etcetera magazine June 2020 by etcetera-France

etcetera I’M FREE - TAKE ME, KEEP ME!

YOUR COMPANION FOR LIFE IN THE FRENCH COMMUNITY

JUNE 2020

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French Friends & Neighbours

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etcetera 1 ASTRONOMY • EXPERT ADVICE • PUZZLES • RECIPES

Safe Hands

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hello & welcome

Contents 3

A note from the editors

What’s on

Craft

Language

NEW! Latest news

Recipes

Business & assistance

Health

Garden

Farm life

Fishing

Wildlife

Animal

Night sky

Free time (bumper!)

Home & Specialist

Getting connected

Artisans

Motoring & removals

Property

Classified

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Property listing: 10€ per 50 words plus 6€ per photo Code APE 5814Z Edition de Revues et Periodique Siret 80903463000016. La Présidente G. Feasey Registered. Le Bourg, 87360 Verneuil Moustiers. Impression: Rotimpres. Pol. Ind Casa Nova. Carrer Pla de l’Estany s/n. 17181 Aiguaviva (Girona) Espagne. etcetera est gratuit. While we always do our best to ensure the content in this magazine is given in good faith and businesses are reputable, we accept no liability for any errors or omissions and do not endorse any companies, products or services. Articles written are the personal opinions of the original authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of etcetera magazine.

A Note from the Editors CONTACT US: Tel: 05 16 32 13 42 email: editors.etcetera@gmail.com website: www.etceteraonline.org 17 rue des Chaumettes 86290 St Léomer

etcetera magazine

@etceterafrance

Welcome to the June edition of etcetera magazine. Hooray! We’re back to the printed edition! While we feel incredibly fortunate to have a product and service that can be online, we humans are tactile creatures and there’s nothing quite like flicking through the pages and enjoying a good read at your leisure! This month should see a further gradual ease of restrictions. Businesses are slowly (and carefully) reopening. Now more than ever it’s so important that we are supporting the small businesses around us, spend locally whenever you can. Continue to keep safe, stay well!

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 - 08 11 36 36 46 English Helpline 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. Call the special English-speaking Advice Line provided by Ameli: 0 811 36 36 46 from France (local call price from fixed-phone line). Call 0033 811 36 36 46 from foreign countries (call rates vary between operators). 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). Angouleme 96.8, Chalais 96.9, Confolens 95.4, Ruffec 95.4, Char. Limousine 104.1, Cognac 89.9

Print 2 copies - one for your home and one for your car - it could save a life.

etcetera 3

listing

not much!

4 etcetera

listing

Online radio for English-speaking Expats

etcetera 5

craft

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Get your beeswax and choose your fabrics

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6 etcetera

Every Month www.etceteraonline.org

Step 7

craft

Reusable Beeswax Wraps Credit: www.craftinvaders.co.uk

MOST OF US NOW ARE VERY CONSCIOUS OF HOW MUCH PLASTIC WE USE BUT SOMETIMES ALTERNATIVES CAN BE A BIT OF THE PRICEY SIDE. THIS HOMEMADE ALTERNATIVE IS A FANTASTIC OPTION, EASY TO MAKE AND INCREDIBLY USEFUL IN THE HOME OR FOR PICNICS

hese pliable covers fold up around foods and cover bowls of leftovers. Rinse clean with cold water and mild soap (hot water melts the wax!) and you can reuse them time and time again.

eeswax wraps make fantastic coverings for dishes and bowls. Holding the cover in place over the top of your container will allow the heat from your hands to mould the wax cloth to its shape and cling to the edges. Another great thing about beeswax is it’s naturally antibacterial, so these wraps can be wrapped directly around foods to preserve and protect them. They can be used to wrap around sandwiches, cheese (although if it’s a really smelly cheese you’re better with an airtight container!) and cut vegetables with great success. It’s important to note that they shouldn’t come into any direct contact with raw meat and don’t use them on anything highly perishable (use glass or reusable plastic containers for these) - it’s better to use the beeswax wraps for items that will be stored for short periods of time.

Materials: ▪

Tightly woven thin cotton fabric (for example, cotton sheets or shirts) cut into whatever shapes or sizes you want, or cotton handkerchiefs.

▪

If you are cutting your own fabric, you can use pinking shears to help prevent fraying.

▪

Beeswax beads (or a beeswax block, grated)

▪

Baking tray and parchment.

▪

Clean paintbrush

Method: 1. Before you start, hot wash and dry the cotton fabric. 2. Pre-heat the oven to 140c 3. Line a baking tray with parchment, then place your fabric on top. 4. As evenly as possible, sprinkle a liberal amount of the beeswax on to the fabric (eg for an 28cm square of cotton use 2 tablespoons), making sure you don’t forget the edges.

Happy Crafting! 5. Keep checking to see if the wax has melted as all ovens are different, it’s usually around 4-8 minutes before it has completed melted. 6. Remove from the oven and with your paintbrush, make sure the wax is evenly coated. If you work quickly, the heat from the baking sheet will help you to brush it around evening. 7. Hang your beeswax wraps on a line to dry inside (don’t dry them outside in the sun!) it only takes a few minutes to harden (you can tie some string in between two chairs to make a line or use hangers with a couple of pegs). Cleaning These are super easy to clean. Simply wash the reusable wraps in cool water with a mild detergent and a sponge or soft brush, then leave to dry. The wraps will take on a creased look over time. You can quickly refresh your beeswax wraps if you wish by returning them to the oven and re-melting the wax. Simple! And no more plastic wrapping!

etcetera 7

language and advice

Nous avons de la chance d’habiter à la campagne !

ation, French conversdition� a vocabulary & htr Isabelle wit

Parlez Français Le Confinement et le Déconfinement

n cette période, je vous propose un texte, du vocabulaire et des phrases typiques pour parler du confinement et du déconfinement, du nouveau coronovirus, de la maladie COVID-19, des mesures et restrictions, avec vos voisins et amis français. Prenez soin de vous ! In this period, I propose a text, vocabulary and typical phrases to talk about containment and deconfinement, the new coronovirus, COVID-19, measures and restrictions, with your French neighbours and friends. Take care of yourself! Houra ! Le confinement en France est fini ! Il aura duré du 17 mars au 11 mai 2020, et un peu plus pour certaines entreprises, et encore plus pour celles qui sont encore fermées. Hooray! The confinement in France is over! It will have lasted from March 17 to May 11, 2020, and a little more for some companies, and even more for those that are still closed. C’est la première fois en France qu’un confinement aussi strict et long aura été décidé par le

gouvernement, dans le but de sauver des vies. It is the first time in France that such a strict and long lockdown will have been decided by the government, with the aim of saving lives.

elle fera encore des dégâts : beaucoup de morts et de malades dans tous les pays du monde, mais aussi de très graves problèmes économiques. The health crisis due to the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is still with us. It has caused and will continue to cause havoc: many deaths and illnesses in all countries of the world, but also very serious economic problems

Mais attention, depuis le 11 mai, ce n’est qu’un déconfinement partiel et progressif. Cela veut dire que nous ne sommes pas encore revenus à une Au jour où j’écris ceci, un très vie « normale » et que grand nombre d’entreprises, de Le 2 juin, il y aura une notre liberté n’est pas commerces et d’activités ne nouvelle étape dans encore tout à fait sont pas encore en mesure de retrouvée. Il se peut le déconfinement reprendre le travail comme également qu’un avant. Des millions nouveau confinement d’entreprises restent encore ait lieu, espérons que fermées et certaines ne savent non. Le 2 juin, il y aura une nouvelle étape pas quand elles pourront rouvrir. Le dans le déconfinement et nous espérons monde de l’art, de la culture et de la retrouver encore plus de libertés. musique (les cinémas, les salles de spectacles, les concerts, les théâtres…) But beware, since 11 May, it is only a ainsi qu’une majorité du monde du sport, partial and progressive deconfinement. sont encore à l’arrêt. This means that we have not yet returned to a "normal" life and that our freedom As I write this, a very large number of has not yet been completely restored. It businesses, shops and activities are not may also mean that a new confinement yet able to return to work as they were will take place, let's hope not. On 2 June, before. Millions of businesses are still there will be a new stage in closed and some do not know when they deconfinement and we hope to regain will be able to reopen. The world of art, even more freedom. culture and music (cinemas, theatres, La crise sanitaire due au nouveau coronavirus qui entraîne la maladie COVID-19 est encore bien là. Elle a fait et

concerts, theatres...) as well as a majority of the world of sport, are still at a standstill.

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8 etcetera

● Assistance with all admin needs ● Professional efficient & confidential service ● Competitive rates with flexible & friendly support Remy Hickman-Reed 06 37 76 56 51

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Comprehensive administration, translation and support services for English-speaking people in France…to make life easier. Call Jenny 06 79 85 58 84 Mail: jenifer@wordsmithcoms.com www.facebook.com/frenchwordsmith Siret 504 587 924 00011

language and advice

GET THE

VOCAB!

une maladie an illness, a disease un virus a virus

un symptôme / des symptômes a symptom / symptoms une toux a cough des difficultés respiratoires breathing difficulties de la fièvre temperature un gant / des gants a glove / gloves un masque / des masques a mask / masks un masque en tissu a fabric mask un masque chirurgical / des masques chirurgicaux a surgical mask / surgical masks le gel hydro alcoolique hydroalcoholic solution les gestes barrière protective measures

my employer advised me to carry on working remotely pendant le confinement, j’ai travaillé à domicile during the lockdown, I worked from home je n’avais pas le droit d’aller rendre visite à mes clients I did not have the right to go and visit my clients

C’est une situation difficile pour les commerçants, les restaurateurs et les cafetiers It is a difficult situation for the shop owners, the restaurant owners and the cafés owners

il n’y a pas eu de réunions dans le bureau there haven’t been any meetings at the office

C’était très difficile de rester tout le temps à la maison, surtout pour les gens qui habitent dans un petit appartement

avec les amis with friends

It was difficult to stay at home all the time, especially for the people living in a small flat

Cela faisait longtemps que je ne vous avais pas vu (e / es / s) It has been a long time since I have seen you Cela fait du bien de vous voir maintenant It is good to be able to see you now Vous nous avez manqué We missed you

lavez-vous les mains régulièrement wash your hand regularly

Je n’aimais pas le confinement parce que je ne pouvais pas vous voir I didn’t like the lockdown because I could not see you

je vous remercie de garder la distance d’un mètre minimum I thank you for keeping the distance of 1 m minimum.

Je ne pouvais pas aller aux restaurants ni aux cafés I couldn’t go to the restaurants or the cafés

nous vous demandons de mettre un masque, s’il-vous-plaît we are asking you to put a mask on, please nous mettons à votre disposition du gel hydroalcoolique hydroalcoholic solution is at your disposal evitez de toucher aux articles, s’ilvous-plaît please avoid touching the items AU TRAVAIL – AT WORK mon employeur m’a conseillé de continuer le télétravail

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

www.doclingua.fr Ingrid Vincent Tél : 06 08 06 01 80 Mail : ingrid.vincent@doclingua.fr

Nous avons passé beaucoup de temps dans notre jardin We spent a lot of time in our garden Nous espérons que la médecine trouvera rapidement des solutions contre ce virus We hope that medical science will quickly find solutions against this virus

Keep well by staying at home! Use this opportunity to improve your French! I also provide lessons via Skype. Broaden your horizons with CONTINENTAL HORIZONS! continentalhorizons@free.fr Isabelle works for CONTINENTAL HORIZONS Language Centre in L’Isle Jourdain and teaches French as a Foreign Language every day. Do not hesitate to contact her on 05 49 84 17 73. www.continental-horizons.com Bon courage ! Et à bientôt !

Isabelle

FRENCH LESSONS FOR FREE

BONNIEURE

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Nous avons de la chance d’habiter à la campagne, avec un jardin We are lucky to live in the countryside, with a garden

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

CHASSENEUIL sur

J’ai hâte de retourner manger dans un restaurant I cannot wait to go back and eat in a restaurant

Language School Secretarial and Administration Services Certified Legal Interpreting & Translating Coaching 15 Place d’Armes 86150 L’Isle Jourdain Tél. 05 49 84 17 73 Email: isabelle@continental-horizons.com www.continental-horizons.com siret 483 146 353 00014

Groups - Private tutoring - E-learning Contact Alain 05 55 32 41 76 / 06 37 76 54 98 alain.rio@hvformations.org Siret: 824417364 00018

http://hvformations.org

etcetera 9

news

MOTHER’S DAY In case any of you were wondering what happened to Mother’s Day in France - it’s on Sunday 7th of June this year! As the Sunday of Pentecost (which is a moving date) falls on the 7th Sunday after Easter, Mother’s Day has been pushed back a week. This also means that Father’s Day will be just two weeks later, Sunday 21st June!

PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION Cancer Support France Haute-Vienne announces with regret that due to the ongoing health crisis, the project for a 2021 anniversary calendar has had to be put on hold. The confinement has restricted contributors from going out and taking fresh photos to submit, and the

uncertainties which remain about freedom of movement over the latter half of this year put in question the ability to print and distribute the finished calendars in time for sales in the autumn and the run up to Christmas. They hope to run the competition next year, in time for a 2022 calendar. An enormous thank you to the entries received so far, you will all automatically be placed into the next competition. Watch this space!

SUMMER

SALES

At the time of print, an announcement is due to be made very shortly regarding the stat of the Summer Sales for this summer. It is believed that a date in mid to end July is most likely. 10 etcetera

COVID-19 CT TRUCE SET TO END THIS MONTH Any driver whose car was due for its test after the 12th March (day after the lockdown began) will not face sanctions if they are stopped by police on or before June 23. Appointments at centres are getting booked up so it is advisable to book as quickly as possible. Appointments are also taking much longer than usual due to the additional health guidelines are the test centres are taking. The centres will ask you to ensure your air conditioning is turned off and your car door is left open.

COVID19 SCREENING In a bid to adopt the ‘Track and Trace’ policy the government has reiterated the importance of getting tested if you think you have symptoms. There is a new online tool to help the public find their nearest testing lab. Possible symptoms include headaches, a sore throat, loss of sense of smell or taste, breathing difficulties, frostbite-like feelings on the fingers. You must call your GP to have a test prescribed. You can find your closest testing centre on

the government’s health website Sante.fr. Type in your area or postcode and you will be given a map and list of testing centres nearby. Tests are generally done in medical analysis labs, hospitals and in some cases at home and results will be received within 24 hours. It’s vital to get tested as soon as you feel any symptoms. At the time of print, we are waiting on news regarding the new tracing mobile phone app, StopCovid.

news Contactless Card Payments The maximum amount accepted for contactless card payments in France has risen from €30 to €50, as part of the government’s health measures to ease deconfinement after the lockdown. Banks can also set a maximum amount of cumulative contactless purchases per day, week or month, as well as setting the maximum amount of contactless payments you can use before having to enter your PIN.

MOBILE PHONES AND DRIVING New laws on driving in France and the use of mobile phones have come into force, meaning you can now risk losing your licence for half a year, plus points and a fine. This applies for drivers who are caught using their phone at the same time as commiting a road offence,: such as speeding, missing a red light, not giving way. ‘Using’ your phone includes holding it in your hand or looking at it so that your attention is taken off the road (as well as the obvious speaking or text on it). A totally handsfree system connected to your vehicle is allowed. A recent study showed That 43% of drivers in France keep their phone on the passenger seat and 15% on their laps. In a poll last year, two in five drivers admitted to using their mobile phone in their hand while driving. 50% of people aged 35 and under admitted they found it difficult to go without looking at their phone for longer than 30 minutes. One in ten road accidents in France are linked to unsafe mobile phone usage by drivers, according to figures from road safety agency La Sécurité Routière.

April & May Digital Editions Like most businesses, we were faced with the huge dilemma of what to do when the country went into lockdown in March. We battled with the options and at the end of each conversation keeping everyone safe was always the number one priority. As many of you already know, our April and May editions are online versions. While we have REALLY missed the printed edition, we also feel very grateful to have a product that, with thanks to today’s technology, can still reach our readership online. This enabled us to get some really important information out there to you all over the last two months while everyone stayed home and stayed safe. We are so grateful to the advertisers who have been able to continue to support us during this time - it was thanks to their feedback from our online survey conducted in April that gave us the drive to continue with the online only version. Without them, there is no magazine. If you haven’t read them yet then visit our REDESIGNED WEBSITE www.etceteraonline.org and click on Read Online. Why not become an Online Subscriber as well? That way, should we find ourselves experiencing another lockdown, you won’t miss out on an edition! As the message clearly states throughout the magazine, we all need each other!

MASKS

SHOPPING BUSINESSES

Wearing a mask in shops is not obligatory but businesses do have the right to insist that shoppers wear them in their premises. Décathlon, for example, has made a mask obligatory for anyone over 12 years old. Hairdressers can also make it an obligatory rule of access to their services. Masks are recommended and certainly in our area it feels as though a good 90% or more of people are wearing them in shops. At work, wearing a mask

is not mandatory as a general rule but recommended when social distancing is not possible.

ORDER MASKS VIA LA POSTE Businesses can order packs of machine washable masks via La Poste starting in batches of 6 up to 40, with quick delivery times. You can reorder every 15 days. Prices are from 2.31€ HT per unit per batch of 40 masks. Order from https://masques-pme.laposte.fr

TRAVEL BETWEEN

UK - FRANCE France is preparing to impose voluntary quarantine measures on people arriving from the UK. France is keen to keep the EU borders open, this was initially extended to the UK. However, following the UK’s new 14-day quarantine ruling on visitors arriving into the country, France has reciprocated. Quarantine in France is not mandatory, but the minister for foreign affairs called on people’s "civicmindedness and sense of responsibility”, to apply this measure as a means of stopping the spread of the virus. If you do need to travel, please contact the British or French Embassy for up-to-date information as the situation can change at any moment.

etcetera 11

food

Summertime Salads THE GOOD WEATHER IS UPON AND IT’S TIME TO WHIP UP SOME CLASSIC SEASONAL SALADS! NUTRITIOUS AND EASY TO MAKE, YOU WON’T DISAPPOINT WITH THESE DELICIOUS AND SIMPLE RECIPES. DON’T FORGET TO SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MARKETS AND TRADESPEOPLE WHENEVER YOU CAN AND BUY IN YOUR AREA

Potato Salad

with

Celery,

Spring Onion

and

Dill

Ingredients 1kg new potatoes, scrubbed

Tabbouleh with Chickpeas

½ pomegranate (seeds)

and Pomegranate

large bunch of parsley, finely chopped

large bunch of mint, finely chopped 1 400g tin chickpeas juice of 1-2 lemons

This is one of the prettiest of summer salads and tastes just as good as it looks a great addition to a summer buffet, picnic or barbecue. Ingredients

Serves 6

250g bulgar wheat 1 ½ tsps salt (divided) ½ red onion, finely chopped 1 red pepper, diced ½ cucumber, seeded and diced 15 cherry tomatoes, halved

12 etcetera

4 tbsps olive oil salt & Pepper Method 1. Place the bulgar in large bowl with ½ tsp salt and pour over approx 250 300ml boiling water and mix once. Cover with a lid or cling film and let it absorb for 25-30 minutes. 2. Combine the cooked bulgar 1 tsp salt and all the remaining ingredients. Check for seasoning adding more lemon juice, salt and pepper if desired. Serve cold

2-3 celery sticks, finely chopped 4 spring onions, chopped Small bunch of dill, finely chopped 3 tbsps rapeseed oil 3 tbps Dijon mustard 5 tsps nut vinegar 200ml single cream Method 1. For the dressing, combine and whisk together the oil, mustard and vinegar. Add the cream and stir in. 2. Boil potatoes for 12-15 mins until tender, drain and halve. 3. When cool, mix together the potatoes with the dressing, chopped celery, spring onion and dill and season to taste.

food

Waldorf Salad First presented at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in 1893 in America Ingredients Serves 6 3 crisp apples (Pink Lady, Fuji, or Gala) 3 crisp apples (Granny Smith) 1 tbsp lemon juice 200g red or green grapes (or mixed), cut in half 3 stalks of celery, chopped 125g walnuts or pecans, chopped

Best Ever Coleslaw We love this recipe! You’ll come back to it time and time again. Ingredients ½ medium white cabbage ½ medium red cabbage 4 medium carrots 2 tsp salt 2 tsp caster sugar 2tbsps white wine vinegar 10 tbsps good quality mayonnaise 2 tbsps creamed horseradish or mustard (Dijon/wholegrain) 4 salad onions, finely chopped

170g mayonnaise or plain yogurt Lettuce (optional) Instructions 1. Slice the apples and chop into pieces. Place the apple chunks in a bowl and toss in the lemon juice - leave for about 20 minutes.

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

2. Mix the chopped celery, halved grapes and walnuts in with the apples. Add the mayonnaise or yoghurt, salt & pepper to taste and stir gently until everything is well coated. 3. Chill until ready to serve – either in a bowl or on a platter on a bed of lettuce.

Chateau Kitchen www.chateaumareuil.com

Method 1. Shred cabbage by hand as finely as possible 2. Peel and cut carrots into thin strips 3. Place cabbage and carrots in a colander, add salt, sugar and vinegar, toss together and leave to drain for an hour 4. Press down vegetables to squeeze out any excess liquid and tip into a bowl, add the spring onions. 5. Mix the mayonnaise with the horseradish or mustard and toss together with vegetables. If you like an even sweeter coleslaw then you can can raisins or sultanas!

KEEP YOUR SALAD LEAVES FRESH! Chop the lettuce to your desired size, give it a good rinse, and then run it through a salad spinner—this part is important, because moisture is the enemy of crisp lettuce. Put your greens into a nice big bowl, and drape a paper towel or two over the top so moisture doesn't settle on the leaves while your salad sits in the fridge. Cover the whole thing with a really tight seal of plastic wrap or try one the beeswax wraps featured on the craft page!

etcetera 13

food

A great addition to a summer buffet, picnic, barbecue or simply serve with grilled meat or fish for an easy lunch or supper. You can make this with whichever beans you prefer.

4 tbsps olive oil

Ingredients Serves 4-8

Drain and rinse all the tinned beans and sweetcorn and place in a large bowl to mix. Add the celery, red onion, parsley and rosemary.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Add the dressing to the beans and mix carefully.

Chill the salad in the fridge for a few hours to allow the beans to soak up the delicious dressing. Sprinkle with chopped parsley to serve.

1 ½ tsps salt ¼ tsp black pepper Method

Beans - you can use kidney, cannellini, brown lentils, chickpeas - all of these work really well in this salad choose a large tin of each. Red and yellow pepper Half a cucumber, finely chopped ½ red onion, finely chopped Tomatoes, finely chopped handful parsley, finely chopped 1 tbsp fresh rosemary or coriander, finely chopped 75ml cider vinegar 50g white sugar

M. Cochon PROUDLY PRESENTS PORK PRODUCTS FROM ITS OWN PIGS GAMMON, JOINTS & STEAKS, DRY-CURED BACK BACON, HOT WATER CRUST PORK PIES, PORK PASTIES BRITISH STYLE SAUSAGES Plain, Cumberland, Lincoln, pork & leek ! S U L The usual pork joints, Pigs in Blankets P AND MORE! FREE DELIVERY most areas in Charente, Haute-Vienne, Dordogne, Correze ~ Suppliers to a number of leading restaurants ~

le rep

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Please keep checking our Facebook page for details

lerepos

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TRADITIONAL FISH & CHIPS

MISTER T’S

La Chaumière 16140 La Chapelle

FRITERIE Siret: 537 606 972 00017

Support Local Business We all need each other

Pre-Orders Weds 3rd & 17th June 18h30 - 21h

06 02 22 44 74 www.frying4u2nite.com mistert@frying4u2nite.com

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history

Memorial in Oradour-sur-Glane, remembering all 642 inhabitants who lost their lives

Remembering Denise Bardet 10 JUNE 1920 - 10 JUNE 1944 By Clive Anthony Greenwood

n 10th June this year I ask you to remember Denise Bardet, for it would have been her 100th birthday. This young teacher was one of many people who tragically lost their lives at Oradour-surGlane on 10th June 1944 by members of the SS Panzerdivision Das Reich, just four days after Allied forces had achieved a toehold in Normandy. It was her 24th birthday that day.

Training College) in Limoges, where she qualified on 15th October 1940.

Her first teaching post was in the little Haute-Vienne village of Chéronnac, close to the source of the River Charente and just a few kilometres from the Charente border. Denise is survived by her journal, kept in a series of notebooks, known as the 'Cahiers de Jeunesse'. She modestly referred to these as her 'griffonages' or She was born in They show us the essence scribblings. They show us Verneuil-sur-Vienne, a of her love of life, her the essence of her love of village some 10 km life, her tolerance and her west of Limoges, in the tolerance and her humanity. She wrote Haute-Vienne. She was about her working life, her friends and the first child of Germain and Marie colleagues, her youthful aspirations and Bardet, 'cultivateurs', or poor agricultural her ideas developing from her wide workers. The father had been gassed in the reading, which included Goethe, Schiller trenches in World War One and suffered and Dickens. poor health. He died in 1929 at the age of forty, leaving his widow to bring up Denise Denise's mother and brother were living at (age 9) and her little brother, Camille (3). La Grange de Boeil, a small hamlet 3 km Marie was determined that her children from Oradour-sur-Glane. In the Autumn should have the benefit of a full secondary of 1943, at the rentrée, Denise, in order to education, whatever the cost, whatever the be with her family, transferred to the sacrifices required. She took on any work school in Oradour where there were over she could find, devoted to this objective as 200 children, some of them refugees from only a mother can be. In 1932 Denise the German seizure of Lorraine. progressed to schooling in St. Léonard-deOn that fateful day, which was a Saturday, Noblat, more than 20 km east of Limoges. Denise taught her girls in the morning. Five years later she gained a place at After lunch at home she cycled into L'École Normale d'Institutrices (Teacher

Oradour again to celebrate her birthday with her friends. (Her mother and her brother stayed at home; they survived.) It’s hard to imagine how that day must have been for her. One minute, you’re enjoying a beautiful summer’s day, excited to celebrate with your friends, then an hour later you are being herded into the village church with all the women and children. All of them lost their lives, I shall spare you the details but she was found the next day, clutching in her arms one of her little schoolgirls. In her journal, Denise wrote about the Germans and Nazism. She realised that Hitler's tyranny was an aberration from the cultured nation she knew from her reading of German literature and from her knowledge of German music. She did not hate Germans, only the totalitarian regime which currently controlled Germany and occupied her own country. Had she lived, Denise Bardet would have been delighted and would not have been surprised - that Germany returned to the fold of civilised nations; she would have been so happy with the lasting rapprochement between Germany and France; and she would have been a staunch advocate and supporter of the emergent European Union as a guarantor of peace and international understanding.

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business INSURANCE

ISABELLE WANT

Top Up Health Insurance For Hospital Cover

BH ASSURANCES

ome of you are sometimes put off by the high premium of top up health insurance. You might even think that because you are in good health, there is no need for it. However, it’s important to remind yourself that being in good health does not prevent an accident. The cost of an ambulance is 1,400€ and you only get 70% of it back (unless it is life threatening in which case it is reimbursed 100%) so it could be wise to look at a top up. At Allianz we offer a cover that is half the price of any normal top up with the hospital only cover. 1) What is covered: It’s pretty good in regards to hospital as it is 400% cover and also up to 150€ per day for an individual room. In France, you either share the room with someone else or you can choose to be on your own (with your own bathroom). Note that the cover does not guarantee you will be able to get the sole occupancy room, it simply covers the cost if you can get one. Usually, you can always get one in a private hospital (clinique). It also covers things outside the hospital such as ambulance, x-rays, scans and blood tests. 2) Surcharge: 100% top up cover is 100% of the price set by the French health system, but the medical professionals are self-employed and are allowed to apply a surcharge. It is mostly done by consultants, surgeons, private hospitals, dentists, etc. Example: the French health system set the price for a hip replacement of 1000€ (not the actual figure, just an example), then you only get reimbursed 800€ (80%) but the surgeon can charge 3000€, therefore, you would be 2200€ (instead of just 200€) out of pocket! Therefore, a cover with your top up at 300% would cover that surcharge. The Allianz hospital cover is 400%.

3) Extras: With Allianz top up, you also get extras like free home cleaning if you are in hospital for more than 3 days or even help looking after your pets, etc. 4) How does it work if you are hospitalised: When you are hospitalised, the hospital will contact Allianz, who sets up “une prise en charge” meaning Allianz and CPAM will pay instead of you (just as well as the surgery could cost an arm and a leg…). The only thing you would have to pay for when you come out is the food, the individual room and telephone or TV bill. Simply pass it on to us for reimbursement or send it directly to Allianz santé (remboursementsante@allianz.fr). 5) What it does not cover: It doesn’t cover things outside hospitalisation such as dentists, opticians, glasses, GPs, consultants, medicines, physios. However, do note that you are covered a certain percentage of the cost by CPAM (French health system) for those. For instance, the

GP visit is covered 70% (GP visits cost 25€). 6) How much does it cost: It depends on your age. But note that if you are selfemployed you get an extra discount which is not in my examples. For someone aged 85 years old it is about 60€ per month. 70 years is around 45€ per month, 55 years is around 30€ per month. Basically the younger you are, the cheaper. If you already have an Allianz contract with our office, there is an additional 10% discount. And if you take out the contract as a couple, there is a 5% discount. To get a quote, simply email me your full name, postal address, occupation, and birth dates. CONCLUSION: Feel free to contact me if you wish information on any of the above or to get a free quote for top up health insurance. The first 2 months are free in the first year at the moment.

General running costs such as cleaning, electricity, food, etc

Whatever the cost

Excess (participation forfaitaire in French)

Whatever the cost

Surgeon and medical team fees

Hospital daily fees (cost of care and medical equipment, etc)

Individual room

Up to 150€/day

Ambulance

Outpatient

Extra bed in the room to stay with patient (Up to 20 days)

TV/Telephone/Wifi

Nursing fees

X-rays, scans, ultrasound, MRI and medical technical acts

Analyses and laboratories exams (blood test)

Isabelle Want Mob•: 06 17 30 39 11 / Email•:isabelle.want@bh-assurances.fr N° Orias 07021727/16005974

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business SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE

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

PRÉVENTION COVID:

Aid for Covid-19 Prevention in the Work Place

here have been a number financial aids for small businesses available from the region via your personal impots access and support in terms of a payment or arrangements from URSSAF. These will wind down for most small businesses in June, when they make their last demand for help for May. In certain cases and in some areas further aid is available, given by the commune or your Communautés de Communes, so don’t hesitate to ask them what is available and how to apply.

equipment, allowing them to set up preventative measures in their work place.

In order to benefit, the minimum amount of the investments has to be:

Who qualifies?

▪

1000 € HT for businesses with employees,

▪

and 500 € HT for independent workers without employees.

▪ Business with 1 to 49 employees. ▪ Independent workers with no employees who are attached to URSSAF and CPAM Protections financed

The purchase or rental of protective equipment made between 14 March and 31 July 2020. The equipment covered includes: The government announced in mid-May a plexiglass, signage, masks, visors, large injection of financial aid for the installations used for the maintenance of tourist industry. At the time of print there hygiene and cleaning aren’t any details requirements. published yet but if You can benefit from a Masks, hydro-alcoholic gels and you are in this sector, subsidy of up to 50% visors are financed only if the make sure you seek of your investment company has also invested in at advise from the least one of the barrier and social Chambre de distancing measures. Gloves and Commerce or other organisations locally. wipes are not part of the subsidized I want to tell you about an aid that has a equipment. slightly longer life span. Subsidy amount Prévention COVID If you have invested since March 14 or The subsidy « Prévention COVID » helps plan to invest in protective equipment, you businesses with less than 50 employees or can benefit from a subsidy of up to 50% of independent workers to acquire protection your investment.

GOVERNMENT AID

ost of us have suffered a loss of turnover over the last few months, so please make sure you have looked into the help you may be entitled to (please check out our online April and May editions for detailed information if you haven’t already: www.etceteraonline.org - go to Read Online and select the edition). You need to have had at least 50% loss in March 2020 compared to March 2019 in order to receive the aid for the month of

The subsidy is capped at 5 000 € in both cases. How to apply You can download the forms from the Ameli website: www.ameli.fr (then click on the box entitled ‘Une Subvention Pour Aider Les Tpe Et Pme À Prévenir Le Covid-19 Au Travail’), choose the correct form for your circumstances from either of the following: ▪

the formulaire de demande pour les entreprises de moins de 50 salariés, for businesses with employees

▪

or the formulaire de demande pour les travailleurs indépendants sans salarié for business without employees

Once you have completed the form, send it by email before the 31st December 2020 to your regional Caisse (Carsat, Cramif or CGSS).

March. To receive aid for April and May 2020, the loss of turnover is calculated either in relation to the turnover for the same period in 2019 or, if the company so wishes, in relation to the average monthly turnover for 2019.

loss of turnover of more than 50% in April 2020 compared to April 2019 or, if the company so wishes, compared to the monthly turnover in 2019 can also make a declaration on the impots.gouv.fr website to receive tax-free aid of up to €1,500.

Since Friday 3 April, all companies eligible for aid for the month of March can apply on the website impots.gouv.fr by providing the following information: SIREN, SIRET, RIB, turnover, amount of aid requested, declaration on honour. From 1 May 2020, all eligible companies that have suffered a

From 1 June 2020: all eligible companies that have suffered a loss of turnover of more than 50% in May 2020 compared to May 2019 or, if the company so wishes, compared to the monthly turnover in 2019 may also make a declaration on the impots.gouv.fr website.

etcetera 17

business and assistance

The Dangers of DIY Investing HELEN BOOTH INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISER deVere France

eople often make one of two mistakes when it comes to looking after their health and managing their wealth in times of crisis.

diagnosis, without qualification. The same rule applies to managing your wealth. Making hay whilst the sun shines Following the 2008/09 global financial crisis, global financial markets have enjoyed the longest bull-run in history. This bull-run (continued period of market growth) began on March 9th, 2009 and is on the verge of coming to a sudden halt as global equity markets collapse across the board.

In the same period as the bull-run, we have seen a significant increase in the number of people attempting to manage 1. People find a way to talk themselves out their own finances, through DIY investing, of taking action with the aid of wealth management books, Just as it is easy to put off Their real value visiting the dentist or the comes when markets online seminars and unqualified doctor, many people will talk are volatile financial influencers. themselves out of taking action until it is too late. As a result of these two trends coinciding, 2. Many unqualified people attempt to many DIY investors have achieved positive manage the situation themselves gains on their portfolios as a result of unprecedented market performance. The internet has many great uses These results have for many DIY investors including connectivity, research and allowed them to believe their approach is information storage. However, as any robust, their knowledge is sufficient, and doctor will tell you when it comes a health issue, you should always avoid selftheir portfolio is crisis proof.

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The bull-run is almost over Whilst financial advisors gain the most credit from clients during periods of expansion. Their real value comes when markets are volatile, and portfolios require protection. Global markets are now in uncharted territory right now: ‐ we are currently facing the effects of a global health crisis ‐ stock prices of US companies are dangerously overpriced ‐ Hong Kong is in political turmoil ‐ The impact of Brexit hasn’t even started ‐ the US China trade war is far from over ‐ US/Iran relation’s remain sensitive ‐ Tensions rise between OPEC, Russia and the US If there was ever a time to seek financial advice and protect your finances, it’s now! Be sure to speak to an Independent Financial Adviser who lives and works in France and is qualified to be able to advise you and understands the options available to you, in France. This article should not be construed as providing investment advice.

business and assistance

Trust Is Everything in Business “Trust takes years to build, seconds to break and forever to repair”

rust is important when it comes to running a small business in France. We all need customers and ideally repeat customers who are happy to use our product or service again and again. Trust, when acted out with the best of intentions for the customer and competence, provide a great opportunity to build lasting and loyal business relationships. Here are some tips to help build trust 1. Use testimonials/reviews. These help build trust to potential customers who have not used you yet, particularly if you diplomatically respond to one from a less than happy customer. Encourage customers to leave reviews. If they tell you, use it to tell others. 2. Under promise and over deliver. The making of a promise is centuries old. Promises kept help tell the world that we are trustworthy. A broken promise chips away at that trust. There is nothing worse than a customer being promised that you will

be there before lunch on Thursday, and you failed to turn up or or even make contact. If someone has placed an order with you and you need 5 days, tell the customer that you need 5 days. If on the 3rd day it is done and on it's way to your customer, how happy will they be when you have confirmed the good news.

MICALA WILKINS ALACIM SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING

opportunity to provide them with solutions. Good communication helps build trust.

4. Appreciate your clients. It goes without saying, customers are 3. Be professional at all times. the life blood of any business. It takes As a business owner, it is easy to forget little effort to 'thank' them and make that you are an ambassador for your them feel valued, whether business during your it's an email or a card in the waking time. What There is nothing worse post. If you have customers you say about others than a customer being who are out their singing in personal promised that you will your praises and you are situations, creates an be there before lunch on reaping business from it, go unprofessional Thursday, and you perception. How that extra mile. you talk to your failed to turn up Trust isn’t hard to build or customers is equally maintain but it does need a important. Ask consistent, committed questions and listen with both ears. approach. Trust comes in many forms and The art of asking, listening and there’s always plenty to keep your confirming that you understand what business trustworthy. they want provides you with ample

Sandrine TUYERAS Insurance Agent

TONY FARRELL

All Insurances N°ORIAS 14001253 Finance & Investment Email : tuyeras.bellac@allianz.fr website : www.allianz.fr/tuyeras 5 rue Lamartine 87300 BELLAC Tél. 05 55 68 11 80

4 Place de l’Hôtel de Ville 87140 NANTIAT 05 55 53 51 18

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

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Zero Hero

Psychologue / Psychologist LOCKDOWN making you feel locked in or locked out? Are you feeling numb, lost something within yourself? Can’t seem to find a routine or struggling with sleep. On edge, hyper, feeling unsafe? Contact me, by phone / Skype The British Psychological Society

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YOUR INNER DIALOGUE IS POWERFUL; IT IS BOTH YOUR FRIEND AND ENEMY. IT IS WITH US ALL DAY EVERY DAY, SO HOW WE USE IT MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE TO OUR LIVES

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W 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

T. 06 47 43 01 66

hen our inner voice turns disruptive and unhelpful, your mind tries to get you to believe in something that isn’t necessarily true about yourself or the world around you, like when you fall into a negative feedback loop of “I’m not good at something, therefore I will never be good at it.” The following is an approach that will improve your self-esteem and help you flourish. I will show you how to manage the running commentary about, and to, yourself.

«Depts 86 & 87 «32 plus years’ experience «Professional colouring and cutting services

Here are some of my own personal examples; two negatives and one positive: Negative

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“You idiot” (after hurting my leg) “I’m such a fool” (after a tactless remark) Positive “I’m happy I could help” (after coaching a friend for free)

Support Local Business Now, more than ever

We have evolved as pessimists; the optimists got wiped out by sabre toothed tigers. So we spend far longer considering our stupidity, than celebrating our brilliance. Let us call the positive voice Hero, and the negative Zero. We have to practise being positive.

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health

Be Kind to

Yourse Reflection ▪ Spend five minutes thinking of an episode where you blamed yourself (Zero) ▪ Time how long you were irritated after the above thought

Dr Cathie Woodward is trained as a coach and runs a coaching practice with clients both in the UK and France.

immediately calls me imbecilic, whereas Artemis expresses sympathy. When I go out to bring in the horses, and they are upset, I focus on becoming Artemis. It does make a huge difference to them and my husband! Everyone is calmer.

Hero can help us to reframe many of the negatives uttered by Zero. The first step is to notice. Zero’s comments may occur as ▪ Spend ten minutes an emotion. I have writing down good learned that when I ‘self-thoughts’ (Hero) feel a sense of Recognizing your automatic ▪ How long did you feel shame, I am often thoughts is the first step to happy after this thinking, ‘I am second exercise? stupid’. Once I have changing them noticed, Hero My suspicion is that you reminds me that will feel angry with sometimes I can be yourself longer and find intelligent. These thoughts are not true, the first part of the reflection easier. they are just ideas we have developed That is because you are a human being, it about ourselves. is normal, but not helpful. Activity 1 Bringing awareness to what your internal dialogue is can help you regain control of ▪ Think of a recent incident when you it. Recognizing your automatic thoughts is felt cross with yourself the first step to changing them. ▪ What was the trigger? I have invented names and characters for ▪ What could your Hero have said to mine, and I find it has made a huge make you feel better about yourself? difference. Artemis (Hero) is grounded and calm, Hades (Zero) is unkind and Activity 2 angry. As a functioning member of the Write down some self-critical thoughts, human race, I hang out a lot with Hades. and then reframe. However, since adopting this approach, ▪ I am a hopeless parent particularly describing and naming them, I I work hard at being the best parent have more control. So when I walk into a door (my illness, not drink), Hades I can be

lf!

▪ Go and do something that cheers you up

By Dr C athie Woodw ard

You are welcome to phone Cathie for a free consultation, in total confidence.

▪ I can’t decorate the house I can paint some walls ▪ My business is failing I have skills and I can adapt and develop ▪ I speak lousy French I can work to improve my French We don’t have to put up with this hurtful, unproductive self-talk. By identifying and challenging our own thinking errors we can minimize their impact over time. As you can see I am not suggesting that you exaggerate, just be kinder to yourself. You might think it makes no difference but every little bit of optimism helps. Keep practising and I promise it will become easier.

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garden

Roof Terraces & Balcony Gardens MOST OF US HERE IN RURAL FRANCE ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE RELATIVELY LARGE OUTSIDE SPACES AND GARDENS, BUT LET’S NOT FORGET HOW WE CAN MAKE THE MOST OF SMALL BALCONIES AND ROOFTOPS TOO

atching the news during the lockdown period opened our eyes more to the fact that there are also many people who don’t actually have much if any garden space because they live in an apartment or townhouse. This article should provide readers with some insight how to create a garden on a roof terrace or balcony even if you do have a garden as well! PRACTICALITIES The first and most important thing to do before creating your roof or balcony garden is to determine just how much weight the structure will be able to support. In the near future we plan to have a carport built which will also act as a raised terrace accessed by our (sometime in the near future) living room so it’s something that is pretty close to our thoughts just now. Never underestimate just how heavy earth can be! Then add the weight of people who will want to sit on it, the furniture, the containers for the plants, possibly a hot tub etc, etc. If you have a flat roof, it is probably not designed to take a lot of weight and so you should really check either with a civil engineer or a builder with experience in this kind of thing so as not to exceed its load-bearing capability. A balcony will often have been designed with

24 etcetera

the idea of being able to take more weight, but it is still better to check with a professional before placing too much weight onto it.

Lorn Tracy &

Taylor-M ade Garden s

furniture carefully to fit with your theme but try to make it fairly lightweight and don’t try to cram too much furniture into too small a space or you will lose the impact. If you are trying to make a garden on a small balcony, think about using a small round café-style table or for pure indulgence, a free-standing hammock.

Once you have established how much weight your outdoor space will bear, it needs to be made safe to prevent any risk of someone falling from it so some type of The plants for a roof terrace or balcony perimeter such as a balustrade needs to be need to be very carefully added if one isn’t If you are trying to make a chosen as they will be already in place. garden on a small balcony, more exposed to the Before going ahead with than plants in a think about using a small elements any additions to your conventional garden. Try house, even just round café-style table or for to choose wind tolerant creating a roof terrace pure indulgence, a freeplants including plants or balcony, it is always such as bamboo and tall standing hammock wise to check with the grasses that will rustle in local Marie just in case the breeze and add the element of sound you need any special planning permission. to the garden. Wind chimes will also offer a pleasant noise but take care not to have Finally, you need to consider drainage as too many or use ones that are very loud rainwater will need somewhere to and offensive otherwise you could be drain away. putting yourself in danger of becoming a DESIGNING YOUR SPACE noisy neighbour! Think about how exposed to the sun your space is as well so Roof gardens and balconies work better try not to choose plants which are when a theme is used. For example, you sensitive to strong sunlight if your roof may use a very specific colour theme or garden/balcony gets sun for the majority choose a bold ethnic theme or make it an of the day. ultra-modern extension of your indoor living space. The first thing that you will want to ensure is that there is somewhere to sit to enjoy this space. Choose your

The roof terrace that we designed earlier this year had a specific brief – lush planting to include fragrant plants and a

garden

space large enough for a table to seat 8 they can’t wait for it to get dark so that they can bring out the G&Ts and listen to people. The idea of a platform built into the crickets chirping in the balmy the trees of a jungle immediately sprang to summer evenings. mind. We decided to take a fairly conventional approach and organise the Balconies by their very nature tend to be planting around the perimeter of the small spaces but there are many houses decking so that a reasonable sized round within our locale with “sous sols” which table could be placed centrally. We had the provide a balcony-like structure around at planters custom-made from chestnut with least part of the house. These are often trellis at the back to be either bare or contain just a able to grow climbing They can’t wait for it to few pots of geraniums but plants which acted as the get dark so that they can with just a little work, these “walls” to the room. The bring out the G&Ts and can be made into a planters were painted to functional and beautiful listen to the crickets compliment the walls of place to pass a few hours. chirping in the balmy the house and we left a The best approach would be summer evenings small gap between 2 of to keep it simple and try to the planters as a viewing stick to a theme to ensure area to be able to look down onto the small that it doesn’t become a jumble of miscourtyard below. The planters were then matched containers and garden furniture. planted with tropical style plants (banana Use your current garden furniture or palms, black bamboo, phormium, yucca, containers to set your theme or decide to grasses and a splash of colour was splash out on new ones at the beginning of provided by asters and a climbing rose) to the season when there is more choice. encourage the feeling of sitting in a huge Ideally your containers should all be of the tree-house amidst a jungle rather than a same style but different shapes and sizes decked area of a town house. Fragrant would add greater interest. climbing plants were used (2 types of Canvas directors’ chairs and a canvas honeysuckle and summer jasmine) to hammock would create a space provide a sweet-smelling environment. An reminiscent of an African safari camp. You irrigation system was added (remember could add a few painted wooden masks to that pots can dry out quite quickly) and the wall and use wooden planters of some subtle lighting to enhance some of various sizes planted with bamboos and the larger plants. This transformed the grasses. Bamboos are great for containers area from a plain square of decking into a as the roots of even the most invasive tropical oasis where the clients assure us

Les Rosiérs de Montbron

bamboo are restricted. The black bamboo is an impressive container-grown plant. The plastic rattan-style sofa and chairs which are everywhere at the moment are evocative of a luxurious Balinese spa hotel. Use broad-leaved, exotic style plants such as canna-lilys and banana palms to create a tropical theme. A contemporary theme can be created using steel and glass table and chairs. This style would benefit from using identical zinc containers with architectural planting (restrict the plants to just 2 or 3 different types) so think about yucca, phormium and palms. A Mediterranean feel can be simply created if you have a tiled balcony. Add a mosaic bistro-style table and chairs, grow a vine on the wall planted in a large container, a container grown fig and lots of different types of lavender. Use terracotta pots. If you are artistic or brave enough, make a mosaic decoration for the wall. Create the feel of Morocco with large, brightly coloured cushions on which to lounge. Place a low coffee table in front of them with a display of an ornate silver teapot and small glasses from which to drink sweet peppermint tea. Plant brightly coloured containers with orange and lemon trees and bougainvillea – these are all tender plants so must be brought indoors for winter.

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garden Grass Cutting Strimming Hedge trimming Clearing Fencing Tidy ups Cutting back trees

Tel: Frank Hawkins 05 55 71 43 38 Email: sparksstudio@yahoo.com Facebook: Hawkins Gardening Services Siret: 514 758 028 00013 Areas covered 87 & 24

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Throughout the seasons

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garden

Wild garlic can be identified by its distinctive smell, long pointed leaves and white flowers

Comfrey is an essential plant for any organic garden

Grow Your Own Part 2

FOLLOWING ON FROM LAST MONTH’S ARTICLE ON PLANNING YOUR POTAGER FOR MAXIMUM SELF-SUFFICIENCY, THIS MONTH LET’S EXPLORE OTHER WAYS TO INCREASE YOUR SUSTAINABILITY AND DEPEND MUCH LESS ON COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

your plants: 1 part nettle tea to 10 parts water.

Making your own garden compost is something which I have covered before, but using plant-based fertilisers to supplement soil nutrients is easy to do – in fact it is as easy as making a pot of tea! Plants that contain a rich supply of nutrients – particularly nitrogen – are steeped in water for several weeks until the water changes colour to a greenybrown (don’t leave it too long as it can get a bit whiffy) it may not look appetising but the plants will thrive off it. You can do this with nettles, comfrey, even grass clippings – make sure to dilute it before applying as a liquid feed to the soil around the base of

Poultry manure is also a great addition to the compost heap – it is high in potash as well as nitrogen. If you use straw or wood shavings as bedding it can be a bit high in dry matter so it needs to be composted with One of the best foraging other green Foraging has to be plants is Sorrel, it has an materials such as mentioned in any exceptionally citrussy discussion on selfgrass clippings. It is one of the many sufficiency, indeed it is flavour and great for benefits of having one of the key ways that soups and sauces chickens in the people living off the land supplement their diet garden. Not only do they provide your plants with nutrients with tasty, nutritious seasonal herbs and but they also turn left over food into eggs. greens by knowing what is available in the Our chickens have been a huge bonus to hedgerows and meadows. One of the best foraging plants is Sorrel, it has an us over the period of confinement providing us with a plentiful supply of exceptionally citrussy flavour and great for fresh eggs and we have also been able to soups and sauces, young nettle tops are trade them for advice on bee keeping almost as good, and you can make a great which is our next self-sufficiency venture. salad out of plants that we would normally Chickens are relatively easy to look after, look at as ‘weeds’ such as dandelion and

t is easy to get carried away when shopping in the garden centres – we all love to accessorise and spend money on our hobbies, but the principles of a truly organic system is to use only natural products and where possible to use a ‘closed system’, where all fertilisers, soil improvers and mulches, plant supports, seeds etc are sourced from your own land.

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needing food and egg collection only once a day and cleaning out once or twice a week (depending on the size of their living space). We have them free range in our small orchard where they happily scratch around in the soil and eat the larvae of overwintering insects that would otherwise damage our fruit crops.

garden

Fresh eggs from well-cared for hens

bittercress. Wild leeks, mint and garlic grow profusely in the hedgerows as do edible flowers such as violets. Never dig the plants up though, just pick a few leaves or stems and it is worth getting some advice so that you don’t mistake poisonous plants for something edible but there is a wealth of knowledge here in rural France as many locals still practice foraging as a matter of course. Later in the year there are chestnuts to be had as well as the many varieties of edible mushrooms.

They are generally packed with flavour and a great way to be creative with your own seasonal produce. Accessing recipes from all over the world is easy these days and with a few store cupboard staples and a range of spices you can enhance your diet and visit a different part of the world every night!

Lastly, we are in an area that benefits from plenty of sunshine and it is a sensible idea to consider harnessing some of its energy to generate electricity and hot water. You may not want to make the long-term Join a seed swap group – I am a bit of a investment in a full-on system that also fanatic about heirloom varieties, most of sends electricity back to the national grid which are not available commercially. but consider things like solar battery Heirloom varieties are grown for their chargers that can help reduce your flavour, are developed to suit local climate running costs and give you some back up and conditions and crop over a much in a power cut. Solar water heating uses longer period of time which helps to ‘evacuated tubes’ to heat water that then prevent ‘gluts’ and give you a steady circulates through supply of vegetables. your cylinder Modern commercial transferring heat to vegetable varieties are Wild leeks, mint and garlic the water in your developed to ripen or grow profusely in the tank, they are mature all at the same relatively easy to time so that mechanical hedgerows as do edible install and give you harvesting is possible, flowers such as violets free hot water for and they are generally around 9 months of selected for their shelf life the year here, we and storing qualities have a duel coil hot water cylinder which is above their taste! Heirloom varieties are heated by the Rayburn in winter and by a also open pollinated, so you are able to solar panel on the roof which starts save your own seeds too which adds to heating up sufficiently for our hot water their sustainability. needs from around March. It is totally It seems obvious to say that eating less independent, and we were able to install meat also helps to reduce your food bills, it ourselves. improve the diversity of your diet and Being partially self sufficient does mean reduce your carbon footprint. But you that you have to make compromises some need to think outside of just replacing it of the time but the current situation has with an alternative, instead look to the inspired many of us to think about what is peasant foods from around the world for really important in life and there are many inspirational recipes using seasonal small ways in which you can tip the vegetables, stored and preserved garden balance towards a more sustainable, produce, beans and pulses for protein and rewarding and self-sufficient lifestyle. foraged ingredients for extra dietary value.

Sorrel has long been known to be both edible Next month I will look at growing herbs medicinal for and tisanes, home herbals and wellbeing.

Caroline has been a lecturer in horticulture for 20 years and is now running a nursery and 'garden craft' courses in the Haute-Vienne By Caroline Wright

Le Jardin Créatif lejardincreatif.net Our nursery is now open again on Saturdays 10am-4pm subject to any further restrictions. The garden is also open on Saturdays for customers to enjoy and gain inspiration. We are also happy to answer your gardening questions – from a distance!

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garden

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!

Jobs to Do IN THE GARDEN Our gardens don’t understand the impact of ‘lockdown’, they just show the results – the roses and borders are flowering adding colour, perfume for us to enjoy, and nectar for insects; the potagers are starting to deliver with early fruit and vegetables for the kitchen. Hoe borders regularly to keep down weeds and prevent annual and perennial weeds from spreading or seeding. Keep a constant look out for caterpillars, aphids and other flying pests as well as slugs and snails. Early infestations can be managed by hand removal, or eco-friendly methods, without the need to resort to insecticides. But there is a danger that we get so tied up in what needs to be done that we forget to breathe in the scents of summer, listen to the birds and the humming bees and enjoy the ‘first fruits’ of our gardens!

IN THE FLOWER GARDEN ▪ Keep on top of deadheading roses, but treat this as pruning rather than a tidying process and cut back to the next sideshoot or leaf, however far that may be. ▪ Give hanging baskets some extra attention – water regularly, feed with high potash fertiliser such as tomato feed, and finally check weekly to remove dead and dying flowers. ▪ Following their flowering season, remove all dead leaves from bulbs and lift and divide any that were either in the wrong place or have become overcrowded.

IN THE VEGETABLE GARDEN ▪ Sow fast growing crops to extend your harvest throughout the season. Carrots, salad leaves, dwarf beans and spinach can all be sown in short rows every two to three weeks. ▪ Tie in tomatoes and pinch out sideshoots – these are the new stems that develop from the main stem where leaves are growing – and start feeding once the first truss of fruit has set. ▪ Sweet corn relies on wind for pollination, so plant out in blocks of several short rows.

IN THE FRUIT GARDEN ▪ Remove strawberry runners early in the season, to prevent energy being diverted from developing fruit.

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▪ Tie in any new shoots of blackberries, tayberries and raspberries as they start to grow. ▪ Fruit trees often produce more fruit than they can sustain. Some fruit will drop naturally, but be prepared to thin out, this will improve fruit size and quality; promote more even ripening; lessen the risk of branches breaking under the weight of fruit and help reduce the spread of pests and diseases.

LOOKING AFTER YOUR LAWN ▪ Mow the grass regularly but increase the cutting height to help your lawn become more drought resistant. ▪ Trim lawn edges to keep the lawns looking tidy.

IN THE GREENHOUSE ▪ Make sure there’s enough shade and if the temperatures drop at night, close the door to prevent damage to tender plants. ▪ Put up traps for flying insects. Even though there's always something to do in your garden find time to sit, admire the products of your hard work and

Enjoy your garden!

farm life

Help ON THE

Farm LIKE ALL OF US IN THIS PANDEMIC, THINGS HAVE HAD TO CHANGE. THIS SUMMER, WE ARE MISSING THE USUAL HELPING HANDS AROUND THE PLACE

(remember those days?). Then the ormally at this time of year I am wonders of the internet took over. There calling it “the silly season” and getting are now a lot of sites which all work in the half a dozen emails a day from mostly same way, and over the years the help young people who want to come to us to that we have received here has been help on the farm, via sites such as HelpX, truly astonishing. Workaway and others. The ages range between 18 and 61 years old, and they This year we will not be able to do as come here from all over the world - China, much. The normal 500 cabbages, Norway, Spain, Australia, you name the cauliflower etc., take time to plant, and our country and they have probably come here. old backs start to really give in after a This year the emails have, of course, dried while. We grow just about everything, and up. Thankfully, they are understanding the as a smallholding we try to produce all we important of staying home and staying can, in every way we can. From milk and safe. However I am still getting one or two, cheese, to fruit and veg. Being selfand honestly, at my ripe old age, they sufficient was always our goal, and what shock me. This morning I we produce is not have had an email from a just for us but for The help that we have couple wanting to come our helpers and and stay for a month, and received here has been livestock. This year, the May easing of truly astonishing well, that’s not restrictions have not happening, along even started as I write with building work, this. They are in Columbia, and we wonder and hands on work with our livestock, so how this has become a global pandemic. our efforts are concentrated on what we can do without the help. The barn roof will I do have to say though, this year will be wait till next year sadly. If you have or are our first in almost 15 years of not having doing something similar to us, then an help, and although yes, you get the hapless extra pair of hands is a Godsend. Helpers ones, I am very, very, pleased to say that here have literally helped us rebuild the we have made some wonderful friends house. They have even built a shepherd’s through the whole scheme. Some of which hut for us, which we now use for glamping return year after year, and others who will clients. Something else that won't happen be friends for life. this year. The concept began with WOOFFing The sharing of knowledge is mutual, as (World Wide Opportunities on Organic they also have gained a lot from us Farms) originally called Working discovering how to make cheese and milk Weekends On Organic Farms, a concept goats, the cultivation of vegetables, and of which began in the mid 70s not far from course livestock management. Our first where my husband John and I lived in the two helpers went on to buy and build their UK. Back in the day, you received a book own farm in New Zealand, and produce and phoned people, or even wrote a letter

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.

goats’ cheese all due in part to staying with us. Having helpers is not for everyone, and some personal space is a good idea. Ground rules and discipline are also needed. The arrangement we have is that they help for approximately four hours a day. In exchange, we provide them with all their meals and accommodation here on the farm for the duration of their stay. It’s worth noting that in French law the helpers can work up to 25 hours a week. It's free to set up a profile, and you can get help all year round, stating what you are doing, and what you need help with, for example, building work, gardening, landscaping. We’ve had people arrive who have no idea how to build, and John says, “All I need is someone to hold the other end of a plank”! Sometimes you just need someone to hold a harness whilst you trim hooves. Those few hours can make a world of difference, and each year we look forwards to the new friends we might make (roll on 2021!).

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fishing

Dream Destinations WELL, SO MUCH FOR MY PLANNED SPAINISH TRIP DOWN THE EBRO VALLEY IN MARCH. FOLLOWING THE FIRST MONTH OF COVID-19 LOCKDOWN I TURNED MY THOUGHTS TO WHERE WOULD I FIRST CAST A LINE AFTER BEING RELEASED FROM CONFINEMENT. WE ARE BLESSED WITH SO MANY GLORIOUS FISHING LOCATIONS I DIDNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T KNOW WHERE TO START

By Clive Kenyon

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fishing

or many readers the River Vienne will be close to home. Upstream of Limoges at Saint-Léonard de Noblat the river is noted for its wild trout and grayling fishing and there are specific ‘No Kill’ zones where barbless hooks are mandatory. However, the length just upstream of the communal camping site is slower and deeper and along this 2km stretch you will find shady picnic tables and carp. Closer to Limoges there is a nice part of the river at Le Palais-sur-Vienne. The ‘Palais’ dates back to the 8th century as part of the Kingdom of Aquitaine and latterly was held first by the Templars and following their downfall around 1307, the Order of St. John. In this historic town you will find barbel, roach and bream that are often obliging. The next angling location of note is at Aixe-sur-Vienne where the porcelain outlets and brocantes can provide diversions for non-fishing persons whilst the pécheurs entertain themselves catching some of the many barbel and chub that can be found in the river bordering the Camping Municipal or the specifically designated Parcours de Pêche situated off the D32 that follows the course of the river towards St. Junien, where there are two more Parcours de Péche as well as another one that you pass on the way at St. Brice. This area is famous for the Route de Richard Cœur de Lion as he was mortally wounded at Châlus in 1199 and his body was carried down the river by boat from the Aixe-sur-Vienne area to Fontevraud where he was buried alongside his father King Henry II. Its path was also trodden by Edward, the Black Prince when he laid siege to and sacked Limoges in 1370 during the Hundred Years’ War. Until that point in time, Limoges was known for its enamel industries, not porcelain. From a fishing point of view the river is full of barbel, averaging 3lb with the odd specimen topping 5lb. Along with barbus barbus you will find some good sized chub and also rogue carp and catfish waiting to make monkey out of you and your light quiver-tip tackle. The river runs into open countryside below St. Junien and only appears as fishable lengths in small roadside stretches and official parcours around Exideuil, Ansac-sur-Vienne and Sub header Confolens before again offering itself to the travelling anglers in a lovely wide and deep stretch of water at Availles-Limouzine behind the

camping ground and downstream in the Jousseau area where huge carp and catfish share the water with some good sized predators including zander and pike. The Vienne in the latter two areas is more like a lake and can be fished using still water tactics. Further downstream of L’IsleJourdain and between Moussac-surVienne and Queaux it resumes its rocky, boulder strewn ‘Colorado Steelhead River’ form but is home to carp weighing over 40lb and catfish into treble figures, as well as the ubiquitous barbeaux. After Gouex the river widens and deepens and provides good sport with great shoals of bream and some lovely roach for those who float fish. Of the many rivers close to the Vienne, the Gartempe and Clain deserve special mention. The former is a tributary of the Creuse and hosts a run of salmon and parr can be seen near to St-Ouen-sur-Gartempe. It is also a noted barbel river especially around Montmorillon where it can be fished in and around the town centre. The Clain is an intimate smaller river and well worth exploring with a brook rod and a tin of worms. There are some surprisingly good fish in there.

and Charroux the river lazily twists and turns, separates and re-forms through endless water meadows and mill races that create Mr. Crabtreeesque scenes and are a chub angler’s dream. Not only chub. There are specimen roach, perch and pike along with a few escapees from the weekly trout stocking program that commences in February each year. This is also the place to re-acquaint yourself with the gudgeon. Shoals of these beautiful little fish can be seen on gravel swims where the water runs faster. Some of the tucked away places that you can fish this river offer classic swims whether it be for the small barbel, large chub or other species. It is possible to add six or seven species to your account in an afternoon’s float fishing. The River Charente emerges from the barrage at Lac Lavaud in the HauteCharente and wanders off towards Suris over open farm land. Wild trout as opposed to the more common Truite de Mer can be stalked if you are brave enough to overcome the Limousin cattle that inhabit the meadows. Lac Lavaud itself is an under-fished location compared to the neighbouring Lac Mas Chaban where sometimes as many as ten anglers can be found fishing the one hundred hectare lake. Lac Lavaud is full of carp, some of a good size. It is also full of crayfish and poisson-chat; both of which can provide what I will politely call ‘a challenge’ to the intrepid angler.

For many other readers the River Charente will be their local river. Again this river is steeped in history. At Savigné there are caves or grottes in cliffs that have been inhabited since the Magdalenian period ten to fifteen thousand years BC. These caves were heated by warm spring water seeping through the limestone and artefacts Lac Vassivière is slightly larger at supporting the hunting activities of 9,760 hectares, seven times the size of these early people have been Rutland Water, and is regarded as a unearthed. Angoulême was sacked by one of the best places to catch the Vikings who sailed up the river in specimen predators; pike and zander. the first millennia AD This, however, is a and at Cognac Royal one-dimensional Palace the ceilings are This area is famous for view. Predators the work of that wellneed to feed and the Route de Richard known Italian painter this lake holds lots Cœur de Lion as he was and decorator; of silver fish mortally wounded at Michelangelo. Ruffec including some was an important Châlus in 1199 really good roach. staging post for the Closer to home, Resistance and at L'étang du Sérail just outside Anzac is Bassac there is a memorial to the two of a more manageable size and holds surviving members of the Cockleshell tench which are quite hard to come by Heroes who had made their way on in this region. foot from Bordeaux to meet with Resistance guides who spirited them Assuming that Président Macron has back to Blighty. as planned lifted the restrictions in At Ruffec weir shad will by now have finished their annual spawning and be making their way back downstream to the Atlantic. Between Ruffec, Savigné

your department by the time that you read this there is no excuse for you not to go fishing. The question however is; Where?

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wildlife

Butterfly

By Mike Geo rge

ID Parade

IN THE BEAUTIFUL FRENCH COUNTRYSIDE, WE ARE FORTUNATE TO SEE MANY DIFFERENT SPECIES OF BUTTERFLIES - BUT HOW MANY CAN YOU CONFIDENTLY (AND CORRECTLY!) IDENTIFY?

he purpose of this article is to try to make the identification of butterflies easier. Thus I have grouped them according to general appearance rather than relying on scientific classification. Dimensions of the butterflies are given in centimeters as measured across the outspread forewings from tip to tip. They are approximate, as size does vary between individuals within a species, and females are often slightly larger than males. I have indicated the months when the adult butterflies are likely to be active. Weather variations will influence these, but not by much. However, certain butterflies (Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Comma, Brimstone) sometimes overwinter as adults by a form of hibernation, and may be seen on a sunny day even in January. Please remember that it is illegal to catch and kill butterflies, especially protected species. A small pair of binoculars capable of focusing down to less than a meter will allow you to get a closer look at your butterfly without disturbing it. For the more serious butterfly watcher, a decent camera with close-up facility and a good zoom will help enormously. You may not get publishable pictures, but you should get enough detail for identification.

damaged or absent – they and the eyespot are designed to fool predators into attacking a non-vital part of the insect rather than its head. In fact, several times I have heard swallowtails described as “flying backwards”, as even humans can be fooled into thinking the tails are antennae.

(Fr: Flambé) April-June, July-September A large butterfly (7 cm) and similar in colour to the Swallowtail. It is rather more kite-shaped, and the tails are slightly longer and may show a delicate curve. Instead of dark brown patches, this butterfly has dark brown stripes running down the wings. The blue patches are confined to the borders of the hind wings. The eye-spot is blue with a red upper border. The butterfly has a bobbing, “kiting” flight. It is far less shy than the Swallowtail, and will often pose for photographs! Despite its English name, it seems to be the commoner of the two Swallowtails.

WHITES Swallowtail Papilio machaon (Fr: Machaon, Grand Porte-Queue) April-May & June-July A large butterfly (7 cm), with a noticeable, straight tail on the trailing corner of each hind wing. The ground-colour is pale yellow with large dark brown patches on the leading edge of the forewings and the wing-veins outlined in dark brown. The edges of the wings bear largish blue patches, and there is a red and blue eyespot on each hindwings just inside the base of the tail. The flight is fairly strong and floating. This butterfly is rather shy, and can be hard to photograph.

There are several butterflies that give a white or whitish impression in flight. Most belong to the family Pieridae. They tend to be dismissed as “Cabbage Whites”, and this sadly results in some unusual and charming insects being overlooked. Cabbage White as a name in English does not exist as far as serious butterfly watchers are concerned (though note that the Large White does bear this unfortunate appellation in French).

SWALLOWTAILS These butterflies are virtually unknown in UK, but common in France. They are quite unlike any other butterfly you are likely to see, and belong to the family Papilionidae. In flight, they have been described as looking the colour of milky tea, but light specimens usually appear whitish. Flight is relatively strong and determined-looking, but bouncy and floating at the same time. The tails may be

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Scarce Swallowtail Iphiclides podalirius

Large White Pieris brassicae (Fr: Piéride de chou) April-September This largish (6 cm) butterfly is familiar to

wildlife everyone. It is white with black or dark grey wingtips. The male has two dark spots on the upperside of each forewing; the female has none. The flight is erratic and meandering, often soaring high and returning.

Small White Pieris rapae (Fr: Piéride de la rave) April-September This butterfly is very similar in appearance to the Large White, but much smaller (4.5 cm). Like the Large White, the flight is erratic and meandering, often soaring high and returning.

veined White. The flight is rather determined, usually keeping low to the ground.

Marbled White Melanargia galathea (Fr: Demi-deuil) June-July This 4.5 cm butterfly actually belongs to the “brown” family of butterflies, the Satyridae, but is included here as its general impression in flight is a steely grey. The ground-colour is white, with a chequerboard pattern of dark brown patches. It has rather a determined if erratic flight, keeping fairly low but a bit bouncy.

YELLOWS

Green-veined White Pieris napi (Fr: Piéride de navet) April-September From above, this butterfly is very similar to the Small White, and the same size (4.5 cm), but the veins on the underside of the wings are outlined with yellow scales, giving the butterfly a greenish-yellow appearance. The flight is different, too, being rather determined and usually keeping low to the ground.

Orange-Tip Anthocaris cardamines (Fr: Aurore) April-May This charming little (4 cm) white butterfly is unmistakeable if you see a male, because the tips of each forewing bears a vivid orange patch. Sadly, the female has only greyish tips to the forewings, and since the underside of the hindwings has a pattern of patches of yellow scales, it is sometimes confused with the Green-

the impression you get in flight. its Mike Despite George is dark brown wing-borders, it might be our regular mistaken for a male Brimstone in flight,on contributor but the flight pattern is quite different. wildlife and the However, there is a pale yellow female in countryside variant called var. helice, and one of France. He is a these in flight can be mistaken for a and geologist Marbled White. naturalist, living The flight is very fast, straight, strong and in the Jurassic determined, keeping fairly close to the area of the ground. This is a butterfly that really looks Charente as though it is going somewhere! When feeding, it doesn’t “flit” but dashes from flower to flower. There are two more Clouded Yellow species that can be found in west and central France, the Pale Clouded Yellow and Berger’s Clouded Yellow. In these, both sexes are pale yellow like the helice female Clouded Yellow, which they resemble totally. You can really only tell them apart if you have them in your hand, and even then it is impossible to tell adult Berger’s and Pale specimens apart by simple inspection – they differ in details of their development at the caterpillar stage. It is best to limit your ambition to identifying it as a Clouded Yellow.

BROWNS The browns are often quite hard to tell apart in flight. It is usually best to let them settle before trying to identify them. Practice and increasing familiarity with their flight characteristics will help, but when it comes to the fritillaries, only a good long look at the underside of the hind-wings will definitely identify them, and in a lot of cases, even this is doubtful. BROWNS WITH EYE-SPOTS

Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni (Fr: Citron) March-April, June-July, sometimes seen in autumn The male of this 5 cm butterfly is buttercup yellow, and is one of the chief harbingers of spring. It is a member of the Pieridae family, but is so distinctively coloured that it must be included here, although admittedly the paler coloured female can be mistaken for a Large White at a casual glance. The flight is fluttery and fairly erratic, but strong.

Clouded Yellow Colias crocea (Fr: Soufré ou Souci) May-October This 5 cm butterfly is very orange all over the upper and under surface, and this is

These butterflies all have small, dark, palecored “eye-spots” (which are of course wing-markings, not true eyes) near the tips of the forewings, and belong to the Satyridae family. Many have eyespots elsewhere on the wings also, but it is the wingtip spot that defines them.

Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria (Fr: Tircis) March-September This 4 cm butterfly has a net-like arrangement of dark brown patches on a ground-colour of dark orange. It is often hard for British butterfly watchers to recognise initially, as in the UK, the

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wildlife ground-colour is pale yellow. The flight pattern is strong, but it is often seen spiralling up and down, especially on sunny days, when it makes a habit of “defending” a patch of sunlight. It is often to be seen sparring with another of the same species in a twisting ballet, and it will take on other species of butterfly in the same way.

Wall Brown Lasiommata megera (Fr: Mégère ou Satyr) March-September This butterfly, 3.5 – 4 cm in size, has an orange ground colour and a pattern of dark lines that produces an effect rather like brickwork, which may account for its English name. The flight is flitting, generally keeping low. It does not tend to fly far in one go. At rest, it enjoys basking with wings open.

Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina (Fr: Myrtil) June-July This 4.5 cm butterfly is a bit variable in colour, having a pale orange flush which can be absent, leaving the upperside looking velvety-grey in some lights. It has a fluttering flight, ambling among the flowers and alighting frequently.

Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilius (Fr: Procris ou fadet commun) April-September This is a noticeably tiny butterfly, 3 cm across, and pale brown. It has a fluttering flight, and tends to be shy, hiding in grassy areas. It cannot be mistaken for the Small Copper (qv) as it lacks the metallic sheen and strong colour.

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absent of course in the larger female. The flight is bouncy and erratic, keeping fairly low. It is usually seen in open country. BROWNS WITH COLOUR-PATTERNS

Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus (Fr: Tristan) June-July The Ringlet (4 cm) is noticeably dark brown, with a number of yellow-bordered black “eye-spots” running along the outer margins of the fore- and hind-wings. The flight is fluttering and bouncy, keeping low. Usually occurs in grassy or wooded places.

These butterflies come from the families Satyridae and Nymphalidae, both «Brown» families. Indeed, many entomologists consider that they should all belong to one family, the Nymphalidae, and that the Satyridae family should be “retired”.

Grayling Hipparchia semele (Fr: Agreste) June-September In Continental Europe, especially the south, this is a moderately large butterfly (5 – 5.5 cm). The British grayling is smaller (4 cm). The ground colour is darkish brown with an irregular lighter brown patch down the outside of the foreand hind-wings, and an even lighter brown on the under fore-wing. It has a fairly erratic flight, and prefers to alight on dry soil where it is well-hidden. It does not sit with wings displayed, but folds them tightly together above its body, and may tilt its wings to point towards the sun to minimise its shadow. Then it is nearly impossible to see!

Comma Polygonia c-album (Fr: Robert-le-diable) June-July & August-September This moderately small (4.5 cm) butterfly gives an impression of pure brownness in flight. The summer brood is mid-brown with darker brown patches on the upper side, while the autumn brood has a darker ground-colour. The underwings have a “dead-leaf” pattern, again lighter in the summer brood. The Comma is absolutely recognisable by the deeply scalloped borders of the wings – this probably accounts for its French name, being reminiscent of a mediaeval cloak edging. Beware of old and tattered Small Tortoiseshells, which can be mistaken for it at a glance. If in doubt, look for the white comma mark on the hind-wing underside. This is definitive. The flight is strong and direct, and can be aggressive.

Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus (Fr: Amaryllis) July-August This rather small (3.5 – 4 cm) butterfly is mid-brown in colour, with a darker brown border to the wings. Its double-cored eyespot on the forewing tip, visible on upper and underside, distinguishes it from the other eye-spot browns, with their singlecored eye-spots. Male Gatekeepers bear a sex-band on the forewings in the form of a diagonal broad dark-brown stripe –

Large Tortoiseshell Nymphalis polychloros (Fr: Grande tortue) June-July This is a big butterfly (6-7 cm), orangebrown on the upper wing surfaces, with dark brown patches and blue spots along the edge of the hind wings. Underside has

wildlife a “dead-leaf” pattern. It has a strong, direct flight, and can be aggressive.

Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae (Fr: Petite tortue) March-April, April-August. May be seen in winter. This butterfly is very similar in appearance to the Large Tortoiseshell, but is much smaller (4.5 cm). It is also distinguished by three square dark-brown patches alternating with pale yellow/white patches on the leading edge of each forewing. The blue dots rim both fore and hind wings. The flight is strong and direct, and can be aggressive. The Small Tortoiseshell was very common up to 15 years ago; it is now much less seen, although a recovery seems to be happening.

Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta (Fr: Vulcain) March-September. May be seen in winter This butterfly is totally unmistakable, with its red stripe across the forewings and red rim on the hindwing trailing edge, and its group of white patches near the forewing tip. The ground colour is essentially black. It is quite large (5.5 cm) and very striking – indeed its English name is a corruption of “admirable”. It has a strong, direct flight, and despite its relatively pale underside appears dark in flight. It can also be very aggressive. If a large butterfly flies out of a bush and goes for you, it is probably a Red Admiral.

Peacock Inachis io (Fr: Paon de jour) March-September. May be seen in winter

The Peacock is very distinctive, being about the same size as the Red Admiral (5.5 cm) and having a large and prominent “eyespot” on each wing. The wing undersides are very dark brown. No other European butterfly resembles it. In flight it usually looks black, as it flies fairly high and you see the underside. The flight is strong and direct, and it can be almost as aggressive as the Red Admiral. The French also refer to the Paon de Nuit. This is a general name for the Emperor, Giant Emperor and Tau Emperor moths, relatives of the giant silk-moths of the Orient, which fly at night (except the males, who also fly in the afternoon in search of females). They do have a big eyespot on each wing, but are large (The Giant Emperor is huge; with wingspan up to 20 cm it is Europe’s largest moth) and their appearance is totally unlike the Peacock butterfly.

White Admiral Limenitis camilla (Fr: Petit sylvain) June-July This is slightly smaller than the Red Admiral at 4.5 cm, and in fact quite unlike it in appearance, having a dark brown ground-colour and a row of white spots running down each wing which seem to form a complete white stripe down each side when the wings are spread. This butterfly is shy, and is capable of soaring quite fast, although the low-level flight is rather loose and fluttery.

Purple Emperor Apatura iris (Fr: Grand Mars changeant). July- August Larger (7 cm) than though superficially similar to the White Admiral, in that is has a ragged white stripe running down each wing. The ground-colour is rather paler, and the distinctive point is that the Purple Emperor has an “eyespot” on the underside of each wing. The other distinguishing character is the purple sheen on the Emperor male, which is

generated by diffraction of light from the scales of the uppersides of the wings, and passes like a flash across the wings as the butterfly moves them in the sunshine. It is an astounding sight.

Painted Lady Vanessa cardui (Fr: Belle-dame) April-September This moderate sized (5 cm) butterfly is elegant in appearance. It is pale-coloured and can look a bit “washed-out”, but has strong white patches on a black triangular area at the forewing tips. There is a row of “eyespots” along the outer margin of the underside of each hindwing. The underside of the hind-wing has a netlike pattern. The Painted Lady is a powerful flier. In certain years, it will migrate determinedly northwards from its breeding-grounds in northern Africa in large numbers, flying a couple of metres above ground and rising enough to clear obstacles. Specimens can reach Britain. When it is not migrating, it will fly strongly between food-sources, being very aggressive to other butterflies. It breeds during summer, but does not overwinter north of the Mediterranean. FRITILLARIES The large fritillaries are easily seen in flight, which is usually fairly strong and wheeling. The ground-colour of the upper wings can be different shades of light- to mid-brown, with a chequered pattern overall in dark brown, but a good look at the underside is really needed to tell them apart. The smaller ones (Small PearlBordered is an example) are shyer and more fluttery, keeping low. They are nearly impossible to tell apart!

Silver-washed Argynnis paphia (Fr: Tabac d’Espagne) June-July A large (6cm) flamboyant butterfly. Colour a pleasing tobacco-brown (hence it’s

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wildlife French name). Underside of the hind wing is greenish with streaks of metallic silver running down.

May-June This is a tiny fritillary (3.5 cm) and flits about fairly low to the ground. It is a likely identity for that small fritillary for which you couldn’t get a good identification!

BLUES AND COPPERS High Brown Fabriciana adippe (Fr: Moyen nacré) June-July This moderately sized (5 cm) butterfly has a darker brown colour than the Silverwashed, and the underside of the hind wing bears metallic silver patches on a light green background.

The Blues and Coppers (family Lycaenidae) are represented by a large number of species. Only the four commonest are included as examples, but it is worth remembering that any butterfly book will list several pages of Lycaenidae species distinguished by subtle differences.

Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas (Fr: Bronzé ou Cuivré commun) April-May, August This tiny butterfly (3 cm) has a metallic coppery sheen on the forewings. It is shy, and flies among grasses. Sexes are similar.

Dark Green Mesoacidalia aglaja (Fr: Grand nacré) July-August This is very similar to the High Brown, but the underside of the hind wing, while bearing similar metallic silver patches, has a much darker green ground-colour.

Queen of Spain Issoria lathonia (Fr: Petit nacré) April-September This fritillary is relatively small (4 cm) but is slightly lighter brown than the others and bears on the underside of its hind wing large reflective metallic silver patches. Also, while most fritillaries have a straight or slightly out-curving edge to the forewings, this one has a slight incurve.

Small Pearl-Bordered Clossiana selene (Fr: Petit collier argenté)

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Another tiny (3 cm) butterfly, also showing a degree of dimorphism. The male is blue on the upper wings, while the spring females are blue with a dark grey fore-wing tip and outer margin, while the autumn females have a dark border all around the wing margins. Undersides of the wings are pale blue scattered with black spots. There is no margin of orange spots. The flight is strong, swirling up into treetops and down again. Egg-laying is on holly in the spring and ivy in the autumn, as the eggs are laid on the forming flower buds.

Common Blue Polyommatus icarus (Fr: Azuré commun) April-October This tiny butterfly (3 cm) is an excellent example of sexual dimorphism, in that the male and female look totally different. The male has a blue upper surface to the wings, while the female is brown or brown tinged with blue. The undersides of the wings of both sexes are similar, with a rim of orange spots around the outer edges of all wings and scattered black spots within this margin. The butterfly has an erratic, searching flight, keeping very low to ground. It loves grass with clover, as both sexes feed on the flowers and the female lays eggs on the plant.

Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus (Fr: Azuré de nepruns) April-May, August

Purple Hairstreak Quercusia quercus (Fr: Thécla du chêne) June-September Usually flies high in oak woodlands, but may come down to open grassy ground. It can be mistaken for Common Blue when this happens. The uppersides of the wings of the male show an iridescent purple sheen all over; in the female, this is restricted to two patches on each forewing. The underwings show the thin, zigzag white lines that give the Hairstreak group its name.

animal

What to Look Out For in June you find a dead one, photograph it or otherwise identify it, but do not touch it with unprotected hands; you do not know what it died of, and rabies is a (distant) possibility.

▪ The summer butterflies are beginning to show themselves. This is the time for blues and coppers, for Painted Ladies and Clouded Yellows, for Fritillaries. ▪ Owls will be raising families by now. You may be lucky enough to see the normally nocturnal owls such as Barn and Tawney Owls hunting at dusk or dawn to feed their young.

▪ On this subject, do not get yourself into the position of being bitten by any creature. At this time of year, when animals are likely to have young, they can be especially dangerous. Rabies is a remote risk here in France, except for bats, but infection is a very distinct possibility. Even a non-venomous snake can deliver an infectious bite. Rodents will nearly always have a go at you if they see you as a threat (which if you are trying to handle them, they will) and the larger the rodent, the worse the bite. A pygmy shrew can barely break the skin, but a squirrel can mangle your finger. Hedgehogs cannot bite a human with any seriousness, but the mustelids are a real danger. Any wild mustelid – or even a “tame” one - is likely to attack you if you give it a chance. A badger can take off several fingers, as can an otter. I used to know the late Terry Nutkins, the TV wildlife presenter who, as a lad, was attacked by a “pet” otter, and he had parts of fingers missing on both hands. If you are unlucky – or careless – enough to get bitten, always thoroughly wash the bite immediately and treat it with an iodine-based cleaning solution, then get the bite seen to at a hospital.

▪ Every bird you see will be feverishly hunting for food for screeching chicks. Don’t forget to keep your bird feeders topped up, but no whole peanuts or other hard large seeds unless in a feeder which forces the birds to peck off fragments. The birds will push the large seed into the waiting chick’s beak, but their digestive system cannot cope with it. ▪ The swallows have arrived safely, and are busy feeding on flying insects. Very occasionally, especially when insects are few, you may see swallows on the ground. Contrary to popular belief, swallows can walk (with a rather ungainly waddle) on the ground, and take off again, but a swift cannot. If you find a swift on the ground, and it is not otherwise in distress, placing it on a ledge about head-height, from which it can launch itself, is the best thing to do. ▪ Bats are very active, but telling them apart, if you do not have electronic means, is impossible beyond “big” and “small”. If

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astronomy

In the

Night Sky

RETURN TO A NEW 'NORMAL'! I REALLY DO HOPE YOU HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FIND SOME SOLACE IN A FEW NEW ACTIVITIES IN THESE VERY DIFFICULT TIMES, PERHAPS A LITTLE SOLACE FROM LOOKING AT SOME OF THE WONDERS OF THE WORLD OF ASTRONOMY AND OUR BEAUTIFUL VELVET SKIES HERE IN FRANCE.

Every star you can pick out without the aid of binoculars or a telescope is part of this, our own Galaxy. The bright and beautiful red supergiant star Antares - which is part of the constellation of Scorpius - is beginning It is a huge to appear above the As the summer horizon to the south. collection of 200arrives here in the This star is also known 400 billion stars northern as 'Anti-Ares' or the hemisphere, we 'Rival of Mars' because say goodbye to a of its red colour. Antares is around few winter night sky favourites such 800 times the diameter of our sun as the constellation of Orion and the and around 10,000 times brighter. Pleiades cluster. We can, however welcome many new gems this month SUMMER SOLSTICE: JUNE 20TH even though we have shorter summer Each year around this time and on the nights of true astronomical darkness. Looking towards the south and having 20th of this year, when the North Pole is tilted as far as possible over towards let your eyes adjust to the night sky the sun, we mark the start of summer for twenty minutes or so, you will be in the northern hemisphere. able to see so much more of the Milky Otherwise known as Midsummer, Way this month. Its rich dusty lanes people have celebrated this happening seem to split in two arms as they pass in many ways. Many of these through the constellation of Cygnus celebrations have focused on fairies, (the Swan). This constellation, unicorns and other mystical beasts. I resembling a swan with outstretched just look forward to focusing on the wings, always seems to fly south night sky! It can be a special through the Milky Way. It is a huge celebration for us astronomers as we collection of 200- 400 billion stars. t would be good to think that others have been out looking up at the same skies as I have over the last couple of challenging months and that it will perhaps become a permanent interest for a few more of us.

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can look forward to the days becoming shorter again and the nights a little longer. THE MOON AND PLANETS IN JUNE On the 2nd, for those of you who are night owls, a crescent Moon will be close to the bright star Spica towards the south west. The full moon will fall on the 5th, just after 8pm and around midnight will seem fairly close to the star Antares in the south east. To enjoy a view of the Milky Way it will be best to wait for the week either side of New Moon on 21st when the skies will be at their darkest. On June 9th Saturn, Jupiter and the Moon will form a triangle in the wee small hours around 2am. Look low to the southeast. Also towards the southeast for early risers, or if you have stayed up all night (3am on the 13th) Mars can be seen perched above the last quarter Moon. CONSTELLATION OF THE MONTH Hercules , 'The Heroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; or 'The Strong Man' is in a great position at this time of year to be observed and because it

astronomy

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 with the aid and guidance of Astrofarm.

H a p p y S ta

is bordered by nine other constellations, it is possible to map out a large part of the night sky using its stars as pointers. Facing south you can find the main area of the constellation just left of centre He appears as a kneeling man, his foot resting on a dragon which he is ready to slay. In mythology he was the mortal son of the god Zeus. The four most notable stars in this constellation form the prominent 'Keystone' and can help to identify the rest of this sprawling shape in the sky. Within this 'keystone' form, if you have a pair of binoculars you can find the fantastic globular cluster of M13 or The Great Globular Cluster. It is one of my favourite observable deepsky objects as it was the very first I managed to image here in France. I return to it regularly to look and to try to improve my astrophotography. Although it will appear as a cloudy smudge in binoculars, around half the apparent width of the Moon, it is amazing to think that it is made up of around 250,000 stars, is about 25,000 light years from Earth and is the brightest globular cluster in the northern hemisphere. If your skies are

rgazing!

the go o' that?' He started university aged 16 where his mathematics teacher was astonished at his abilities. In his twenties he wrote a paper on FAMOUS ASTRONOMER/ the composition of the rings of Saturn, SCIENTISTS' BIRTHDAYS something that had flummoxed scientists for over two hundred years. James Clerk Maxwell was born on He concluded that the rings must be June 13th 1831 in Edinburgh, made up of numerous small particles, Scotland. In George Street, Edinburgh each orbiting the planet there is a statue of Maxwell aged 48 independently. This which may well be was corroborated 100 walked past years later by the first In mythology he unrecognized by Voyager space probe was the mortal son many every day. to reach the planet. In His seated figure 1861 he helped to of the god Zeus can be seen holding produce what is his famous colour thought to be the wheel, while his beloved dog Toby sits world's first coloured photograph. He at his feet. He is perhaps less of a had realized that colour is not household name than some others we produced by the three primary colours have mentioned so far. Nevertheless, but by red, green and blue. His papers he is regarded by most modern on electricity and magnetism and physicists to be the scientist to have theories about electromagnetism had the most influence on 20th paved the way for future century physics and is considered to developments in the radio industry be one of the three most important and its many applications. So, yet physicists of all time, alongside another famous Scotsman! Einstein and Newton. From a young age he displayed signs of a most Wishing you all Clear Skies and inquisitive mind asking questions Happy Star Gazing during our such as, 'What does it do?', or 'What's beautiful summer nights.... dark enough, on a moonless night it may just be visible to the naked eye, appearing as a hazy star.

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ello dear readers. I hope you’ve all been keeping safe. Me? Thanks for asking! Well, I was bored, bored, bored, bored and bored. Then yay, freedom. I’ve never felt so much like Nelson Mandela (save for the fact I've been a bit less influential in South African politics and I’m probably a worse dancer). Anyhoo. I emerged, blinking into the sunlight, happy to feel the breeze on my face, wind in my hair (sort of) and relieved that I could finally do some recycling. However, on the downside, Mrs W said that I had to start showering again... You cannot simply put a terrestrial type ‘push’ connector onto the end of your cable from your satellite dish and plug it into the aerial socket of your TV. Apples and oranges. All satellite receivers have a ‘male’ threaded connection point onto which you screw your ‘F’ connector (F for female). Please see the picture. The threaded part sticks out from your

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For all your electrical needs - safety checks, re-wires, new builds, upgrades and complete renovations 05 55 68 62 26 / 06 24 27 01 86 charleselec@gmail.com Siret No: 503121279 00015

PETER AMOR siret: 48002659000012

ELECTRICIAN

T: 05 55 68 62 73 / 06 18 32 91 36 E: markspearing@orange.fr

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

n Wi-Fi solutions

50 etcetera

I offer free &

I offer free & friendly advice friendly advice so please don’t so please don’t hesitatetoto hesitate contactme me. contact

Siret 499653269 00013

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

Siret: 51190455900024

Siret 452 755 390 000 13 - RM 8601

Tel: 05 49 91 85 54

La Maladrerie, Lussac les Eglises 87360

getting connected OIL GAS SOLID FUEL

GARY MOORE PARTENAIRE

email: gary.moore@orange.fr

INSTALLATION SERVICING REPAIRS siret 440 419 018 00013

VIENNE HEATING SERVICES Fully Insured French Registered Tel. 05 49 48 16 10 / 06 41 34 49 34 Email: stevepowelljones@orange.fr Siret: 82450859200014

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

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

ANDREW LONGMAN

Siret 509 768 693 00012

05 45 29 68 73 06 30 11 86 84

Siret: 491827705 00022

HEATING

PLUMBING REPAIRS ALTERATIONS INSTALLATIONS 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

Join our Online Community Support Local Business 3 Rue des Terrasses 87310 St. Auvent

WWW.ETCETERAONLINE.ORG Siret. 80438547400015

Kev Pope, the Computer Man Mob: 06 42 09 16 52 www.bell-computing.com pat@bell-computing.com

PC repairs, upgrades, internet, home service

T: 05 49 62 87 10 e-mail: kpcservice@wanadoo.fr 86460 Availles-Limouzine Siret no: 453 868 275 00026

Websites and Windows Affordable, beautiful, professional websites (designed, created and hosted) Windows and PC problems solved Siret:80020674000022

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 SIRET: 482 107 943 00011 - TVA INT: 0648210794300011

etcetera 51

artisans

Dominic Smith

Based in Benest (16)

Painter / Decorator

PAINTER & DECORATOR Interior and Exterior

Paperhanging and wall tiling

Siret: 807 715 529 00010

Painting, wallpapering, tape/jointing and tiling

Tel: 05 45 30 04 97 Email : smith.dominic@orange.fr

Odd Job Tom

Over 35 years in the trade Covers depts 86,16,87

Will travel up to 1hr of Dept 86 Pool maintenance Tree Felling & Stump Grinding Grass Cutting & Odd Jobs

FREE ESTIMATES

www.facebook.com/d.smithdecoratingservices

Chris Ringguth

Siret 5285994590013

Les Effes, 86150 QUEAUX

Email leseffes@hotmail.co.uk T: 05 49 48 27 91 / 06 04 44 32 12

tturnbull80@yahoo.com Siret 8423761 3900015

siret no 523 998 557 00020

ADRIAN AMOS

HILL TOP TILING

SPECIALIST CARPENTER/JOINER

Interior & exterior tiling Travertine, marble, cement Ceramic, porcelain, mosaics

DOORS-SHUTTERS-STAIRS-FLOORINGKITCHENS

BESPOKE JOINERY & RENOVATIONS

FULLY EQUIPPED WORKSHOP & 40 YEARSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; EXPERIENCE LOTS OF SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR REQUIREMENTS

Paul Hill 05 45 24 01 45 hilltoptiling@hotmail.co.uk

REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

05 45 31 14 58 / 06 63 20 24 93 adrian.luke.amos@gmail.com

hilltoptiling

SIRET : 508 248 747 000 18

Siret:530 444 496 00018

05 45 91 26 61 / 06 56 79 25 58 WE NOW CONSTRUCT

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

The Maintenance Man @ Chaillac

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

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

Support Local Business We all need each other 52 etcetera

artisans section

Steve’s property maintenance

Petits travaux du Batiment

Stuart F Park Painter Decorator

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

Siret: 489 199 661 00013

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

FULLY INSURED

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

Contact 05.45.85.78.30 / 06.04.49.04.10 stuart.park@hotmail.fr

Siret 84223310800013

AC Kitchens & Bathrooms

Imajica Joinery

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

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

Free quotes

www.ackitchens.yolasite.com

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: 48115588500017

CORE CUT 87

Tout Batiment

Precision diamond drilling and sawing Stone and reinforced concrete Small and large diameter holes Any wall thickness If you need a hole, we can drill it

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 489 815 258 00012

H TAYLOR KEITARTISAN Depts 79, 16 & 86

Call 07.78.40.93.83 Email corecut87@outlook.com

Siret 434972303RM87 tim_hartley@hotmail.com

Javarzay 79110 Chef-Boutonne

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

House Renovations • Barn Conversions Roofing • Masonry • General Building

Siret 82985718400016

One Builder

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

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

C&C Carpentry & Joinery 30 years’ experience – UK & France English & French spoken Free advice and estimates / works & PL Insured

Siret No 4825499610019

● Renovations & new builds ● Tiling ● Plant hire

05 55 03 23 39

/ 06 67 98 38 89

● Roof repairs & replacement ● Plastering ● Lime pointing russellhainesbuilder@gmail.com

CABINET MAKING ~ KITCHENS Siret: 511294373 00010

R & G Builders

Free estimates, friendly and reliable service Tel: 06 17 89 06 39 30 years’ exp paul_pickup@hotmail.com Fully

www.limousincarpenter.com

Qualified

etcetera 53

artisans

AABA ROOFING FRANCE

Quality Roofing & Building for you

Assurance Décennale

Ecuras 16220

New roofs ~ Slate and tiling Fiberglass flat roofing ~ Repairs Gutters and facias upvc or zinc All leadwork ~ Timberwork References available

aabaroofingfrance@gmail.com 05 45 63 52 88 / 07 80 08 85 76

www.aabaroofingfrance.com

Siret 53210969100024

Siret: 842 248 692 00019

SARL

the roof, the whole roof and nothing but the roof

Experts in working with slate, clay & zinc

Over 40 years’ experience

Malcolm’s experience has been sought after in America and Germany, where his skills have been called upon in the construction of stately and unusual homes. Experience in re-slating English Heritage buildings and churches.

06 35 11 27 31

For a free estimation please call or email:

Strictly Roofing Malcolm Cooke

admin@strictlyroofing.fr

www.strictlyroofing.fr

After · New Build Specialists

· Barn Conversions

· Groundworks

· Roofing

· Planning & Design

· Fosses Séptiques

· 10 yr Décennale

· Public Liability Insurance

Guarantee

Before

After

Siret: 505 246 777 00039

Before

Before After

For more information, a free quotation, or to discuss your requirements

Visit: www.slm-construction.fr Email: slmconstruction.mcdonald@gmail.com 54 etcetera

or speak to Stuart on

06 38 68 60 14

artisans

LION ROUGE UPVC WINDOWS, DOORS & CONSERVATORIES SPECIALISTS All sizes, shapes & colours offered Supplied & fitted to the highest standard using premium products

10 YEAR WARRANTY on all products installed

~ COVERING SOUTH WEST FRANCE ~

www.lionrouge.eu

Tel: 05 46 70 25 87

info@lionrouge.eu

Siret 800 969 438 00020

JM Roofing

All Insurance work welcome

Carpentry ~ Roofing ■ Clay Tile Roofs ■ All Timberwork

■ Metal Sheet Hangars ■ All Zinc Work

Full 10 Year Décennal Insurance

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

French & English Speaking

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

www.artisancentral.fr/JMToitures

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artisans

Do you have a renovation project that needs windows, shutters or doors? - Free quotes - All our fitters are RGE qualified

Do you have an exterior renovation project? We can help you decide from a large choice of blinds, fly screens, gates and garage doors

Opening hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 12pm / 2pm - 6pm WWW.MENUISERIES-LA-ROCHEFOUCAULD.FR

TWO AGENCIES AT YOUR SERVICE

siret 50428351600012

Simon Hayman Tel: 06 28 93 56 28 E: simon.hayman@sfr.fr

Le Beau Bois Carpentry, Rancon 87290

SKIRTING, ARCHITRAVE, PLANED AND MOULDED OAK MADE TO ORDER. FLOORING. KITCHEN FITTING. WINDOWS AND DOORS. STAIRCASES.

For more info visit: le-beau-bois.business.site 56 etcetera

artisans

Plasterboarding / Rendering Renovations

Superior Services - Good Workmanship - Honesty

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

05 55 63 58 85 / 06 42 23 38 57 mandmblastinglimousin@gmail.com www.mandmblasting.com Siret 82184631800011

Phone Georgia 0611 169296 georgiaayton@hotmail.com Based Bussiere Poitevine - 87320

Insurance guarantee on all work. 15 years’ experience

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

Siret 528 777 519 00018

ROOFING SPECIALISTS

Floor sanding

FIND ME on

- Plastering By Design

Monique PEYNAUD

French Architectural Designer

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

06 30 91 81 84

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

Small jobs no problem!

Siret: 502 353 675 00015

M&M Sandblasting ~ Services ~

J. W. Services

Roofing / Renovations Roofing / Renovations

Siret 832922447RM086

EXTERIOR PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

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

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

Fully registered and insured Trading in France since 2007

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

Call Mark for a free quotation: T: 05 55 44 71 44 / M: 06 78 60 96 16 mumford.toiture@gmail.com

Depts: 87,86,16 & 23 Siret: 799 894 860 000 11

Siret no. 493 159 412 00037

SCAFFOLD TOWER HIRE BY Orchard Services

Siret 83166665600010

Landscaping / Rubbish Removal Roof Repairs / Stonework No Job Too Small

05 17 34 10 94 / 07 83 87 54 49

M C SCAFFOLDING Siret: 80025145600011

Full English Scaffolding Service

For internal & external use ~ Platforms up to 6m in height

Safe, secure, adaptable. Meets all safety regs. Covered by full public liability insurance. Delivered, erected, and dismantled Over 20 years’ experience. Free Quotes.

amanda.hallbrook@sky.com

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

Strong aluminium scaffold tel 05 55 05 01 99

BUILDING / MULTI SERVICE

Advertise Your Business

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

Troy Davey 05 55 60 47 78 06 10 49 49 57 troy.davey@orange.fr siret: 49895173000015

For as little as 35€ ttc Andrew Hadfield

Based 87330 References Available

05 55 60 72 98 07 81 53 71 91 dandahadfield@aol.com siret: 53229047500013

www.etceteraonline.org

etcetera 57

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

Siret 804 330 89200014

ARTISAN TILING

◈ All

aspects of tiling considered & exterior ◈ Porcelain, ceramic & natural stone ◈ 15 years’ experience ◈ Interior

Based in dept 87 Mark Perry T: 0749 162 852 Mob 07 50 89 31 79 artisantiling87@gmail.com 58 etcetera

artisans

Tel : 05.49.87.02.96 shepherd.timothy@orange.fr

Siret 82184631800011

garden care P painting P fencing cleaning P caretaking P maintenance key-holding P admin help P changeovers

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

Siret 752 049 932 00011

SARL

Toutes eaux, Micro stations, Compact systems, Special flood zone

Machines & driver 0.75 tons to 13 tons French spoken, 10+ years working in depts. 16, 86, 87

Email: bentham.nigel@gmail.com Tel: 06 48 17 20 94

Minidigger, Driver & Tipper Truck

BECK CHERRY PICKER HIRE 17m tracked cherry picker for hire with working IPAF qualified operator All exterior works undertaken Hourly or Daily rates Will travel to all of etcetera’s distribution areas

Free estimates Gravel driveways, rubbish/ tree stump removals, trenches etc www.davesdiggers.com

www.beckcherrypickerhire.com beckcherrypickerhire@gmail.com

T: 07 84 12 44 97 Siret 82797863600013

TER MAC et COUV Siret : 484 738 166 00012

EXCAVATION SERVICES

Tim Shepherd

Email davesdiggers@aol.com Dave Good 0549 073358/ 0675 180913 Based near Couhé 86/79/16 siret 5250162590018

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

Siret 8234 2070 800013

southwestfrancefosse

Supporting Each Other www.etceteraonline.org

etcetera 59

motors & removals

CARS MOTORCYCLES LIGHT TRUCKS

CHABANAIS WORKSHOP 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

Cornwall based business for collection & transportation, for cars, vans & vehicles

www.eurocovery.co.uk Mob (0044) (0) 7971 864 023 (0044) (0) 1726 337612 eurocoveryinternational@gmail.com

Over 38 years’ experience on all makes of vehicle

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

Delivery via UPS to your door in France

Based near Chef-Boutonne (79)

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

GPS coordinates: N 46°07'18" W0 °01'03"

•

Fully equipped workshop with state of the art diagnostic equipment

•

Service & repair of cars & light commercials including preparation for Contrôle Technique

• We also supply & fit left-hand drive headlights • Free car loan available

Walton Coachworks 87600 Vayres Nick Walton 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

NEW

Siret 8120 15386 00012

• 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

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

siret 53821341400013

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

Digital Version of etcetera EVERY MONTH WWW.ETCETERAONLINE.ORG

60 etcetera

motors & removals

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

Full and Part Loads To and From the UK Relocations in France UK Depot for Deliveries Storage Options Available 20m3 Luton Vans with Tail Lifts

Tel: 05 49 07 24 85

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

F RENCH V AN M AN

Scott Marshall www.frenchvanman.eu

Siret: 53021364400012

09 82 12 69 73 / 06 06 40 81 07 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’d 2007

A Family Run Storage Firm in the Heart of the Limousin

Advertise Your Business Prices start from 35€ ttc

Brexit-busting Super Low Prices! 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

Contact Sam or Gayle: editors.etcetera@gmail.com

www.etceteraonline.org etcetera 61

property Étude de Me Christian COURIVAUD Notaire de Saint Junien

Private Property Sellers

T: 05 55 02 10 10 E: evnego@orange.fr Between St. Junien & Limoges (87). 125m2, 4-bed farmhouse set on land of 1.2ha and bordered with a river. Includes attached barn of 70m2 200,000€

** SAVE THOUSANDS ** NO ESTATE AGENT FEE

Please contact us if you are looking for a property to buy or you have a property to sell in the west Haute-Vienne, or nearby.

Need help with your purchase? Contact us for info on our

Bespoke Buyer Support Service

www.bellefranceimmobilier.com

www.privatepropertysellers.com

Françoise 0683297593 / Rebekah 0616834510

French Legal and Property Services

IN A NI W NG AR SE D RV IC E

Siret 812 798 668 00024

Freephone from France: 08 05 69 23 23

▪

Selling your French home?

▪

WE OFFER: ▪

- Samantha van Dalen Tel. UK: (0044) (0) 7910 199 072 Tel. France: (0033) (0) 645 3004 66 www.frenchlegalandpropertyservices.com

A French property network

Our local team would be delighted to meet you as soon as possible

Valuations based on current, local market conditions A dedicated contact to guide you through the whole process Award-winning worldwide marketing through our own website and market leading portals Access to thousands of buyers already registered with us

enquiries@beauxvillages.com or drop in at 19 avenue de la République, 86500 Montmorillon

PROPERTY SALES IN FRANCE Private Property Sales with Expert Advice

NEED EFFECTIVE AND SERIOUS SUPPORT TO BUY OR SELL YOUR PROPERTY?

www.propertysalesinfrance.com

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

Ask for SEXTANT PROPERTIES Active in L'Isle-Jourdain (86) and South Vienne Free information and advice:

Thomas.courouble@sextantfrance.fr

06 07 89 13 94

● ● ● ●

NO SALE NO FEE

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

Support Local Business We all need each other

www.etceteraonline.org 62 etcetera

www.beauxvillages.com

etcetera 63

listing

64 etcetera

listing

etcetera 65

DO YOU USE

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 coup

de pouce EDF" (3500€ or 5500€) combinable with a grant from the tax office of 30 % AND grant from ANAH (up to 50% of the installation)? Up to 90 % of your installation paid for. Example (house 90m2) - INSTALLATION: 14,770€ TTC, EDF GRANT: 5,500€, ANAH GRANT: 7000€, TAX OFFICE GRANT: 681€, LEFT TO PAY 1,589€.

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

ü ü ü ü ü ü

New Builds Approved Fosses Septiques Driveways / Land clearance Renovations Foundations Lake Conformity works Full Public Liability & Civil Décennale Insurance

Siret: 51760499700018

09.67.86.69.28 cesarconstructions@gmail.com www.facebook.com/cesarconstructions.btp.3

68 etcetera