Fiona Alderman blogging from The Salignac Foundation France.

fiona alderman.jpg
I want to introduce myself , Fiona Alderman, living in France for the last 14 years and maybe some of you also remember my partner Barry Paton who wrote such wonderful diaries of rural France on the website for many years.

Well we are still here. I wanted to revisit the time here in my way and to go back a bit .” Le temps de vivre” i.e. the time to live. A time to take stock, to see where we are and what we have accomplished equally so .
We run The Salignac Foundation which runs short courses in film and in contemporary dance and we have welcomed people from all over the world.
It has been an amazing experience , both meeting such different “artists” and also it has been an enriching experience working on so many levels. One year there was an ex coach for the Portuguese women’s Olympic athletes , two American film students, a Brazilian university teacher etc. etc . Great stuff!
http://www.salignacfoundation.com/

Fiona Alderman Blogging from Rural France – The Black Duck

The Black Duck Restaurant  What a wonderful name for a restaurant! Especially in this part of the world where duck is a gastronomic delight. This restaurant is about 10 minutes from Salignac, on the outskirts of the village, surrounded by beautiful countryside, it’s perched high up in the hills . It was originally called L’Auberge […]

Read the full article: Fiona Alderman Blogging from Rural France – The Black Duck

Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Filed under: Fiona Alderman blogging from The Salignac Foundation France

Fiona Alderman’s Blog: Salignac or Sillygnac?

Thérèse Gaigé, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

I am not sure who came up with the name Sillygnac, but I know probably Barry first started it.It would have appealed to him. In all the wonderful ideas of rural France, the good things as well as the completely stupid that have seemed to have become more and more true. The last month I […]

Read the full article: Fiona Alderman’s Blog: Salignac or Sillygnac?

Wednesday, February 28, 2024 | Filed under: Fiona Alderman blogging from The Salignac Foundation France

Fiona Alderman : Greetings from Salignac

square

A new year and already a lot of changes in the village this month. Simmering undercurrents of discontent within the local council office is putting the Mayor in a very difficult position. Since the end of summer there have been tensions between him and his colleagues leading to him making a complaint to the police. […]

Read the full article: Fiona Alderman : Greetings from Salignac

Saturday, January 27, 2024 | Filed under: Fiona Alderman blogging from The Salignac Foundation France

Fiona Alderman’s Blog: Pictures and Short Stories

Dolls house

Thinking of the last year and all that has happened. I thought I would use this blog to reflect and to go through some photos and a short paragraph on each month. The first is The Dolls House. I have had this little house for nearly 70 years. I played with it as a child. […]

Read the full article: Fiona Alderman’s Blog: Pictures and Short Stories

Saturday, December 30, 2023 | Filed under: Fiona Alderman blogging from The Salignac Foundation France

Fiona Alderman: November Blues

november. blues

The November Blues It has been a busy month but things have been accomplished. I now have a sparkling new toilet which pleases me greatly after nearly three months of “waiting”. Thank goodness.  I had another which of course they knew.. I suppose though that this really isn’t bad, in French terms. A neighbour has […]

Read the full article: Fiona Alderman: November Blues

Friday, December 1, 2023 | Filed under: Fiona Alderman blogging from The Salignac Foundation France

Fiona Alderman: Blogging from Rural France – Waiting for Godot

french scene

29 October, 2023 Waiting for Godot This phrase came to me recently whilst I was waiting for a plumber to come to renew a toilet. The story begins nearly two months ago in fact, when I noticed drops of water falling from the ceiling. On investigation, I found it was leaking from the toilet upstairs.There […]

Read the full article: Fiona Alderman: Blogging from Rural France – Waiting for Godot

Sunday, October 29, 2023 | Filed under: Fiona Alderman blogging from The Salignac Foundation France

Fiona Alderman Blog: Cafe´Talk

cafe talk

With the “rentree” this month, the return back to school and the summer holidays finally over, our thoughts turn to the end of the year. I like this time though, the Autumnal colours and the light which is less sharp and softer. I was reflecting on many things whilst sitting at the Cafe´one day, and […]

Read the full article: Fiona Alderman Blog: Cafe´Talk

Sunday, October 1, 2023 | Filed under: Fiona Alderman blogging from The Salignac Foundation France

Fiona Alderman: Fetes Galore

What a month! From exhibitions –  to summer festivals – to computer problems. I have done it all and in the sweltering heat ! Extreme at nearly 40 degrees today. Barry’s exhibition continues for the rest of August in both the Mairie and Le Couvent, and I have had a lot of interest for future […]

Read the full article: Fiona Alderman: Fetes Galore

Monday, August 28, 2023 | Filed under: Fiona Alderman blogging from The Salignac Foundation France

Fiona Alderman’s Blog: Les Voyages de Monsieur Barry

Barry Paton Exhibition

The title of the exhibition for Barry. Seemed apt after all the countries he went to, maybe not Latin America but certainly a great number. The “vernissage” as it is called in French, with a vin d’honneur was prepared for the 17th July at the Mairie with wine and cheese supplied by some of the […]

Read the full article: Fiona Alderman’s Blog: Les Voyages de Monsieur Barry

Fiona Alderman: Another Month in Salignac

This month has been busy, and I have just finished some more English translations for the Chateau. Interesting to do and to learn further about this long term renovation project. Replica Medieval Armour I worked on  certain pages about the replica medieval armour now established in a room totally restored from ceiling to floor. Full […]

Read the full article: Fiona Alderman: Another Month in Salignac

Thursday, June 29, 2023 | Filed under: Fiona Alderman blogging from The Salignac Foundation France

Fiona Alderman: One Year Later

fiona alderman one year larer

I am sitting in the house with Missy, my sweet cat by my side , and reflecting on this past year. A busy time after Barry’s death. Administrative papers to be sorted out and learning to live alone. It has been a learning curve and I have certainly learnt a lot. One was asking for […]

Read the full article: Fiona Alderman: One Year Later

Thursday, June 1, 2023 | Filed under: Fiona Alderman blogging from The Salignac Foundation France

A New Season in Salignac

Yes, with Spring finally arriving, the tourists are starting to appear in the village. It’s always nice to see and brings commerce to life. The local market on the Square has just begun again, and I am constantly reminded of when we first came here, and how I enjoyed the typical French village life.Learning and […]

Read the full article: A New Season in Salignac

Fiona Alderman: La Poste and other French things

first para

This month has been challenging in many ways. From battling with French bureaucracy to technology breakdowns. Firstly, I sent some videotapes to the UK to be transferred to digital form. They are going to be an important part of the photographic exhibition that I am preparing for Barry. Feeling relatively cheerful,. I went to La […]

Read the full article: Fiona Alderman: La Poste and other French things

Wednesday, March 29, 2023 | Filed under: Fiona Alderman blogging from The Salignac Foundation France

Fiona Alderman Blogging from Salignac, France

s

My lovely corner shop called by the old fashioned term of L’Epicier has taken a turn into the modern world. Run by husband and wife team, Sylvie and Pascal, that I have already spoken about, have decided on a new challenge. The heart of the village is within a few shops here in Salignac and […]

Read the full article: Fiona Alderman Blogging from Salignac, France

Fiona Alderman’s Blog: The End of the Holidays

Becassine

Thank goodness it’s all over. At least the French get on with things relatively quickly after Christmas. However, a lot of decorations are still up and I remember everything was to be taken down by the 12th night and bad luck if not perhaps. There are some die-hards that keep their decorations up until even […]

Read the full article: Fiona Alderman’s Blog: The End of the Holidays

Sunday, January 29, 2023 | Filed under: Fiona Alderman blogging from The Salignac Foundation France

Fiona Alderman: Christmas is Coming

christmas salignac

It  is with trepidation that I begin to write this month’s blog from Salignac. The first Christmas without Barry in 37 years. Mixed emotions. However, I have been trying to get out and do things, one of which was helping with the decorations for the village. I answered an ad in the local paper asking […]

Read the full article: Fiona Alderman: Christmas is Coming

Thursday, December 22, 2022 | Filed under: Fiona Alderman blogging from The Salignac Foundation France

Fiona Alderman’s blog: One Evening in Salignac

olympe de gouge

Image: (Alexander Kucharsky, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons) A Soiree at Le Couvent I was invited recently to a soiree at Le Couvent just up the hill from the house. I swear this hill gets steeper every day, but that is another story. It was a theatre piece about the French play right, […]

Read the full article: Fiona Alderman’s blog: One Evening in Salignac

Tuesday, November 1, 2022 | Filed under: Fiona Alderman blogging from The Salignac Foundation France

Fiona Alderman: Final Farewells

horse guard by barry paton

Watching the funeral of the Queen brought up many memories. Nostalgia and sadness for her family and my own recent loss. Barry photographed the Royal family many times over the years, and often had amusing quips to tell me. When he went to Sudan and Ethiopia in 1986, during the Band Aid project with Bob […]

Read the full article: Fiona Alderman: Final Farewells

Wednesday, September 28, 2022 | Filed under: Fiona Alderman blogging from The Salignac Foundation France

Fiona Alderman: Fêtes Galore

fetes

It has been a busy month with a lot of summer events happening everywhere. However the extreme heat was really exhausting, making it difficult to appreciate them fully. The two main associations in Salignac put on Monday Fêtes on alternative weeks. The C.A.S.E. Vieux Metiers based in the extensive enclosed park down from the Chateau, […]

Read the full article: Fiona Alderman: Fêtes Galore

Sunday, August 28, 2022 | Filed under: Fiona Alderman blogging from The Salignac Foundation France

Fiona Alderman: Another Place in History

chateau first para

After a difficult and sad month, I then caught Covid, so have had plenty of time to reflect on the past and I am now moving on , but slowly. Especially in this terrible heat? This past weekend our Chateau has hosted a spectacular historical event called Les Opusculaires. Not knowing the word, I asked […]

Read the full article: Fiona Alderman: Another Place in History

Fiona Alderman’s Blog: Just A Heartbeat Away

I write this with a heavy heart but feel it will be cathartic after this very sad month, losing Barry that I have known for nearly 40 years. Meeting him way back in the late 80’s in Glasgow was,  to say the least, different? I was a young dancer newly returned home after several years […]

Read the full article: Fiona Alderman’s Blog: Just A Heartbeat Away

Tuesday, June 28, 2022 | Filed under: Fiona Alderman blogging from The Salignac Foundation France

Fiona Alderman: French Elections and Tricky Bureaucracy

first para melanchon

The main story this month was the Election of a new President of France. The incumbent, Monsieur Macron was criticized for being too interested in forging good links on the international stage, going to Ukraine and being less on his own home ground. He  didn’t even campaign here until very late on. The other main […]

Read the full article: Fiona Alderman: French Elections and Tricky Bureaucracy

Fiona Alderman: The Eye Van Comes to Salignac

the eye van small

Blogging from Rural France When it comes to going to the optician in France, and especially in rural areas where we live, it is really quite difficult. Firstly, unlike the UK, where you can even go to Boots and get a complete eye test, it’s not like that here. You must go to the opthalmologist. […]

Read the full article: Fiona Alderman: The Eye Van Comes to Salignac

Fiona Alderman: A Touch of Spring

a touch of spring sm

Blogging from Salignac in Rural France After a long period of cold weather here and the continuing Covid pandemic, we sense a hint of Spring in the air and the flowers are now blossoming to cheer us up. Preparations for the season starting in May are underway and the family Starkmann are busy at the […]

Read the full article: Fiona Alderman: A Touch of Spring

Fiona Alderman blogging from Rural France: A New Day and a New Year

a new day and a new year

January, 2022 I wish you all a very Happy New Year from France , and looking back over the past year, it has been interesting, to say the least  . From Covid restrictions to daily life seemingly becoming more difficult, I am searching for something positive that has come from it all? Putting up my […]

Read the full article: Fiona Alderman blogging from Rural France: A New Day and a New Year

Sunday, January 30, 2022 | Filed under: Fiona Alderman blogging from The Salignac Foundation France

Fiona Alderman Blogging from Rural France: A Winter Tale From France

December, 2021 For the first time in many years , Salignac held a Christmas Market , drawing many people together to enjoy a little good cheer at the end of a difficult year. It took many days of preparation, with our local council workers up ladders and cranes to attach pretty garlands and  fairy lights […]

Read the full article: Fiona Alderman Blogging from Rural France: A Winter Tale From France

Monday, December 27, 2021 | Filed under: Fiona Alderman blogging from The Salignac Foundation France

Fiona Alderman Blog: One Year On

first para fiona 1 nov

One Year On I was looking through photos on my blog recently and comparing them to today? With the COVID pandemic still firmly in place and with a fifth wave, plus a new variant, in France, I wondered what have we gained or perhaps lost? Maybe we are clearer  regarding what is and what is […]

Read the full article: Fiona Alderman Blog: One Year On

Tuesday, November 30, 2021 | Filed under: Fiona Alderman blogging from The Salignac Foundation France

Fiona Alderman’s Blog: Filming in France

France is one of the most widely used countries as a favourite location for films and has hosted International Directors in the last years such as Ridley Scott, Woody Allen, Christopher Nolan and Christopher McQuarrie. The Last Duel by  Ridley Scott, who filmed in our area last year using our nearby Chateau Fenelon, has just […]

Read the full article: Fiona Alderman’s Blog: Filming in France

Friday, October 29, 2021 | Filed under: Fiona Alderman blogging from The Salignac Foundation France

Fiona Alderman Blogging from Rural France – A Change of Scene

Dordogne Magazine-hot-air-ballooning - Chateau de Castelnaud4 by Dordogne Magazine is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Bonjour! Yes, this month I am taking you away from my village of Salignac Eyvigues, to another one called Domme, an incredible hilltop fortified village steeped in history, which is 30 minutes away by car. I have been visiting Barry, my dearest partner, in hospital there this last month. Despite the awful circumstances he is […]

Read the full article: Fiona Alderman Blogging from Rural France – A Change of Scene

Wednesday, September 29, 2021 | Filed under: Fiona Alderman blogging from The Salignac Foundation France

Fiona Alderman: The Day of the Ancients blogging from rural France

day of the ancients fiona 1 para

Grand Fete a L’Ancienne in Salignac On the 9th August, which just happened to be my birthday, there was a very grand Fete a L’Ancienne in Salignac. The first one since the pandemic and it attracted many locals as well as tourists. We are still maintaining hand sanitizers and mask wearing though, but a little […]

Read the full article: Fiona Alderman: The Day of the Ancients blogging from rural France

Friday, August 27, 2021 | Filed under: Fiona Alderman blogging from The Salignac Foundation France

day of the ancients fiona 1 para

Copyright Glasgow Westend 2009 thru 2017

Contact Pat's Guide to Glasgow West End | About Pat Byrne | Privacy Policy | Design by Jim Byrne Website Design