etcetera magazine December 2020

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Merry Christmas

DECEMBER 2020

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Contents 3

A note from the editors

4

What’s on

7

Latest news

8

Craft

10

Language

13

Food

16

Business & assistance

20

Health

24

Garden

Welcome to the December edition of etcetera magazine.

30

Farm life

32

Angling

As this year comes to an end, we will all be breathing a sigh of relief and saying farewell to what has been an unforgettable year.

33

Animal

34

Free time

36

Nature

42

Night sky

44

Home & Specialist

48

Getting connected

51

Artisans

59

Motoring & removals

61

Property

64

Classified

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A Note from the Editors

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Heartfelt thanks to everyone this year for your support and loyalty. Our advertisers, contributors, distributors, and of course, our readers.

We wish you all a very merry Christmas and a peaceful and healthy 2021.

Gayle and Sam

Useful numbers 15 17 18

SAMU (Medical) Gendarmes (Police) Pompiers (Fire and also trained in medical emergency) 114 Text-message emergency number for deaf/hard of hearing 119 Child abuse 115 Homeless 113 Drugs and alcohol 112 European emergency not always English 1616 Emergency- Sea & Lake 3131 Last incoming call, key ‘5’ to connect Orange English speaking helpline 0033 (0)9 69 36 39 00 Website in English: www.orange.com/en/home Technical assistance for landlines (French): 3900 (+33 9 69 39 39 00 from abroad) SFR 1023 or 00336 1000 1023 (Not English) EDF 0810 333087 EDF breakdown 24 hours +33 (0)9 69 36 63 83 EDF Helpline in English 0033 562164908 (From UK) 05 62 16 49 32 Fax E-mail: simpleenergywithedf@edf.fr CPAM - 09 74 75 36 46 Veolia Water Emergency No: 24h/24 et 7j/7 05 61 80 09 02 (press 1 for urgent problems or 2 for a technician) S.E.P Du Confolens (Water) 05 87 23 10 08 Emergency 24/7 Aéroport Int’l Limoges 05 55 43 30 30 SNCF (train times, buying tickets etc) 36 35 Alcoholics Anonymous For contact details of meetings in your area including those conducted in English, visit www.aafrance.net

Please download the pdf from this link now: www.paysruffecois.fr/sante/guide.pdf

HOSPITALS 05 55 05 55 55 Limoges (CHU) 05 55 43 50 00 St Junien 05 55 47 20 20 Bellac 05 49 44 44 44 Poitiers 05 45 24 40 40 Angoulême 05 49 32 79 79 Niort 05 45 84 40 00 Confolens Counselling In France Counsellors, psychotherapists, NLP, CBT etc offering therapy in English to expatriates all over France on www.counsellinginfrance.com SSAFA France 05 53 24 92 38 email france@ssafa.org.uk French Health Insurance Advice line.

CPAM English speaking Advice line: 09 74 75 36 46 (from France) 0033 974 75 36 46 (from other countries).

The line is open from Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

NHS website : www.nhs.uk/using-thenhs/healthcare-abroad www.ameli.fr No Panic France Helpline: No Panic UK helpline: 0044 1 952 590 545 11h - 23h (French time) 7/7 www.nopanic.org.uk /nopanicfrance@orange.fr English-speaking Crisis Line SOS- HELP 01 46 21 46 46 3pm-11pm 7/7 British Consulate in Paris 01 44 51 31 00 British Consulate in Bordeaux 05 57 22 21 10 www.ukinfrance.fco.gov.uk/en/ Credit Agricole English Speaking Helpline Charente (residents only) 05 45 20 49 60 Anglofile - Radio for British in Charente www.rcf.fr Tues 20h (repeated Sun 11h30). leme 96.8, Chalais 96.9, Confolens 95.4, Ruffec 95.4, Char. Limousine 104.1, Cognac 89.9

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listing

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listing

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opinion

An Un-Presidented Year Brian White lives in south Indre with his wife, too many moles and not enough guitars

I

n the scarred wake of the mud-slide that was 2020, a last-gasp flowering of optimism. Finally, something good this way comes as the valiant men and women of pharmaceutical research appear once again about to rescue a humbled world with a vaccine. The wrenching TV footage throughout the year of medical staff, often insufficiently gowned and masked, exposing themselves to horrifying risks to care for others will not be soon forgotten.

adult, I would do 5 minutes of deep breathing on her doorstep to prepare for the verbal karate. She would greet me with a warm, “And you are?”. Mind you, Mum wasn’t always such a softy. And she was right about the beard).

That notwithstanding, the landmark shift in American history matches a personal acknowledgement this month of what we archly refer to as A Milestone Birthday.

This sounds positively Jurassic, but it was Dwight Eisenhower in the Oval Office when I was born. The precise mid-point of the 1950s arrived when I was twelve days old, the UK’s highest selling record was Bill Haley’s “Rock Around the Clock”. I know! You could buy a bushel of gobstoppers from Cratchett’s Confectionary Emporium and still have change from a groat.

Good times.

Vladimir Lenin famously wrote that, “There are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks where decades happen”.

With jaw-dropping news stories seeming So, as we stagger into 2021 like a retreating army, pummelled to accelerate with each passing and mourning terrible losses, month, 2020 we can nonetheless glimpse redefined respite and recovery tumultuous.

Most recently, of course, across the Atlantic there was a change of management which meant I was up all night watching the TV coverage, a lifelong compulsion. As an opinionated (read bolshie) teenager, my mother regularly warned me, “one day you’ll have a beard and be arrested in Trafalgar Square, protesting about something”. (In my own defence, ‘prickly’ doesn’t begin to describe my late mother. Visiting her as an

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Truthfully, I’m delighted to reach 65 since getting older is a privilege cruelly denied so many.

Plus, there have been dodgy moments: I taunted disaster in college after partaking of a medicinal sherry before racing around Bangor city centre on the roof of my own car. Someone else’s ham-fisted wiring once connected me to the National Grid for longer than is advisable; I ploughed through a year of my turbulent 30s on a strict diet of cigarettes and ultra-strong coffee, (during which I forgot how to blink and experienced palpitations you could hear across the

street). On two occasions, as I recalled here recently, somebody has threatened to shoot me.

Hence, I am absurdly fortunate. My son and daughter are strong, principled and kind, with adorable – of course - children of their own; my brother is the funniest guy on WhatsApp; I am married to my best friend. Life – predictable, it ain’t.

(Also, I’m Sagittarius, we don’t believe in astrology).

So, as we stagger into 2021 like a retreating army, pummelled and mourning terrible losses, we can nonetheless glimpse respite and recovery.

Meanwhile, “Les gestes barrières” slow the enemy’s advance and reinforce the pertinent French expression, “reculer pour mieux sauter” (broadly, to step back in order to better advance). And advance we will, albeit into a changed world. Quite how it will look and how we conduct ourselves within it, are questions impossible now to ignore. But theatres, cinemas, festivals will all somehow tiptoe back into life. Families will reconvene, planes will fly and friends will gather once again.

A Christmas like no other, certainly, but utopian dreams must persist. Societies will surely adjust and reassess with new priorities and values emerging from the crucible of 2020. Who knows, there might even come a day when political figures have to resign when caught telling barefaced lies. We can but dream.

Sorry, that was uncalled for. Forgive my jaundiced eye. It’s probably my age.

news

TRACK SANTA NORAD is busy preparing for its annual tradition of tracking Santa's journey delivering gifts around the world. Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, the NORAD Tracks Santa program is on schedule and NORAD will track Santa on December 24th, as they have done every year since 1955. Visit www.noradsanta.org

3-STEP EASING OF RESTRICTIONS

WATCH OVER MY PARENTS There is a new scheme called ‘Veiller sur mes parents’ (‘Watch over my parents’) which is operated by La Poste and can give peace of mind to many. If you have an elderly relative, or are more vulnerable and living on your own, this paid-for service means the regular postman or woman will not only deliver the post but will also pop in for a chat for 10 minutes on a pre agreed amount of days per week. There are different service packages offered, starting from 19,99€ per month. You have a small, light, elliptical pushbutton device of 2 cm x 3 cm, which you can wear either round your neck on a thin

lanyard or on a wrist-strap.

Attached to a telephone point is a semicircular box with another button on top, which is the call-box. You also need a nearby electrical socket. If you get into difficulties, you press the button on your wrist/round your neck, or the one on top of the call-box.

This connects you to an emergency switchboard operator. There is hands-free voice communication, and if you are within hailing distance of the call-box you can describe your problem and they will take appropriate action.

Visit www.laposte.fr/particulier/veil ler-sur-mes-parents for full details and packages.

SCAM SCAM SCAM SCAM… La Poste are alerting their customers to a new scam targeting parcels. Some customers are receiving messages via SMS (text) asking them to pay 2€ for a parcel to be delivered to them. The text says the money is needed to cover the parcel delivery and sends a link to make a payment, which, if followed, will result in your card details in the hands of the scammers. La Poste will not ask you to pay for a delivery and do not send texts of this nature to their

customers. If you think you have been scammed you need to notify your bank immediately. You can also report the scam here: cybermalveillance.gouv.fr Please also be careful if you have listed your lost pet on Pet Alert.

Owners of missing pets have been targeted by scammers, contacting the owners under the pretence of having found their pet but demanding payment for the return.

At the end of November, the French government announced the new 3-phase easing of restrictions. From the last weekend of November, non-essential shops have been able to reopen and can stay open until 9pm. We can leave our house for up to 3 hours at a time, within a 20km radius of our homes to exercise. To calculate 20 km from your home, simply enter your address here: https://carte-sortie-confinement.fr. Places of worship can open their doors for services but with a strict maximum of 30 people. The attestations still need to be filled in for all activities.

Next, on the 15th December, if the new daily cases in France remain below 5000 and the number of intensive care patients is between 2500-3000, the lockdown will end. A nationwide curfew will be applied, between the hours of 9pm and 7am but the nights of the 24th and the 31st December are exempt from this. Large family gatherings are discouraged although you will be able to travel between regions again (no more 20km limit). Theatres, cinemas and museums can reopen. Then, on the 20th January, if the number of new daily cases stays under 5000, cafes and restaurants can reopen, but bars must remain closed (no date has been given at the time of print).

CHANGES TO WHO CAN GET AN S1 The rules are changing around S1 cover for people who claim the following exportable benefits: Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Carer's Allowance (CA) and Attendance Allowance (AA).

These benefits currently entitle you to an S1 form if you moved to an EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, for as long as you receive that benefit.

This change to S1 cover affects people who do not yet have an S1 form. It is not due to the UK leaving the EU. If you receive one of the exportable benefits listed above, you can apply for an S1

form until 31 December 2020.

For applications after 1 January 2021, you will no longer get an S1 form based on receiving one of the above benefits. You may be entitled to an S1 form through exporting a UK State Pension or other qualifying benefit if you are in scope of the Withdrawal Agreement.

You’ll continue to be covered by your S1 form if you already have one for as long as you're receiving one of the mentioned benefits.

If you have a time-limited S1 form, you can apply to renew it after 31 December 2020, as long as you’re still receiving one of the listed benefits.

Source NHS UK

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craft Sarah is the author of craftinvaders.co.uk where she blogs about her original craft tutorials, recipes, foraging, and developing wellbeing through being By Sa rah Wh iting creative, spending time outdoors and connecting with nature

1&2

Recycled Gift Bows

3

A BEAUTIFULLY WRAPPED GIFT IS ALWAYS A DELIGHT TO RECEIVE. BUT PRETTY PACKAGING COMES AT A COST TO BOTH OUR POCKET AND THE ENVIRONMENT

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any of us are looking for more environmentally friendly forms of packaging this holiday season.

These recycled gift bows are one small

Materials: − Pages from old catalogues and/or magazines − Scissors

5

6

A perfect place to put bird food balls

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7

way to cut the cost of packaging. Made from old catalogues or magazines they are super simple to make but look just as good as anything you might buy.

− Stapler − Glue, or glue dots (I use Bostik Extra Strength Glue Dots).

Ho ho ho! Happy Crafting!

Steps: 1. Start by tearing colourful pages from an old magazine or catalogue. The height of the page will govern how big the completed bow ends up.

2. Cut the pages you have selected into strips 2cms wide. For each recycled gift bow you will need 3 strips of paper at their full length to make the outer rosette. 2 or 3 more pieces 2cm shorter than the first for the inner rosette, plus a short length for the centre. Don’t worry if that sounds confusing, it should make more sense once you work through the steps, and your first bow comes together!

3. Take the first strip of paper and turn one end over looping it into the middle as shown in photo step 3.

4. Repeat with the other end, so the two

5.

6.

7.

ends meet and staple into place.

Repeat with all the other strips apart from the middle one which you just use in a simple tube shape.

Use the glue or glue dots to secure the first three looped strips into a rosette as shown in the photo below.

Then repeat the process with the next size down looped strips. The size of the paper you started with will govern how much space you have to fill and how many you will fit in. We fitted three in on our larger size bow but only two on the smaller.

Finally, roll a tube of paper and stick it in the middle of your recycled gift bow to finish, and that’s it!

craft

FRAMING T i c k

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Parlez Français French conversation, vocabulary & traditions with Isabelle

apprenons ensemble

Se Sentir Bien !

(Feel Good!)

N

ous passons tous des moments difficiles cette année, principalement à cause de la pandémie de coronavirus. Et maintenant aussi, à l’approche de Noël, où nous n’allons peut-être pas pouvoir voir notre famille, nos enfants et petits-enfants, ce n’est pas facile… Bref, l’année 2020 est maussade, et avec les accidents de la vie, elle est plus dure pour certains de nous. Alors, pour que cette année finisse sur une meilleure note et que l’année 2021 commence avec un meilleur état d’esprit, voici quelques phrases pour vous sentir mieux, à méditer sans modération !

W

e are all having a hard time this year, mainly because of the coronavirus pandemic. And now, as Christmas approaches, when we may not be able to see our family, our children and grandchildren, it's not easy... In short, the year 2020 is gloomy and with the events of life, it is harder for some of us. So that this year ends on a better note and that the year 2021 begins with a better state of mind, here are some sayings to feel better, to meditate without moderation!

Keep well by staying at home! Use this opportunity to improve your French! I also provide lessons via Skype.

Restez en forme en restant à la maison ! Utilisez ce moment pour améliorer votre français ! J’offre aussi des cours sur Skype.

Bon courage ! Et à bientôt !

Joyeux Noël

Broaden your horizons with CONTINENTAL HORIZONS!

Isabelle

Isabelle works for CONTINENTAL HORIZONS Language Centre in L’Isle Jourdain Isabelle and teaches French as a Foreign Language every day in their many classrooms. Do not hesitate to contact her on 05 49 84 17 73. www.continental-horizons.com

10 etcetera

Bob Marley : « S’il y a un problème, il y a une solution. S’il n’y a pas de solutions, il n’y a pas de problème. » “If there is a problem, there is a solution. If there are no solutions, there is no problem.”

Oscar Wild : « Les folies sont les seules choses que l’on ne regrette jamais. » “Madness is the only thing you never regret.”

Henri Lewis : « L’art de vivre consiste en un subtil mélange entre lâcher-prise et tenir bon. » “The art of living consists of a subtle mixture of letting go and holding on.”

William Shakespeare : « L’espérance d’une joie est presque égale à la joie. » “The hope of joy is almost equal to joy.”

Bouddha : « Chaque matin nous reconnaissons à nouveau. Ce que nous faisons aujourd’hui est ce qui importe le plus. » "Every morning we recognize again.

What we are doing today is what matters most.”

Simone de Beauvoir : « Le secret du bonheur et le comble de l’art sont de vivre comme tout le monde en étant comme personne. » “The secret of happiness and the height of art are to live like everyone else by being like no one else.”

Henri Ford : « Quand tout semble être contre vous, souvenez-vous que l’avion décolle face au vent, et non avec lui. »

language & advice

“When everything seems to be against you, remember that the plane takes off in front of the wind, not with it.”

Boire plus d’eau.

Drink more water.

Pierre Hermé : « La gourmandise, source inépuisable de bonheur. » “Gluttony, an inexhaustible source of happiness.”

Prendre des vitamines, notamment de la vitamine C et de l’Oméga 3.

Take vitamins, including vitamin C and Omega 3.

Albert Einstein : « La vie c’est comme une bicyclette, il faut avancer pour ne pas perdre l’équilibre. »

Faire des câlins à son animal de compagnie.

Cuddle your pet.

“Life is like a bicycle; you have to move forward so as not to lose your balance.”

Faire des activités de loisirs créatifs : du coloriage, du dessin, de la peinture, fabriquer de jolies cartes de Noël et du Nouvel An, faire du scrapbooking…

VOICI DES PETITS TRUCS POUR SE SENTIR MIEUX. ÇA MARCHE !

Do creative leisure activities: colouring, drawing, painting, making beautiful Christmas and New Year cards, scrapbooking....

HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER. IT WORKS! Écouter votre musique préférée très forte et danser dans son salon.

Listen to your favourite music very loud and dance in your sitting room.

S’abandonner dans un livre.

To lose yourself in a book.

Mettre son horloge dix minutes plus tôt pour mieux planifier sa journée.

Set your clock ten minutes early to better plan your day.

Garder sa maison en ordre pour avoir les idées en ordre.

Keep your house in order to get your ideas in order.

Ecrire, tenir un journal des événements positifs, écrire.

Write, keep a diary of positive events.

Faire une grande promenade pour s’aérer l’esprit.

Take a great walk to clear your mind.

S’occuper du jardin, arroser une plante, c’est relaxant.

Taking care of the garden, watering a plant, is relaxing.

Faire du yoga, méditer.

Practise yoga, meditate.

Prendre un bain entouré par des bougies parfumées.

Take a bath surrounded by scented candles.

Let ’s learn together etcetera 11

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12 etcetera

editors.etcetera@gmail.com

Aller se chercher un croissant à la boulangerie.

Go and get yourself a croissant at the bakery.

Faire du lèche-vitrine en ligne.

Window-shop online.

Téléphoner à une personne qu’on aime ou organiser un rendez-vous vidéo avec elle sur Skype.

Call someone you love or arrange a video appointment with them on Skype.

Faire du « home staging » avec une pièce de la maison.

Do home staging with a room of the house.

Regarder par la fenêtre et contempler la nature.

Look out of the window and contemplate nature.

Faire le tri dans ses photos.

Sort through your photos.

Planifier ses prochaines vacances au soleil.

Plan your next holiday in the sun.

Ouvrez les rideaux pour laisser entrer la lumière naturelle.

Open the curtains to let in natural light.

Faire une routine beauté : bain, manucure, masque pour cheveux.

Make a beauty routine: bath, manicure, hair mask.

Faire du bénévolat.

Become a volunteer.

Apprendre ou perfectionner une langue étrangère, pourquoi pas le français !

Learn or perfect a foreign language; why not French!

Et le plus important… faites-vous plaisir !

And the most important… indulge yourself!

food

By Beli n

da Prin ce

Hello from the accidental Chatelaine!

I love to cook at any opportunity and delighted to be able to share that love with you

Chateau Kitchen www.chateaumareuil.com

Christmas Traditions THIS IS GOING TO BE A VERY DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS. WELL, CERTAINLY FOR ME. FOR A START, IT WILL BE THE FIRST EVER SPENT HERE IN FRANCE, WHICH IS A GOOD THING OF COURSE, BUT ALSO THE FIRST EVER WITHOUT FAMILY – SO A LANDMARK AND I HOPE ONE THAT’S NEVER REPEATED

F

or all the years my parents were alive, we spent Christmas together, I couldn’t have imagined being without them. Our children are all grown up now and we are grandparents, Christmas is our very precious family together time when Lee and I travel back to Kent to be with them, but not this year. I know I’m not alone; there will be many of us unable to spend precious time with loved ones this year because of the global pandemic, let’s hope and pray it’s the last time.

or his homeland ever again. In 1948, Jan met my Mother at a dance at the NAAFI club in Devises, Wiltshire; they married on June 24th 1950 and the rest is history.

With this history, you can imagine how Jan was often homesick, never more so than at Christmas when he instigated our family tradition of celebrating Christmas “Polish Style” on Christmas Eve - Wigilia.

Wigilia - think of the word “vigil” - means “waiting” and it’s the anticipation of Christ’s birth that is all important.

Christmas is a time for memories, Typically, in Poland, this is a huge affair tradition and nostalgia and here is taste of what Christmas means with the evening meal In the past, the meal to me. being of tremendous significance. In the past, would have comprised My dear Father, Jan twelve meatless courses the meal would have Jablonski, was Polish. He comprised twelve meatless came to England in 1947 to represent the courses to represent the following an incredible twelve apostles twelve apostles; nowadays wartime journey from his however, three or four, home (now in Ukraine), thankfully, is more usual! Another which started in September 1939 when he tradition is to make an extra place-setting and many other young men of his generation were taken captive and held for the "unexpected guest", to celebrate prisoner in a Russian Gulag in Siberia. hospitality. A well loved mantra, so Tragically, only 1 in 10 captives survived typically Polish, is “Guest in the house, this cruel experience of hard labour and God in the house”. virtual starvation. Following his release The feasting follows a day of abstinence after 2 years, his odyssey continued with and traditionally begins once the First Star comrades through Iran and Iraq, Egypt, has been sighted. Christmas in Poland is Palestine and Italy where he saw active also sometimes called "Gwiazdka", which service at the famous battle of Monte means "little star". Grace is said and then Cassino as a member of the 2nd Polish the “Christmas Wafer” Oplatek is broken Corp under General Wladislaw Anders. and shared to symbolise the gift of daily Tragically, he was never to see his parents

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas

bread and wishing each other blessings for the coming year.

The meal begins with a soup, either Barszcz with Uszka (tortellini), or a clear wild mushroom soup Grzybowa, followed by herring in different forms. Fish provides the main dish of the Christmas Eve feast across Poland. There are variations of carp fillet, carp in aspic, gefilte fish (Jewish-style carp), with onions, carrots, almonds and raisins.

Accompaniments consist of cabbage, cooked red or sauerkraut with apple salad.

The bread served at the meal is often Challah, doubtless borrowed from Poland's centuries-long Jewish fellow countrymen. Sometimes, Pierogi filled with cheese and potatoes as well mushrooms and cabbage are served, also stuffed cabbage rolls made with mushrooms and rice, Golabki. Then there is an array of desserts, including dried fruit compote, cheesecakes or poppy seed cakes, Babka, Makowiec, and other delicacies including edible Christmas ornaments.

Our little family would hold our own Wigilia, trying to follow the old traditions as closely as possible with my poor mother attempting to cook the Polish dishes as well as my paternal grandmother! We would finish the evening by singing old Polish Christmas Carols and eventually, some English ones entered our repertoire as we children grew older. To this day, I cannot hear those old melodies without the tears starting to fall.

I too had started to carry on the Wigilia tradition with my own family, although Christmas Day would also be celebrated with the usual turkey fest! So, I hope, that given the current situation, with many of us being apart from loved ones at this special time, you’ll indulge my culinary trip down memory lane.

etcetera 13

food Polish Beetroot Soup ( Barszcz ) Serves 4-6 Traditionally eaten on Christmas Eve and delicious with rye bread.

900g uncooked beetroots, peeled 2 carrots, peeled 2 celery sticks 40g butter 2 onions, sliced 2 garlic cloves, crushed 4 tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped 1 bay leaf 1 large sprig of parsley 2 cloves 4 whole peppercorns 1.2 ltr vegetable stock 150ml beetroot kvas, see note* Sour cream or crème fraîche and chopped fresh chives or dill to serve

*kvas is fermented beetroot juice which adds colour and tartness to the soup - you can make it yourself. Peel and grate 1 beetroot, add 150ml of vegetable stock and 2 tsp lemon juice, bring to the boil, turn off the heat, cover and leave for 30 minutes. You could also use the liquid from a jar of pickled beetroot.

1. Cut the beetroot, carrot and celery into fairly large strips. Melt the butter in a large pan and cook the onions over a low heat for about 5 mins, stirring occasionally.

2. Add the beetroot, carrot and celery and cook for a further 5 minutes, stirring occasionally 3. Add the garlic and chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook, stirring for another 2 minutes.

4. Make a bouquet garni with the bay leaf, parsley, cloves and peppercorns and add to the pan with the stock or simply add them to the pan and remove later.

Serves approximately 6 Dough: 500g plain flour (farine de blé) ½ tsp salt 2 eggs, beaten 3 tbsp vegetable oil 250ml warm water

Mushroom Pierogi Originating from old Slavic folk cuisine, Pierogi (stuffed dumplings) are a quintessential Polish comfort food and can be stuffed with meat, potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut, mushrooms, or fruit..

Mushrooms are my favourite filling.

Delicious served with golden sautéed onions and crème fraîche or finely chopped crispy fried bacon. Either way, sprinkled with dill (the essence of Polish food in my opinion), they make a delicious snack or main.

Saturdays & Sundays, 9am to 11am:

Full English Breakfasts

Filling: 200g chestnut mushrooms, shiitake or wild mushrooms 50g dried porcini mushrooms 1-2 well flavoured onions 2 garlic cloves 1 tbsp chopped parsley 25g butter olive oil salt and pepper 1. Sift the flour into a bowl, make a well and add egg, salt, oil and some water.

Stir together gradually, incorporating the flour into the well until a soft dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and

5. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 1 ¼ hrs or until the vegetables are very tender. Discard the bouquet garni or remove the aromats with a spoon.

6. Stir in the beetroot kvas and season well.

knead, adding only as much additional flour as needed to keep dough from sticking, until smooth and elastic. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature at least 30 minutes.

2. Cover the dried porcini mushrooms with boiling water and allow to stand until cool.

3. Chop the onion and gently fry in a mixture of butter and olive oil until soft.

4. Slice fresh mushrooms and add to the onion with chopped garlic and fry until starting to brown. Allow to cool.

Place the mushroom mixture in a food processor, and pulse until finely chopped. Set aside.

5. Transfer to a pan to dry off the mixture, adding parsley, salt and pepper to taste.

6. Roll out some of the dough thinly and cut out circles approximately 6cm in

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14 etcetera

food Polish Style Baked Cheesecake Serves 8 A traditional baked cheesecake; this could be made without the pastry in a well greased tin for a lighter dessert.

Pre-heat the oven to 160º fan 1 pack of readymade short crust pastry ½ egg white, stirred Filling 50g butter (room temperature) 50g caster sugar 450g fromage blanc or cottage cheese (sieved) 2 large eggs, beaten 100g raisins 25g ground almonds 1 lemon, zested & juiced 25g brown sugar (cassonade)

2. Place the butter and caster sugar in a bowl and cream together until light and fluffy. Add the cheese and continue beating until soft, then beat in the remaining ingredients one at a time, except the brown sugar (cassonade).

1. Use the pastry to line an 18cm loosebottomed cake tin. Trim the edge, then brush all over with the egg white. Chill in the fridge while you prepare the filling.

7. To form dumplings, place a teaspoon of the filling toward the front of a circle of pierogi dough. Moisten the edges of the dough with water, and fold in half around the filling to form a semicircle, firmly pinching the edges closed. Set aside on a lightly floured baking sheet.

8. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and add half the pierogi. Boil gently until they float to the surface, about 2 minutes. Continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes. Drain, and repeat with remaining pierogi.

Serve immediately with finely chopped crispy fried bacon or golden sautéed onions and sour cream.

4. Remove from the oven and leave until cold before serving.

1. Pour the tea and juice over the dried fruit and leave to steep for 1 ½ days.

Add the banana and lemon zest. Leave for a couple more hours, add the chopped/roasted nuts and serve with cream or crème fraîche if desired.

Winter Fruit Salad Serves 6-8 A traditional Christmas Eve (wigilia) dessert, originally was made with 12 different dried fruits to represent the 12 apostles 250g mixed dried fruit (apples, pears etc) 250g dried apricots 250g dried figs 125g raisins 1 ltr jasmine tea (or similar) 250ml apple juice 2 bananas, chopped 1 lemon, zested 50g almonds, chopped 50g pine nuts, toasted

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diameter or use a pierogi/empanada maker. Wrap any remaining dough in cling film to prevent it drying out.

3. Spoon the filling into the pastry lined tin and sprinkle with the brown sugar

(cassonade). Stand the pan on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 50 minutes until the filling is set.

Leave to cool slightly, then remove the tin carefully from the sides of the cheesecake and return to the oven for a further 10 minutes until golden brown.

Belinda and Lee Prince - www.chateaumareuil.com Château Mareuil, Mareuil, 86290 Brigueil-le-Chantre etcetera 15

business SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE

Cotisation foncière des entreprises (CFE)

LINDSEY QUERIAUD OWNER: CAST T: 05 45 84 14 94 lindseyqueriaud@outlook.com

E

very November when writing my article for December, I try to find a different subject. However, I find that I am always drawn back to writing about the CFE, as every year I have so many small business owners asking questions.

This Year’s Change Certain communes for COVID reasons, have decided to not enforce the CFE bill, so check on the site to see if that is the case for your commune: https://www.collectiviteslocales.gouv.fr/files/files/finances_locales /modele_deliberation/delib_cfe_covid19_ com_20200918.pdf Important for Very Small Businesses For those businesses with less than 5 000 euros turnover per annum, they are now exempt from CFE. So check on line to see if your bill is zero.

Principle The cotisation foncière des entreprises (CFE) is one of the 2 components of the economic territorial contribution (CET) with the la cotisation sur la valeur ajoutée des entreprises (CVAE). Unlike the professional tax, from which it gets most of its rules, the CFE is based solely on property subject to taxe foncière. This tax is payable in each municipality where the business has premises and land.

Businesses concerned The CFE is due by companies or small business owners who perform habitual self-employed professional activities, regardless of their legal status, their business or their fiscal structure.

Businesses which provide property rentals (apart from those who are empty and rented out for homes) are affected by the CFE, even those who previously had the right to an exception as furnished tourist rental included in the main residence of the owner will find they have a bill, if not classified. There are certain businesses that are permanently exonerated from paying this tax, such as mobile hairdressers, so you can always check with the tax office.

Calculation and tax base The rate of the CFE is determined by the commune or the Communauté des Communes in which property is situated and is based on the rental value of properties used by the company for the purposes of its activity.

Minimum contribution - When the rental value is very low, a minimum contribution sum is established by the commune. The amount varies depending on the total turnover. Those businesses working out of their home are generally given the minimum contribution to pay.

With the CFE bill is added the taxes linked, for those businesses who are not micro entrepreneurs, to the functioning of the Chambre de Commerce and the Chambre de Métiers. This can increase your bill by between 90 and 200 euros for small businesses.

Tourist rentals businesses classified Meublés de Tourisme There are rights to exoneration from the CFE for B&B businesses or gîtes that have been classified. I have talked about the classification system in previous articles.

▪ have terrestrial wind, solar or hydro installation with 100 kW of minimum power.

For new businesses The CFE is due by businesses which are active on 1st January of the year, so newly created (including the new micro/ auto entrepreneurs) businesses are not subject to it in the year of their creation. Then, for the 1st year of taxation, they benefit from a reduction of half of the tax base.

For those businesses situated in certain geographical zones or certain industries, who produce accounts, there exist further exemptions for the first three years and then partial reductions for up to a maximum of 15 years.

The business creator or purchaser must file a form 1447-C-SD, before the 31st December of the year of its first year, so that the elements of tax for the following year are established.

Payment Since 1st October 2014, businesses no longer receive their tax bill directly by post. This is because they must be consulted and paid via an online pro tax account.

The CFE bill must be paid in total before 15th December each year, net of any deposit paid on the 15th June (where applicable).

▪ online payment via the online tax account ▪ prélèvement mensuel - monthly direct debit (possible inscription until 30th November)

Declaration - There are no annual declarations to return.

However, a statement 1447-M must be filed before the 2nd working day following 1st May by companies that: ▪ demand to benefit from an exemption

▪ want to report a change in use or modification of the surface of the property subject to the CFE.

▪ prélèvement à l'échéance (payment on final date) ▪

or a one off direct debit by card via the impôts website.

Turnover or Sales Reference : site Service Public

Minimum Base (CFE based on 2020 reference)

Less than 5000 €

Zero

Between 5000 & 10 000 €

Between 223 € & 531 €

Between 10 001 € & 32 600 €

Between 231 € & 1061 €

Between 32 601 € & 100 000 €

Between 218 € & 2229 €

Between 100 001 € & 250 000 €

Between 218 € & 3716 €

Between 250 001 € & 500 000 €

Between 218 € & 5307 €

From 500 001 €

Between 218 € & 6901 €

16 etcetera

business NEW LAW ON CANCELLING HEALTH TOP-UP INSURANCE

A

t last, we can now cancel top-up health insurance without having to wait for its anniversary date.

With some of them you had to send a registered letter 2 months prior to this anniversary date, so this is a big relief!

An MP called Gilles Le Gendre and some of his colleagues came up with a new law back in February 2019 (yes, it takes that long for laws to come into place!). This text has finally been accepted and is coming into force from 01/12/2020! It is called Loi 2019-733 du 14 Juillet 2019, and it states that you can cancel your topup health insurance at any time as long as you have had the contract at least one full year.

So, this is an opportunity for me to reexplain how to cancel insurance in France.

Note also that in France, insurance contracts are renewed automatically.

I know, in England, you just phone them and tell them you want to cancel and that is it! But surprise, surprise, you are in France and we like paperwork! So, here is an explanation of how to cancel your insurance.

1.

Anniversary date / Date d’échéance:

The important thing to find out about your insurance contract is the “date d’échéance” which is the anniversary date of your contract. Be careful as sometimes some companies will automatically put 1st of January as an anniversary date, so it is not always the date when you took out the contract originally. You should find this date on the original contract you signed or on the renewal notice you receive once a year. Normally, when you take out any insurance, it is for one year minimum (there are exceptions - see section 4). So, you need to see it through until the anniversary date. Before the Loi Hamon, the only way you could cancel was by sending a registered letter 2 months prior to the anniversary date saying you wish to stop the insurance on its next anniversary (in 2 months)! Be careful, with some

INSURANCE

ISABELLE WANT

health top-up insurance it can even be 3 months!

The other way is called LOI CHATEL and with this method you had 20 days from receiving the renewal notice to send a registered letter saying you wish to stop the insurance. Do note that some companies actually send the renewal notice at the last minute, even sometimes after the actual renewal date so you think it is too late! But it is the date on the envelope (post office stamp) that counts and not the date on the letter so always keep the envelope when you choose this method. This method does not work for professional insurance such as public liability or decennale insurance or even with some health top-up. It always works for cars and houses.

2.

LOI HAMON and New law for health top-up:

Since January 2015, you can cancel your car and house insurance anytime you want as long as you have had the contract at least one year. From 1st December 2020, you can also do it for top-up health insurance.

This new law does not work for professional insurance.

3.

How to cancel using loi Hamon:

a.i) House insurance as an owner and top-up health insurance: You simply have to notify your insurer with a letter and the cancellation will be effective one month and 3 days after receiving the letter (email is possible if you can be identified properly with it). You can also ask your new insurer to do it on your behalf. We prefer to do it for you so we are sure it is done properly, not that we don’t trust you, but we prefer to make sure!! a.ii) Car and house (as a lodger) insurance: The cancellation must be done by your new insurer! Hopefully ME!! Because car insurance and house insurance for lodgers are a legal obligation - the French

BH ASSURANCES government decided not to trust people!

Therefore, to make sure that they are still insured, the cancellation can only be made by their new insurer.

4.

Exceptions:

Obviously, they are exceptions which allow you to stop your insurance without using the methods above. If you sell your car, you can cancel the insurance by showing your certificate of sale (certificate de cession de vehicle can be downloaded from the internet) and the insurance will stop on the date on the proof of sale (and you get reimbursed). If you sell the car abroad, always get a proof of sale of some sort. Without paperwork, it is illegal for an insurance company to stop a car insurance contract before its anniversary date! If the car stops working, proof from the garage or mechanic can do (it does with us). If you move back to the UK, we need proof of insurance from the UK. If you sell your house, you can stop the house insurance with the paperwork given to you by the Notaire on the day of the sale.

For the health top-up, it can be stopped if you move abroad and stop being covered by the French system. In this case, they can issue you a letter saying you are not in the French system anymore and the insurance is stopped. Otherwise, proof from the UK showing that you are covered under the UK system should be enough or with us (because we are nice), proof of UK address.

For professional insurance, you can cancel with proof from RSI or MSA saying you have shut down the business. Otherwise you can only cancel with a 2 months’ notice prior to the anniversary date.

Basically, when there is nothing to be insured and you can prove it, the insurance can be stopped.

Isabelle Want Mob•: 06 17 30 39 11 / Email•:isabelle.want@bh-assurances.fr N° Orias 07021727/16005974 22 rue Jean Jaures 16700 Ruffec Tél:+33 (0)5 45 31 01 61

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etcetera 17

business FINANCE

HELEN BOOTH INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISER deVere France

W

ell… another year has flown by, and you are no doubt gearing up for the Christmas festivities. But as previous years pale in comparison, 2020 will do anything but as we look back over it. And it certainly goes without any real need of saying that 2020 has been an unforgettable year for us all. Especially with so much happening in the world that we as individuals had no control over.

Covid 19 has dominated the news and our lives causing impact on our families, health, travelling, holidays, day to day living and working, and it continues to alongside the pressure it has placed on economies and stock markets the world over. Therefore, I hope with all sincerity, that everyone who is reading this has managed to stay safe throughout, and able

18 etcetera

An Unforgettable Year to look after yourselves personally, as well as your loved ones.

perhaps have more time to yourself, now is a good time to reflect on your own financial goals and how all of the above has impacted you – but more importantly amid so much uncertainty, what you can do about it and what you would like to see happen next year regarding your own financial health.

To the relief of many, the loom of Brexit is finally over, and at the time of writing this article Boris Johnson has announced that “Britain should now brace themselves for a no deal Brexit.” With this news it will be interesting to see what Now is a good time to There are steps you can take the impact of this will reflect on your own immediately to help you achieve have on the British, the better currency rates, see more financial goals country, and all those growth on your hard earned affected further afield. savings, and protect the pensions you have (if they are still in the UK). These steps The US elections have taken place (the can help make sure that all of your deadline for all state recounts and court financial goals are still on track. contests over results must be completed by the 8th December). The virus, the bush Once the festivities are over and the last fires in Australia, unemployment en mass mince pie has been eaten, why not do the world over, Trump's impeachment something for yourself and your family’s trials, the 2020 Olympics delayed until future. Make a New Year's resolution with 2021, to name just a few, will collectively longevity, by booking an appointment to warrant good reason to mark the year receive a thorough review of your 2020 as an unsettling and historically situation from an independent and unprecedented one. qualified financial adviser.

So, as you get ready for Christmas and the New Year with your loved ones, and

Here is wishing everyone a very happy Christmas and New Year.

business

How You Can Support Small Business in Challenging Times

W

hat a challenging year it has been!

And one that hopefully has a glimmer of hope as we wind down on 2020. We have seen many businesses affected at various stages of the year. Now, as we head into the festive part of the year we see more sectors impacted by the lockdown. For many small businesses, this time of year is a top-selling opportunity which has been severely impacted.

And many consumers are well aware of the challenges small businesses owners are facing and want to do their bit to help.

They want to see small businesses survive beyond 2020. And let’s not forget consumers have been affected by these challenges, the economic pendulum affects how and where people spend their money. Together we can all do our bit.

Thanks to technology some have been able By shopping with local small businesses in to pivot quickly over recent months. More your area not only are you supporting a updated and created websites, more livelihood, you get a much more participate on social media platforms and personalised shopping more connection experience from them, with their which may not always be customers Somehow, small businesses the case when purchasing through email are digging deep and doing from bigger online giants. and telephone their best to survive!

A small business owner is conversations much more likely to be at and messaging the end of the phone or platforms. And their email. recently the introduction of click & collect services and Here’s how you can support your favourite streamlined payment services. Somehow, and local small businesses during these small businesses are digging deep and exceptional circumstances, and beyond. doing their best to survive!

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TONY FARRELL INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL ADVISER The Spectrum IFA Group, with over 20 years’ experience advising expatriates throughout Europe on all aspects of financial planning T: 05 55 89 57 94 E: tony.farrell@spectrum-ifa.com TSG Insurance Services S.A.R.L. Siège Social: 34 Bd des Italiens, 75009 Paris. R.C.S. Paris B 447 609 108 (2003B04384). Société de Courtage d’assurances. Intermédiaire en opération de Banque et Services de Paiement. Numéro d’immatriculation 07 025 332 – www.orias.fr Conseiller en investissements financiers, référencé sous le numéro E002440 par ANACOFI-CIF, association agréée par l’Autorité des Marchés Financiers

Advertise Your Business Call Sam or Gayle on 05 16 32 13 42 or email: editors.etcetera@gmail.com etcetera 19

health

YOUR ADVENT COUNTDOWN DO ONE THING EVERYDAY AND IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER! ▪ SMILE OR LAUGH It has been a strange year so find something to be positive about and smile or watch a comedy and laugh!

▪ COOK SOMETHING

EXOTIC Make something out of your comfort zone. Who knows where your senses might take you.

▪ HYDRATE! There will be plenty of opportunities for drinking so make sure you make plenty of time for water too, and plenty of it.

▪ STRETCH YOUR BODY! Preferably when you wake up if not then, then make sure you do it before bed.

▪ EAT A FILLING BREAKFAST Set yourself up with intention for the day and go about your day on a full tummy (until lunch of course).

▪ EXERCISE! Make some time to sweat. Get your blood pumping a bit.

▪ DANCE LIKE NO ONE IS

WATCHING Really let yourself go to the music. It does wonders for your soul.

▪ KEEP A CHECK ON YOUR

FINANCES Don’t get yourself into too much financial difficulties over the festive period. For the mental load more than anything else.

▪ TAKE A DEEP BREATH

AND EXHALE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN Do this 3 times.

▪ REVIEW YOUR Let go of any that aren’t fulfilling and embrace those that fill you up with joy and laughter.

CHRISTMAS PRESENT! I know Christmas is about giving, but don’t forget yourself too.

▪ HAVE A GLASS OF WINE Because it’s pleasant and enjoyable!

▪ EAT SOME CAKE! Don’t forget to live a little and have some fun! Eat some cake and don’t feel guilty.

▪ MINDFUL LIVING Our planet is a beautiful creation, let’s treat it accordingly. Enjoy its beauty

This is my last article for etcetera magazine as I finish with the fitness side of my business and concentrate my efforts on deep tissue massage.

I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to read or reply to my articles and to everyone who has reached out to make

20 etcetera

By Saski Ford

email: saskiford@yahoo.com www.limelightfitness.wordpress.com

and let’s not take it for granted.

▪ HAVE A GOOD CRY! Release whatever is stuck inside. Many people will be without loved ones this year, so cry it out before Christmas so it doesn’t consume your day and you can remember them with love and joy.

▪ GIVE YOURSELF A

COMPLIMENT I know you have it in you. So be kind to yourself.

▪ CALL A FRIEND OR

LOVED ONE Tell them you’ve been thinking about them and wanted to check in.

▪ LIMIT SCREEN TIME

RELATIONSHIPS

▪ GIVE SOMEONE A COMPLIMENT! Brighten up someone else’s day.

▪ TREAT YOURSELF TO A

Saski owns and runs Limelight Fitness and is a personal trainer and sports massage practitioner

appointments to work with me. It means the world. And last but of course no means least, a huge thank you to Gayle and Sam for giving me the platform to reach a wider audience.

Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

Saski

FOR YOURSELF Can you go one day without your phone? The world will still be waiting when you reconnect. Take some much needed time away from social media and look around you.

▪ ASK FOR HELP Stop being so stubborn. Work on your strengths and get help with your weaknesses. You will thank yourself you did.

▪ MOISTURISE! Your skin is the biggest organ we have. Treat it.

▪ SLEEP Your body needs this vital source of regeneration. Make sure it’s good quality and at least 7-8 hrs unbroken.

▪ VEGGIES & FRUIT Find hacks that work for you to get as much into your diet as you can.

▪ WALK IN NATURE FOR AT

LEAST 20 MINUTES Your mind and your body will thank you.

health BY

MICHAEL WILLIAM PARK

HAIRDRESSER ANNETTE VAN ES Chez Martin 16150 Pressignac For an appt please contact: 05.45.71.56.02 06.50.23.61.37 annette.vanes@orange.fr

Hair designer with many years’ experience, including the Vidal Sassoon team.

My salon is based in the heart of Le Dorat in the Limousin.

19 Place Charles de Gaulle. 87210 Le Dorat

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FIT FOR LIFE www.fitforlife.one

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etcetera 21

health

If you end up being alone, accept it as it is without judgment. Not being with loved ones this Christmas does not mean that no one cares or that you will always be on your own. (You might even enjoy it!)

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year THIS CHRISTMAS IS GOING TO BE VERY DIFFERENT FOR MOST OF US

C

hristmas is a special time for most excitement of watching the children & grandchildren surreptitiously write their people regardless of race, creed or lists, hide the presents they have made for colour but as we head towards the festive others and prepare for a visit from Father season of 2020 it seems as though all the Christmas simply adds to the magic of the familiar sights and sounds have been season for parents and grandparents alike. distorted through the lens of an unwelcome pandemic. Indeed, 2020 could Of course Christmas can be stressful at not have been further times. Who should we invite from ‘normal’ so far!

Anxiety itself can invoke for dinner? Will the turkey be Rumours concerning cooked to perfection? Is there invasive thoughts, mind the ‘virus’ began in enough wine in the cellar? worms that tunnel into spring, we spent the However, this year, people our heads and simply summer in lockdown around the world are feeling to avoid its assault will not go away anxious for much bigger and again we find reasons. Do we see our ourselves with our lives continuing to be family, or should we isolate? I cannot disrupted most probably understand the restrictions - why is this throughout winter. fair? This leads to anxiety/fear/anger and many other emotions.

We think of Christmas as a time for long overdue family get-togethers with lots of fun, food and good cheer. The vicarious

26 22 etcetera

We need to recognise these emotions and accept that it is normal to feel this way

when thinking about Covid-19 and how our ‘normal normal’ seems a distant memory and the ‘new normal’ an uncomfortable fit, leading perhaps to a feeling of anxiety and gloom.

Anxiety is part of what makes us human – it is that fight or flight response to the unexpected and unknown. But we do need to be mindful of what is a normal level of anxiety and when it is considered a problem - when it affects your day-to-day life e.g. you want to stay in bed rather than going out, the wine bottle seems like a friend to confide in, you don’t want to talk to people…

A problem many people find is that anxiety itself can invoke invasive thoughts, mind worms that tunnel into our heads and simply will not go away.

This is not abnormal, it is a human response to the stimulus of anxiety and

health You can virtually connect with loved ones this year over the holidays

By Jill M

artin

Jillian Martin MSc is a qualified and accredited counsellor. Jill started her counselling career in 2006 for the charity MIND & IAPT (NHS) - She is an experienced mental health practitioner and counsellor living in the Vienne Spending time in nature can help relieve stress and anxiety and can improve your mood

requires recognition and dispersal.

Remember, your mind is not always your friend.

simple things. It has the effect of reducing stress and helping us to feel grounded.

You could try to take a walk outside, notice the things around you and feel thankful To deal with invasive thoughts, we need to for them. Feeling thankful is difficult when try to help ourselves daily by not letting everything around you seems to be up in anxiety build up to toxic levels. We can the air, but it works a treat! Nature is help ourselves in numerous ways. For especially beautiful at this example, we could time of year – there are lots take time out Feeling thankful is difficult of colours and it is to practice when everything around you sometimes easier to see mindfulness. wildlife than at other times Mindfulness is a seems to be up in the air of the year. Sometimes it is type of meditation just a case of taking a step in which you focus back, giving yourself time to on being intensely aware of what you are breathe and thinking of happier times sensing and feeling in the moment, to come. without interpretation or judgement. It sounds strange, but it only really involves “Mindfulness is simply being aware of breathing methods and guided imagery to what is happening right now, without wishing it were different; enjoying the help you reflect and be grateful for the

pleasant without holding on when it changes (which it will); being with the unpleasant without fearing it will always be this way (which it won’t)” - James Baraz However you choose to deal with the world we are in, just try to remember that the sun is still shining and will eventually come out from behind the clouds. You do not need to overreact to the rain, while you still might take appropriate actions to stay dry. And even if you do get wet, it is not that a big deal, you will dry out and carry on.

NB. If you do feel that you are constantly ‘under a cloud’ during these strange times and cannot see a way out, please contact me for a chat (Roots Counselling, page 21). There is no charge for a chat and you never know, we might find you a path.

etcetera 23

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50€ -60€ A good pair of secateurs or pruners are an indispensable tool for gardeners

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Gifts For The Gardener

By Caroline Wright

Caroline has been a lecturer in horticulture for 20 years and is now running a nursery and 'garden craft' courses in the Haute-Vienne at Le jardin creatif lejardincreatif.net

LOOKING FOR SOME SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT TO BUY A KEEN GARDENER? THESE GIFTS OPTIONS ARE CERTAIN TO BE WELL RECEIVED

I

n my previous role as course leader for the National Diploma in Horticulture, each new year brought a budding cohort of gardeners eager to start a new career in horticulture. Over the first few weeks we would issue booklists and demonstrate professional tools and equipment and by the end of the first half term everyone would have a lengthy wish list to send to Santa. Looking back at the most popular items, I have put together a selection of the top 5 Christmas present ideas for beginners and experienced gardeners alike, that I have recommended over the years.

The Number 1 book for everybody with a love of plants and a must. The RHS A-Z Encyclopaedia of Garden Plants. This two volume set of books is a comprehensive reference for over 15,000 plants giving detailed guidance on how to identify each species, their decorative attributes, hardiness, planting preferences, cultivation, propagation and pruning information. For all gardeners and plant lovers this is the definitive ‘Bible’ and an invaluable addition to their bookshelf. With beautiful colour photographs and botanical descriptions, it is one of the best ways to enhance your plant knowledge. ISBN-10 : 9780241239124 Secateurs are the most useful gardening tool and all serious gardeners should always carry a quality pair around. There are lots of different types and makes on the market to suit different budgets but my advice would be spend as much as you can afford. The main difference is the quality of the steel used in the blades and the working parts. Good quality secateurs should be fully serviceable so that all parts can be cleaned, oiled, tightened and the blades sharpened. The quality of the steel

techniques and timings for a vast range of makes a huge difference to the longevity of plants. Thoroughly recommended! the blades; softer metal looses its cutting edge more quickly and is easily damaged.

Trees. Trees are an investment in the My preference is for Felco secateurs, they future and when they are given as a gift come in a range of sizes and you can buy they become a living memory of an event, replacement parts so that you can always a person or a special date – or all three! maintain your trusty pair. They have Planting trees enhances the environment bright red handles so are easily found if aesthetically and increases biodiversity as you have mislaid them in the garden well as air quality and soil stabilisation. (avoid buying secateurs with green There are many decorative trees to choose handles, you will never spot them!) I use from, some suitable for smaller gardens their No. 6 pair; it is a good choice for such as Malus x floribunda, Sorbus people with small hands and has a small cashmiriana, Amelanchier canadensis to blade for fine pruning (I believe that their bigger specimens such as Liriodendron latest equivalent is tulipifera and No 16). They also Liquidambar styraciflua. do large pairs, For all gardeners and plant There is also a wide choice professional, of fruit and nut trees lovers this is the definitive standard and suitable for gardens of all ‘Bible’ and an invaluable economy pairs as sizes and most will give a addition to their bookshelf well as a leftdecorative display of handed option. blossom alongside the promise of spring and a crop of tasty fruits Another invaluable pruning related tool is in the autumn. Apples, pears, apricots, a good quality folding pruning saw. figs, cherries, almonds and walnuts all do Safe and easy to carry around they have a well in the lovely long seasons here. specialist blade for cutting both fresh and dry wood, the blade folds away when not in use. Great for pruning branches up to 10cm in diameter, they are nifty and easy to use. Quality brands include ‘Felco’ and ‘Silky’ – again these have blades that can be replaced and are fully serviceable.

RHS Guide to Pruning and Training (there is a theme going here!). One of the most frequent questions that I get is ‘how do I prune this plant’ …. (and I have to say that my pet hate is to see badly pruned plants, shrubs and especially trees). Many of us have ornamental trees and shrubs, orchards and fruit bushes, climbers and vines that all have a bewildering range of different pruning techniques. This book gives extensive guidance on tools,

For someone who has everything you can always give the gift of learning. While books are excellent for reference and give easy access to descriptions and diagrams it is always valuable to have hands on guidance and practical experience. At Le Jardin Créatif we run a range of courses from horticultural topics such as grafting, pruning, propagation, veg growing to ‘garden crafts’ where you can come along and make a garden feature or sculpture or create something bespoke to decorate your garden as a focal point. Check out our website for details of courses and gift vouchers. Our schedule for the coming season will be published in the New Year.

Visit our website: lejardincreatif.net

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DECEMBER IN THE GARDEN AT LAST WE’RE COMING TO THE END OF 2020, A YEAR THAT MOST OF US WILL BE GLAD TO SEE THE BACK OF. I HOPE THAT EVEN IF 2021 STARTS A BIT ‘ROCKY’ IT STARTS TO IMPROVE AND IS BETTER THAN MOST OF 2020 HAS BEEN!

L

ooking back over 2020 it has had many downs; if not fear, then great concern about Covid-19; very limited opportunity to see my beautiful grandchildren, and their parents of course, in the UK; long periods when social interaction has been very difficult; and for me personally no Open Gardens/Jardin Ouverts activity, no flower and plant fairs, no gardens to visit and enjoy and no opportunity to open my garden and welcome visitors. But, again for me personally, there has been an upside as I have had more time in decent weather to work in my garden and complete many jobs which had been ‘planned’, together with some completely new ideas that have been brought to fruition. But I’ll still stay up on 31st December to make sure this year does end and that we welcome 2021 with renewed hope and enthusiasm!

December is a good month to start pruning and it’s the time to plan and deliver some changes that will benefit next year’s fruit, flowers and colours. Winter pruning applies to woody deciduous trees, shrubs and hedges after the leaves have fallen, and you can see the structure defined by the branches – at this time of year you can actually see what you are

28 etcetera

doing! When you winter prune a woody plant bear in mind that ‘growth follows the knife’. There will be two certain outcomes from winter pruning; the first, the harder you cut, the stronger will be the subsequent growth; the second, any single stem you cut will respond by producing multiple stems when it regrows in the spring. So winter is the time to prune to stimulate vigorous new growth. If you want to prune to limit growth, perhaps to train into a specific shape, then prune in summer.

By Ronnie Ogier

Ronnie is a passionate gardener and now loves sharing her years of experience of success and failures in her own garden and sharing it with you.

Also a keen runner, having been bitten by the ‘Couch to 5K’ bug!

is just above a bud but sloping away from the bud in order to carry water away and prevent rotting.

The cold crisp days of winter are ideal for pruning apple and pear trees. For young trees, it is needed to encourage them to form a good shape – always aim for a goblet shape with no inward growing branches. For more mature trees, pruning will keep them healthy and ensure a good supply of fruit the following year. Start by standing back and taking a good look at the shape of the tree. Look for dead, Once trees, shrubs and hedges have lost diseased or damaged wood and remove their leaves they that first. Then look become dormant and for areas of the sap is no longer overcrowding, with I have made the mistake in rising. This means that branches that may the past of ‘knowing’ I’d cuts will not ‘bleed’ and be crossing or the plants will receive remember which was which, rubbing - these less of a shock to their but, come spring when I was should be removed systems. Wounds will replanting, I didn’t have a clue and thinned out. callous over and this Aim to get good air natural process should and light penetration happen before growth begins again in to the crown of the tree, and always cut spring. It is also important to make the back to strong mature wood. right basic cuts. Cutting too far from a bud The aim with shrubs and roses is similar will cause die-back between the cut and to that with trees, in that you want to end the bud below. Cutting too close to a bud will often damage the bud. The correct cut up with a good open shape - again start by

garden

And finally, pruning for colour and shape!

Some plants are grown for their colourful stems which often change colour during the first year of growth. For these cut back hard, almost to ground level, some of the older stems exposing the younger more brightly coloured ones. Other shrubs send up new growth from the base every year, and the whole shrub becomes overcrowded. For these plants cut back to ground level weak spindly stems, together with no more than a third of the older ones. The outcome of this treatment for

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winter moths climbing the trunks and laying their eggs in the branches. ● Keep inspecting stored fruit and vegetables and remove produce with any sign of rot. ● Give the greenhouse glazing a thorough clean and put up bubble wrap insulation, but do ventilate on warm days to prevent moulds becoming established. ● Give soil a boost – a mulch of manure or garden compost will improve the soil structure and also introduce valuable micro-organisms.

both these groups of plants will be refreshed energy and new growth in the spring.

Pruning can be intimidating but it is, in fact, a very forgiving activity. We’ve all made mistakes either by being over enthusiastic and cutting back too hard, or by not cutting enough and having little or no impact on the basic framework. But time will rectify these mistakes very quickly and you always get another chance next year!

And there are still a range of more standard ‘housekeeping’ jobs that should be done over the next few weeks: ● Increase your stock of plants by taking hardwood cuttings – all you need is a pair of secateurs and a large pot or spare piece of ground to develop a new plant, the same as the parent. Rooting will be slow, but they will start to grow in the spring. You can also take root cuttings from plants such as phlox, primulas and verbena. ● Plant out bare root shrubs and dormant fruit trees. ● Apply grease-bands to the trunks of fruit trees, to prevent wingless female

Check seed packets and make a planting plan for 2021. If seeds appear to be ‘out of date’ test a few on a piece of damp kitchen paper somewhere warm to see if any germinate. December is also a good month to go through your garden storage area checking, cleaning, repairing and replacing as necessary and, dare I say, getting rid of the old ‘treasures’ that you’ve stored and not used for years!! Before you go indoors, insulate outdoor taps and turn off the water at the mains.

And if all else fails, bring colour into the house with Christmas house plants and bulbs, pick up a gardening magazine or book and enjoy dreaming about 2021 in your garden. Happy Christmas!

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removing dead, diseased and damaged wood. Early in the winter cut back long growth on shrub roses to prevent windrock damage during the winter. The main pruning of these roses is traditionally done in February or March. Climbing roses produce vigorous main stems with flowers on the sideshoots, and with these the main task is to cut back the sideshoots on the main framework. Each main stem is useful for up to five years but in order to keep the plant flowering, try to remove one or two of the oldest main stems each year.

Ramblers are different, they need a twoyear cycle of growth for each main stem, after the second the stem should be removed from the base. On the first-year stems trim back the tip, to encourage flower-producing side-shoots in spring.

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farm life

Christmas Tree Farming IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A SEASONAL CASH CROP FOR YOUR SMALL ACREAGE, YOU COULD CONSIDER GROWING CHRISTMAS TREES

S

o it’s that time of year when, if you have not already bought, you are thinking of getting your Christmas tree.

This, when our children were younger, was always magical. Going out to our local farm, the children running around in their wellies, wrapped up warm, searching just about the whole farm for the perfect tree in shape, size, and colour. That day was always the highlight of the season. Once home, the smell of pine filled the house and the time spent dressing the tree was always wonderful. Covering it with sparkling lights and ornaments, passed down from Christmases past.

With people thinking more and more about the environment and using less plastic, the sales of real trees has increased, however don't think you will get rich fast on growing Christmas trees.

However, as a supplementary income, as a once a year cash crop, this could be a winner to a small holding, grown on the right kind of land, and sold direct to the public. Once planted the trees don’t need much work or attention until ready to cut.

A six foot tree can take up to eight years to grow so you’re not going to get rich overnight. It's recommended that you plant yearly allowing trees to grow, and leaving space for trees, when thinned out by sales, to mature in height and shape.

Planted on well-draining slightly acidic soil, and if possible a sheltered spot, they will do very well in full sun. Pruning the tree in to a good shape is recommended, and also possible during growth.

there is a wide range. However the one that we all seem to know about is the Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii.) This tree has a wonderful shape, fantastic colour, and needles which are less likely to drop, and the smell that fills the whole house, many reasons why it’s deservedly one of the most popular trees to buy. One of the best smelling trees has to be the Grand fir (Abies grandis). Its needles are softer to touch then some other trees and its smell will fill the house.

By Kare n

Luff

Karen with her husband John followed their dream and moved to Le Chataignier, a 400 year old house in the beautiful Mayenne region of France, with their five year old son.

Over 14 years later they have established a smallholding on the site.

Another popular tree is the Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris,) again for its shape and smell, and excellent soft green needles which stay on the branches even if the tree gets dry. No awful mess to clear up if you forget to water it with all the festivities going on.

There is a vast array of trees to choose from and the list goes on.

One way of keeping your tree fresh when you get it home, and over the holiday season, is to cut a couple of centimetres off, using the same principal as you would when you cut stems when buying flowers from the supermarket.

Norway spruce (Picea abies) is another of the more commonly known trees. It has a great scent but sadly A six foot tree can take is far quicker at up to eight years to grow losing its needles.

Like any plant, to keep it going longer, a stand with a well of water is a good idea so you’re not going to get and this should be topped The Fraser fir (Abies up daily. If you can keep rich overnight fraseri) has bicolour this up most trees will last a needles with a good four weeks. However a contrast of a deep good idea is to keep them green above, and silver below on the away from the fire. I always think of that needle. It has a good cone shape and has Christmas scene with Santa sitting in a stronger branches which will hold those chair next to an open fire with a tree next heavy ornaments. to him and think of the fire risk. Let’s stay safe this Christmas in more ways than one.

The Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana) Keeping away from any fire and heat has a dark green colour, and the needles source will keep the needles from on this tree again are slower to drop, but it dropping as well. will cost you more than the Norway spruce.

I hope this season brings you the joy of my memories putting our tree up with Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) has good needleour family. holding properties, a lovely pine fragrance, Have a wonderful Christmas. and the regular shape of a Norway spruce.

Growing one crop for just one point of the year is also risky. If autumn is late, and the tree has not gone in to dormancy (yes, evergreen don't lose their leaves and make a great show like other trees, however their needles do have a seasonal change) the tree will go into early needle drop which no one wants on the carpet. If this happens you could lose the faith of your customer base, and they may resort to leaving things to the last minute to buy, or worse decide on an artificial tree. However I am told that it can work very well running alongside a farm or smallholding, and can complement the main business of the farm encouraging people to see other produce and products you may have available, encouraging sales in other areas.

Denmark is of course the largest exporter of Christmas trees. Firs, spruce, or pine -

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angling

Great Escapes WE’VE BEEN A BIT DEPRIVED OF FISHING THIS YEAR, SO I HAVE FOUND THE NEXT BEST THING IS TO ESCAPE INTO THE WORLD OF BOOKS

By Clive Kenyon

W

ell, let’s get it over with – Merry Christmas! There. I’ve done it. Not that there has been much to be joyous about this year and it seems like it is Bleak Expectations every night on the telly. And that is just the news! So, how do we cheer ourselves up with all this uncertainty and gloom? What about a good read? That will get us over the winter period and in a better frame of mind for the spring which is just around the corner. Take my word for it.

short stories contained in the book are magical tales of high expectations and low achievements, observations on the countryside especially things of interest to the angler. We meet local anglers such as William Nelson who was an expert at minnow fishing for trout and consider Yorkshire grayling flies tied by Pritt. The chapter “Fishing in Lilliput” is all about catching the biggest fish from the smallest of waters. I defy anyone not to be enchanted by this book.

Reading about fishing is almost as good as doing it especially when the book inspires.

A lot of the fishing books I read have very little in them regarding tackle and tactics, but are more about the experiences enjoyed whilst fishing. It allows your mind to escape into someone elses experience.

Arthur Ransome was quite a character.

Locked in a loveless marriage he contrived to travel to Russia to study, found work as a journalist and was embroiled in the Russian political scene in the years leading up to The Great War during which he assisted the British Secret Services. He also wrote children’s stories including “Swallows and Amazons” and a weekly fishing column for the Manchester Guardian. Some of the articles were latterly compiled into a fishing book entitled “Rod and Line”. Ransome’s typical fishing day would have him marching down to the railway station dressed in brogues and breeches suitable for wading. He would take the train to Appleby-in-Westmoreland where he took breakfast at a local hostelry and obtained a packed lunch to eat later. He then walked to the river and spent his day fly-fishing for trout and grayling.

The

Another inspirational author who doesn’t brag about how many fish he caught despite catching a lot of fish is Zane Grey.

Like Ransome, Grey is better known for his non-fishing books, in the case of Zane Grey it is Western novels that gave him fame and fortune. Grey was quite a character. Initially failing time and time again to get his novels published he eventually had one accepted and ended up Clive Gammon was known as a sea angler as one of the most wealthy men in and famous for his catches of large bass America. What he earned writing cowboy from the Atlantic storm beaches of the books he spent fishing. “Tales of south of Ireland. But there was more to Freshwater Fishing” follows a young, Gammon than that and his book “I Know a naïve angler fishing his local rivers with Good Place” takes us all over the world in rudimentary tackle and simple methods. search of specimen fish in fresh and salt He is often joined by water. You could his brother and rivalry Initially failing time and time again get some good is rife. As the book ideas for your goes on the fishing to get his novels published he own personal matures and becomes eventually had one accepted and ‘Bucket List’ more exciting. Every from this book. ended up as one of the most wealthy year Grey would take men in America The Welsh a small party of company Cochanglers to the y-Bonddu Books has a vast selection of mountain rivers of Colorado to fish for new and pre-owned fishing books and old steelhead trout. Steelheads are sea-going magazines of all genres and these can be rainbow trout and the expeditions purchased online and dispatched to your involved hitching a lift on a logging train, letter box. There are other specialist hiking through the woods and spending companies that deal in niche interests for several weeks living in tents, eating what collectors or historians. The Medlar Press they caught and shot and generally having company is a good place to discover these a wonderful time. Grey’s immense wealth sort of books and for those who like a allowed him to indulge in big game fishing bargain and don’t mind rummaging for off the Pacific coast and in New Zealand. those bargains, a few charity shops now His book “Tales of Swordfish and operate online sales of items including Tuna” show a different type of books. And, for those who prefer to read fishing. Often brutal in the long, hard on a tablet or i-Pad it is possible to battles with the huge fish hooked and download fishing books from Kindle and played in blistering heat. It gives an many old books have been digitised by insight into another world.

Universities and other organisations and In the same sort of mould, writers like are available in various formats often at John Gierach give an unassuming no charge. insight into American river fishing for So, let us keep ourselves safely occupied trout where on some waters the anglers through the next few months and are lined up in their hundreds. Or Joe hopefully emerge at the end of winter Brooks who was instrumental in reready to catch up on what we have been discovering the Argentinan sea-trout rivers and Caribbean venues where deprived of during 2020.

32 etcetera

bonefish, tarpon and permit were lured using fly tackle.

Back over this side of the pond but continuing the pioneering theme “Memories of Carp” is a collection of accounts written by Tim Paisley, Rod Hutchinson and others about catching large carp in the UK and on the Continent.

The book outlines how methods and theories have progressed over the years and gives an insight into the time, money and hardships spent in pursuit of the largest carp. In total contrast to that mentality are books written by Chris Yates who took up the cause of traditional fishing for large fish and has a much more relaxed approach to his fishing. “Casting at the Sun” and “The Secret Carp” are as far removed from modern carp fishing books as you could expect to reach yet are fascinating reads.

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nature

All I Want for Christmas Is a Beetle

By Mik

e Geo r ge

Mike George is our regular contributor on wildlife and the countryside in France. He is a geologist and naturalist, living in the Jurassic area of the Charente

IF YOU ARE OLD ENOUGH TO REMEMBER DORA BRYAN SINGING THAT SONG IN 1963 (ALTHOUGH OF COURSE SHE WANTED A BEATLE), WELCOME TO THE TWILIGHT NATURALISTS’ CLUB!

Y

ou probably have all the equipment and expertise you will need, and speaking from my own experience, your love of getting out into the country and down on your knees to examine a wayward bug is lessening as time passes.

For the rest of you, though, field biology may well be a new and fascinating pursuit, but you may be bewildered by the array of expensive stuff you seem to need to enhance the experience.

Here is my strongly biased list of what is hot and what is not.

36 etcetera

BOOKS When you are starting off, you need easyaccess information. Wait until your interest and preferences develop – as they will; you cannot encompass all aspects of biology in depth. Then you can buy specialist books to tell you more. For now you just want to identify things and get a little knowledge about them. I am assuming that you cannot easily read technical French, so the books are in English. Where to my knowledge a French version or equivalent exists, I will say so.

▪ Wild Animals. Dorling Kindersley (DK) Pocket Nature series.

Excellent for identification and basic information. A French edition exists which is a direct translation.

▪ Insects of Britain and Northern Europe. Collins Field Guide series. An old reliable for the things you are likely to see. In French, Guide Photo des Insects (Guide Delachaux series) is perhaps more comprehensive, but less easy to use. Also in French, Les Petites Bêtes (Le Guide Nature series) is good. There are many books

nature

Wild Animals. DK Pocket Nature series.

My well-love

Not detailed, but packed with useful information and ideal for identifying wild animals. An exact translation exists in French. of the Good copiesed can be ur at fe s book ndhand at obtained seco€-20€, with 10 n ee betw ching a bit of sear

BOOKS

d copy!

Insects of Britain and Northern Europe, Collins Field Guide & Guide Photo des Insects & Les Petites Bêtes A selection of insect books in French and English. Even battered second-hand editions are useful!

Notebook

The Wild Flowers of Britain and Northern Europe. Collins.

Two editions of the standard Collins wildflower guide - the botanist's standby for decades

specialising in particular orders of insects such as butterflies, dragonflies, beetles etc. in both languages.

▪ The Wild Flowers of Britain and Northern Europe. Collins. A good guide with a useful “finder” key. French books exist (eg “Quelle est donc cette fleur?”).

▪ Birds of Britain and Northern Europe. Collins Field Guide series. The old stand-by, but easy to use. French books exist in profusion – Guide Delachaux series has a selection.

These are the books I find myself using regularly. You may also need one on trees.

Birds of Britain and Northern Europe. Collins Field Guide series.

Possibly the best bird recognition book available.

Of course, if you are computer savvy, you can get a load of information from the Internet. I have myself often used a website which harnesses a variant of image analysis and comparison software to identify wild flowers from photographs.

It should be said that books in English tend to use exquisite paintings of insects plants etc., while French books use photographs. There are for and against on this. The paintings are easier to use, but show the specimen in a state you are never likely to see in the wild. Butterflies are beautifully displayed, top and underside views, without a nick or a patch of missing scales. This must be born in mind when

Always carry your notebook with you - it need not be large - and use a soft pencil, which will not run in the rain (it will be raining)

comparing your specimen.

EQUIPMENT The next expensive thing is equipment.

What do you really need and what can you do without?

First and foremost you will need a notebook. In this you will note down what you see, and if you need to identify it, all the diagnostic details you need. You will learn that you cannot overlook any detail. Remember to note where you saw it, too, and the surroundings and conditions.

etcetera 37

nature

All prices shown are correct at the time of printing and are subject to change

50 0 €

190€

3.5X - 90X binocular stereo boom microscope This is a very versatile model, with adjustable positioning for comfort and ease of use. Comes with its own attached lighting - very useful!

Swift S306 S-20-2L binocular microscope This is a much more comfortable microscope to use, with its angled eyepieces. A reliable manufacturer.

AR BINOCUL OPES C S O R MIC

8 5€ WLL 20X Multi-Purpose Portable Binocular Stereo Microscope (£76.64). Slightly more up-market but still pretty basic.

AmScope-KIDS SE120 20X Cordless LED Portable Binocular Stereo Microscope

55€

This is a good starter model.

Another indispensable item is a magnifying glass. I don’t expect you to crawl through the grass-stems with a huge Sherlock Holmes model. What you need is what the experts call a loupe. This is a small glass which folds into a protective cover, is a few centimetres long at most and slips into a pocket or hangs on a lanyard round your neck. The most convenient power is 10x. The only problem is that you will need to master the technique of holding the loupe up close to your eye to get a sufficient field of view. If you buy from an optician, get the seller to demonstrate how to use it properly.

Many budding naturalists yearn for a microscope. I certainly did! However, when you get one, you will find that it is in fact not really suitable for the average nature-spotter. The standard monocular microscope uses transmitted light, that is, the light is directed through the specimen and up a tube to the eye. To use this properly, you need to mount the specimen permanently on a slide. The only time you can really use it without careful preparation is to look at a drop of pondwater or a drop of blood. The interest

38 etcetera

rapidly palls. If you want to study rocks or crystals, an ordinary microscope is not suitable, and specimen preparation is very costly and time-consuming. Believe me, I’ve done it!

we are blessed with palm-size digital cameras with features we oldies could only dream of. And you can instantly check if you got a good picture and re-take it if you didn’t. Do get one that has a wide-ranging zoom, good close-focus and manual focussing if possible. This will save the fag of writing a full description of anything you don’t recognise. Besides, you always overlook one vital diagnostic feature.

Far better is a binocular dissectingtype microscope. Now this doesn’t mean I am expecting you to dissect creatures – that’s the last thing I’d suggest. The advantage is that you view the specimens in reflected light, using I must say my cynical views on both eyes so you get depth and shape smartphones as cameras have recently information, and you don’t have to kill the been modified. I had assumed they were specimen to look at it. If it is fast-moving, only good enough to capture the newimprison it temporarily fangled “selfie”, but I Now we are blessed with in a Perspex container. have recently seen a It is even better for couple of snapshots of palm-size digital cameras things that do not move wildlife – a fly and a with features we oldies around, such as rocks salamander, both could only dream of and crystals. Such taken by nonmicroscopes can be specialists – which costly, heavy and unwieldy, and require allowed for close study and secure you to bring the specimen home to study, identification. So it is worth bearing in but you will learn infinitely more. mind, but I am still not going to rush out and buy one.

More useful than this is a good camera.

Even in the days of film, no self-respecting Binoculars are needed if you are doing a naturalist would have been seen without lot of field-work, especially bird-watching. his SLR or his Leica close-up camera. Now You have two choices – wide-objective or

wildlife

1 50 €

Tinxi Jewellers Lens 10 X 21mm Loupe Eye Magnifier.

This is a good, basic jeweller's loupe. Don't go for anything 10€ stronger than 10x. You should be able to buy one at a good optician's shop.

Ask them to show you how to use it.

MAGNIF IER

280€ 600€ A CAMER

S

Samsung Galaxy Phone A51 Nikon Coolpix S3500 / Nikon DLSR It’s worth checking out the secondhand market for cheaper alternatives to paying full price for brand new.

Veins of precious white opal invading the local rock OCULARS BIN

7 5€

Olympus 118755 8 x 40 DPSI Binocular

These two have identical and ideal magnification and light-gathering properties - choose which one suits you. But try before you buy!

55€

FAGavin 8 x 40 Binoculars HD Wide Angle 48mm Objective Lens

small size. A wide objective collects light – a binocular with a 50 diameter objective makes dusk look like full daylight, and the instrument can easily double as a starter-viewer for amateur astronomy. Go for 7x50 or 8x50 – any more than 8 times magnification and you will not be able to hold it steady enough by hand. The only problem is they tend to be heavy. Small-size binoculars used to be too dark to be really useful in anything but full sunlight, but new lens technology has vastly improved their light-usage.

Always try out binoculars before you buy, to check for good focus, proper coincidence of images, colour correction and focussing range. The focus should run from just beyond infinity to quite close in. Strangely the small binoculars seem better at close-work. If you want to use it to study insects, you need a closefocus of about 1 – 1.5 metres.

What else you buy really depends upon what interests you. Some people have had enormous fun connecting small low-light cameras to their computers to record what wildlife passes through

their garden after dark. Others have invested in night-vision technology and keep watch themselves.

If you are mad-keen to learn which bats frequent your garden, you will need a bat detector, which uses a clever form of sound-manipulation to render the ultrasonic squeaks of the bats into audible frequencies in real-time. This sounds like magic, and therefore costs money. I wondered how much, and discovered that a basic one cost about €200 and prices climbed well into the thousand euro band. Further reading revealed that the “basic” one was quite hard to use and even harder to interpret.

If you want something that says, “That’s a Daubenton’s Bat; that’s a Brown Longeared Bat; ...”, it will cost you a large slice of your pension. I decided just to enjoy my bats in their anonymity.

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas.

Mark the things you need and leave the your copy of etcetera magazine lying around where your family members can see them….

What’s happening in December ▪ The weather this year has been seriously weird. Frost in April, drought in August and September, torrential rain in October. This has resulted in poor yields of fruit, nuts and fungi, although the warmth of summer did cheer us up during the Covid 19 depression.

▪ Now we have a lockdown or restricted Christmas to look forward to! Well, it will be something new to experience.

Put up your decorations so everybody passing your home can see them – show the World we’re still here! The restrictions might cut down on the family gatherings, I guess, which will be a sadness to many but, I suspect, a relief to some.

▪ I shall be disappointed not to see the London fireworks on TV at New Year. Still, at least if all goes well I should see the New Year, which for a while was in some doubt! Good old French health service!

▪ Our hapless birds become even more visible now the leaves are off the trees. Sadly to cats and other predators as well as to us.

Please don’t forget to feed them.

Every little helps at this season.

Again, I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, safe and Covid-free New Year.

Mike etcetera 39

Mistletoe Hung in the Castle Hall 40 etcetera

nature SO BEGINS A TRAGIC AND MOURNFUL SONG ABOUT A WEDDING DAY AND A LOST BRIDE, THE SORT OF DITTY THE VICTORIANS LOVED, ESPECIALLY AT CHRISTMAS

B

ut what is the significance of mistletoe, and where indeed does it fit into the scheme of things?

Mistletoe is a very odd plant indeed. It is halfway between a “proper” plant and a parasite. It is green, and can make its own nutrients by photosynthesis, the same as a normal, soil-rooted plant, but it draws additional sustenance from the tree on which it grows through a speciallyadapted root that finds its way into the phloem or water-carrying system of the tree and absorbs some of the nutrients that that is carrying. Only part of the nutrient is taken, but it can weaken the tree, especially if the tree is heavily infested.

The plant is spread mainly by birds, which eat the sticky seeds. Certain birds like the Mistle Thrush (which takes its name from the Mistletoe) are immune from the plant’s toxins. They cannot eat the hard seed, so either wipe it off on the bough where the tacky seed-pulp causes it to stay, or it passes though the bird’s digestive tract and emerges in the droppings. This is believed to explain the plant’s odd name. There is some disagreement, but the majority of etymologists derive “mistle” from the Anglo-Saxon for excrement, with “toe” deriving from the word for twig. At one time it was thought that the dung-route was the only way to produce a viable seed.

This is now known not to be true, though a dung-carried seed will germinate more rapidly.

Strangely, one of the only commercial uses for mistletoe (apart from charging exorbitant prices as a Christmas decoration) was that for centuries the seed-pulp was used to make bird-lime, a sticky substance that was spread on treetwigs to catch birds. There is even an old Latin proverb, which compares this with the part the bird plays in spreading mistletoe, and states that Turdus ipse sibi malum cacat, or “The thrush excretes its own downfall”. The Latin name Viscum album means “White sticky-stuff” and is derived from the plant’s Latin name. So, too, is the French name, Gui. The curious consonant change that converted William into Guilliam changed the “vi” of Viscum into Gui. Incidentally, for the prurient-minded among you who think you have just learned a rude word in Latin, well, you have, but it is not the one you think.

Turdus is the Latin name for the Thrush family.

Mistletoe has been regarded as something special for millennia. We know that the Ancient Greeks regarded it as a fertility symbol, as did the Romans. The latter used it to decorate their houses at the festival of Saturnalia. The most famous adherents of mistletoe were the Celts and their Druidic priesthood. They regarded it as a magic plant, which could aid in all sorts of ceremonies and treatments. They found it on many types of trees, but only very rarely on Oak. Therefore any mistletoe on an Oak-tree was very soughtafter as being particularly efficacious.

According to Roman historians, it was gathered with a gold-bladed knife or sickle, and caught on a fabric sheet before it could touch the ground. These Roman commentators were very much antiDruid, so they added sinister, telling little details, such as that the fabric sheet had to be held by a number of young virgin girls, and that the successful collection was celebrated by sacrificing a white oxen (or possibly a virgin). Lovable old Druids as found in Asterix were not on the Roman agenda!

By Mike G eorge

Mike George is our regular contributor on wildlife and the countryside in France. He is a geologist and naturalist, living in the Jurassic area of the Charente

made a spear (or possibly an arrow) of mistletoe, with which he succeeded in arranging the killing of Baldur. This was, in Norse mythology, the beginning of the slide downhill to Ragnarok, the final battle that would destroy the gods.

When Christianity came along, one way it tried to soften the trauma of conversion from paganism was to make up new myths to explain the parts plants played in the unfolding of the Christian message.

They were on a pretty good wicket with Holly and even Ivy, but Mistletoe defeated them totally. They tried to suggest that the plant had originally been a tree, from which the Cross of Christ was made, and that it had been condemned to be smallwooded and insignificant ever since. Of course, Mistletoe had looked the same for millennia before the Crucifixion! In the end they gave up, and sort of shouldered it out of Christmas festivities. However, in York Minster, in that proud old Viking capital, The Kissing Bunch, and kissing a branch of mistletoe is under the mistletoe, came much said to be placed on the altar each Christmas. later, about the time of the

Quite what the Druids used their mistletoe for is not recorded.

Mistletoe itself Reformation, when Christmas and The Kissing Bunch, and is somewhat kissing under the the involvement of saints was toxic, though mistletoe, came much undergoing a lot of rethinking rarely fatal. later, about the time of Recent the Reformation, when investigation Christmas and the involvement of saints has indicated a few alkaloids that may was undergoing a lot of rethinking. This possibly be medically useful, but not was when raffish Old Father Christmas much work has been done so far. It seems re-entered the scene, and a few other that mistletoe can absorb different extra dubious customs that had lain hidden for alkaloids depending on the plant upon centuries were rediscovered. As we saw at which it grows. Whether this had any the beginning, the ancient Greeks and significance for the Druids of course we Romans regarded mistletoe as a fertility do not know. It seems unlikely. symbol. This came back with a vengeance, One thing that has been noted is that, in and now the white berries of mistletoe the stomachs of some bog-bodies (corpses took on a new meaning. Any girl placed in peat-bogs during Druidic times, incautious (or brazen) enough to linger many the objects of ritual killing, under a bunch of mistletoe had to submit surprisingly well-preserved) a few grains to a kiss or suffer misfortune. In some of mistletoe pollen have been found. cultures, a berry was removed for each These may have been intended to produce kiss. This could have been a system for partial unconsciousness, or may have had keeping score, or a means of rendering a ritual significance. the threat harmless, and when all the berries were gone, the kissing had to stop.

The Norse religion also homed in on As far as I can find, no literary mention of mistletoe. Baldur was the beloved and kissing under the mistletoe has been beautiful son of Odin and Frigga. All found earlier than the 19th century. plants and creatures were asked to swear an oath never to harm him, but someone So Mistletoe has had a very chequered – forgot to include mistletoe in the oathand very distant - past. Do decorate your giving. Loki the god of mischief therefore house with it, if you still feel you want to!

etcetera 41

Gemini constellation map-bs.svg" by Edinwiki is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

astronomy

The

Night Sky

42 etcetera

astronomy THE NIGHT SKIES ARE, OF COURSE, CONSTANTLY CHANGING FROM MONTH TO MONTH AND DECEMBER PROMISES MANY OPPORTUNITIES

W

e can, for example, look forward to a rare conjunction of the planets Jupiter and Saturn. The spectacular Geminid meteor shower will peak during a new moon, so conditions will be ideal for observing and we can explore the easy to find constellation of Gemini which is well placed throughout December. Also, Nasa has informed us of an amazing discovery on the Moon.

Jupiter and Saturn 'close' encounter

Castor and Pollux. These stars represent the heads of the two figures standing forever side by side. The twins' feet are dipped in the Milky Way. The constellation mainly consists of two parallel lines of stars. The Greeks believed that the God Zeus turned the twins into stars following a family feud over cousins and women.... During the first part of the month, if you face south, we can find Gemini close to the eastern horizon. Orion 'The Hunter' can be found just beyond the feet of the twins and can be used as a pointer towards Gemini. Starting at Rigel the right foot of Orion - follow a straight line through to the very bright orange star Betelgeuse. Continue on for twice the distance between Rigel and Betelgeuse and you will arrive at the alpha star Castor. As the month progresses the constellation will seemingly travel from the east towards the southern sky. The alpha, or lead star Castor, is less bright than Pollux. You should be able to compare the colours of the two stars with the naked eye, Castor being blue-white and Pollux a pale orange tone. If you don't already have one, I really recommend getting a Planisphere which can help you find your way around the constellations on any night of the year.

The term 'great conjunction' is used by astronomers when referring to an apparent close meeting of the planets Jupiter and Saturn (from our point of view of them from Earth!). This occurs around every 20 years, which in astronomy terms is actually fairly frequent! This is a particularly close encounter on the 21st of December. At their closest these planets will be only 0.1 degrees apart. It is the closest meeting of the giant worlds since 1623! As the 21st approaches, it is possible to watch the two planets move closer together during their orbits around the sun each night with Jupiter leading and Suturn following. On the 16th and 17th they will be particularly close as a thin crescent Moon passes by them. At around 6.30pm you can see them close together If you don't already have one, I towards the south really recommend getting a west.

The Moon and Planets in December

Planisphere which can help you find your way around the constellations on any night of the year

The traditional name for the full moon this month is the Full Cold Moon.

The Native American Indians used special names each month to help keep track of the calendar. You can view the 100% full moon if you are up and about at around 4.30am on the morning of the 30th. The New Moon (the night when it is not visible as it is too close to the sun) is on the 14th so this is a good time to see so much more in the night sky without the bright light of a moon to outshine many other objects. As mentioned above Jupiter and Saturn continue to move across the southern evening skies all month and Mars fades rapidly. It may be possible, on the 12th, to spot Venus and a thin crescent Moon rising close together in the morning twilight around 7.30am in the southeast.

Venus continues to be a morning object for most of this month. On the 4th, at 7am, a 'gibbous' (more than half phase) Moon forms a line in the western sky with the two stars Castor and Pollux.

Constellation of the Month: Gemini Gemini is very well placed at this time of year and really easy to find in the night sky. The two most prominent stars in the constellation of Gemini (The Twins) are

Meteor showers: The Geminids and Ursids

The Geminid meteor shower is always much anticipated in the astronomical calendar as it is one of the most active, with a possible peak rate in some years of up to 100 per hour. It will peak this year on the 13th - 14th, just after the new moon, so conditions are very good for observation, weather permitting. You could view Geminid meteors during the period of the 3rd to the 16th. As always, prepare your eyes for spotting these 'shooting stars' for thirty minutes, getting used to the darkness. The longer you look the more details you will pick up in the skies above you. It will be possible to start observing Geminids from before midnight. Lying back under as wide open a view as possible will give you the best chance of catching some of these slower meteors. They can also fragment into many smaller points of light.

By Clair Wardla e w

Claire Wardlaw, originally from Edinburgh, lives in the Charente with her husband. Since their move over 4 years ago, Claire has become passionate about astronomy.

Northern skies. This is therefore a good time to observe the area which stretches out between the constellations of Cassiopeia, towards the north west and Gemini and Orion in the north east. The best nights to see more of the Milky Way are - as ever - when the Moon is less bright or preferably when it is New Moon. You can begin to see the vast collections of stars which will initially look like clouds .

As always, the longer you gaze the more you will start to see.

Astronomy News! Nasa confirms a new Discovery on the Moon 'S.O.F.I.A' has made an astonishing discovery on the sunlit surface of the Moon, NASA announced in October.

S.O.F.I.A is a jumbo jet - the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy is I think my favourite observatory as it is built inside a jumbo jet which flies and makes observations at heights of 41,000ft and above. At these heights it flies above 99% of the water vapour in the atmosphere so it can make more detailed observations than any ground based observatories. It has been able, for the first time, to discover water molecules (H2O) in a sunlit 'Crater Clavius'. It had previously been thought that water molecules could only be present in shaded areas of the Moon. Now it is known to be present, although in relatively small amounts, this could raise new questions about how water is created and how it can persist in the very different airless atmosphere of the Moon.

Happy Stargazing!

The Ursid meteor shower is active between the 17th and 25th with its peak on the 21st to 22nd of the month. You can expect around 10 per hour, but as the Moon is much brighter the conditions will be less favourable for observation.

The Milky Way high to the North At this time of the year fainter parts of our Milky Way are much higher in the

etcetera 43

section

A Sweep Is As Lucky As Lucky Can Be CHIMNEY SWEEPS HAVE BEEN REGARDED AS LUCKY LONG BEFORE DICK VAN DYKE WAS STEPPING IN TIME OVER THE ROOFTOPS OF LONDON

44 etcetera

section

O

ne legend tells us that when King leaving your house just as clean as when George II was parading on horseback they arrived. In fact, the modern-day along the cobbles of the capital of Chimney Sweep now does much more England, a large dog appeared in front of than just putting a brush up the chimney. the horse, startling it and causing the King The modern-day Chimney Sweep carries to lose control of the reins. The crowd with them an arsenal of knowledge in watched in horror as the stallion reared, addition to their set of rods and brushes nearly throwing the King. A lone, filthy and will be able to find any faults in the and shabbily dressed figure emerged into chimney, flue system or appliance, often the road, caught the halter of the horse before they become an issue. For an and calmed the animal. As quickly as the industry so steeped in tradition and lore, figure appeared, he vanished again. The you may also be surprised to see the King, wanting to reward the man, asked advancements in technology now being for his name but was told that no one used. It’s now common to find that your knew it and all they knew was the man Chimney Sweep will be using rotary power was a Chimney Sweep. From that day on, sweeping equipment, with many turning the King declared to specialised Chimney Sweeps to be For an industry so steeped in internal camera regarded as lucky. It tradition and lore, you may also be systems to assess then became tradition in surprised to see the advancements the condition of the chimney sweeping the chimney to in technology now being used profession to go door to guarantee it is door on New Year's day safe to use. Some and wish the people Chimney Sweeps good fortune and prosperity for the year even carry a drone for checking chimney ahead. Chimney Sweeps aren’t only stack, cowlings and wayward known for their ability to alter the odds; in chimney pots.

'Mary Poppins', Bert the Chimney In addition to this, your Chimney Sweep Sweep sings: will take the time to explain how to get the Nowhere is there most out of your woodburner and from A more happier crew your fuel. It’s important to allow enough Than them ‘wot’ sings air into the appliance for the wood gases "Chim chim cher-ee to combust as around 80% of the potential Chim cher-oo" heat energy in wood is actually gas. If the air controls aren’t open enough, these And for good reason. Chimney Sweeps gases won’t have enough oxygen to ignite, pride themselves on their happy nature, causing the gases to be wasted up into the for to be a Chimney Sweep you really must chimney and potentially causing future love what you do. complications, such as tar build up or A lot of the same values remain in the corrosion to the flue/liner. You’ll know Chimney Sweeping community today but you’ve got it right if you see bright, yellow you may be surprised at how much the flame with a lot of life in it. practice has changed. Gone are the days of Try to avoid slow moving, red or orange draping sheets over the furniture for fear flame as this is an indicator that you need of a sooty avalanche turning the cream to open the air vents to allow more air to armchairs into a blackened mess. With the the woodburner. Avoid stoking up the use of specialist soot cloths and an array stove with lots of wood and shutting the of equipment, the Chimney Sweep will be

By Kris Jenningtian s

Kristian of Jennings Chimney Sweeping specializes in Chimney problem diagnosis and is a member of the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps

air vents down; true, it is likely that this will allow the woodburner to ‘stay in’ for longer, but ultimately, you are wasting the majority of your fuel and potentially causing problems for the flue/liner.

Next time your Chimney Sweep visits, have a chat with them. They will be happy to explain the best practice for you to get the most out of your fuel and to save yourself some money.

For those of you who are thinking of having a woodburner installed, I’d recommend speaking to a chimney professional before committing to a particular appliance. It’s important to make sure the woodburner is appropriate for the space it is to be sited. Although purchasing a woodburner with a higher KW output may seem advantageous, getting the correct stove for the space will allow you to heat the space more efficiently reducing your wood bill every year and preventing possible future complications within your flue system.

Finding a Chimney Sweep at this time of year can be challenging. With the majority of people choosing to have their chimney swept in the winter burning season, the last few months of the year (or silly season, as us sweeps call it) are notoriously busy. To make sure you’re not left waiting, get in early and book your slot with your sweep at the tail end of summer and remember to blow them or a kiss or give them a shake of their hand – it is lucky after all.

etcetera 45

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getting connected ‘Freeview’ tuner built intoWhich your TV that you care. I’ve got thick skin.

I guess, is brought from the UK, is no good for another downside to my features. the reception of UK TV here. The TV is fine but you’ll need a satellite receiver to go with it.

STUART An any increasing amount new TVs have a For of you who haveofpurchased one of satellite already built into WALLACE the latest tuner Freesat+ receivers madethem.

by Arris Thisthink means not rest needassured to use a and it’sthat not you verydo good, seperate satellite receiver (Sky box, you’re not the only one. There are THE FRENCH HOUSE Freesat boxsoftware etc) for issues UK TVwith reception.

You continuing these boxes. will know if it has one by a) looking for Oddly, they don’t all seem to have the same DVB-S on the specifications or,the more fault so you might want to give likely, b) by looking seewhat if it has manufacturer a call totosee can abe done threaded connection point next to whilst you male wait for a software upgrade. o, ho and indeed ho. December the traditional push fit aerial socket. If it already? What happened to the rest of It’s amazing how many timesare I’msometimes called to a has, you’re good to go.They the year? Did I miss anything? How the ‘no signal‘ issue to find that thesomething client has a a little less user friendly than Hello and welcome.

How are you all devil are you? Why am I region 1 or 2 Sky like a Freesat box,dish. but doing?so Well, I hope. asking many questions? I The issue is rarely This results in a gradual you can create a with Surviving the are heatalland the hope that you keeping the dish alignment but favourites list to make loss of channels being continuing to safe and wellrequirement and free from with the LNB. The white wear masks?

I’ve actually the lurgy.

Strange times we’re received until eventually, life easier. Do not be cap on end, told youthe have tofacing buy a been told living in. that wearing a nothing gets through the dish, receiver often perishes seperate box, mask makes me more overdon’t. time, leading to However, strange you attractive.not I’msonot sure ifthat people have stopped Freeviewor, water ingress. This results in a gradual loss that's in a '50 Shadesmistaking of Grey' scenario, of channels being received until eventually, for Freesat. and once more more likely,Please, it’s an please, insult. Still, I don’t for luck, please, remember that the nothing gets through. If you can access your

SATELLITE TV

H

dish, it’s worth The new 4K having a look to Freesat+ see if small(the cracks receivers have to onesstarted that record appear with age stuff) are now across thefrom top. If available they haveUK. but Amazon everything However, they continues to to won’t deliver function, then a little of waterproof France. So, that’s notbit really that much tape use. across theseller top might just keep it going for a Another is Currys/PC World, who while longer.

Of course, also don’t deliver here. this can apply to any LNB but the ones on Sky dishes seem more likely to develop the problem.

And, it’s still not the same as Freeview.

Finally, it’s the time for me to wish you all a very merry Christmas and best wishes for the newlate year. you as forI taking A little toThank the party, wasn’tthe time to pretend to read/like/understand notified until after last month’s article had this It really does make there me warm beencolumn. submitted, but at present, are inside, could(satellite be the Jack no newalthough domesticthat Tooway Daniels. hope you allThis haveisadue great internet)I activations. tofestive the period, mayentire end fact thatwhatever Beam 15,strange which form coversit our up taking year.isFingers crossed for a region of this France, at full capacity.

If you more 2021, Brexit allowing. have anormal Tooway system, you may wellSee have you on the other side.

Siret 480 287 390 00029

English Free to Air / Freesat Satellite Broadband Installed English Subscription TV French TV DIY Kits Expert Service

tfhsatellite@gmail.com www.the-french-house.net

@TFHSatTV French House Satellite TV

email: robert13560@gmail.com

Robert Foulkes

Need a satellite television system installing quickly and efficiently? Having trouble setting up a new smart TV or Hifi system? Got the ability but not the time, or simply having a technophobe moment? We can help.

Stuart Wallace

T: 05 55 68 15 77 / 07 69 66 98 55 48 etcetera

Satellite Solutions

● Satellite system installation, UK & French

T: 05 49 45 74 81 / 06 74 79 49 57 ● Television and hifi installation INSTALLATION, REPAIRS & SALES

● Equipment sales for self installation ● Prompt professional service

Siret: 817 844 038 00015

Based North of Dept 87 Covering 87, 16, 86, 23, 36, 79, 24

Siret 452 755 390 000 13 - RM 8601

getting connected

All electrical installations inc: � Domestic - renovation & new build � Commercial � Smart installations (thermostats, cameras etc.) � Air conditioning � Data & communications

Contact Paul Ellis: Tel: 09 62 68 09 06 Regions: Mob: 06 70 97 59 56 16, 36, 79, Email: paul.gill@wanadoo.fr 86 & 87

� Wi-Fi solutions

Jérôme BETUS ��Fully qualified registered electrician (bilingual) ��All work fully insured with 10-year guarantee ��Domestic & commercial installation / repairs ��Communications wiring & automation ��Safety and conformity checks 86430 Adriers / jbelectric86@orange.fr 06 78 12 02 91 Siret 835 197 062 00028

SIRET 537398125 00014

Home Satellite Services. (H.S.S.)

07800 325 64 Email:

@homesatservices

Siret 84173376900019

Satellite dishes, Sky/TV boxes/HD recorders supplied & fitted.

Dish realignment & upgrades, job satisfaction guaranteed.

A reliable service at sensible rates serving departments: 86, 36, 16 & 87. We can serve certain areas in other dept/s.

Contact Steve for a free no obligation quotation on:

I offer free &

For as little as 35€ ttc

05 55 68 62 26 / 06 24 27 01 86

PETER AMOR siret: 48002659000012

ELECTRICIAN

Siret: 51190455900024

Advertise Your Business

For all your electrical needs - safety checks, re-wires, new builds, upgrades and complete renovations

Siret No: 503121279 00015

Simple jobs Complete renovations New builds Conformity checks Emergency Call outs Fully insured 10yr guarantee Hedley Marsh 86150 Moussac sur Vienne Tel: 05 49 48 35 49 Mobile: 06 45 74 25 36 Email: hedleymarsh@orange.fr

Electricité Générale French Electrician - fluent English Speaker Based in Bellac - covering 87 & parts of 86,16 & 23

charleselec@gmail.com

homesatservices032@gmail.com

I offer free & friendly advice friendly advice pleasedon’t don’t sosoplease hesitate hesitate toto contactme me. contact

CHARLES HODENCQ

Tel: 05 49 91 85 54

Domestic, Public & Industrial Work Computer technician French Speaking Offers good free advice 87190 Magnac Laval

www.etceteraonline.org

T: 05 55 68 08 13 M: 06 25 20 99 13

david.read@wanadoo.fr Siret 490820859RM87

etcetera 49

getting connected

Siret 509 768 693 00012

ANDREW LONGMAN

siret 440 419 018 00013

T: 05 45 89 38 02 E: simon.kershaw@wanadoo.fr

OVER 30 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE FULLY INSURED BASED IN DEPT 79 - WILL TRAVEL

T: 05 49 29 12 64 / M: 06 79 37 02 08 E: ak.longman@hotmail.co.uk

GARY MOORE

OIL

HEATING

GAS SOLID FUEL Siret: 491827705 00022

Bathrooms & En Suites / Plasterboard and Plastering / Water Mains & Drainage / Heating Installation Oil, Wood Stoves & Pellet Burners / Servicing & Repairs

PLUMBING REPAIRS ALTERATIONS INSTALLATIONS

PARTENAIRE

INSTALLATION SERVICING

email: gary.moore@orange.fr 05 45 29 68 73 / 06 30 11 86 84

REPAIRS

Kev Pope, the Computer Man

PC repairs, upgrades, internet, home service

T: 05 49 62 87 10 e-mail: kpcservice@wanadoo.fr 86460 Availles-Limouzine

3 Rue des Terrasses 87310 St. Auvent

Siret no: 453 868 275 00034

Siret. 80438547400015

DARREN LUCKHURST

Email sales@anglocomputers.com

Piegut-Pluviers, Dordogne

Siret 49239708800021

Homecall PC PC repair on house calls PC building on demand We sell hardware & peripherals ESET SECURITY BROADBAND INSTALLATION SOFTWARE RETAILER ASSISTANCE ON SITE Year round maintenance • Contracts on request

Tel: 05 55 78 24 86 Email: contact@homecallpc.com www.homecallpc.com 87150 Champagnac La Riviere

OPEN MON TO SAT 9AM / 8PM

50 etcetera

artisans Tom Turnbull

PAINTER & DECORATOR

ODD JOB TOM

Interior and Exterior

Siret 8423761 3900015

Pool Maintenance - Tree Felling & Stump Grinding Grass Cutting & Odd Jobs - Garden Machinery Repairs Antique Clocks Maintenance - Car Mechanics

T. 05 49 87 84 52 / 06 85 98 24 76 Email: tturnbull80@yahoo.com

Paperhanging and wall tiling Over 35 years in the trade Covers depts 86,16,87 FREE ESTIMATES

Chris Ringguth

Siret 5285994590013

Les Effes, 86150 QUEAUX

Email leseffes@hotmail.co.uk T: 06 04 43 18 10 / 06 04 44 32 12

05 45 91 26 61 / 06 56 79 25 58 Siret:530 444 496 00018

1 HOUR RADIUS 86400 CHAMPNIERS

WE NOW CONSTRUCT

TIMBER FRAME HOUSES FROM YOUR PLANS, DESIGNS OR IDEAS. FROM SUPPLY & ERECTION TO FULL TURN KEY SERVICE

All other aspects of building, joinery, dampproofing & timber treatment still available

ADRIAN AMOS SPECIALIST CARPENTER/JOINER BESPOKE JOINERY & RENOVATIONS DOORS-SHUTTERS-STAIRS-FLOORINGKITCHENS FULLY EQUIPPED WORKSHOP & 40 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE LOTS OF SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR REQUIREMENTS

The Maintenance Man @ Chaillac

REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

05 45 31 14 58 / 06 63 20 24 93 adrian.luke.amos@gmail.com SIRET : 508 248 747 000 18

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

etcetera 51

artisans Petits travaux du Batiment

Stuart F Park Painter Decorator Siret: 489 199 661 00013

Painting, Tiling, Wallpaper hanging all types of decorating undertaken Confolens 16 and area 25 years experience.

Contact 05.45.85.78.30 / 06.04.49.04.10 stuart.park@hotmail.fr

Imajica Joinery Superior finish in wood Tiling - Plasterboarding - Flooring Door & window fitting - Kitchen fitting

Steve’s property maintenance

M&M Sandblasting ~ Services ~ Superior Services - Good Workmanship - Honesty

ALL TYPES OF ROOFING, RENOVATIONS, CONVERSIONS, PLASTERING, STUD WALLS, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS

RUST REMOVAL - OAK BEAM BLASTING BRICK CLEANING - METAL - CONCRETE & STONE - TIMBER - CHIMNEY RESTORATION 3500 PSI HIGH PRESSURE CLEANER

FULLY INSURED

05 55 63 58 85 / 06 42 23 38 57 mandmblastinglimousin@gmail.com www.mandmblasting.com

T. 05 55 50 52 02 E: lowe.steven@orange.fr

Siret 82184631800011

Siret 84223310800013

AC Kitchens & Bathrooms

Charente / Haute-Vienne / Vienne Specialist Fitter, over 15 years’ experience PLUMBING - CUSTOM WORKTOP FITTING - CARPENTRY TILING - WOOD & LAMINATE FLOORING - DESIGN SERVICE

Free quotes

www.ackitchens.fr

Email: antschapman1971@gmail.com 05 17 36 17 74 or 05 55 48 27 17 / Mobile: 06 40 08 08 81 Siret 834026437 00022

05 49 87 09 63

Siret 489 815 258 00012

Siret: 48115588500017

Sun Terraces (traditional joinery),

Roofing, Carpentry, Stonework, Renovations & Restorations 30 yrs’ experience

Depts 16, 24, 87 Tel: 05 45 21 63 96 Email: wesley.halton@orange.fr www.facebook.com/wezconstructions

H TAYLOR KEITARTISAN Depts 79, 16 & 86

Javarzay 79110 Chef-Boutonne

Building - Renovation - Carpentry Fully qualified stone mason with 25 years’ experience

House Renovations • Barn Conversions Roofing • Masonry • General Building Competitive rates, high quality & reliable workmanship guaranteed

T. 05 17 30 18 35 / 06 33 85 65 66 Email: ktaylor.renovations@gmail.com www.ktrenovations.com Siret: 478 608 105 00029

Dominic Smith

Based in Benest (16)

Painter / Decorator Siret: 807 715 529 00010

Painting, wallpapering, tape/jointing and tiling

Tel: 05 45 30 04 97 Email : smith.dominic@orange.fr www.facebook.com/d.smithdecoratingservices

52 etcetera

artisans M C SCAFFOLDING

MV Services

Siret: 80025145600011

CONTACT: PAUL CHARLESWORTH T: 06 28 28 04 63 E: pmcbatiment@yahoo.fr

Based Saint-Junien. Covering Depts 87-16-24 Siret : 531 655 231 00 11

Glyn Chubb Carpenter/Joiner Staircases, windows, Doors, Gates, Barn Doors, Kitchens Roofing, plasterboarding, tiling Restoration and general building 25 years experience email: glynn.chubb79@orange.fr Tel: 05 49 27 67 29 Siret No. 494 068 315 00014

Depts 16, 87, part 24, 17, 79 & 86 Day: 07 85 44 26 66 / Eve: 05 45 66 49 87 martin.clare6@gmail.com

ARCHITECT John Hartie B.Arch. A.R.I.A.S, R.I.B.A ORDRE des ARCHITECTES no. 073326 Based in La Rochefoucauld for over 12 years 14 Rue des Bans 16110 La Rochefoucauld T: 05 45 91 73 90 / 06 81 90 18 87 Email: john.hartie@orange.fr Eco-Buildings - New Build Renovations - Barn Conversions

Siret. 500 835 189 000 16

Insurance guarantee on all work. 15 years’ experience

Safe, secure, adaptable. Meets all safety regs.

Covered by full public liability insurance.

Delivered, erected, and dismantled Over 20 years’ experience. Free Quotes.

BUILDING / MULTI SERVICE

Troy Davey

All aspects of building work undertaken: 3 Renovations 3 Barn Conversions 3 Plasterboarding / Plastering 3 Brick/Blockwork/Stonework/Repointing

05 55 60 47 78 06 10 49 49 57 troy.davey@orange.fr

Based 87330 References Available

SCAFFOLDING ▪ Tube & Fitting Scaffold ▪ Free Quotations ▪ Fully Insured

Covering 79, 86, 16, 17

Siret 85105133400015

ROOFING SPECIALISTS

Full English Scaffolding Service

Mick Van Ackeren T. 07 50 63 19 37 mvservices79@gmail.com www.mvservices79.com

Monique PEYNAUD

French Architectural Designer

Permis de construire Déclaration préalable monique@dessinarchi.fr www.dessinarchi.fr

06 30 91 81 84

Roofing / Renovatio Roofing / Renovations ALL ASPECTS OF ROOFING / RENDERING & POINTING - Zinc / PVC guttering - Anti-moss - Insulation & Plaster boarding - Interior / exterior renovations

Andrew Hadfield 05 55 60 72 98 07 81 53 71 91 dandahadfield@aol.com

For a free quotation please contact: Howard (fully bilingual, living in France since 1990, 10 yr décennale Insurance)

Tel: 05.55.60.23.70 / 06.85.43.13.58 Email: rcc87@live.fr Depts: 87,86,16 & 23 Siret: 799 894 860 000 11

J. W. Services Siret 832922447RM086

EXTERIOR PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

- General Building Work Ruffec, Sauzé-Vassais, Civray & surrounding areas

Landscaping / Driveways Pointing / Roof Repairs Stonework No Job Too Small

05 17 34 10 94 / 07 83 87 54 49

One Builder

Tout Batiment

www.timhartley.fr Lathus - Le Dorat - Bellac - La Souterraine Dompierre-les-Églises - Saint-Léger-Magnazeix - Magnac-Laval

Registered in France 2001 05 55 60 86 62 / 06 71 78 94 34

Siret 434972303RM87 tim_hartley@hotmail.com

Fully registered and insured Trading in France since 2007

Call Mark for a free quotation: T: 05 55 44 71 44 / M: 06 78 60 96 16 mumford.toiture@gmail.com Siret no. 493 159 412 00037

etcetera 53

section artisans

54 etcetera

section artisans

etcetera 55

artisans

TRADITIONAL REPOINTING - HIGH PRESSURE REPOINTING - COLOURED SPRAY RENDERS EXTERIOR PAINTING AND FULL MOBILE SANDBLASTING SERVICE Find us on Facebook: Propoint facades Email: paulchester@club.fr T. 07 81 297 420/ 09 67 351337

Siret 800 969 438 00020

JM Roofing

All Insurance work welcome

Carpentry ~ Roofing ■ Clay Tile Roofs ■ All Timberwork ■ Metal Sheet Hangars

■ All Zinc Work ■ Zinc Gutter Fascia

Full 10 Year Décennal Insurance

T. 07 70 37 15 98 Email: jmtoitures@yahoo.com JMToitures

French & English Speaking

56 etcetera

Depts covered 16, 17, 24, 79, 86, 87

www.artisancentral.fr/JMToitures

artisans

GLEN VINEY

Plasterer

With over 20 years’ experience (8 in France)

Plasterboarding; stud work; rail; skimming boards existing walls; rendering; floor screeding; tiling floors and walls T: 06 45 18 86 10 Email: anitaviney1@btinternet.com Siret 527 736 326 00010

Kitchens & Bathrooms Dry Lining - walls and ceilings Tiling - walls and floors Painting and decorating Wood and Laminate flooring

Siret: 49411778100018

Decennale insured

Fully insured with 10 year guarantee Based in Dept 16 but will travel

Tel. 05 45 31 60 68 / 06 72 90 24 90 Email: aghearmon@gmail.com

Advertise Your Business From just 35â‚Ź ttc per month

New edition - every month -

Contact Sam or Gayle 05 16 32 13 42 editors.etcetera@gmail.com

etcetera 57

artisans Minidigger, Driver & Tipper Truck Free estimates Gravel driveways, rubbish/ tree stump removals, trenches etc www.davesdiggers.com Email davesdiggers@aol.com Dave Good 0549 073358/ 0675 180913 Based near Couhé 86/79/16 siret 5250162590018

EXCAVATION SERVICES Siret 82184631800011

3 ton Digger Dumper/Tipper & Driver Demolition Cherry Picker Hire Hydraulic Concrete Breaking For more information and a quote

please contact Matthew or Mandie Farraway 05 55 63 58 85 / 06 42 23 38 57

South West France Fosse We are the only dedicated installer Trained-Approved-Recommended

by SPANC

Can you trust your installation to anyone else!

With over 30 years’ experience

See all our work on

southwestfrancefosse

Advertise Your Business From as little as 35€ ttc

Contact Sam or Gayle on 05 16 32 13 42

58 etcetera

Siret 8234 2070 800013

motors & removals Walton Coachworks

MOTOR PARTS

87600 Vayres Nick Walton

CHARENTE

MECHANICAL WORK ON ALL MAKES & MODELS IRRESPECTIVE OF AGE • Welding • Servicing • Diagnosis • Stereo & CD installation • LHD lights & tow-bars fitted • Wheel alignment • Replacement tyres & balancing • Interior & exterior valeting

Suppliers of Car & Van Spares & LHD headlights anywhere in France Direct to France at big savings! also Mower Batteries and drive belts!

• Pre-Controle Technique check • Top quality tyres (within 48 hrs) • Parts available same day or in 24hrs - less common cars 3-day delivery walton-coachworks@hotmail.com Tel: 07 87 65 53 11 / 05 55 78 67 02

Delivery via UPS to your door in France

NEW

JOHN SOWERSBY 0044 (0)7830 170761 motorptscharente@aol.com

F RENCH V AN M AN

Free courtesy cars - Valeting - Car storage with free airport drop offs - Cambelts - Diagnostics - Welding Electrics - Tow bars - Tyre-fitting/Punctures - A/C CT Prep - Garden Tools & Chainsaws Sharpened Email rmbservicesfrance@gmail.com Tel. 06 01 59 60 75 Siret: 815 114 7720 0016

Typically 40% cheaper than French prices

Tyre fitting, inc balancing : 12€ Tracking/Alignment : 35€ Car/Van servicing : 75€ + parts E: dixontyres@gmail.com T: 0545 306707

09 82 12 69 73 / 06 06 40 81 07

Siret: 53021364400012

CHABANAIS WORKSHOP

Depts 16, 86, 87 & 24 (Car & van servicing, Towbars & LHD lights) Any make of Car or Van Fully mobile service at your address siret 53821341400013

CARS MOTORCYCLES LIGHT TRUCKS

Scott Marshall www.frenchvanman.eu Genuine/Reliable/Honest Local • Europe • UK - Full or part loads House/Barn clearances / Antiques Finding & Sales 15m3 capacity | 4m load length English & French spoken 87150 Oradour-sur-Vayres

Est. since 2004

Siret: 48122412900033

Man and Van Services

Deliveries and Collections FRANCE-UK-EUROPE (Inc. the islands) Transport & Small Removals Throughout Europe Full and Part Loads. Friendly Personal Service For Quote/Devis: Tel: 0033(0) 549971556 Mob: 0033(0)685805057 / UK Mob: 0044(0)7754732640 Email: heretothere86@gmail.com

siret: 48252490700011

TRANSITION REMOVALS Family run business based in France which prides itself on a personal professional service.

7 tonne truck to and from the UK and Europe, we also have a box trailer for larger loads.

Our highly experienced staff provide a door to door service with packing and dry secure storage We are a professional furniture removal company NOT a man and a van.

Please call Phil and Jean Evans....

Phone (+33) 05 55 34 19 46 Mobile (+33) 06 80 75 87 14 Email p.evans@orange.fr Visit www.transitionremovals.net

ROCKET VAN

PATRICK NICHOLLS

Charente based

Siret en cours

Dedicated loads France - UK - France.

Deliveries & Collections ~ 14m3 capacity / 4.2 m length Email: pat.nicholls@hotmail.com UK mob 0044 (0)7711 235 668 FR mob 0033 (0)617 038 858

etcetera 59

motors & removals UK & OVERSEAS REMOVALS & STORAGE WEEKLY SERVICES UK - FRANCE - UK

Est’d 2007

A Family Run Storage Firm in the Heart of the Limousin

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Secure, dry, insulated storage NEW! 14.5m HIGH CHERRY PICKER

Now storing cars, caravans and camping cars Call Karen for a quote on 09

66 03 52 89

● ● ● ● ● ●

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REMOVAL & STORAGE

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60 etcetera

property

PROPERTY SALES IN FRANCE Private Property Sales with Expert Advice

www.propertysalesinfrance.com

Sell Your Home Privately on an Established Website With Excellent International Coverage

NO SALE NO FEE

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To advertise your property contact us on enquiries@propertysalesinfrance.com

62 etcetera

listing

64 etcetera

listing

etcetera 65

DO YOU USE

OR

FOR HEATING?

DO YOUR BILLS KEEP RISING? HERE IS THE SOLUTION

Installation of an air to water heat pump * Are you eligible for the new "prime CEE coup de pouce pac" (3500€ or 5000€)?

IT is now deducted straight from your quote AND combinable with the grant MaPrimeRénov*

(up to 4000€)

*please note the MaPrimeRénov grant depends

upon approval from MaPrimeRénov, not New Wave Energies

REDUCE YOUR HEATING BILL

BY UP TO 70%

Visit our facebook page to see customer feedback and get tips on energy saving.

WE TAKE CARE OF ALL THE ADMINISTRATION

ENERGY SAVING (Heating)

Return form to: New Wave Energies, 51 Rue Descartes, 87000 Limoges

FAST RESPONSE

www.newwave-energies.com New Wave Energies • Siège social : 51, rue Descartes 87000 Limoges Tel : 0 981 324 237 • S.A.S.U. au capital de 50 000 euros • N° de Siret 800 247 274 00035 66 etcetera

JOYEUX NOË Làt ous

!

Are you eligible for the new "prime CEE coup de pouce pac"?

Heat Your home with an air-to-water heat pump see page 66 for more details or visit www.newwave-energies.com

FREE STUDY ENGLISH SPOKEN

68 etcetera