In case anyone is interested in seeing how different regions/departments/towns voted, there's a useful website run by the FranceInfo TV channel. Here are the results for Montmorillon.

A lovely hour spent in Montmorillon today,at the jardin de passion.Bought 3 clematis, and some super clothes upstairs at Jane`s shop near the bridge. It`s all open again tomorrow, so don`t miss it.

9th Jardin Passion will be held at Montmorillon on 22 - 23 April 2017

In the market and the old town



https://www.citedelecrit.fr/9eme-jardin-passion

50 Artists will be showing at Saulge on the 15, 16, 17 April 2017 10:00 12:00 / 14:00 - 19:00

Free entry: Salle Espace 2000

Phn: 05 49 91 68 01

Vide Grenier at Montmorillon 23 April 2017 07:00 - 18:00

Espace Camill Olivet (Near the swimming pool)

If you want space it's €1 per meter
Phn: 06 01 71 38 53

Just a suggestion for a gentle afternoon outing........drive to Bourg Archambault, stopping at the chateau with stale bread to feed the numerous fish in the moat. From there , continue to St Leger Magnazeix, where there is a small, but very well stocked garden centre, run by an English couple. They serve excellent tea/coffee and delicious cake, at particularly cheap prices.

Pair of terracotta pots 8 1/2" x 11" - 25 euro the pair

4 glazed ceramic pots (green) size 11 1/2" x 8" 50 euro for the four
photo available if required

Hello
I have a friend who is moving back to the UK after 12 years living in France and is urgently needing packing boxes/cases

I said I would ask the question the forum as she does not have a computer and is in her 70's

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Many Thanks

Issie.

We have just received a letter from Soregies offering us 10% discount on our annual electricity bills.

You can also find out more here: https://www.soregies.fr/01022017br-soreg...38567.html

So far I haven't found a catch so we will be going for it.

If anyone else knows more please post.

Here's a handy official website where you can estimate what social benefits you are entitled to in France.

It's a simple question and answer and will tell you at the end what and how you can claim.

You do need to give your date of birth and post code, but don't have to give your name or actual address to try it.

https://mes-aides.gouv.fr/

New rules come into force on March 22nd 2017 making it compulsory for under 12s to wear a bike helmet.

The rule applies to riders and passengers. The helmet must be marked NF or ECE 22/04, 22/05. And fines will be €135

Ace night tonight for St Patrick`s night celebrations, at Brigueil le Chantre, with a talented live musician and singer.
Well worth a visit.

Friday night, 17th March, come to the newly opened bar at Brigueil le Chantre 86290 (just 15-20 mins drive from Montmorillon). There will be food available, Guinness (!!) and a talented Irish folk singer from 8.30pm.
Well worth a try!

Last year when we visited we brought our young dog, he's a Labrador and likes to play with other dogs - however all the dogs in our village are kept on their properties and those we did see out and about are not encouraged to socialise.
We generally just walked him on the country lanes but it would be good if we could meet other dogs when we're around.

Is there anywhere specific that people walk or go to socialise their dogs?

If anyone needs to tire out their dog let us know - we'd be happy to meet up if when we're next over!

We are considering taking a career break and staying in France for a few months, maybe longer and need some accommodation.
We do have a house near Montmorillon but it's not currently habitable so we're looking to rent something affordable in the area while we work on the house. We need somewhere for at least two adults, dog and baby friendly.

Thank you, but we don't want to rent a gite or other tourist accommodation as long term this is not an affordable option for us.

If you think you may have something suitable then please let us know.

Thanks

Now, this might sound like a strange request but we're after some regular updates on how much the grass has grown!
Yes, we're talking about a lawn, patch of grass, or field.
We don't live in France but make regular trips over to maintain our property. We've got a new baby and it's not so easy for us to get over this year for our usual trips, so we're employing someone to come and cut our field a few times a year. It's quite costly so we really want it done when it needs doing and when there's been a bit of a growth spurt!

If you notice your grass needs cutting or you get the mower out can you let us know please (if you remember).

Thank you!