A SUPPORT group for English-speakers in the Var, Ark Pastoral Care, is starting to plan a series of free seminars in the autumn on the subject of growing old – retirement, pensions and inheritance.

Organiser Peter Massey said the forthcoming events aimed to “explore what options are open to retired Brits in this part of France; what assistance is available to keep us in our homes as long as possible; when is the right time to consider moving into care homes, the cost of that and how can it be paid for.”

He added: “None of us want to face these things, but our experience down here in the Var is of an ageing expat community with increasing physical and emotional needs that require both compassionate and practical support.

“We hope to encourage folk to go away and think about these things.

“They are not easy subjects to confront, but hoping that everything will be OK when the time comes is really not the best way to prepare.”

More details about the seminars will be available soon at www.arkpastoralcare.org or by calling 04 94 99 40 74.