The Chateau Diaries #202 The Fleuries next Christmas grift candle may smell of greed, sweat & regret

[Just Grift Wood]

The more one looks at the shenanigans of this mob the worse things are. Always remember that there is a difference between tax avoidance - saves you money and tax evasion - sends you to jail. The more I look at the Jarvis gang and the more that gets revealed the more evident it becomes that this is a tax evasion scheme. The crime family are gathering at the farmhouse for Christmas in good old fashioned mob style. It will be fascinating to see exactly who turns up. I wouldn't be surprised if Alexander had to go because he was too much of an outsider and Fanny and co knew that after a few bottles of alcohol tongues will be loosened and he may have heard something that he shouldn't have. Or it could well have been that Fanny's witch Phillipa was jealous because Alexander had a talent (making curtains) whilst it has no skills at all and it would have been shown up once again for the hideously worthless waste of space that it is.
More alarming though is Clara's revelation that the witch Phillipa's father is handling the accounting. This neatly completes the circle. The association is controlled completely by the crime family. I was waiting for a key to the association to drop and Clara just dropped it. By changing the wording of the Patreon account and removing from the Patrons the rights and status of members and substituting that with benefactors they have closed any access to information on the accounts and operation of the association and it's application of funds to non family members.
I think that it is imperative that someone who is a Patron, who has been affected by that change, should go to the authorities. This seemingly minor detail in the wording could unravel this mess and bring the Jarvis crime family down. Just one person and just one small error, that's all it takes.
Publicising the accounts would then reveal who really got paid, what for and how much. In my view this is the tax evasion. Collect the funds tax free then distribute them through the family using inflated salaries, invoices, consulting fees, commissions and so on. It's becoming increasingly clear that the trip to Auntie's barn conversion was simply to obtain and then circulate a record of Armoire's supposed skill level which they will then attempt to use too justify his inflated bills.
I wouldn't mind betting that Uncle and Auntie are up to their necks in this crime as well. It will surprise you but I do not think that Isabelle and Percy approve. My instinct tells me that and I rely on my instinct a lot. Time will tell.
Rest assured that the Tax authority will read this as well as Fanny's witch Phillipa's Father. Whilst the mob think that they are so clever I'm here to tell them that there is nothing new under the sun. If they think that they can come up with a scheme rest assured that the tax authority have already encountered it in many and varied forms.
Does anyone know whether witch Phillipa's father has his own accounting firm or does he work for one of the big 4 accounting firms?

I am a patron so I could do it, is there a record of the old wording? I agree about Mummy and Percy too.

Just want to say a big thank you to everyone, all 15 of you, for keeping me entertained these last few weeks. I'm in the UK now for Mums funeral tomorrow morning, you'll never know what a joyful distraction this has been. Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas. A plus x

I hope it goes as well as in can XXXXXX

 

[mousepanda8]

Albeit this was after the Jarvis crew had left it may give a flavour

When did the jarvis crew own the nursing home? The DEPPERHAUGH was the Richmond one- interesting they were in the same line of business

 

[Le Comte de Monte Cristo]

I think part of the problem is that Alexander seemed to go to bed at 6 am. That probably meant he was up all night drinking. At the very least he wasn’t up early to work. We didn’t see him do anything other than decorate one tree. She never intended to keep him there to make curtains.

i think it was a no go from the start...the Pethericks dropping him off there was already odd..those people are all the same...they use vunrable people..and no matter what they do or not do...you dont threat humans or even animals like that...its a disgrace..there are more gracefull ways to do this..

 

[Just Grift Wood]

All those greedy Brits colonizing rural France. I got grossed out by one of the first ETTCs, when a hen party of chavs, dressed in berets, Breton sailor shirts, and fake moustaches, quaffed their way across the Channel to a b n b which was, so far from being a chateau, a badly restored MCM house. There they were fed disgusting meals in a black-draped dining room with bouquets of ostrich feathers on the dining table. I think they were wearing "evening dress" which they interpreted as ho lingerie, so appetizing. It was a three day bender and they didn't have to speak a word of French or interact with France a tall. Eyebeeza redux. Ugh. This is what fat Dick and Angel have unleashed: cheap bubble boy destination weddings.

I remember that it was ghastly.

 

[billybudd]

I can’t stay away from you bunch of gossiping hags. Thank you for your kind replies especially about Christmas Day, yesterday my ex husband and son managed to fix the electrical problem so that is a great weight off my mind. Mind you he is an electrical engineer. He also sat down with me and took me through the problems with the house and car. It all seemed so trivial after and it was good to have someone who knows me well enough (we were together for 30 years) to talk to without having to explain the problems in detail. Alll problems are now tucked away in their boxes ready to sort one at a time.

I have, for various reasons, been decommercializing and decolonizing Christmas for about 35 years.
It helps.
I bought the Celebrating Midwinter zine off the late Waverley Fitzgerald about 20 years ago. Since her death it's come out as a little book for sale on Amazon, emphasizing the many stories, myths, recipes, songs and festive celebrations which preceded those of Christ's birth. They emphasize the cessation and rekindling of the light, marking time, self-reflection in the short days, wassailing the apple trees for an abundant spring blossoming, and other themes. I recommend this book highly.

Some of strategies I recommend to the many people I know facing challenging "holidays" -- avoid the shops and Christmas debt. Spend no more than $10 per person at the museum shops. Give the rest to charity.
Never mistake time spent with your family as a "vacation".
Don't cook. They'll get over it. Go out and eat Chinese on Christmas day, with the Jews, the Buddhists, the Muslims, and the native Americans.
Take it easy on the downers -- no Christmas orphan parties, pills, sugar or booze. You can drink and pig out in January.
Celebrate all the festivals of light -- Diwali, Advent, St. Lucy's day, Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. Light candles for each.
Treat yourself -- frankincense bubble baths. Pedicures. Figgy pudding body butter.
Smash icons -- bake a fish, light a menorah, attend services at the local temple of Tien Hou, go to a concert, check out the floristry decorations at the local cathedral.
Count your blessings. Feed the birds. Leave out a little something for Santa and the spirits.
Amazon product

Here's a wonderful poem Fitzgerald introduced me to:
Shortest Day (Susan Cooper)

So the Shortest Day came and the year died
And everywhere down the centuries of the snow‐white world
Came people singing, dancing,
To drive the dark away.
They lighted candles in the winter trees;
They hung their homes with evergreen;
They burned beseeching fires all night long
To keep the year alive.
And when the new year's sunshine blazed awake
They shouted, reveling.
Through all the frosty ages you can hear them
Echoing behind us ‐ listen!
All the long echoes, sing the same delight, This Shortest Day,
As promise wakens in the sleeping land:
They carol, feast, give thanks,
And dearly love their friends,
And hope for peace.
And so do we, here, now,
This year and every year.
Welcome Yule!

 

[Le Comte de Monte Cristo]

Amaury the pet builder.
Ok.
Wow.
Is Chantal's farmhouse collapsing? That is the only question.

my guess is Chantal is lying on that chaise longe all day long..enjoying the view..and eating chocolats and drinking champagne...while sticky steven is doing his ...how shall i put this nicely...that guy is too slimey...my feeling is he is doing a lott of naughty things behind Chantal Cartlands back... And i do think Chantal doesnt mind...as long as he leaves her old powderbox alone...

 

[mousepanda8]

The Depperhaugh
CQC review 2009 - dunno when the Richmonds stopped running the place
What has improved since the last inspection?
The Statement of Purpose and the Service User Guide had been updated to show the changes to the home`s ownership and the documents included the required information. The medication procedures and processes had been changed. The MDS (monitored dosage system) was used and the staff who were responsible for administering medication had been provided with training on the new system. The medication procedures identified the safe handling, storage and administration of medication. Staff had been provided with safeguarding training and were aware of the procedures and their roles and responsibilities to ensure that people that lived in the home were safeguarded.

What the care home could do better:
It was noted that there were some areas in the home that needed improvement, such as the paint on the dado rails in the lounge was chipped, the wallpaper in the hall and two bedrooms was peeling and the chairs in the lounge were discoloured and stained. Quotes had been obtained to redecorate and refurbish the communal areas to the home and bedrooms had been redecorated when they had become vacant. The appropriate checks on newly recruited staff must be undertaken before they start working at the home to ensure that people are safeguarded by the home`s recruitment procedures. The risks of cross contamination and the actual procedures for cleaning commodes must be clearly identified in the home`s infection control procedures to ensure that the risks are minimised. The staff training records did not identify where newly recruited staff had been provided with an appropriate induction training course to ensure that they were advised of their roles and responsibilities when they started working at the home. It was recommended that the improvement of staff training records be considered to ensure that gaps in staff training could be identified.

 

[UvulaDonor]

I sincerely hope that that is the case. It makes me so mad when I witness these manipulative scammers thinking that they can/will get away with it!

I once worked for a father/son company who scammed just about everybody that they ever did business with - they were originally UK based. Were even featured on Esther Rantzen's show in the late '90s where she exposed them, especially the son, as being 100% fraudsters. I didn't know any of this when I originally started working part time for the father about 20 years ago whilst I was training to become a Garden Designer.

Eventually they set themselves up in the sickening, deplorable, exploitative "Pay Day Loans" industry in various states in the US.
They were eventually reported and exposed, even the FBI was after the elderly father and son (who was a particularly nasty, ugly SOB/N/Psycho), plus many other employees too who were on the take as shareholders. It is well documented on the internet.

I was even named in one blog as being "enigmatic" - for very good reason I might add. I had only ever just done my job and then went home as I never truly, fully understood exactly what was going on, (much like how Stephanie Jarvis likes to keep it in connection with what she does), and I had expressed to a few other members of staff (who I was unaware were shareholders too), that, that business practise was the lowest, of the low in taking advantage of the most vulnerable in society - and, thereafter, my comments obviously got back to the main players. I left their employment within a couple of months with my head held high! Total scumbags imho!

So, yes, perhaps Alexander has been given the bum's rush because, the "family et al" will be strategizing around the table during the festive period and they certainly don't want any witnesses, or, covert phone recordings either!

I often think it must be both fascinating AND frustrating being a tax investigator. So many very wealthy people get away with hiding income and paying little tax because they pay people to sort it out 'legally' - so it's mostly the middle income earners who have thought they were being clever but weren't really. And then the multi-national companies who put everything off-shore, pay little tax to the companies they operate in AND pay their staff minimum wage.

 

[jojonz]

Do we all now see Journey to the Chateau vlog today titled our custom scent candles.. Wonder how much they trying to flog these off for???

Billy just done a shout out for people to follow Phils and Angelinas vlogs things must be getting tight

 

[Abuela]

I seem to remember Stefanny once saying her funds from the channels went into her UK bank account so maybe it's the UK tax authority who needs to investigate either tax evasion or money laundering.

On a side note why couldn't Alexander at least been dispatched to Narnia to choose fabric for new London Flat curtains ? We all have seen how badly needed they are!

 

[billybudd]

Please can someone whisper in auntie and uncles ear that as a nation we are staring down the barrel of a gun with regards to blackouts next month due to not being able to import enough gas to power our electricity needs. Some desperate households are already opting for blackouts in return for a much needed discount on their bill by their provider and to save vital electricity for those who need it more (oxygen tanks, medicine stored in fridges, etc). Those two are cleaning us out! How many f’in sets of lights?! How much consumption for two people in one small barn? Thank the Lord they are going to France soon and taking their obscene consumption and need for excess with them.

View attachment 1817920

I mistakenly turned the thermostat down 10 degrees this morning instead of up 10 degrees.
It was 50º in here in no time, before I figured out what was up.
Cold is oppressive. I'm telling you.

 

[Yebo]

@Yebo I wouldn't mind betting that Uncle and Auntie are up to their necks in this crime as well. It will surprise you but I do not think that Isabelle and Percy approve. My instinct tells me that and I rely on my instinct a lot. Time will tell.
Rest assured that the Tax authority will read this as well as Fanny's witch Phillipa's Father. Whilst the mob think that they are so clever I'm here to tell them that there is nothing new under the sun. If they think that they can come up with a scheme rest assured that the tax authority have already encountered it in many and varied forms.
Does anyone know whether witch Phillipa's father has his own accounting firm or does he work for one of the big 4 accounting firms?

I agree with everything (and I do hope you are right that the taxman is on the horizon) apart from your take on the old crone and Percy. Imo mummy dear would be at the head of the queue in any activity that sees money and other services being obtained for free and wouldn’t give a tit that it was through illegal means and Percy is out of the same mould. Our instincts are at odds as I see her involved up to her eyeballs.
It would be good to know whether PhiPhi‘s father is self employed or works for a known accountancy firm. Wherever it is, he must be very sure of his knowledge to be working primarily in Holland and yet feel confident to advise on French systems and given other close family members possibly on UK and SA systems as well.

regarding Isabelle and Percy, I don't see, once you do a cost benefit analysis on the situation, how it would benefit either of them to get involved in this mess. Isabelle seemed to me to really want to get shot of Phillipa. I've thought that for a long time. Phillipa brings nothing positive to the table, just negativity. Especially as far as the business is concerned.
Percy has his own money. I am afraid I'll just have to beg to differ and watch how things play out over the Christmas videos. By the way, have you noticed how completely Phillipa has insinuated itself into Fanny's life? Almost on all levels. I say almost because I just can't, as hard as I try, see there being any sexual activity between the two. Maybe it's a defense mechanism of mine kicking in to stop me from being quite so revolted..
Phillipa has insinuated itself emotionally, I don't want to write this..s.e.x.u.a.l.l.y... woohoo I managed to get it out, and now it has succeeded in getting it's father involved in the money aspect. This one is very important. Do you remember when it was scurrying around trying to fit all the keys into the doors? Well now it has the key to all Fanny's finances as well as the keys to the farmhouse. There will be a high price to pay if or when Fanny tries to get shot of it. I think Isabelle has seen this and is aware and doesn't approve of her idiot daughter giving this thing quite so much power because it is power.
Regarding Phillipa's father having the confidence to advise on French systems, well we've already seen one massive error there with the Patreon account, inviting people to join as members and then surreptitiously changing it to benefactors. Either way, he'll be complicit when everything unravels. If Fanny is out of the UK for 6 months or more then she's covered from the UK tax. SA operates on a 'fons origo' tax system. You are taxed on income actually earned in SA. So that's covered. But what about French tax? I'm not sure on this but I suspect it might be that she would be taxed on all income wherever it's earned if she is domiciled in France. However, there's are also double taxation agreements between countries which is why when one has a complicated financial profile like this involving multiple countries it is better to use an International Accounting Firm, not the local bookkeeper.
But unless we know the financial structure that they operate then it is all just speculation. But trust me, well beyond the scope of a bookkeeper, you need specialist tax advice.

 

[NotAChatelaine]

The Christmas decorations at the Richmond's lovingly restored Listed barn are quite an insult to an assault on the senses. Overwhelming and really rather vulgar. A tasteful grotto it's not.

I was amused that the pre-supper canapés/nibbles/little eats included slices of pork pie. I have never, ever been offered pork pie as an amuse-bouche. Naturally, it was Melton Mowbray pork pie - meaningless to anyone not a pork pie aficionado.

Uncle Stephen gives me the creeps.

 

[Madame No]

That’s possible. I don’t know if he drinks heavily or not…but if he does, he’d fit right in! I really don’t have anything against Alexander. He seems nice and maybe a little quirky (but aren’t we all? ). I’m not sure if he has family or anywhere to go. In the US, many gay bars open their doors on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to welcome anyone and everyone, serving meals and providing company and friendship. Even today, so many LGBT people here have been disowned and rejected by their families. Many gar bars want to make sure that no one has to spend the holiday alone.

Maybe he made some connections when Jared was there. He doesn't look like he stays up all night drinking, maybe he's just a night owl. Hope he finds somewhere warm and safe for the holidays and beyond.

 

[Just Grift Wood]

regarding Isabelle and Percy, I don't see, once you do a cost benefit analysis on the situation, how it would benefit either of them to get involved in this mess. Isabelle seemed to me to really want to get shot of Phillipa. I've thought that for a long time. Phillipa brings nothing positive to the table, just negativity. Especially as far as the business is concerned.
Percy has his own money. I am afraid I'll just have to beg to differ and watch how things play out over the Christmas videos. By the way, have you noticed how completely Phillipa has insinuated itself into Fanny's life? Almost on all levels. I say almost because I just can't, as hard as I try, see there being any sexual activity between the two. Maybe it's a defense mechanism of mine kicking in to stop me from being quite so revolted..
Phillipa has insinuated itself emotionally, I don't want to write this..s.e.x.u.a.l.l.y... woohoo I managed to get it out, and now it has succeeded in getting it's father involved in the money aspect. This one is very important. Do you remember when it was scurrying around trying to fit all the keys into the doors? Well now it has the key to all Fanny's finances as well as the keys to the farmhouse. There will be a high price to pay if or when Fanny tries to get shot of it. I think Isabelle has seen this and is aware and doesn't approve of her idiot daughter giving this thing quite so much power because it is power.
Regarding Phillipa's father having the confidence to advise on French systems, well we've already seen one massive error there with the Patreon account, inviting people to join as members and then surreptitiously changing it to benefactors. Either way, he'll be complicit when everything unravels. If Fanny is out of the UK for 6 months or more then she's covered from the UK tax. SA operates on a 'fons origo' tax system. You are taxed on income actually earned in SA. So that's covered. But what about French tax? I'm not sure on this but I suspect it might be that she would be taxed on all income wherever it's earned if she is domiciled in France. However, there's are also double taxation agreements between countries which is why when one has a complicated financial profile like this involving multiple countries it is better to use an International Accounting Firm, not the local bookkeeper.
But unless we know the financial structure that they operate then it is all just speculation. But trust me, well beyond the scope of a bookkeeper, you need specialist tax advice.

I agree with you Isabelle is exasperated now and just sick and tired of Fanny and she thinks correctly Pube Boy is a gigolo -but without the perks. The little errant Pube has totally ingratiated himself into Fanny's life-she is inherently insecure, getting older, her looks are faded and she needs constant adulation-the daft bit was flattered by a young man giving her attention, even if he is ugly inside and out. Percy is a smart man and probably just find the whole thing tiresome and wants to protect Isabelle from the shot hitting the fan which we all hope it will. Aunt and Uncle are pleased someone else is paying Amaury I think he has been a thorn in their side financially and also because I think he has been a wild boy and not very nice. Will any of us ever find out the real truth?

 

[Yebo]

I am a patron so I could do it, is there a record of the old wording? I agree about Mummy and Percy too.


I hope it goes as well as in can XXXXXX

Yes there is a screenshot of the original wording in one of the earlier threads when I had just joined and we were discussing this matter. It shouldn't be too difficult to find it. This could then grind the whole sorry mess to a standstill and I'd be happy to fly to France to watch the trial if criminality is uncovered.

 

[Le Comte de Monte Cristo]

What's Dan up to? He doesn't seem to be very regular with his vlogs.

he probably ran out of content.. no roof on his ruin this christmas... no matter what attitude he likes to play out...he is a loser..with turkish false teeth..

 

[Yebo]

The Christmas decorations at the Richmond's lovingly restored Listed barn are quite an insult to an assault on the senses. Overwhelming and really rather vulgar. A tasteful grotto it's not.

I was amused that the pre-supper canapés/nibbles/little eats included slices of pork pie. I have never, ever been offered pork pie as an amuse-bouche. Naturally, it was Melton Mowbray pork pie - meaningless to anyone not a pork pie aficionado.

Uncle Stephen gives me the creeps.

there's nothing quite so inelegant as serving a mini Melton Mowbray pork pie quartered and impaled on a toothpick. Hyacinth Bucket would be appalled!

 

[mousepanda8]

Quick legal note, If on Societies - if i purchase the document which is labelled Full Official Report & Solvency 801982604 would SJ be notified? I do not want her to have any of my personal info - nor do i want any legal issues

 

[Le Baiseur]

Wow! How did I miss this hilarious video and its amusing comments?!

This comment was particularly interesting. Is this how PJ entered the picture?