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The sales are now on with items being discounted in shops up until 19 July. Many retailers are offering greater discounts in a bid to tempt in shoppers, acknowledging the rising prices we are all having to deal with. If you are a parent with growing children it’s certainly worthwhile checking the offers on shoes and clothes as some items can have up to 70% off.

EU VOTES UNIVERSAL CHARGERS

Following an idea that was first proposed by the European Commission in 2009, the EU have now voted for universal chargers for smartphones and other devices is set to be introduced in Europe from 2024. It is estimated the move will save 11,000 tonnes of waste per year. The ruling will mean Android and Apple devices will all use the same USB Type C charger, for all devices (phones, cameras, tablets, e-readers, headphones etc). “All devices must be equipped with a USB-C port, whatever their manufacturer.” The EU has also said all devices must have a standardised charging speed to avoid issues between chargers. The idea was met with strong opposition in 2009 by industry bodies but now, 13 years later, it looks as though we’ll start seeing positive changes in the coming years.

Image credit: Mairie of Saint-Pompon

Owners of a swimming pool in Saint Pompon (east of Bergerac) had a late night surprise recently when they found a cow in their swimming pool. The pompier’s efforts of draining the pool, adding hay and attempting to cajole the cow up a ramp were unsuccessful. However they managed to secure the loan of a forklift truck from a nearby business and a local vet sedated the cow, enabling them to gently lift the cow out in a sling unharmed. The operation took all night and left the owners with a drained pool with ripped lining, filled with hay and cow poo. Carole Henry, the mayor of the village, told France Bleu “They were a bit put out”.

WATER RESTRICTIONS?

To keep up to date with the latest restrictions check out the environment ministry’s Propluvia website. Simply click on the map, select your chosen area and it will show you the restrictions put in place by the prefects. Alternatively, your mairie will be able to provide you with the current restrictions. www.propluvia.developpement-durable.gouv.fr

RECORD BREAKING JUNE

June 2022 saw the highest number of lightning strikes in France for the month since records began in 1989, with 190,000 recorded (at the time of print). Please make sure you unplug all appliances, particularly the power-hungry microprocessors like your computer, laptop, smart TV, etc. and seek help from a qualified electrician about power-surge proofing your home