Week 14 2014

Hello!

It’s official – Castillon is ‘Happy!’ 

Have a look at this short film featuring the shopkeepers and people of Castillon.  How many do you recognise?  There’s even a British TV star in amongst them all.  Enjoy, it will bring a smile to your face!

Have a lovely, sunny, happy week in and around the Gironde and Dordogne regions,

Best wishes,

Helen

notjustfortheholidays@orange.fr

Week 14 2014

Monday 31 March

31 March 14h15 : Monuments Men is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

Based on the true story of the greatest treasure hunt in history, The Monuments Men is an action drama focusing on an unlikely World War II platoon, tasked by FDR with going into Germany to rescue artistic masterpieces from Nazi thieves and returning them to their rightful owners.  From director George Clooney, the film stars George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Jean Dujardin, Bob Balaban, Hugh Bonneville, and Cate Blanchett.

Tuesday 1 April

Wednesday 2 April

Thursday 3 April

3 – 4 – 5 April : Friperie at 14 Rue Jean-Louis Faure (next to the Bibliotheque). Friperie is second-hand clothing.

3 – 25 April : Photo Exhibition in Eymet of pictures of past events in the commune since 1990.  Upstairs at the Tourist Office, free entry.

 

 

Friday 4 April

4 – 5 April : 14eme Cinema Festival in Lussac.  To find out more and see the full programme go to http://festi-cine.jimdo.com/festival-2014/   Free entry – a must for film lovers.

4 April 18h30 : Vernissage (opening) of the Photographic exhibition by Josiane Boisseau at the Salle Cascante in Castillon.  Exhibition runs from 4- 14 April

Saturday 5 April

5 April : Rando Pour tous – A walk for all…Take your picnic and walk the whole day, or opt for a shorter half day walk.  A great way to get fit, take in the fresh air and meet new people.  Leaving at 

9h30 behind the Mairie in Castillon.

 

5 April : The Martians are in Pujols!  16h Parade through the streets and then 20h Dinner dance.  For more information contact 06 17 78 23 33 / 06 99 26 37 84

5 April : Paella Night in Ruch. Paella, Dessert and a Disco at the Salles de Fete in Ruch - €12  Call Dominique on 06 58 40 72 68

5 April 20h : Dinner Dance with 80’s music at Salle de Fetes in St Michel de Montaigne call 05 53 58 60 51 for reservations.

 

5 April 19h30 : Dinner Dance at St Vincent de Pertignas in the Salle des Fetes €24 including the apero and dinner and the music.  Contact 05 57 84 16 43

5 – 6 April : Bougez avec le Sauveterrois.  A weekend of events promoting everything good about the countryside around about Sauveterre.

 

Sunday 6 April

6 April : Brocante marché aux puces in Bergerac in Place Cayla, Place de la Myrpe and surrounding streets.

6 April : Fete du Livre et Artisanat in Libourne.

 

6 April : Ralleye Circle Esprit 77.  Treasure hunt by car – gather up a team, find a car and follow the clues to find gems in the countryside you never knew were there… Did you know that the original ship’s bell from the Titanic hangs somewhere in the region? Leaving from la gare de St Seurin sur l'Isle.

Coming up…

And finally…

What makes me happy?  I won something!  I entered an on-line competition from a gorgeous site that makes beautiful handmade gifts http://www.justsewnorthumberland.co.uk/  

And I won a sunglasses case - which is excellent as I had just bought some sunglasses without a case, it was meant to be!  Check out the site as Catherine makes some beautiful things and I've sent a couple of bunnies to new babies...and she sews baby's name into the rabbit's ear.

Pink for a girl.

 

Week 13 2014

Hello,

It’s not often that you find rally cars racing past your driveway, but that’s what happened to us on Saturday… all day!  The car rally in Castillon included a timed track through the lanes on both sides of the river.  It was great to watch, but slightly scary as the road wasn’t actually closed to the public, and by the time the cars had made their final timed lap they were getting pretty quick! (Indulge me with all the car pics - I love the sounds and the smells and the colours and the speed and the thrill...)

Whether you are a speed freak, or prefer a slower pace of life (see below) have a great week in the Gironde and Dordogne regions.

Best wishes,

Helen

notjustfortheholidays@orange.fr

Week 13 2014

Monday 24 March

24 March 14h15 : Monuments Men is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

Based on the true story of the greatest treasure hunt in history, The Monuments Men is an action drama focusing on an unlikely World War II platoon, tasked by FDR with going into Germany to rescue artistic masterpieces from Nazi thieves and returning them to their rightful owners.  From director George Clooney, the film stars George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Jean Dujardin, Bob Balaban, Hugh Bonneville, and Cate Blanchett.

24 March 14h15: The Grand Budapest Hotel is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

Grand Budapest Hotel recounts the adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. The story involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting and the battle for an enormous family fortune -- all against the back-drop of a suddenly and dramatically changing Continent. Starring Ralph Fiennes, F.Murray Abraham and Edward Norton

24 March 20h15 : 12 Years a Slave is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

Based on an incredible true story of one man's fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty (personified by a malevolent slave owner, portrayed by Michael Fassbender), as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon's chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist (Brad Pitt) will forever alter his life.

Tuesday 25 March

25 March 14h15: The Grand Budapest Hotel is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

Wednesday 26 March

26 March : L’Atelier du Pain.  Last chance to learn how to make bread from a master baker in Civrac sur Dordogne.  To find out more contact 05 57 41 48 86 / 06 79 74 34 30

Thursday 27 March

27 March 20h30 : Concert - Les Grandes Heures de Saint-Emilion at Château de Ferrand

Quatuor à cordes Girard

Debussy, Schubert, Beethoven

For booking information go to http://www.grandesheuresdesaintemilion.fr/Tarifs_et_reservation.html

27 March 20h30: The Grand Budapest Hotel is showing in VO at La Breche in Ste Foy la Grande.

Friday 28 March

Saturday 29 March

29 March : Saturday weekly Farmer’s Market in St Foy la Grande.  If you have never been then it’s a wonderfully busy bustling local market, full of local produce and regional specialities, well worth a visit.

Please can you all help? Ste Foy Market has entered the best market in France competition; they are up against big towns like Lille. If they win last year's Top Chef winners will come to Ste Foy and film a programme. This would be brilliant for the town and its economy. All you have to do is go to the site www.monmarcheprefere.fr and register your vote, you can place one vote per day.!

29 March  - 5 April : Primeurs Tasting.  If you would like to taste some St Emilion 2013 wines before they are bottled go to the Comptoir des Vignobles in St Emilion.  They are offering wine tastings throughout the week.  See http://www.saint-emilion-tourisme.com/uk/shopping.html?idcat=cavistes&idfiche=103

Sunday 30 March

The clocks changed in the night…they ‘spring forward’.  An hour less in bed in the morning, but the evenings will magically get longer…

 

30 March  - 2^nd round in the local elections.  I love how they announce ‘Vote’ when you put your blue envelope in the box!

30 March 20h45: The Grand Budapest Hotel is showing in VO at La Breche in Ste Foy la Grande.

Coming up…

 

And finally…

From the speed and technology of the racing cars to the peace and tranquillity of yesteryear… This is the sight that met me when I arrived in St Emilion last weekend. 

Week 12 2012

Hello!

Spring-like and soft and light

 

A new challenge last week, and a new haircut this week.  All this beautiful warm weather made me want to shed my winter coat and have something light and spring like!  Thank you Lizzie.

Lizzie Fairhurst welcomed me into her peaceful salon on the hills behind Gensac and set about weaving her magic, a relaxing smile inducing hair wash and head massage, followed by a skilful cut left me feeling rejuvenated.  Lizzie has worked in hairdressing for over 25 years, spending 5 of those teaching at the Tony and Guy Manchester academy.  I’m a nervous customer when it comes to my hair – after all, I’ve got enough of it, but I was in completely safe hands.  To contact Lizzie and find out more go to http://about.me/lizziefairhurst

Whatever you do in this spring like weather, have a great time in the Gironde and Dordogne regions,

All this... :(

Best wishes,

Helen

notjustfortheholidays@orange.fr    

Week 12 2014

Monday 17 March

17 March 14h, 16h & 19h30 : The Grand Budapest Hotel is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

Grand Budapest Hotel recounts the adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. The story involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting and the battle for an enormous family fortune -- all against the back-drop of a suddenly and dramatically changing Continent. Starring Ralph Fiennes, F.Murray Abraham and Edward Norton

17 March 16h : 12 Years a Slave is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

Based on an incredible true story of one man's fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty (personified by a malevolent slave owner, portrayed by Michael Fassbender), as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon's chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist (Brad Pitt) will forever alter his life.

Tuesday 18 March

18 March 14h, 16h & 19h30 : The Grand Budapest Hotel is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

Wednesday 19 March

19 March 16h & 21h45 : The Grand Budapest Hotel is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

19 March 20h30 : Concert at Chateau Fombrage as part of Les Grandes Heures Season.

Marc Coppey, violoncelle,Liana Gourjia, violon, Peter Laul, piano

Haydn, Chostakovitch, Tchaïkovski

To see the full programme go to http://www.grandesheuresdesaintemilion.fr/Page_daccueil.html

Thursday 20 March

20 March 16h & 21h45 : The Grand Budapest Hotel is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

20 March 19h30 : Monuments Men is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

Based on the true story of the greatest treasure hunt in history, The Monuments Men is an action drama focusing on an unlikely World War II platoon, tasked by FDR with going into Germany to rescue artistic masterpieces from Nazi thieves and returning them to their rightful owners.  From director George Clooney, the film stars George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Jean Dujardin, Bob Balaban, Hugh Bonneville, and Cate Blanchett.

20 March 19h30 : August : Osage County is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.
A look at the lives of the strong-willed women of the Weston family, whose paths have diverged until a family crisis brings them back to the Oklahoma house they grew up in, and to the dysfunctional woman who raised them.  Starring Meryl Streep, Dermot Mulroney and Julia Roberts.

Friday 21 March

21 March 16h & 21h45 : The Grand Budapest Hotel is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

21 March 19h30 : August : Osage County is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

21 March 16h : Monuments Men is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

21 – 22 – 23 March : Bordeaux Aquitaine Classic Cars rally together, leaving the Allees de Tourney in Bordeaux in the morning and driving over to Castillon ,  meeting in the town and then for time trials in the hills.  To find out more including the programme for the day go to http://www.newsclassicracing.com/2e-Rallye-Bordeaux-Aquitaine and http://rallyebordeauxaquit.free.fr/

Saturday 22 March

22 March  : Fete le Printemps in Castillon at the Centre Culturel (opposite Intermarche)

22 March 16h & 21h45 : The Grand Budapest Hotel is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

22 – 23 March : Brocante Antiquites (Les Puces Bordelaises) at the Parc Expo at Bordeaux Lac.  Entrance €3

 

Sunday 23 March

23 March : Election Day.  First round of Local Elections for your Mayor.  S/He's your first port of call if you have any questions, queries and complaints in you village, so it's worth finding out who s/he is, and if you're not happy, here's a chance to have a say.

23 March 16h & 18h15 : The Grand Budapest Hotel is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

23 March 20h30 : Monuments Men is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

23 March 20h30 : August : Osage County is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

Coming up…

24 March 14h15 : Monuments Men is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

And... HELP!  I don't know what else is coming up...  If you hear of any events, or have something you want to share or promote, let me know and I'll add it in.

And finally…

 

One of our swarms didn’t make it through the winter and when we looked inside the hive the bees were gone.  Surprisingly though, they had left behind a large amount of comb filled with honey.  Extracting honey from free-form comb isn’t as easy as comb on a frame…  Our kitchen has had an interesting hanging feature this week.  Result… 4 jars of honey.  Amazing, when you remember that each bee only makes a teaspoon of honey in a lifetime.