Newsletter - The British Association of the Var

December 2015
Newsletter
No 163
Kentington's Seminar
There were no fireworks on 5 November but there were a
couple of 'guys' speaking at the Kentington's Finance Seminar.
This was held at the Hotel Les Esparrus in Villecroze with an
interesting and enlightening presentation during the morning
by Robert Kent of Kentingtons and Jonathan Dickson of
Redmayne Bentley. Robert covered a
number of aspects of the tax forms
together with a raft of new tax
legislation whilst Jonathan dealt with
the
investment
markets
and
currency. Such was the diversity of
subject matter and detail that most
attendees left having benefited from
newly gleaned advice.
The meeting was followed by a delightful
lunch largely sponsored by Kentingtons. We thank Robert for this
enlightening event and his continued support of the BAV and Les
Esparrus for the lunch.
1
Forthcoming Events
Committee meeting
11 December
Christmas Lunch in St Aygulf
5 December
Lunch in Moissac Bellevue
15 January
Lunch in Montferrat
27 February
AGM in Le Muy
16 March
Christmas Lunch
Once again we are going to the St Aygulf
hotel by the sea for lunch on 5 December at
12 noon. The cost is €32.50 for members and
€34.50 for non-members, including an
apéritif, wine and coffee.
Menu:
Aperitif - Kir
.......
Buffet de Hors d’Œuvres
.......
Filet de bœuf aux cèpes
......
Assiette de fromage
.......
Pâtisserie maison au choix
.......
Vin AOC rouge et rosé
........
Café
There will be a vegetarian option available for
the main course – please make this clear on
your booking form if required.
The hotel is on the coast road, on the right as
you approach St Aygulf from Fréjus. Please
return the booking form by 20 November.
www.baofthevar.com
See
the
Latest
News
and
Forthcoming Events on our BA
website
2
British Association of the Var
Welfare Coordinator
Ann Mitchem
04 94 70 74 55 or 06 43 86 49 01
welfare@baofthevar.com
______________________________________
Lunch at Bastides des Moines at
Montferrat
Saturday 27 February 2016. 12 noon. The
menu will be 27€ with guests at 29€. Those of
you who have been before will know the
delights of the huge range of entrées,
fromage and desserts to choose from on the
buffet, in addition to the main course.
Buffet d'entrées, un plat chaud au choix,
buffet de fromages et de desserts, vin à
modération pendant le repas
Idées de Suggestions – plat chaud:
Gigot d'agneau au jus
Joue de bœuf en cocotte
Chevreuil grand’veneur
Faux -filet grillé origine C.E.E
Magret de canard grille
Filet mignon aux délices des bois
Daube de sanglier
Kangourou en poivrade
Filet de rouget au beurre blanc
Pied paquet de Sisteron
Assiette végétarienne
Dos de cabillaud à la provençale
On the right as you approach Montferrat from
the south on the D955.
Lunch at Moissac Bellevue
Restaurant Bellevue at Le Cours,
83630 Moissac Bellevue has been reserved
for 15 January 2016
at 12 noon.
The price to members is 20€ and guests
22€.
The fixed menu is as follows:-
Ravioli aux champignons, sauce au saumon
et croûtons.
Steak, salade et frites
Dessert
Café
25cl du vin
“What’s On” Guide
Zenith Oméga, Toulon: 0892 700 840
www.zenith-omega-toulon.com
Opera House, Toulon: 04 94 93 03 76
www.operadetoulon.fr
Draguignan Theatre: 04 94 50 59 59
www.theatresendracenie.com
Forum Theatre, Fréjus and Centre Culturel, St
Raphaël: 04 94 95 55 55 www.aggloscenes.com
December 2015
Also Marchés de Noël in most towns and villages.
5 Dec St Maximin-la-Ste-Baume, Croisée des Arts.
Big band concert. 20h45. €17. 04 94 86 18 90
5-6 Dec Fréjus, Le Clos des Roses, RD37. Marché
de Noël.
5-6 Dec Ste Maxime, Théâtre de la Mer. Salon
Plaisirs et Chocolat. 10h00-19h00. Free.
08 26 20 83 83
6 Dec Montauroux, Cinema. Ballet film – La Dame
aux Camelias. 16h00. 04 94 47 75 90
6 Dec Les Arcs, Château Ste Roseline. Noël au
Château. 10h00-17h00. Free. 04 94 99 50 30
10 Dec St Raphaël, Salle Félix Martin. Chansons:
Piaf! – musical. 20h30. €26. 04 98 11 89 00
11 Dec Lorgues, Chapelle St François. L’Harmonie
Lorguaise band with saxophone quartet. 20h15.
Free. 06 60 90 08 97
12 Dec Lorgues, Espace F. Mitterand. Concert de
Noël – Ensemble Choral de Lorgues. 20.45. Free.
04 98 10 27 76
12 Dec Claviers, Eglise St Sylvestre. Concert de
Noël. 17h00. Free.
12 Dec Draguignan, Pôle Culturel Chabran.
Concert de Noël. 20h30. Free. 04 83 08 30 30
13 Dec Lorgues, Château de Berne. Antiques Fair.
04 94 60 43 61
15 Dec St Zacharie, Eglise St Jean Baptiste. Misa
Tango concert – CAD Vocale. 20h30
18 Dec Ste Maxime, Carrée Léon Gaumont.
Cirque Bleu de Vietnam. 20h30. €22.
04 94 56 77 77
18 Dec Figanières, Collège. Concert Masterclass
“Les Choeurs du Sud”. 20h30. 06 65 48 94 33
18 Dec St Raphaël, Palais de Congrès. St Raphaël
Chamber Orchestra and soprano – Vivaldi, and
opera arias. 20h30. €26.
18 Dec Cotignac, Chapelle St Martin. Concert –
Roland Virieux, baritone. 04 94 04 61 87
18 Dec Cavalaire-sur-Mer, Salle de Fêtes. Misa
Tango concert – CAD Vocale.
18 Dec Fayence, Eglise St Jean-Baptiste. Gloria
(Vivaldi) – Estelerenco choir. 20h00.
04 93 69 33 10
18 Dec Les Arcs, Café de la Tour. Fish and chips book by previous Monday please. 12h00. €12.50.
04 94 73 30 56
19 Dec Ste Maxime, Eglise. Concert – Chorale des
Enfants de la République Tchèque. 20h30. €15.
04 94 56 77 53
19 Dec St Maximin-la-Ste-Baume, Croisée des
Arts. Acrobatic circus from Australia. 20h45. €15.
04 94 86 18 90
19-21 Dec St Tropez, Salle Jean Despas. Salon du
Chocolat et des Gourmandises. 10h00-19h00.
Free. 08 92 68 48 28
20 Dec Figanières, Eglise St Michel. Concert de
Noël. 17h30. 04 94 67 94 79
20 Dec Fayence, Espace Culturel. Ballet film –
Nutcracker. 15h00. €20. 04 94 85 00 35
20 Dec Cotignac, Eglise St Pierre. Concert – Gloria
(Vivaldi). 16h00. 04 94 04 61 87
20 Dec Cotignac, Cinema. Opera film – Joan of
Arc (Verdi). 18h00. 04 94 04 61 87
26 Dec St Tropez, cinema. Ballet film – Swan
Lake. 16h00.
27 Dec St Tropez, Eglise. Organ recital with
Musica Antica Provence. 17h00. Free.
27 Dec-4 Jan Fayence, Le Grand Jardin. Salon
des Antiquaires. 8h00-17h00. 04 94 76 11 11
_______________________________________________________
At my age, ‘getting lucky’ means walking into a
room and remembering what I came in for.
Anonymous
_______________________________________________________
3
Chairman's Report
At the beginning of November we held a Finance
Seminar sponsored by Kentingtons. A brief report is
given on this elsewhere in this newsletter. Whilst
this was well attended, as thankfully have been the
majority of BAV events this year, it is interesting
that with us having over 420 members only about
6% of the membership booked to attend. Hopefully
the remaining 94% of the membership make their
own arrangements to complete the tax forms or
are paying tax in the UK or elsewhere. However we
are concerned that there are those who do not
take an active interest in tax in France especially
as, not only is there the income tax but also social
taxes of 15.5% on which there is no threshold. Do
members complete their own tax forms or are we
so pleased to be in a country with abundant
sunshine and a lower rate of taxation (excluding
the social taxes) that we are happy to pay up in
France? There are matters of particular importance
and with financial consequences:
for example, it is obligatory to advise the French
tax authorities of all non-French bank and deposit
accounts. If this information is not given there is a
potential fine of 1500€ for each account not
disclosed. Equally the qualification for French
residency is often misunderstood and if you spend
more time in France than elsewhere (this may be
less than 6 months), have your principal residence
in France or have a Carte Vitale, you will be
considered to have French residency. An
interesting example was detailed at the meeting by
Robert Kent in that there are several British people
who complete the usual blue tax form 2042 for
income and for dividend income but do not
complete pink form 2047 thereby not receiving the
double tax treaty abatement of 40%!! The situation
regarding tax declarations becomes more complex
next year when they are due to be submitted
electronically.
On a happier note we are looking forward to seeing
a large number of members at the Grand Christmas
Lunch at Hotel St Aygulf which is held in
conjunction with VIAC. If last year is anything to go
by the event should be very sociable and with an
excellent meal. At the time of writing bookings
have been going well so hopefully you will have
booked well in advance. If not it may be sensible
before sending in your cheque to ask Kevin Bell if
space is available. If you are not able to join us
then the Committee and I wish you a very pleasant
and peaceful festive season wherever you are.
Finally we have 2 particularly good lunches
arranged in January and February so please book
early.
4
Where is it?
Each month we will
show a photograph of
somewhere in the Var,
some easier to spot
than others, and we
would like you tell us
where it is at:
newsletter@baofthevar.com or 04 94 50 38 46.
The first right answer received will get a mention
the following month. November’s photograph was
spotted by Mim Kay as being Aups – well done,
Mim!
_______________________________________________________
Committee Changes
Having achieved a full capacity of the BAV
Committee at the last AGM we regrettably have to
announce that Miriam Robinson has proffered her
resignation from the Committee as she and her
husband, Peter, have decided to dispense with the
delights of the Var and move to south west France
and the Lot valley. We naturally offer them our
very best wishes for a long and happy stay in their
new home. Miriam has been a valuable member of
the team and has usefully assisted Ann in dealing
with welfare issues.
The result of this is that there is a new opening for
another Committee member ideally to assist or deal
with welfare issues. With the AGM approaching in
March, if anybody is interested in joining the
Committee please let us know.
_______________________________________________________
New Members
We welcome to membership of the British
Association of the Var: Jill Harrington from Le Muy,
Martin and Louise Stringer from Le Val, Timothy
Molyneux and Katrina Donaldson from Flassanssur-Issole; Alan Green and Adrianne Bradshaw
from Grimaud, and Alwyn and Sue Lacey-Jones
from St Raphaël – again, a good geographical
spread this month.
The BAV has created a Facebook
page to enable us to keep
you informed about up and coming
events and also events that have
already been held. Shortly, we will
be asking you to become “friends”
with us but you do not have to wait, find us on this
link
https://www.facebook.com/BAoftheVar/
Welfare Coordinator Required
Despite the date being some way off, we are now
contemplating the AGM in 2016. In connection with
this we need to focus on any nominations for
Committee and this has been highlighted by the
loss of Miriam Robinson who is relocating to the
Lot. Ann Mitchem, the present Welfare
Coordinator, had expressed at the AGM this year
that she wished to take a back seat from her
activities as Welfare Coordinator and she had been
mentoring Miriam with a view to Miriam taking over
this role. We are therefore urgently in need, once
again, of a nominee for this role and would ask any
persons interested in this to contact any of the
Committee
or
the
Chairman
at
robertmflanagan@hotmail.com Every assistance
will be given to assist the easy transition into this
role.
Benefits for BAV members
(Please show your membership card)
Flayosc Co-operative - 5% discount available
with the special BAV fidelity card. Full range of
wines and sparkling wine available together with
fresh cheeses, wine accessories etc.
Lei Cigales, Route de Draguignan, Villecroze
04 98 53 02 88. Offer: complementary espresso
coffee in this restaurant specialising in galettes
and crepes with a separate menu du jour at
13.50€.
Nathalie and Fabrice Alric Antiquities, Place de
l'eglise, Villecroze - Offer 10% discount on a
range of antique style household furnishings and
a larger discount on antiques.
La Provençal, Place Martin Bidoure, Aups. 04 94
70 00 24. Free espresso coffee with meal.
Le Grand Hotel, Place du Général Duchatel,
Aups. 04 94 70 10 82. Free coffee or digestif
with meal.
Les Trois Marches, 11 Cours Gambetta, Cotignac.
04 94 04 65 99. Pretty provençal restaurant. Free
espresso coffee with meal.
Hotel and restaurant L’Orée du Bois, Quartier Ste
Roseline, Le Muy. 04 98 11 12 40. Free coffee or
tea with meal.
New York Break, 19 rue Picot, close to Place de
la Liberté, Toulon. 04 94 98 69 14 or 06 42 65 08
21. Free drink with every meal.
Aviva Insurance, Vidauban. Luc de Bardonnèche
offers various insurance discounts for BAV
members – see his advert in the Newsletter.
JF-Assurances. www.jf-assurances.com, e-mail
jf@jf-assurances.com. Tel. 04 94 40 60 94.
10% discount against detailed quotations.
MEMBERS’ GROUPS
Boules / Lunching / Golf Group
We are still currently playing in
the mornings but at the later time
of 10.15. So please contact me
at:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx if you wish to join us.
_______________________________________________________
The Azur Photography Group
The Photography Group’s recent visit to the chapel
at Lac St Cassien happened to
coincide with a mini whirlwind
of autumn leaves which had
members scrambling for their
cameras as soon as they
arrived. Things then resumed
more sedately and we moved
on to photograph the chapel and the nearby ruined
mill. The former was used historically by passing
traders and pilgrims en route from Draguignan to
Grasse.
Once again when the group presented the pick of
their photos from the visit, it was intriguing to see
how individual members selected different
perspectives of the
same subject. Of
particular
interest
was the successful
attempt by several
members
to
photograph
the
interior of the chapel
which to the naked eye was just a dark space
lacking any detail.
For more details, please contact Mike Harper:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
_______________________________________________________
Painting Group
There will not be a painting group meeting until
after the Christmas break.
_______________________________________________________
Emergency contacts:
Medical help/SAMU
15
Police/Police Nationale
17
Fire and accident/Sapeurs Pompiers
18
SOS – all services (calling from a mobile) 112
BAV Welfare phone
06 42 86 49 01
EDF English speaking number 05 62 16 49 08
Orange English speaking No
09 69 36 39 00
5
La Chenille Processionnaire
(Processionary Caterpillar)
After the tiger mosquito and the red weevil, the
environment section of Cavem (communauté
d'agglomération Var-estérel-Méditerranée, which
covers Les Adrets de l'Estérel, Fréjus, Puget sur
Argens, Roquebrune-sur-Argens, Saint-Raphaël)
are now turning their attention to the
processionary caterpillar which, for several years,
has been attacking pine trees and which presents a
serious health risk.
As its defence mechanism, the caterpillar releases
irritant hairs into the air which cause allergic
reactions in humans and pets, ranging from itching
on the hands or neck to eye and respiratory
problems. For instance, a dog whose tongue
touches one of these caterpillars risks losing part of
the tongue if not treated immediately. It is
dangerous to touch even an empty nest as the
hairs remain active for several months.
All public areas will be treated, including schools,
squares, car parks, parks and roadsides. The public
in the Cavem area can ring for advice if concerned
about these caterpillars: 0 800 10 40 11
_______________________________________________________
Bargain Basement
Golf clubs - 1 assorted bag of left handed Golf
clubs FOC; 1 assorted bag of right handed golf
clubs FOC; 1 NIKE golf travel bag. Used once 30€;
1 electric golf trolley Mocad, nearly new 30€; 2
pairs of golf shoes sizes 9 & 10 FOC; 1 manual golf
trolley FOC.
Pam and Roy Corless, Lorgues xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Awning - Electric awning for sale, 5.80 metres
wide and almost 3 metres deep. Very good
condition in a pale beige colour including a full
width aluminium rain cover. An absolute bargain.
Offers around € 200. John Lloyd, Aups
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.
6
Montauroux Coffee Morning
10 November was a
glorious
warm
sunny autumnal day
and an ideal day for
Sandie and Geoff
Docherty to hold
their annual preChristmas
coffee
morning.
The morning was busy with a good attendance of
BAV Committee, members and local friends anxious
to taste the full range of biscuits, cakes, coffee and
snacks whilst at the same time as taking advantage
of the selection of books and Christmas cards.
Royal British Legion poppies were also available.
A total of 451€ was collected made up of 65€
donations, 96€ for books and 290€ for Christmas
cards.
Once again we ended up
with more books than we
brought thanks to new
books being donated.
We are grateful therefore
to Geoff and Sandie for
their efforts in holding
this event.
VISIT PROVENCE –
(places to go in the Var and beyond)
“Train des Pignes” – Nice to Digne-le-Bains
Located in south-east France,
the historic Chemins de Fer de
Provence railway crosses two
French regions: the Maritime
Alps and the Alps of HauteProvence and celebrated its centenary in 2011. The
train connects Nice and Digne-les-Bains in 3 hours
and 30 minutes. The scenery shifts from swaying
palm trees on the Côte d’Azur to olive groves, fields
of wild thyme and snowy mountains. This unique
151km journey will take you right to the heart of
Provence with four daily return trips between Nice
and Digne-les-Bains, serving around 10 stations
and 30 other stops. There are paid parking spaces
in front of the station in Nice. You can also park in
one of the tram park-and-ride carparks for the
price of a return tram ticket. The return journey
can be done in a day, with time for lunch and
sightseeing in Digne, and costs €46.60. No booking
necessary. There is a free on-board commentary.
The station in Nice can be found at: Gare de
Chemins de Fer de Provence, 4 bis rue Alfred Binet,
06000 Nice. See website for timetable and more
information:
http://tourisme.trainprovence.com/accueil-english2/
Steam Train option (Nice to Annot)
Take the regular train service from Nice to PugetThéniers to connect with the steam train.
Available every Sunday from May until October,
plus Fridays in July and August. The regular train
service leaves Nice at 9:25 a.m. and arrives in
Puget-Théniers at 10:36 a.m. The steam train
leaves Puget-Théniers at 10:55 a.m. and arrives in
Annot at 12:05 p.m , leaving again at 3:00 p.m.
giving plenty of time for lunch, and arrives in
Puget-Théniers at 3:40 p.m. The regular train
service leaves Puget-Théniers at 4:27 p.m. and
arrives in Nice at 5:45 p.m. Ticket prices: Adult
return trip from Nice to Annot: €39/person. Child’s
return trip from Nice to Annot: €29/person.
Booking is compulsory. Please call 04 97 03 80 80.
Income declaration on line
next year
It will be obligatory to make your income
declaration online next year if your 2015 tax
statement (2014 income) showed taxable income
of €40,000 or more. Following this, more people
will be required to declare online each year until all
income brackets are covered by 2019. The next
group concerned, in 2017, will be those with a
taxable income for 2015 of €28,000 or more.
People with no internet connection will be exempt.
_______________________________________________________
Hearing Aids
According to UFC-Que Choisir (the French
equivalent of “Which” magazine), 2 million people
in France who need hearing aids are not equipped
with them because of the high cost involved, as
only a small fraction is reimbursed by the health
service: 60% of a fixed rate of €199.77 (or
€119.86), which is nowhere near the cost of good
quality aids available. Check if your mutuelle will
pay some of the cost also.
To have any reimbursement you need first to visit
an ENT doctor for a prescription, usually having
been referred by your GP. The specialist will do
hearing tests and advise if you could benefit from
using an aid. If so, they will make out a
prescription, which you take to a hearing aid
provider (audiprosthétiste). Check that the aid you
choose is on the list of approved ones. Free
hearing tests are offered once a year on the
Journée de l’Audition: see www.journeeaudition.org for details. The next one is on 10
March 2016.
_______________________________________________________
Cancer Support Group
Do you know that the lovely English speaking
Cancer Support Group 06 now have a help line
voicemail number. Please put the number into your
mobile phone and in your address book and pass it
on to any English speaking people you know who
live in the 06 (Alpes Maritimes) area and in the Var.
The number is 07 68 38 74 70. It is checked every
day so if you, a family member or friend, are
touched by cancer, please leave a message with
your name and contact details and they will return
your
call.
http://cancersupportgroup06.wix.com/csg06
7
Wasting money on phone contracts
MOST people with unlimited mobile
telephone contracts could be wasting
money on deals averaging from €20
to €40 a month – as they do not use
anything like the amounts needed
to make the contracts worthwhile.
Statistics from the French telecoms
regulator Arcep show the average
mobile phone user makes 3hr 4min of calls, sends
400 texts and uses 438Mb of internet data – far
below the unlimited calls, texts and 3Gb of internet
usage of expensive contracts. It is possible that for
the vast bulk of people a €15 contract is all they
need.
Many people are already well placed to find
something cheaper as their deals are sans
engagement, meaning they can cancel their forfait
at any time without penalty. Since the turn of this
year 51% of people are on deals that do not tie
them to one operator and can switch their deal to
whatever best suits their usage and at the best
price. Since the arrival of Free Mobile on the
market there has been a vast increase in the
numbers and variety of contracts available with
prices ranging from €2 – or even free if you have a
Freebox internet and TV deal.
Free has targeted young people with its €2 deal
that offers two hours of calls (including
landlines in 100 countries), unlimited texts and
50Gb of internet. But that is also ideal for the over60s, who Arcep says use the phone for 26minutes
of calls, about 40 texts and virtually no internet
use. Indeed, 52% of mobile phones in France do
not have internet access and if you are one of the
ones without a smartphone then you can ignore
internet deals and can concentrate on those that
give as much free calling time as possible.
For example, Sosh, the low-cost offshoot of
Orange, has a €9.99 deal that gives unlimited calls
and texts in France. Free international calls cost an
extra €10 a month. Above this price internet access
is included and the other companies’ offshoots
(such as SFR/Red and Bouygues/B&You) have
deals hovering around €15 that give different mixes
of internet/calls. The low-cost deals share one
thing: they cut costs by doing everything from
setting up contracts, to settling payments and
seeking help, online.
The European Commission has cut the cost of
phone use while travelling so one phone could be
all you need – but the key to getting the best out
of a phone is to have a good network. While
Orange, SFR and Bouygues all have 99% phone
coverage (3G and 4G internet coverage is less)
8
Free, which uses the Orange network where its
own is weak, has faced several challenges on its
service quality.
The Bereavement Support
Network of the Var (BSN)
This organisation exists to support not only the
bereaved but also those who are terminally ill,
and their families and friends. If you, or
someone you know, could benefit from our
confidential, free support, then please contact:
Sandra - 04 94 84 64 89 or 06 32 35 31 24
info@bsnvar.org or www.bsnvar.org
for further information.
Committee
Chairman - Rob Flanagan
chairman@baofthevar.com
Secretary - Michael Wharton
secretary@baofthevar.com
Acting Treasurer – Rob Flanagan
treasurer@baofthevar.com
Welfare Coordinators –Ann Mitchem
welfare@baofthevar.com
Events Secretary - Kevin Bell
events@baofthevar.com
Publicity – Sandie Docherty
publicity@baofthevar.com
webmaster@baofthevar.com
Book-keeper – Blake Long
treasurer@baofthevar
John Lloyd
john1@baofthevar.com
Important non-Committee Members
Membership Secretary - Peter Rowson
membership@baofthevar.com xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Newsletter Editor – Shirley Rowson
newsletter@baofthevar.com xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
_______________________________________________________
Please let us have your Advertisements, Articles and
Reports for the January issue by
Tuesday 15 December
All contributions to: newsletterbav@gmail.com
or to Shirley Rowson,
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Please Note: We appreciate the support of our
advertisers and encourage members to consider using
their services; however, BAV cannot take responsibility
for the quality of goods and services.
Desperate to Stop?
call Alcoholics Anonymous
24 hour helpline –
08 20 20 02 57 aa-riviere.org
Refuges swamped by
abandoned cats
Passport renewal
Animal refuges around France have launched a
campaign urging cat owners to have their pets
sterilised, as they are struggling to cope with an
ever-growing number of abandoned felines. The
poster campaign, which has sprung up at rescue
associations nationwide, is the initiative of a
collective
called
Chats
100%
Sterilisation
Obligatoire. It has written to agriculture and
environment ministers Stéphane Le Foll and
Ségolène Royal calling for a law to be passed
making cat sterilisation a legal requirement in
France. The group says a law is the only way to
stop the soaring numbers of abandoned and
mistreated cats that refuges are having to deal
with on a daily basis - putting a strain on their
finances and on volunteers' time.
_______________________________________________________
“Green” disc to come into force
on 1 January 2016
A new anti-pollution system will be introduced in
January 2016 to identify the pollution level of
emissions of each car and a different coloured
windscreen sticker will be issued numbered 1 to 6
to identify the level of pollution. These levels are as
follows:
Green – Level 1 Petrol engines after 1 January
2011.
Yellow – Level 2 Petrol engines between 1
January 2006 and 31 December 2010, and diesel
engines
after
1
January
2011.
Orange – Level 3 Petrol engines between 1
January 1997 and 31 December 2005, and diesel
engines between 2006 and end of 2010.
Red – Level 4 Diesel engines between 2001 and
2005.
Brown – Level 5 Diesel engines between 1997 and
2000.
Grey – Level 6 Petrol and diesel engines before
1997.
Advantages
for
the
cleanest
engines:
To travel during peaks of pollution or in controlled
areas, to benefit from parking advantages, and
other access benefits - possibly use of bus lanes.
This certificate is optional and can be ordered on
line free during the 6 months before 1 January
2016, after which it will cost €5. The object is to
persuade motorists to cooperate in this clean-up
exercise. There is also a bonus of €10.000 for
those who get rid of their pre-2001 diesel vehicle to
buy a 100% electric vehicle, or €6.500 for the
purchase of a hybrid rechargeable car.
I read in the March newsletter an
article written by Andrew Lewis Smith
on passports. My experience was to
follow his instructions to the letter, so
on the 2nd November went on line
and on the 3rd November posted my
passport by registered post to the UK
and was over the moon when my new passport
arrived on the 13th November as promised by
courier.
Harry Lewis
(Glad that our Newsletter can be of service to
members. Sadly Andrew Lewis-Smith died in
September, but his legacy lives on! Editor)
_______________________________________________________
Postage rates
These will rise on 1 January 2016 from 68 cents to
70 cents for the lettre verte 20g charge and 76
cents to 80 cents for the prioritaire 20g charge.
The blue 20g stamps for Europe are also expected
to rise by 3%. Get a leaflet from your post office
for full details or check online: www.laposte.fr
_______________________________________________________
European Health Insurance Card
(EHIC)
A reminder that there are two
different ways for French
residents to obtain this card,
which
covers
you
for
emergency
health
care
throughout the EU, depending on whether you are
a UK state pensioner or not.
UK pensioner
You have to have the form S1 to entitle you to
French healthcare, and this entitles you to the
British EHIC, issued from the UK. You can apply be
ringing the Overseas Healthcare Team on 0044 191
218 1999 and choosing the option “for advice
about healthcare overseas”. They will then send
you the application form by post to your French
address. For renewals, ring 00 44 191 279 0575.
Not pensionable age
For those who do not have the form S1 because
they are working in France, or for other reasons, if
you are registered with CPAM or RSI for French
healthcare you are entitled to the CEAM (Carte
Européenne d’Assurance Maladie), which is the
French equivalent of the EHIC. This can be
obtained from your usual CPAM or RSI office either
by phone or on-line. Note that it is only valid for 2
years, as opposed to 5 years for the British EHIC.
9
NEIGHBOURHOOD NETWORKS
Cabasse, Carces, Correns, Cotignac and
Le Val
As the last Friday in December is Christmas day
I suggest we meet up for a pre-Christmas drink
on Cotignac Market Day, 22 December, a little
later than usual at 11.30 maybe for some
Mulled Wine. Venue to be announced..
Contact Michael at:
Michael Wharton
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Les Arcs, Lorgues ,Taradeau & Vidauban
The first meeting of this group took place on
18th November at the home of Chris and Alison
Walley in Taradeau (40 chemin de la
Pouponne). As this is beyond the deadline for
this Newsletter please contact Alison Walley
(alison.walley@gmail.com) for further
information of future meetings:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Entrecasteaux, Salernes, Tourtour
and Villecroze
The Villecroze,Tourtour etc coffee morning will
be on the last Tuesday of the month, place to
be announced later.
Ann & Maurice Mitchem
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La Motte and Le Muy
La Motte/Le Muy Neighbourhood Network - 12 of us met on another beautifully sunny
morning to raise the decibels in our local bar, 9
residents and 3 regular visitors.. We plan next
month's get together for Friday 11 December,
same time, same place – Bar des Cascades, La
Motte, 10.00. All are always welcome.
Alexandra Lewis-Smith
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Les Issambres
We meet on the first and third Tuesdays of the
month at 11.00 at L’Arpillon café next to
Casino. Richard Tolaini xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
St Maximin la Ste Baume, Brignoles, Brue
Auriac, Mazaugues, Meounes, Neoules,
Ollieres, Pourcieux, Pourrieres, Seillon
Source d’Argens and Tourves
We shall meet on Thursday, 17 December from
10.30 onwards at the Cercle Philharmonique in
the main square of St. Maximin la Ste. Baume.
We have become a friendly group of regulars,
but there is always room for more.
Diana Andre de la Porte
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10
Congregation of the Ascension
MONTAUROUX
part of the Anglican Church of Lorgues with
Fayence in the Var
You are very welcome to join us at
The Presbytery, 37 Rue Ste Brigitte,
Montauroux
We meet on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of
The month at 11h00 for Family Communion
We also have a Bring and Share lunch afterwards.
Please ring Hilary Rost at 04 94 47 70 67 or
Rev Peter Massey at 04 94 73 93 37 for details
Christmas Services in Montauroux –
Children welcome.
Carol Service Sunday 20th of December 11.00am
followed by mulled wine and mince pies
Christmas Day 25th December Service at 11.00am Christmas Day Lunch (turkey and trimmings) chez
the Rosts, places limited, ring 04 94 47 70 67 to
book, priority to those attending the service.
~~~
St John’s for the Var
St John the Evangelist
Ave Paul Doumer, St Raphaël
Rev Keith Bretel
Holy Communion is held
every Sunday at 10h30
followed by refreshments and a monthly lunch
Nine Lessons and Carols with communion,
followed by mince pies and mulled wine
20 December 10.30
Christmas Day communion followed by lunch –
booking essential
25 December 10.30
Grimaud Village Church
Ecumenical service at Grimaud village church on
first Thursday of the month at 11h00 from
September to June
Nine Lessons and Carols followed by mince pies
and mulled wine – 18 December 19.00
Please ring 04 94 60 87 05 for details
www.sjevar.com
~~~
L'Oasis Christian fellowship LORGUES
part of the Anglican Church of Lorgues with
Fayence in the Var
Every 2nd Sunday at 11h30 at
Arc-en-Provence, 1801 Chemin des Pailles
and every 4th Sunday at 11h30 at
Notre Dames des Anges Maison de Retraite
We have a Bring and Share lunch afterwards.
For details or directions please contact
Rev Peter or Shirley Massey 04 94 73 93 37 or
06 87 94 04 83
www.lorgueswithfayence.org
When booking multiple events at the same time, please attach separate cheques for each booking in order
to facilitate the banking procedures.
British Association of the Var Reservation Slip
CHRISTMAS LUNCH
€ 32.50members, € 34.50 non-members. 5 December 2015
Venue: Hotel St Aygulf, Rue d'Alsace, 83370 Saint Aygulf 12 noon
Names of those attending
Beef
Vegetarian
option
Member
Y/N
Value
€
Donation to BAV Welfare Fund
Total value of cheque enclosed
Additional names overleaf
Email address:
Please add contact details below as an acknowledgement will be issued.
Phone No:
Please return this slip with your cheque made payable to BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF THE VAR
To: Kevin Bell, xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
British Association of the Var Reservation Slip
LUNCH AT MOISSAC BELLEVUE
€20 members, €22 non-members. 15 January 2016.
Venue: Le Bellevue, Le Cours, 83630 Moissac Bellevue. 12 noon
Names of those attending
Member
Y/N
Value
€
Donation to BAV Welfare Fund
Total value of cheque enclosed
Additional names overleaf
Email address:
Please add contact details below as an acknowledgement will be issued.
Phone No:
Please return this slip with your cheque made payable to BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF THE VAR
To: Kevin Bell, xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
British Association of the Var Reservation Slip
LUNCH AT MONFERRAT
€27 members, €29 non-members. 27 February 2016
Venue: Bastide des Moines, Route de Draguignan, 83131 Montferrat. 12 noon
Names of those attending
Member
Y/N
Value
€
Donation to BAV Welfare Fund
Total value of cheque enclosed
Additional names overleaf
Email address:
Please add contact details below as an acknowledgement will be issued.
Phone No:
Please return this slip with your cheque made payable to BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF THE VAR
To: Kevin Bell, xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
11