The general meeting of the Les Fruits du terroir association was held on Sunday January 12, 2025 in the hamlet of Messant, in the commune of Éguzon. After a tribute to Robert De Miro, a recently deceased painter who had exhibited his works at the small museum of the Crozant school, the president of the association, Jean-Pierre Delage, recalled the 2024 activity, including the rehabilitation of the old Sauzades chestnut grove, in partnership with the Centre-Val de Loire Conservatory of Natural Spaces.
Seven centuries-old trees were harvested by the Berry concept pruning company in Saint-Plantaire. The next chestnut day will take place this year in Messant, where, like last year, a joint fruit harvest will be followed by the making of flour and chestnut cream.
A planned breeding attempt
The “Living Clavière” project will gain momentum with an attempt to rear the stream. Initially, several hundred minnows will be introduced into holes in the watercourse, on the portion over which the association has land control.
Particular attention will be paid to developing attendance at the Le Chemin du savoir hiking trail, between the Creuse and Clavière valleys. A treasure hunt and a night outing hosted by the Conservatory are on the program of activities.
-If opportunities arise, the association would be ready to acquire additional land in the Clavière valley as part of the partnership with the Conservatory.
Professor Francis Duchiron, treasurer, highlighted a healthy financial situation with operating accounts in balance for several years. The new board of directors includes Jean-Claude Audart as secretary, replacing Suzanne Delage.
