Schools

In an old deliberation of August 15 1717, the inhabitants of the parish of Vignonet raised the question of opening a school at the village of Pouzadoux. But there is no further mention of this project thereafter.

Under the French Revolution, the creation of a school was granted to Vignonet for Muradès and Chastel-Marlhac.

In 1855, in la Monselie, there was a private school held by widower Mrs Veysseres de Pouzadou. And at about the same period, a boy private school is run by Mr Malbec from la Monselie, whose reputation of good teacher brought pupils from the canton and from neighbouring canton. Both schools became local schools in 1881.

Today, la Monselie has a boy school and a girl school. The school population during the winter amounts approximately from 60 to 70 children, but during the summer this figure drops noticeably. We owe a special mention to Mrs Bourgeade who, for thirty years, has been exercising her job as a teacher in the parish with the best life and religious feelings, in spite of the malevolent opposition she is being subject to. Her pupils besides seem to benefit very well from her good lessons.

The teachers, except Mr Malbec who was strongly catholic, do not deserve any mention in our parish: they all were colourless if not sectarian. There was even a sadist, Sir Fiat...

Local Customs

It does appear that there is nothing in particular. The conventional wisdom beliefs seem rather orthodox, but it is due more to tradition than to beliefs.

Regarding the funerals, there is a custom that tends to disappear. On the funeral day, in the house of the late person, one observes abstinence. The christening are easily delayed with the excuse always put forward that it is necessary to await for the godfather or the godmother, to let the mother recover, etc.

As for the marriages here or elsewhere in our country, there is the deplorable habit to come very late around noon. Then the festival continues during all the evening, and part of the following day. The invitations extend to the parents, friends, neighbours. The whole village is celebrating.

As regarding superstitions, we have noticed them on many occasions. If there is a funeral on a wedding day, the newly married couple will not be happy. A father should not attend the christening of his child and moreover, he should not sign with the godfather and the godmother the baptismal certificate. The young girls attending a wedding are very lucky to be able to sign in the sacristy: it is considered as a lucky charm: they will get married during the year.