moving on

Not me, I hasten to add but the proprietors of La Grande Galerie in Civray.

When Eileen phoned me a month ago to say that she and Wally were about to retire, had sold the gallery and would be moving over 150 kilometres south by the end of the year, I must confess that I felt very sad.

In the GG, they have created a wonderful little arts hub, displaying and promoting the work of local artists and crafts people and hosting book launches (including mine) as well as art classes, writing groups, charity events and wine tastings.

They have fostered an extended creative family in the most unlikely of places – a hidden square in the market town of Civray.

I owe them a great debt of gratitude, for all their support and enthusiasm for my books. They have sold dozens of copies of Tout Sweet and Toute Allure at the GG and in addition, passed on clippings from US newspapers and magazines and come up with many useful suggestions for promoting the books.

I have also been able to count on them for an excellent dog sitting service.

Things did not get off to a great start, as Biff and their dog Glen (a little rescue dog with springs in his paws) took an instant dislike to each other.

I still chuckle at the memory. It was January 2009 and France, like the UK, was snowbound with all Eurostars and flights cancelled. The local roads were dire – but I had to get back to the UK to give a talk.

It took me a few attempts before I made it to Civray, driving at 20 kilometres an hour through a strangely calm and icy white landscape.

As I handed over Biff, both dogs reared up on their hind legs, snarling and baring their teeth. A diminutive, and elegantly-dressed figure stood in the snow, holding on to each of them –and Biff's doughnut bed – unfazed and smiling.

'Off you go,' she said. 'Have a marvellous time. They will be absolutely fine.'

I had my doubts. As I walked away to the sound of ferocious growling, I was impressed by her positive attitude but felt guilty for leaving the doyenne of the GG to cope with a potential bloodbath.

I needn't have worried. By the time I got back, Biff and Glen were the best of friends and sleeping in the same basket.

It was always a pleasure to see Wally and Eileen and we were always made to feel welcome. Had the GG been on my doorstep, I would have been there every single day.

I'd like to thank Eileen and Wally and congratulate them on making such a success of the GG, thereby enhancing the lives of many locals.

I wish them lots of happiness in their new home and hope that it is not so much Au revoir as A bientot.

Meanwhile, I can't wait to meet the new owners – from Australia – and wish them every success with the GG.