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DORDOGNE
May 2011 - Issue 27
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Périgueux robberies prompt warning
Protests as 14 classes to be cut from schools Parents and teachers unite in fears over class overcrowding
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FOURTEEN schools across the Dordogne will lose a class next year as part of nationwide measures to reduce education costs. A series of protests by parents and teachers have been held in recent weeks against the cutbacks, which will mean the loss of 14 teaching posts, although their demands so far have only been met by one school in Sarlat. La Boëtie College, Aquitaine’s largest secondary school, has agreed to add an extra class to the school’s quatrième, or third year, at the start of the next school year. However, parents are still calling for a class to be added to the sixième, or first year after primary school. Martine Ginestet, the vice-president of the Sarlat branch of FCPE, the parents association, said that without the extra class there would be 28 pupils in each of the ten sixième classes. “That is too many,” she said.
Photo: © ArnaudLoth - Sud-Ouest
By JANE HANKS
Parents, teachers and children have held several protests against the cutbacks at schools across the Dordogne “All children suffer in such a situation, but particularly those who have difficulties in school and need extra attention in class, not less.” This view was echoed by teachers.
“Adding on an extra two children doesn’t sound much but it can make all the difference,” said Fanny Coinon, a maths teacher at the school. “We can’t easily give pupils individual
attention, which is badly needed by the less-able students, and those who are average can easily fall into the wrong side in an oversized class.” Parents are also Î Turn to Page 2
POLICE in Périgueux have warned business and homeowners to be extra vigilant following a spate of burglaries in the town. Bakeries have been the main target, with four stores recently being broken into within a week. While nothing was taken from the first break-in at a bakery in CoulounieixChamiers, burglars escaped with €90 from Lehoux bakery on rue Pierre-Semard the next day. Two more bakeries in the town were also hit: one in Fournil de la Cité, the other on the corner of rue Wilson and rue Thierst. Since early April, police have stepped up the surveillance of bakeries in the town. “There aren’t any miracles, unfortunately,” said a policeman at Périgueux station, who asked not to be named. “Business owners just need to be on guard, particularly at closing time or shortly before it. And don’t leave the till full of money, it’s commonsense really.” He played down fears of a drastic rise in break-ins, adding that the incidents were a “coincidence” and that “these aren't once a week events”. He continued: “We see these things happening during the year, it’s not frequent or seasonal. “Although we do see a slight rise in the theft of gardening equipment during the spring and summer seasons.” Meanwhile, there have been robberies at other businesses across the region, particularly Î Turn to Page 3
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Union says teaching resources threatened
Is your local school affected? Class closures Bergerac S.Lacore Ribérac Mussidan infant school Belves Bergerac-Alba Bergerac J.Moulin Boulazac J.Curie Le Buisson de Cadouin Le Lardin Saint Lazare Clos-Chassaing, Périgueux Razac sur l'Isle Ribérac J.Ferry Mussidan primary school Thiviers
Contact editorial via: angela@dordogneadvertiser.com (Please include a daytime contact number) Write to: The Advertiser, 38 Rue Grimaldi, 98000 Monaco www.dordogneadvertiser.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/dordognenews
Schools and teaching posts which will be opened according to numbers enrolled in September
Environmental policy The Advertiser is printed on recycled newspaper. We use a printing company which adheres to stringent regulations to reduce pollution.
Photo: © Jane Hanks
Editor: Sarah Smith Writers: Angela Giuffrida; Jane Hanks; Janice Moody, Oliver Rowland; Ken Seaton; Kirsten Stroud Design and layout: Dave Cooper, Gemma Hill
Directrice de la Publication (Managing Editor): Sarah Smith Rédacteur-en-Chef (Editor-in-Chief): Sarah Smith
Concerned: Marie-Pierre Prodéo and Martine Ginestet, joint vice-presidents of the FCPE
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Useful Contacts EMERGENCIES Samu: 15 Sapeurs/Pompiers: 18 Police-gendarmerie: 17 All services, from mobiles 112
HOSPITALS AND CLINICS Périgueux Hospital: 05 53 45 25 25 Emergency 24h / 24: 05 53 45 26 38 Polyclinique Francheville: 05 53 02 11 11 Emergency 24h / 24: 05 53 02 12 20
Page 1 angered by the lack of qualified replacement teachers at the school. “The headmaster had to go to the job centre to ask for people with a degree in the required subject, but not necessarily any teaching experience,” said Marie-Pierre Prodéo, also vice-president of FCPE. “This is happening in key subjects like maths and English. Many teachers have been ill this year and there
just aren’t enough qualified teachers to replace them.” A list of the 14 schools that will lose a class has been published, while a decision on two others will be made in September. Meanwhile, four schools will get an additional class and the fate of 10 others will be decided in September. The Education Authority for the Dordogne said there will be 130 fewer pupils in the department next year and that class sizes are reasonable
with an average of 23 pupils. However, SNUipp-FSU, the teachers union, is unhappy with the news. “Fewer classes are being closed than last year but we are losing more members of staff in the department than ever before, a fact which remains hidden from the public as some of them are jobs where the teacher didn't have his or her own class,” said Alain Barry, who represents primary school teachers at the union.
Excideuil Menesplet St Pierre de Chignac Ste Alvère RPI Chantérac, St Vincent de Connezac RPI St Méard de Gurçon, Fougueyrolles RPI Nabirat, Saint Martial de Nabirat RPI Grèzes, LadornacChavagnac Two replacement teachers posts
Schools which will have a new class Carsac-Aillac RPI Eglise-Neuve-de- Vergt, Saint-Paul-de-Serre, Chalagnac Cénac et Saint Julien Marsac-sur-l'Isle
Class closures to be decided in September RPI Saint-Paul-la-Roche, Jumilhac Le Grand RPI Auriac du Périgord, Aubas
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May 2011
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Commemorative exhibition to be held for pink-lion sculptor
Page 1
ÎSee our feature on pages 11-14 on how to keep your home and business safe from thieves.
News in brief
Photo: © BernardGillibert
AN EXHIBITION of the work of American sculptor Edmund Ashby, who died at the end of March, will be held in Ribérac in July. Mr Ashby, who lived in Champagne Fontaine, was known in the area as much for his height and humour as he was for his offbeat monuments. Originally from Chicago, the sculptor, who was 55 when he passed away, moved to the region in 2007 and soon drew the affection of the local population. He had already made a name for himself with his monuments, such as a large fountain in Ribérac in the shape of a left hand. Its mirror image, a right hand, is in Rietberg, Germany. However, the creation that made him both popular and unpopular was the fluorescent pink lion, according to an article published in a German newspaper in 2007. On the day it was placed outside La Verticalle in Verteillac, a bistro which had just been taken over by British couple, Chris and Samantha Stacey, a storm started to brew among the town’s large English-speaking contingent. Mr Ashby had intended the move as a joke to draw attention to an upcoming art exhibition taking place above La Verticalle. The 1,100lb concrete masterpiece had, in fact, been bought from a garden store and spray-painted fluorescent pink. However, instead of seeing the funny side, a group of English residents accused Mr Ashby of offending the French with ‘garish taste’. According to the article, the lion did not aggrieve any of the French residents; still, the pressure from the English contingent, which included a call for debate among town councillors, was enough to have it removed from the steps of La Verticalle.
in and around Champagne Fontaine. Thieves broke into a bar and grocery store in the town, while more than €2,000 worth of scaffolding was taken from a building site in the area. Alex Lancashire, who was working at the site, has offered €500 for information which could lead to catching the thieves. “They’re opportunists,” he said. “They took the scaffolding and nothing else. We have to go and replace it now, which is hard at this time of year. If anybody can give reasonable information then I’m quite happy to stump up €500 towards it. You never know who it might bring out.” Mr Lancashire added that the spate of burglaries has prompted him to install a CCTV system at his home. “It might not actually stop them, but at least you might see who it is.”
Mr Ashby’s troublesome lion and the funeral service for Edmund Ashby held at Ribérac fountain Still, all was not lost. The mayor of the neighboring Vendoire, Alain Lucas, took a shine to the masterpiece and allowed Mr Ashby to place it outside his office building, which used to be called Le Lion d'Or (Golden Lion). Sadly, after Mr Lucas was voted out of his post, the lion moved back to Verteillac, where it was placed outside Huw’s Brocante. The monument became so famous that a
Alzheimer’s centre opens up in Sarlat
Fraud doctor jailed for 2 years A DOCTOR in Ribérac has been sentenced to two years in prison and fined €20,000 for fraud. Between 2004 and 2007, Jean-Marie Bresque forged hundreds of health insurance invoices for fictitious consultations. The fraud came to light when staff at the Caisse Primaire d’AssuranceMaladie de la Dordogne (CPAM) noticed the invoices were made for night consultations, which never took place, or for people who were not in the region at the time.
Photo: LANDOV/MAXPPP
Fire at Périgueux apartment block FOURTEEN residents of a tower block on rue Agonac were rescued when an apartment on the fourth floor caught fire. The fire, which was extinguished by 25 firemen, is believed to have been caused by a short circuit from one of the bedrooms. Nobody was hurt in the incident.
Photo: © CCID MMR
Centre aims to provide a warm, welcoming environment
Bergerac airport set for record year 2011 is forecast to be a record year for travellers passing through Bergerac airport. According to estimates from airport officials, 290,000 travellers will use the airport this year. This is mainly due to airlines increasing the number of flights from the airport.
A CENTRE for Alzheimer sufferers and their families has opened in Sarlat. The centre, which was jointly financed by the local council’s social fund and the Red Cross, will eventually be able to welcome up to 50 patients. Initially, it will open one day a week for a therapy session which can accommodate fifteen people. The centre has been planned for some time, but was held up while approval was sought from the Agence Régional de la Santé (ARS). “I'm delighted for the families on the list who have been waiting for months,” said Françoise Lauvinerie, the president of the Red Cross branch in Sarlat. The centre will initially be
staffed by a director, a nurse and a healthcare assistant, while a full-time psychologist will eventually be in place. The Lions club in Sarlat, a charity, is a partner in the project and provided a new minibus to take patients to and from their homes and on excursions. The centre’s yearly maintenance costs will be funded between the ARS, the local council and families of the patients. The centre aims to provide patients and their families with a warm and welcoming environment while also giving them a social outlet. Activities will also be organized with the aim of helping patients adapt to the disease and give them independence.
Facebook page is dedicated to it. Mr Ashby’s funeral in April was marked with a ceremony at the Ribérac fountain where he sculpted the left hand. His two brothers from the US attended along with a number of British and French artists and friends. René Corsino, a local councillor, recalled Mr Ashby’s “artistic talent, conviviality, humour and joy of living in this region.”
4 News Feature News in brief Pensioner robbed of €6,500 in ‘home-help trick’ A 95-YEAR-OLD pensioner in Périgueux was robbed of €6,500 after two women stole a cheque book from his apartment. Disguised as home helpers, the women, aged 41 and 25, tricked the man into believing they would help him with domestic chores.
Super U to replace Carrefour THE Carrefour store in Boulazac will be renamed Super U from January 1, 2012. The move comes after the store’s owner, La Coop Atlantique, decided not to renew its contract with Carrefour in a bid to lower consumer prices by between “two and three per cent”, said Serge Salles, the consumerwatch director at the firm. The firm hopes the change will help increase turnover by 10 to 15 per cent a year.
Town to hold August book day THE town of Saint-Laurentdes-Hommes will this year host a day celebrating books. Organised by Cult’Art, the local library and the bookshop at Isle in Mussidan, the town will welcome a number of authors on August 15.
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May 2011
The making of Little England in the Dordogne Adrian Edmondson, who played Vyvyan in the 1980s comedy hit, The Young Ones, narrated The Dales. A narrator for Little England is yet to be announced
Bumping into a film crew in the Dordogne is nothing unusual. With its beautiful scenery and historic buildings, the region has been the location for many period films. However, this month will see a film crew of a different kind quietly going about its business
By KIRSTEN STROUD MANY of you will be familiar with ITV1’s The Lakes and The Dales, programmes produced by Shiver Productions which depict the lives of those living in the UK’s Lake District and Yorkshire Dales. Both shows were extremely popular, with The Lakes pulling in four million viewers for each of its 12 episodes, making it the most-viewed factual series on Monday nights to be aired on
British television. The second series performed equally well from this January onwards, once again attracting an average of over four million viewers per episode. As a result of its success, ITV1 commissioned another 12-part series called The Dales, which again follows a number of characters over the summer living in the Yorkshire Dales and is narrated by the actor and comedian Adrian Edmondson, who played punk metal fan Vyvyan in The Young Ones comedy series.
The series recently started its peaktime run on ITV1, with the first episode watched by an incredible 4.4 million viewers So, following on from their success, Shiver Productions decided to bring its next series to the Dordogne, home to one of the biggest communities of British expatriates in France. Provisionally called Little England, it will be a 12-part series centred around the British community in the region, with filming taking place throughout May until around June 10.
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May 2011
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News Feature 5 Students host meal to sharpen English skills
Photo: © JimJag-FOTOLIA.COM
By KIRSTEN STROUD
The Dordogne is home to one of the biggest British expatriates communities in France. The crew is looking to capture the positive side of expatriate life It is scheduled to be broadcast in a similar peak-time, mid-week slot on ITV1, and will probably air in the Autumn of this year. “It is well-known that the Dordogne is highly populated with expats and we thought the area also offered us lots of interesting stories about what people have done with their lives since making the move abroad,” said Simon Paintin, the series producer, who also produced 60 Minute Makeover, the home transformation show for ITV1. “Many people have set up their own
businesses, there are people who have ventured into keeping vineyards or have taken on huge renovation work.” While there have been plenty of stories about people moving back to the UK or of how their dreams turned to nightmare, Mr Paintin said he wanted to capture the positive side of expatriate life in the area. “We want to film normal people going about normal lives in a gentle and warm manner,” he added. As Mr Paintin pointed out, the theme for all three series is one of sim-
plicity. The crew follows people around as they carry out their everyday lives, there are no orchestrated situations. Their aim is to show off the beauty and appeal of the local environment and to celebrate the positive side of people’s lives. Although the crew has already been in touch with several residents, it is still looking for people to take part in the series. Filming can last from a couple of hours to a couple of days, depending
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on events happening at the time. The crew would particularly like to meet those who are having a big celebration in their family or who are undergoing a major challenge either in work or home life. If you have an interesting story to tell about life here, how you have integrated into the French way of life and would like to feature in the series then please contact us at angela@dordogne advertiser.com and we will put you in touch with the film crew. Please include a daytime phone number.
EACH year, students at the Ecole Hôtelière du Périgord in Boulazac not only put their culinary skills to the test but also their English language ones. With just a month to go before their end of year exams, teachers of the Bac Pro students devised a novel way for them to gain confidence for their oral English test: host a dinner where all the guests were Englishspeakers. The students then had to come up with a theme for the dinner and plan a menu. The pressure was on this year as they had the extra knowledge that the Bordeaux British consul, Alastair Roberts, was going to be the guest of honour. The evening began in a panic as the consul was held up in traffic. However, the students coped wonderfully and went on to serve an interesting combination of English food with a French touch. In between courses they performed, in English, a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. If you would like further information about other meals taking place please contact Amanda on 05 53 35 72 72.
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THE fires which swept through forests in the Dordogne recently may have been started deliberately, say police. Two fires destroyed two hectares of forest at Milhac-de-Nontron and Grosse Motte in Nontronnais in April. Fires also erupted in Saint-Crépin-de-Richemont, burning 130 hectares, and Saint-Pierre-de-Côle.
Drug bust on Spanish border THREE Périgueux residents have been arrested at the Spanish border for the possession of drugs. Customs officials found 500 grams of heroine, 14 grams of cocaine and seven grams of cannabis in a car which was on its way to Périgueux. A 23-year-old woman and two men, aged 24 and 27, were arrested.
Hotels booking up fast for summer
HOTELS and gîtes in the Dordogne enjoyed a busy Easter thanks to the good weather and people deciding to take a holiday closer to home. Reservations are also looking good over the next few months, according to Alain Lebon, the president of the Hotel Association for Périgord Noir. “Many places are full,” he said, with “more reservations than usual between June and September.”
New owners for Ribérac bakery LA SOUFLAMME bakery in place Debonnière, Ribérac, has new owners. Catherine and Alain Beaumont have taken over from Mr and Mrs Bourland, who ran the bakery for 19 years.
Burglary at clinic in Périgueux TWO men will appear in court on June 8 after breaking into Francheville clinic one evening. The men, from Périgord, took handbags, wallets and keys from the lockers of nurses and careworkers.
May 2011
Solar power plan divides Grèzes hilltop community Solar power could generate €40,000 annual income for village but residents are against the move By JANE HANKS PLANS to install solar panels in a village in the Dordogne have split the community. The mayor of Grèzes, JeanMarie Chanquoi, said the opportunity was “too good to miss” and that the move would not only contribute to renewable energy sources but would generate €40,000 a year for the village. However, opponents have criticised the project as a potential “eyesore” and “monstrosity” which could destroy an important ecological site and popular tourist attraction. The plan involves installing the solar panels across a seven hectare site, which runs along the length of the south-facing slope of a hill just above Grèzes, which has a population of 170. From the hilltop, there are 360 degree panoramic views over six departments, including the Massif Central. Residents have formed a group called ‘Sauvons notre
The protestors group claims the shaded area will be affected by the solar power plan of the group. “If the council had talked to us about it earlier we may have found a compromise, perhaps for a smaller site, but the first we knew about it was in the New Year. We think it is all about money, but our commune is a small one with modest needs and we don’t need the extra finances. “The whole thing has creat-
coteau de Grèzes’ (Save our hillside) in protest against the energy plans. “We are not against renewable sources of energy but they should be put in places that are suitable for them, such as old quarries and industrial sites, not in areas like ours, and especially not on such a big scale,” said Coco Jakubiak, the secretary
ed a bad atmosphere in our village - there are even disputes within families.” However, Mr Chanquoi claims that only about twenty per cent of the population are against the scheme. “I am utterly convinced that this is the right thing to do,” he said. “The land in question has no agricultural value, while
the panels that will be put there will be non-reflective and the visual impact will be limited. We won't touch the top of the hill where visitors will still be able to go. “We have been promised an income of €40,000 a year for the next 20 years, which will increase the revenues of the village by a third. With that money we can improve the schools, local buildings and the roads. The council vote was unanimously in favour.” But the couple who live on the other side of the valley and who will have an uninterrupted view of the panels is not convinced by the arguments. Jean-Claud Blondel, also president of the protest group said: “I was born here and have looked across the valley to the beautiful hill opposite all my life. The plan is a monstrosity.” The group intends to fight the proposals to the end. There is an ongoing public enquiry to change the use of the land concerned in order to make the project legally possible. If given the go-ahead, there will be a second public enquiry before the panels can be installed.
Shoe-maker to help Japanese quake victims By JANICE MOODY REPETTO, the prestigious ballet and fashion shoe maker based in Saint-Médard d'Exideuil, is making a special edition fashion shoe in an effort to raise €200,000 for victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The shoes will be made at the Repetto factory in the Dordogne and will go on sale in the firm’s shops in France and Japan at the beginning of this month, with all sales proceeds going towards charities involved in helping victims of the disaster. The earthquake has left thousands of families homeless, children without parents and food and fuel shortages.
“Japan is a country which has contributed towards the success of Repetto,” said JeanMarc Gaucher, the company’s managing director. “We are very popular in Japan and have 14 boutiques there. It’s normal to extend a helping hand to a friend.” Repetto fashion shoes have become known throughout the world as a must-have luxury item, although the brand began with ballet shoes. In 1947, Rose Repetto created her first pair following a request by her son, Roland Petit, a choreographer and dancer who trained at the Opéra de Paris. Almost ten years later the fashion shoe was born when in 1956 actress Brigitte Bardot asked Rose to create her a
Photo: Repetto
Forest fires may be arson
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Repetto hopes to raise €200,000 from the sale of a specially-designed fashion shoe pair of Cinderella, ballerinatype flat shoes. The shoes were made using the traditional ‘stitch and return’ method (where they are sewn and put together inside out), a process still used today. By 1967, the Repetto brand had grown so popular that Rose opened her first factory in the Dordogne. In the 1970s, Serge Gainsbourg, the French
singer/songwriter, actor and director, fell in love with Rose’s Zizi lace-up model and Repetto’s fame spread even further. Since then celebrities have been seen wearing the famous pump across the world. Following Rose’s death in 1984 the company fell into decline. In 1999, Jean Marc Gaucher took over Repetto and breathed new life into it.
Business links outside of France were made, especially with top fashion designers in Japan. Yet despite the worldwide success of Repetto, the company has remained loyal to its roots in the Dordogne. “The company has a feeling of responsibility towards its personnel because they are the ones that have allowed Repetto to become the label it is today,” said Mr Gaucher.
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May 2011
Wine 7
www.dordogneadvertiser.com BERGERAC PECHARMANT MONBAZILLAC SAUSSIGNAC MONTRAVEL ROSETTE
News from the Dordogne’s wine region
Music and wine can be found at vineyards across Bergerac in May France. Wine tasting included. For further information call 05 53 58 37 09.
Photo: Catherine Coste
THERE’S never a shortage of events taking place in Bergerac wine country and this month it’s the French love of jazz that takes centre stage with a five-day jazz festival and wine tasting in the centre of town. But if jazz isn't your thing, then maybe an art exhibition at one of the local vineyards is more to your liking, or even a browse around a show dedicated to local food products.
La Maison des Vins But if you prefer to have no specific agenda, then why not visit La Maison des Vins in the old part of Bergerac town. The building dates back to the 17th century and is of a monastic architecture with a superb vaulted room. This is the place to immerse yourself in the history surrounding the local wine industry. Exhibition and wine shop.
By JANICE MOODY Festival Jazz Pourpre THE Festival Jazz Pourpre runs from Wednesday May 11 to Sunday May 15 at four different venues around the town. Of course, at each event, as well as enjoying the music, you can enjoy tasting a selection of Bergerac wines. Don't miss one of the first events of the week at the Centre Culturel on Thursday May 12; a commentated concert by Antoine Hervé that attempts to unravel the universe of Oscar Peterson, a famous jazz pianist. For further information call 05 53 73 12 25 or visit the following website to view the whole programme: www.jazzpourpre.com Jazz concert and wine tasting For something a little more intimate, Jazz en Chais takes jazz out of the town and into the vineyards. Jazz band, Chamber Orchestra, will be performing on Saturday May 28 at the Julien de Savignac estate, Clos l'Envège, in Monbazillac. Chamber Orchestra entertain their audience
Chambre Orchestra will be entertaining wine-lovers at the Julien de Savignac estate on May 28 with a mix of Big Band and sounds from the 1930s. The concert starts at 9 pm. Entrance fee is €10, with free wine-tasting at 8.15pm. Reservations recommended on 05 53 73 12 25. As well as being a wine merchant with shops at Le Bugue, Sarlat and Monbazillac, Julien de Savignac is a winemaker himself and it is at his vineyard at Monbazillac where you can enjoy a relaxing evening sampling Bergerac wines. Art exhibition and wine tasting Château Masburel at Fougeyrolles is a beautiful property whose vineyards
date back to 1740. The vineyard is a favourite among art lovers as the property regularly hosts small exhibitions with wine tasting: this month is no exception with an exhibition entitled Nature Wakes Up on Friday May 6 from 7.30 to 9.30 pm. Entry is free, English is spoken. For further information call 05 53 24 77 73. Château Ladesvignes at Pomport is another impressive property that also boasts fantastic views across the Dordogne river valley. On the weekend of May 28 and 29 the public is invited to come and enjoy an art exhibition in the chais which features art and sculptures from 30
artists. Free entry and wine tasting. For further information call 05 53 58 30 67. * It is not necessary to book at either of the two vineyards, you can just turn up. A show of foods from around France And for something completely different…the Domaine de Tirecul is situated in the Monbazillac vineyards and is open all day on Saturday 8 and Sunday May 9 to play host to a display of local food products along with those from other regions of
So which Bergerac wines go with strawberries? THIS month, the local strawberry season is in full swing and Bergerac’s semi-sweet (moelleux) wines are the preferred choice of many to accompany this delicious, delicate fruit. There are four semi-sweet appellations: Côtes de Bergerac blanc, Rosette, Côtes de Montravel and Haut Montravel. Côtes de Bergerac blanc and Rosette wines are slightly strawcoloured. They are elegant, light, fresh and fruity wines that are slightly sweet but not so much so that they overpower the delicate aroma and taste of strawberries.
These wines are best drunk when young, for example, it is perfectly acceptable to drink a 2010 this spring. Staying with a semi-sweet wine but that is slightly more complex, then a Côtes de Montravel with its floral aromas is a good choice, as is a Haut Montravel wine which is more concentrated and richer. Both Montravel wines are better for ageing. Semi-sweet wines usually have a rate of sugar at around 50g/litre whereas the sweeter wines of Saussignac and Monbazillac have a rate superior to 50g.
Visit the Maison des Vins and local vineyards
La Route des Vins Before heading out of Bergerac town, equip yourself with a tourist map of the wine-tasting spots in the region. The La Route des Vins map is available at La Maison des Vins or the tourist office. The map features vineyards plus accommodation on vineyards (B&B's, camping car parks, hotels and holiday gîtes) which welcome visitors to their property and to taste their wine. Visit the following website for further information www.route-desvins-de-bergerac.com Destination Vignobles Useful to know for the wine tourist is a network of vineyards, restaurants, producers of local foods, hotels and tourist sites, in fact any establishment linked to Bergerac wine in some way, that welcome tourists and ensure a level of quality in what they offer. For more details visit www.destination-vignoblesbergerac.fr
DID YOU KNOW? The French wine industry employs 340,000 people in France. Wine is one of the country’s top 10 export earners. Wine has been exported from France since the founding of Massalia (Marseilles) in about 600BC.
In the area that is now Iran, wine jugs were dis covered that dated from around 7000 years ago
The oldest traces of a wine-like substance were discovered in China
Wine did not actualkly make the way to French and English soil until thousands of years after its birth
President Nicolas Sarkozy does not drink wine but his wife, Carla Bruni, does.
There are more than 10,000 grape varieties used in wines around the world
Maison des Vins de Bergerac 1 rue des Récollets 24100 Bergerac Tel 05 53 63 57 55 z www.vins-bergerac.fr
8 What’s On
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Flowers in bloom for Monteton festival CHELSEA Silver Gilt winner Miriam Hammond is bringing her floral design skills to Monteton on May 7 and 8 as part of a flower festival at Eglise NotreDame. Organised by Miriam and called “Hats off to Monteton”, the festival will showcase the designs of 26 ladies. Some have come with experience in flower arranging, while others have not. “To help those ladies who wanted to have a go but had never done this before, I have held a couple of workshops which have been enjoyed very much,” said Miriam. “Floral art is a great activi-
ty to be involved with and a successful way of raising funds for charity.” One of Miriam’s passions when she lived in England was floral art. As a member of the National Association of Flower Arranging Societies (NAFAS), Miriam visited many clubs in London’s home counties, sharing her passion and demonstrating the art of arranging flowers. Miriam also exhibited her designs in competitions and in various churches including Westminster Abbey. Now living in France, Miriam was invited in 2008 to do a flower arrangement in Sainte Croix Church to coincide with the first Vide Grenier to be held there. In 2009, Miriam entered a competition in Fonroque at the Fête de l'Arbre and was thrilled to be placed first. “If people have ever visited a flower festival in England I know they will be tempted to join us,” said Miriam. “If you have never been to one before, please come
The Advertiser, Dordogne at Beauregard-et-Bassac church May 1 – Lily of the Valley walk, meet 8.30 at Salle des Fêtes SaintCrepin-de-Richemont Call 05 53 60 96 04 May 4 – Hike, Saint-Cyprien, leave 13.30 from the Foyer rural May 8 – 16km walk with music, animations and picnic along the way, leave 9.00 Sigoulès Call 05 53 58 48 16 May 14 – Walk to discover wild orchids, 14.00 Salle des Fêtes, Valojoulx Call 05 53 51 82 60 May 14 – Walk to discover the Terrasson-Lavilledieu area Call 05 53 50 37 56 May 15 – Walk Saint-Pierrede-Frugie, meet Salle Louis Urbain at 8.30 May 15 – Guided walk looking at history of the Forest of Bessède, Meet Camp de César, Belvès Call 05 53 29 10 20 May 18 – On the trail of wild orchids, Sentier des Fontaines, Eyvigues Call 05 53 28 81 93 May 21 – 3km guided walk to discover the fauna and flora of the Saint-Estèphe area, meet Roc Branlant car park Call 05 53 60 74 75 May 22 – Botanical walk to discover edible wild plants, Saint-Jory-de-Chalais Call 05 53 52 05 40 May 22 – Walk along the
Family May 1 – Fête du sport, demonstrations of different sports: canoeing, horse riding, basketball and football. Stadium, SaintJulien-de-Lampon Call 05 53 29 46 11 May 21 – A dragon in my garden! Discover the amphibian world. Bring boots. 14.00 onwards at The Château, Varaignes Call 05 53 56 23 66 May 22– Guided walk around the Sentier des Fontaines looking at how man lived to the rhythm of the seasons. Eyvigues. May 28 – Theatrical visit around Sarlat. Leaves tourist office at 19.00 Call 05 53 62 07 69 May 29 – Farm visit, Ferme chêne de Greletti, La Croix Marafret, Chaleix Call 05 53 62 07 69 Every Wednesday – guided visit of Sarlat in English, leaves 11.00 from the tourist office. Call 05 53 31 45 45 Every Thursday – Gold prospecting course, Excideuil Call 05 53 52 29 79 Every Saturday – Free botanical workshops, 15.00-17.30pm, Espace découverte nature et pat, Saint-Barthelemy-de-Buissiere Call 05 53 60 96 41
Gilt winner Miriam Hammond
along, you will be pleasantly surprised!” She added: “I understand that a flower festival is a new concept in France. It would be good if this was the first of many. Maybe next year we could hold one in Levignac-de-Guyenne at the church in my own village.” The flower festival is taking place on Saturday May 7, 2-6pm and Sunday May 8, 12-6pm at Eglise NotreDame, Monteton.
Nordic walking plateau of La-Rochebeaucourt, exhibition of orchids at the church. Meet 10.00 at the plateau car park Call 05 53 55 36 00 May 29 – Guided walk, 10 km, followed by visit to local farmers
MUSEUMS across France will open their doors for nocturnal visits on Saturday May 14. Now in its sixth year, the so-called Nuit des Musées allows people to explore sites and monuments in a different light. Held in the evening, the museums take on a mysterious and sometimes magical feel, and all for free. See the Roman artefacts of the Vesonna museum in Périgueux lit up or the beautiful Château de Hautefort, pictured above, near Périgueux. Museums across Europe participate in the event. For more details see www.nuitdesmusees.culture.fr
FOR the seventh edition of Journées des Orchidées, the beautiful Manoir d'Eyrignac will once again open its doors to delight all orchid and plant lovers. Exhibitors this year include not only orchid producers but also rare plants such as Bonzaï and Liloo Tillandsias. There will be workshops around the theme of Japanese culture, Ikebana floral compositions, origami and onomatopoeia and also how to look after orchids. Coupled with art exhibitions, conferences and guided walks to discover the wild orchids in the area makes for a weekend with something to suit everyone. The event takes place on April 30 and May 1. For further information call 05 53 28 81 98
Climb Château Excideuil All month – Rock climbing in the château rock face, Excideuil Call 05 53 52 29 79 All month – Photo competition for adults and children with the theme ‘Le nez en l'air’ - Nose in the air. Photos have to be from the Excideuil and Coulaures area Call 05 53 52 29 79
Out and about May 1 – Guided hike for all fitness levels. Discover the Hautefort area on a 11km circuit, meet 9.30 in front of the tourist office Call 05 53 50 40 27 May 1 – 13km walk, meet 11.00 at Bayac cemetery or 12.00
Photo: Mossot
theme for orchid and plant show
Photo: JPère Igor
Museums open at night Japanese
market and guided visit around the Jardins de l'Imaginaire, Terrasson-Lavilledieu Call 05 53 50 37 56 Every Thursday morning– Guided visit around the medieval town of Issigeac Call 05 53 58 79 62 All month– Free guided visits around the old town of Excideuil Call 05 53 52 29 73 May 7 – Saint-Cyprien Call 05 53 30 36 09 May 8 – Grives-le-Lavoir, 10am-12pm Call 05 53 29 10 20 May 15 –meet at Loubejac church Call 05 53 29 98 37 May 22 –meet salle des fêtes,
May 2011
Music Saint-Chamassy Call 05 53 29 98 37 May 1 – Piano recital, 16.30, Place Boucharel, Nontron Call 06 79 91 79 54 May 6 – Concert by group Vox Vesunna, Ancien Gymnase, Montpon-Ménestérol Call 05 53 82 30 54 May 6 – Rock concert by Mark Robson, 22.30 Chez Minou, Monpazier Call 05 53 22 68 59 May 6 – Contemporary and classical concert with the choirs of Villefranche-du-Périgord and Vergt, 20.30, Place de la Halle, Villefranche-du-Périgord Call 05 53 29 98 37 May 7 – Spanish guitar concert, 20.15, grande salle de la Mairie, Belvès Call 05 53 31 91 84 May 7 until 4 June – International music festival, Chambre en Charente Call 05 45 98 57 18 May 13 – Bordeaux Aquitaine National orchestra, 20.30, Odyssée theatre, Périgueux Call 05 53 53 18 71 May 13 – Concert Méli-Mélo, 20.30, church, Saint-Pancrace Call 06 77 86 38 43 May 13 – Concert given by the group the Dusty Bottoms, 22.30, Chez Minou, Monpazier Call 05 53 22 68 59 May 20 – Medieval chants by the Rosa Salvatja company, Salle du Temple, La-Roche-Chalais Call 05 53 91 18 48 May 21 – Concert by A Travers Chants, Salle Jean Orieux,Le Bugue Call 05 53 35 43 83 May 27 – Music from Tudor times, 20.00, Church, SaintBarthélemy-de-Buissière Call 05 53 56 46 64 May 27 – Organ and trumpet concert, Chapelle de Montignac, Montpon-Ménestérol Call 05 53 82 23 77 May 28 – Pop/rock group Parysyane, centre socio-culturel, Bassilac Call 05 53 05 56 96 May 29 – Clarinet trio Libertrio, Château les Olivoux, Pomport Call 05 53 58 48 46
Discover the town of Issigeac
Event listings are free in The Advertiser. Send details to events24@connexionfrance.com Check out what events are happening every day at twitter.com/whatsondordogne
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May 30 – Concert by the choir of the university of Maryland, Eglise, Monpazier Call 05 53 22 60 38
Dance May 29 – live transmission of the Bolchoï Coppelia ballet, salle du château, Limeuil Call 05 53 07 22 83
Art Until May 12 – Exhibition of pastels by Marie Anne Chaigneaud Dupuy, Place Général de Gaulle, Riberac Until May 15 – Artists and artisans have created works of art around a letter of the alphabet, their reunited works make up the alphabet. Tourist office, Eymet Call 05 53 23 74 95 May 16-21 – Exhibition about jazz music, salle des fêtes, Monsac Call 05 53 22 39 12 May 16-29 – Embroidery and ribbon exhibition salle Jean Monestoer, Le Bugue Call 05 53 07 27 13 Until May 19 – Archi'Texture, paintings and sculptures, salle du castelet, Excideuil Call 05 53 62 45 16 Until May 20 – Exhibition of collages by artist Helen Hill, médiatheque Prigonrieux Call 05 53 61 55 40 Until May 22 – Les Arts en Folie, Galerie du Peyrou, Sarlat Until May 23 – By photographer Rip Hopkins, Salles du Caveau Issigeac Call 05 53 58 79 62 Every Saturday and Sunday – Exhibition about gastronomic culture in the Périgord-Limousin area, Le Verger-Chabanas, Abjat-sur-Bandiat Call 05 53 56 85 59
All month – Painting exhibition, Galerie 5, Riberac Call 05 53 90 93 38 All month – Exhibition of works by David Delesalle, Cour Renaissance, Sarlat Call 06 83 36 97 86
Other April 30-May 1 –de Printemps, Craft fair, 9.00-19.00, jardin public, Brantôme Call 05 53 05 85 62 May 1– Fête de l'ail, tasting of ail nouveau, Place de la Liberation, Terrasson-Lavilledieu Call 05 53 50 23 27 May 1 – Craft fair, sale of plants, fashion show and fishing competition for children, Manzac-sur-Vern May 1 – Pétanque competition, 14.00, Eymet Call 05 53 23 90 69 May 1 – CVillage fair, guided walk, classic cars and motorbikes exhibition, pétanque competition, Coulaures Call 05 53 05 06 20 May 1-2 – Plant swap, 9.0019.00, Filature de Belvès Call 05 53 28 44 46 May 7 – Country dance, salle des fêtes, Jouriac Call 06 26 86 66 98 May 8 – RVisit a remarkable bird garden, Le Verger Chabanas, Abjat-sur-Bandiat Call 05 53 56 85 59 May 8 – Plant swap, SaintLaurent-sur-Manoire Call 09 62 04 01 90 May 13 – Franco English quiz, 20.30, Salle des Fêtes, Milhac-deNontron Call 05 53 60 92 69 May 14 – Fishing competition, Excideuil Call 05 53 62 42 40
Jazz comes to the Jardins des Milandes hideaway Enjoy jazz and tapas while getting to know about the life of singing legend Josephine Baker
By KIRSTEN STROUD TUCKED away in the Dordogne Valley near Castelnaud is the Jardins des Milandes, Parc Josephine Baker. Miss Baker was the illustrious American-born French singer who decided to settle in a castle in Dordogne with her 12 adopted children. Probably best-known for the banana skirt she donned at the Folies Bergère, Miss Baker became an iconic figure in the music hall world. The Jardins des Milandes was created to perpetuate her memory. It is a place full of history and emotions with a music hall, cabaret and restaurant. This year, their summer program offers many a night
Car boot sales and markets around in May Car boot sale dates for the month: May 1 - Bayac; Bergerac; Bertric-Burée; Celles; Coulounieix-Chamiers; Douville; Fouleix; La Rocque-Gageac; Lamonzie-SaintMartin; Lanquais; Le-Bugue; Le-Buisson-deCadouin; Lembras; Maurens; Meyrals; Montpon-Ménestérol; Notre-Dame-deSanilhac; Paleyrac; Périgueux; Peyrillac-etMillac; Prigonrieux; Proissans; SaintBarthélemy-de-Bellegarde; Saint-Georges-deMontclard; Saint-Laurent-des-Vignes; SaintMéard-de-Gurçon; Saint-Pierre-de-Frugie; Simeyrols; Terrasson-Lavilledieu; Verteillac; Villars May 2 - Hautefort; Montignac; Périgueux May 7 - Montignac; Montpon-Ménestérol; Périgueux May 8 - Allemans; Bergerac; Calviac-enPérigord; Chancelade; Colombier; Coursac; Lalinde; Le-Lardin-Saint-Lazare; Le Fleix; Monsac; Montignac; Montpon-Ménestérol; Périgueux; Saint-Astier; Saint-Crépin-etCarlucet; Saint-Front-d'Alemps; SaintGeyrac; Saint-Léon-sur-l'Isle; Sarlat; Sauveboeuf May 14 - Ribérac; Thenon
What’s On 9
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May 2011
May 15 - Alles-sur-Dordogne; Bassillac; Beauronne; Bergerac; Brantôme; Calviac-enPérigord; Cours-de-Pile; Échourgnac; Eyzerac; Fougueyrolles; Ginestet; Hautefort; La-Force; Lalinde; Lamothe-Montravel; Le-Fleix; Monpazier; Montignac; Neuvic; Orliac; Périgueux; Prats-de-Carlux; Ribérac; SaintCyprien; Saint-Laurent-des-Hommes; Sarlat; Sarliac-sur-'Isle; Varaignes; Villefrance-deLonchat May 22 - Bergerac; Bouniagues; Le-Buissonde-Cadouin; Chancelade; Cherveix-Cubas; Le-Buisson-de-Cadouin; Les Eyzies; Marnac; Monpazier; Montignac; Mouleydier; Mussidan; Parcoul; Périgueux; Saint-Front-laRiviere; Terrasson-Lavilledieu May 28 - Antonne-et-Trigonant May 29 - Faux; Montcaret; Moulin-Neuf; Issac; Nadaillac; Négrondes; Sainte-Nathalene; Sarlat Food markets: Mondays - Les-Eyzies; Hautefort; SainteAlvère; Tocane-Saint-Apre Tuesdays- Beaumont-du-Périgord; Bergerac; Brantôme; Cénac-et-Saint-Julien; Le-Bugue;
Alex Folh and her group will include some Josephine Baker songs in their repertoire of great entertainment. As well as the traditional cabarets, on certain Fridays they organise a jazz and tapas evening in the restaurant. Two very talented groups of musicians can be heard on different dates. Alex Folh and her group Photo: JeanClicclac@ FOTOLIA.COM
The Advertiser, Dordogne
L'Isle; Mareuil-sur-Belle; Ribérac; SalignacEyvigues; Trémolat Wednesdays - Bergerac; Cadouin; Hautefort; Jumilhac-le-Grand; La-Tour-Blanche; Montignac; Montpon-Ménestérol; PiegutPluviers; Sarlat; Siorac-en-Périgord Thursdays - Domme; Excideuil; Eymet; LaCoquille; Lalinde; Monpazier; Saint-Astier; Saint-Julien-de-Lampon; Saint-Pardoux-laRivière; Terrasson-Lavilledieu Fridays - Bergerac; Brantôme; Le-Buisson; LeLardin; Ribérac; Sarlat Saturdays - Beaumont-du-Périgord; Belvès; Bergerac; Le-Bugue; Lalinde; Lanouaille; Montignac; Montpon-Ménestérol; Nontron; Saint-Aulaye; Sarlat; Thiviers; Villefranchedu-Périgord Sundays - Angoisse; Bergerac; Calviac; Champagnac-de-Bélair; Couze-Saint-Front; Issigeac; Jumilhac-le-Grand; Limeuil; Pontours; Saint-Cyprien; Saint-Geniès; Sarlat
play and sing jazz standards from the 1950s including some lovely Josephine Baker numbers, while Lucia Stanizzo and his group play jazz, soul and blues. The atmosphere is relaxed, and there is a dance floor should anyone wish to show
off their steps, and entrance is free. This month, Lucia Stanizzo plays on May 6 and Alex Fohl on May 20. For other dates for the jazz and for the other events organised go to: www.les-jardins-des-milandes.com/calendrier2011.html
Come dine with Savignac students STUDENTS at the Ecole Supérieure Internationale de Savignac will be serving up feasts during May. The dinners are based around different themes, with the students organising everything from the budget and cooking to serving the meals on the night. The events take place at The Park, the school’s onsite restaurant. For reservations please contact thepark@laposte.net Prices are around 18 - 20 to cover costs. Wednesday May 11 - Five senses Friday May 13 - Chef ’s table/Le Fooding Wednesday May 18 - Street food Friday May 20 - Fairy tales Wednesday May 25 - Soul food
10 Food
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The Advertiser, Dordogne
May 2011
Chefs battle to save egg mayonnaise “ Egg-mayo is becoming increasingly popular with people of all ages
Photo: © Stéphanie Fraisse
AN association has been set up to campaign against its demise, while a Facebook page dedicated to it has attracted 31 fans. It might be a dish that comes with heaps of cholesterol and has disappeared from the menus of most restaurants across France but the humble egg mayonnaise starter is enjoying a revival. This is mainly due to the persuasion of food critic Claude Lebey, who is also the author of several guidebooks and chairman of the Association for the Protection of Egg Mayonnaise. So much so, restaurant chefs across the country have been striving to resurrect the dish. And the hard work is paying off: Brasserie Flottes, which is close to Place de la Concorde in Paris, recently won an award from the association for producing the tastiest egg mayonnaise in the city. With useful tips from Mr Lebey, Oliver Flottes, the bistro's owner, and his team spent almost a year perfecting a dish that had long been missing from the menu. “It's a traditional dish...Mr Lebey came to the restaurant several times and told us the best way to do it,” said Mr Flottes. But it is not egg mayonnaise as we know it in the UK, which usually involves mixing a mashed boiled egg with mayonnaise and eating it in a sandwich. In France, it is more than simply a boiled egg covered in mayonnaise.
The award-winning oeuf-mayonnaise served up at Brasserie Flottes in Paris costs €7. The restaurant spent almost a year perfecting it While one of the tricks is to completely soak three relatively large egg halves with a mustardy mayonnaise which spreads well, the dish should also be accompanied by mixed vegetables, says Mr Flottes. This might include freshly cooked carrots, peas, turnips and potatoes. The eggs must also be cooked for eight to nine minutes, or just before they become hard-boiled. The new addition to the menu at
Brasserie Flottes comes at a cost of €7 and is proving to be a winner with customers. “Egg mayonnaise is becoming increasingly popular and with people of all ages,” said Mr Flottes. Egg mayonnaise might not be commonly served else-where, but Mr Lebey told Agence France Presse, the newswire, that while the dish may look simple, “it demands a lot of care” in preparation.
OLIVER FLOTTES
Being reasonably priced, the dish appeals to the “poor and rich”, he added, and saves the restaurant money as it is cheap to make. While egg mayonnaise has gathered support on Facebook, with a page dedicated to its conservation, it is not for everyone. “I don't like mayonnaise...especially when it’s mixed with mustard!,” said one commentator on the page.
Which classic French dishes would you like to see revived? Email comments to angela@dordogneadvertiser.com
Which wine should I drink with this? Julien Montfort, chief executive of Julien de Savignac wine merchants (www.julien-de-savignac.com) says: It is always difficult to marry eggs with wine, and I would always recommend either a creamy white or a very light red.The best wine to go with an egg-mayo would be a full rich creamy dry white wine. The best example we have at the best price (€6.80) is ‘Chateau des Eyssards blanc prestige’ in AOC Bergerac. This cuvee is made of old vines of Semillon (70 per cent), Sauvignon (20 per cent) and muscadelle (10 per cent). This white wine is dry, full bodied with aromas of peach, honey, gooseberries and vanilla.
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Meanwhile, its fans came up with their own suggestions to vary the recipe. One suggested garnishing the mayonnaise with a cherry, while another recommended mixing it with chives.
in the Dordogne
To advertise your restaurant with us call 0800 91 77 56
The Advertiser, Dordogne
May 2011
Home security 11
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Photo: © AlcelVision - FOTOLIA.COM
4 Page Security Special
Keeping out the thieves Your village might be free of violent crime, but your homes and businesses are vulnerable to burglary. Failing to put stringent measures in place to protect your home could be potentially costly By ANGELA GIUFFRIDA PETTY acts of delinquency among youngsters in the Dordogne might be the most talked about “crime” in the department, but that does not mean other crime does not exist. In fact, with an abundance of holiday homes lying empty for most of the year, the region is an appealing target for burglars, with some cases being quite severe. So much so, burglary is the most common crime in the Dordogne, Thierry Quintard, the commander of
the department’s police force told The Advertiser. “Houses are not clumped together in villages, they are all over the place," he said. “It is difficult for the gendarmes to keep them under surveillance.” Mr Quintard said that while the number of burglaries is static, the problem the police face is with getting people to come forward. Forty break-ins took place across the region between January and May last year, occurring mainly during the day and affecting French and foreign homeowners. Meanwhile, bur-
Security in numbers 12%* 324,000 (+5.1%)* €1,000 - €1,500
* Source: Observatoire National de la Délinquance (OND).
The increase in burglaries across France between August 2008 and July 2009 In total, there were almost 324,000 burglaries across the country last year, a 5.1 per cent rise since 2009 The average cost of equipment for a good-sized home with an alarm system
12 Home security
locked and that you do not leave keys under a plant pot or doormat. Garden equipment which might also be used to smash a window should always be kept inside. You may already be taking these precautions, but in a tougher economic climate, homes as well as Gites, hotels and small businesses are vulnerable to theft.
“
Apparently, anything that’s in your garden – plants or anything that can be lifted – is not covered (by insurance) unless they actually tried to break into the house
One business owner who has learnt from her experience is Joyce Sheard. Last summer, eight sun-loungers went astray from her gite overnight. “We'd had guests in, their rooms were overlooking the back garden and the pool, but they heard absolutely nothing,” she said. But it was only after the theft that Mrs Sheard discovered her French insurance policy, which had been taken out with AXA, did not cover outside equipment unless there had actually been an attempt to break-in to the property itself.
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“Apparently anything that’s in your garden - plants or anything that can be lifted - is not covered unless they actually tried to break into the house.” To better protect the property, a solid gate with a lock has been installed in the back garden, meaning that if somebody did attempt to break-in, it would be covered by insurance. “We were also warned to keep the house door locked because if people thought we were in the back garden then they'd be inclined to just walk through the front door and take things,” said Mrs Sheard Most people might be reluctant to invest in home security systems, but if your property contains expensive items, it could be a wise step to take. Measures might include installing double-glazing, a motion-sensor burglar alarm and outside lighting. Some homeowners have also installed a remote internet system which allows them to keep an eye on the property while away. Derek Harnett, the co-founder of security firm Aquitaine Alarms, said home security was something people often neglected unless they had fallen victim to crime. In fact, a survey by the firm conducted last year found that 78 per cent of those seeking a quote had already been a victim of theft, or knew somebody who had. “It's something that people don't want to think about, especially in France because you move here to get away from crime in the UK, so it's always something that people almost deliberately put out of their minds because they don't want to associate that sort of activity with their new life here,”
Photo: © Gina Sanders - FOTOLIA.COM
Photo: © Claude Coquilleua - FOTOLIA.COM
glaries across France surged by 12 per cent between August 2008 and July 2009, according to figures from the Observatoire National de la Délinquance (OND). The increase was the first since 2002 and was mainly attributed to the onset of the global financial crisis. In total, there were almost 324,000 burglaries across the country last year, marking a 5.1 per cent rise since 2009. While permanent homes were the most affected last year, second homes, as well as businesses are also popular targets. Many people, particularly in rural areas, keep dogs as a deterrent and fit triple-locked doors. Although crime in rural areas remains relatively low, people are still inclined to leave their doors or cars open, making them prime targets for savvy thieves. According to the OND, most breakins are the work of organised specialist gangs. They know exactly what they are looking for and choose houses which are likely to have high-value items such as jewellery that can be sold on relatively easily. The organisation believes that thefts from people’s homes are on the rise because they are more vulnerable than cars and shops, which tend to have better alarm systems or CCTV. Every effort must therefore be taken to protect your home and discourage burglars, especially if you live in a rural area and are away for long periods of time. Among the basic advice from the French police is to ensure your doors and window shutters are
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Hotels and gites are particularly vulnerable to theft. Garden equipment should be kept inside overnight
Installing a secure locking system in your home is a must...“a padlock on a chain
THE authoritative guide to buying a home in France Written by the Notaires de France and published by Conseils des Notaires. Available in English from The Connexion, priced €7.50 or £7
(plus postage and packaging)
See our website www.connexionfrance.com
May 2011
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Home security 13
TIPS ON KEEPING YOUR HOME SAFE Remember to lock all doors AND window shutters before you go out Inform a neighbour if you are going to be away for a long period of time, or sign up to opération tranquillité Keep all garden equipment inside overnight or if you are away Keep all receipts for valuable good If you have a holiday or second home, install a motion-sensor burglar alarm or outside lighting to deter thieves
n” is not enough to ensure compensation for any loss or damage, says insurance expert Holly Bartley
Photo: © emmanuelda - FOTOLIA.COM
rdogne
Opération tranquillité The police will routinely patrol your home if you are away for a long period of time. You need to notify them at least 48 hours ahead of your departure, either at your local police station or the Service d'Accueil, de Recherche et d'Investigation Judiciaire (SARIJ), open 24 hours a day, seven days a week or at the Unité de Police de Quartier (UPQ) open Monday to Friday, 09.00-20.00.
“
material in these buildings said Mr Harnett. when they're re-doing the The price of an alarm system and if they're not covcan range anywhere between It’s something that houses, ered they won't get their money €450 and €22,000, depending people don't want back.” on the type and size of the Doors must also be properly property. to think about, padlocked in order to ensure Holly Bartley, a home insurfull insurance coverage. ance expert at Allianz especially in Homeowners away for long Insurance Mayenne, also advisFrance because periods of time might also want es keeping all receipts, particularly for valuable equipment. you move here to to consider signing up to opération tranquillité, a national Some insurers will compenget away from service provided by the French sate according to the age of the police to regularly check empty goods (valeur d'usage) that have crime in the UK, homes. been damaged or stolen, while so it’s something The service, which is free, is there is a "new for old" option available during or outside of provided by other insurers, people almost the school holidays. meaning the goods will be The police will put your replaced according to their cur- deliberately put to property on a list for routine rent value. the back of their patrols while you are away. To “We replace it with the new minds... qualify, you have to be away for price, even though it might be longer than seven days. If the seven years old,” said property in question is residenMs Bartley. tial it must be completely vacant, or closed if it Valuable objects must also be written into the is commercial premises insurance contract in order to ensure the corYou need to notify the police at least 48 rect value is reimbursed. hours ahead of your departure, either at your Ms Bartley also advises including equipment local police station or the Service d'Accueil, de stored in out-buildings. Recherche et d'Investigation Judiciaire (SARIJ), “A lot of people put tractors and electrical
14 Home security
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Photo: © Route66Photography - FOTOLIA.COM
open 24 hours a day, seven days a week or at the Unité de Police de Quartier (UPQ) open Monday to Friday, 09.00-20.00. It is also advisable to inform your neighbours of your absence and ask someone to pick up your mail and have it diverted to another address, and to keep the garden tidy, in order to avoid any obvious sign of absence. Creating an illusion of the presence of someone in the house is also a good way to thwart burglars. This can be done through a timer on lights, the television and radio, which can be switched on and off at certain times of the day. Some areas of the country have neighbourhood watch schemes in place. The initiative started in the UK in the 1970s but has gathered momentum in France over the last few years. The Alpes-Maritimes department was the first to take the lead, with forty-five local councils helping to form neighbourhood watch schemes since 2005.
The cost of a home security system can range between €450 and €22,000
The Advertiser, Dordogne
Others have been set up in cities including Nice and Paris, as well as in towns across the north of France. Many people away for long periods of time have also had internet surveillance systems installed, allowing them to monitor their homes online and give them peace of mind. "We have had quite a bit of call for that," said Mr Harnett. "I think people like to know what's going on. But the problem is that if it's a second home, people often don't have internet access. “If you don't have internet access it makes it very difficult and expensive to upload the pictures, because you have to do it using a mobile phone. It can be done, but it's not as good." Another strict requirement of home security in France is making sure private swimming pools are equipped with an alarm system to prevent the risk of children drowning. Although the rules were
May 2011
introduced in 2003, they were tightened in 2009 following a spate of drownings. According to French law, every private pool must have an alarm system which operates around the clock. The system must be capable of detecting the fall of a child weighing 6 kilos; be childtamper proof; be immune to atmospheric conditions and include a signalling device that clearly shows the system is operating satisfactorily. Mr Harnett said that a basic swimming pool alarm system would cost about €450, a small price to pay against a €45,000 fine for failing to have one in place.
Investing in home security might cost money, but it will help to thwart burglars
SWIMMING POOL ALARM REGULATIONS Pool-owners must ensure that they use at least one of the approved safety alarm devices which complies with standards set by AFNOR, the French standards agency. The specification code for swimming pool alarms is NF P90-307. Failing to have the correct alarm system installed could result in a €45,000 fine. You should seek advice from a reputable pool firm in your area. A list of pool professionals can be obtained from the Fédération des Professionnels de la Piscine (FPP). See www.propiscines.fr
The Advertiser, Dordogne
May 2011
ALEXANDRA THEVENET
FINANCE
has more than 20 years of international business experience, four of which were dedicated to setting up and developing the Franco-British Chamber of Commerce & Industry in the Dordogne, from 2005 to 2009
Sponsored by
Working in UK, living in France
Business 15
www.dordogneadvertiser.com
Pub grub venture Joanna and Ronan McIntyre left the UK in April 2005. After having spent the summer travelling around France and Spain, they went home and immediately knew they had to return to France. In October 2005, they found a long-term rental property in the Deux Sèvres and from there started to unfold their masterplan pour une vie à la française...with an Irish twist! They opened an Irish Pub, The Fiddler's Rest, in Chalais in Périgord, just outside Thiviers on the N21. Four years on, they tell us about their journey...
I live in the Dordogne but work in the UK during the week due to the ease of commuting. I am paid in sterling and all my savings and investments are in the UK. Is this the right approach as even though I do not have any euro income, I am resident in France?” Under EU law, you are permitted to work wherever you wish within the European Union, so there is nothing wrong with commuting back and forth, if this suits you. The residency rules are clarified both in Article 4B of the French tax code (the Code Général des impôts or CGI) and Article 3 of the UK / France Double Tax Treaty. Residency is defined using a series of tests: Clearly, your economic ties are with the UK, which is just one of the rules to be considered when defining your residency. Where your economic ties are is not commonly the deciding factor, but it comes into play where the residency situation is close between the two countries and serves as a 'tie breaker'. The main factors (and I am greatly simplifying this as there is not the space to cover all relevant points) are: Where is your home? If your only home is in France, then you are French resident and how much time you spend in or out of France is irrelevant (this is often a shock to many who, oddly, try to define their residency of a foreign country using UK law). A family or friend’s address is not a UK 'home' and the French fiscal authorities will not accept it as such. The home must be yours, meaning either you rent it from someone with an official rental agreement or you own it. If you own a property and you rent it out, this also does not apply, as it must be available for your use. An important point to add is that legal precedence has demonstrated that where your children go to school is viewed as the home, as this is where the family unit is; important dependent if you have children of school age. If you have homes in both countries then the next rule is: Where do you spend most of your time? Let’s be clear, that this does not mean 6 months, as you could spend 5 months in France and still have spent most of your time in France if you travel between more than two countries, meaning some people, unwittingly, become residents, because they take a break in a third country. If you have home available for your use in both countries and spend an equal amount of time in both countries, then the economic ties test comes into play. Hopefully, from this you can work out your residency situation. Under the terms of the double tax treaty between France and the UK, your earned income is taxable in the UK, though it must still be declared in France. "Is this the right approach?" From a fiscal point of view, the danger is exchange rates and the volatility between the currency you are earning in and the currency you spend in. There are other variables that we could discuss, like personal taxation, succession law etc. but we would need more details on your situation to offer helpful guidance.
You had no experience of running a pub, so how and when did you decide to just go for it? Jo: Having spent so much time eating out and about in France, we realised there was a gap in the market for ‘pub grub’. Not being a great fan of four-course/twohour lunches (as quite often we would be travelling a fair distance) we would find ourselves looking for somewhere more convenient, meaning we'd often end up in a well-known fast food restaurant just off the main roads, which we would never have done in the UK! How did you find the process of setting up a business here? Well, not being completely ‘au fait’ with the language, we did rely a lot on English-speaking estate agents, expat forums and websites. Eventually, having found a property and written a business plan, we plucked up the courage to walk into the Chamber of Commerce in Périgueux. There we were introduced to Périgord Développement, the
Dordogne Inward Investment Agency, which pointed us in the direction of an English-speaking French accountant, who in turn referred us to several banks who he thought may be interested in helping us with our project. Périgord Développement also introduced us to Périgord Initiative, which helped us fund the business through an interest-free merit loan. Is there anything you’d have done differently with hindsight? We probably could have asked more questions to other businesses and accountants. We were unaware of the actual cost of living here and the financial implications of running a business. Social charges are expensive, but nobody really prepares you for the real costs and how they have to be paid i.e. in large amounts and very quickly, even before you have had a chance to earn a living sometimes! That was difficult to get our heads around - and still is at times!
Marketing tip of the month...market development strategy THERE are several ways in which a business can grow. One of them is by reaching a completely new set of customers with existing products - also called a market devel-
opment strategy. Another popular growth strategy is diversification whereby the business targets new customers with new products. Market development strate-
Four years on, where are you at and what would you say the pros and cons of running a business here are? We are more knowledgeable about many things: we have learnt how to optimise our resources and how best to run our business. We have got to know the area where we live really well and our French has improved lots! It makes day- to-day living less frustrating, and we know what to expect now admin-wise. The way of life is priceless: far less hectic in as much as we don’t travel for three hours a day for work, we have our own space, garden etc. We got married and had a baby...I don't think we would have had time to even consider it in the UK, let alone afford it! What lies ahead for the Fiddler’s Rest? This year we are revamping our website, making it more ‘French-friendly’ and concentrating on boosting the local French trade. We have a fantastic and loyal English-speaking customer base and really hope to 'crack' the local French market too. It would be the icing on the cake in terms of social and professional integration for us. Any tips you wish to give anyone wanting to set up a business in the Dordogne? Don’t be afraid to ask, and ask again! There is always someone willing to give you advice, it's just a matter of finding reliable information. Sometimes you do not always hear what you want to hear but do take on the negatives and try and to turn them into positives. It is not always a walk in the park, and the process can be downright infuriating at times but even if the journey is undeniably bumpy, it is an exciting one!
gies are interesting in as much as existing services or products can be leveraged on to grow the business. This is exactly what Jo and Ronan are now trying to do with their Irish pub by reaching out to the French customer base. Key questions to be asked before deciding to implement a market development strategy are: *Will current products need
to be modified or adapted and if so, what will be the cost and impact on margins? In Jo and Ronan's case, this could mean offering new dishes on the menu to suit French tastes or even making sure menus are in both French and English for example. * Is the targeted customer base well enough researched and understood? * How profitable can it be (market potential)?
So what can Périgord Intitiative do for you? JUST as Jo and Ronan soon found out, funding is the backbone of any business venture. They were given a helping hand by Périgord Initiative, which belongs to the France Initiative network and is the country’s top associative network dedicated to financing entrepreneurs. Périgord Initiative was created by the Dordogne Conseil Général (county council) and consular Chambers along with the support of around 30 partners. François Gaumet, managing director of Périgord Initiative, says that its mission is to help entrepreneurs either creating or buying a Dordogne business by granting an interest-free merit loan which does not require any personal or professional guarantee. These loans are designed to provide further resources to those entrepreneurs investing personal funds into their business ventures. Périgord Initiative merit loans aim at supporting initiatives that generate job opportunities. They provide financial and
technical support to help set-up or take over existing businesses, and help entrepreneurs source additional funding. Merit Loans, which have a zero per cent interest rate, can vary from €5,000 to €40,000 over a period of two to five years. The amount granted by Périgord Initiative cannot exceed the total amount of funds provided by the entrepreneur and his/her partners. The financial plan must also give evidence of a bank loan having been granted. To date, Périgord Initiative has granted over 146 merit loans for a total amount in excess of one and a half million euros. The Périgord Initiative team can help entrepreneurs fine-tune their business and financial plans, as well as loan applications - major banks being involved in the Périgord Initiative project as partners - and other grants and subsidies that may apply. If a merit loan is granted, a personalised coaching service is also available throughout the duration of the loan, and
entrepreneurs are introduced to local business support networks. François Gaumet also heads Périgord Angels, part of France Angels, a national network of private investors who invest directly in private companies over five to ten years, in return for a shareholding averaging 33 per cent in the investee company and possibly a position on the board of directors. Investments range from €25k to €250k. Established in October 2009, Périgord Angels have received about 50 applications, selected 20 of these, have finalised 2 and have 5 pending. Potential investors benefit from significant tax credits under the August 2007 TEPA tax measures. For more information on either Périgord Initiative or Périgord Angels, please email François Gaumet at f.gaumet@dordogne.cci.fr or call 05 53 35 80 55.
alex@thelinkservices.fr - +33 (0)6 70 11 58 88 www.thelinkservices.fr
16 Directory
www.dordogneadvertiser.com
The Advertiser, Dordogne
May 2011
DORDOGNE DIRECTORY English-speaking firms near you For your security, we check that the French businesses in this section are officially registered with the authorities
Find registered tradespeople quickly and easily By advertising in our directory you get the chance to run advertorials (the news stories you see on these pages.) 1/3 page, maximum 500 words plus photo, €200HT 2/3 page, maximum 1,000
47mm x 75mm
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CLOS FLEURI Luxury Cattery
Between Bergerac and Bordeaux Individual Love Care and Attention Given
Tel: 05 53 24 16 08 Susan.fairweather@sfr.fr www.closfleurionline.com Siret: 524 348 596 00015
Chenil Les Mille Calins
WAGS AND WHISKERS British owned boarding kennels and cattery 35 years experience
English Run
Tel: 05.65 35.46.51 tina.wagsandwhiskers@googlemail.com
5 Star accommodation for Dogs/Cats
THE DORDOGNE CATTERY
Comprising of underfloor heated kennels Qualified staff Top Quality food and exercise Only 45 minutes south of Caen Convenient Ferry Access SAFETY COMFORT AND CARE FOR YOUR PET, PEACE OF MIND FOR YOU
www.goldenwaypets.com Telephone 02 33 37 49 19 Emergency 02 33 38 41 32 Fax 02 33 38 44 16
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HOW TO BOOK AN ADVERT Choose the size of your advert from the examples on the left. You can have a black and white advert; or you can choose a colour from the list below. Finally, you can now chose to have rounded corners to the box to help make you advert stand out (See right). Then, when you have made your choice,
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We will keep you up to date with features and special events in your area of France in all our publications that could help to boost your business.
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Advertise here ALL YEAR from 165HT Call free on just €1 0800 91 77 56 or email directory@connexionfrance.com
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GOLDENWAY INTERNATIONAL PETS World Wide Pet Transporter / Relocator Ministry approved
Animal Care
House Sitting Yours/mine First Aid 4Animals Cert, References established Animal Charities
Tel: 06 43 28 32 32 animalcarer1@hotmail.fr Siret ; u47011658505
No. 61195004 – 61195001 Offices CDG Airport Paris Offices and Kennels Normandy Tel: 01 48 62 87 25 CDG Paris Tel: 02 33 38 41 32 Normandy www.goldenwaypets.com
PARKES et DUCELIER
Architectes UK and French Registered Architects Dossiers for Permis de Construire Interior and Landscape design Ordre des Architectes No. 1867 Tel: 05 53 09 33 45 E: mail@parkes-ducellier.com W: www.parkes-ducellier.com Depts: 16,19,24,33,87
Siret: 397549551
Siret: 488 165 564 00011
SIRET: 500607858
PENSION POUR CHATS NEAR SARLAT, OPEN-AIR, INSULATED AND HEATED CONTACT ANNA MASLEN 05 53 31 95 88 / 06 86 94 85 78 p.maslen@wanadoo.fr www.dordognecattery.fr
ANIMAL COURIERS
Experienced couriers specialising in pet travel between France / UK / Spain or within France. Pet passport advice. Tel: 0044 (0) 1483200123 Email: animals@animalcouriers.com Web: www.animalcouriers.com
La Creme de la Creme Small, Caring, purpose built DOG FREE cattery near Nontron.
Tel: 05 53 56 05 17 email: colfi.day@gmail.com www.la-creme-de-la-creme.com
Landscape Architect FREE CONSULTATION Site analysis, schematic designs, construction plans, cost estimates construction observation, Contact Michael Stanton Tel : 05 53 54 63 65
siret 51963554400017
www.landplan.fr - E-mail: mike@landplan.fr
The Cats Inn
HOUSE PLANS
Luxury Cattery - Cales near Lalinde - Very Spacious Lots of Love and Attention Tel: Paula 05 53 24 14 42 paulaL24150@aol.com Siret No.520 980 269 00010
Plans drawn & submitted for as little as €1,500 HT Visit:
www.houseplansinfrance.com Tel: 05 55 85 25 63 Email:info@houseplansinfrance.com
Architect
Renovation - new construction. Projects, all phases of construction. Sarl d'Architecture David Besse Architecte dplg Grange Neuve 24140 Saint Martin des Combes.
05 53 82 44 75 - 06 17 51 26 00 besse_archi@yahoo.fr
The Advertiser, Dordogne
May 2011
www.dordogneadvertiser.com
Directory 17
ADVERTISING FEATURES
British sausages set to sizzle in France Knowing where to buy free range, high quality meat isn't easy, but now Boucherie à la Ferme delivers authentic British produce to your doorstep in France CORREZE-based Ray and Sophie Hicks have been living on their farm, L'Audrerie, with their two children, since 2008. Having worked in catering while living in the UK, as well as running their own butcher's shop, they have built up quite a reputation for producing high quality, delicious British sausages, burgers, bacon, gammons, beef, pork and lamb. Although they use their own meat
“
Texel ewe with her twin lambs
from their farm animals, authentic spices and mixes are even sourced from the UK to ensure a traditional end product. The flock of 55 ewes consist mainly of Texel crosses, which they breed with Polled Dorset rams to produce delicious tasting lamb which is available from June through to Christmas. They are sold butchered
There are some Dexter calves that will be ready in late 2012
as half or whole lambs, or you can buy separate cuts if required. The cattle are made up of Dexter cows, one Saler cow and an Aberdeen Angus bull. There are six young Saler cows that are being used for butchering at the moment and the meat is available in mixed beef boxes or separate cuts. “The Saler beef is proving to be very popular as it is an old breed that has marbling through the meat, making it moist when cooked, and it is very tasty,” said Sophie. “There are some Dexter calves that will be ready
The young herd of Saler cows
in late 2012,” she added. The pigs, which roam in a large woodland area, are a Large White/Duroc cross. When orders are amassed and an animal has to be taken to the abbattoir they are taken in a small trailer and travel the short distance to St Yrieix where they are humanely dealt with. The carcasses are collected in a refrigerated van and butchered at their on-site butchers, which is regularly visited by inspectors. To make an order you can go to the website, see the products list and: order and pay online with PayPal; order and pay on collection or delivery; telephone or e-mail your order. Deliveries are made to local areas and those further afield, such as Bergerac and Argentat. The courier service to anywhere in France is growing and is a very popular way of receiving your order. The boxes are designed to keep temperatures down for over 48 hours and
The pigs are free ranged in a large woodland area
customer feedback has been very positive so far. “The pork arrived yesterday morning as you promised and, despite travelling to the centre of France, was still in great condition,” said happy customer Michael Cooke. “Unable to resist temptation we tried some bacon and sausages in the evening. Wow, by far the best meat we have bought in France during the five years we've been here.” www.boucheriealaferme.com info@boucheriealaferme.com 05 55 97 95 66
Brothers offer complete renovation service If your property needs renovating or redesigning then James and Phil Boreham are on hand to help IT HAS taken a few years to build up their successful renovation business say James and Phil Boreham, but now extensive word-of-mouth means that business is booming. Originally based in the UK, the two brothers are highly skilled and have a strong background in renovation and design work. Their parents ran a successful kitchen and bathroom business in England for over 25 years and both Phil and James were trained in that business by their father. "One of the main reasons for that business's success was the fact that we did everything, such as knock
“
down walls, electrics, plumbing, plastering and tiling," said James. "In fact, no other tradesmen were needed when we were on the job." The brothers take on a variety of work, from a simple revamp of existing kitchens and bathrooms to full renovation work. The company also offers a planning and design service. Having followed their parents out to France four years ago, the brothers have established a life for themselves - and have followed in their parents' footsteps to create their own successful renovation business. While the brothers are based in and around Bergerac they are keen
Customers can go to any shop - or country - and buy whatever bathroom or kitchen they like
to broaden their client base and travel where necessary. An area that clients find particularly advantageous when contracting the brothers for work is that they are at liberty to shop for their materials wherever they choose. "Customers can go to any shop or country - and buy whatever bathroom or kitchen they like," said James. "We will provide a quote (devis) for the installation or work required so no client is tied to a particular brand or manufacturer." In addition they are also happy to provide plans and material lists based on the product that the client has chosen. One reason for their popularity is that they aim to complete one project at a time, meaning that each customer gets 100% of their focus. "Although it is very nice to have three or four jobs on the go at the
same time, your luck normally backfires because at the end you have dissatisfied clients," said Phil. "We have found it best, wherever possible, to complete one job at a time, to the satisfaction of the client, before moving on to the next. Reputation is extremely important to us. We take an immense amount of pride in our work." The brothers receive regular positive feedback from their clients. “My husband and I have had lots of works done by James and Phillip and we can certainly receommend them as being hard working, thorough and trustworthy,” said recent customer Barbara Auzonne. “We are having our kitchen updated by them in May and are confident that the work will be done to their usual standard,” she adds.
James and Phil Boreham offer a complete renovation service
05 53 61 77 28 renovation4u@hotmail.com 06 12 36 33 18 (Phil) 06 85 16 35 69 (James)
Transform your exterior space Looking for a landscape designer? Michael Stanton's stylish vision could be just what you need LANDPLAN is a landscape architectural practice based in the Dordogne that offers a range of landscape planning and design services. The company is run by versatile landscape designer Michael Stanton who has over 30 years' experience of providing outdoor design solutions. The company's aim is to create innovative, sustainable environments in both small gardens and larger scale urban projects. Michael works closely with clients to ensure that their individual needs, particularly in terms of scope and budget, are met. "Our measure of success is the long-term satisfaction of our clients," said Michael, who is based in Montanceix, around 15 kilometres west of Périgueux. "Landplan welcomes any enquiry from the Dordogne and adjacent departments," said Michael. "Our fees are competitive and initial on-
Michael Stanton runs Landplan site discussions are free of charge," he added. Following this, the company's consulting services include site analysis, schematic plans, design development, construction drawings, cost estimates and, where requested, project management. Landplan uses the latest landscape software to ensure its clients can get a life-like view of their ideas during
the planning process. Michael has completed successful projects in New Zealand and Australia, such as the design and project management of the Tirhatuan Park golf course in Melbourne, and it is this wealth of experience that enables Landplan to design such high-profile landscaping projects today. Current ventures include the development of gardens at Château Haut Barit in the Gironde. "The gardens of this 18th century château had suffered neglect over many years," said Michael. "Following the renovation of the building, Landplan was engaged to re-design the grounds around the château in the French garden style and project manage the construction work." While completion of the project is scheduled for autumn 2011, clients Mike and Maria Smith are delighted with the progress of the project so far. "Landplan has done an excellent job on scoping and re-designing our 18th century garden and park," said
This exquisite pergola is just one of Landplan’s many inspired creations Mike. "This has been a major project in four stages and has involved detailed graphic design, extensive landscaping, planting, irrigation and lighting," he added. Landplan is also currently landscaping a large outdoor area for a recently-converted grange near Bergerac, which was initially completely undeveloped. "Landplan has
designed a summer garden in which the clients and their children can fully enjoy their annual retreat in France and completion is scheduled for July 2011," said Michael. mike@landplan.fr Tel: 05 53 54 63 65 Mob: 06 77 36 45 14
18 Directory
www.dordogneadvertiser.com
PLASTERING POINTING RENDERING & GENERAL BUILDING
Bergerac Renovation & Building
Areas 24,23 Other areas Considered. Based St Foy La Grande
Tel: 05 53 81 60 73 christopher.jarrett@wanadoo.fr
“Quality & Reliability” 35 Years Experience Tel : 05 57 47 48 19 Email : pessacweb@yahoo.co.uk Siret: 482 710 175
ABP Renovation & Construction Swimming pools and buildings All trades including new timber frame buildings
Tel/Fax: 05 53 56 68 87 Email: abp.renov@orange.fr Website: abpiscines.net Siret: 387 471 394 000 24
The Advertiser, Dordogne
Kennedy Electricite Services
From groundwork, fosse septiques, masonary, interiors, to rooves. Free estimates & advice
Installation, rewires and repairs. 18 years experience. Fully insured. No job too small. Contact Justin or Melissa Kennedy. Tel: 05 55 56 37 36 Email: justin.kennedy@orange.fr Regions 87/24 Siret 503 417 04000014
For all your electrical requirements contact
J-C-T Building and Renovation
Certified Accountants (FR) Serving English Clients in France
Accounting, Payroll, Business Setup and registration, Individual & Business Taxation and more... Please feel welcome to contact:
ak-electrical@hotmail.co.uk
on Tél: 05.53.54.48.91 Email: contact@execopartners.com www.execopartners.eu
Tel 06 32 31 61 85 siret: 494 064 322 00014
n°siret: 51381108300015
EXECO PARTNERS
AK Electrical
30 years experience/Fully insured
No job to small Free Estimate James Taylor 0673303753
May 2011
Mr Pierre CHERON (Expert-Comptable)
RON HARRISON
General Builder
City & Guilds qualified, 35yrs experience, reliable, ALL WORK GUARANTEED Tel: 05 53 80 42 91 Mob: +44 759 286 5010 Email: angelaharrisson@orange.fr 25km radius Mussidan(24) Siret: 51352715000017
C&C CONSTRUCTION SARL
GENERAL BUILDER Chris Danaher
20 Years Experience FREE ESTIMATES
Tel: 05 53 05 80 17 Mobile: 06 71 40 35 39 danaherone@aol.com Siret:51064303400018
Qualified Builder
15 Years Experience 10 Years Insurance Guarantee All Building/Groundworks undertaken Tel: 05 53 62 13 38 / 06 63 84 79 99 Email: cc-construction@itcsd.demon.co.uk www.cc-construction.fr
BÂTI-TOP SARL
SMALL BUILDING WORKS Repointing, Plasterboarding, windows, doors installed. Translations, planning permissions. Tel: 05 53 56 36 89 Email: daveindordogne@sfr.fr www.dordognedave.webs.com
alan keenan
tiling
all wall & floor tiling, pool surrounds, terraces, concrete & sand / cement work, plasterboarding
Tel: 06 19 50 34 28 or 05 53 23 24 54 Email: alankeenano@gmail.com Regions Covered: 24,47 Siret: 47794615600015
www.bati-top.com 05 53 73 02 88 - Siret: 9868562700016
BOIS D'ARBRE CONSTRUCTION
WWW. HOUSESONINTERNET.COM
Ceilings, walls, floors Time served tradesman
24, 33, 47, other regions possible Contact Mike Tel: 05 53 58 17 19 Mob: 06 67 03 30 48 Email: thewebbsonweb@free.fr Siret no: 42424381400011
______________
* Timber Frame homes - from supply of structural frames, through to turn-key homes
Tel: 06-72-01-11-06
info@boisdarbreconstruction.com www.boisdarbreconstruction.com SIRET: 4899 5394 30011
Team of English artisans for all your renovation needs in the Perigord Noir Email: creation.ex@gmail.com Telephone: Simon - 06 37 21 24 02 Glen - 06 71 85 43 24 Siret: 5045 8000 2000 13 - 5206 6045 7000 18
CDR CONSTRUCTION DESIGN RENOVATION
ECO Timber Framed Houses
Renovation a Specialty Low Energy Consumer EQUALS Income Tax Rebates
PC-TECHNICA Solutions to all your computing needs... PC Support/Sales & Website Design
Tel: 05 53 59 48 54 Email: contact@pc-technica.fr www.pc-technica.fr
Penny Graphics
websites from
75€
including design, hosting and domain name
pennygraphics.net 02 33 90 92 15
WEBSITES
Boost your business with an affordable, high-performance website that you can edit yourself
www.rob-tomlinson.com Tel: 05 62 67 39 98 rt@rob-tomlinson.com
Regions: All France Siret: 419 490 297 00027
CERTIFIED TRANSLATIONS All legal translations by FrenchEnglish speaking sworn translator
Property-legal-birth cert., driving licences Administrative help Expat assistance Valid everywhere with 25 years of experience Regions : All FRANCE Karen RENEL-KING Tel: 06 18 03 18 38 Email: karen.king@wanadoo.fr Web: www.certifiedfrenchtranslation.com Fast and affordable
LE FRANCAIS CHEZ VOUS Tailor made tuition in French at your home or Castel-Merle, 24290 Sergeac. Amanda and Emilie Millinship
Tel: 05 53 50 04 68 www.lefrancaischezvous.com Dordogne
French Without Tears
Your Own Personal Language Course. Tuition with Accomodation www.cours-a-cucugnan.com Tel: 06 78 15 19 29 Siret: 521701474
La Petite Maison des Langues
38, rue Jean Jaurès, 24800 THIVIERS Tel: 05 53 52 49 91 E: lapetitemaisondeslangues@orange.fr W: www.lapetitemaisondeslangues.com Learn French and feel at home again ! Small groups, 1to1, weekly or intensive courses and translations
All construction works undertaken large or small incl. masonry, carpentry and roofing Based nr. Sarlat Free estimates - References available
Tel: 06 31 21 32 04 Email: simon.dobson@neuf.fr siret: 505 346 676 00016
MGF Counselling Services English Speaking Counselor. M. Glenys Forrester (B.Sc.psych.) (M.Sc. psych.)
Offering individual / couples counselling. (Depression, Stress, illness, bereavement etc).
Tel: 05 53 50 07 28 Mob: 06 47 17 60 78
Email: mglenys.forrester@gmail.com Web: www.mgfcounselling.com Regions Covered: All - Siret: 520 314 824
ALL ELECTRICAL/ PLUMBING WORK
Underfloor Heating/ Aerothermie Premiere service guaranteed St Yrieux / Brive / Perigueux / Sarlat
Tel: 06 37 09 55 13 Website: http://eurolec24.com/ Email: james.gunn@club-internet.fr Siret: 489 542 589 00010
Brian Macey - Electrician
farmers in France.
Bespoke insulated packaging used for delivery throughout France. Raymond&Sophie Hicks www.boucheriealaferme.com Tel: 05 55 97 95 66 Mob: 06 45 51 34 58 Siret: 509 528 014 00012
AGENCE CLASSIC FRENCH HOMES Exclusively Prestige Property €750,000 plus. Knight Frank Representative For Dordogne, N Lot-et-Garonne and E Gironde
Floor Plans, Virtual Tours, Elevated Photography as standard Contact Michelle or Anick 05 53 23 32 13
www.classic-french-homes.com Siret: 491 449 328 00021
PISCINE AMBIANCE More than 20 years as regional leader in reinforced concrete pools. Thanks to exclusive technology and no outsourcing, 98% of our clients readily recommend us! With PISCINE AMBIANCE invest in happiness! PISCINE AMBIANCE - ZAC du Mazaud 19100 BRIVE - + 33 (0)5 55 18 98 18 contact@piscineambiance.com www.piscineambiance.com
AXA INSURANCE J. LECLUZE ST HILAIRE DU HARCOUET - 50600
HOME - CAR - HEALTH We insure UK registered cars ENGLISH SPOKEN (call Angeline) - 02 33 49 12 34 agence.lecluze@axa.fr
TIP TOP Garden & Property Services
Garden Maintenance Hedge Trimming - Trees Cutting - Strimming General Property Maintenance Property checks/Keyholding Photo updates Contact Barry On Tel: 05 53 29 03 52 Mobile: 06 24 07 31 14 E: paula.grainger@wanadoo.fr Dept 24 - Radius 50 kms Sarlat Siret: 49372365400015
FRENCH MORTGAGE SERVICES
24 SERVICES
sample, 100k, equity release from 200euros per month*
Tel: 06 02 34 85 38
Rates from 1.9% Professional & Independent Tel FR: 05 53 79 43 62 / 06 84 47 62 76 UK: 0044 ( 0)1491 571 955 E: david@frenchmortgageservices.com * subject to terms
FRENCH INSURANCE IN ENGLISH
Siret: 403926702
Family run building company with over 30 yrs experience
Tel: 05 55 65 12 19
Siret: 38058374000028
JULIAN WILKES Tel: 05 53 53 96 97 Mobile: 06 72 16 46 26 Email:cdrwilkes@neuf.fr www.construction-designrenovation-24.com
3D CONSTRUCTION
British style Beef, bacon, Sausages, gammons pork & lamb
JUST PLASTERING
Specialists in Traditional Oak frames & Timber houses
* Specialised in waterproofing timber roofs, green roofs and terraces. ______________
Do you want to sell your house quickly? Our fee is only 2.5% Find out how on:
______________
* Extensions, Gazebos, Dorma windows, sun terraces, Garages,
BOUCHERIE A LA FERME Traditional English family butchers and
Regions Covered 24,16,87 - Siret: 51913926500010
CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATION MEDIUM/LARGE PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN 10 YEAR INSURED GUARANTEE
HOUSES ON INTERNET
For people who live in / own property in France Straight-forward, honest advice on the best house, car, life & health insurance policies for you Over 15 years experience in French insurance markets English, Dutch & German spoken.
Complete Home and Garden Maintenance
Bourdeilles 24310
www.24services.fr Siret: 52841725600013
Roots & Shoots
Professional tree surgery Call Mark for a free quote 05 53 75 05 48 - 06 89 79 05 02 rootsandshoots.fr@gmail.com. www.roots-shoots.fr Siret number 452-803-539-00017
IN DEEP PISCINES Maintenance, leak detection, servicing, repairs
tel: 05 53 22 79 18 / 06 84 68 84 92 email: indeeppiscines@gmail.com
regions: 47, 32, 82, 24, 33 - siret: 504576802100020
Philippe Schreinemachers
pools-piscines.com Swimming pool construction and repairs
Email: brimacelectrical@supanet.com
www.insurance.fr Tel: 33 00 05 62 29 20 00 Email: cover@insurance.fr
Siret: 517 566 196 00013 Regions Covered: 19,24,87
RCS Auch B479 400 657 - Regions: All France
tel 06 89 46 15 08 / 09 77 90 94 51 www.pools-piscines.com
maintenance, breakdowns, renovations, rewires, new build, interior & exterior 30 years experience
Tel: 05 55 97 18 10
Natural pools - Replacement liners standard and liner 'armé' 150/100 NW Dordogne/South Charente
siret 322 963 190 000 36
The Advertiser, Dordogne
May 2011
www.dordogneadvertiser.com
Directory 19
ADVERTISING FEATURES
No more electrical issues Communicating your electrical needs can be difficult if your French isn’t up to scratch, so why not contact Dordogne-based English electrician Adrian Kewell? SOLVING electrical problems abroad is standard fare for Adrian Kewell, who worked in Portugal and Barcelona before arriving in France four years ago. Having set up AK Electrical in Eymet in 2006, the business is now going from strength to strength as a result of word-of-mouth
Adrian Kewell runs AK Electrical
recommendations and satisfied repeat customers. The company specialises in electrical installation and electrical repairs for homes and commercial properties. With over 30 years' experience as an electrician, Adrian operates mainly in department 24, covering the surrounding areas of Eymet and Bergerac, but is now keen to expand his client base further afield. "I started initially as an apprentice in the family business, G J Kewell & Sons based in Littlehampton, West Sussex," said Adrian. "My grandfather founded the company in 1962 and ever since then I have continued my career as a self-employed electrical contractor, contracting and subcontracting projects throughout the UK." The company provides clients with total peace of mind and can manage an electrical job right from the begin-
ning through to completion. "We can provide a complete package that includes conception, procurement, project management, installation, technical expertise, innovation, and electrical design, as well as preventative maintenance and emergency repairs," said Adrian. "We can also always be trusted to be at the forefront of electrical safety," he added. The company can take on any type of electrical project, whether it is full rewiring, refurbishment or the upgrading of existing electrics that is required. Typical jobs include: implementing additional sockets or lighting; installing garden and ornamental
“
Adrian operates mainly in department 24, but will travel further afield lighting; connecting heating systems and boilers; fixing up storage heating; fitting security and burglar alarms, and CCTV systems; putting in door entry systems; kitchen refurbishment; fault finding; and consuel certification (which involves a visual inspec-
AK Electrical is fully registered and all work carried out complies with French regulations
tion, testing and sign off by the national authority). "AK Electrical is fully registered and all work carried out complies with French regulations - the company is also insured and covered by a ten-year guarantee," said Adrian. "Each job is conducted diligently and efficiently to ensure that clients receive a top quality job whilst getting the best value for money." 06 32 31 61 85 ak-electrical@hotmail.co.uk
Get more out of your money in France
A CAREER in French banking convinced Arnaud Campion that most French banks gave poor financial solutions to international customers. Mr Campion set up Wealth Generation, his financial advice firm, after 12 years working as, among other roles, a branch manager for a leading high street bank and as a wealth manager in charge of international customers. He said: “Trying to arrange equity release is a nonsense: they don’t offer it; and making an interest-only loan is very difficult or they ask you to purchase 70% collateral.” One of the French banks offers a scheme that looks like equity release, he said, but it is more accurately described as a “reverse mortgage”. What is more, it is inflexible and expensive and only aimed at the over-65s. “I have partnerships with dedicated mortgage specialists and offer creative financial solutions: I can do an
“
Photo: Pouche - fotolia.com
High street banks may not be the best bet for financial solutions for non-French residents, says Arnaud Campion of Wealth Generation
funds, so you can use it to buy a property in or outside France, to invest in a savings account, a pension plan, a car, or whatever you like.”
I have partnerships with dedicated mortgage specialists and offer creative financial solutions: I can do an equity release or an interest-only loan Arnaud Campion
Director of Wealth Generation
equity release and refinance up to 50% of the loan to value and I can do an interest-only loan with a 20% collateral and without any early redemption penalty. “With my equity release you don’t have to demonstrate the use of the
Mr Campion said he could also arrange mortgages to purchase properties outside France as well as inside. Another plus point is that his lenders will consider all your worldwide income when deciding how much they can lend to you (such as
money held offshore), not just money declared in France. He added: “I am not only a mortgage broker but a wealth manager. “I have a brand new pension plan which means your money remains always available and you have at the moment at 4.5% lifetime guaranteed income, with a ratchet effect. “This means that if you invest €100,000 you
have a guaranteed income of €4,500 at 65. Whatever happens to your investment then, including dropping to only €50,000 value, you keep your guarantee at €4,500. “If on the other hand your investment performs well and in 10 years is worth €200,000, then your income guarantee increases to €9,000. “There is a ratchet effect on the highest-ever level, so you always get that
amount at 65, even if the value of the investment drops.” Wealth Generation (www.wealth gen.fr) also offers investments such as French life assurance policies. This is essentially a savings account, but if you die up to €152,000 goes to your heir without inheritance duty, and the money is always available. “There are two kinds of investments you can put your money in. One is eurofunds, which give 100% guarantee on your capital and all your accrued interest. These can never go down and at the moment there is a 3.37% guarantee for 2011 and 2012. That’s the most secure investment I can offer. “I also promote an internationally diversified fund that has existed for more than 21 years. “It has, over the last 10 years, had an average 7.25% income. It did not even go down in 2008.” Mr Campion also offers tax advice, including assistance with filling in wealth tax and income tax returns. “I help clients to invest their tax instead of throwing it away. Instead of paying large amounts of tax you can invest in property or small and medium-sized businesses.” He said that it is wrong to think of France as being a high-tax country. “If you compare two people earning good money in the UK and France, they will pay more income tax in the UK.” For older retired people, in particular, it is much better to be paying your tax in France than the UK, he said. “I often advise people who have still been making a UK tax return but living in France, that they should have been making a French one.” In such cases, he can advise on how to claim back UK tax paid and pay the French tax. “You can go back three years and my clients usually save 50%.” Mr Campion said that his tax solutions are aimed at people who are fairly wealthy, however for mortgages he can help with loans of €100,000 or more.
20 Directory Prêt à Plonger Piscine installation, repairs & maintenance. Bespoke pools, no project too big or small. Complete package including groundwork, terracing/decking and pool security. Simon & Julia Holt 0619 071121 or 0553 620152 simon.holt@wanadoo.fr www.pretaplongerpools.com Siret: 49397835700017
www.dordogneadvertiser.com
G. W.
Makeovers & Design English Kitchens/ Bathrooms/appliances direct from UK manufacturers Full range of French kitchens supplied Free design/planning service Installations/Makeovers/ Installations Only/Tiling Granite and Stone worksurfaces available Areas: 24 33 47 Call 05 53 58 09 32 or 06 58 92 09 97 siret: 510 011 554 00019
S.A.R.L St Pool Piscines et Construction
April 24th and May 22nd Tea and cake from 5pm Cafe Church until 6:30
NEW FOR 2011 SUMMER CHURCH
Every Sunday July and August
Sponsored by and held at L'Eglise Evangelique Libre de Bergerac, 5 Rue Durou
(at Limeuil Haut) ANGLICAN SERVICES EVERY SUNDAY 10.30 AM
Everyone is warmly welcomed
TEL: 05 53 31 18 04 www.chapaq.org
Masters Energy Solutions
WWW.LANDYPOINT.NET
www.masters-energies.com Tel:05 55 78 66 35
Rear Of 55 Cowley Road, Uxbridge UB8 2AE Tel: +44 (0)208 8487407 Tel: +44 (0)1895 81 23 23 Mobile: +44 (0)7811 784766
We Specialise in buying and selling Left Hand Drive quality vehicles.
We have a variety of cars mostly on French/Spanish and English registrations. We have over 11 years of professional experience in the motor trade. Web: Heathrowlhdcentre.com E: info@heathrowlhdcentre.com
LOSE WEIGHT &REGAIN YOUR SHAPE
Our program includes:
• Personal Weight Loss Coach • Continuing Support • Long Term Coaching • Nutrition Education • Great Key Tips & Advice • Personalised W8Loss Profile
For a professional Service / Quotation Contact 2447 Carrelage Tel: 05 53 57 12 19 Email: occitane6@orange.fr Regions 24/47 and surrounding SIRET: 4844699200014
SAND AND BLAST
Sandblasting service for Wood, Metal and Stone. Floor sanding service / hire available. Tel: 05 55 78 43 71 / 06 67 81 63 46 www.sandandblast.com
Areas: 87, 16, 24 Siret: 488 522 921 00029
Tel: 06 82 38 21 12
PLUMBING & HEATING INSTALLATIONS SERVICING & REPAIRS
RENOVATIONS, AIR-CONDITIONING SOLAR SYSTEMS - TOTALGAZ APPROVED INSTALLER Contact: Wayne Merry Mob: 06 85 58 64 65 Tel: 05 53 64 34 05 Email:wayne.merry@sfr.fr
BOUCARA CHAUFFAGE PLOMBERIE PLUMBING - HEATING - BATHROOMS - GEOTHERMIE AND ALTERNTIVE - ENERGY INSTALLATIONS - GAS INSTALLATIONS QUALIFIED ARTISAN - QUALIGAZ REGISTERED - FRENCH REGISTERED BUSINESS 12 MONTH WARRANTY ON ALL WORK FULLY INSURED
Siret 51500573400014
BEAM RENOVATIONS
The viable alternative to sandblasting or stripping. Email: renaissance-beams@live.fr
Siret: 400 415 246 00026
LOCKES GROUNDWORKS & LANDSCAPING Digger / driver hire Fosse septiques Excavations, Building, Renovations Driveways, Fencing, Decking, Pergolas Tel: 05 53 79 77 61 or 06 42 86 85 31 Email: lockes@orange.fr Website: www.lockes47.com
SECURITY SYSTEMS Alarm calls up to 4 numbers if activated. NO ANNUAL CONTRACTS OR MONTHLY PAYMENTS. Wireless or wired. Cameras with 24/7 recording + Internet access. Security lighting.
Tel: 06 27 76 95 91
E: contact@aquitainealarmes.com W: www.aquitainealarmes.com Regions Covered: 24, 33, 17, 16 SIRET 50793843900019
EcoPower The World's Leading Solar Systems Tel: 05 53 62 31 35 www.ecopower.eu.com
MAKE YOUR OWN ELECTRICTY & SELL IT, USE IT BE SELF-SUFFICIENT/INDEPENDENT
YOUR POWER SOLAR-WIND-HYBRID KITS
WWW.everkinetiq.fr info@everkinetiq.fr
REMOVALS & STORAGE Murray Harper
European transport & storage ENGLAND, FRANCE, SPAIN Scheduled collection and delivery service guaranteed Established 30 years in the industry
www.murrayharper.com Tel: (0034) 952 793 422 or (0034) 952 807 692 info@murrayharper.com
MOVE IN EUROPE The removal company even the furniture recommends UK - Europe - Europe - UK
www.moveineurope.com contact@moveineurope.com Tel: +44 121 3503111 Home Tel: 05 53 93 75 52 George White European Transport Special rates to S/W France 13.6m/45ft trailer - Full/Part loads Removals/materials/vehicles Owner driver. RHA member
Tel: +44 (0)7768 867 360 Fax: +44 (0)1773 570 090 Fr Mobile: +33 (0)6 23 03 85 59 www.georgewhiteeuropean.co.uk
SELF STORAGE DOVER
Convenient Flexible Consolidation Point Working with the Movers Tel: +44(0) 1304 822844 doverinfo@aandsselfstorage.co.uk www.doverstorage.co.uk All France
Regular collection / deliveries from UK, and S/W France. Removals, on-line shopping, DIY products. Friendly professional service. Tel: 06 04 01 73 59 Email: info@aclighthaulage.com Web: www.aclighthaulage.com
"We’ve received very positive
www.renaissance-beams.com
results using The Advertiser with
Mini digger hire from 100 Euros per day HT
work ranging from liner renewals
Hammer, auger, dumper, roller etc available
to complete pool packages.
Siret No. 480 789 197 00013
Sarlat, Gourdon and Souillac areas
www.realheating.com info@realheating.com
SARL Maxima
“We are also very impressed with
Tel April on 0613232249 or 0553312115
the customer service provided by
Tél: 05 53 90 46 34 Siret: 4119 419 830
Plumbing, Central & Underfloor Heating Bathrooms, Solar systems, Woodburners.
GAS QUALIFIED INSTALLERS.
see rates at
www.maximalocation.com Siret no. 498 524 032 00022
Balcony & Stair Railings Window & Door Grills.
Manufacture/Repair/Installation. williamsonsteel.com williamson_steel@yahoo.com
05 53 90 20 17 over 20 years experience in france we undertake Plastering - Partitioning - Plasterboarding
COMPETITIVE PRICES Tel: 05 53 56 27 58 Mobile: 06 02 26 17 75 Siret: 381 076 967
Siret: 50281715800012 / 51110545400017
Ceramic floor and wall tiler
Restoration, Colouring, Sealing. Web: www.surfaces24.com Email: info@surfaces24.com
Plastering Services
Phone: 06 12 36 33 18 / 06 85 16 35 69 e-mail: renovation4u@hotmail.com
Experienced and registered
STONE & TILE
06 26 54 98 77
Contact details.
Siret 451 371 579
Polished Concrete Floors, Walls, Worktops Sinks & Furniture
For FREE Sample Pack Text ‘W8L’ and ‘NAME’ to
One stop for all your renovation works. Specialists in kitchens and bathrooms. Free devis/quotes.
The One Stop Shop for all your energy needs
SURFACES
DEPT 24, 33 AND 47 Contact. Morris Whitehead Tel. 05 53 58 38 62 Email: morriswhitehead@wanadoo.fr
New Year –New Shape!
Tel : 05 53 63 43 87 / 06 06 41 08 85 Email : maswan@live.co.uk All depts covered Siret 50406233200011
LANDROVER*MG* ROVER*JAGUAR* AUSTIN-MORRIS PARTS
For more details contact Rev. Derek & Pam Cook derekcook3@sky.com 05.53.57.83.30 www.christiansindordogne.com
LIMEUIL CHURCH
FINNINGER & HELBACH Gmbh Le Petit Fouine, 16210 Curac Tel/Fax: 00 33 (0)5 45 98 25 37 email: FinnHans@aol.com www.digitalsatellitefrance.com
Email: enquiries@stoves.fr Tel: 05 53 84 36 81 Mobile: 06 72 02 88 29
HEATHROW LEFT HAND DRIVE CENTRE LTD
WITHOUT CARD
• Solar domestic hot water systems • Solar swimming pool systems • Wood boiler stoves • Plumbing services
Inc Electrical, Plumbing and Heating Based 47, 24
0545622720
We do not only sell & install We also repair digiboxes NOW!! All freesat systems available
www.swansolar.eu Supply & Installation of :
May 2011
DIGITAL INSTALLATIONS
For more information call 00 33 (0)5 45 98 25 37
All Building Works Undertaken
ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS & GEARBOX REPAIRS
An English speaking approach to contemporary Christianity SUNDAYS
Maintenance, 25 years experience, Registered Artisan Tel: 05 53 23 77 05 (Rob) Regions: Dept 24 - Siret: 501 098 883 00017
Phil B Entreprise
Concrete Piscines. Cost effectively engineered. No expensive over design, expertly constructed Order now for 2011. stpoolsfrance@gmail.com Stuart Roberts B.Sc (c.eng) Phone: 0553914518 - Siret 503932857
Café Church in Bergerac
PROPERTY ODD JOBS Painting + Decorator, General Property
The Advertiser, Dordogne
E B Creations Metalwork
All interior and exterior ironwork. Dept 47,33,24 covered.
www.ebcreations.net.
General Building
Roofing, loft and barn conversion and property renovations. Depts 24, 19, 87 Full team of skilled registered tradesmen charles@hautefortrenovation.com www.hautefortrenovation.com Tel/fax: 05 53 50 12 39 Mobile: 06 84 53 08 39
PEST CONTROL
DOMESTIC,COMMERCIAL & RURAL Dept 19 & adjoining
Tel: 05 53 83 68 15
Robin Loten 0555 736918/0615186308
Siret No. 452 215 403 00018
Siret: 523 767 705 00016
email: edward@ebcreations.net
lotenrobin@yahoo.fr
The Advertiser team. " Simon & Julia Holt, Prét à Plonger.
The Advertiser, Dordogne REFLEX MOODYS LTD SALISBURY
REMOVALS UK - FRANCE - UK
• Weekly Service • Full & Part Loads • Container Storage • BAR Members • On-line Quotation • Internet Shopping Deliveries
00 44 1722 414350 info@reflexmoodys.com www.reflexmoodys.com Company Regn No: UK 5186435 TVA / VAT No: UK 864 7217 04
MOVING TO OR FROM FRANCE?
Weekly services to & from France Full or part loads, 4 wks free storage, 25 Years experience Contact: Anglo French Removals Tel: +44 (0) 1622 690 653 Email: info@anglofrench.co.uk
www.anglofrench.co.uk
DESIGNER DÉCOR -
direct to the Dordogne curtains, fabric, soft furnishings, wallpaper made to measure delivered direct top UK brands competitive pricing friendly, expert advice
www.fabricgallery.co.uk +44-1904-481101
FRENCH-MODE Ltd Classic furniture made in Italy by Retigritti
- Anti-rust treated steel outdoor Tables and Chairs - Natural quarry cut marble tables with black cast iron legs, the typical French Bistro and Cafe table.
Brian + Cheri Hewitt Lalinde Affaires
1 Rue Des Martyrs, Lalinde 24150
Telephone: 05 53 57 54 06 Brian Mobile: 06 82 09 24 24 Cheri Mobile: 06 48 42 04 93 www.french-mode.net email: french-mode@orange.fr
OAKWOOD FLOORING Wide boards
Large stocks available Prime & Character grades Oiled & waxed finishes Special offers from 12 € / m² www.oakwood-import.fr email: franceoak@gmail.com tel: 06 80 33 93 57 siret 49426348
CLASSIFIEDS
WOODBURNERS.FR
Furniture for France
Traditional cast iron multifuel and woodburning stoves. Option for fire back boilers on most models. Delivered to your door or installed. Also coal now available. Contact us for renewable energy air source pumps to replace your gas or oil fired systems.
A wide range of quality indoor furniture and sofas supplied and delivered direct to your French property saving you time and money.
See our website on
New showroom "Meubles New Ideas" near Brive(19) now open.
Siret no 45204687300017
For full colour brochure please e-mail info@furnitureforfrance.co.uk or call 0033 (0) 6 46 49 73 45 or 0033 (0) 5 55 25 02 68 www.furnitureforfrance.co.uk
www.woodburners.fr Tel/fax or Email 05 53 84 36 81 Mob 06 72 02 88 29 enq@woodburners.fr
U.K. WOODBURNERS
AARROW YEOMAN STOVAX VILLAGER France Agent - P.E.P Leisure Ltd
KANGAROO KARDS Leaps Ahead!
High Quality Greeting Cards 300+ Designs FREE DELIVERY in Europe
UK 08717174097 FR 0553732521 www.pepleisure.com email: fires@pepleisure.com Regions All France
*Award Winning Website* *Pay Securely Online* *Outstanding Service* *Money Back Guarantee* *Many Exclusive Designs*
PAINT - BRAND NAME Top Quality Uk Emulsion White & Magnolia 10LTS - Unbeatable Price Local Drop Off Points - Dept 24 Ring or Email for Further Details & Prices - Tel: 09 62 21 46 27/ 06 78 17 47 53 Email:paint4less@me.com
kangarookards.co.uk
SIMPLY BRITISH
INDEPENDENT BRITISH GROCERS Large range of food including fresh/frozen. Plus books, greetings cards and gifts
Tel: 05 61 64 98 89 Email: simplybritfoix@aol.com Web: simplybritish.fr REGION: Shop 09, mail order throughout France
www.magasinanglais.com British food, cards, baby products, sweets at FANTASTIC PRICES; order online - FREE local delivery!
tel. number 06 45 36 64 90
Caves & Castles Guided Tours
with professional archaeologist Steve Burman Lascaux II, Font de Gaume & more!
www.cavesandcastles.com cavesandcastles@gmail.com Tel: 05 53 50 31 21 - 06 76 46 67 38
To advertise here call freephone in France 0800 91 77 56 / from UK 0844 256 9881 (4p/min) or email directory@ connexionfrance.com
Make cash from your unwanted items. Classified adverts are FREE for private sales of items under €250. Place your advert via our website www.dordogneadvertiser.com
Seasonal job opportunities
POLE EMPLOI JOBS
Photo: Donnaphoto
HOME BASED LANGUAGE TEACHER Job Nicolas-d de-llaoffer n° 430957W - Saint-N Balerme - CDD 3 months - For a child in high school you will give English lessons at their home on Wednesday afternoons. Beginner accepted, but have degree or equivalant. ENGLISH TEACHER Job offer n° 833203C Périgueux - CDD 3 months - Language teaching centre are looking for an English teacher able to carry out a contract for a client in Bergerac. Preferably bilingual with previous experience in professional development. 1 - 5 years experience preferred and degree or equivalent in languages. Must drive. 4 hours per week. RECEPTIONIST Job offer n° 558861V - SaintEmilion - CDD 6 months - Receptionist for a tourist train you will be in charge of selling the tickets. Must be fluent in English and able to work weekends with preferably previous experience in the tourist trade. 35 hour working week. LANGUAGE TEACHER Job offer n° 428313W - Trelissac - CDD 6 months - You will be in charge of an intensive English course for high school children during school holidays. Must have degree or equivalent. Hours - 1h30 per week until the end of August WAITER/WAITRESS Job offer n° 555264V Sarlat - CDD 2 months - You will welcome clients, set tables, help with the upkeep of the dining room, you must know how to give change. English necessary. Start beginning of July, 24 hours per week over 6 days. SALES ASSISTANT Job offer n° 553820V Sarlat - CDD 6 months - For an estate agent you will help create, write and format French and English texts, make appointments for sales representatives, follow up clients, occasional visits. Hours 9-12 and 14 - 18.30 between 30 and 35 hours per week, possibility of CDI afterwards. RECEPTIONIST Job offer no 567759V Monestier - CDD 8 months - You will work on
HARD WORK: Seasonal work is often labour intensive, but you may get the chance to improve your tan EVERY year thousands of seasonal jobs are created around France, from summer jobs on beaches or tourist guides around towns to grape picking in Autumn and oyster picking in
Directory 21
www.dordogneadvertiser.com
May 2011
winter. In today's economic climate seasonal jobs can be a good gap filler if you are between jobs and are no longer seen only as holiday jobs for students.
So how do you go about finding such a job? The first step, like with any job is to prepare your CV. Contact anywhere
that is likely to employ seasonal workers directly. A lot of these places will have job offers up in their windows so visit them and hand over your CV, you may well have more of a chance of getting a job with them as they will have met you straight away. It also gives you the opportunity to size up the establishment and decide whether it is right for you as well. Visit websites such as www.poleemploi.com and www.emploi-saisonnier.com. www.anefa.org is a good place to look for agricultural work. Town halls will hold the job offers for
reception day & night in a 4* hotel. 39 hour week. Possiblity of CDI afterwards
OTHER JOBS LEGGETT IMMOBILIER are now recruiting for sales agents, full training provided. Excellent earning potential. Please call Sarah Edwards on 06 66 58 94 66 sarah@leggett.fr www.frenchestateagents.com GUIDE2LIMOUSIN and Guide2PoitouCharentes looking for people to: Work from Home - Full time or Flexible hours Commission Based - Can speak French (preferred but not essential) - Contact sales@guide2poitoucharentes for more info
BACCHUS IMMOBILIER recruits
France based estate agency seeks representatives for ALL regions of France. Carte Blanche Agent Commercial Immobilier and generous (up to 70%) commission rates offered. Contact Ivan Tredinnick.
Tel: 00 33 (0)5 45 82 42 93 Fax: 00 33 (0)5 45 36 27 95 E: property@bacchus-french-property.com W: www.bacchus-french-property.com Siret: 48034462100010
ITEMS FOR SALE BEAUTIFUL FRENCH-C CRAFTED SOLID OAK table (monastere-sstyle) and 10 uphol bufstered chairs €1500. Antique "coffre-b fet" in oak €850. Large old coffee-ttable with 2 drawers €300. Decorative antique "mai" ideal for storage €350. All items are in excellent condition. Contact Gwyneth at pyhill@btinternet.com"
children's day care centres, state run holiday camps and so on. Finally try the various temp agencies. Some jobs such as looking after children will require qualifications and all of them will be very tiring as although they may be set in beautiful surroundings they are usually very intense and involve long hours. Don't leave it until the last minute. Many contracts start early in the season so potential employers will be recruiting from spring onwards. It is unlikely that you'll find a job for August if you only start looking in July.
22 Property
www.dordogneadvertiser.com
The Advertiser, Dordogne
May 2011
€19,000 will buy you D I Y t i p s plot for family home Sponsored by
Self-build is growing more popular in France as people search for their dream home
Now is the time to restore wood floor
Finding a plot Building plots can be found in most areas and can be bought from estate agents or directly through the owner (usually a farmer). Price depends on the size of the land, but you can pick up a plot for as little as €19,000 in parts of the Dordogne. Plots tend to average in size from between 1,000m2 and 3,000m2. Most
Photo: jinxmcc
IF you fail to find your dream property in France, then buying a plot of land and building your own could be an option. The number of new builds in the country is creeping up, mainly because it can be a cheaper option than buying a resale property, even if the price of the land is combined with construction costs. People are also attracted to the challenge of building their own homes, which can take up to two years or more, depending on the size of the property. So what steps need to be taken to bring the dream to life? Sylvain Houssard has so far spent €60,000 on his two-bed home, which is nearing completion plots (terrain à construire) are sold with a defined square metrage of building space. Once you decide to buy the land, you will need to find a notaire who will be responsible for calculating the various taxes involved. The buyer and seller usually use the same
notaire. Most land comes with planning permissions, but if it does not, it is often sold with the view that you will be applying for a certificat d'urbanism, which gives permission for property to be built. You will also need a permis
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de construire (building permit, obtained through the town hall). When applying, you will need to provide details of the plans for the property. Designing and building your home French law stipulates that if your property is over 170m2, then you must hire an architect to draw up the plans. The architect will be able to advise you on a design that is most appropriate to the area and in keeping with local regulations. The architect’s plans should include construction cost estimates. You can either build the property yourself, which means you will be responsible for commissioning design, planning, hiring a builder and overseeing construction. Or you can hire a building firm, which may propose the most suitable designs and layout as well as arrange and oversee construction. Finding a builder can be a lengthy process, as most are booked months in advance. Cost On top of land cost, it is important to budget for the cost of construction, building materials as well as setting aside cash for any unforeseen setbacks. Frenchman Sylvain Houssard is nearing completion on his first self-build home. He is working on a small, two-bedroom house close to his own property, which he will eventually rent out. The project has so far cost him €60,000 and taken about 100 days with two men on the job. He told The Advertiser: “You need to really consider the budget you have from the beginning, as costs can overrun,” he said. “Also, make sure you do your research and get professional advice. “It’s a simple process, but you need help.” Did you self-build in the Dordogne? Email details of your experience to angela @dordogneadvertiser.com
FINISHING ACT: Restoring is well worth the time REAL wood floors are not only beautiful but they are also much easier to keep clean than carpets and give off a warmer feel than tiles. Restoring them to their former glory is not particularly difficult but it is time-consuming if you want to get a good finish. Due to the fumes given off by the varnish, now is an excellent time of year to do this kind of job as you can open the windows wide to create good ventilation but even then it is advised that you wear a mask. Sanding can either be done by hand or with the help of an electric floor sander. Whichever method you choose, the first thing to do is to prepare the floor. Check there are no nails sticking up; if there are, hammer them in. If you want a uniform finish, fill in gaps or holes with either resin, a flexible filler or strips of wood. If the floor is uneven and has not been previously sanded it is best to start with a very course sandpaper such as a 24 grit. If the floor is not too bad or has been sanded before then starting with 40 or 80 grit would probably be OK. Again, it is always good to seek advice from a professional if you are in any doubt. Start at one end of the room, and begin by making the floor as flat as possible. Do not be afraid to change the sandpaper quite often to achieve the best possible result. With a machine, work from left to right so that it does not leave any run marks. With hand-held sanders, work with the grain of the wood moving it slowly from side to side. Once all the sanding is done it is very important to collect up all the dust; vacuum then go over the whole floor with a cloth soaked in white spirit, once this is done leave to dry. Apply the varnish with a large flat brush. Always start at the far end of the room and work backwards. The first coat should be diluted by 10 per cent with white spirit as it will apply easier. Respect drying time between layers. Once the first coat has dried, go over the floor with a very fine grain sandpaper and then mop gather the dust. Apply the second coat and leave to dry. For a perfect finish, before applying the third coat go over the floor, without pressing too hard with some fine steel wool and again make sure you get all the dust up. By following these steps you should end up with a lovely, hard finish to the floor. Tip: If you have chosen to hire a sander make sure a member of staff has shown you how to set it up and use it properly. Vocabulary needed: Sander - Ponceuse Sand paper - Papier de verre Steel wool - Laine d'acier Varnish - Vernis White spirit - white-spirit!
DIY O Construction O Decorating O Gardening CC Auchan, 24650 Chancelade 05 53 02 29 20
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The Advertiser, Dordogne
Property 23
www.dordogneadvertiser.com
May 2011
Houses for sale in and around Dordogne
Gardening Facts
Sponsored by
Photo: Joel Behr - Fotolia.com
Buying or selling a property in or around Dordogne? We can help. Our website www.connexionfrance.com carries details of more than 14,000 homes for sale across France. We also feature properties for sale in this dedicated section of The Advertiser every month. Use the code under each property to New Consumption and Emission Chart - e.g. Energy rating C & F refers to find out more on C for Consumption and F for Emissions the website.
For sellers, the adverts are also displayed across a range of popular English-speaking websites which ensures they are seen by thousands of potential buyers EVERY day. Prices start at €119TTC for a year’s online advertising. Online advertisers can also place adverts in The Advertiser for an extra €60TTC for one month, €150TTC for three and €275TTC for six. Contact us on 0800 91 77 56 (freephone in France) or email sales@connexionfrance.com
More details on all these properties - and how to contact the seller directly - can be found in the property for sale section of
www.connexionfrance.com Simply enter the code under each home to find out more PROPERTIES IN DORDOGNE
Water features can attract wildlife to your garden
Gardening jobs in May WARMER and longer sunshine hours means lots of growth this month. Frosts should be safely behind us and the garden is brimming with energy! Let’s get started: Jobs to do in the garden this month:
€87,200
€110,000
Saint-Priest-les-Fougeres A well presented house in a little hamlet only 10 minutes away from all amenities. The interior is finished to a high standard and the property benefits from Secondary Double Glazing.
La Rochebeaucourt-etArgentine Delightful stone house with 2 bedrooms and a small manageable garden situated in a small hamlet close to a village with all basic needs.
REF: FP-19426MC24
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 11081
€140,000
€151,200
Ribérac Constructed by a local builder in 1980, this three-bedroom house provides practical living with low maintenance costs, on the edge of a historic village perched high above the Dronne.
Saint-Pardoux-la-Rivière A very well maintained restored stone house in a hamlet close to all amenities in a popular village. The house has been extended and has a well maintained garden which is stocked with vegetables.
REF: MCM09008
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: FP-19041MC24
The flower garden Deadhead your spring-flowering bulbs now but leave the foliage until it yellows to recharge the bulbs for next year, a liquid feed will help. If you need to lift spent tulips, take them up carefully with roots and soil intact and place in a trench, cover with soil and leave foliage to wither before storing. Dahlia tubers can be planted now but beware of late frosts. Plant up hanging baskets now for a good summer show.
€165,000
€184,000
Thiviers This recent house is set in 0.44 acres of land with a garage. It offers living room (40m2), fitted kitchen, 4 bedrooms, 2 shower rooms and wc's. It has oil fired central heating.
Aquitaine Cute 2 bedroom house in a village on a river in the Dordogne / Perigord Noir. It has a terrace overlooking the valley as the house is situated in the high part of the village.
The vegetable garden Plant that great summer vegetable, the runner bean, now, as well as French beans and sugar snap peas. Beetroot and turnips should be sown outside now and continue successional sowing of lettuces, radishes and salad onions. Sow sweetcorn in squares, not lines, to aid pollination. Brussel sprouts, autumn cabbage and cauliflower seedlings should be planted outside now for an early autumn crop.
€236,000
€305,000
Ribérac 3 bedroom house completely restored, sitting room with wonderful fireplace, attached barn, cave.
Nontron If you want to live in the country but crave the town life too....this would be the perfect property. To the side is a heated swimming pool (10m x 4m) with patio area and outside shower.
The fruit garden Avoid using insecticides when fruit bushes and trees are in full bloom to allow pollinating bees and insects safe access. Keep cherry, peach and plum trees well watered in dry weather. Weed the strawberry bed and mulch with straw as the first fruits appear, try halves of citrus fruit placed around your plants to trap slugs. The ornamental garden Plant evergreen and coniferous hedges this month, soak root balls overnight if it’s dry. Minimise wind damage by erecting temporary windbreaks. Watch out for sucker shoots appearing on roses, they usually appear paler in colour than the main plant, are very thorny and grow quickly - trace them to their base and pull them off rather than cutting them to avoid more suckers sprouting. If you don’t have one already, why not create a water garden/feature this month? It brings a wealth of wildlife to your garden not to mention good luck - feng shui principles require it to be to the left of your front door (inside looking out). It can also be an excellent teaching tool in educating your children or grandchildren about ecosystems, or just be plain good fun! There’s something irresistible about frogspawn to children.
JARDILAND ROUTE D'AGEN BERGERAC OPEN 7am-7pm 05.53.63.54.70
REF: 34648
REF: RJF6830
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 100425
REF: IFPC19436
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = Not given
PROPERTIES AROUND FRANCE
€103,075
€116,600
Evran This stone house set in 630m2 of land has a garage and separated 130m2 of land. Equipped with double glazed windows, this 130m2 house is located near Dinan.
Mohon This property is a beautifully renovated cottage/longère, set in the heart of a small hamlet just 5km north of the market town of Gourin in the Morbihan department of Brittany.
REF: 37156
ENERGY RATING = Not given
€121,900
Miramont-de-Guyenne Set in 2500m2 of grounds this property has been well restored and offers very comfortable accomodation. Outside there is a covered terrace a garage and 2 workshops. ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 06212
€151,200
€160,000
Châteaubriant The three/four bedroom property has wonderful views over the open countryside, and with its own one and a half acre garden it is the perfect place to spend “quality” time.
Scionzier This 160m farmhouse for renovation is situated in a small hamlet of an alpine village located within 40 minutes of a number of large ski resorts as well as Geneva airport.
REF: JS306/1936
ENERGY RATING = Not given
€132,500
Pontrieux This stone house set in 817m2 of land has an apartment, a stone shed and 2 garages. There is a fitted kitchen, a dining room with fireplace, 2 bedrooms with 1 in the apartment, and an attic. REF: 36969
REF: 37248
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: A01581
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = Not given
The adverts above cost from just €179 for a whole year of web advertising and one edition of advertising in The Advertiser. 10,000 copies of The Advertiser are distributed at key points across department 24 including Bergerac and Brive-Vallée de la Dordogne airports. Let our distribution get you a sale. Contact our sales team on 0800 91 77 56 (freephone in France) or email sales@connexionfrance.com TTC
24 News
Photo: DR
Périgord has got the X-Factor
EPISODES of the X-Factor, the M6 talent show, are being filmed at Château de Marouatte in Périgord. Henry Padovani, one of the show’s judges, said: “We needed a beautiful place, something spectacular and which would have good music vibrations.”
69 acquire French nationality ALMOST 70 people from as far afield as Sri Lanka and Brazil but living in the Dordogne are now French citizens following a recent ceremony at the prefecture in Périgueux. A number of British people were also among the 69 people who became French, a process which takes about two years.
Bordeaux stadium will go ahead A 43,500-seater stadium will be built in Bordeaux, a spokesperson for the town hall confirmed. A contractor for the project is expected to be announced on July 18.
The Advertiser, Dordogne
May 2011
Binoculars snare speeding motorists in Bordeaux Safety measure follows an increase in the number of speeding offences and will be used in busy areas and close to schools However, motorists are unimpressed POLICE in Bordeaux have started using high-powered binoculars to catch speeding motorists. The device is able to snare a speeding car 600 metres away. Tests have already been carried out in rue Fondaudège, where drivers have a tendency to drive at more than 50km
“
We’ve tightened controls over speeding because we noticed that motorists were getting more relaxed
an hour. The local authority said police would patrol areas most prone to accidents and close to schools. The move follows a 9.5 per cent rise in speeding offences since the beginning of the year across the department. A spokesperson for Bordeaux’s Department of Public Safety said the authority had tightened controls over speeding “because we noticed that motorists were getting more relaxed.” Since January, 31 people have lost their lives on the road, nine of which were motorcyclists, according to figures from the department. However, the latest measures have not amused readers of Sud-Ouest, with one web-
Photo: Firenight @ FOTOLIA.COM
News in brief
www.dordogneadvertiser.com
Authorities in Bordeaux are tightening rules as speeding incidents have risen since January site commentator saying: “Surely the goal is instead to fill the bank account of Bordeaux town hall,” although another said accidents could simply be avoided by slowing down on the accelerator. According to the most recent figures, 2009 saw a slight fall in the road death toll across France, from 4,275 in 2008 to 4,262. This marked a major drop since the 1970s, when the figure stood at 16,200 deaths. There are almost 1,700 speed cameras already in place, while the government is installing another 800 this
year. Police also have a further 933 mobile cameras. Ministers are also considering installing average speed cameras, whereby cameras are placed at the start, middle and end of a section of road and measure the average speed of drivers. One hundred of these are expected to be rolled out this year. However, an opinion poll by Ipsos last April revealed that 72 per cent of people questioned had had enough of drivers being targeted through speed cameras, saying they were being used as “cash cows”.
Motorists have been so irked by the system that one speed camera in the Lorraine region had its life cut short in February when it was severed from its base with a chainsaw. The camera was known as the most effective in the country, notching up 89,351 flashes during its short life. The €80,000 system, on the A31 near the French border with Luxembourg, caught on average 245 vehicles a day. The camera was found days after the suicide of a man who admitted carrying out a bombing campaign on speed cameras two years ago.