Then the following day, 14th July, was the biggest French Public Holiday - Bastille Day.

The Mairie in the Village holds an annual reception at lunch time on that day. This includes everyone who has come to live in the village permanently since this time last year and the children (with their parents) who are leaving the village primary school and going to the senior school in the nearby town in September.

There was a small presentation for each child and each new resident had to introduce themselves and their family when their name was read out - more use of my limited french. Perhaps just as well that I re-start my lessons this afternoon after a gap of three or four weeks!!

There were several fairground rides in the village all afternoon - flags everywhere - folk music and dancing during the evening and all rounded off with a marvellous fireworks display once it was properly dark.

Altogether another most enjoyable day - but after all this french wine and getting to know people we returned home and collapsed into a heap - hence the need to have somewhat of a day off from building works yesterday!!