etcetera magazine September 2020

etcetera I’M FREE - TAKE ME, KEEP ME!

YOUR COMPANION FOR LIFE IN THE FRENCH COMMUNITY

with

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Helping the Humble Hedgehog In Your Garden

SEPTEMBER 2020

Moving to France Q&A INSIDE

PLUS RECIPES ASTRONOMY EXPERT ADVICE

COMPETITION • PARLEZ FRANÇAIS • PUZZLES • CRAFT

Your Local Solution for Insulating Your Home To take advantage of the current government-funded insulation and air-to-water heat pump grants, make an appointment with one of our English advisers Contact Kate 05 55 14 62 77 or Luke 07 78 22 63 25

Création : CCI Limoges Haute-Vienne | août 2020 | Crédits photos : Adobe Stock

If you prefer to visit us in person we’d be delighted to welcome you at 9 rue de la gare in Rochechouart

The UK has never been so close!

Paris

Limoges

LONDON STANSTED LEEDS / BRADFORD NOTTINGHAM MANCHESTER BRISTOL

www.aeroportlimoges.com

hello & welcome

Contents 3

A note from the editors

4

What’s on

7

Latest news

12

Craft

14

Language

16

Food

19

Business & assistance

23

Health

26

Garden

34

Farm life

36

Fishing

38

Wildlife

41

Animal

September is often met with relief for some - the end of the stiflingly hot days and a return to normality as the busy holiday season comes to an end. This year has been different, with many people unable to see friends or family. We hope today’s technology has kept you connected to your loved ones, we know it’s not the same, but it helps!

42

Free time

Continue to stay safe and well.

44

Night sky

46

Home & Specialist

48

Getting connected

51

Artisans

59

Motoring & removals

61

Property

64

Classified

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A Note from the Editors

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.

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 September edition - this month marks the magazine’s 14th anniversary!

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 Advice line.

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

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

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

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

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listing

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listing

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news

Gardeners Invited to Help Hedgehogs in France

CPAM’S ENGLISH-SPEAKING HELPLINE - NEW NUMBER Ameli.fr (the website portal for the French health insurance program) has updated its website recently as well as CPAM’s (Caisse Primaire d'Assurances Maladie - the local department level of the national health insurance adminstration) Englishspeaking helpline number.

If you want to call the French speaking line), dial 36 46 from France or +33 184 90 36 46

from abroad. If you would prefer to speak to someone in English, you can contact the CPAM’s English speaking line: 09 74 75 36 46 (from France) and 0033 974 75 36 46 (from other countries).

The line is open from Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. www.ameli.fr/assure/ english-pages

Email Phishing Scam Solidarity Fund Police have sent out warnings to the public to watch out for new scams asking for key personal details. Emails claiming to be from the Direction Générale des Finances Publiques urge recipients to reply immediately in order to obtain the 1500€ aid to help small business cope during the current health crisis.

The usual rules apply - check the sender’s address, don’t reply to the email and don’t follow any links.

The LPO (Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux) has recently launched its ‘Hedgehog Mission’ (https://missionherisson.org) and is encouraging us all to observe and help hedgehogs. The mission is to better protect our prickly but cute friends and raise awareness of their decline.

According to naturalist Philippe Jourde, two-thirds of hedgehogs have disappeared in France in the last two decades. If it continues at this rate, estimates are even suggesting that the species may completely disappear over the next three decades.

To participate, you need to place special ‘tunnels’ for five consecutive nights in a quiet place in your garden (or an isolated outdoor area) and to paint the floor of the tunnel with a special kind of charcoal-based ‘ink’ powder. The next morning, if hedgehogs (or animals, such as squirrels) have visited, their ink prints will be visible on the cardboard. You then identify the species on the LPO website and submit the data daily to help support the campaign. You can build a tunnel yourself (as directed by the LPO – it’s important to follow their instructions exactly) or buy a kit from the website (25€).

This will help the LPO and researchers get important data on the current state of the hedgehog population in France.

Visit the LPO website at: https://boutique.lpo.fr/catalogue/nouveautes/?cat=219233

Competition Time!

WIN a hedgehog igloo or a hedgehog tunnel tracking kit!

We have two tracking kits up for grabs PLUS a supercute igloo ‘gîte’. For a chance to win one of these prizes, locate ‘Twiggs’ the hedgehog who is hiding in this month’s magazine. Simply send an email to us at editors.etcetera@gmail.com with the the exact location of Twiggs, stating if you have a prize preference (kit or igloo). All entries must be in by midnight on Tuesday 22nd September, the three winners will be notified by email.

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advice

Upping Sticks for the Life of Riley in La Belle France?

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advice CHANGE IS IN THE AIR. AND IT’S NOT JUST THE INVISIBLE WAVES OF PANDEMIC UNCERTAINTY. BREXIT IS BLOWING UP A STORM

A

ccording to the Guardian, 4 August 2020, the number of “UK citizens emigrating to the EU has risen by 30% since the Brexit vote”. You’ve only got to peek at dear old Facebook to hear the many stories of people ‘exUKing’ from the UK at speed to beat the transition deadline of 31 Dec 2020.

So why the rush? The simple explanation is that 31 Dec 2020 marks the ‘effective date’ by which, provided you meet the conditions required to be ‘legally resident’ in France, your ongoing rights are covered under the Withdrawal Agreement (WA) and moving there to settle is relatively easy.

In other words, despite the UK being a ‘third country’ to the EU, British citizens legally resident in France before 31 Dec 2020 retain the (EU) right to live, work and set up a business for the rest of their lives. This means you’ll have the right, among others, to access healthcare according to your circumstances (including pensioners keeping S1 rights where the UK effectively pays for the healthcare in France); and keep your state pension rights (including ‘uprating’ meaning it rises in line with inflation, average earnings growth, or a guaranteed 2.5%; and ‘aggregating’ - adding together all entitlements, if, for example, you’ve contributed in more than one member state).

called Free Movement Directive) states that: All Union citizens shall have the right of residence on the territory of another Member State for a period of longer than three months if they: (a) are workers or self-employed persons in the host Member State; or (b) have sufficient resources…not to become a burden on the social assistance system of the host Member State… and have comprehensive sickness insurance cover… (c) are enrolled at a private or public [education or training] establishment…; and…have comprehensive sickness insurance cover…sufficient resources…not to become a burden on the social assistance system…; or (d) are family members accompanying or joining a Union citizen who satisfies the conditions referred to in points (a), (b) or (c).

How do we prove we meet one of those criteria?

It’s important to point out that the official guidance on paperwork to be submitted is not yet available, so this information is for guidance until full details are issued by the French government.

If you’re a ‘worker’, you’ll need either proof of employment (your contract) or your self-employment (business registration certificate). If you intend to Before we look briefly at what this means start a business, I would suggest moving in the real world, and some ideas on how this forward swiftly to get ahead of the to avoid possible Despite the UK being a ‘third game - even prior to issues after 31 country’ to the EU, British your move - I’d 2020, suggest a cuppa or citizens legally resident in France December as some large glass of before 31 Dec 2020 retain the administration something cool and a (EU) right to live, work and set authorities are visit to some up a business for the rest of their insisting on a carte informative sites de séjour already such as (though when I britishinfrance.com and gently pointed out that British citizens do www.francerights.org. Created from some not legally need one yet – and the new amazing advocacy work on our behalf, application platform is not even live - as you’ll find more in-depth information and stated on the French minister of interior guidance which should help you in your website, they accept this each time). You’ll unique circumstances. You’ll also find also get a relative ‘fast-track’ into the information in English on how to apply French healthcare system under CPAM online for the residence card from 1 (note that ‘fast-track’ does not often October 2020 on the French translate in French as speedily – it’s government portal: all relative!) www.interieur.gouv.fr/Actualites/Leministere-de-l-Interieur-se-prepare-auNotes Brexit/Sejour. Although you’ll have until Self-employment / businesses need to be 30 June 2021 to obtain this ‘carte de 'genuine and effective'. In the absence of sejour’ (CdS), you’ll need to meet the official guidance on what this means, it appears a rather woolly term, so suggest criteria for legal residence to be successful. you may need to demonstrate that it ‘has So what is ‘legal residence’? legs’ despite being a start-up but likely Chapter III, Article 7 of the Citizen’s not a game-changer for the first CdS application. If the absence of income Rights Directive 2004/38/EC (sometimes

ADVICE

JENNY SMITH FRENCH WORDSMITH Jenny Smith, French Wordsmith offers comprehensive administrative, translation and support services for English-speaking people in France on just about anything you can think of – from business and building to health, home, residence and schooling – and if she doesn’t know the answer, she will find someone who does. Contact her via mail: jenifer@wordsmithcoms.com or phone 06 79 85 58 84 / 0044 7557 402104 and read some client reviews on www.facebook.com/frenchwordsmith

proves to be a potential issue, you might consider including paperwork to back this up, such as a website address, flyers or proof of membership of a professional or trade organisation; client orders or billing, professional insurance (if required); affiliation to the social security system; qualifications (if needed) or bank statements showing transactions (which could be capital expenditure – all depends on your circumstances…).

Students – you’ll need your student card and certificate of scolarity; obtain healthcare cover, and proof (or a statement) that you have sufficient resources (an attestation from parents or a partner should also suffice).

Inactive people, including those on state pension or early retirees with their own financial means such as private pensions or savings, will need proof of ‘sufficient’ resources in the form of P60s or saving account statements, etc. and that you have healthcare in France; either under CPAM, or with private health insurance (see under ‘healthcare’ below*).

So far so good, what other paperwork might we need?

You’ll need to prepare your ‘footprint’ over the next few months, to prove: 1. ‘Stable’ residence which, if you own your own home, means a copy of your title deeds (or proof from the notaire or your ‘promise to buy’); for tenants, a copy of your (French) rental agreement. Although furnished rentals are usually minimum 12 months renewable, alternative (French) contracts may suffice in certain circumstances such as those in the process of buying a house where an attestation from the notaire would

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advice French bureaucracy is well-known and it is important that you are organised, prepared and patient (and have a reliable photocopier/scanner…)

all or some prefectures. If you have the right to an S1, obtain that asap from UK Overseas Healthcare Team (OHT), as even if you’ve not heard back from CPAM, the S1 itself might be accepted. If you need to register your business (often a microentreprise) get this moving forward 2. ‘Regular’ residence – as your rapidly as you’ll obtain your house could be a holiday home, you’ll healthcare rights via your selfneed a utility bill (or an attestation of employment status. contract available on If you are ‘inactive’ your online accounts) but not yet of state French red tape is famous addressed to your pension age, seek – and for good reason ‘stable’ address, your S1 refusal from rather, than your old OHT and be UK address, showing utility usage as prepared to get comprehensive for a full-time resident (electricity private insurance in the interim consumption too low may ring alarm period if necessary – perhaps the bells so if your home was a secondary safest with time not on your side residence and now primary ask the for now. supplier to increase your monthly Notes payments perhaps, and make sure A CPAM ‘attestation de droits’ is not, your house insurance is for your contrary to popular belief, your carte ‘primary residence’). vitale, which, incidentally, is rather like a 3. Healthcare in the form of an credit card: you can have a plastic card attestation of your rights from CPAM but no money in your bank. (the French national health insurance Overseas Healthcare Team (Newcastle) administration) or private health +44 191 218 1999 (select ‘S1’ on insurance. It’s important to note, that recorded message) while the EHIC (UK European 4. Sufficient’ financial resources Health Insurance Card) has, Workers should not need to prove historically, been accepted for the sufficient resources as long as their first 12 months you are resident in work is ‘genuine and effective’ and France, this may not be the case with back this up. An attestation d'hébergement from whoever you are staying with as a guest may be accepted, though this has been seen from some prefectures processing CdS applications as not ‘stable and regular’.

10 etcetera

not ‘marginal or ancillary’ (as a generalised statement!). Students are expected to be self-sufficient but often all that’s needed is a self-sworn statement (an attestation) that you are. Those self-sufficient / inactive people are likely to need to prove at least the RSA level of income as per their family composition, see: rsarevenu-de-solidariteactive.fr/montant-rsa/310-montantrsa-2020.html Notes France does not publish exact guidelines and the official line is that 'the adequacy of your income will be determined taking into account your personal situation'. A ‘holistic’ approach should therefore be used, taking into account if you are mortgage-free and without loans, etc. If relying on significant savings, you may just need to present a clear case that you’re ‘living within your means’ until the arrival of a stable income such as a state pension, and include savings account statements or a state (or other) pension forecast.

What sort of things can I sort now?

French red tape is famous – and for good reason. This ‘paperasse’ is wrapped around just about every single administrative task. A tablet or PC with printer and scanner with good internet connection/WiFi is therefore as essential

advice

Whether retiring or moving here as a family with children, there are a multitude of reasons why so many people choose France to be their new home

as red wine, bread and cheese so do as scouts do, and be prepared: 1. Collect together the following general documents appropriate to you, and take 4 quality copies (or a lowresolution scan), with nothing missing off (oh and copy outsize certificates onto A3 or reduce to scan): a) Passports with at least 6 months left and less than 10 years old b) Birth certificates – with parents' full names c) Marriage, divorce and death certificates (and statutory deed poll documents if you have changed your name this way) d) Title deeds to property or rental contract, and utilities in your name(s) e) Proof of income from last 12 months (P60s, salary slips, current and savings account bank statements for last 3 months, accounts from UK business) f) EHIC g) Qualification certificates and professional insurance from UK business 2. Get at least documents a, b and c translated by a court-approved translator (traducteur assermenté) as this is increasingly required by many administrations

3. Get a French mobile phone and bank account (ideally a local branch and an advisor who speaks some English) registered to your new address in France 4. Apply for an S1 or S1 refusal if appropriate 5. Consider comprehensive private health insurance if appropriate

Notes Get to grips with some bedtime reading as this subject is frequently misunderstood and subject to mistakes: www.frenchproperty.com/guides/france/financetaxation/taxation/liability-incometax/#3.1 Can I still move after 31 Dec 2020?

This is the subject for another article, but 6. Upon your arrival, go to your local many people do successfully navigate the mayor to introduce yourself, find out third country red tape about your local every year. But… it will commune and Upon your arrival, go to your be more complicated explain you are and more costly; with local mayor to introduce now resident business set up likely yourself, find out about your needing investment 7. Find out about local commune money and a detailed your liabilities to business plan. So French income tax, perhaps not for the and inform HMRC faint-hearted (unless you are of and your local French tax office that ‘significant means’). you are now resident in France so you can, in the future, get any UK income Note to the reader: that is taxable in France gross, or As ever, I’ve done my utmost to give you claim back for tax already paid. the facts and clear explanations prior to Making a tax declaration in France is publication, and check on the credibility a legal obligation for residents, of my sources of information, but you’ll regardless of where income is earned need to keep an eye on updates, and, for (but with the double taxation those needing specialist advice for agreement you won’t pay tax twice), appropriate financial and other plus you will need the end of year planning, I’d recommend spending the income tax statement (avis d’impot time to get a clear steer on complex issues sur le revenue) in subsequent years' as this usually saves time, money and hassle down the line.

CdS applications.

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

Battered and dated lampshades

Upcycling Remove unwanted wires

UPCYCLE VINTAGE WIRE LAMPSHADE FRAMES INTO GORGEOUS INDUSTRIAL STYLE PLANT STANDS Materials:

Paint the frames

Mark the centre point

− Old wire lampshade frames that are battered and need a new lease of life (search in charity shops, vide greniers, your barns etc) − Sharp scissors (and/or a stitch cutter is useful as you’ll find the fabric is stitched in places - I could see one of lampshades had once been repaired, I spent a very peaceful hour wondering what the previous owners might have been like as I unpicked the stitching…) − Hacksaw (optional, as you may prefer to keep the internal wiring) − Wooden chopping board (secondhand, or check in local shops for cheap alternatives (Action, for example). − Marker pen − Strong all-purpose glue − Enamel spray paint (or enamel paint) Instructions:

Apply strong glue

12 etcetera

1. To start, you need to strip the old material from your lampshade using the scissors or stitch cutter.

2. Optional - Using the hacksaw, remove the internal wires in the frame. You may prefer to keep them as some can be decorative and can act as an additional feature (ie LED candle holder).

3. Spray (or paint, which will take longer) the frame. I always use spray paints outside. If using them inside, ventilate the area well and protect the work surfaces. When using spray paint, thin coats give the best results and avoids drips. I find it easiest to spray the inside of the frame first.

4. With a marker pen, make a mark in the centre of the chopping board where you want the frame/stand to go, tracing around the inner and outer part of the circular section, 5. Apply the strong glue to the marked circle on the board and attach the stand and frame together and allow to dry.

craft

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language & advice

Parlez Français

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

French conversation, vocabulary & traditions with Isabelle

Les expressions idiomatiques (A-M) EXPRESSIONS IDIOMATIQUES AVEC LES PARTIES DU CORPS Vous l’avez déjà peut-être remarqué, dans toutes les langues, les gens utilisent beaucoup d’expressions. Les Français aussi. Alors, pour « vous mettre l’eau à la bouche », je vous ai sélectionné ici quelques expressions idiomatiques avec les parties du corps, en français et avec une petite explication pour bien les comprendre et les utiliser.

Broaden your horizons with CONTINENTAL HORIZONS! Prenez soin de vous ! En septembre, c’est aussi la rentrée pour les adultes qui veulent apprendre / améliorer leur français, alors, contactez-nous ! À bientôt !

Isabelle

Isabelle works for CONTINENTAL HORIZONS Language Centre in L’Isle Jourdain and teaches French as a Foreign Language every day in their many classrooms. Do not hesitate to contact her on 06 20 10 34 49. www.continental-horizons.com

Let’s Learn!

à bout de bras avec difficulté et sans aide de personne

avoir l’estomac dans les talons avoir très faim

avoir le cœur sur la main être généreux

à pleines dents avec un bon appétit

avoir la grosse tête être arrogant(e)

à vue de nez environ

avoir la main lourde mettre trop de quelque chose, frapper quelqu’un avec beaucoup de force

avoir le cul bordé de nouilles être chanceux

agir sur un coup de tête prendre une décision sans réfléchir

avoir la main verte être bon jardinier avoir la puce à l’oreille se douter de quelque chose

attendre que quelque chose tombe tout rôti dans la bouche attendre que quelque chose arrive sans rien faire

avoir la tête dans les nuages ne pas être concentré(e) avoir la tête sur les épaules être raisonnable

avoir des doigts de fée avoir des doigts habiles et délicats avoir des yeux derrière la tête être au courant de tout avoir deux pieds/mains gauches être maladroit(e) avoir du nez avoir un bon instinct

FRENCH LESSONS FOR FREE

avoir le bras long être influent(e) avoir le cœur bien accroché ne pas être facilement dégoûté(e) avoir le cœur gros être triste, avoir envie de pleurer

avoir le sang qui ne fait qu’un tour s’énerver, se mettre en colère avoir les chevilles qui enflent être arrogant avoir les dents longues être ambitieux avoir les dents qui claquent avoir froid avoir les oreilles qui traînent écouter les conversations des autres avoir les pieds sur terre être réaliste avoir les yeux plus gros que le ventre penser pouvoir faire plus

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

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▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

Face -toFace

Or French Classes Online!

Translation Services Help with Your Paperwork English & French Secondhand Books www.doclingua.fr Ingrid Vincent Tél : 06 08 06 01 80 Mail : ingrid.vincent@doclingua.fr

In Champagnac la Rivière (87150) Every Monday & Tuesday With Sandrine Durand 05 55 78 16 21 / 06 83 07 66 98 r.sandrine.durand@orange.fr Siret: 488 296 450 00015

language & advice que ce qu’il nous est possible de faire

coûter les yeux de la tête coûter très cher

être une grosse tête être intelligent

avoir les yeux qui se croisent être fatigué / fatiguée

coûter un bras coûter cher

être une tête de mule être entêté(e), têtu(e)

croiser les doigts espérer quelque chose

faire contre mauvaise fortune bon cœur savoir prendre avec le sourire les choses désagréables

avoir quelqu’un à l’œil surveiller de près quelqu’un avoir un cheveu sur la langue zozoter avoir un cœur de pierre être dur, insensible avoir un compas dans l’œil être capable d’évaluer très justement une mesure (taille, longueur, poids) avoir un mot sur le bout de la langue ne pas se souvenir d’un mot avoir un œil de lynx avoir une bonne vue avoir un poil dans la main être fainéant(e) avoir une dent contre quelqu’un en vouloir à quelqu’un sans pouvoir lui pardonner avoir une main de fer dans un gant de velour être ferme mais doux baisser les bras abandonner casser les pieds à quelqu’un embêter quelqu’un claquer la porte au nez de quelqu’un ne pas laisser quelqu’un entrer chez soi connaître quelque chose sur le bout des doigts connaître très bien quelque chose, un sujet couper les cheveux en quatre compliquer les choses sans raison

donner un coup de main aider quelqu’un pendant un court instant

dormir sur ses deux oreilles bien dormir

entre quatre yeux entre nous être à deux doigts de être tout près de être bête comme ses pieds être très stupide être comme les doigts de la main s’entendre très bien avec quelqu’un, être inséparable être de mauvais poil être de mauvaise humeur être entre de bonnes mains être sous la garde d’une personne de confiance être le bras droit de quelqu’un être le second de quelqu’un être pieds et poings liés n’avoir aucune liberté d’action être sur pied être de nouveau en bonne santé après avoir été malade être trempé jusqu’aux os être très mouillé

lever le pied ralentir, travailler moins (parce qu’on travailler trop avant) marcher sur la tête ne pas être logique

faire la sourde oreille faire comme si on n’entendait pas ce qu’on n’a pas envie d’entendre

en avoir par-dessus la tête en avoir assez

en un clin d’œil rapidement

le bouche à oreille la rumeur

faire des pieds et des mains employer tous les moyens pour arriver à ses fins

dormir à poings fermés dormir profondément

en avoir plein le dos en avoir assez

jeter un coup d’œil regarder rapidement

faire la tête être fâché(e)

mener quelqu’un par le bout du nez faire ce que l’on veut à quelqu’un mettre des mots dans la bouche de quelqu’un parler à la place de quelqu’un

faire les gros yeux à quelqu’un le regarder en le grondant des yeux

mettre l’eau à la bouche donner envie, mettre en appétit

faire les yeux doux à quelqu’un regarder quelqu’un tendrement en cherchant à le séduire

mettre la main à la pâte aider mettre le nez dehors sortir mettre les pieds dans le plat dire ou faire quelque chose qu’il ne faut pas

faire quelque chose les mains dans les poches faire quelque chose facilement faire quelque chose les yeux fermés faire quelque chose sans hésitation, par automatisme fermer les yeux sur quelque chose ignorer quelque chose

mettre sa main à couper être sûr/sure de quelque chose mettre sa main au feu être sûr/sure de quelque chose mettre son nez partout s’occuper des affaires de tout le monde

forcer la main de quelqu’un obliger quelqu’un à faire quelque chose

montrer du doigt désigner

garder la tête froide garder le calme garder quelque chose sous le coude garder quelque chose dans un coin pour s’en occuper plus tard

montrer le bout de son nez sortir timidement

Next month: N-Z!

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etcetera 15

food

Let’s Get Pickled 1kg pears, cored and chopped

Ingredients 2kg mixed vegetables e.g. green tomatoes, pickling onions, marrow, cauliflower, courgettes, carrots 2 ltrs water 250g salt 100g plain flour ½ tbsp turmeric 2 ½ tbsp mustard powder 2 ½ tbsp curry powder 1.1 ltr malt or cider vinegar 100g brown sugar Method

Spicy Pear Chutney Ingredients

Mustard Pickle

1. Chop all the veg into small pieces.

Make a brine with the water and salt.

Pour over the vegetables and leave to soak for 24 hours.

Method 1. Put all the ingredients, except for the sugar and salt, in large saucepan or preserving pan and stir well.

2. The next day, heat everything up to boiling point and then drain.

1 tsp red chilli flakes

3. Stir in the sugar and salt and dissolve.

Boil gently, stirring from time to time, for 20-30 minutes until reduced and thickened.

3. Put 1 ltr vinegar into a large saucepan and bring slowly to the boil. With the remaining 100ml vinegar, make a paste with the flour turmeric, mustard and curry powder and sugar then add to the boiling vinegar and stir until thickened. When this comes to the boil again, add all the vegetables, bring to a simmer and keep stirring continuously for about 10 minutes.

400ml cider vinegar

4. Ladle into sterilised jars and seal.

4. Pot in hot sterilised pots

Leave at least 2 weeks before eating to allow the flavours to develop. The chutney is best eaten within 6 months.

Leave at least 2 weeks for the flavours to develop. Delicious with cold turkey, ham or cheese.

3 onions, chopped 100g cranberries or raisins 1 tbs grated ginger 1 tbs mustard seeds 1 tbs ground cumin 1 tbs paprika

500g light brown sugar 2 tsp salt

16 etcetera

2. Bring slowly to the boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer for about 10 minutes until the pear chunks are tender.

food

Sterilizing

O

Louise’s Pickled Shallots Ingredients 1kg shallots 225g course salt

Hello from the accidental Chatelaine!

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

By Beli n

da Prin ce

50g sugar 1 pt white wine vinegar 1 tsp whole cloves

Chateau Kitchen

½ tsp back peppercorns

weighted plate and leave to soak for 36 hours this time.

1 bay leaf, crumbled

5. Drain the shallots and pack them into warm sterilised preserving jars.

Method

6. Now combine the sugar and vinegar in a pan, stir over a low heat until the sugar has dissolved. Add the spices and crumbled bay leaf, bring the vinegar syrup to the boil and then boil for 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and leave to cool.

1. Place the shallots in a bowl, cover with boiling water and leave for 5 minutes to soften the skins. Drain and remove the skins whilst still warm. Cut a cross at the root of each shallot.

2. Combine half of the salt with 2 ¼ pts of water in a large bowl and stir until dissolved. Add the shallots and cover with large plate so that they are completely immersed in the brine.

Place a weight on the plate and leave the shallots to soak for 12 hours or so.

3. Drain the shallots and wash out the bowl.

4. Make a fresh brine with the remaining salt and 2 ¼ pts of water. Add the shallots, cover again with the

It’s good to add the food to the jars while they are still hot from the oven, just be incredibly careful not to burn yourself in the process.

www.chateaumareuil.com

1 tsp mustard seeds 4 dried red chillies

ne of the most important steps of making your own pickles or preserves is sterilizing. If your jars are in bad condition (chips in the glass, dents on the lids) or haven't been sterilised properly, then nine times out of 10 something will go wrong. You need everything as clean as possible so that bad bacteria doesn't grow and ruin all your hard work. It's really simple, you just need to put in the effort at the start to get it all clean and sterilized!

7. Pour the spiced vinegar over the shallots so that they are completely covered. Seal the jars, label and store in a cool dry place.

These are ready to enjoy in about 3 weeks, but best eaten within 6 months, so perfect to make now in time for Christmas!

1. Wash your jars in hot soapy water or run them through the dishwasher without any cleaning liquid.

2. Put them into the oven at 120°C 3. Leave the jars in the oven for around 15-20 minutes.

4. Very carefully, take them out of the oven and allow to cool. Be really careful here, the will be piping hot so don’t do this step in a rush.

5. In the meantime, check that all your lids are clean (give them a wash if they need it).

6. Boil the lids in a pot of water for about 5 minutes (this seems to be the magic number!).

7. Remove carefully with tongs/fork and dry with a clean kitchen towel before putting on jars.

Following the above process should keep your food safe from bacteria and good for you to enjoy for months.

etcetera 17

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business and assistance

UK STAMP DUTY LAND TAX REDUCTION ‘HOLIDAY’ What Does it Mean for You?

W

ith the recent and very welcoming news on the temporary reduction in Stamp Duty rates, if you purchase a residential property between 8 July 2020 and 31 March 2021, you will only pay SDLT (stamp duty) on the amount that you pay for the property that exceeds £500,000. First time buyers will now become serious thinkers when contemplating the purchase of their first property either as a long-term investment first home, or as a Buy to Let income earner. Outside of this ‘holiday period’ window, prior to July 8th and after March 31st, 2021, there will be no stamp duty costs on transactions below £125,000 (or £300,000 for firsttime buyers).

The 3% surcharge (additional rate on second homes and Buy To Lets) is still payable, but the duty due on the first £500k for everyone is now only 3%, so even second homeowners and landlords can benefit from this reduction and just pay the 3% instead of 3% on the first £125,000 and then 5% up to £250,000.

The Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) cut could also end up costing the government as much as £3.8bn in revenue.

It is good news also for companies, as well as individuals buying residential property worth less than £500,000, as they can also benefit from the new changes, as will companies that buy residential property of any value where they This means 9/10 meet the relief conditions from the main home buyers corporate 15% SDLT charge.

The government has also increased the will pay no SDLT On April 1st, 2021, the reduced threshold to £500,000 rates will revert to the rates of for all residential purchases - meaning SDLT that were in place prior to 8 July everyone buying a main home under 2020. Therefore, if you are in the position £500,000 will not pay stamp duty. This to purchase your first home and take means 9/10 main home buyers will pay no advantage of the government push to SDLT and it is estimated that the average capitalise on the housing market, this stamp duty bill will fall by around £4,500 because of this. could be your opportunity to do so.

HELEN BOOTH INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISER deVere France

For purchases in addition to a first home, just 3% will be paid for properties valued at up to £500,000, as opposed to the 5% paid before the adjustment.

After that, rates will apply as follows: ▪ The next £425,000 (the portion from £500,001 to £925,000) 8% ▪ The next £575,000 (the portion from £925,001 to £1.5 million) 13% ▪ The remaining amount (the portion above £1.5 million) 15% ▪ The relief will also be applicable for properties to which inheritance tax applies.

Remember to always speak with a qualified and regulated IFA in the country of your residency when seeking any type of financial investment advice.

etcetera 19

business

MICALA WILKINS ALACIM SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING

T

he recent pandemic has certainly got the world flocking to the internet.

Social media platforms, as forward moving as ever, have become the driving force for keeping humans connected.

It is likely that this will be the new norm.

We will adapt to an ever-increasing use of digital technology for both professional and personal reasons. But what if social media did not exist? What if, for whatever reason, platforms were banned or stopped? What if the internet just couldn’t withstand any more data upload (never likely to happen) and buckled? How would you continue to promote your business without social media?

Many business owners create profiles and then struggle to maintain their presence on them. And not all businesses need or want to grow massively via social media.

And not everyone uses social media. The reality is that social media is here to stay.

Promoting Your Business Without Social Media But a well rounded healthy mix of activity and not just relying on digital methods means that your business is seen offline and on. Should the insane ever happen and social media was not accessible, the suggestions below will serve your business well.

By far the best method is actively working your word of mouth activity. If you have a product or service that others can rave about, let them. And then support those ravers by introducing loyalty or referral programs so that these ambassadors can continue to support you.

Which blends nicely into picking up the phone to speak directly to your customers personally. In a world where communicating is done online, your customers will appreciate the human connection via this medium.

You yourself have to get out there and use opportunities to talk about your business fluently (and hand out your business cards) whether that is professional or social networking (of course, be covid conscious).

A business card is a time served favourite, so don’t leave home without them. Plus well curated succinct flyer with a bonus discount to boot always goes down well too.

Stay at the forefront of your customers' minds by sending a freebie now and then.

You don’t have to spend a fortune in putting a smile on a client’s face.

Remember there are guidelines and protocols around using client data, but when used properly and regularly, connecting via email marketing and newsletters enriches the relationship that you have with your client.

Advertising your business through reputable and regular magazines create communities that become a source of advice. Ads in magazines are not as intrusive as ads that pop up on your computer screen and people still love to flick through at their leisure and take their time reading a magazine as opposed to reading something online.

Never underestimate the power of visual reach of a sign written/wrapped vehicle, it’s a moving advert!

Sandrine TUYERAS Insurance Agent All Insurances Finance & Investment Email : tuyeras.bellac@allianz.fr website : www.allianz.fr/tuyeras

N°ORIAS 14001253

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

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Let’s talk currency Sue Cook Regional Coordinator Centre Ouest 87600 Rochechouart +33 (0)555 036 669 +33 (0)689 992 889 E: sue.c@currenciesdirect.com www.currenciesdirect.com/france Siret: 444 729 008 00011

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

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business

Allianz Multi Epargne Vie: AMEV

INSURANCE

ISABELLE WANT BH ASSURANCES

T

his is Allianz's most flexible and popular Assurance Vie saving account/investment product. It is an Assurance vie so it has all the same advantages regarding French inheritance law, death duties and income tax.

this option when the market crashed back in March 2020 (Covid). Indeed, the gain they made the previous year had been transferred to the secure part of the Assurance vie so the loss was less.

1. Who can invest in it: Anybody who is a resident in France (or Monaco) and below 85 years old.

b) Dynamisation progressive du capital: Some of you might not be too keen to invest all your eggs at once in case you are investing it all just before a crash (so at its highest) so Allianz has come up with an option in which your capital is invested 6. Fees: over a period of your choice: 6, 12 or 24 a) Entry fees: The entry fee is months. So normally 4.5% of the amount that way you are investing You can choose between 7 invested but I am very nice, so I negotiate. Between 30 and 50K, the at different types of investment between entry fee is 0.50%, between 50K stages of the very low risk to high risk and 100K it is 0.25% and above stock market 100K, I do not take any entry fees, value. This so it is 0%. There is however a 12€ option is also available when you make another deposit, administration fee (whatever the not just when you open the investment. amount invested).

2. How much can you invest in it: The minimum is 30 000€, no maximum.

3. How is it invested: It has to be at least 30% on shares/funds. The secure part is called Fond Euro and the interest of the secured part is given on the 31st of December each year. The rate on the secure part is around 1% and pretty much the same for every company. Shares/funds can go up or down! You can decide how much you want on shares so it could be all of it if you wish so (but minimum 30%).

4. Accidental death extra: This contract includes an insurance so that if you die in an accident before you are 85 years old, Allianz gives to your beneficiaries half the amount of the value of your contract on top of the value of your contract (maximum 1 million euro). This is automatically included in the contract and it is free. E.g.: You have 100 000€ on your account, then die of an accident, then Allianz will give 150 000€ to the beneficiaries named on your contract.

5.

Options available:

a) Securisation des performances: This is a very good option that means that when your shares/funds go up by 5% (you can choose between 5 and 15%), the 5% gain is automatically transferred to the secure part of your Assurance vie. The gain has to be at least 100€ (5% gain on a share might represent less if your share is only worth 500€!). This is very good and some of my customers have appreciated

This option is free, no fees.

heir will get at least what you wanted them to have or more! You invested 100K but lost 10K, you die, then your beneficiaries still get 100K and not 90K. f) Invalidity insurance option: You can opt for an insurance that gives you the same amount of the value of your investment in case you are disabled following an accident before the age of 62 years old. You must be at least 66% disabled.

c) Arbitrage: This is the French word for switching from one fund to another. With Allianz you are entitled to one free per year but can do as many as you want. So if you are not happy with a fund, you can switch at any time you want.

b) Management fees: 0.93% of the investment per year.

d) Gestion profile: If you are not willing to trust me or yourself to choose your funds, you can let Allianz manage it for you. You can choose between 7 types of investment between very low risk to high risk. 2 of those investments are fully ISR (investment socially responsible). Allianz readjust the investments 4 times per year following their own expert advisers, so you have nothing to do.

- 0.50% of the amount transferred for the option dynamisation progressive du capital

e) Securisation du capital: You can choose to make sure that your beneficiaries will get at least the amount you have invested to start with so 100% or 120% of what you have invested. So, if the market crashes, you are sure that your

c)

Option fees:

- 0.20% per year for the Gestion profile option (0.20% of the shares amount)

- 0.85% of the value of the shares/fund for switching shares/funds (maximum 500€). Note that you are entitled to one free per year, so the fee is only taken if you have done one already - Between 0.071% (age 41) and 3.406% (age 85) quarterly maximum for the option of the capital guarantee in case of death. The percentage is taken on the amount of the loss and depends on the age of the subscriber. This fee is only taken if the capital is at loss

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

102 Avenue de la République 16260 Chasseneuil sur Bonnieure Tél:+33(0)5 45 39 51 47

10 Bd du 8 mai 1945 16110 La Rochefoucauld Tél:+33 (0)5 45 63 54 31

2 Avenue de la Gare 16270 Roumazieres-Loubert Tél:+33(0)5 45 71 17 79

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business / opinion - Disability option: 0.018% quarterly of the value of your investment.

7. Adding money to it: You can add money to it at any time but a minimum of 450€.

8. Regular withdrawal: You can set up monthly, quarterly, twice yearly or yearly automatic withdrawals which go directly to your bank account. This is free.

9. Regular deposit: You can choose to do regular deposits (monthly, quarterly, twice yearly or yearly) so the amount you choose to add to your assurance vie is taken automatically from your bank account.

10. Availability: The present amount on your assurance vie is always available and you can even make the withdrawal yourself from your Allianz customer account. So, the money is never blocked. There are no penalties for taking your money out, but tax may apply if you have made a capital gain.

Conclusion: The advantages of the Assurance vie savings account are well known and it is no secret that it is the preferred investment for French people not only because of its advantages but also for its flexibility. But even if Assurance vie investments offer the same envelop with every company (same advantages in regard to French inheritance law and tax and income tax), it is important to note the little differences and therefore shop

It is no secret that it is the preferred investment for French people around before making a decision. They can be different from one company to another and not just the entry or management fees!

Also, Allianz has a solvability ratio that is one of the best on the market at 174% for Allianz France and 200% for Allianz Group so do not hesitate to contact me for any further information regarding our very large range of investments.

And remember to check out our web site www.bh-assurances.fr/en for all my previous articles (“practical information”) and register to receive our monthly Newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook: “Allianz Jacques Boulesteix et Romain Lesterpt”.

And don’t hesitate to contact me for any other information or quote on subjects such as funeral cover, inheritance law, investments, car, house, professional and top up health insurance, etc…

22 etcetera

Past Caring W

hen Liverpool FC stormed to Premier League success this year their fans surrounded the Anfield stadium, dancing ecstatically in swirling mist from a hundred red flares. Between the rambunctious victory songs, the delirious throng chanted the name of the club’s manager whose leadership had delivered their triumph: Jürgen Klopp.

It was undeniably a momentous sporting event but something else resonated, almost poignant in its significance: a city which suffered horrific bomb damage in WW2, (including my own grandparents’ home), now taking to its enormous heart and celebrating as one of its own, a German manager. Giant, lovingly painted murals of Jürgen Klopp have appeared in the city; Liverpudlians love him; he has described himself as ‘half Scouse’. That is reconciliation.

OPINION Brian White, a jazz obsessive, lives in Indre with his wife, six guitars and an absurd number of moles.

others’ backgrounds, sexuality or life choices. The tide is moving in one direction – albeit with the occasional soulsapping detour – and manufactured nostalgia (“Remember when our country was great?”) is worse than useless when tackling modern dilemmas.

It's also interesting to me that those who unhesitatingly call upon the past to reinforce their arguments are often oddly reluctant when grilled about their own failures of judgement - “Hindsight is all very well but what the public wants is for us to look ahead!”, they protest.

Harking back to an imagined golden era is It struck me how these celebrations not without risk. Remember Margaret crunch head-on into the spate of British Thatcher lauding a return to “Victorian politicians who Values”? (a minefield if regularly invoke the ever there was one).

Harking back to an Second World War in Neither is it always done imagined golden era is order to trigger some well: in his Independence not without risk kind of patriotic Day speech of 2019, fervour. Those who President Donald Trump cynically insert hackneyed phrases like claimed, in soaring rhetoric, that George “Blitz Spirit” into a speech in order to rally Washington’s Continental Army of the the public or make fatuous mention of 1770s, “took over the airports”. “storming the beaches” when they have In any case, much of what we believe to be never fought anybody anywhere. The ones history is only one version of it, our who apply a retrospective certainty to perceptions shaped by those who publish events where none existed at the time, books or make films, i.e. not ‘ordinary simply because we now know how things people’, (who are usually anything but turned out. The ones who won’t let go. ordinary). We do ourselves an Undeniably, it can be effective because unforgiveable disservice if we cling blindly politicians know that, skilfully done, vast to the past in order to ward off change or over-simplification reduces complex distort it to ignore uncomfortable truths. historical strands to easily digested – thus By honestly confronting our history, we easily manipulated - myth. clarify our understanding and - crucially But the people of Liverpool show these face up to our failings. No question, it’s tactics are subject to the law of often painful. But history is not destiny; diminishing returns. To accept the healing we can learn and correct. (Isn’t that really of passing years while still acknowledging the point?). and striving to understand the traumas of So, in this instance at least, football points previous generations, is surely the mark of the way. The city of Liverpool and Mr a humane society. A society which is Jürgen Klopp, symbols of progress made, moving on. ‘Us and Them’ wartime signposts on the road ahead. May they rhetoric doesn’t cut it with younger generations generally more accepting of never walk alone.

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

By Saski Ford

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

LIFESTYLE CHOICES SO MANY PEOPLE ARE WORRIED ABOUT CONTRACTING COVID-19 THAT I WANT TO TALK ABOUT HOW EXACTLY THE IMMUNE SYSTEM WORKS

T

he data collected for confirmed cases are at approximately 22.72 million people* - of those confirmed cases 794,104 have died. My belief is that those who died, died ‘with’ covid and not necessarily ‘of’ it. Probably the hardest hit are those that are elderly or have underlying health conditions - cancer patients and people with suppressed immunity, people with respiratory problems etc. I don’t think the true numbers are known of how many people have actually died of covid alone.

So I feel people should realise that all the hype in the media and the scaremongering tells a very different story to actual statistics and the probability that if you catch it you will have a 99.9% chance of survival. But let’s just get this clear; you can’t fully control whether you catch a cold, the flu, or COVID-19. *https://ourworldindata.org/mortality-risk-covid

You also can’t control how your body will react once it’s exposed to a pathogen. (A pathogen is a bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease).

So how does your immune system work?

If our body senses foreign substances called antigens, the immune system works to recognise these antigens and get rid of them. What happens next is B Lymphocytes are triggered to make antibodies which are also called immunoglobulins. These are proteins that attach themselves to specific antigens.

Once these antibodies are made we hold

onto them in case we have to fight the same germ again.

The same way that vaccines prevent us from contracting some diseases, the antigen is administered into the body without making the person poorly, but it gives the body the required tools to make antibodies that protect the person should they catch the germ.

▪ Innate which we are all born with like skin that acts as a barrier, blocking germs.

▪ Adaptive as we go through our lives our immunity develops as we become exposed to germs and diseases and also when we get immunised.

There are many different factors that determine your body’s response. Some you can impact, like nutrient deficiencies of which the When it comes to your vast majority of us have, immune system, your and others you can’t do daily actions can make anything about, all the difference like your age.

An antibody can lock onto an antigen but it can’t destroy it without the help of the T cells. T cells destroy antigens tagged by antibodies or cells that are infected or changed somehow. T cells can also trigger other cells to do their jobs, cells called Phagocytes.

Antibodies are great at neutralising poisonous or damaging substances (toxins) and they also activate a part of the immune system called ‘complement’ or the ‘complement cascade’ which is a group of proteins that help to kill viruses, bacteria or infected cells.

All of these things combined offer the body protection against disease. This protection is called immunity We have 3 types of immunity: ▪ Passive like a baby borrowing antibodies from the mothers breast milk for short term immunity.

Remember, no magical supplement, superfood, diet plan, or exercise routine can guarantee you’ll stay healthy.

The scientific literature shows us that there is a lot of evidence that lifestyle interventions can contribute to an improved resistance against viral infections and a reduced risk of a serious course of disease. When it comes to your immune system, your daily actions can make all the difference. Focus on constructive behaviours that might help you feel just a little bit more in control.

And that could help ease the anxiety and stress that come with all the uncertainty.

On the following page, you will find the 6 areas you need to be concentrating on, allowing your immune system to work to its full potential.

etcetera 23

health BY

MICHAEL WILLIAM PARK

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

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

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

19 Place Charles de Gaulle. 87210 Le Dorat

siret: 518 364 989 00013

Ian Scott - Coiffeur anglais

T. 06 47 43 01 66

�Depts 86 & 87 �32 plus years’ experience �Professional colouring and cutting services READ REVIEWS ON

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health

THE 6 MAIN LIFESTYLE CHOICES SUNSHINE

EXERCISE

HEALTHY FOOD

Vitamin D, also known as 'the sunshine vitamin', has a crucial role in human naive T cell activation. Therefore, low levels of vitamin D could result in defective T cellmediated immune responses and compromised immunity to pathogens. So keep your levels topped up by enjoying time outside in the sun, it’s that simple. Even more important during the winter months when the we have less sunshine.

Moving regularly - don’t live a sedentary lifestyle. Exercise stimulates or kickstarts some normal immune processes. When you engage in any kind of physical activity that gets your heart rate up for a sustained amount of time—say, a 30-minute brisk walk or jog, a bike ride, or even some tennis volleying—your body senses it as a type of physiological stressor. As a result, it deploys certain types of white blood cells.

Eating real whole foods – fruits and vegetables, nuts, legumes, fish and healthy fats and reducing the intake of ultraprocessed foods. Try to eat a good range of foods each day. Don’t beat yourself up if you have an ‘off’ day, just make sure that you don’t have too many of them! Eat the right amount of calories to avoid or lose excess body fat, obesity-related conditions seem to worsen the effect of COVID-19.

HYDRATION

RELAX

SLEEP

Drink water regularly throughout the day, every day. Avoid too many sugary drinks.

Alcohol weakens the immune system and also dehydrates you. Thus, alcohol use and especially heavy use undermines your body’s ability to cope with infectious disease.

Alcohol consumption is also known to increase symptoms of depression, anxiety and fear, so it’s not a good coping mechanism, neither in the short nor long term, although you might think that it will help you deal with stress, it doesn’t.

Stress impairs our immunity. It disrupts the regulation of the cortisol response which can suppress immune function. Chronic stress can decrease the body’s lymphocytes (white blood cells that help fight off infection). The lower your lymphocyte count, the more at risk you are of catching a virus. How do we lower stress?

Meditation, yoga, mindfulness, optimising sleep and eating well (yes it’s all connected!) can all help in mitigating the negative impact of stress on our lives.

For adults, achieving between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night is the goal. You may need more or less, finding that perfect amount of sleep for you and aiming to achieve that consistently is key. Declines in the quality and/or quantity of sleep can affect our immunity, leaving us more susceptible to illnesses including viruses.

During sleep, the immune system releases proteins called cytokines. Certain cytokines fight infections and inflammation, and help us respond to stress.

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garden 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

Blossom end rot

Interveinal Chlorosis

Camellia plants love acid soil and suffer without it

Bitter pit

26 etcetera

Tip burn

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garden

Drunk and Disorderly PLANT DISORDERS ARE PLANT MALADIES CAUSED BY ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS RATHER THAN PEST ATTACK (INSECTS, BIRDS, MOLLUSCS ETC) OR DISEASES WHICH ARE GENERALLY CAUSED BY VARIOUS PATHOGENIC FUNGI AND SOMETIMES BACTERIA.

T

he most common disorders are caused by nutrient deficiencies. This is where the plant cannot grow properly due to a lack of one or more essential nutrients, just like we might suffer from a lack of certain nutrients in our diet; a severe lack of vitamin C for example causes scurvy, and a lack of calcium impacts on the formation of our teeth and bones.

very dry soils the calcium simply cannot be taken up.

The answer is to test the pH of your soil to see whether you need to add any calcium (in the form of ground limestone or calcified seaweed) and make sure that your tomatoes are watered evenly and regularly, and mulch them to prevent all of the moisture from evaporating from the soil.

Sometimes a deficiency disorder in plants is caused by poor soil that lacks the actual Calcium deficiency also causes ‘bitter pit’ mineral nutrients themselves, sometimes in apples and pears, where there are tiny it is due to reactions between the different hard points within the flesh and the fruit nutrients in the soil creating bonds that doesn’t swell properly, and it can cause ‘tip effectively ‘lock them up’, making them burn’, the browning and shrivelling of the unavailable to the plants. At other times it edges of lettuce leaves. can be due to a lack of water – most of the Tomatoes suffer from several nutrient soil borne minerals required by plants are disorders due to their high demand on taken up dissolved in water just as we nutrition. Nitrogen is another nutrient drink mineral water. In times of drought needed in large quantities while the plant this can be very common and is especially is in active growth. When nitrogen gets noticeable on fast growing plants that scarce that plant actually takes it from the require a lot of nutrients while growing. lower leaves and moves it up to the Tomatoes and many other vegetables are growing points of the plant causing the examples of this lower leaves to yellow and and our veggie eventually die off. This in If you have chalky or lime crops are itself is not too terrible as rich soil then avoid the easily affected. there is naturally some loss plants that hate lime of the lower leaves and we There are over 14 can take off any damaged different minerals and sickly lower leaves without doing too that plants need to access from the soil, much harm to the plant, but an ongoing but 2 or 3 of them are the most lack of nitrogen will cause the plants to commonly problematic. become stunted, yellow and Plants require calcium as one of the key weak and susceptible to other pests materials for building the cell walls, and diseases. therefore without calcium they cannot On the other hand iron deficiency is build new growth properly. There are common on calcium rich (alkaline) soils several ways that calcium can affect the where the calcium bonds with any iron in yield and quality of our fruit and the soil and effectively makes it veg crops: unavailable to the plants. Some plants are well adapted to this and can make use of Blossom end rot of tomatoes… very small amounts of available iron, while When the base of your tomato is sunken others suffer from iron deficiency – these and black, this is caused by a calcium plants are commonly known as ‘acid deficiency (it affects peppers and loving’ plants, ericaceous plants or aubergines too). This is most often seen in calcifuges. Examples include tomatoes grown in pots where the Rhododendron, Azalea, Camellia, some compost quickly runs out of nutrient heathers, blueberries and Pieris. The main value, or the calcium can easily be washed symptom of iron deficiency is known as away by over watering. In acid soils there ‘interveinal chlorosis’ where the leaves go is much less available calcium than in an distinctly yellow between the veins and the alkaline soil so soils with a low pH have more tendency to cause this deficiency. In whole plant fails to thrive. The reason for

this is that iron is one of the major components of chlorophyll; if the plant is unable to generate sufficient chlorophyll then it first looses its green colour and with that the ability to photosynthesise efficiently and therefore lacks the sugars required for healthy growth. There are several remedies for this, but the first principle is to choose plants that will thrive in your soil and microclimate. So if you have chalky or lime rich soil then avoid the plants that hate lime. If you really want to grow them then you can plant them in containers in an ‘ericaceous’ compost, you can feed them with a special formula that prevents the iron from bonding with other elements in the soil (known as ‘Sequestrate’ or ‘Chelate’ of Iron - Engrais Hortensias is what to look out for here) or you can attempt to change the pH of your soil. Bear in mind that this is an ongoing process that will always be a battle, particularly if you are trying to lower the pH of an alkaline soil to make it more ‘acid’ and it is not recommended.

Other deficiencies that effect your veg include ‘Riciness’ of cauliflower where the head develops the look and texture of rice, caused by hot conditions where the head has been induced to develop too quickly, and ‘Measles' on smooth skinned melons and cucumbers where excess salts accumulate in the skin causing dark spots to appear, usually as a result of overly wet soils in the latter stages of growth - careful attention to watering is required to prevent this.

Le Jardin Créatif offers a range consultancy and design services to help you develop, maintain and solve gardening problems. Send us an email lejardincreatif87@gmail.com or check out our ‘Consultancy and Garden Design’ page for more information.

Our courses are up and running again and we have our updated plant list available to browse on the ‘Nursery and Garden’ web page.

We will have a range of heirloom apple tree varieties available from September.

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garden

Light Up Your NOT HAVING ANY KIND OF LIGHTING IN THE GARDEN IS LIKE HAVING A SITTING ROOM WITH NO LIGHTING – UNUSABLE WHEN IT’S DARK!

L

ighting is a very important factor to consider when planning the hard landscaping of your garden and the obvious time to do the preparatory work for your garden lighting is at the initial landscaping stage when earth moving is being carried out. Even subtle lighting in the garden such as the use of candles will extend the hours that a garden can be enjoyed. There are 3 main ways to provide lighting for the garden - electric, solar/battery operated, and candle.

Electric Lights Cables for electric lights need to be buried in armoured cable and we would recommend that a registered electrician is always used to install the electrics for garden lighting, particularly when using mains voltage (240 volts). Kits are available for garden lighting which use 12 volts which can be installed by a person competent in DIY. When using a 240 volt system, a transformer converts mains voltage to 12 volts. Even low-wattage lights should still be plugged into a circuit breaker which cuts the power at once and so prevents shocks if the cable accidentally gets cut.

When planning a lot of garden electrics such as lighting, pond/pool pumps and water features, it may be worth considering having an outdoor electricity supply created which is basically a box

26 28 etcetera

into which outdoor-grade plugs can be plugged. The lid of the box seals around the sockets to prevent any moisture entering.

Action this summer and we’re really pleased with the amount of light they produce, proving that lighting up the garden doesn’t need to be expensive.

The most important thing to consider Candles when choosing lights for the garden is to Candles provide a soft, romantic glow and ensure they are specially constructed for many types of lanterns and outdoor candle outdoor use. They must be waterproof, holders are available. Outdoor candles resistant to corrosion and able to need some kind of protective cover around withstand frost, snow and damp. Most them otherwise even a gentle breeze will garden lights therefore are constructed blow them out. Interesting holders can be from aluminium alloy or high impact created from old tin cans: wash a used can plastic. There are many different styles of (ensuring the sharp edges have first been electric lights available so removed) then use a it shouldn’t be too difficult special tool to punch finding lighting suitable The use of candles will holes in patterns in the for both your style extend the hours that a can. This can be painted and budget. with fire-retardant paint garden can be enjoyed Solar/Battery Lights and a handle created by drilling 2 holes into the This kind of lighting has open end of the can and threading wire traditionally offered inferior lighting but is through them. Candle holders don’t come able to provide lighting in the garden much cheaper than this and you are when a power source is unavailable. There helping the environment by recycling. are some excellent solar lights on the market now but the good quality ones are Creating Specific Effects from quite pricey if you want to invest in good Garden Lighting. quality solar lights. However, if you are Security Lighting happy with something which lasts maybe This is often the harshest of all types of just one season then these are readily garden lighting but unlike other forms of available from budget shops such as garden lighting it is not intended to create Action or GiFi. Concerning battery ambiance but rather to throw lots of light operated lights, we bought some pretty for a specific purpose. Security lighting glass ones for around a fiver each from

garden

Landscape Lorne Tracy &

can be used with an automatic sensor to deter intruders who approach the house or may be installed for example close to a front door to allow the homeowner to be able to easily enter the house without fumbling for keys in the dark or stumbling over planters. Be aware of using too much of this type of lighting as the sensors can easily be activated by passing moths etc causing the lights to be continually switched on and off. This is irritating at the very least but can also be disturbing to local wildlife (and possibly neighbours).

lighting can be used to great effect to light feature trees and plants, especially where they are planted against a wall and can cast exciting shadows. Alternatively, they can be set into wooden decking to effectively light containers with architectural forms.

Downlighting/Floodlighting

This is quite a difficult style of lighting to use as it can have an overpowering effect.

It should mainly be used therefore in functional areas to illuminate large areas in a pool of light– eating and cooking areas for example. Using down light in the This is a technique which acentre of a pergola used imitates the natural light as a dining area can be from the moon very effective.

Security lighting however does not need to be so harsh. The use of a low voltage light will work equally well to guide you to your front door and has the advantage of being able to be left on whilst you are out without dazzling your neighbours or ramping up your electricity bills.

Up lighting

Lighting the garden by ground-level lighting creates an energetic feel and is the exact opposite of sunlight which lights the garden from above. One thing to be aware of with this type of lighting is that it can have the effect of drawing the eye to the actual light itself rather than the object to be illuminated so try to avoid using lights with a very powerful wattage. This type of

It can however be used to create some fun effects such as fixing coloured lights just below the canopies of several trees in the garden to create a surreal retro club feel. They can also be used to accentuate bold architectural shapes of both buildings and plants.

Moonlighting This is a technique which imitates the natural light from the moon and so needs to be quite a soft light. This is achieved by placing a light high into the branches of a tree and directed downwards to create a dappled effect of light and shadow.

Taylor-M ade Garden s

Grazing This lighting technique is achieved by throwing light at an angle onto a hard surface such as a wall and works even better on a textured surface such as woven fence panels as it enhances the texture and so renders the lit area more interesting at night than in daylight.

Backlighting This is also known as silhouetting and is created when the background behind an interesting or semi-transparent structure is highlighted instead of the structure itself which remains in darkness but creates a silhouette. It is good for creating interesting outlines.

Shadowing This technique is achieved by shining a light at an object so that its shadow is thrown against a vertical surface such as a wall or fence. It is a great technique for highlighting plants such as grasses or bamboos as a gentle breeze will create a marvellous moving effect of shadows.

With this technique it is good to experiment by moving the light closer to or further from the subject to alter the size of the shadows.

Route lighting This type of lighting can be achieved by using either low-level lights or lights on

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garden bollards. Placing lights on bollards is an excellent way to light a driveway for example whereas low-level lights are good for highlighting paths. Using this technique can also be used to create pathways which are not visible during daylight by sinking lights into a lawn.

Route lighting is invaluable when used where there are steps in the garden.

Lighting individual steps is an excellent way to prevent accidents but can also be a stylish addition to your garden lighting.

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Treelights/Fairy Lights This type of opaque lighting casts soft shades.

Fairy lights create a romantic feel to an area of a garden when they are strung within the canopy of a tree or from a pergola to mimic tiny stars. Clear lights look more subtle and contemporary whereas coloured lights will give more of a party feel. Lamps may also be suspended from a tree to create an intimate dining area.

Coloured Lighting This is not an easy technique to use as it can look quite tacky. If you know what you are doing however, it can also look stunning. For example, a lawn flooded with green light will give an artificially green colour to the grass although it can look quite surreal.

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The final part in this series of articles next month will conclude with an article on decorating your garden.

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Mirroring is a dramatic effect using a combination of up lighting with still water.

Up lighting structures, planters or buildings around a pool will create an amazing mirrored effect on the surface of the water.

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Lighting Water Water and lighting together provide a wonderful and interesting element to the garden. Underwater lighting in ponds, pools and fountains can be stunning and atmospheric, as can lighting up features such as bridges or decks close to water.

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This is used ornamentally as it does not produce a huge amount of light. It usually consists of a single light source passing down a group of filaments of optical glass or plastic and creates a mass of twinkling pinpoints of light. It is a good technique to use around water either to highlight a pool sculpture or to use within moving water where they will a stunning glittery effect.

To get a feel for what can be achieved with fibre optic lighting, check out the following website - plantnj.com/fiber-opticswimming-pool-lights-landscape-nightlighting-LED-pool-lights.php

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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 FINALLY - THERE IS A FRESHNESS IN THE AIR!

T

he days begin to shorten, and the sun loses some of its intense heat and our gardens recover some of their earlier seasonal freshness. There is still time to sit for a while and enjoy your garden but there are other things to do at this time of year. Keep removing weeds to prevent seeds setting that will come up next year.

There's not as much to do in the ornamental garden, except the ongoing deadheading to encourage your plants to give to the very end, but if you have a fruit or vegetable patch, you'll be busy reaping the rewards of harvest! Make the most of the remaining warmth while you can!

In the flower garden

the flowers and clearly label each plant, then when you lift the plant you keep the label with it. Towards the end of the month cut back and tie in climbing and rambling roses to reduce wind damage during the winter. And if you wish to extend your rose collection, take hardwood rose cuttings from nonflowering stems.

Finally, to add some colour during the winter months, replace your summer bedding with winter/spring bedding plants. It is now time to plant bulbs in pots for winter colour in the house. There are many plants you can try; my favourites are hyacinths for their perfume and amaryllis for their vibrant colours.

Start thinking about your garden for next In the vegetable garden year, as it's time to start planting springflowering bulbs. If your herbaceous There is still, and probably always will be, perennials are looking a bit tired it’s a work to do in your potager. Keep an eye on good time either all your crops as the last to lift and divide, ones come to full You can still plant out replanting or maturity, enjoy your last potting up crops to take you cucumbers, courgettes, divisions; or to through the winter aubergines and chillies, buy and plant new and harvest your perennials; or take pumpkins and winter cuttings of the ones you have and grow squashes. Continue to take the leaves off them on over the winter inside, to plant tomato plants so that the sun can ripen the out in the spring. It’s also a good time to last fruits. You can still plant out crops to collect or buy seeds for both perennials take you through the winter – cabbage, and hardy annuals to plant for a good start spinach and winter lettuce seedlings to in the spring. complement the winter vegetables such as sprouts and broccoli that should already Now is also the time to start thinking be growing well. It is also worth about the coming winter and making early experimenting with potatoes – plant in the preparations. If you intend to lift and store usual way and cover with a thick mulch for dahlias and cannas it is wise to find the a very early spring crop. names of them now while you can still see

Looking after your lawn My lawn is now a very brown patch with lots of clover. For me it’s time to forget my English green sward and accept that in my area of France lawns rarely survive the summer heat without a considerable amount of water! But I know it will come back when the temperatures fall and we get a bit of moisture, even the dew in the mornings helps to start the recovery.

Either when it regrows, or you are lucky enough to have been able to maintain some grass, later in the month is the time to scarify to aerate the ground, then feed the lawn and let the autumn and winter rains do the rest.

If you are starting afresh with a new lawn now is a very good time either to plant seed or lay turf, after the appropriate work on the ground.

You can also take the opportunity to brighten up your spring lawn by planting spring bulbs such as crocus, anemones and snowdrops. If you look through the bulb catalogues you will also find some less common bulbs that can be planted in grass such as the Russian Snowdrop (pushkinis libanotica) or some of the smaller fritillaries.

Take time this month to walk round the garden and look at your plants. Decide what you want to change and use any photographs you have taken to help your decision; autumn is a good time to move most plants while the ground is still warm.

Enjoy planning for next year, looking at catalogues and ordering seeds and plants.

etcetera 33

When it comes to colour vision, chickens have bested humans in many ways

Chickens have a large field of vision

farm life

Remarkable Chicken Vision POULTRY HAVE EXCELLENT VISION, EXCEEDING OUR OWN IN COLOUR SENSITIVITY AND RATE OF CAPTURE. CHICKENS RELY ON THIS SENSE FOR FORAGING, AVOIDING PREDATORS AND CHOOSING MATES.

T

he avian eye is an amazingly complex organ, highly tuned for detecting colour and movement. Chicken eyesight is arguably better than ours in some respects. It is important for keepers to recognize their abilities and limitations, so that we can provide an interesting and comfortable environment for our flocks.

More Colours in the Rainbow First of all, their colour sensitivity is amazing! Unlike mammals, birds never went through a nocturnal period during their evolution. To avoid predators, mammals’ eyesight developed to allow foraging at night, while sensitivity to ultra-violet and red light was lost. Some apes, including humans, re-evolved sensitivity to red when we switched to being active during the day. Birds descended directly from dinosaurs and retained their highly sensitive daytime vision.

Chickens see ultra-violet as well as all the colours we see. UV vision helps them to detect movement and avoid predation. It also enables them to see patterns in plumage and vegetation that we are not aware of. Studies show that hens spend more time checking out males and mate more often when UV light is available.

Chickens are more sensitive to red and blue than we are. This helps them to pick out important features against the green of field and forest. Red is typical of nutritious food sources and chickens are attracted to this colour. However, they know to avoid red insects, which are normally poisonous, and they readily learn new associations of colour with favourite foods. This means that they will get used to food of a certain shape and colour, and may refuse a new type of feed until they learn that it is palatable. Other senses come into play when choosing food, such as texture, smell and taste, so any changes in these might put chickens off.

Light is also detected directly in the pineal gland of the brain after passing through bone and tissue. Here it is used to regulate daily and seasonal rhythms.

Complex Eye Structure The retina is highly structured with four types of colour-sensitive cone cell that respond to wavelengths between ultraviolet and red (350–780 nm). For

comparison, humans have three types of cone that detect light of 380–740 nm. In addition, chickens have double cones, which aid in detection of movement. Oil droplets within birds’ cones act as filters, enhancing contrast and colour detection.

Cones are concentrated in certain areas to intensify detail, in the same way as our fovea gives maximum clarity in the central area of the human eye. In chickens, these sensitive areas extend upwards and towards the beak, to allow more detailed perception of danger overhead and potential food sources on the ground.

Independent Control

Tamsin Cooper is a smallholder and writer with a keen interest in animal behaviour and welfare

By Tam s

in Coop er

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fluorescent lighting during the day, to ensure healthy development.

Visual Limitations Despite their amazing vision, it is important to understand what chickens cannot see. As animals that evolved for daytime living, they see poorly in the dark.

This is why they quickly go to roost at sunset and do not stir until dawn. A hen unable to find her way back to the coop will struggle in dim light that humans can adjust to. Their pupils are not able to adjust as much as ours do and they have fewer rods (the light-sensitive cells in he retina).

Chickens have an eye on each side of the Detail is quickly lost as light fails. Their head, giving them a wide range of vision of complex cone structure does not match about 330°, with an image overlap of 26° the acuity of our fovea, although their in front of the head. While images from overall clarity of vision is probably as good each eye are processed independently, the overlap provides fine during daylight. To control for moving gain a complete picture forward and Either eye can fix on a of any object, a chicken manipulating objects must move her head nearby object, while the with the beak. The around to expose it to other remains focused monocular regions at the the various specialised at distance side give good peripheral areas of her retina. vision to scan for Detailed social predators. Just a narrow recognition appears to area behind the head is not seen. be effective only at distances of less than However, chickens move their heads 20 cm, although chickens have the around to reduce this blind spot, making impressive ability to memorise at least it virtually impossible to creep up behind 60 individuals. them unnoticed.

As chicken eyeballs are large compared to This near all-round vision is enhanced by the head, there is little room for the eye to chickens’ ability to focus their eyes move in its socket. The image needs at independently. Either eye can fix on a least 20 ms to register on the retina, nearby object, while the other remains resulting in chickens’ characteristic head focused at distance. Moreover, each eye movements. You will notice how their has a lower field that focuses at a nearer heads bob as they walk, the head staying distance than the upper field. Similarly, fixed as long as possible as the legs move each pupil contracts independently to forward, then rapidly moving forward to adjust to different light conditions. catch up with the body. This helps to Built for Speed register a clear image. If you pick up a hen and gently move her body around with You may have noticed how quickly small movements, you will see how her chickens move – they can even catch flies! neck compensates to keep her head They change focus by stretching the lens stock still. and bulging the cornea, resulting in rapid focus shifts. Their pupils react four times The precious eyes are protected by the faster than ours do. In addition, they nictitating membrane. This transparent perceive changes much more rapidly than third eye flicks in briefly from the inside we do. They even see the flicker of indoor corner of the eye to protect and moisturise light bulbs and computer screens. In most the eyeball. As it is for us humans, vision conditions, chickens are aware of flicker is the most important sense for chickens. up to about 95 Hz. If you are raising Source: Nicol, C.J., 2015. The chicks indoors, make sure they receive bright daylight, or at least warm Behavioural Biology of Chickens, CABI

etcetera 35

fishing

36 etcetera

fishing

The End of Summer SEPTEMBER FOR ME MARKS THE END OF THE PEAK OF WATER TEMPERATURES.

By Clive Kenyon

F

or the last two months some fish will have been struggling with hypoxia or oxygen starvation caused when water temperatures become too high to sustain dissolved oxygen. Cooler winds will help our cause and revive the appetites of those fish who like some of us, prefer not to be too hot.

This time also marks the exodus of the holiday makers although this year has been abnormal compared to the usual trends. The number of anglers will certainly decline by mid-month and some of our beautiful venues will return to their more tranquil state. In July, August and early September I tend to look for those forgotten places that remain quiet through the summer. Small rivers are often great places to fish in summer months as the numerous weirs and gravelled shallows maintain oxygen levels and bank side trees provide welcome shade.

This is also the last month that we can fish some of our smaller Category 1 waters until the trout season re-opens on the second Saturday in March.

Fish Finders I have touched on this subject before outlining traditional methods of water craft to locate where the better places to fish are. Fish tend to inhabit locations that give them security, food and comfort and there are often long stretches of lake and river banks that are devoid of fish because the above criteria are not met. Conversely you can sometimes find fish crammed close together in an otherwise barren stretch and the reason for this is not evident from our bankside locations.

Over the years I have found benefits in plumbing likely swims to check the depths, type of bottom and in rivers, the flow. These days it is far easier and much more accurate to use one of the electronic sonar options to survey the places of interest in rivers and lakes. There are basically three types of device: a boat mounted sonar which can be temporarily or permanently attached to the boat; a smaller sonar that can be cast using a

are located for no reasons obvious from the bank. Not all fish holding swims are classical ones as portrayed by Bernard Venables. These units are usually referred to as Fish Finders yet that particular The least expensive is the type that you aspect is probably the least useful for our can cast out and retrieve, viewing the purposes. It is common for fish to be information the sonar sends to a small graded in three sizes; large, medium or LCD screen on a hand-held receiver. These small. Imagine trying to fix those start at around ₏40 and are surprisingly distinctions to species as varying as bleak good. Certainly a lot more accurate and and wels catfish. The sonar unit also less fiddly than the old rod, plummet and transmits pulses that can in some cases notebook method. record the same fish multiple times as it A boat mounted sonar will set you back slowly drifts over the surface. It is possible upwards of ₏100 for the most basic type. with the more sophisticated types to Again, the sonar imagery is displayed on a adjust the settings to give a better idea of dedicated LCD screen, larger than the what is lurking below, and with a bit of hand-held receiver and both types have a experience you will be able to identify that modicum of adjustment to enable you to the large fish showing at 1.7 metres in a 2 tune out clutter and tune in on features metre depth isn’t cruising just off the such as weed beds and sunken branches. bottom, but 1.8m is where the top of its back is. Its mouth might be right on the The most interesting type is the one that bottom seeking out food, and the three transmits its data to your mobile phone fish icons showing on your display are via its own Wi-Fi hot spot. The sonar is actually the same fish being recorded by cast out and retrieved or fastened to the three pulses sent out by the sonar. Just transom of your boat and the data is like using a lead recorded on an App plummet to that you load onto discover whether The sonar unit also transmits your smartphone. the bottom is hard Once the survey is pulses that can in some cases completed you can record the same fish multiple times gravel or soft mud it takes experience upload the data to a as it slowly drifts over the surface to interpret the web program that findings. gives more detail than can be viewed on your phone, and Armed with such a device it is possible to can be printed or shared with others. identify fishy looking places much more These obviously are more expensive than quickly than when using a conventional the other types and it must be said are not float and lead plummet and this is perfect. The maps do not always align and enhanced by your water craft, not a you can find your chosen swim overlaid replacement for it. You will still need to onto dry land. However, with a bit of interpret the data received and apply that intelligent interpretation and the use of to weather conditions, time of year and other resources such as a camera, compass other factors. The surface water and written notes you can quickly build up temperature recorded may not correspond an accurate and very useful map of the to the water temperature on the bottom. lake or river bed and have sightlines and But a wise angler knows that this warm distances recorded to enable you to cast to surface water can find its way to the the fish holding features. bottom layer on the lee shore or immediately after a weir. Knowledge is The beauty of using sonars is that you can power and these type of devices add to rule out places that are snag pits before your knowledge and can increase your rate losing fish or tackle to those snags, and you regularly discover places where fish of success. heavy rod; and a hybrid unit that can be used for both purposes and links to a computer program that maps the contours of the bottom for you.

etcetera 37

wildlife

Our Discreet Garden Friend 38 etcetera

wildlife WHEN I WAS YOUNG, EVERYONE KNEW THE LITTLE HEDGEHOG ) AS A WELCOME GARDEN ERINACEUS EUROPAEUS ( VISITOR, EAGER TO EAT GARDEN PESTS AND DOING NO HARM. THESE DAYS THEY ARE SADLY IN DECLINE

By Mik

H

edgehogs are a curious race, quite unrelated to porcupines. The latter are rodents pure and simple, which have adapted their body-hairs into defensive spines in the same way as the hedgehog.

There is also another creature called a Tenrec, which lives in Madagascar and other islands in that area, and looks superficially like a small hedgehog. It seems, however, to be completely unrelated to our hedgehog – another example of nature re-inventing a good idea.

Hedgehogs are very much Old World animals. One extinct example has been found in the rocks of America, and they were quite unknown in Australia, New Zealand and related territories until they were introduced.

In France we are only liable to find the European hedgehog. This was originally classed among the Insectivores, which meant that the incisor teeth were not especially developed, and the teeth carried sharp projections which intermeshed to promote the efficient crushing of hard insect exoskeletons.

spines and preventing anything getting at its vulnerable belly. In this defensive posture, a badger is about the only animal apart from man that can make a meal of a hedgehog.

Hedgehogs can climb a bit, but they are very good at falling. They fall onto their spines, which are bent at the lower end and help cushion the blow. A hedgehog can fall several feet without harm. In this connection, it is worth saying that, if you have a pond or any pit with steep sides, please arrange for one side to slope, or for some form of ramp to be present, otherwise the hedgehog can be trapped, and drown or starve.

Sadly, a hedgehog these days is often a rare sight. Sometimes this is to do with the neighbours. If badgers move into the area, hedgehogs move out, for reasons outlined above.

It can also have to do with human neighbours. The old adage is, “Good fences make good neighbours”, but hedgehogs are wide-ranging animals, and need to cover large areas of land to find their food.

Tight-woven fences, walls etc. prevent them from doing so. Please Most vets will not charge to make sure that there are gaps enough at groundtreat an obviously wild animal, especially if they level in your boundaries to allow, not just access, but know you are prepared to movement across your land give it after-care and into other fields and gardens.

Recently those that study these matters have realised that the Insectivora had developed into a bucket-classification into which a large number of creatures had fallen, many of which had little or no evolutionary connection with each other. Classifiers do not like that, so the Insectivora has disappeared as a group, and much thought is being expended on re-classifying a whole range of animals, including the hedgehog.

In fact, hedgehogs eat a wide variety of items, mostly the sort of things that a good gardener will approve of. They are noisy little creatures, though, given to loud snuffling (hence the hog part of the name), and when male and female meet to pay court in the moonlight, the squealing they make in mutual serenade is indescribable!

The hedgehog is celebrated for its ability to roll up to avoid danger. In fact, in these days of fast cars, rolling-up can lead to more trouble than otherwise, but before that, it was a very good strategy. It used to be said that the fox knows many tricks, but the hedgehog knows one very good trick.

What happens is that the little creature tucks its snout and paws into its belly-fur and then contracts a purse-string muscle that goes all round its lower back and sides and over its neck, thereby pulling its prickly skin tightly over itself, erecting its

And please do not over-preen your garden.

Leave some rough areas, a log-pile or two, anything for refuge and a bit of cover. And always remember; hedgehogs love slugs, and eat all they can find. If you are putting down slug-pellets, you are making your slugs poisonous to hedgehogs, and this may be one factor in their reduction.

Hedgehogs are normally nocturnal creatures, but it is not unusual to see them during the day, especially in autumn.

However, a hedgehog out in daylight may be ill – or it may just be hungry.

At this time of the year, hedgehogs are preparing for their winter hibernation.

Curled up under a pile of leaves or branches, the hedgehog slows his metabolism until it is barely ticking over, and thus it can survive quite punishing conditions. If you decide to burn some accumulated rubbish during the winter, please don’t just set fire to it. Check to see if something is using it for a winter retreat.

In spring the hedgehog will awake, and push itself into activity by absorbing a special store of fat in its body. In order to make this fat, of course, and to provide the stored energy for the winter sleep, the

e Geo r ge

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

hedgehog needs to have eaten well in autumn. It must weigh at least 600 grams, and preferably more, by the time it hibernates.

This is usually no problem for an adult, but if the late summer has been warm and sunny, some hedgehogs have a late brood of babies, and these usually do not have the time to build up enough fat and will probably die.

If you find a small hedgehog wandering forlornly in late autumn or winter, please check its weight. If it is less than ½ kg it is doomed. However, you can save it.

Of course, if it is injured, the vet is the first port of call. Bleeding or any obvious injury needs attention, but a check-over anyway is no bad thing. Most vets will not charge to treat an obviously wild animal, especially if they know you are prepared to give it after-care.

However, if nothing seems to be wrong, try giving it something to eat. NOT bread and milk; its stomach can’t handle it. Baby hedgehogs can cope with their mother’s milk, but after weaning they lose the vital enzymes to process lactose, and milk gives them diarrhoea.

Fish is not good either, mainly because hedgehogs just do not like it! The best thing for your new friend is wet dog or cat food containing white meat. Put the food and some water down and leave the little creature to itself. You can also give them cat biscuits, just be careful of added preservatives in the ingredients.

Give it something to hibernate in. A large, stout box, tipped on its side, filled with straw is good. Or try your hand at making the home featured on the next page. Put it near the hedgehog in a cool but frost-free spot such as a shed, greenhouse or barn.

The chances are, when the hedgehog has eaten as much as it can, it will crawl into the box and arrange the straw into a nest.

Put food and water down for it, and occasionally it will wake and eat some. Be prepared for it to incorporate the dishes into its nest, however, so old crockery only.

One word of warning; a sleeping hedgehog snores powerfully, so put the nesting-box out of earshot.

In spring, the hedgehog will awaken and potter off about its business without a word of thanks. You, of course, will get a feeling of a job well done and a hedgehog who will keep your garden free of pests!

etcetera 39

wildlife

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It needs a lid for easy access for cleaning inside once the inhabitants have left

Help the hedgehogs thrive in your garden

A basic home using inexpensive materials (see below)

GIVE A HOG A HOME T

he hedgehog pays a heavy price every year for the expansion of our activities - pesticides and slug pellets, intensive agriculture and road traffic, they all have a massive impact on their existence.

In France there are only around 20 centres authorised to receive hedgehogs, there are around 800 in the UK. As for the number of hedgehogs saved: 1800 in France per year, against 30,000 in the UK (figures from 2015).

With the species in decline, it’s vital we help them thrive in our gardens. Creating a home for them is the perfect way to keep them safe, hibernate during winter and, fingers crossed, have hoglets the following spring.

Where you choose to place your hedgehog house will have a big impact on whether it becomes occupied. Ideally, it needs to be nice and quiet and out of direct sunlight, as well as sheltered from the wind. Hedgehogs like to move alongside linear features, such as hedges and fences, so place your house in a corner of your garden if you can. An ideal spot would be under thick vegetation or behind a shed. Cover it with things like leaves and woody garden cuttings for extra shelter and security.

Your hedgehog home can be as basic or sophisticated as you wish.

Here are the instructions for a fairly simple one: You will need: − A large wooden wine crate

40 etcetera

− One length of 15cm x 2cm untreated timber, which is 1.2m long. (Make sure the wood is from a sustainable source) − 25mm galvanised nails − 1m length of hosepipe − A jigsaw, drill and hammer − 25mm drill bit How to make a simple hedgehog home: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Make the tunnel that will form the entrance of your hedgehog house. To do this, cut your sustainable timber into four separate lengths that are all 30cm long. Nail these together, lengthways, to form a tunnel.

Now take the wine crate. Using the jigsaw, cut an entrance hole into one side of the crate, at the base. The hole should measure 11cm x 15cm.

Attach your tunnel to this entrance hole, nailing it from the inside of the crate.

Drill a hole that will fit the hosepipe into the back of the crate. Make the hole near the top, with the hose resting on the ground outside - that way air can get in but not rain.

The hosepipe will ventilate your hedgehog house and keep hogs feeling cosy.

Finally, place the top back on the crate, but don’t nail it shut! You’ll need to take it off and tidy up the house every year or two. This is best done during October before hogs go into hibernation.

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free time

42 etcetera

free time

etcetera 43

astronomy

The

Night Sky

44 etcetera

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.

By Clair Wardla e w

astronomy This image was taken by Camille, of Kmille-COLOMB astrophotography.

Visit his website at: www.kmille-astrophoto.com Facebook page is Kmille-COLOMB "astrophotographie & photographie"

W

OW, I just have to begin this month with a little about an outstanding spectacle which has been experienced by many in the Northern hemisphere throughout much of July and early August.

A bright and beautiful comet named C 2020 F3 NEOWISE rose each morning from early in the month. I very happily lost much sleep during these mornings to view and image from around 3 am onward.

What a stunning sight (definitely visible to the naked eye here in rural France!) towards the northeast and even more beautiful through my binoculars and telescope. Its colourful long tail developed in length as the month progressed and it rose earlier each day until it was visible in the northwest from around 11pm through to sunrise the following morning. It now continues its journey out of range for us on Earth and will not return for over 6800 years! It was my first ever view of a comet, my first time imaging a comet, and it really was very emotional. The image above was taken by my friend Camille Colomb.

Meteors this month The Alpha Aurigids meteor shower produces a very low number of shooting stars per hour (perhaps ten) which are very bright and are quite easy to catch in a camera if you wanted to give that a try. The peak will be around 1st September and will seem to emanate from the constellation of Auriga which can be found low in the north eastern sky.

The Southern Taurids will not produce the same high number of meteors as last month's spectacular Perseids display, but it can produce really bright fireballs. This is also a good time of year to look out for what are known as 'Sporadics'. These are

randomly produced meteors and can appear anywhere in the sky.

Moon and Planets this month On 6th September at around midnight, an 18-day old waning gibbous Moon will seem to pass very close to the planet Mars in the east. A 'Last Quarter' Moon will pass between the star Aldebaran and the beautiful cluster of Pleiades on the 9th and 10th, again looking towards the east from around 1am. The Full Moon is at around 6.30am on 2nd and the New Moon is on the 17th. The weeks either side of this date will be the best time to enjoy our really dark skies here. Jupiter and Saturn are truly stunning and fairly close to each other throughout the night this month while Mars continues to brighten and can be found in the constellation of Pisces. Venus can be seen rising brightly in the morning skies before the sunrises. Look to the east.

Constellation of the month: Pisces Because of this constellation's position in the night sky, the Moon and planets can be observed passing through Pisces or 'The Fishes'. This month, the brightening planet of Mars can serve as a pointer towards Pisces, our featured constellation of the month. Of the 88 currently recognized constellations, Pisces is ranked - by size - as the 14th largest. It sits in a quieter area of the sky, away from the busy Milky Way. Because of its size and faint stars it can be difficult to find. However, another faint but distinctive pattern can help locate Pisces.

This pattern, which forms the body of the more southerly of the two fish, is known as The Circlet and is a ring form - or asterism - made up of seven stars. In Greek mythology the two fish of Pisces were said to be Aphrodite and her son Eros. Joined

by a cord, they turned into fish when they jumped into the river Euphrates to escape the terrible fiery breath of the monster Typhon!

Binocular Tour for September This month you could use your binoculars to search for a notable deep sky object between the constellations of Cassiopeia and Perseus, find Moon features, and try to follow the journey of Jupiter's largest moons. The very striking and easy to spot constellation of Cassiopeia, forming a large W or M depending on its position in the sky, can point you towards a stunning deepsky feature, 'The Double Cluster'.

Search for the end two stars in the W, on the wider V side, then bring your binoculars down a little until you see this area of bright stars which vary in colour and brightness. The brightest stars of these are brighter than our sun. Its position is marked on the image to help you find it. Of course the Moon is always a very good object to explore with your binoculars, in particular searching the areas which you can find along the 'Terminator'. This is the area of transition between the lit face of the moon and the area which disappears into the shadows as they are hidden from the sun. The objects which you can observe along the Terminator will be different each night as the phase of the Moon changes.

Jupiter is well placed for observation this month and you can compare the changing positions of the four largest of the moons as you observe over the course of a few nights.

The 'Galilean' moons you can see with binoculars are Io, Callisto, Europa and Ganymede. The moons orbit the planet at different rates and will at times be hidden behind it.

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getting connected SATELLITE TV

STUART WALLACE THE FRENCH HOUSE

H

ello and welcome. How are you all doing? Well, I hope. Survived the heat and the continuing requirement to wear masks?

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box etc) for UK TV reception. You will know submitted, butHowever, at present, there aredeliver no new Amazon UK. they won’t if it has one by a) looking for DVB-S on the domestic Tooway (satellite internet) to France. So, that’s not really that much An increasingor, amount of newb) TVs a specifications more likely, by have looking activations.

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If it has, you’re good(Sky to go.

They are Tooway system, you may well have noticed Freesat box etc) for TVfriendly reception.

You sometimes a little lessUK user than itAnd, running slower during the it’s still not the same aslockdown Freeview.and will know like if it has one bybox, a) looking something a Freesat but youfor can subsequent school holidays. Business DVB-S on the specifications or, more create a favourites tariffs remain available but likely, b) bylife looking list to make these A littlecost latemore to themoney party,and as I are to see Do if itnot hasbe a easier. advertised H.T.until (horsafter taxe)last Having a smart TV alone wasn’t notified threaded male told you have to buy meaningarticle that 20% month’s hadTVA beenwill does not mean you’ll point aconnection seperate receiver need to be added use by submitted, but at for present, automatically get UK TV nextyou to the box, don’t. private individuals.

Please feel there are no new domestic traditional push fit free to get in touch for further Tooway (satellite internet) The new 4K If it aerial socket. information.

However, iftoyou have a gripe, activations.

This is due the fact that Freesat+ receivers one that has, you’re good to(the go.They are records sometimes then please don’t.

Beam 15, which covers our entire region of stuff) are now available UK. a little less user friendlyfrom thanAmazon something France, is atbut fullworth capacity.

If you have a However, they won’t deliver to France.

So, Said before, repeating.

A ‘smart’ like a Freesat box, but you can create a Tooway system, youitmay haveto the that’s not really much Another TV is smart because canwell connect favourites list tothat make lifeuse. easier.

Do not noticed it running slower during the and seller is Currys/PC World, who also don’t internet and get you things like Netflix be told you have to buy a seperate receiver lockdown and subsequent school deliver here.

YouTube. However, unless it has aholidays. built-in box, you don’t.

Businesstuner tariffs remain available but these satellite you will still need something And, it’s still not the same as Freeview. cost morethe money andfrom are advertised H.T. to decode signals a satellite dish. (hors taxe) meaning that does 20% not TVAmean will AThe little late to the party, as I wasn’t notified Having a smart TV alone new 4K Freesat+ receivers (the ones need to be added forget useUK byTV. private until last month’s article had been you’ll automatically that after record stuff) are now available from

Siret 480 287 390 00029

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

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

@TFHSatTV French House Satellite TV

email: robert13560@gmail.com

Robert Foulkes

Stuart Wallace

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

T: 05 49 45 74 81 / 06 74 79 49 57 INSTALLATION, REPAIRS & SALES

Satellite Solutions Need a satellite television system installing quickly and efficiently? Having trouble setting up a new smart TV or Hifi system? Got the ability but not the time, or simply having a technophobe moment? We can help. ● Satellite system installation, UK & French ● Television and hifi installation ● Equipment sales for self installation ● Prompt professional service

SATELLITE BROADBAND INSTALLATION

Siret: 817 844 038 00015

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

getting connected ROBERT MAHONY Give us a call no job too small

House Renovation & Maintenance Fully Qualified – Fully Insured Trusted – Prompt – Professional All electrical works (Renovations, rewires, additions) or Souvigne 16240 (Nr Aigre)

Siret: 75333878900021

www.paulwilkinselectricien.com • French registered, fully qualified electrician • Project Management • All Estimates Free • 10 year guarantee

Email: paul@paulwilkinselectricien.com Siret 80991622400011

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

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

Siret 835 197 062 00028

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

07800 325 64

@homesatservices

homesatservices032@gmail.com

I offer free &

Hedley Marsh 86150 Moussac sur Vienne Tel: 05 49 48 35 49 Mobile: 06 45 74 25 36 Email: hedleymarsh@orange.fr

Siret: 51190455900024

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

Simple jobs Complete renovations New builds Conformity checks Emergency Call outs Fully insured 10yr guarantee

Siret 452 755 390 000 13 - RM 8601

Email:

Siret 84173376900019

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

Dish realignment & upgrades, job satisfaction guaranteed.

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

Contact Steve for a free no obligation quotation on:

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

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

� Wi-Fi solutions

Clive Masters

For as little as 35€ ttc

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

www.etceteraonline.org

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

david.read@wanadoo.fr Siret 490820859RM87

Air Source Heat Pumps / Ground Source Heat Pumps / Solar Water Heating / Photovoltaic Electricity / Air-conditioning / Electrical / Siret: 451 371 579 00017

Advertise Your Business

Wood Burning Stoves and much more

T:05 55 78 66 35 Depts. 16, 19, 24, 86 & 87 M: 06 17 32 02 12 E: clive@masters-electricite.com W: www.masters-electricite.com

etcetera 49

getting connected ANDREW LONGMAN

PETER AMOR siret: 48002659000012

ELECTRICIAN

��Fully qualified registered electrician (bilingual) ��All work fully insured with 10-year guarantee ��Domestic & commercial installation / repairs ��Communications wiring & automation ��Safety and conformity checks 86430 Adriers / jbelectric86@orange.fr 06 78 12 02 91 SIRET 537398125 00014

Siret 509 768 693 00012

Jérôme BETUS 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

Advertise Your Business

VIENNE HEATING SERVICES

For as little as 35€ ttc

Fully Insured French Registered

www.etceteraonline.org

Tel. 05 49 48 16 10 / 06 41 34 49 34 Email: stevepowelljones@orange.fr

3 Rue des Terrasses 87310 St. Auvent

Siret. 80438547400015

Siret: 82450859200014

siret 440 419 018 00013

GARY MOORE

OIL

HEATING

GAS SOLID FUEL INSTALLATION SERVICING REPAIRS

Siret: 491827705 00022

PARTENAIRE

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

Tel: 05 49 91 85 54

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

DARREN LUCKHURST

Support Local Business Email sales@anglocomputers.com

Piegut-Pluviers, Dordogne

Siret 49239708800021

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

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

OPEN MON TO SAT 9AM / 8PM SIRET: 482 107 943 00011 - TVA INT: 0648210794300011

50 etcetera

artisans PAINTER & DECORATOR Interior and Exterior

Paperhanging and wall tiling

FREE ESTIMATES

Chris Ringguth

Siret 5285994590013

Les Effes, 86150 QUEAUX

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

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

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

WE NOW CONSTRUCT

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

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

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

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

BESPOKE JOINERY & RENOVATIONS

Siret 818 782 468 00016

FULLY EQUIPPED WORKSHOP & 40 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE LOTS OF SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR REQUIREMENTS

Plastering & Bespoke Microcement finishes

REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

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

hilltoptiling

www.evenflow-betoncire.fr

SIRET : 508 248 747 000 18

Tom Turnbull Siret 489 815 258 00012

ODD JOB TOM 1 HOUR RADIUS 86400 CHAMPNIERS Siret 8423761 3900015

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

Depts 79, 16 & 86

Javarzay 79110 Chef-Boutonne

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

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

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

Dominic Smith

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

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

H TAYLOR KEITARTISAN

Sun Terraces (traditional joinery),

R & G Builders

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

Based in Benest (16)

Painter / Decorator Siret: 807 715 529 00010

Painting, wallpapering, tape/jointing and tiling

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

etcetera 51

artisans

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

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

Siret 84223310800013

AC Kitchens & Bathrooms

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

www.ackitchens.fr 05 49 87 09 63 Siret: 812 629 673 00011

Siret: 48115588500017

Property Maintenance Services Web: www.yourlocalhandyman.eu Email: info@yourlocalhandyman.eu Tel: 05 45 30 73 88

52 etcetera

Free quotes

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

artisans

M&M Sandblasting ~ Services ~

J. W. Services Siret 832922447RM086

EXTERIOR PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Superior Services - Good Workmanship - Honesty

ROOFING SPECIALISTS Insurance guarantee on all work. 15 years’ experience

3500 PSI HIGH PRESSURE CLEANER

CONTACT: PAUL CHARLESWORTH

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

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 82184631800011

Glyn Chubb

Monique PEYNAUD

Staircases, windows, Doors, Gates, Barn Doors, Kitchens

French Architectural Designer

Carpenter/Joiner Roofing, plasterboarding, tiling Restoration and general building 25 years experience

Permis de construire Déclaration préalable

email: glynn.chubb79@orange.fr Tel: 05 49 27 67 29

monique@dessinarchi.fr www.dessinarchi.fr

Siret No. 494 068 315 00014

06 30 91 81 84

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

Tel: 05.55.60.23.70 / 06.85.43.13.58 Email: rcc87@live.fr

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

05 17 34 10 94 / 07 83 87 54 49

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

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

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

(fully bilingual, living in France since 1990, 10 yr décennale Insurance)

Ruffec, Sauzé-Vassais, Civray & surrounding areas

BUILDING / MULTI SERVICE

Troy Davey

For a free quotation please contact: Howard

- General Building Work -

Siret. 500 835 189 000 16

RUST REMOVAL - OAK BEAM BLASTING BRICK CLEANING - METAL - CONCRETE & STONE - TIMBER - CHIMNEY RESTORATION

Based 87330 References Available

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

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

Siret: 828 984 815 0013

Small jobs no problem!

Plasterboarding / Rendering Renovations

Siret: 502 353 675 00015

Based in 87 - will travel

HUARD FONTAINE

Carpentry - Kitchen/Bathroom Fitting - Tiling & Plastering

Highly experienced in most aspects of building repairs & renovations Self-employed since 1989 TEN YEAR INSURANCE L'assurance de responsabilité civile décennale References available

Mobile: 06 49 86 09 26 E-mail: huardfontaine@yahoo.com

One Builder

Tout Batiment

www.timhartley.fr Fully registered and insured Trading in France since 2007

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

Lathus - Le Dorat - Bellac - La Souterraine Dompierre-les-Églises - Saint-Léger-Magnazeix - Magnac-Laval

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

Siret 434972303RM87 tim_hartley@hotmail.com etcetera 53

section artisans

www.etceteraonline.org

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

54 etcetera

section 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

etcetera 55

artisans Siret 800 969 438 00020

JM Roofing

All Insurance work welcome

Carpentry ~ Roofing ■ All Zinc Work ■ Zinc Gutter Fascia

■ Clay Tile Roofs ■ All Timberwork ■ Metal Sheet Hangars

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

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.

For a free estimation please call or email:

Strictly Roofing Malcolm Cooke

56 etcetera

www.artisancentral.fr/JMToitures

06 35 11 27 31

admin@strictlyroofing.fr

www.strictlyroofing.fr

artisans M C SCAFFOLDING Siret: 80025145600011

Full English Scaffolding Service Safe, secure, adaptable. Meets all safety regs.

Covered by full public liability insurance.

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

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

etcetera 57

artisans SARL

Tim Shepherd

TER MAC et COUV

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

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

Tel : 05.49.87.02.96 shepherd.timothy@orange.fr

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

Siret 752 049 932 00011

EXCAVATION SERVICES Siret 82184631800011

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

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

Minidigger, Driver & Tipper Truck Free estimates

Advertise Your Business

Gravel driveways, rubbish/ tree stump removals, trenches etc

From as little as 35€ ttc

www.davesdiggers.com Email davesdiggers@aol.com Dave Good 0549 073358/ 0675 180913

Contact Sam or Gayle on 05 16 32 13 42

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

58 etcetera

southwestfrancefosse

Siret 8234 2070 800013

Siret : 484 738 166 00012

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

motors & removals Walton Coachworks

MOTOR PARTS

87600 Vayres Nick Walton

CHARENTE

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

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

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

Delivery via UPS to your door in France

NEW

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

siret: 48252490700011

TRANSITION 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

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

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

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

Please call Phil and Jean Evans....

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

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

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

siret 53821341400013

Typically 40% cheaper than French prices

Est. since 2004

Siret: 48122412900033

Man and Van Services

Full and Part Loads To and From the UK Relocations in France UK Depot for Deliveries Storage Options Available

Deliveries and Collections FRANCE-UK-EUROPE (Inc. the islands)

20m3 Luton Vans with Tail Lifts

Transport & Small Removals Throughout Europe Full and Part Loads. Friendly Personal Service

Tel: 05 49 07 24 85

For Quote/Devis: Tel: 0033(0) 549971556 Mob: 0033(0)685805057 / UK Mob: 0044(0)7754732640 Email: heretothere86@gmail.com

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

Van Rouge

www.etceteraonline.org

● ● ● ●

Regular UK trips Part loads and single items Efficient and reliable service 18m3 van with a 4.5m load length

Call/email Ray (+33) 05.87.14.09.84 (+33) 07.61.21.85.15 (+44) 07900-105752

France UK Spain

Email: vanrouge@mail.com Website: themanwithavan.info

etcetera 59

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

● ● ● ● ● ●

Weekly United Kingdom � France � Spain United Kingdom - Kent & Home Counties Storage La Souterraine / Canterbury / Lincolnshire Very competitive rates Fully Insured Call Matt on: 0044 (0)7506 457225 Email: ma.europeanremovals@gmail.com 20+ years’ experience

Est’d 2007

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

A Family Run Storage Firm in the Heart of the Limousin

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

Support Local Business We all need each other

OVER 20 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE

60 etcetera

property

French Legal and Property Services Siret 812 798 668 00024

▪ ▪

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.

▪

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

www.bellefranceimmobilier.com Françoise 0683297593 / Rebekah 0616834510

PROPERTY SALES IN FRANCE Private Property Sales with Expert Advice

www.propertysalesinfrance.com

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

Advertise Your Home FOR FREE

NO SALE NO FEE

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

IN A NI W NG AR SE D RV IC E

Freephone from France: 08 05 69 23 23 Selling your French home?

WE OFFER:

● ● ● ●

www.beauxvillages.com

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

62 etcetera

listing

64 etcetera

listing

etcetera 65

DO YOU USE

OR

FOR HEATING?

DO YOUR BILLS KEEP RISING? HERE IS THE SOLUTION

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

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

(up to 4000€)

*please note the MaPrimeRénov grant depends

upon approval from MaPrimeRénov, not New Wave Energies

REDUCE YOUR HEATING BILL

BY UP TO 70%

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

WE TAKE CARE OF ALL THE ADMINISTRATION

ENERGY SAVING (Heating)

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

FAST RESPONSE

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

Jusqu'Ã

ENGLISH SPOKEN

68 etcetera