August 2020

The office for AIKB is here in the centre of our village, Gouarec. The initials stand for Association Integration of Keizh Breizh (KB = central Brittany). It is an organisation to promote and help new comers to the area in what ever way they can. It has many clubs and organises many events throughout the year. It was at such an event held on 4th August held in the grounds of the village Manoir, belonging to Marilyn le Moign, that we were joined for the luxury picnic by a couple, David and Zulaiga Worth. We enjoyed the excellent lunch provided and served by waiters. This was one way to comply with the CV-19 restrictions. Our conversation moved towards speculation about a garden club for the village, so it is being formed.

Tiny part of the garden at the Gouarec Manoir

 Our own garden is nothing by comparison, but even so I am pleased with our geraniums on our terrace considering we didnt move up here until the end of May.

On 14th August we visited 'Tim's' garden/farm in the hamlet of Dault. This is run by the family adhering to the ideals of Hoe Farming, as an antidote to Globalisation. Using this approach to farming a family should be able to provide building materials, food, clothing and heat to sustain their way of life, without becoming inolved in the monetary system.

'Tim' showing a visitor seeds from the Buck Wheat crop.

On 15th August, in the UK it seems it was celebrated as VJ Day, but here in France more attention was paid to Assumption day, and it was a national holiday.
We visited the small village of Bulat Pestivien where there was a Festive Wool Day. There were many stalls with displays of beautiful wool in the various stages of its production. Even beginning with sheep being sheared.  Also articles for sale made from these wools, and sheeps skins.

This village has a population of only 432 but has a large 13/14th century church with the most magnificent external stone carvings of saints and gargoyles.

Our feral cats are still with us. We're obviously feeding them too well. We can't get near enough to capture them however!

We enjoy sitting in the evening just watching the skies and peacefulness of our garden.

 

 We try to explore our new areas at least one day a week, and this time it was Lac Guerledan

The village Kermisse was held on 23rd August. The rain held off for most of the day, and all who attended seemed to enjoy themselves. A lot of hard work to create stalls, man them all day, and clear away at the end. A jolly effort by all.

The Quilting Club offered a beautiful quilt as a raffle prize, which was won by Amanda our gardener.