Dordogne Advertiser - January 2012

DORDOGNE

ADVERTISER

publishers of

January 2012 - Issue 35 FREE www.dordogneadvertiser.com GRATUIT

Healthcare crisis as 150 local GPs to retire in next 5 years Photos: © Carp Gang Perigord

Page 4

FULL STORY PAGE 5

Giant catfish caught in Dordogne Ne pas jeter sur la voie publique

Buying or selling a property in France?

Your high street bank offers foreign exchange as part of its service. At HiFX, foreign exchange is our business.

9 Bank beating exchange rates over the phone or online 9 Track payments 24 hours a day 9 Tailored, personal service 9 VeriSign security used by 97 of the World’s top 100 banks 9 No hidden charges

Don’t let the banks cash in. www.hifx.co.uk

2 News ADVERTISER

Contact us With a story, email: dordogne@ connexionfrance.com (please include a daytime contact number) With a subscription or advert query call: From France: 0800 91 77 56 (freephone) From UK: 0844 256 9881 (4p per minute) or by email: sales@ connexionfrance.com The Advertiser is published by: English Language Media Sarl, Le Vedra, 38 rue Grimaldi, 98000 Monaco.

Directrice de la publication: Sarah Smith.

Printed at Nice-M Matin, 214 Route de Grenoble, 06290 Nice Cedex 3.

Environmental policy The Advertiser is printed on recycled newspaper, using a printing company which adheres to stringent regulations to reduce pollution.

Mensuel Depôt légal – a parution ISSN: 2100-9147 Read the Advertiser online at www.dordogneadvertiser.com

Dordogne Advertiser

January 2012

Businesses tighten belts as austerity measures hit As a new year dawns, along with a new round of austerity measures, LUCY STUBBS looks at our prospects for 2012, and particularly the effect the increase in TVA will have on small businesses in Dordogne.

ONE of the only certainties for France in 2012 is that there will be a presidential election, and either socialist François Hollande will win or Nicolas Sarkozy will hold on to his position.

However, there are other contenders who could complicate matters.

Both key contenders have talked of the need to get public spending under control and Sarkozy has already introduced austerity cuts to prove he is serious in getting France’s deficit under control.

Many measures, such as a tax on top-up health insurance and a tax on fizzy drinks, came in last autumn, but a new raft of austerity measures take effect from January 1. So how will these changes affect people living in the Dordogne?

The new austerity measures are aimed at reducing France’s deficit to zero by 2016. This year will see a freeze on tax bands, bringing forward the retirement age of 62 to 2017 instead of 2018, and linking benefits to growth rather than rising prices. This will effectively mean a cut in benefits such as family allowance and income support.

One of the key changes that will affect everyone is increased TVA (VAT), which took effect on January 1.

In 2009, TVA on things such as house renovation and restaurant meals was lowered to 5.5% to boost the building trade and housing market and to keep bars and restaurants going.

Widely seen as a success, the TVA on building projects and meals will now rise to 7%. Even more controversially, TVA will now apply to gîte owners and anyone running a B&B – a move apparently welcomed by hoteliers, who have been paying TVA for years.

For the British living in France, these TVA changes could be significant, as they target businesses and activities that are popular with expats. We spoke

to three Dordogne business owners about how the rise in TVA could affect them.

William Penkeyman has been running his building company near Périgueux for almost 20 years.

According to a recent Dordogne Chambre de Commerce report, about 40 per cent of all British-run businesses in the Dordogne are related to the building trade, so how will this rise affect the industry?

“It will make a big difference – it is a big increase, but I don’t think we’ll see any effect at first; people have already signed up for work and will just have to stomach the increase,” says Mr Penkeyman.

“The TVA rise will kick in about March, when people who haven’t yet signed up for work get their quotes and notice the price hike. I don’t think it will be as disastrous for the expatriate building trade as for those businesses catering to the local market; expats will still go ahead and have the work done, but maybe not to such a high specification. If they have a fixed budget, more of it will go on TVA than in our pockets.

“If I was working in England and this happened, I’d be worried, because people would probably defer or rethink their renovation projects, but people who have decided to make the leap and move here or invest in a holiday home won’t pack in their aspirations and dreams because the TVA has increased.

“I think we’ll be OK – although we’d rather it wasn’t going up.”

Jo McIntyre runs the Fiddler’s Rest, near Chaleix, with her husband Ronan. A popular Irish bar, the couple make most of their money through sales of pub meals.

She spoke to the Dordogne Advertiser in 2009, when the TVA was cut, and said the reduction had “saved their business.” So what does she think

Jo and Ronan McIntyre believe the TVA cut Photo: fotolia -Richard Pichet

DORDOGNE

www.dordogneadvertiser.com

President Nicolas Sarkozy faces an election the TVA rise will mean for them?

“It is a shame,” says Mrs McIntyre. “We knew the low rate wouldn’t go on forever, and to be completely honest, I’m just glad the VAT increase isn’t any bigger. We won’t be putting prices up – customers can’t pay more right now – so the increase will just dig into our profits.

“That said, it won’t be catastrophic – when the rate was lowered it really did save us, as we were looking at having to close the business.

This time the rise will just mean we’ll be a lit-

Things can only get better – but it’s unlikely to be this year Charles Gillooley is not hopeful

NOBODY has a crystal ball, but there are one or two people out there prepared to stick their neck out and make predictions for 2012.

Charles Gillooley, Dordogne president of FNAIM (the French real estate association) spoke to the Advertiser late last year, amid reports that the housing market in the Dordogne was still stagnant.

He said he remained downbeat about the Dordogne housing market in 2012: “It is impossible to say for sure, but I’m not optimistic. Every time I turn on my computer, there seems to be more

bad news about the state of the economy. I’d say 2012 will be no better, possibly worse.”

The President of the Dordogne Chamber of Commerce and Industry isn’t particularly positive, either, for the world of business.

Christophe Fauvel, who is also the president of the Dordogne branch of MEDEF – The Mouvement des Entreprises de France, the largest union of employers in France – said he was pessimistic for 2012.

“The situation is precarious,” he told the reporters at a recent press conference, saying that conditions

Dordogne Advertiser

January 2012

News 3

www.dordogneadvertiser.com

Photo: jms - Fotolia.com

saved them in 2009, and although the increase will hit profits, they will be able to cope

Investment in schools and airport reduction in teacher numbers and the closure of classes, a programme of regeneration of school buildings looks set to continue.

The conseil general launched a programme of secondary school regeneration projects in 2006 and in 2011 spent almost €9 million improving and rebuilding colleges in the Dordogne.

In 2012, it will be the turn of the college in Eymet which will be renovated at a cost of

€3.3 million.

A programme of adapting colleges to provide disabled access has been ongoing and Excideuil college will be amongst the last to be adapted, later this year.

The conseil general has also confirmed that an ongoing programme of boosting educational facilities, such as installing state-of-the-art interactive whiteboards and new computers, will continue this year.

Photo: Google Maps

WITH money tight and budgets squeezed, there are not many planned changes or improvements for the Dordogne this year, but there are a few: Transport: Bergerac airport will be closed from January 9 to March 23, so that the 2km runway can be replaced.

Although this will cause temporary disruption, the move is being widely perceived as a positive move, signifying renewed enthusiasm and commitment from SMAD (who fund the airport), who have invested €3.5 million in re-laying the runway.

The improvement should mean that the airport will be around for some years to come, offering reassurance to residents, holiday home owners and all those who depend on the tourist trade.

Education: Whilst teachers continue to protest over a

A new runway will be laid at Dordogne airport, above, this year

France in English News, interviews, practical info and more

Owners of gîtes and B&Bs will now have to pay TVA, which could hit tourism in Dordogne

for small businesses – about 90 per cent of Dordogne businesses employ fewer than 50 people – were very difficult.

“I call for firms to unite to find a way through the crisis,” he added.

According to Fauvel, it could take up to five years for the Dordogne economy to get back on track and there are, he says, no quick fixes.

So, it seems the watchwords for 2012 are caution and uncertainty, with the consensus being that things can only get better – although no-one can say when....

trouble – and I can see a lot of other people going under too.

“In a department that relies on tourism, this seems like a really silly move. I don’t know where the government expects us to find the money, but if we try to get it by putting our prices up, we’ll just see trade plummet.

“Last year trade was poor, as everyone had tight budgets. Fewer people staying with us will have a knock-on effect on everyone around us – from bakers and restaurant owners to supermarkets and tourist attractions.”

Photo: © art1art - Fotolia.com

tle poorer, but we’ll live to fight another year!”

There seems to be a lot of confusion over how the new TVA rules will affect people running gîtes and B&Bs. One gîte complex owner, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “We haven’t had any confirmation (from Gîtes de France) on whether we’ll be affected. At first, we thought the 7% TVA would only apply to businesses with a turnover of over €80,000. Now we’ve read it could apply from the very first Euro we make. If that is the case, our business is in

Register for Connexion’s weekly FREE email newsletter

www.connexionfrance.com

Find us in French newsagents or Freephone

0800 91 77 56 (France) or

Prospects for the property market in Dordogne are grim, according to Charles Gillooley

0844 256 9881 (UK calls cost 4p/minute)

4 News

Healthcare crisis as GP numbers decline THE Dordogne is facing a crisis in its health system, a doctors’ group claims.

The Ordre des Médecins de la Dordogne is urging the Conseil Général (the regional authority) to increase its efforts to entice newly qualified doctors to settle in the area after figures revealed that the number of general practitioners was falling.

The number of doctors in the department is set to decline by a huge 150 over the next five years, as doctors reach retirement age. In Marsac-sur-l’Isle, the health centre has been without a doctor for more than three months, even though the post has been widely advertised.

A spokesperson at the town hall said: “The mayor has been interviewing people and trying to get a locum at the very least. But for the moment we still haven’t found anyone, which makes life difficult.”

Concerns over the quality of healthcare in the Dordogne were first raised in 2009 when MP Colette Langlade and many other people voiced concern about

cuts in the number of doctors on call. According to Dr Sandrine Allaire-Sauquet, speaking on behalf of a doctors’ group, local GPs need to work with the regional authorities to advertise the advantages of working in the Dordogne.

“

Students shouldn’t be afraid of country practices Jean-Paul Couvy Conseil Général

Jean-Paul Couvy of the Conseil Général agrees.

“It isn’t just a question of telling students on campus about our tax breaks and other advantages, we have to deal with a whole range of preconceptions about working in the countryside.”

New GPs moving into the Dordogne are exonerated from income tax and other charges for the first 10 years fiscal advantages which could amount to as much as €300,000. But it is thought

that newly qualified doctors hesitate to move to Dordogne because they feel they will be working out in the middle of nowhere.

“So we have to go on to campuses,” says Couvy, “and tell them that living in the countryside doesn’t mean living in a cultural desert.

We have to tell them there are specialist medical services here, the latest scanners and so forth, and that they shouldn’t be afraid of country practices.”

Most new doctors, he says, are from urban backgrounds and 70% of them are women, who prefer working in group practices because it means fewer antisocial hours. “We have to set up pluridisciplinary health centres in Dordogne,” says Couvy.

There are also other approaches under way.

In departments such as the Lot-et-Garonne, there are schemes to encourage newly qualified doctors to work there by providing internships with established general practitioners, during which the council provides board and lodging, and pays the student’s expenses.

Photo: PHOTOPQR/SUD OUEST / JEAN CHRISTOPHE SOUNALET /Maxppp.com

www.dordogneadvertiser.com

Dordogne Advertiser

January 2012

Virtual Lascaux due to open

PREHISTORIC PROJECT: A virtual tour is to be added to the caves in a €50 million plan

Plan set to limit risks this winter

Inheritance Solutions French inheritance rules may mean that your worldwide estate will not be distributed according to your wishes.

Look after those that matter.

Peter Wakelin, Regional Manager Tel French Head Office: 05 56 34 75 51 Email: bordeaux.office@siddalls.net

www.siddalls.fr French finance in plain English Siddalls France SASU, Parc Innolin, 3 Rue du Golf, 33700 Mérignac - RCS BX 498 800 465. C.I.F. No E001669 auprès de ANACOFI-CIF association agréée par l’Autorité des Marchés Financiers et Courtier d’Assurances, Catégorie B - ORIAS 07 027 475. Garantie Financière et Assurance de Responsabilité Civile Professionnelle conformes aux articles L 541-3 du Code Monétaire et Financier et L 512-6 et 512-7 du Code des Assurances.

PLANS are in place to ensure homeless and vulnerable people are protected against the cold this winter. The prefecture will provide emergency shelters open till the end of March. An emergency number -115- manned by préfet staff is also in operation which aims to ensure anyone at risk can receive the help they need. Each year, around 100 people die from cold on the streets of France.

Pupils still in shock SCHOOLCHILDREN in Terrasson were left in a state of shock after a classmate suffered a heart attack. The girl, 16, suffered a heart attack in the playground of the Lycée Antoine Saint-Exupéry in Terrasson and was given heart massage by the school nurse before paramedics arrived and re-started the teenager’s heart using a defibrillator. A psychologist has been assigned to the school to help children who were traumatised by what they saw.

Jobless figures show over-50s are hit hardest FIGURES produced by the Aquitaine unemployment agencies reveal that the number of unemployed rose by 13% in the Dordogne last year. The rise was higher than in neighbouring departments such as the Gironde and the Landes - although Aquitaine as a whole saw its number of job seekers rise by 10%.

Among the groups most affected were women and those aged 50-plus. There are currently around 18,000 job seekers in the Dordogne.

According to a report published in Le Journal du Net,

the level of unemployment in the Dordogne has risen by 50.6% since the start of the economic crisis in 2008 - giving it the eighth highest figure in France for joblessness.

While youth unemployment remains a problem throughout the country, in the Dordogne it is the increase in older job seekers that has seen the biggest rise, with the figure 85% higher than at the start of the crisis. There are currently 4,000 people aged over 50 looking for jobs in the department.

Park free in Bergerac AFTER much negotiation between car park operators and Bergerac Mairie, free parking at weekends and evenings has finally begun in Bergerac. Parking in the underground the Parc des Calmes is now free on Saturday afternoons until 15 June and then free for one hour on Saturday afternoons fom 15 June to 15 September. Meanwhile, at the Parc Gambetta, parking is now free every evening from 7pm until 8am. The Mairie hopes that the free parking will encourage shoppers to come to town and get more people to attend evening events.

Dordogne Advertiser

News 5

www.dordogneadvertiser.com

January 2012

Did you know?

by LUCY STUBBS PLANS for Lascaux IV have been unveiled by the Conseil Général. Work on the project, which will include a replica of the world-famous caves, plus a virtual tour showing life in the cave at various points in history, a museum dedicated to the history of the caves and information on prehistoric cave painting, will begin later this year. Land has been bought at the foot of the hill where the original caves were discovered in Montignac and the project is set to cost €50 million, with money coming from the state, the Aquitaine Conseil régional and Dordogne Conseil général.

The Lascaux caves are believed to be one of the world’s finest examples of pre-historic cave art with the paintings said to date back 17,000 years. The caves were discovered in 1940 by four teenagers and their dog and were opened to the public after the Second World War. However, they were closed to the public

IN 2002, the mayor of a small Dordogne commune was shown a photograph of his commune’s place name taken by the photographer and writer Édouard Levé.

Odd, you might think, after all, the mayor, Monsieur Gadaud, and the inhabitants of the commune were all familiar with their commune’s name, but significant because the commune has a peculiar name. Angoisse means anguish.

The 600 inhabitants are so used to the name that it barely registers but to people outside the commune the name is a source of bemusement.

Levé’s photographs were recently exhibited at the Salon Paris Photo, where his photograph of the sign at the entrance to the village fetched €8,600 and his Angoisse photographs drew much attention.

For city-dwellers, the Dordogne is seen a tranquil, relaxed place, where angoisse should be the last thing on your mind. So how did this commune get its name? The origins lie a few hundred

in 1963 after showing signs of deterioration, said to be caused, in part by the carbon dioxide being exhaled by the many visitors to the site. In recent years the original cave paintings have been affected by fungus - now believed to be under control - and have been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

An almost exact replica - Lascaux II has become the Dordogne’s most popular tourist attraction and brings more than 300,000 visitors a year. Meanwhile, work continues on Lascaux III, which consists of a series of replicas of paintings that were found in the original cave. These include depictions of bison, deer and other animals not reproduced in Lascaux II. Later this year the Lascaux III artwork will be loaned to galleries and museums around the world as part of a travelling exhibition.

Speaking at a press conference, Bernard Cazeau, President of the Conseil général, said he hoped that Lascaux IV, due to open in 2015, would cement the Dordogne’s position as a leading authority on cave art and further bolster interest in Lascaux.

Photo: Carp Gang Perigord

BIG CATCH: Aloïs Marcelaud needed a friend’s help to bring in the gigantic 2.2m catfish

Giant hauled from Dordogne A 20-YEAR-OLD has caught one of the largest catfish ever to be fished out of the Dordogne river.

Aloïs Marcelaud - along with three friends, Nicolas Roussel, Matthieu Morelet and Reny Servault, spent 20 minutes hauling the 2.2 metre-long, 70-kilo fish from the water.

"It was a great moment," he said. "It's a memory we'll all treasure forever. I had the right equipment and of course you need the right technique for a fish like that."

Mr Marcelaud and his friends are passionate about fishing. "We started when we

“

It’s a memory we will all treasure forever Aloïs Marcelaud Fishing enthusiast

were 5 or 6 years old," he said. "I go almost every weekend." In fact, rivers and fishing are so central to his life that he is studying to become a guide de pêche and expects to qualify later this year.

He will then look for a job in

the milieu he loves so much.

"I love being near the water, I love the tranquillity, I love aquatic life, especially fish."

Fishing is a sport, he says, but it is also a way of interacting with nature.That is why he returned his monster catfish to the river unharmed.

“We always do," he said. “It's the rules of our fishing club, The Carp Gang Périgord.

"For me, fishing is a sport, pure and simple. So we always put them back.

“People who say catfish eat all the other fish in a river are wrong. They don't. They only eat the same as the others.

We always put them back.”

Photo: TimDuncan-wikimedia.org

Joy and fear abound in a quiet commune

PANIC: Author Ian Rankin yards from the centre of Angoisse village in the hamlet of L’Hépital. Once L’Hôpital - in the Middle Ages - it was the site of a leper hospital and the nearby village of Angoisse was so named because it is said that you could hear the patients’ screams of agony.

The leper hospital is long gone but more recently, a well-known contemporary figure experienced anguish and joy - in the commune.

Best-selling crime writer Ian Rankin lived near the village of Angoisse from 1990 to 1996. With a couple of novels under his belt and

full-time writing impossible in London, he and his wife Miranda upped sticks and moved to what Rankin described as “the least sought-after corner of the Dordogne”.

Whilst his wife cultivated a vegetable garden and the couple enjoyed delicious meals out, their French dream was not always idyllic.

Rankin struggled with the language and the isolation and money was tight. His first child, Jack, was born in 1992 but his second son, Kit, born in 1994 was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome - a rare and incurable condition that requires full-time care in 1995 prompting the family to return to Scotland.

Rankin has told interviewers that he developed panic attacks while living in Angoisse and describes driving around the countryside in his 2CV “just shouting, shouting and screaming in the dark”.

As for the photographer who immortalised Angoisse, Édouard Levé committed suicide in 2007, aged just 42.

www.dordogneadvertiser.com

PHoto: Benjamin TADI - Picasa

Date set for Moto diary

WINNING WAYS: The Dynamika team’s Spa-Bike Tonic allows stress-free exercise

Revolutionary design scoops up €20k tonic A DORDOGNE company has won the top prize in a regional competition for new and technologically advanced design.

Dynamika, based in Périgueux, is a company specialising in fitness equipment which can be used in water. It sells its products to fitness clubs and hospitals, where physiotherapists use them to help patients to regain muscular strength after a debilitating illness.

The winning product, Spa-Bike Tonic, enables users to cycle in a hydromassage bath - ideal for people recovering from illness or those with limited body strength - as it allows gentle exercise without the exertion of too much pressure on the body.

Didier Roux, managing director of the company, which started in 2009, gave his reaction to winning the first prize of €20,000. “The designers - Ilo Creative -

deserve a lot of credit,” said Roux. “Without good design, we would never have achieved success.”

According to Roux, the prototype created two years ago originally consisted of a bathtub and a raised seat with bicycle pedals.

“Over the next two years, we worked to make sure it was portable and efficient and to make the seat height adjustable. We’re very pleased with the result and delighted to win a prize.”

Subscribe The Connexion

DORDOGNE ADVERTISER

France, in English News, interviews, practical info & more

Packed with local news, features & events

3 ways to subscribe Online www.dordogneadvertiser.fr www.connexionfrance.com Call FREE from France 0800 91 77 56 Or for just 4p/min from the UK 0844 256 9881 Lines are open between 9am - 1pm Post this coupon to

Subscription Services, BP 61096, 06002 Nice Cedex 1 Payment must be by euro cheque (from a French bank) or sterling cheque (from a UK bank).

Cheques should be made payable to English Language Media

Fill in your details (in capitals please): Name: ____________________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________ Town: ________________________________________Postcode: ____________________ Country : ____________________________________Telephone: ____________________ Email: ____________________________________________________________________ Dordogne Advertiser ONE YEAR (12 EDITIONS) To a French address: €15(£14) To a UK or other EU address: €24 (£21)

The Connexion ONE YEAR (12 EDITIONS) To a French address: €33 (£30 by UK cheque) To a UK or other EU address: €44 (£40) Other addresses: €126 (£115)

Please note: Subscriptions must reach us by the 16th of the month to ensure delivery of the next issue.

We would like to send you a weekly email with news and practical information about life in France.

You can unsubscribe at any time. We will never pass your details on to a third party. If you do NOT want this please tick here NO THANKS!

A LARGE motorbike festival is set to return to La Bugue this year.

The Fête de la Moto has run every two years since the mid-1980s and the last event in 2009 was attended by 2,000 bikers from the region.

A lack of funds meant that last year’s festival was cancelled and its future was thrown into doubt. However, festival organiser The Moto-Club Buguois has now received a grant to stage the gathering, which will take place on March18.

Attack after sushi bar row AN ALTERCATION in a sushi bar turned nasty, resulting in one person being hospitalised. Family members were eating together in Esprit Sushi in Bergerac when the conversation became heated.

Two men left the snack bar and took their argument into the streets, where one stabbed the other with a knife. He fled the scene, while the injured man was taken to hospital, where his injuries were described as serious but not life threatening.

Cuts mean hostel closes MORE than 50 people have been left without secure accommodation and six staff have lost their jobs after a hostel closed in Périgueux.

The Foyer des Jeunes Travailleurs helped young workers get established with low rents and advice.

But according to the SudOuest, mayor Michel Moyrand decided to cut the centre’s funding.

Campervan stop is tops CAMPERVAN owners are celebrating after a new and long-awaited aire de service was opened in Terrasson. The 21-place overnight stop offers electricity, water and waste disposal facilities and is walking distance from town. Previously, campervan visitors to Terrasson had to make do with parking places in squares and car parks.

Jail term for strike mum A WOMAN who went on hunger strike when her children were taken into care has been sentenced to a year in prison.

Stéphanie EymardLassagne, 35, was convicted by a court in Bayonne after sending threatening letters to her mother-inlaw, estranged husband and an ex-boyfriend.

Dordogne Advertiser

January 2012

Village is pr A DORDOGNE village has been celebrating the success of one of its residents - even though she did not win the competition she entered.

Claire Zengerlin was selected as Miss Aquitaine in October and took part in the Miss France contest last month. Despite a polished performance, the 21-yearold business student did not win. Top prize went instead to Delphine Wespiser, Miss Alsace, while her dauphines (deputies) are to be the candidates from Pays de la Loire, Réunion, Provence and the Côte d’Azur.

However, in Claire’s home village, Douzillac, residents met in the salle des fêtes to watch the contest on big screens and toast her performance.

It is not the first time the village (population 700) has seen one of its residents take part in the popular contest two years ago Claire’s sister Aurélie also took part - losing out on that occasion to Miss Nice.

Residents said that, despite not being placed, they were proud of Claire and were looking forward to giving her a hero’s welcome when she returns home.

For the second year running a rival beauty contest was also organised, associated with Geneviève de Fontenay, former Miss France Commitee president, who had an acrimonious split with current owners Endemol. Miss CerdagneRoussillon was voted “Miss Prestige National”.

Photo: © PHOTOPQR/SUD OUEST/Borderie Jean Louis

6 News

Claire wins Miss Aquitaine

Bank called to account A BANK has been forced to apologise after insisting that a disabled pensioner visit the branch in person to close his account. Édouard Duverneuil, 87, who is wheelchair bound and needs constant care, was told, according to the SudOuest, that he needed to visit the branch in person to sign the paperwork and receive a cheque for the remaining balance. In order to reach his branch of the Caisse d’Epargne in Périgueux, the frail pension-

er had to get a private ambulance to transport him.

The bank has since said that the incident was “regrettable”, but added that strict security checks were in place to protect customers.

Dumps in line for overhaul RUBBISH tips across the Périgord Noir are to receive a makeover. Starting this month, several council-run déchetteries will be renovated, enlarged and improved.

First on the list is Rivaux, near Sarlat, which is 20 years old. Others scheduled for improvements include Cénac-etSaint-Julien and Saint-Crépin-et-Carlucet. Work will be undertaken by the Syndicat Intercommunal de traitement des ordures ménagères (SICTOM) and should be finished by 2013.

Roads given a makeover TRAFFIC noise and the number of unpleasant and precarious experiences for pedestrians in the commune of Payzac are set to be reduced, thanks to a scheme of resurfacing work. For years, the pretty town and its surrounding roads had been let down by poor roads, but a makeover means that these are now being resurfaced. Road resurfacing and improvements have also taken place on the D70 out of Payzac towards the Corrèze and on the road which leads from Angoisse to Payzac.

The work in the town will be completed this spring.

Dordogne Advertiser

January 2012

roud of its ‘Miss’

Passion and skill at building is rewarded A 37-YEAR-OLD builder from Milhac-d’Auberoche, Jérôme Chouly, has been named France’s best builder.

He was the only person to be honoured this year in the building category of the annual Meilleur Ouvrier de France awards - a prestigious recognition for trades and crafts. He received a medal from President Sarkozy at a ceremony at the Elysée.

He said: “I’ve always been interested in building but old buildings interest me most.

We only use traditional techniques and materials, and we do the maximum by hand, although of course we do use modern machines when it’s appropriate.”

Mr Chouly, who employs ten people, set up his firm, Les Restaurateurs du Patrimoine, six years ago.

He said: “We employ people with a passion for restoring old buildings, but the only way you can learn this is through experience.

“It’s sad, but there just isn’t any formal training available.

That’s what I’d like to do for the long-term future - pass my knowledge down to future generations.” Patricia Faurie,

Photo: Mairie de Bergerac

First hydroelectric plant unearthed

Have a query about healthcare in France?

ONLY

€PLUS 7.50 P&P This 20-page guide explains clearly a vast range of issues surrounding French healthcare, including: Q Why you have to pay your doctor Q Getting a carte vitale Q Hospital stays Q Top up health insurance

HIDDEN HISTORY: Under 23-25 rue des Fontaines is the area’s first hydroelectric plant A SITE of historic interest has been officially opened in Bergerac. Until recently, 23-25 rue des Fontaines was just the site of a house, but partial demolition of the building revealed hidden treasures beneath the foundations.

It appears that the building was standing on top of the remains of the Dordogne’s first hydroelectric plant. The plant was built in the 19th century and was fed with water from a canal between Pombonne and Bergerac city centre. The canal, which was created in the 13th century, had initially provided the town with drinking water. Later, water mills were built along its route to harness the power.

News 7

www.dordogneadvertiser.com

Initially, the plant in rue des Fontaines powered a factory, but by the 1920s it was providing electricity to more than 850 residents. The plant closed in 1950 and all traces of its existence were masked by building work.

Bergerac Mairie has joined forces with specialist architects URBALYS to create an open-air museum featuring the remains of the hydroelectric plant, including the turbine, plus information boards about the history of the site and the people who worked there.

The project has resulted in eight logements collectifs and the restoration of 27 rue des Fontaines to its 16th-century origins.

Q Moving over from UK to France Q How reimbursements work Q Pharmacies Q Mental health Q Dentists, eye and ear care Q Cancer

For more information visit www.connexionfrance.com

or order by calling (free from France)

0800 91 77 56

SUCCESSFUL STEP: Jerôme Chouly and some of his work 49, a hairdresser from Périgueux, has also won a prestigious business award, as

one of the recipients of the national title Madame Commerce de France 2011.

8 Did You Know?

www.dordogneadvertiser.com

Dordogne Advertiser

January 2012

24 QUIRKY FACTS ABOUT DORDOGNE

By Rodger Matthews.

Photo: wikipedia

3

A tour of the Dordogne will reveal that it has some of the most bizarre ecclesiastical buildings in France.

There are more than 800 village churches and many of them have a size and bulk quite disproportionate to the size of the community they serve. Often looking like fortifications, they testify to a tumultuous past.

8 9

Rouffignac is something of a rarity in the Dordogne, in that it is the only modern village in the region. In March 1944, it was razed to the ground by the Germans who shot or deported the villagers. The only old surviving building in the village is the church, which was spared.

It is said there is not a cave in the region that does not bear evidence of prehistoric existence. The earliest cave paintings date from about 35,000 years ago. It is interesting to note that due to the volume of human traffic more damage has been done to the Lascaux caves in 15 years than was done in their previous existence.

Why, I wonder, did the cave painters choose to paint animals and not people, as portraits of humans are almost absent.

5

6

11

7

Sorges, in the North East of the region, claims to be the truffle capital of the Dordogne. Such is the extent of their claim that they have created a museum, truffle trails around the town and arranged for visitors to go truffle-hunting accompanied by the necessary dog or

Photo: luca manieri

10

It is a custom within the Dordogne to practise Faire Chabrol. Sitting in a restaurant you may see diners pour wine into the remnants of their soup. Taking the bowl in both hands they will then drink the mixture from the bowl, exclaiming Chabrol. Some may argue it’s a waste of good wine.

The Dordogne département is in itself a geographical landmark, in that the 45 degree line of latitude runs through the area, indicating that it is exactly half way between the Equator and the North Pole.

The story of Josephine Baker is truly a rags to riches story. She gained notoriety by dancing the “Black Bottom” whilst wearing only a string of bananas as part of her dance routine in Paris. Her rise to fame and fortune culminated in the purchase of Château Milandes, near Beynac. She had started life in St Louis, Missouri, where it is said she was so poor she slept in a box with

Brantôme’s most famous abbot, Pierre de Bourdeille, was appointed to the post at the age of 15. Throughout his appointment he showed little piety, preferring to tour Europe pursuing his two main interests – war and women. Following a horse-riding accident he turned to writing. Much of his work including Les Dames Galantes is considered to be mildly pornographic. He died in 1614.

Photo: Jimjag

Photo: swifant

2

At Tourtoirac in the Auvézère valley you will find a blue plaque on a house near the church. The plaque commemorates the presence of Antoine Orélie de Tounens, who died there in 1878. Who, you may ask? He was a lawyer who travelled to Chile in the mid 19th century with a mission to free the Indians from Spanish rule. Twice he tried and twice he was thrown out, his attempts being of little interest to either the Chilean Government or the Indians themselves.

He was so persistent that he proclaimed himself the King of The Indians.

In the end he was deported.

4

her dog. She went on to become the highest paid entertainer in Europe.

Ranging from medieval fortresses to beautiful Renaissance houses, the Dordogne has more châteaux than the Loire valley.

There are more than 1,000 of them and many are fortified, to resemble castles, a legacy of centuries of Anglo-French rivalry in these parts.

Photo: wikipedia

1

Visitors to the village of Tremolat, situated between Sarlat and Bergerac, should keep a look out for its “murderous butcher” and the site of his deadly crime. But the faint-hearted need to be reminded that it was only a film. It was in fact the location for Claude Chabrol’s 1970 thriller Le Boucher, in which the local teacher suspects the butcher of killing a series of women.

The film was shot in the village using a number of local people. The site of the murder was the rocky outcrop overlooking the Dordogne river, near the Cingle de Trémolat.

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

Amongst the many attractions in the town of Brantôme is the Abbey, which is alleged to have been built by Charlemagne in 769. Unfortunately it was pillaged by the Normans and had to be rebuilt in 1075. The belfry is the oldest in the Dordogne and said to be one of the oldest in France.

13

Visitors to Périgueux might be excused for thinking they have seen the church of St-Front before. The pine-cone lantern which was added to the bell tower was cloned by the architect Abadie and added to every dome and pitched roof on the building. To many, the work is overdone and seen as a riot of domes and cupolas.

The designer liked them so much he used the same design on the Sacré Coeur in Paris.

17

14

Château de Biron, near Monpazier, was owned by the GontautBiron family for more than 800 years. Lord Byron, the romantic English writer, was said to be a distant relative.

Unfortunately the 800 years of family ownership came to an end when the last owner lost all his money in the casinos of Paris. The château had to be sold to pay off his debts.

21

We have to thank a Robot for accidentally finding the world-famous caves of Lascaux in 1940, leading on to the discovery of the 1,500 or so prehistoric paintings within the caves. Robot was in fact the name of the dog which disappeared down the hole that was later widened by its boy owner, Marcel Ravidat, revealing a large cave.

He and his two friends returned with torches and the discovery was made.

Each year the region seeks to maintain its traditions by holding a Félibrée. This ritual inherited from the troubadours seeks to celebrate and hold on to traditions, including the lost Occitan language. Bands play, flags fly, and dances, plays and songs in langue d'oc complete the scene. Towns and villages within the region take it in turn to hold the annual festival. Although it attracts tourists, it is not thought of by those who participate as a tourist attraction.

22

18

Château de Montfort in Black Périgord must be unique, in that it was named not after the man who built it but rather ironically after the man who knocked it down. Simon de Montfort captured it and destroyed it in 1214. It was subsequently acquired and rebuilt by the Turennes family only to be captured by the English during the Hundred Years war.

23

The Dordogne river, along with the Garonne, is the only river in Europe to be home to the eight species of Western European migratory fish, including salmon, sturgeon and lamprey. Visitors to Tuilières, near Lalinde, can see a glass-fronted lift that has been erected to help fish climb the 40-foot rise, cross the dam and continue up the Dordogne.

19

Photo: Sinetical

20

24

If you fancy panning for gold you need travel no farther than the Château de Jumilhac in the north east corner of the Dordogne, near Thiviers. Lessons in the art can be taken and you can try your luck on the banks of the River L’Isle.

There is a gold mine nearby that produces 2,000 kilos of pure gold every year.

Photo: besopha

15

Photo: candescent

A common sight throughout the region are pigeonniers or dovecotes. Raised above ground level to keep out pests and damp, they were used to keep pigeons as a valuable source of food and fertiliser from the droppings. It is not surprising to find examples of the village bread oven located near the ground floor of the pigeonniers as at the time the droppings were even used as an additive to the bread to improve the aroma.

Rocamadour, the world-famous site in the east of the Dordogne, has been a centre of pilgrimage since the 12th century. Not all of those who arrived there would have done so willingly. Although thousands of pilgrims visit the site each year to venerate “Our Lady of Rocamadour” by ascending to the shrine of the “Black Virgin”, in the middle ages heretics were made to climb the 200 stone steps whilst on their knees and bound in chains.

Paris certainly, Nice probably, but surprisingly Sarlat is the third most used location in France for the making of films. To date, 37 films have been made there. This is perhaps as a result of it having one of the highest concentrations of historic listed buildings in France.

Photo: n-hewson

12

16

Film-goers who have seen the film Chocolat from the book

by Joanne Harris will know that it tells the story of a young mother who arrives in an insular fictitious French village and opens a chocolaterie and enters into conflict with the local curate. What they may not know is that the film was filmed in part in the village of Beynac in the Dordogne, perhaps more famous for its château.

Photo: Olga D. van de Veer

sow. Such is their enthusiasm that those interested in trufficulture can in winter tune into Radio Truffe, broadcast to the world from Sorges. St Alvère, near Bergerac, is the first truffle market in France to go online.

Bergerac has clearly taken advantage of the name of Cyrano de Bergerac, the dramatist, to assist in its tourist development. Statues exist in the town and the name appears on many buildings. It is disappointing to learn that Cyrano de Bergerac did not come from Bergerac at all. In fact he was from Sens, near Paris, and merely added the suffix to his name to make it more impressive. It is questionable whether he had time to even visit Bergerac as he is alleged to have fought over 1,000 duels in his time, mostly over arguments about the size of his nose.

Did You Know? 9

www.dordogneadvertiser.com

January 2012

Photo: swifant

Dordogne Advertiser

UK changes ease travelling with pets Welcome to a new column with advice on legal, welfare, health and other issues concerning pets. SAMANTHA BRICK finds out more about the new rules on pet travel

Pet Care

THE NEW year signalled changes to the pet travel rules introduced by the UK government agency DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs). These will affect many of the estimated 100,000 pet owners who travel to and from the UK with pets each year.

It is expected that the changes will be greeted as a positive move as DEFRA estimates that they will save £7 million in fees and allow much more freedom to travel.

Readers who regularly travel with cats or dogs to the UK may already be familiar with PETS (Pet Travel Scheme) and hold a “pet passport” for each animal. These are mandatory for dogs, cats and ferrets.

The passport contains details of the pet’s unique microchip number and corresponds with the chip that is normally positioned between the shoulder blades of the animal, behind the neck. Dog owners who bought their pet in France may find

This column is sponsored by

that it has been tattooed with its identification number instead.

Perhaps most importantly of all, every passport will contain confirmation of an up-to-date vaccination against rabies.

Until 2011 the most onerous part of using the PETS scheme was the rabies procedure; the vaccination was given, this was then followed by a blood test four weeks later to confirm that the vaccination serum was in the animal’s blood.

Only when confirmation was received could the animals travel, and even then it would not be allowed entry into the UK until after six months had passed from the date of the blood test. Tick and tape worm treatments, given by a vet, were also necessary just before each entry back into the UK. Last June DEFRA announced that

it was relaxing its rules on animals travelling between EU member states – including France. The move came because, since the inception of PETS in 2004, there have been no known cases of animals infected with rabies legally entering the UK. Now the revised rulings mean that while all pets will still need to be vaccinated against rabies, the blood test has been abolished and DEFRA has also reduced the six-month waiting period to just 21 days.

Finally, pets will no longer need to be treated for ticks before their arrival in the UK. DEFRA is still in discussion about the continued controls on tapeworm for dogs so, for the time being, owners must continue with the tapeworm treatment.

Owners with puppies should be aware of the rules for anyone plan-

ning to take puppies into the UK: pets must be at least three months old and have reached the minimum age for vaccination – this can vary so check with your vet in advance as this will be stated on the vaccine manufacturer’s datasheet.

The pet passport and paperwork will still be inspected on entering the UK but historic problems over tick and tapeworm treatment should be vastly reduced.

These accounted for most animals being refused entry; most often because the treatments were not given within the defined timeframe (the tapeworm treatment is required 24-48 hours beforehand).

If you travel regularly with pets it is worth becoming familiar with the new rules and checking up-to-date information at: www.defra.gov.uk/ wildlife-pets/pets/travel

Tel. 06 58 01 82 76 Web. www.seulementnaturel.eu Email. marc.somsen@chardeyre.com

10 Business

www.dordogneadvertiser.com

JUDY MANSFIELD has lived and worked in France for

nearly nine years. She is an agent commercial, and worked at an estate agency for several years before branching out into business development, primarily for currency specialists First Rate FX and latterly for small businesses.

A Happy New Year to all readers. In this column we look at business resolutions for the year ahead.

Why moving can be so taxing . . .

.com

Make sure you get your dates right on paperwork Our main family home of the last 15 years in the UK is on the market and we are planning to move to the Dordogne as soon as possible. Once the UK property is sold, we will start house hunting in Bergerac. I assume it is necessary to register with the French tax authorities and de-register with the UK ones at the same time? K. T.

Shake off that hangover and make some business resolutions for 2012

“

Learn something new. If you stand still, you will stagnate.

cial, which ones are too onesided (ie all the effort and giving comes from you), and which ones are frankly damaging to your business. Get rid of the damaging or drainSpruce up your image by getting a professional photograph done

Photo: © Secret Side - Fotolia.com

Sponsored by

lia Foto PV -

1. Write up your Business Plan and review it every month. Ensure that everything you do relates to one of the targets in your plan, and if it doesn’t, ditch it.

3. Improve your business relationships. Review everyone with whom you come into contact. Look at which ones are, or could be benefi-

FINANCE

© Photo

SO, the festivities are over for another year, the turkey is finished at last, the tree is out for composting and it is time to get back to work.

Forget the gym, and ditch the diet – they never last.

Resolve instead to work smarter than you did last year. Here are my top 10 resolutions for every business.

How many will you do?

2. Money Hour – Set aside an hour each week to deal with money stuff. Pay bills, send out invoices, price up a couple of jobs, check over your bank account, review insurance renewals… Whatever it is, do your money-related thing then. Write it in your diary and do it at the same time every week. (Mine is 56pm on a Monday evening, then I know it is done for the week and out of the way).

January 2012

Photo: © Elnur - Fotolia.com

Your top 10 resolutions

Dordogne Advertiser

ing ones, and then look at the ones that could do with a bit of attention and TLC. Resolve to improve those relationships over the year. Your business will improve as a result.

4. Get a good photo taken, and get it done professionally.

There are professional photographers in the Normandy Business Group who will take a portrait picture. YOU are your brand, not your cat, nor the kids. Use that same photo across the internet, your website, your Facebook business page, your Twitter and LinkedIn accounts etc.

5. Social Networking – Resolve to either learn about it, or to use it better.

Download TweetDeck or Hootsuite to manage updates to all your accounts. It will save you time and be good for your website rankings too.

We will be holding more of our popular Social Networking MasterClasses in 2012, for NBG members only.

6. SELL more! Sell, sell sell.

After all, this is why you are in business, yes? Make sure your business plan includes a sales plan and resolve to increase your top line (ie your sales figures) at least to improve on last year’s results.

Identify your best prospects and pursue those until you achieve the sales.

7. Remember, CASH is KING! Don’t let money slip through your fingers. Your cash flow is what keeps your business alive and allows you

to order stock, to pay bills, and puts food on your table.

Chase your customers for your unpaid bills, negotiate great (or better) terms from your suppliers. ALWAYS pay your bills on time – it avoids surcharges and maintains goodwill with your suppliers.

8. Learn something new. If you stand still, you will stagnate. Resolve to learn a new skill. Check out AudioBoo and YouTube and bring your website alive with something for your clients and customers to watch or to read.

Look out for future NBG MasterClasses on all sorts of topics.

9. Prioritise your workload.

Don’t fall into the trap of doing what you like and avoiding the boring or difficult stuff. It will still be there and will just become more boring and difficult. Deal with it. Start every day with a To Do list, and make sure everything you do is linked to your Business Plan objectives.

10. Join a business networking group! It can be welcoming, fun and friendly and should have the aim of supporting one another.

Business Bookshelf Bev James – Do It or Ditch It! ISBN 978-0-7535-3999-6 Robert Ashton – Brilliant Checklists for Entrepreneurs ISBN 978-0-273-74080-3

Judy can be contacted through The Dordogne Advertiser at dordogne@connexionfrance.com

IT IS very important to define in your mind the date of your departure from the UK and arrival in France. This is because you will need to state this date in several places. It is surprising the number of people who put different dates on different forms and, not surprisingly, end up in trouble with the tax authorities, often on both sides of the Channel.

The first form to consider is the P85 form from the UK HMRC. This notifies the UK that you are leaving, where you are going, from what date and offers them information about your income situation. This form is completed at the point of leaving.

The next form to complete is the UK HMRC “France Individual”. This is generally completed with your first French tax return, which will be the first May in the next calendar year after your arrival (so if you arrive on January 1, there is nothing to do until May the following year).

This form is in English and French and will also ask you your date of departure/arrival in France. This will be seen by both the French and UK authorities, and the French tax office must stamp this form. The French tax office must declare that you have completed a tax return in France on this form, which is why completion of this form must wait until your first French tax return.

This form is vital, as it enables you to be reimbursed any tax overpaid in the UK, which you will have continued to pay, despite living in France.

The next form is the French tax declaration, which will also ask the exact date that you arrived. Once you have completed these forms, you have done all you need to get out of the UK system and into the French one.

I trust this answers your question; however, there is much you may need to know about the sale of your UK property, which I do not have space to cover here.

If you are planning to sell your UK property after your move (it is not clear from your question) there are some, potentially very costly, new rules to consider, which could alter how you manage the sale and the assets in the interim.

If you do not intend to move until your UK property is sold, then you can relax.

Dordogne Advertiser

www.dordogneadvertiser.com

January 2012

Food 11

Plenty more fish in the sea – or are there?

Choose carefully if you want to avoid contributing to the depletion of our sea-life After she was chosen as the first BBC MasterChef in 1990, JOAN BUNTING was soon writing a food column and doing local radio for the BBC. Now the former advisory teacher has retired and moved permanently to her home in France, but she is still keen to tell readers about good food I HAVE been described as a picky eater.

Actually, there are not many things I can’t eat, but there are several things I won’t eat; and rapidly climbing that list is fish from unsustainable sources.

This is not too difficult to do if I am buying

the fish myself. Most fishmongers and fish counters are quite good – but could do better – at stating the origin of the fish they have on sale, and with some basic knowledge I or anyone else can make an informed choice.

In the UK, things are even easier because more outlets for fresh, frozen or canned fish have the produce clearly marked. I have noticed that the label in question (the Marine Stewardship Council scheme) is beginning to appear on frozen and canned fish in France.

The problem for me arises when I am eating out. In many restaurants in both countries I tend to be met with a blank look or a Gallic shrug if I enquire about the provenance of the fish on the menu. This is a pity, because I often prefer fish to meat.

In 2010, the EU Commission estimated that 90 per cent of EU fish stocks were over-fished, and last year an agreement was reached prom-

Mackerel Fillets with Dill and Lemon

ising sustainable stocks by 2015, and to phase out the ludicrous practice of “discarding”, by which dead fish exceeding quotas are thrown overboard. So, what should we be eating if we care about sustainability, and what should we be avoiding? Here is a brief list of suggestions.

To avoid: Atlantic and North Sea cod (cabillaud) unless line-fished, Atlantic halibut (flétan), dogfish (roussette), European eel (anguille), European hake (merlu), bluefin tuna (thon rouge), plaice (plie/carrelet), sea bass (bar) (unless line caught) and skate (raie).

To eat: Coley (colin/lieu noir), gurnard (grondin), lemon sole (limande), mackerel (maquereau), megrim (cardine), pollack (lieu jaune) and whiting (merlan).

This easy to prepare mackerel dish makes an ideal fish supper

Then there is salmon. Wild or farmed, Atlantic or Pacific? Without doubt, wild Alaska salmon is the best choice, fresh, frozen or tinned. Atlantic salmon and many farmed salmon – and other fish, incidentally – do not fall into the sustainable category.

Farmed fish can present all manner of environmental concerns. All salmon are carnivorous, and in order to feed farmed salmon, wild fish have to be caught and processed. It takes three tonnes of wild fish to produce one tonne of farmed salmon, and it has been said that farming salmon is like raising tigers for meat! There are also the problems of disease and parasites, as well as the antibiotics and chemicals used to control them.

The best way of avoiding these horrors is to choose organic (bio) farmed fish. Fortunately, such fish are becoming more widely available to consumers in France.

CUT OUT & KEEP!

INGREDIENTS - SERVES 4 4 mackerel which must be as fresh as possible, filleted 2 tsp dill seeds 3 lemons

1 red chilli, deseeded and chopped Sprig fresh dill 3 tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper

METHOD Heat the oven to 180°C. Wash and dry the lemons, then slice thinly. Put the slices in the bottom of an oval ovenproof dish.

Mix together the chopped chilli, the dill

seeds and the chopped fresh dill. Add salt and pepper and rub this mixture over the fillets.

Lay the fillets on the lemon slices and sprinkle with a little olive oil. Cook in the pre-heated oven for 20 minutes.

Which wine should I drink with this?

Caline Montfort, of Julien de Savignac wine merchants (www.julien-de-savignac.com), says: Bergerac sec 2010, € 5.95. This dry white wine is refreshing and offers delicate fruit, citrus and herbaceous notes which will marry beautifully the flavours of the fish with citrus and dill.

TRIED AND TESTED BY US A Dordogne Advertiser team member has put this recipe to the test... “This recipe was delicious, quick and easy to make. Perfect for a mid-week meal or for busy mums who want to cook healthy food for the family. I served this with a simple green salad and all the family enjoyed it.”

Photo: © Joan Bunting

12 Exercise

8

www.dordogneadvertiser.com

Dordogne Adverti

golden rules to stay fit for French life

AT THIS time of the year, it’s tempting to cocoon ourselves in front of the log fire, open a bottle (or two!) and plan DIY jobs and visits for the coming months. But actually, this is the moment when we need to get a grip on postChristmas wobbles. Otherwise, that “comfortable” paunch could become a big problem, leaving us less mobile, breathless and unable to cope with garden and household tasks.

After all, there’s no point in living in the world’s most popular, (and arguably most beautiful) tourist destination, La Belle France, if you are too fat to have fun.

Here are eight easy ways to lose pounds, improve fitness and feel healthier:

Photo: ChantalS - Fotolia.com

Aim for a balanced diet It is easy to overdo the bread, cheese, and creamy sauces. You can eat them all – just not at every meal. In 1968 French nutrition expert Michel Montignac launched his “Montignac Method” of eating for health: consume less fat, and choose foods with a low glycaemic index such as wholegrain cereals, vegetables and fruits. They take longer to break down as energy in your body than high index “baddies” such as chocolate, chips and beer. It works.

Plan meals like this: fruit and wholegrain toast for breakfast, a vegetable soup or salad for lunch, and fish or meat with vegetables, a little cheese and bread for supper. Enjoy pâtisserie specialities but for Sundays only.

When you eat at a restaurant, the plat du jour is often the healthiest item because it is simple, good food without expensive, high fat extras.

Photo: ATOUT FRANCE/Fabian Charaffi

We move to France for a better way of life but too many of us get carried away with the wonderful food and wine, forget to exercise and become flabby and unfit. SALLY ANN VOAK reports.

Aim for a balanced diet Drink good wine Find a fitness friend

Go local Plan your days Dress à la mode

Driv e Disc less walk over ing

Ditch the car for ordinary trips – dust down the bicycle and get it dusty again on the extensive range of paths Drink good wine If you live in a wine producing area, (or even if you don’t), savour the best vintages.

Exquisite wine should be your goal; make sure you enjoy every mouthful. Sip slowly, and pour small amounts.

French apéro and digestif favourites such as pastis, Calvados, Armagnac, and eau de vie are dangerous – it’s too easy to drink too much.

Drink water before you switch to alcohol, throughout meals and especially during drink sessions with neighbours.

Discover walking France has Europe’s best network of marked footpaths so use them. Aim for an hour’s walk every day, winter and summer, a longer expedition at weekends. Style should be brisk, arms swinging, with good shoes. A stroll round the market doesn’t count. Extend your range by using walking poles, they help your knees.

Go local Ask about leisure facilities at your mairie or tourist office. Even if there’s no pool or tennis club near you, a school may well open its gym or courts to residents during evenings or holidays.

Check out municipal gym and swimming facilities (expect a charge of about €100 a year, or less) before looking though the Yellow Pages. You could pay up to €1,000 a year for a private gym membership, so do your research and don’t be tied down to an annual contract.

Find somewhere you can swim away from the crowded coastal resorts.

It is the best all-over exercise of all and municipal pools often run aqua-fit classes (cours collectifs) which are great fun.

Plan your days Life here can easily centre on food, so

shift the balance to action. Do something that gets your heart pumping. You are never too old to take up canoeing, rafting, sailing, cycling, horse riding or even parapente. Playing bridge, poker or dominoes does not burn calories. Do some research before the warmer weather and take advantage of the many activities your area has to offer.

Drive less If you live miles from the nearest town, you need your car, but vélo is best for local journeys. Load the bike on the car, and explore your area properly. Use the network of voies vertes, the “green routes”, which often follow old railway lines.

Dress à la mode Unless you are a farmer, there is no excuse for wearing jeans and Tshirts all day. Keep a few smart outfits, and go posh in the evenings. Check waistbands carefully. No, that skirt did not shrink in the wash!

Find a fitness friend Your French copains will be delighted to accompany you on hikes, bike rides and coastal or country walks. You’ll learn about the terrain and wildlife and improve your language skills at the same time.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

A different strategy for keeping weight off Are you overweight?

Have you tried every diet and failed to keep the weight off? It may not be what you are eating, but what is eating you, says Glenys Forrester MANY of us, particularly following the recent festivities, are going into the new year with a resolution to lose the weight this year and keep it off forever.

Before you embark on another diet, ask yourself the following questions: When do you find yourself reaching for food?

What are the foods that you most want to eat?

What is most often the reason that you give up on a diet?

Are your present eating habits resulting in an illness such as diabetes or heart disease?

Most people begin a weight loss programme with good intentions only to find themselves losing a few pounds, but then quickly being drawn back to old eating habits.

Research has shown that we not only eat when we are hungry, but also when we are lonely, stressed, bored, unhappy, angry, disappointed or depressed, and so on. These are some of the feelings that may be undermining your good intentions.

Further research shows that eating stimulates the pleasure centres in the brain and there is no doubt that food brings us pleasurable feelings, which may

be at the heart of many failed diets. It is an interesting fact that even when someone knows that their eating behaviour is making them ill, they still find it difficult to change.

In order to lose weight and keep it off forever we need to examine when and why we eat the way we do and find other ways to deal with the more negative feelings that send us searching for the chocolate or having that second helping of dessert.

There is no secret to losing weight.

There are no pills or potions that will keep the weight off us forever, such remedies will only ever give temporary results. Moreover we cannot lose weight to please someone else. The decision to change our eating habits must be ours alone, but it helps if friends and family are supportive. We may already know

that we need to eat the right foods in the right quantities and also that we need to exercise more, but becoming aware of what issues may be behind our eating habits is an essential place to start.

Dieting is a lonely process often filled with failure, perhaps it is time to try something different.

Glenys Forrester of MGF Counselling Services is not a dietician and is not offering a diet programme, but has many years of experience in cognitive behavioural psychology, in relation to health, particularly in the field of eating disorders, such as binge eating, anorexia and bulimia. Exploring the reasons behind your eating habits with her might be the first step to resolving your weight problems and to a healthier, happier life.

05 53 50 07 28 mglenys.forrester@gmail.com www.mgfcounselling.com www.relationshiprecover.com

Glenys Forrester at MGF Counselling believes that understanding why you eat is the best strategy for achieving long-term weight loss

Exercise 13

www.dordogneadvertiser.com

January 2012

Join a local club - there are plenty to choose from THE Dordogne is full of local sporting associations to help you get in shape. Below is a list of associations and contacts across a range of sporting activities.

Sport Ufolep is France’s leading multi-sport association and Ufolep Dordogne has an informative website covering a range of sports from swimming and aerobics to cycling and pétanque.

Visit their website www.ufolep.laligue24.org

Walking

Alex Charles takes his pet dog to help keep him going when the going gets tough

Fight the flab by keeping active and watching diet

“

CHEF Mike Allen and his French wife Sonia keep fit by cycling, walking – and working 120 hours a week.

Mike, 39, faces the temptation of great If you just eat lots French cooking every day because for the last of cheese, butter, 18 months he has owned and run La Ferme des Mares, a guesthouse, restaurant and cookand baguettes you ery school in Saint-Germain-sur-Ay, near will pile on weight Lessay in the Cotentin, Normandy.

He has good advice for other Brits and says Mike Allen that the apparent ability of French people to tuck into good food without gaining weight isn’t Walking is the simplest really so puzzling. form of exercise – no “They enjoy smaller, regtraining require ular meals, allow time to let it digest (so they feel satisfied), and drink less than people do in the UK. Halfbottles of wine between two people are quite usual, especially at lunchtime.

“I kept my weight in check when I first came here by converting an old stables into this business.

Now, I stay in shape easily.”

Mike, Sonia and their four-year-old son Evan enjoy cycling along the voies vertes and walking on the nearby salt marshes, gathering edible wild plants such as samphire and seakale, which feature on Mike’s menus along with local vegetables, fish and I no longer feel meat. He says: “Another tip is to change your obliged to match menus regularly. We do that at the restaurant, so clients have a chance to enjoy variety. my guests drink “If you just eat lots of cheese, butter, for drink baguettes and tartes aux pommes, delicious though they are, you will pile on weight.”

Alex Charles

“

Alex Charles’s waistline expanded when he moved to Roujan, in Languedoc-Roussillon, eight years ago.

The former “Essex boy”, now 44, runs a property and tourism website, web design business and guesthouse with partner Greg Taylor, 41.

Both men had been working in advertising before making the move to France. “I quickly realised that my lack of fitness was caused by sitting for hours at my computer, guzzling cheese and drinking lots of local wine,” says Alex.

“When you get up at 6.30 every morning to start work, it’s no fun if you start the day feeling bloated and groggy. It’s beautiful here, so why waste time nursing a hangover?

“We decided to try the French way of keeping fit.

“We live just 20 minutes from the coast, and plan our days around activities such as swimming, sailing, tennis, kayaking and walking. We prefer this kind of outdoor exercise to working out in a gym.

“We didn’t have a clue about the little marks on the side of the road indicating the network of footpaths here, so we learned about it.

“The Topo-guide books show lots of routes and the website of the Fédération Francaise de la Randonnée Pédestre (see below) has so much information. They are brilliant.

“Also, I no longer feel obliged to match our guests drink for drink. After all, they are on holiday, but we live here.”

Photo:jeancliclac - Fotolia.com

Mike Allen and his family take to the countryside to keep fit

The Dordogne is at the forefront of promoting Nordic walking in France with the conseil general subsidising and supporting the sport. Nordic walking is said to be good for everyone from the young to the very old and is especially recommended for those recovering from illness or trying to tackle obesity.

Visit: Nordic Walking Perigord: http://sites.google.com/site/nordicwalkingperigord/ for further details.

Photo: ATOUT FRANCE/Pierre Torset

ser

Judo The Comité de judo Dordogne provides information on judo and classes across the department. Judo is popular in the Dordogne and there are numerous clubs so finding one near you should not be difficult. Visit: www.judo-dordogne.fr or telephone the Dojo Départemental, Avenue Winston Churchill, 24660 Coulounieix Chamiers on 05 53 08 47 18

Rambling What better place to ramble than in the beautiful Dordogne countryside? La randonnée is the Dordogne’s third most popular pastime and many communes have rambling associations.

The Comité Départemental de la Randonnée Pédestre de Dordogne provides information on rambling events and associations across the department. Visit: CDRP 24 at 362 Avenue Winston Churchill 24660 Coulounieix Chamiers or call 05 53 53 71 46 or visit: http://rando24.com/.

If you would rather ramble alone, tourist offices should be able to provide you with maps showing local footpaths.

Cycling

FITNESS TIP: Look for websites that can help you shape up. Here are some we recommend www.weightwatchers.fr

Weight Watchers’ French website has useful cooking and exercise ideas and French recipes – free to everyone. You can also join this slimming club online and get help with your fitness campaign.

www.ff-hatha-yoga.com

Visit the Fédération Française de Hatha Yoga website and type in your numéro de département for the name of your nearest qualified teacher. These exercises and breathing techniques beat stress and firm up your body.

www.ffrandonnee.fr

If you fancy any kind of walking the Fédération Francaise de la Randonnée Pédestre has hundreds of suggestions, backed up by maps and links to 3,350 member clubs.

You can also sign up to help maintain the network of 180,000km of signposted paths or learn how to navigate

www.mountainpassions.com

Run by mountain expert Roger Moss, this site combines the best of summer and winter leisure in the French mountains with tips, routes and lots of advice

Cycling is a big Dordogne favourite with many residents being inspired by the Tour de France. The Comité Départemental de Cyclisme de la Dordogne has a list of clubs as well as plenty of information on cycling. Visit: http://cdc24.e-monsite.com/ If you fancy going solo, your local tourist office should be able to provide a map of cycle routes - les voies vertes - in your area.

More info From football to roller skating, a list of sporting venues and associations can be found on this site, just click sport on the menu: www.guide-du-perigord.com If none of the above tickle your fancy or if you simply want to find out what is available near you, ask in your local mairie they should be able to provide you with a list of local sporting associations, facilities and details of local fitness classes.

14 What’s On

www.dordogneadvertiser.com

Dordogne Advertiser

Périgord Blanc

Périgueux FAMILY January 11 Vibrations by the Compagnie 14 : 20 – this show full of new magic will entertain the whole family.

The performers will fly, defy death, change identities and disappear as if by magic.The show brings together dance, circus acts, shadow theatre and art.White balls dance at an abnormally slow pace and seem never to touch the ground, mysterious images trick the senses and the actors are constantly changing throughout the show. Suitable for children from eight years old. Théâtre Odyssee, Périgueux, 20.30.

Adults €20, Children €8.

Call 05 53 53 18 71 www.odyssee-perigueux.fr

notice board

Photos: © www.1420.fr

Get Involved!

January 2012

Susan Evans presents a cheque to Margaret York, President of CSF Dordogne Est & Lot, watched by Anne and Mike O’Hara

A CHARITY golfing event has raised an impressive €2,500 for local charities.

The event at Souillac Golf and Country Club was held in aid of Cancer Support France(CSF) and a local church fund.

A total of 72 players took part in the shotgun tee-off. Amongst them was the Captain of Brive rugby club, Antonie Claassen and fellow players Petrus Hauman, Scott Spedding and Pat Barnard.

In the evening, more than 100 people attended the dinner which was followed by the presentation of prizes. Anne and Mike O’Hara were presented with best team

prize – a remarkable achievement as the couple only took up golf a year or so ago!

During the evening, guests were entertained by a local ice sculptor who created a golfer.

There was also a raffle and auction, with donated prizes including Brive rugby memorabilia and two return flights to the UK donated by CityJet. Susan Evans, the country club board secretary and the club staff were delighted with the success of the event, which raised more than €2,500 with €1,500 going to the Dordogne Est and Lot branch of CSF.

If you like a good book why not join the club?

IT IS easy to feel glum as the cold weather persists, and many of us are feeling the post Christmas blues – but now is the perfect time to catch up on your reading.

If you need an excuse to get out of the house, then joining a book club or going to a book swap may be the very thing. Buying English books in the Dordogne isn’t easy and it certainly isn’t cheap either, but there are a number of ways to get hold of them without breaking the bank – and you may just make friends at the same time.

The Fiddler’s Rest in Chaleix, near Thiviers, has a permanent book swap from 17.00, Tuesday to Saturday and from 12.00 on Sunday.

The Star Inn holds a book swap on a Wednesday, from 12.00-15.00 and also hosts a reading club at 14.00 on the second Wednesday of each month.

Contact tania.rogers@live.com.

NEDWA (North East Dordogne’s Women’s Association) have also recently started up a book club, which meets in the Kitsch Café in Excideuil at 10.30 on the second Monday of each month. Visit www.nedwa.com Meanwhile, for a small fee you can join Thiviers library – details of opening hours are on their website: http://thiviers-bibliotheque.overblog.fr/pages/Nos_coordonnees2052847.html – or visit La Bibliotèque Anglaise in Meyrals. It is open from 14.00-16.00 on Monday and 10.0012.00 on Wednesdays. See their website for more details: http://carmensac.com/english_library_01.html If you fancy testing your French then take an unwanted book or two with you and stroll around Bergerac and Sarlat till you find the community book exchange boxes dotted around the town.

January 18 Clowns – The Boudu family live in a cave, and Zig and Arletti go to visit them. Arletti adores the theatre, so when he finds a piece from King Lear he decides to try and act it out.The adventures that follow are in true slap-stick style and will have the whole family crying with laughter.

20.30, Centre Culturel Agora, Boulzac.

Call 05 53 35 59 65

Périgueux FAMILY

Photo: © Christophe Raynaud de Lage

Golfers who play a round for charity

Périgueux

MUSIC

January 29 National Bordeaux Aquitaine Orchestra – Andris Poga will direct the orchestra in this homage to nature and open spaces.

Theatre L'Odyssée, Périgueux, 15.00. Adults €22, Children €8.

Call 05 53 53 18 71 www.odyssee-perigueux.fr

Promote your community event, send details to dordogne@dordogneadvertiser.com

Photo: © canal-com.eu

Dordogne Advertiser

What’s On 15

www.dordogneadvertiser.com

January 2012

Thiviers

Périgord Vert

MUSIC

January

Périgord Pourpre

January 15 Concours de cavage (truffle hunting competition) – Go along to see demonstrations of how truffles are found. 8.00-13.30 Call 05 53 56 44 55

January 31 Musique en bibliothèque – Teachers from the Dordogne Conservatory of Music have organised sessions to help people improve how they listen to music. Each session will be on a different theme; the history of music, musical training, a specific type of music.They narrate and offer extracts to listen to as well as presenting instruments. Sessions are on Tuesdays, Parc municipal, Salle du boulodrome 14.00-15.30, Entrance is FREE. Call 05 53 62 08 82 Photo: © Jason Stitt - Fotolia.com

Bergerac CULTURE

CULTURE

Photo: © Christelle - Fotolia.com

Bergerac

Photo: © lamax - Fotolia.com

La-Rochebeaucourtet-Argentine FAMILY

January 19 The Rhythm of the Seasons in Pre-Historic Art - Denis Tauxe, Eminent lecturer in charge of training the Lascaux II guides, will be giving a lecture about the rhythm of the seasons which regulated everyday life and movement of cavemen and will question whether the artistic animal representations in the caves are a reference to a particular time of year? The lecture will be in clear and accessible French, Aquitaine Langues centre, route Sainte Alvère, Bergerac, 19.00. Price €7 which includes a light buffet and wine.Please book in advance.

Call 05 53 74 17 85 or email admin@aquitainelangues.fr

January 28 Burns Supper – Aquitaine Langues is getting together with Gite dans le Jardin to celebrate the famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns. Set in the grounds of the tobacco institute in Bergerac, Domaine de La Tour on the Route Ste Alvère will open the doors to its Grand Salon and put on a meal that will will make all local Scots proud.The menu includes cock-aleekie soup, Haggis chappit neeps and tatties, a wee dram Scottish trifle and tablet.Tickets cost €40 per person, payable on booking.

For enquiries and tickets Call 05 53 74 17 85 or email admin@aquitainelangues.fr

Eymet

MUSIC

January is the month for music in Eymet, with three concerts taking place this month.

January 14 Le Free du Hazart – This young trio from Toulouse will introduce you to their new-jazz style as part of Le Off winter festival, organised by Maquizart. Salle des Fêtes, Eymet, Price €10.

Call 05 53 23 82 37 or visit www.maquizart.com January 21 Concert by Lily Justine – As a guest of the Mairie of Eymet and the Departmental Cultural Department, Lily Justine will sing her latest songs from her album Des Bouts de Contes. Salle des Fêtes Eymet, 20.30. Adults: €5, Children €2, family ticket €10.

For information and to book, call 05 53 22 22 10 January 28 Anne Pacéo Jazz Quintet – Again part of Le Off festival, the Anne Pacéo jazz Quintet will be playing at the Salle des fêtes in Eymet.

Call 05 53 23 82 37 or visit www.maquizart.com

Sarlat OUT AND ABOUT

Périgord Noir

January 14-15 Fête de la Truffe.This international, gastronomic festival always attracts lots of visitors from connoisseurs to passionate truffle lovers.The program for the weekend includes cookery courses given by Sarlat's Catering school, tasting sessions, culinary & truffle weight contests, workshops on how to identify truffles, markets and much, much more. Place de la Liberté, Sarlat.

Call 05 53 31 45 45

Photo: © wikimedia.org

Photo: © Mario - Fotolia.com

January 28 Carmen, Ballet Antonio Gadès - Ballet adapted from works by Mérimée and Bizet which became known to the public when it was made into a film by Carlos Saura. It tells a dramatic story of a husband and toreador and his predictable death.The story unravels with brutality worthy of an ancient tragedy. Salle Paul Eluard, Sarlat, 21.00. Adults €37, reduced rate €25. Call 05 53 31 09 49

16 Directory

www.dordogneadvertiser.com

DORDOGNE

ADVERTISER

Dordogne Advertiser

January 2012

Advertise here ALL YEAR from just €165HT Call free on 0800 91 77 56 or email directory@connexionfrance.com

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 €200HT 2/3 page, maximum 1,000 words plus photo, €400HT We will keep you up to date with

B&W Colour

€396HT €555HT

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 siret 51963554400017

Chenil Les Mille Calins English Run

5 Star accommodation for Dogs/Cats Underfloor heated kennels Qualified staff Top Quality food and exercise Only 45 minutes south of Caen Convenient Ferry Access

www.goldenwaypets.com Telephone 02 33 37 49 19 Emergency 02 33 38 41 32 Fax 02 33 38 44 16

The Cats Inn Luxury Cattery - Cales near Lalinde - Very Spacious - Lots of Love and Attention Tel: Paula 05 53 24 14 42 www.thecatsinncattery.com paulaL24150@aol.com Siret No.520 980 269 00010

THE DORDOGNE CATTERY Ad No. 10862

CLOS FLEURI

PENSION POUR CHATS NEAR SARLAT, OPEN-AIR, INSULATED AND HEATED

Between Bergerac and Bordeaux Individual Love Care and Attention Given

CONTACT ANNA MASLEN 05 53 31 95 88 / 06 86 94 85 78 p.maslen@wanadoo.fr www.dordognecattery.com

Luxury Cattery

Tel: 05 53 24 16 08 Susan.fairweather@sfr.fr www.closfleurionline.com

Yellow

47mm x 75mm

(31-45 words)

call 0800 91 77 56 Orange

Treble

Colour

€285HT €399HT

Red

47mm x 50mm

B&W

Light Purple

Double

DB

LB

DG

LG

DP

LP

R

O

Y

GOLDENWAY INTERNATIONAL PETS & LIVE ANIMALS

World Wide Pet Relocator Ministry approved 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 Siret: 397549551

British owned boarding kennels and cattery 35 years experience Tel: 05 65 35 46 51 www.wagsandwhiskerskennels.co.uk

Dept 46, near Cazals

SIRET: 500607858

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

De Ryck Elisabeth Interior Architect Renovation or New Construction * Private Homes * Shops * Offices *

Renovation and construction of buildings and swimming pools. New timber framed constructions. Negotiation of diverse products

Tel Alan Fisk: 05 53 56 68 87 Email: abp.sasu@orange.fr

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

Depts 19,24,46,47,82 Languages spoken: English, French, Dutch Le Colombié, 46600 Montvalent

Landscape Architect

FREE CONSULTATION Site analysis, schematic designs, construction plans, cost estimates construction observation, Contact Michael Stanton Tel : 05 53 54 63 65

BOIS D'ARBRE CONSTRUCTION Specialists in Oak frames, Timber houses and carpentry Tel: 06 72 01 11 06 web: www.boisdarbreconstruction.com email: info@boisdarbreconstruction.com Siret 4899 5394 30011

GARDEN SERVICES

PARKES et DUCELIER

Creation of Garden Maintenance & Tree surgery High quality in respect with nature Philippe Brulé -30 years experience

UK and French Registered Architects Dossiers for Permis de Construire Interior and Landscape design

Tel. 05 65 34 09 91 Working dept: south 19, 46 Email: brule.philippe0346@orange.fr

Architectes

ABP SASU

Architect

20 years experience Tel: 06 30 63 20 40 deryck.interiors@gmail.com

www.landplan.fr - E-mail: mike@landplan.fr

Siret: 524 348 596 00015

WAGS AND WHISKERS

Rounded

Dark Purple

(16-30 words)

Light Green

} }

Colour

Standard

Dark Green

47mm x 25mm

€165HT €231HT

B&W

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 choose to have rounded corners to the box to help make your advert stand out (See right). Then, when you have made your choice,

Light Blue

Single

(1-15 words)

directory for FREE. Want to advertise in our national paper The Connexion or sister papers in other regions? Get 50% off your second directory advert.

Dark Blue

Directory adverts are available in 3 sizes and in colour or black and white.

features and special events in your area of France in all our publications which could help to boost your business.

Your ad included in our online

Choose from these colours:

By advertising in our directory you get the chance to run advertorials (the articles you see on these pages.) 1/3 page, maximum 500 words plus photo,

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: 488 165 564 00011

PLASTERING POINTING RENDERING & GENERAL BUILDING “Quality & Reliability” 35 Years Experience Tel : 05 57 47 48 19 Email : pessacweb@yahoo.co.uk

Areas 24,33 Other areas Considered. Based St Foy La Grande Siret: 482 710 175

Dordogne Advertiser

Directory 17

www.dordogneadvertiser.com

January 2012

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Swimming pool demand defies economic crisis DESPITE the repercussions of the ongoing financial crisis, St Pools Piscines has experienced an increase in sales throughout 2011 across its range of swimming pools.

“When I returned from my summer break this year my inbox was full with enquiries from new customers who had been recommended by previous clients,” said company owner Stuart Roberts. “By early September we were near on fully booked for the 2012 summer season for my AquaVerre pools (GRP lined) and there was only one of the AquaPierre (Pebble Tec) pools left.”

The company also has one indoor pool booked for autumn 2012 and another for summer 2013. Relining pools is another part of the business and Stuart is now considering taking on more GRP laminators to assist his son (also called

Stuart) with the extra demand on both new pools and refurbishments.

“It is possible still to do one or two more pools, as plans are now on course to increase the company’s manpower,” said Stuart. “But I would advise anybody wanting a pool to contact us soon so as to guarantee a finish before July, especially if we have another wet summer.”

He added: “We fill our order books every year by Christmas or late January, but orders for 2012 have been phenomenal and I will seriously have to up the manpower if this trend continues.”

Stuart, a qualified civil engineer, was formerly employed by Gloucester City Council where he managed infrastructure projects, which included highways, sewers, bridge works and balancing lakes.

“I cut my teeth as a young engineer

Paul Gent

JUST PLASTERING

Fully Qualified & Insured Builder including:

• Renovation • Masonry • Plastering • Plus Hard Landscaping Tel: 05 53 29 08 86 Mob: 07 60 52 43 40

email: barbgent@gmail.com 30km radius Sarlat ( 24 ) Siret : 513 209 189

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

working for the London Borough of Redbridge, where I was involved in the design and implementation of anything that landed on my desk, including the refurbishment and repairs of the Ilford baths, which are a bit bigger than your average garden pool,” he said.

Stuart has been designing and building pools for over 30 years. “Although my pools are traditional steel, reinforced concrete and finished in superior grade liners, they are not over-designed structurally,” he said.

“This makes a high quality pool that competes well in terms of cost with the same structured pool with a plastic liner.

In addition, the design is limited only by your imagination as the fluidity of the finishing waterproofing is not restricted as it is with flat sheet plastic liners.”

The Hubert is currently his best-selling

Tel: 05 53 51 90 80 Mob: 06 70 89 72 06 hayward.artisan@gmail.com Siret: 45340867600022

Internet by satellite, Streamed and satellite TV on computer, Networking and network streaming, Cloud computing.

Mob: +33 (0) 6 44 01 70 63 Tel: +33 (0) 5 53 51 87 53 / +33 (0) 9 70 40 82 31

E-mail: John@JohnAin.org

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@orange.fr www.cc-construction.fr

BÂTI-TOP SARL MEDIUM/LARGE PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN 10 YEAR INSURED GUARANTEE

www.bati-top.com 05 53 73 02 88 - Siret: 9868562700016

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

3D CONSTRUCTION Family run building company with over 30 yrs experience

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

Bergerac Renovation & Building From groundwork, fosse septiques, masonary, interiors, to rooves.

Free estimates & advice

Tel: 05 53 81 60 73 christopher.jarrett@wanadoo.fr

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

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 Regions Covered 24,16,87 - Siret: 51913926500010

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

C&C CONSTRUCTION SARL

CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATION

Voilà!

Web Solutions Exclusive multilingual websites competitively priced. Personalised Facebook, Twitter and blogs part of a complete service to make your business highly visible on the Internet. www.voilawebsolutions.com info@voilawebsolutions.com Tel: Harvey 05 53 81 03 78

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

MGF Counselling Services English Speaking Counselor.

M. Glenys Forrester (B.Sc.psych.) (M.Sc. psych.)

Offering individual / couples counselling.

(Depression, Stress, illness, bereavement etc).

Professional, bespoke design, websites you can edit.

Hosting and domain name included.

pennygraphics.net Tel: 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

05 53 91 45 18 www.aquapierre.com

Do you want to sell your house quickly?

Our fee is only 2.5% Find out how on: WWW. HOUSESONINTERNET.COM

Tel: 05 55 65 12 19

Siret: 38058374000028

LE FRANCAIS CHEZ VOUS Tailor made tuition in French at your home or Castel-Merle, 24290 Sergeac.

Amanda and Emilie Millinship

Regions Covered: All - Siret: 520 314 824

Dordogne

Email: mglenys.forrester@gmail.com Web: www.mgfcounselling.com

HOUSES ON INTERNET

Regions : All FRANCE Karen RENEL-KING Tel: 06 18 03 18 38 Email: karen.king@wanadoo.fr Web: www.certifiedfrenchtranslation.com Fast and affordable

Tel: 05 53 50 07 28 Mob: 06 47 17 60 78

Tel: 05 53 50 04 68 www.lefrancaischezvous.com

EXECO PARTNERS Certified Accountants (FR) Serving English Clients in France

Accounting, Payroll, Business Setup and registration, Individual & Business Taxation and more...

Please feel welcome to contact:

Mr Pierre CHERON (Expert-Comptable) on Tél: 05.53.54.48.91 Email: contact@execopartners.com www.execopartners.eu

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

Kennedy Electricite Services Installation, rewires and repairs.

20+ 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

ALL ELECTRICAL/ PLUMBING WORK

Penny Graphics

quality websites

site, which also contains a gallery featuring some of the many pools he has constructed over the last ten years.

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

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

Excideuil - Hautefort - Terrasson Rob Hayward

pool. “It is popular with gîte owners as it is designed for all ages and includes an integral toddler pool that can double as a hydro massage area.”

To discuss your swimming pool needs contact Stuart directly or visit his web-

La Petite Maison des Langues

Ceilings, walls, floors Time served tradesman

CARPENTRY - BUILDING - RENOVATION

Stuart Roberts of St Pools Piscines has been building pools for over 30 years

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

Tailor Made French Lessons In Your Home By an experienced French teacher ALL LEVELS Group, Individual or Conversation

Brian Macey - Electrician maintenance, breakdowns, renovations, rewires, new build, interior & exterior 30 years experience

Tel: 05 55 97 18 10

Tel: 06 83 48 82 05

Email: brimacelectrical@supanet.com

Siret : 530585181

Siret: 517 566 196 00013 Regions Covered: 19,24,87

French Without Tears

For all your electrical requirements contact

One to One Language Course.

Tuition with Accomodation www.cours-a-cucugnan.com Tel: 06 78 15 19 29 Siret: 521701474 - Ad No. 17685

AK Electrical

30 years experience/Fully insured

ak-electrical@hotmail.co.uk

Tel 06 32 31 61 85 siret: 494 064 322 00014

SAPEG expertise et conseil Registered Chartered Accountants

- Business set up and registration - Business accountancy - Income tax,Wealth tax - Payroll and legal services Contact Alain: 05 53 92 50 00 Email: a.clisson@sapeg.expertscomptables.fr www.sapeg.experts-comptables.fr

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

englishspokenlecluze.e-monsite.com

18 Directory

www.dordogneadvertiser.com

Dordogne Advertiser

January 2012

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Tree surgery for winter and the new year What work can you do to the trees in your garden at this time of year? Mark Wilson of Roots & Shoots has some winter gardening advice to share THE winter is upon us: cold nights, dark mornings, comfort food is a must, and those leaves in the garden still need raking up.

With spring just around the corner we can look forward to getting really active in the garden, but even at this time of year there is work on your trees, shrubs and hedges that needs to be done.

We cannot all be climbing up and swinging from trees like Mark Wilson

FRENCH INSURANCE IN ENGLISH 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

from Roots & Shoots, so what can the average home owner do to help their trees throughout the winter?

“Ivy is a slow killer to your trees,” said Mark. “Just cut out six inches of ivy at the base, but always be careful not to cut into the bark of your trees. Aeration of the soil around the base of the tree is also important and can be achieved by forking the soil and feeding the roots system.”

What else can be done at this time of year? “Now is the time to be proactive regarding the trees in your garden,” said Mark. “Most of the leaves have fallen so you can clearly see the skeleton of a tree.

You should be looking for dangerous dead wood and hanging, broken or split limbs. Canker or decay can also be a lot easier to spot at this time of year.”

Mark and his team at Roots & Shoots

are busy all year round and winter is no exception. “Right now we are very busy as it’s a good time for shaping and pruning trees,” said Mark. “This is because the sap has stopped rising. We can also see the overall shape of a tree when the leaves have fallen.”

Mark added: “Don’t forget that winter is the best season for taking out trees as the rest of the garden is dormant, so there will be less disruption to existing plants and shrubs.”

For further details of what Roots & Shoots can do, visit the company’s new website or call Mark for free advice and a free visit to your home.

St Pool Piscines

MOLE CATCHER

Concrete Piscines. Cost effectively engineered. No expensive over design, expertly constructed Order now for 2012. stpoolsfrance@gmail.com Stuart Roberts B.Sc (c.eng) Phone: 0553914518 www.aquapierre.com

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

English, Dutch & German spoken.

Philippe Schreinemachers www.insurance.fr Tel: 05 62 29 20 00 Email: cover@insurance.fr RCS Auch B479 400 657 - Regions: All France

pools-piscines.com Swimming pool construction and repairs Natural pools - Replacement liners standard and liner 'armé' 150/100 NW Dordogne/South Charente

tel 06 89 46 15 08 / 09 77 90 94 51 www.pools-piscines.com siret 322 963 190 000 36

€ U R R E N C Y

£ R A N S F E R

PIONEER FRANCE Best rates from the market leader info@pioneerfrance.com www.pioneerfrance.com/currency Tel: 05 53 07 06 27

€ U R R E N C Y

£ R A N S F E R

PIONEER FRANCE Best rates from the market leader info@pioneerfrance.com www.pioneerfrance.com/currency Tel: 05 53 07 06 27

05 53 75 05 48 06 89 79 05 02 www.roots-shoots.fr info@roots-shoots.fr

Reduced fares between 20 - 30%

Call johnthemoleman

tel 05 53 22 07 32 mob 06 06 40 92 97 e-mail johnthemoleman@aol.com siret 51249460000012

Golf Pass Dordogne

Prêt à Plonger

Piscine installation, repairs & maintenance. Bespoke pools, no project too big or small.

Available on line

www.golf-dordogneperigord.com

Complete package including groundwork, terracing/decking and pool security.

Simon & Julia Holt 0619 071121 or 0553 620152 or Julia: 06 32 10 39 92 simon.holt@wanadoo.fr www.pretaplongerpools.com Siret: 49397835700017

Jardins du Périgord - Design - Creation - Garden management

from conception to supervision of installation Virginia Fletcher BA, Dip (Hons) LA, MLA

www.jardinsduperigord.com

Discover all 7 Golf Courses

NO MOLE - NO FEE!

Garden Design Service by professional Landscape Architect/Garden Designer

High quality work by qualified gardeners

Mark Wilson runs Roots & Shoots and offers free tree surgery advice to clients

Tel: 05 53 62 51 94 Mob: 06 24 92 82 57

LIMEUIL CHURCH (at Limeuil Haut) ANGLICAN SERVICES EVERY SUNDAY 10.30am Christmas Carol service Thursday December 15th, 6.00pm Everyone is warmly welcomed

E-mail: virginia.fletcher@aliceadsl.fr

TEL: 05 53 31 18 04

Siret: 44943716900013 - Ad No. 17855

www.churchinaquitaine.org

Souillac Golf & Country Club Play golf all year round in the Dordogne Valley.

Challenging 18-hole course, driving range, pools, tennis, bar, restaurant, accommodation

www.souillaccountryclub.com

Tel : 05 65 27 56 00

'Massages and well being at Castelnaud la Chapelle'

24 SERVICES Complete Home and Garden Maintenance

Bourdeilles 24310

With

www.24services.fr

Sophie NALIN, massage practitioner

Tel: 06 02 34 85 38 Siret: 52841725600013

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

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

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

Café Church Bergerac An English speaking approach to contemporary Christianity Tea and Cake from 5pm Cafe Church from 5.30pm for an hour Sundays January 22 February 26 and March 25 Sponsored by and held at L'Eglise Evangelique Libre de Bergerac, 5 Rue Durou

For more details contact Reverend Derek & Pam Cook derekcook3@sky.com or Peter Shire 05 53 22 74 08 www.christiansindordogne.com Ad No. 2467

Exclusive Healthcare Your Helping Hand to the French Health System

+33 (0) 4 94 40 31 45 www.exclusivehealthcare.com

- Relaxing massage with organic oils - Wave and vibration massage techniques - Energising massage - Shiatsu Amma Assis

One stop for all your renovation works. Specialists in kitchens and bathrooms.

Free devis/quotes.

Tel: 06 79 67 38 06

Contact details.

Phone: 05 53 61 77 28 / 06 85 16 35 69 e-mail: renovation4u@hotmail.com Siret: 50281715800012

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

LANDROVER*MG* ROVER*JAGUAR* AUSTIN-MORRIS PARTS ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS & GEARBOX REPAIRS

WWW.LANDYPOINT.NET

0545622720

HEATHROW LEFT HAND DRIVE CENTRE LTD 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

Dordogne Advertiser

Directory 19

www.dordogneadvertiser.com

January 2012

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Make the White move to cut removals costs IF YOU are moving to or from southwest France, George White European can transport household goods, vehicles and almost anything else at surprisingly low prices.

Having started international driving over 30 years ago, and obtaining an award from the International Road Transport Union for three million kilometres of safe driving along the way, George White offers an experienced and reliable removals service to and from France.

In recent years, growth through wordof-mouth recommendations has led to the business evolving into a close-knit network of like-minded owner-drivers with the same traditional values, backed by secure storage and goods receiving at their Sutton-in-Ashfield base, which is shared with Storage City and Transpakship.

The team now comprises of George, David, Mark and Keith, who run the regular international services, with Lee operating the low loader.

The team uses a range of large, multipurpose vehicles, and typically operate along routes to and from the south-west of France. This allows costs to the customer to be kept low as the vehicles can be filled with a variety of other goods for much of the journey, and typically return to the UK loaded with freight.

“With smaller or less flexible vehicles, you may be paying the whole cost for the driver, fuel, Channel crossing and return journey,” said George, “but by using part of a larger vehicle these costs can usually be shared.”

This can work out many times cheaper than dedicated full service removals firms, and as one customer said: “George gives great service at a great price. Do not be fooled into thinking that he is too cheap – he is just honest.”

Prices have been held for two years, but now come with a floating fuel surcharge (which is 8% from November 2011).

For those with more to move, there are also great advantages. “If you have cars, boats, tractors or machinery that needs moving with you, usually you would have to hire another firm with specialist equipment. But George White European can offer covered articulated trailers with ramps and these can be carried on the same vehicle as your other goods,” said George.

Though a packing, unpacking and carrying to the trucks service is not offered, the team can put you in touch with trusted companies at each end who specialise in this service. This means clients do not have to pay to transport a team of labourers to or from France. As George points out: “These firms are often subcontracted by the big name movers anyway – but of course with a mark-up to the customer.”

As a result the team at George White European are left to focus on what they do best, which is carefully packing the goods on to the vehicles, delivering them safely to the destination, and offering advice, contacts and reassurance throughout.

“By doing so much volume into southwest France over the years, we have built up a great network of happy customers, most of whom are happy to help new movers settle in, and, indeed in many cases, to help you unload or unpack.”

It may surprise some to find out how small a consignment can be handled, and for what price, using this model.

Depending on the areas being collected from and delivered to, the minimum load could be as little as 2 linear metres of removals (which is 2.6m tall and 2.4m wide, so almost 12.5 cubic metres or 440

cubic feet), from as little as £400 + VAT. George added: “If customers can meet us en-route at either end, then the minimum could be reduced further. If this isn’t practical we offer the option to have the goods delivered to Storage City, or we can arrange collection using a Sprinter Van.” Palletised transport is also offered, which is even cheaper, reflecting the ease of loading and packing. At the other end of the scale, a full 13.6m (45ft) long load (max 24 tonnes) of domestic removals can be handled for around £2,500 + VAT, depending on the locations involved. The firm can also quote for full loads to or from places other than southwest France. A low loader is also available for larger jobs.

Whereas house moves (especially international) are usually considered to be a very stressful experience, many of George White European’s customers find the process so smooth and costeffective they continue to use the service for years afterwards for smaller deliveries.

George gives examples: “Many people renovating in France ask us to bring over British building materials, and we also source or ship a lot of furniture to people in France – the storage facility is invaluable for this.

“Other items shipped to customers include fencing, horse feed and range cookers, to name a few. “You can source the goods yourself, or we can take advantage of accounts held with many suppliers to purchase goods at very competitive prices for you.”

People with last-minute or pressing delivery needs should also get in touch with George. “We are well-connected with couriers should clients have urgent requirements,” he said.

STAR SATELLITE

Balcony & Stair Railings Window & Door Grills.

British TV in France

BskyB Qualified - For All Your Satellite Needs

Tel: 05 53 80 63 93 Email: contact @starsatellite.fr Web: www.starsatellite.fr

Regions: Dordogne and surrounding Departments Siret: 50196266600019

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

Manufacture/Repair/Installation. williamsonsteel.com williamson_steel@yahoo.com

05 53 90 20 17

we undertake Plastering - Partitioning - Plasterboarding

COMPETITIVE PRICES Tel: 05 53 56 27 58 Mobile: 06 02 26 17 75 Siret: 381 076 967

Signs, vehicle lettering etc.

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

Free advice and quotes, based in the Dordogne, covering all of France.

Tel: 05 53 52 45 82 or 06 32 83 35 97

Email: mark@signsetc.fr Web: www.signsetc.fr Siret: 491205035 00026 - Ad No. 17751

Clark Property Services

E B Creations

Garden, Pool and property maintenance small projects undertaken reliable service

All interior and exterior ironwork.

Tel. 0033 (0)5 53 58 66 36 Email. steve@cps24.fr Web. www.cps24.fr Siret. 493688626

Dordogne-Correze-Properties Property Finder Service helping the buyer find their dream home.

Telephone: 06 45 10 21 54 john@dordogne-correze-properties.com www.dordogne-correze-properties.com Siret 508 891 983 00019

Metalwork

SURFACES Polished Concrete Floors, Walls, Worktops Sinks & Furniture

STONE & TILE Restoration, Colouring, Sealing.

Web: www.surfaces24.com Email: info@surfaces24.com

Tel: 06 82 38 21 12

Siret 51500573400014

Dept 47,33,24 covered.

Tel: 05 53 83 68 15 Siret No. 452 215 403 00018

www.swansolar.eu Supply & Installation of :

• Solar domestic hot water systems • Solar swimming pool systems • Wood boiler stoves • Plumbing services Tel : 05 53 63 43 87 / 06 06 41 08 85 Email : maswan@live.co.uk All depts covered Siret 50406233200011

Email: enquiries@stoves.fr Tel: 05 53 84 36 81 Mobile: 06 72 02 88 29

Siret no. 51438447800012

Regions 24/47 and surrounding SIRET: 4844699200014

Siret: 400 415 246 00026

• Complete property management • Change overs • Professional laundry services • Gardening/Pool Services • Keyholding • Security checks

www.accmonline.com Tel: +33 (0)553793564

LOCKES GROUNDWORKS & LANDSCAPING 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

Regions Covered: 24, 33, 17, 16 SIRET 50793843900019

Act before EU forces removal and bans DIY disposal Save up to 75% contractor costs

Tel: 09 62 27 94 39 email info@siteclear.eu

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

SARL Maxima

www.maximalocation.com

For a professional Service / Quotation Contact 2447 Carrelage Tel: 05 53 57 12 19 Email: occitane6@orange.fr

WITHOUT CARD

E: contact@aquitainealarmes.com W: www.aquitainealarmes.com

Inc Electrical, Plumbing and Heating Based 47, 24

Experienced and registered

Services Include:

Sarlat, Gourdon and Souillac areas

Hammer, auger, dumper, roller etc available

Tel April on 0613232249 or 0553312115

Ceramic floor and wall tiler

We do not only sell & install We also repair digiboxes NOW!! All freesat systems available

activated.

NO ANNUAL CONTRACTS OR MONTHLY PAYMENTS. Wireless or wired.

Cameras with 24/7 recording + Internet access. Security lighting.

All Building Works Undertaken

Contact SiteClear for Cheap, Safe, Legal Solution FREE CONSULTATION

Accommodation Management Services

Mini digger hire from 100 Euros per day HT

ASBESTOS ROOFING ALERT!

Phil B Entreprise

DIGITAL INSTALLATIONS

Digger / driver hire Fosse septiques

www.ebcreations.net.

email: edward@ebcreations.net

+33 (0)6 23 03 85 59 +44 (0)7768 867360 george@georgewhiteeuropean.co.uk www.georgewhiteeuropean.co.uk

For more information call 00 33 (0)5 45 98 25 37

Plastering Services over 20 years experience in france

Using large multi-purpose vehicles allows George White European to cut charges and pass on the savings it has made to customers

see rates at

Siret no. 498 524 032 00022

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

Tel: 06 27 76 95 91

EcoPower The World's Leading Solar Systems Tel: 05 53 62 31 35 www.ecopower.eu.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

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

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

20 Directory

www.dordogneadvertiser.com

Dordogne Advertiser

January 2012

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Reliable and efficient satellite installation service After nearly 30 years in the industry, Hans Finninger can offer repairs to digiboxes as part of his service CUSTOMERS of Finninger & Helbach can expect help with satellite television, from making the decision about which setup is best for them, to repairs and after sales care in case something goes wrong.

“Our company’s policy is to listen to you, the customer, to find out your exact requirements. We will then recommend the best possible economic, practical, solution taking things such as the size and placement of dishes into consideration,” said company partner

Hans Finninger.

“Many of our clients’ properties are period buildings and the discrete positioning of satellites without spoiling the look of the house can sometimes lead to some innovative solutions,” he added.

The systems he installs are set up to cater for upgrades (such as Sky contracts or Free To View cards). After sales care is particularly important to the company.

“Even in this modern day and age, equipment can still go wrong,” said Hans. “This is when you need a reliable, efficient repair service. Reliable, in the sense that you must be sure the advice you are getting is the best and most appropriate, and efficient, meaning repairs are carried out with the minimum of fuss and quickly.”

Finninger & Helbach offer a completely free advice service aimed at fixing

problems over the phone but, should things go wrong, a free courtesy digibox comes as standard to keep you viewing.

The company promises a seven-day turn around via post to fix equipment.

Finninger & Helbach is based near the small town of Chalais in the Charente, and covers a 200km radius around the town, taking in Poitiers to the north, Aurillac to the east, Toulouse to the south-east, and Dax to the south-west, but can arrange installations and help further afield if you give them a call.

The company also specialises in commercial installations, including hospitals, apartment blocks and offices. More details are available on the website.

Finninger & Helbach GMBH 05 45 98 25 37 www.digitalsatellitefrance.com

Hans Finninger is experienced at putting up dishes in discrete locations

Connexion helpguides Helpguide to

Up-to-date, impartial information on a range of topics for life in France

Local taxes

2011 VERSION €5

From

€5 Connexion helpguides:

Sponsored by

Everything you need to know for life in France

To help readers make the most of life in France The Connexion has produced a series of helpguides on practical topics.

The helpguides, priced €5 and €7.50, are produced independently

by Connexion journalists or in partnership with Conseils des Notaires de France.

Download the helpguides at www.connexionfrance.com or call FREE from France 0800 91 77 56 or for just 4p/min from the UK 0844 256 9881

Car boot sales around the area this month January 1 - Bergerac January 2 - Hautefort January 7 - Queyssac January 8 - Saint-Astier, Verteillac January 10 - Sourzac

January 14 - Neuvic-sur-l'Isle January 21 - Bergerac January 28 - Montpon-Ménestérol January 29 - Eymet, Périgueux, Sarlat-laCanéda

English books and DVDs. Mon 14.00 to 16.00 and Wed 10.00 to noon in 24220 Meyrals.

Em Boiling: 05 53 30 30 23 bibliotheque.anglaise@gmail.com

Centre de Golf Bergeracois Philippa Thornton: 05 53 58 87 18 centredegolfbergeracois@orange.fr

Dordogne Clubs and Associations Alcoholics Anonymous Périgueux. Ewen: 05 53 05 76 62 info@aafrancesud-ouest.com www.aafrancesud-ouest.com Anglican Church of Aquitaine Services: Bertric Burée, Chancelade, Limeuil Haut, Ste Nathalène and Sorges, also in 47, 33. Chaplain Revd Dr Paul Vrolijk 05 53 23 40 73 aquitainechaplain@gmail.com Association Culturelle Franco-Anglaise Aquitaine From French lessons to bridge, plus monthly social get-togethers. www.acfaa.com Association Culturelle Internationale du Périgord ACIP aims to promote integration.

Lycette Schouten Hoogendyk: 05 53 29 27 96 louisa.schoutenhoogendyk@orange.fr www.acip24.com Association Française des Solos Monthly meetings after divorce, bereavement or separation. Social events for members.

Corinne: 05 53 22 68 52 (evenings) or Claire: 05 53 08 55 13 (evenings) afs.bergerac@orange.fr www.asso-des-solos.fr Bergerac Photo Club Meets Wed at 20.30, Maison des Associations, Place Jules Ferry, Bergerac. photoclub-bergerac@orange.fr www.photoclub-bergerac.com Bibliothèque Anglaise Meyrals

Golf Public de Périgueux Cancer Support France Dordogne Est/Lot Margaret York: 05 65 22 96 37 or 06 35 90 03 41 (24 hrs) csfdordognelot@yahoo.com

05 53 53 02 35 golfpgx@wanadoo.fr www.golfdeperigueux.com

Cancer Support France Ribérac (Charente South and Dordogne West) Valerie Wareham: 06 43 67 86 11 csfriberac@gmail.com

The Interesting Gardening Club Carol Temple: 05 53 91 34 96 carolawt@aol.com www.theinterestinggardeningclub.org

Chabrelle Computer Club Charlie Nott: La Roche Chabrelle 24320 St Just 05 53 90 50 39

Maquiz'Art 05 53 23 82 37 maquizart@maquizart.com

Dordogne Advertiser

Directory 21

www.dordogneadvertiser.com

January 2012

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Company offers fast deliveries across Europe Both big and small deliveries can be collected and dropped off anywhere in Europe, within 72 hours, when you use the Euroman and Van service EUROMAN and Van is an independent delivery and courier company that is based in south-west England.

It is owned and operated by three partners, Paul, Jeff and Mark, who offer a personal service with over 30 years of experience in the business.

“Whether it is a bed from Bordeaux, a Fiat 500 from Italy or a machine from Madrid we are able to help,” said Paul. The company covers the whole of mainland Europe and the UK, and

REMOVALS & STORAGE Murray Harper

European transport & storage ENGLAND, FRANCE, SPAIN Scheduled collection and delivery service guaranteed Established 30 years in the industry

offers a fully insured service.

“We can deliver anywhere in mainland Europe within 72 hours of collection and we use XLWB Transit Jumbo vans with a load capacity of 13 cubic metres and a weight limit of 1200kg,” said Paul.

Euroman and Van offers customers the choice of two options. The first is a dedicated service where the client has total control of the van and driver. “So you pick the date and time of collection and delivery will be made within two days to mainland Europe,” said Paul.

The other option is a part-load service where clients can buy space from 1 cubic metre upwards. Paul added: “Your consignment will be transported along with others being delivered en route or to the same destination.”

Euroman and Van prides itself on offering a first class personal and stress-

Special rates to S/W France 13.6m/45ft trailer - Full/Part loads Removals/materials/vehicles Owner driver. RHA member

Tool & Plant Hire From Diggers, Dumpers Rollers To Small DIY Projects Floor Sanders - Rotavators Scaffolding towers - Mixers Tel: 05 53 83 40 67 Email: loca.plastow@wanadoo.fr D933 Between Eymet & Miramont Siret 483 433 264

Whether it is a bed from Bordeaux, a Fiat 500 from Italy or a machine from Madrid, we are able to help

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

www.anglofoods.com SIMPLY BRITISH INDEPENDENT BRITISH GROCERS Large range of food - fresh and frozen, 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

BOUCHERIE A LA FERME

English butchers and farmers in France.

Beef, Lamb, Pork Pasties, steak pies, pork pies. Bacon, gammon, sausages.

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

Weekly services to & from France

Full or part loads, 4 wks free storage, 30 Years experience

Siret: 509 528 014 00012

Come and stock up on all your Christmas needs including Crackers, Chocolates and Turkeys

Tel: 05 46 48 32 44 WOODBURNERS.FR 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 (solar) renewable energy air source pumps to replace your gas or oil fired systems.

WOODBURNERS Ash Grove Stoves Supplier of Hunter - Villager -

Clean Burn - Fire Visible Boiler versions available Deliveries all over France Prices on our website Lowest Prices Guaranteed Tel: 00 44 (0) 1392 861579 www.ashgrovestoves.com sales@ashgrovestoves.com

Euroman and Van offers a fast, first class and stress-free delivery service

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

Furniture for France

A wide range of quality indoor furniture and sofas supplied and delivered direct to your French property saving you time and money.

New showroom "Meubles New Ideas" near Brive(19) now open.

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.oakwood-import.fr email: franceoak@gmail.com tel: 06 80 33 93 57 siret 49426348

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

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

See our website on

www.woodburners.fr Tel/fax or Email 05 53 84 36 81 Mob 06 72 02 88 29 enq@woodburners.fr Siret no 45204687300017

Bar & Guild Member Contact: Anglo French Removals Tel: +44 (0) 1622 690 653 Email: info@anglofrench.co.uk

www.anglofrench.co.uk

“

Trading Since 2005

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

MOVING TO OR FROM FRANCE?

+44 (0)7977 473498 (Paul) +44 (0)7794 698372 (Jeff) +44 (0)7970 642937 (Mark) euromanandvan@live.com www.euromanandvan.co.uk

Loca Plastow DESIGNER

www.murrayharper.com Tel: (0034) 952 793 422 or (0034) 952 807 692 info@murrayharper.com George White European Transport

free service that keeps the client informed at all times.

Contact Paul, Jeff or Mark for further information or visit the website for full details of all the services offered by Euroman and Van.

U.K. WOODBURNERS

AARROW YEOMAN STOVAX VILLAGER

France Agent - P.E.P Leisure Ltd UK 08717174097 FR 0553732521 www.pepleisure.com email: fires@pepleisure.com Regions All France

KANGAROO KARDS Leaps Ahead!

High Quality Greeting Cards 300+ Designs FREE DELIVERY in Europe *Award Winning Website* *Pay Securely Online* *Outstanding Service* *Money Back Guarantee* *Many Exclusive Designs*

kangarookards.co.uk

Book your ad now for the February issue copy deadline January 5th - call freephone in France 0800 91 77 56 / from UK 0844 256 9881 (4p/min)

Advertise your business for the whole of 2012 from just €165HT Get even more impact by adding a one off Advertorial from €250HT. This popular advertising option allows you the space to explain what your business offers using a combination of words and photos.

MAKE 2012 A SUCCESS, ADVERTISE WITH THE CONNEXION Call Clare on 0800 91 77 56 or email directory@connexionfrance.com

22 Property

www.dordogneadvertiser.com

Dordogne Advertiser

January 2012

Spend a little to save a D I Y tips lot on your heating bills Sponsored by

Natural and cheap cleaners

Photo: © Cyril Comtat - Fotolia.com

Photo:© Kelpfish - Fotolia.com

Wine spills need not be a nightmare to clean up

What a waste! Every person in France throws out seven kilos of food still in its packaging each year and outdated home appliances and poor insulation mean higher energy costs. REBECCA LAWN looks at going green to cut bills A FEW changes to your home can not only help the planet, they can also cut your household expenditure.

“Reducing your impact on the environment is first and foremost about reducing waste – water, energy, packaging and food,” says Laureline Bourit at France Nature Environnement association. “This can often also mean saving money.”

Nearly half of a home’s energy consumption is taken up by heating and cooling it.

At the moment, your house could be losing energy – and costing you money – because it is letting heat escape.

You should also make sure that your loft is insulated and, if possible, the walls. Half the heat lost from uninsulated properties is lost through the roof or the walls.

Environment and energy management agency ADEME says 30% of the heat is lost through the roof, 25%

through walls and around 1015% through single-glazed windows. That makes it easy to see which area should be targeted first if money is tight as loft insulation brings benefits quickly and cheaply.

It is simple enough to do if you are fit but anyone laying glass-fibre wool should wear gloves and goggles as it can cause skin irritation.

Costing between €3 and €8 a roll, it is recommended to have at least 200mm thickness for best performance.

Bubble-wrap can be a quick and easy source of insulation for the likes of skylights as it will still allow light to shine through.

Elsewhere, ensuring your boiler is properly maintained can cut energy consumption by 8-12% and turning down your heating thermostat by one degree centigrade can save 7% on your energy bill.

Old appliances can also be a drain on your house’s energy

and the fridge is the main culprit.

If yours is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with a more energy-efficient model but if that isn’t possible then make sure you are using both fridge and freezer properly. Keep them full and not just cooling “air”.

Look for the Energy Star symbol on fridges and other kitchen appliances as they operate more efficiently. New washing machines control how much water is used by measuring the water level and tumble-driers have humidity detectors that stop the machine automatically as soon as the clothes are dry.

You can also opt for energyefficient light bulbs which, although they are more expensive to buy will reduce your electricity bill and last much longer than traditional – and now obsolete – types.

However, remembering to do the little things can help the environment just as much as the grand gestures – and you do not need to spend anything while doing it.

Switch appliances off rather than leaving them on standby because leaving them on standby means you are paying for not using them... and

FRENCH environmentalists highlighted a UK study from 2009 that showed that of the food that is thrown out each week by families around 80% should not have gone in the bin.

Just 18% of the food waste was “real” waste such as meat bones, egg shells, pineapple skin, tea bags; another 18% was “avoidable” – food and drink that some people do not eat, such as bread crusts or that can be eaten when a food is prepared in one way but not in another (potato skins) – and 64% “totally avoidable” waste such as bread, apples or meat.

In addition, 54% of the food that was thrown out had not been used in time and just over 40% was the result of too much food being cooked, prepared or served.

Photo: © celeste clochard - Fotolia.com

The food we waste

the total can mount up.

Studies have shown standby can add up to about 13% of your total electricity usage.

When it comes to recycling, the first rule is what – and how much – you buy. “90% of people say they don’t waste food, but in France seven kilograms of still-wrapped food is thrown away by each person a year,” says Bourit.

Instead of throwing out food or garden waste you can put it in a compost heap where it will rot down to make a natural alternative to using synthetic fertilisers.

Take the food out of its wrapping before putting it in the compost bin and if the wrapping is cardboard or paper it can be recycled too.

However, do not put meat or cooked food on the compost heap.

Plastic bags cannot be recycled – only reused – so it is best to reduce the number you use or swap to cloth bags or a shopping trolley. “These seem like small gestures but together they can have a big impact,” says Bourit.

One of the biggest yet simplest things you can do is to be aware of how much water you use – turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or while shaving and take showers instead of baths.

That has been especially important over the past year with France having had one of the warmest and driest autumns in living memory.

Water levels in aquifers across the country have fallen below normal and are not being replenished quickly so you can make a difference in the future by putting a water butt in your garden to collect rainwater.

Use this “free” resource to water your garden or for the first wash of your car.

CHRISTMAS and New Year celebrations often leave lingering souvenirs with carpet stains either from the feet of visitors or the dreaded spill of red wine. You can use simple non chemical cleaners to get them clean and keep them clean. You will also be helping the environment.

Get out the vacuum cleaner!

This might be an obvious statement but vacuuming is the first important step. It removes the deeply embedded dirt which over time can wear out the carpet fibres. Do it every week – but if you can do it more often then all the better!

Removing stains The most basic natural stain remover is the following: ½ cup salt ½ cup borax ½ cup vinegar Mix the ingredients together to form a paste. Apply to stains using a clean, white cloth, rub in and leave for a few hours. Vacuum when dried.

If you have young pets you will know how difficult it can be you remove urine stains and smells. This natural mixture works on both the acid and alkaline components.

1 cup vinegar 1 cup water ½ cup baking soda Mix ingredients together and put into a spray bottle. Blot any urine patches with paper towels then spray on the mix, blot off excess and let dry. Repeat until odours disappear.

Dried-in Stains Use this mixture for more ground-in stains. Use with care and test on a hidden area to ensure it does not discolour: baking soda white vinegar liquid glycerin soap (or washing-up liquid) bleach Mix equal amounts of water and vinegar and rub into the stain with a cloth. Blot and leave to dry. Cover stain with baking soda. Mix ¼ cup of bleach and ½ tspn liquid soap; pour this on to the baking soda so the soda dissolves into the carpet. Rub well into the fibres, blot and leave to dry.

Once dry vacuum the residue. Repeat if necessary.

Do not be tempted to scrub your carpet with a brush as this will only damage the carpet's fibres.

Precautions Keep cleaning solutions out of reach of children and pets – even if they are natural .

Do not let children or pets near the treated areas until all residue has been thoroughly vacuumed up.

Follow manufacturer’s instructions for all carpets and always test cleaners on a hidden patch first.

DIY O Construction O Decorating O Gardening CC Auchan, 24650 Chancelade 05 53 02 29 20

www.leroymerlin-perigueux.fr Ouvert du Lundi au Samedi de 9H à 20H

Dordogne Advertiser

January 2012

Gardening Facts

Houses for sale in and around Dordogne 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.

Sponsored by

We also feature properties for sale in this dedicated section of the paper each month. To find out more about any particular property, go to www.connexionfrance.com and enter the ref: code shown under the property.

Photo: © audaxl - Fotolia.com

Property 23

www.dordogneadvertiser.com

For sellers, the adverts are also displayed across a range of popular Englishspeaking websites and are seen by thousands of potential buyers EVERY day. Our 3+3 package costs just

€200TTC and gives you three months online advertising as well as a print advert in three editions of The Advertiser. Our 6+6 package is best value at €330TTC and provides the same, but for six months via each channel.

New Consumption and Emission Chart - e.g. Energy rating C & F refers to C for Consumption and F for Emissions

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

€128,000

€162,752

Verteillac The bright living area benefits from a newly fitted kitchen.

There are 2 double bedrooms on this floor and a modern wetroom. There is also a convenient utility area and WC.

Brantôme This property offers a large covered terrace, large salon, fully fitted kitchen/dining room, 2 double bedrooms (one with en suite bathroom) and further bathroom.

REF: BVI0005317

ENERGY RATING = G

REF: FP-23254CF24

Now is the time to harvest cabbages and spinach

€205,377

€222,600

Sow the seeds of a successful spring

Brantôme The house offers large salon, fully fitted kitchen/dining room, 4 double bedrooms (3 on first floor and one on second floor) and 2 bathrooms on the first floor (one being en suite).

Thenon Features of this ensemble include: A main residence, with converted outbuildings, barn and stables that centers around a walled courtyard offering 2/3 bedrooms and a feature kitchen.

YOUR garden is probably looking pretty dormant at this time of year so now is the time to prepare so it will look at its finest when spring does arrive. During January, gardeners can prune, sow certain seeds and make all the preparations necessary for the warmer days that lie ahead.

In the vegetable patch, protect your leeks and artichokes from frost if you are in more northerly climes, and harvest your chicory heads. If you did not sow your onions on Christmas Day in keeping with the tradition, January is a good month in which to do so. Shallots can also be planted now – use planks to avoid compacting the soil.

You can plant fruit trees in January, avoiding days when there is frost, as this will damage the roots. Prune all fruit trees, particularly red fruit varieties and trees trained along a wall, such as apples and pears. Add manure or mature compost and remove any slugs and snails. Cabbages and other members of their family can be harvested and perpetual spinach (beet leaves) and chard will be ready for the table. On a sunny day, empty your potato sacks, throwing away any potatoes that are rotten to prevent the rot from spreading.

Keep the plot tidy and check that tree supports are still solid in the ground. Ensure greenhouses are secure during winter bad weather and wash the glass, so that your plants receive maximum light. If temperatures fall, insulate your greenhouse with bubble-wrap, taking care not to restrict ventilators, as your plants will need good ventilation at this time of year. Check any heating sources, making sure there is adequate fuel for paraffin heaters and sufficient ventilation for gas heating.

In the flower garden you can still plant and prune roses during the winter, if you haven’t yet done so. Protect young rose bushes from frost using straw and do the same for fragile plants such as camelia, which will be particularly vulnerable if it snows. There will be a chance to see the fruit of your labours as the first bulbs push through the cold soil.

House plants will not need much water during this season, but they will probably be suffering from a lack of light. It is a good idea to group them around natural light sources, or provide them with artificial light.

Most plants such as hibiscus should be kept in a cool room (around 14C) during the winter months, to ensure that you will go on to have prolific flowers in the summer.

Happy New Year, gardeners!

JARDILAND ROUTE D'AGEN BERGERAC OPEN 7am-7pm 05.53.63.54.70

REF: FP-23258CF24

ENERGY RATING = Not given

REF: BVI0006458

€239,000

€250,000

Sarlat-la-Canéda The property though habitable, is in need of updating.

Comprising of 6 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 2 shower rooms, lounge with fireplace, kitchen, plus loft space for converting.

Sarlande Character stone house with 3/4 bedrooms. Great location bordering a small river with trout and overlooking a small lake. Great charm with original features built around 1812.

REF: 3557G

ENERGY RATING = F & D

REF: FP-22965SHL24

€303,500

€340,800

Brantôme Well maintained home of 6 main rooms including 4 bedrooms, living room, kitchen, pantry, 2 toilets, terrace. A second building of about 75m² serves large garage and workshop.

Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil This 130m2, 3 bedroom house has a lovely reception room with stone fireplace, a very spacious outdoor covered terrace, a 10x5m swimming pool, garage, gardens and woods.

REF: 6528133

ENERGY RATING = Not given

REF: DOM1338

€355,100

€369,000

Allemans Modern 4 bedroom style house with tower and excellent condition. This superb family home has a wonderful countryside location with no near neighbours.

Ribérac 4 bedroom property composed of 2 fitted kitchens, tiled utility room and boiler room, bathroom with shower, dining room, lounge with chimney and underfloor oil central heating.

REF: 12241

ENERGY RATING = Not given

REF: 8351

€418,700

€424,000

Bergerac Perigord style house offers a spacious 3 bedroom main house and a 1 bedroom flat internally connected through staircase but with independent access on the opposite side of the building.

Issigeac 4 bedroom property. Large kitchen, terrace, 2 spacious living rooms, separate dining room, 4 en suite bedrooms, swimming pool with terraced surround, distinctive architectural features.

REF: FP-22865AI24

ENERGY RATING = Not given

REF: BVI0006425

€449,000

€598,000

Nanthiat 3 bedroom beautifully renovated property with character set on 6000m2 of attached land with open views including a house of prox. 125m2 and several outbuildings and 2 wells.

Monpazier The house comprises: entrance, lounge, kitchen, 6 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 WC, laundry and garage. Heated swimming pool 10x5, wooden garden shed set in an enclosed garden.

REF: FP-P956AC

ENERGY RATING = Not given

REF: FPBH2275M

ENERGY RATING = Not given

ENERGY RATING = F

ENERGY RATING = Not given

ENERGY RATING = Not given

ENERGY RATING = Not given

ENERGY RATING = E

ENERGY RATING = Not given

The adverts above cost from just €200TTC for three months of web advertising and three months of print advertising in the Dordogne Advertiser.

Let our distribution get you a sale.

Contact our sales team on 0800 91 77 56 (freephone in France) or email sales@connexionfrance.com

24 People

www.dordogneadvertiser.com

Dordogne Advertiser

January 2012

In praise of Périgueux Photo: Jacky SCHOENTGEN/MAXPPP

DORDOGNE novelist and poet Michel Testut has been in love with Périgueux for more than 60 years – and his latest book aims to persuade people to take a closer look at the department’s capital.

A retired advertising executive and former president of the town’s tourist office, Mr Testut has written more than a dozen books in as many years – many of which have focused on the Dordogne and the author’s long association with the area.

Le Bonheur à Périgueux (Happiness in Périgueux), which was published last month, is a personal piece of work, reflecting on his years growing up in the town, discovering its secrets and hidden treasures and meeting his fellow residents.

It is an ode to a town that he is fascinated by and looks at how Périgueux can make people happy, encouraging readers to slow down and pay more attention to the little things in life, rather than rushing from one place to the next.

Speaking to Radio Périgueux at the Salon du Livre in Sarlat, shortly before Christmas, Mr Testut said: “I spent my childhood years in Périgueux and, once again in this book, I’m looking back at that time.

“This was Périgueux back in the fifties, when there were very few cars, when the Allées de Tourny was an actual park and not a car park.

“I’m telling the tale of Périgueux in a sentimental, poetic way. I’m not

approaching it as a historian. It’s an intimate walk through Périgueux.’

He added: “Happiness for me is very important in all my books – how to make life happy. You only realise what happiness is when you’ve lost it.

“Périgueux is a town that hides its true face. It’s not a place where you’ll discover everything on your first glance. You need to learn to open your eyes on the world and let nothing pass you by. There are so many pretty things in Périgueux if you just take the time to stop. That’s my idea of happiness.”

One online review likened Mr Testut’s long-term love of the town to a human relationship, saying: “[Périgueux is] at the same time a mother, lover and friend to him.”

His walks through the town take in not just the historic centre, but also the canal, Le Toulon, le Tour de Vésone and the historic Barnabé

“

There are so many pretty things in Périgueux, if you just take the time to stop.

That’s my idea of happiness

Michel Testut, with an earlier book on good eating in the Dordogne

guinguette on the bank of the river.

The tale is accompanied by pictures from local librarian and photographer Karine Bernard.

Writing has always been a part of Mr Testut’s working life. The 68year-old, who lives in Razac-surl’Isle, enjoyed a long career at major advertising agencies including Havas and Euro RSCG, which saw him playing with words, devising slogans for products and places, including several campaigns for the Dordogne and Périgueux itself.

But it was not until he retired that he found the time to properly put pen to paper and produce some longer work.

In another radio interview last year, he said: “Writing for me is the accomplishment of a childhood dream. When I was in school, I found authors extraordinary, writing hundreds of pages. At the time, I struggled to do four page essays.”

Some of Mr Testut’s previous work on the Dordogne has been translated into English by Peter Hackett, a radio broadcaster, actor and English teacher at Bordeaux University.

Glimpses of the Dordogne, which came out in 2005, was widely praised for capturing the essence of the Dordogne lifestyle, and all the intellectual and emotional pleasure that comes with it.

Le Bonheur à Périgueux is published, in French, by Editions LaLauze, priced €14.