Normandy welcomes new English paper

A NEW English-language newspaper for Normandy from the publishers of The Connexion has been welcomed by the local community.

The Advertiser has an initial print run of 10,000 and contains local news, interviews and features, community information, a What’s On events listing and a directory of local businesses and services.

It is available free each month from more than 100 distribution points across the region including local associations, ferry ports, supermarkets, DIY shops, garden centres and pubs.

A number of stockists have already run out of copies – so to get a guaranteed copy delivered to your home each month, you can subscribe for just €12 a year or €9.50 for existing Connexion subscribers.

One early subscriber said: “I’m grateful to have a local paper in English because I like to know what’s going on in my area.”

Other readers said they found the small-ads section and the What’s On listings to be very useful.

Editor Sarah Smith said: “We aim to cover key issues which affect the community, whether English-speaking or French, and to provide information and service contacts useful to understanding and making the most of the region.

“The reaction to the launch from our local French and English contacts has been overwhelmingly positive and demonstrates a real desire for a local English-language newspaper in Normandy.”

The first issue includes an investigation into controversial plans to build huge high-voltage power lines through the Manche countryside – and the effect it could have on health and property prices.

We also look at the future of Cherbourg port, share some advice on how to make new friends in the region and explain how to get ready for the digital TV switchover which happens in March.

Ken Tatham, the Anglo-French mayor of Saint-Céneri-le-Géréi in the Orne, said the paper “will help to stimulate both economic and social relations between the French and British communities”.

Honorary British consul Gerard Barron added: “I welcome the arrival of this new media service to a part of Normandy which I know from experience often feels left out by existing press coverage.”

To become a subscriber, print this form and return with a euro cheque drawn on a French bank made payable to “The Advertiser” to:
The Advertiser
BP 25
06480 La Colle sur Loup.

If you want to start receiving the paper from the February issue, please by pay by credit card before January 16 by calling 04 86 68 50 40.

UK subscriptions are also available for €24 a year or a reduced rate of €21 for Connexion subscribers.