Fional Alderman: The Macron Influence 

emmanuel macron Arno Mikkor, EU2017EE Estonian Presidency, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
The hypocrisy of the so called “complicity” between Macron and a newly released Sarkozy from prison, defeats me. In my last month’s blog I said Sarkozy was in for at least five years? Well he is out and pleased with himself.
The latest news is that Macron now wants Military service to be reintroduced. Twenty five years after conscription in France was phased out, a relaunch is to begin next year. Young men and women can voluntarily enter the paid service lasting 10 months of training.
Fearing Russian warfare in the coming years, President Macron wants to put things in place now. The country is to be prepared but still? I have talked to a few young people here to ask their views. All positive.Of course we have the French Elections next year too. All may change.

A French photographer in Glasgow

glasgow raymond depardon

His name is Raymond Depardon.
(A book was made of his photography in 2016. Called simply Glasgow ) It is excellent.
I found him by chance whilst researching my own work for my late husband Barry Paton also a photographer who lived and worked in Glasgow. I am hoping to have several small exhibitions back there next year.
Anyway, I read about Monsieur Depardon and his photos of Glasgow.In 1980 he was commissioned by the Sunday Times to photograph the city. He paints a rather grim picture but his photographs are very powerful.
They focus on the docks, the tenements and capture the spirit of the people. Often in harsh circumstances and poverty the children still play in the streets, all smiling and cheeky.
More images of Glasgow by Depardon

A Christmas Market in Snowy Salignac

christmas market

Another year has passed by so quickly I can hardly believe it.
Preparations have begun in the village to make it pretty for Christmas. The local council workers scale up on high platforms to decorate the trees with sparkly lights, even in the rain they were smiling and laughing!
The weather has been cold but bright and sunny.However there have been also a lot of roadworks in my area. A project to take down the ugly pylons and put all the electric cables underground. They first proposed this 3 years ago. Not fast to realize the work but hey this is rural France !!
The market was busy and had plenty of stalls to offer some Christmas cheer. Hot mulled wine, Tarte flambee ( a local delicacy with ham and cheese) hand knitted scarves, even a Peruvian stall which was very colourful with their folkloric style.
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Pere Noel

We were promised a visit from the Pere Noel at the end of the afternoon. The snow machine heralded his appearance bearing gifts for the children. It was charming. Smiling and waving before he distributed more presents around the village.
Ps I do know him as he lives here. All the year round. Hush, but I won’t tell anyone !
A very happy and peaceful Christmas to you all. I will be back next year with more stories from rural France.
December 2025
Fiona Alderman: What's going on? in Salignac.

This section: Fiona Alderman blogging from The Salignac Foundation France

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Avatar of PatByrne Publisher of Pat's Guide to Glasgow West End; the community guide to the West End of Glasgow. Fiction and non-fiction writer.

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