhibitions,

abstraction, collage and having FUN!)

 

3 or 5-day workshops with

qualified, experienced tutor/artist.

Tel: 04 68 76 98 82

l’atelier vert, 4 rue Nationale,

11290 Montréal

email: brian@artinswfrance.com  

 

 

 

For sale or wanted

 

Horses for sale: 

 

I have the following horses for sale: Reason for sale: change of life style:

All are very gentle, yet still have there own character, for the beginner or experienced rider, easy to 

catch, groom and clean, no problem also very good for the farrier.

 

All are 12 years old

                                                    1) Grey Lusitanian

2) Grey/white ideal for dressage,all aspects

3) Similar to Carmague/ Grey with brown Flecks

                                                    Aprox - 14.5  & 15 hands

Prices on request

                                                    Can be viewed in the Carcassonne area.

                                                   Tel: 0468-783371        0468-783054

 

 

 

 Household Items for sale Wrought Iron  Different designs

1) gold color large square coffee table with glass top

2) gold color large oblong coffee table with glass top

3) chandeliers suitable for candles colors - gold or black

4) gold colored console with marble top

5) gold cultural bookcase with glass shelves

6) two - black bedside tables with marble top

7) two -black medium size coffee or occasional tables with terra cotta marble top

8) large gold framed mirror

9) gold colored oblong marble top & shelves for TV -video etc

10) two -  large black mirror frames ( no glass)

11) several glass doors external, no actual frame for fixing to wall

12) white colored wardrobe

13) small hanging cabinet with doors (oak)

14) large free standing awning for the summer

15) gas regulator and pipe / gas bottle

16) gold color two small round occasional tables, glass top

17) cream wardrobe with shelves and hanging space

assortment of English lampshades as new: different colours

Plus other bits & pieces

 

If interested give us a call on 0468 783054    - 0468783371 we are in the Laure Minervois area.
 

Fed up with high heating fuel prices?

Come and cut your own wood for your woodburner

2 euros a tree

Domaine de la Souterranne, Argeliers (near Ginestas)

Tel 04 68 40 36 08 Jim or Sarah
 

 

I have just had my heating system changed and have 8 panel convector heaters surplus. Is any reader of the Aude Flyer interested?

 

8 panel heaters available for sale.

 APPLIMO complete with wall mounting frame and connection cable. (Programmed for use with Piloteco).
Used for 1 year only and in full working condition.

2 off  1500watts - 42cm long x43cm high
2 off  2000watts - 102cm long x 46cm high
1 off 1000watts - 42cm long x 43cm high
2 off 500watts - 34cm long x 43cm high
1 off 750watts - 34cm long x 43 cm high

Will sell all as one lot for 200euros ONO---- or separately at sensible
offer.
Many thanks
Dennis.lewin@wanadoo.fr

 

Beware Credit card fraud

This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA & MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.

 One of our employees was called on Wednesday from "VISA", and I was Called on Thursday from "MasterCard".

Note, the callers do not ask for your Card number; they already have it.

 The scam works like this: Person calling says, "This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My Badge number Is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify.

This would be on your VISA card that was issued by (name of bank). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for £249.99 from a Marketing company based in (name of any town or city)?" When you say "No" the caller continues with, "Then we will be issuing a credit to your account.

This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from £150 to £249, just under the £250 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to gives you your address), is that correct?"

You say "yes". The caller continues - "I will be starting a Fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 0800 number listed on the back of your card and ask for Security.

You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. "Do you need me to read it again?"

Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works.

The caller then says, "I need to verify you are in possession of your card". He'll ask you to turn your card over and look for some numbers". There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security Numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card.

These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card.

The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, "That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?"

After you Say No, the caller then thanks you and states, "Don't hesitate to call back; if you do",and hangs up. You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number.

 But after we were called on Wednesday, we called back within 20 minutes to ask a question. Are we glad we did!  

The REAL VISA Security Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of £249.99 was charged to our card.  

Long story made short - we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA account.

VISA is reissuing us a new number. What the scammers want is The 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card.

Don't give it to them.

Instead, tell them you'll call VISA or Master card directly for verification of their conversation.

The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card!

If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN you think you're receiving a credit.

However, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make,and by then it's almost to late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.  

What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from A "Jason Richardson of MasterCard" with a word-for-word repeat of the VISA scam. This time I didn't let him finish. I hung up!

 We filed a police report, as instructed by VISA. The police said they are taking several of these reports daily! They also urged us to tell everybody we know that this scam is happening.

Please pass this on to all your family and friends.

 

Services

English speaking mothers, babies & toddlers group, - an opportunity for your child to enjoy rhyme & song, story & games, fun & play in English, for Mums to relax with a coffee & chat

Each Tuesday 10.30am, between Mirepoix & Fanjeaux, please contact 04 68 60 55 48

This is not at all about segregating ourselves from the local community, we have in fact been asked if French Mums who speak English may come along in order to expose the child to English and of course, all are welcome.  For those of us, whose native tongue is English, it is a chance to ensure that the little ones spend time in groups with English speaking peers as well as their regular French contacts, which is important for the development of the bi-lingual child.

Many thanks

Mrs Marcia Capon  

 

 Qualified UK/French registered electrician at your service

 Jeff Turner, a City and Guilds apprenticeship served UK electrician, is at hand to solve your problems and meet your development needs. Registered in the UK and in France, Jeff offers an “Électricitié Générale” service in the Carcassonne, Limoux and Mirepoix areas. He is fully qualified in electrical and lighting design and installation, and backed by deceniale assurance.

 Put your safety in the hands of a qualified professional.

 Ampere Service Electrique

Jeff Turner MIQA, AMILE

Tel : 04.68.69.41.45,  Fax : 04.68.69.41.45

Siret : 485 189 831 00012

 

I.R.M. (International Renovation et Maintenance)

SARL Mc Gowran Colm 

La Bauzeille Haute

11190 La Serpent

Tel No: 0468 740 556 Mobile: 0626 32 75 78

Email: colmmcgowran@hotmail.fr

Areas covered: Quillan, Limoux, Carcassonne, Castelnaudary, any area up to 50kms. Other areas within the Aude considered.

Project Consultations

Renovations

All Carpentry including Roofing

Kitchen Fitting

Plastering

Tiling

Painting & Decorating

All Other Building Works - please contact us for further details

No. Siret: 48515658200010

 “espace musica”

 Courses offered in:

 Introduction to music

Piano, fiddle (violin for folk music) guitar, accordion (diatonic) recorder

 All instruments for children from 6 to 66