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Tuesday, 27 May 2008 |
Joanne Southall brings her talent to France, all for the love of horses. She talks to Lucy Stubbs
Last month, Joanne Southall won the Veterans
category of the Périgueux Internationale Concours
Hippique at La Stade Valet. Her horse, Hill Farm
Special, also won a prize for the highest number of
points awarded over the three days. It was the pinnacle
of her show jumping career which, to date, has spanned
four decades.
Joanne’s win was all the more remarkable given the
age of her horse. “She is in the twilight of her
competition years,” Joanne explains, “I have had the
pleasure of owning her for the last 19 years.” In England,
the duo competed in show jumping and hunter classes,
and Hill Farm Special has also bred foals.
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Tuesday, 27 May 2008 |
Family, work and art? The new venue in Nontron shows that the female artist can have it all.
Jan Cintas checks out the crafts on show and meets the movers behind the project.
This month sees the inauguration
of a series of installations in
Nontron’s new arts centre.
Not an exhibition, this work will remain
as a permanent part of the space.
What is particular about this project
is that all the art work was designed
and made by women.
The context is a European Leader
project, as Sylvie Weber, project manager
and herself an artist-weaver, explained.
“We had to find a project which fitted in
with their vision, which in this case was to
work with women.” Is such positive
discrimination in favour of women artists
needed? “It’s necessary – women’s
professional lives are not always easy,
managing family life at the same time as
a career. For an artist, it’s another matter
again.” Weber is a good example of
someone who has lived this experience,
so it is particularly fulfilling for her to
bring this project to fruition. “I’m
celebrating 30 years as a weaver this
year, so I appreciate the need to help
younger women.”
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Tuesday, 27 May 2008 |
The British invasion in Ribérac has the locals tongue-tied, says Lorraine Mace and the popular weekly market has felt the brunt of the change.
The expatriate population of Ribérac
has risen considerably in the last 10
years, leading to the town’s changing
ethos to accommodate its non-French
speaking residents. As Ribérac undergoes
a transition, the population is divided on
whether the effect has been positive or
negative.
A common complaint among both
French and English speakers is the way
the weekly market has evolved. Stall
holders feel it is a matter of simple
economics. They want to sell to
holidaymakers, so are prepared to speak
English if it improves sales. However,
many residents feel that the market has
lost a large number of its traditional stalls
in favour of those aimed at tourists.
Several of the stalls have signs in English.
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Tuesday, 27 May 2008 |
Break out your swimsuits, Périgourdins, there’s a new
pool in town. The AquaCAP in Champcevinel opened
for business on May 15, and plans to welcome water
lovers aged one to 100.
The €10 million aquatic centre features an interior
area covering 3,700m2 and includes a competitive sixlane,
25-metre pool, two recreational pools, a water
slide, sauna, jacuzzi and hammam. Outside, a pool, beach
volleyball area and an outdoor field sit within the
2200m2 space. Pools are equipped to accommodate
swimmers in training as well as those looking for more
casual water sports such as aqua jogging or water polo,
and the centre welcomes school groups. The AquaCAP
can hold 750 people in winter and 1,150 in summer, with
the exterior portion.
Organisers hope the centre will attract not only those
looking to have fun, but also people seeking more
intense fitness. The centre was built in response to the
demand from schools, athletes and social organisations
who felt that the existing pool was not sufficient.
La Communauté d’Agglomération Périgourdine
(CAP) feels that the AquaCAP will help connect residents
as well as attract tourists from around the Dordogne.
Martine Chauvineau, communication coordinator for
CAP, has one wish for visitors: “that people have the
irresistible desire to return!”
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Tuesday, 27 May 2008 |
Over the past few weeks, Périgourdins have seen their
cathedral’s bell-tower emerge after more than 18
months in hiding behind scaffolding. The tower has taken
on a different hue after a complete clean-up and
restoration. As a result, the lightning conductor
sprouting from the angel’s head seems more noticeable.
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