About Us
The Local Buzz has been born from a passion for the region and a recognition of the need for a direct voice to those living, working or visiting Gironde, Dordogne, Lot et Garonne, Lot, Gers, Tarn et Garonne and northern Haute Garonne.
This is a passion not just for France but a passion based on a desire to understand and fully appreciate the area of France where we are. To live life to the full, to experience the best that South West France has to offer and to do so from a sound base of knowledge.
Featuring all the buzz (pun absolutely intended), you will find over 2500 businesses in our business directory and hundreds of buzzing happenings in our what’s on pages.
We are keen to involve you too with contributions and ideas for everything from reader offers through to events and business directory additions.
We look forward to hearing from you and, in the meantime, hope that you enjoy this new website and our new magazine.
Jeanette Hyde
Jeanette Hyde moved to Duras in 2013 with her husband Richard, having had careers in the airline industry and management accountancy.
After renovating their stone house set in rural countryside, they established and still run a very successful gite and B&B business.
Jeanette is a keen cook using local, seasonal ingredients and Richard is an avid seeker of good local wines. They both love walking their dog, Jack, in the local countryside and regularly travel further afield to make the best of their life in France.
Between them they know all about setting up a business and working with local administration.
Pamela La Forgia
Pamela La Forgia came to St Sernin with her husband John, and cat Mimi, in 2015. Born in New York she spent most of her life working in advertising and web media in Minnesota before moving to Honolulu.
Having made the move, as an American, to France she has a different understanding of the legal aspects of living here.
Their French has more than improved during work to their stone cottage and evenings with their French neighbours.
They travel across France for their favourite operas and, as John is an accomplished pianist, they are regulars at musical evenings throughout the region.
Lesley Ashburner
Lesley Ashburner left SW England for SW France in 2003 with her husband, two children, two businesses, two dogs and a hot air balloon.
Whilst flying was her hobby she continued to work in PR, copywriting and advertising for UK clients for many years.
Originally living near Agen, she moved to Duras six years ago and, with two elderly parents who moved from Spain, has had extensive experience in the health care system which she says is the best in the world.
She has renovated two houses, a maison d’ami and a pigeonniere in France and would now love to buy land and build her final home here.
