The Bugle Dordogne - Aug 2016 by The Bugle

Dordogne bowls club celebrates 10 years The country’s only full-size lawn bowls green, at La Charrue near Vieux-Mareuil, has celebrated >> Page 3 its tenth anniversary.

Dordogne August 2016 - Issue #38

Hollande's pledge to British expats Following a meeting with Britain's new prime minister Theresa May, President François Hollande has assured British expats living in France that even after the UK leaves the EU, they will be able to "spend as much time as they like" in France. year process of leaving the EU, telling reporters that although “this would not please everyone” it was right to hold off until the UK’s “objectives were clear”. Mrs Merkel said that it was “understandable” that the UK needed a period of time to prepare. “No one wants this to be up in the air. I don’t think British citizens do, nor do EU member states. But we all have an interest in this matter being carefully prepared, positions being clearly defined and delineated. I think it is absolutely necessary to have a certain time to prepare for that.” However, she stressed that she was sticking to the EU rules

>> continued on page 8

NEWS - Man forgets wife on bridge

A man has left his wife behind after stopping to admire the stunning Millau viaduct. >> Page 8

NEWS - Paris bans old bangers - In an on-

going battle against pollution, Paris has banned cars built before 1997 from the roads of the capital during weekday daylight hours >> Page 9

NEWS - Taking French citizenship

r i t a i n ’s n e w p r i m e minister, Theresa May, has confirmed that the UK will not begin official negotiations on leaving the EU before the end of this year and much remains unclear as to how the post-Brexit landscape will look for expats living in France. Speaking in Berlin following talks with Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel the PM said securing a “sensible and orderly departure” from the EU would take time. At the joint press conference, Theresa May said the UK was in no rush to trigger the two-

INSIDE > > >

After Britain’s decision to leave the EU, many expats are looking into taking French nationality. We look at how it works and who can apply. >> Page 11

The Bugle Business Directory

For the ultimate summer treat, how about gummy bears made from Provence rosé...? >> Page 7

We all have bad habits. Develop a healthy one that actually saves you money!

4 pages of listings for local English-speaking businesses - your essential guide to finding just what you’re looking for >> Pages 15-18

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2 ♦ IN THIS EDITION

Welcome to

The Bugle

s the dust has settled post-Brexit, things have gradually been getting back to something approaching normal... provided your definition of normal is absolute bedlam! Somehow, after deciding it would be nice to have a child 8 years ago, today I inexplicably find myself with 3 and the summer holidays feel like an awfully long time. I’m not quite sure how that happened, but now 8 long weeks of “we’re bored” and “she hit me first” stretch out before me like a barren wasteland. I hate to sound like my parents undoubtedly did, but when I was a

lad we used to frolic in the woods all day with nothing but sticks to keep us entertained. Kids these days get bored too easily. Ah, who am I kidding, I used to be a nightmare in the summer holidays. Not many other children lived in my village and my brother and I would wind each other up and see who could make Mum explode first! We were so bored we once made a 90-minute VHS of all the adverts between programmes to play “The Advert Game”. The only problem was that by week two of the holidays, we knew them all by heart and would shout out which advert was coming next before it even started. When that became too easy, we would shout

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out the advert that was 2 down the line.... you get the idea, we were bored squared! I remember a TV show called “Why Don’t You” that basically consisted of loads of ideas for things to do during the weekends and holidays. If I remember rightly, the theme tune included plenty of practical ideas, including the line “Why don’t you... just switch off your TV set and go out and do something less boring instead?” This is the kind of early 80s marketing madness that surely wouldn’t get commissioned these days: a programme whose entire point was to get you to stop watching TV, a show that had achieved its ultimate goal when viewing figures finally hit 0!! I just googled that show to check my memory, and blow me down with a feather if Why Don’t You didn’t run until 1995!! I remember reading an article not long ago about how important it is for children to learn how to be bored and that actively

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not entertaining your kids in the holidays was the best way to nurture their creativity. I must say it is a philosophy that I have been wholeheartedly embracing this last week or so. I can’t say that it’s working just yet on the creativity front, however. I’m still in the “lock the office door, put on the headphones and pretend you can’t hear it” phase. There’s been at least one occasion when my wife and I have both deployed similar tactics and a primitive form of ignoring stand-off has ensued - an ignore-off if you will - all while the house is being “silently” torn to shreds in the background. I rarely win! The chaos was punctuated by the annual* visit of the in-laws (*every 2 or 3 months). This visit always brings its own kind of stresses and strains, as regular readers will no doubt be aware! But sometimes a change can be as good as a rest. As a friend once explained to me quite brilliantly, when you’ve been punched in

the leg repeatedly for three straight months, it’s quite nice to be punched in the arm for a while! All the while, the chaos, carnage and death has continued across France, Europe and the wider world and to be honest, I couldn’t bring myself to cover it. If you aren’t aware of what has been going on in the various attacks, then you are probably deliberately avoiding this kind of news and you won’t want to be reading it here. If you have been following it, there’s not a lot I can add... I just hope the world somehow fixes itself soon. Until next month! Steve Martindale, Editor

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INSIDE this edition 3-6 Local News 7-12 National News 13 French Life 14 Practical 15-18 Directory 19 Community 20-24 What’s On

LOCAL NEWS ♦ 3

AUGUST 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

he Dordogne’s only lawn bowls club has just celebrated ten glorious years. The club, full title “The Périgord Lawn Bowls Club”, is based at La Charrue, near VieuxMareuil and held a special celebratory tournament to mark the day on 17th July. Club president David Preston presided over the event. David has been playing bowls since he was a boy and was a bowls champion in Nottinghamshire before moving to France thirteen years ago. He had previously played at county level as well as turning out on the football field. David led the members in a minute’s silence in respect for the dead and injured in the Nice atrocity, before setting off the programme of play for the afternoon. Despite the intense heat, the valiant club members played a series of lively games. He outlined how the club had grown from an idea into a thriving association over the last ten years. “Mainly, thanks go to Clive of La Charrue, who had the idea, provided the land and much of the labour to create the green with just a few founder members as assistants.

It was a steep learning curve but over the years we have managed to develop a really good green. At the same time we have developed a very strong social side, again thanks to Pauline of La Charrue, who keeps us fed and refreshed as we play.” The club has strict rules on gender equality and plays a programme of mixed and single sex teams throughout the year. The members have agreed on an allwhite dress code for official tournaments, tending to be more relaxed than most UK clubs. There is no doubt that bowlers in white make a fine spectacle against the green. Enthusiastic club member, Peter Fillingham, made the point that whites are by far the most practical colour in this climate when playing. An average game can involve walking up to nearly half a mile. “You don’t need to be strong or super fit,” he added, “it’s fresh air and great exercise and they say learning a new activity is good for the brain!” The bowls season runs from May to the end of October when the weather tends to impose a halt. The club then changes its venue and its format; short mat indoor bowl-

Brian Hinchcliffe

Dordogne bowlers celebrate anniversary

ing over the winter season, plus an international tour to Mojacar and Cabrera near Murcia in Spain for tournaments with local clubs. Most members at La Charrue are British expats but there are a small number of French members. David commented on the fact that French pétanque players seem to make skilful lawn bowlers. The club is striving for growth and the weekly fixtures leave plenty of room for more members to play. “Anybody wondering whether bowls is for them can turn up on Wednesday afternoons for the mid-week league and have a go from 5 pm. We have spare woods and our trainers welcome the chance to pass on tips.”

“We have just under 50 members at present. The yearly subscription is €55, pretty cheap compared to many other activities on offer and the plan is that this will come down as membership grows.” True to its social conventions the club played its anniversary tournament with a break for Pimms and finished with a Charrue dinner plus a slice of Rosemary Preston’s magnificent celebration cake. Roll on 2026! ■ For more information: www.bowlsfrance.com email: Dpreston@wanadoo.fr Tel: 05 53 56 72 94 by Brian Hinchcliffe

Partial victory in Sarlat parking fight In June, The Bugle reported on Sarlat’s town centre horn concerto, when motorists jammed the main street, horns a-blaring, in protest at the new parking regulations that had started in April. The protests were echoed by business owners and restaurateurs in the town centre, claiming that with the lunchtime charges, the council was effectively taxing their customers. Two months later, the klaxonists can claim at least a partial victory. In July, the Sarlat town council announced that lunchtime parking charges would be abolished from 15th July to at least 30th August. Charges do still apply every day from 9 am until 12 noon and then from 2 pm until 5 pm. The council has warned that traffic and parking is still very much an issue and that further measures may have to be taken. In the meantime, free lunchtime parking in Sarlat means bon appétit! ■ by Brian Hinchcliffe

4 ♦ LOCAL NEWS

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Bookstop bookshop bonanza Dordogne cat café

Brian Hinchcliffe

British-owned bookshop in the department is set to become a star venue for readers and writers... as well as being a distributor of The Bugle. Bookstop is located in Brantôme in an ancient stone building on rue Victor Hugo, the town’s main pedestrian shopping street. In this unique venue, proprietor Howard McCann is bringing book lovers and book writers together. Bookstop’s July events included an introduction to France’s best loved poet and song writer, George Brassens, by Jocelyne Chauvet. Jocelyne gave two separate talks, first in French and at a later date in English. In two other sessions in July Dr Jim O’Brien exposed the intrigues surrounding Spanish football and its fascinating and bloodthirsty history. At the end of the month Fiona Barton, the Dordogne’s New York, London and worldwide bestselling author talked with fans and signed her books. Finally, Rick Lee, Ribérac’s ace thriller writer and creator of Inspector Mick Fletcher, shared the occasion with Fiona, meeting fans and making new ones. Rick told The Bugle, “I love coming to Bookstop. It’s a great place for meeting people. It helps my writing in a way. What keeps me working are the voices in my head whispering their dark tales. I like the way the characters unfold the story, so that writing it down is a matter of catch-up and surprise. I’ve got to the point now that the main characters I’ve created and listened to won’t let me go - even those who’ve died!” Fiona Barton told us how she got started as the writer of a bestselling thriller: “It was only when I stopped being a news reporter that I found myself tapping away on an old laptop in Sri Lanka. I remember straightening hunched shoulders after a couple of lost hours, realizing it had got dark outside and feeling slightly tearful. Ridiculous, but it felt such an act of faith, writing that first chapter.” So, what’s so special about Bookstop? The Bugle asked some visitors: Londoner Barbara Goodrich explained, “It’s not just a bookshop. There’s a terrific collection of second-hand books

and children’s books, but there’s a lovely browsing area, where you can lounge on a huge leather sofa and read away. Howard does a really good pot of tea served in the best china!” Local businesswoman, Joy Milton, added, “The books and the tea are only the start. There’s always a picture exhibition and then there’s the fabulous, peaceful garden and an ancient gazebo looking right out onto the river. It’s priceless. There’s even a piano!” Owner, Howard McCann, originally from Lancashire, came to Brantôme in 2013 after a career teaching English in a lycée in Troyes. Introduced to books and music by his grandfather in Oldham’s public library, Howard nurtured a lifelong ambition to run a bookshop by the seaside. Having explored Normandy and deciding against being by the chilly Manche, he searched across France, finding the ideal property in this medieval, renaissance town in the Dordogne. For the future Howard is exploring bringing music to Bookstop, on CD and live, and intends to build on and extend the range of talks and presentations. This starts in August with a presentation on Shiatsu, the Far Eastern feel-good system. Visitors will be able to try out a mini-session in the shop on Saturday 20th August from 3-5 pm. “But be careful,” warns Howard, “It might change your life”. To find out more, search for “Bookstop24” on Facebook. ■ by Brian Hinchcliffe

he latest trend in café bar eateries has just opened in a Dordogne tourist hot spot. The brainchild of Mikael and Aaron, the department’s first “cat bar” has opened its doors in Bergerac’s rue du Colonel de Chadois. Under the name of “Willen Cats”, this venue is a chic, upmarket designer burger bar, with the very latest in furnishings and décor. The popular “Willen Snacks”, with its special Belgian ambiance, was previously on the same site. Six cats are part of the fulltime staff to welcome and entertain the public and a few simple house rules ensure that the cats and customers can enjoy each other’s company to the full. The concept of a place of refreshment and relaxation with cats originated with Japan’s “neko cafés”, where cats freely mingle with customers. This innovative notion for feline fanciers is rapidly becoming a worldwide phenomenon. Paris’ premier pussy parlour is in the fashionable Marais district, London’s Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium is the place to see and be seen and now Lyon, Grenoble and Bergerac are spinning the moggy magic. The Bugle asked a Périgord cat expert to explain the phenomenon. Isabelle Ravaile owns and runs La Crème de la Crème cat hotel in St-Frontla-Rivière. Isabelle, who offers premium accommodation for cats when their owners are

away on business or on holiday, said: “For me the delight of cats is that they are like people, all completely individual. Playful, curious, lively, sleepy, companionable, shy, affectionate or aloof. Every cat offers something unique to humans. Tropical fish in the dentist’s waiting room are well known to reduce anxiety. Studies have shown that the presence of a cat is even more effective to reduce anxiety and stress. Simply to watch cats doing their own thing is very calming. And of course they are pleasing to look at and are often amusing and cute, too. A cat is hard-wired to be fastidious in its habits. It is very easy for me to become attached to my guests. For a cat-lover who cannot have one at home, the cat café seems ideal.” Isabelle’s feline hotel has 8 “chalets”, each like a penthouse suite in a luxury hotel. An average stay is 8-10 days and two thirds of her guests return regularly. This is often when owners take low-cost flights, which do not allow animals on board. Isabelle has 3 house cats of her own. “If I had to name a favourite it would be Charlie,” says Isabelle, “While just a stray kitten, Charlie appeared the same week we opened the hotel. Luckily for me I have my own cat café right here.” ■ For more details search for “Willen Cats” on Facebook or for Isabelle’s cat hotel visit: www.la-creme-de-la-creme.com by Brian Hinchcliffe

AUGUST 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Dordogne restaurant launches slow fast food

Brian Hinchcliffe

popular gourmet restaurant has launched a new menu that takes fast food and slows it right down. The Château de Villars is well-known across the north Dordogne for its luxurious accommodation, its superb service and its fine food. Now, proprietors Bill Govies and Kevin Saunders have taken their luxury concept and moved it into an area not normally associated with fine dining. “We thought long and hard and talked to chefs all over the world,” Bill explained. “We came to the conclusion that some so-called fast food could be raised to become fine food with the right care and the best ingredients. There is nothing in the basic idea of a hamburger that prevents it from being outstanding if done properly.” Heather Swann, a British expat from St-Pardoux, told The Bugle, “The gourmet burger meal is just wonderful, the best I have eaten anywhere. There’s a choice of styles and even a veggie version. The dessert is included and it’s to die for. I wish they had done this years ago!” Chef Bill sources the beef for the Château’s burgers from farms in France, Belgium and Germany using selected brisket, short-rib and entrecôte, all ground on site to a secret recipe. “Just about everything we serve is made and cooked by us, right down to the potato wedges and the coleslaw,” Bill explains. “The very few items we ever buy in are from outside suppliers who can do it better than we can,” added Kevin. “That’s the only way we would put our name to any dish we serve.” The same meticulous attention is paid to their classic curries. The Château offers a range of curry dishes with full accompaniments, even down to mango chutney, again made on site. The same is true of the handmade, unique desserts. This intimate relationship with their ingredients allows the Château to address customers’ gluten intolerance and other allergies. Typical of their attention to the food is the way they select their tableware: the ceramics for this initiative are uniquely designed in Italy and given a distinctive colour code. The same attention is paid to the ambiance for diners. “The terrace is where customers like to be on a fine evening.

The outlook is a lovely Dordogne forest and we get a glorious sunset... atmosphere is hugely important,” said Kevin The wine list also contains some gems unlikely to be found elsewhere. “We travel and we test a lot over the winter,” explained Kevin. “We have been to Umbria, across to Galicia and into Portugal and met the families who make the wines; we’ve even watched them make it. We take the research seriously and we believe we have made some discoveries that please the pocket as well as delight the palate.” He went on to tell us about the house wine, an astonishing Bordeaux Fronsac from Château Villars, close to Château Puiguilhem, near Libourne. “We had already chosen it before we discovered the coincidences. (Bill and Kevin’s Château de Villars and neighbouring Château de Puygilhem are Dordogne landmarks.) For a gourmet take on a classic American or Indian dish Bill and Kevin are at your service on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday lunchtimes for €18; southern barbecues are available on Sunday lunch and a traditional white-cloth dinner on Saturday at €29. ■ Website: www.restaurantvillars.com by Brian Hinchcliffe

LOCAL NEWS ♦ 5

New petting zoo

popular tourist venue in the Dordogne has just opened a brand new attraction for children. Le Parc du Bournat in Le Bugue announced in mid-July a new year-round location where children, and adults too, can get up close to animals. Visitors can learn about how farms were run over a hundred years ago, with practical demonstrations and presentations. The setting is a turn-of-the-20th century Dordogne farm and is the latest delight in the recreated 1900 village. The century park is already celebrated for its revival of long-lost elements of country life. Its summer programme includes a fun fair, with ferris wheel and carousel, living craft workshops, boat trips and night shows, every Wednesday until to midnight and culminating in a fireworks display. The farm stands at the entrance of the park and is intended to be open all year round. From the end of September when the main park’s season ends, the farm will keep its gates open and patrons will be able to enter through the new shop and tea room. Summer season prices for the whole village and farm are €13.80 for adults, with concessions for children aged 4-12, students, unemployed as well as special family deals. Laurent Delbos, general manager of the Village explained, “We aim to create something special here. A special season opening, special prices, all especially aimed at entertaining and teaching children.” The farm has a range of smaller animals including pigs, goats, sheep, pheasants, turkeys, guinea fowl, peacocks, rabbits, ponies, horses and donkeys - all common on Dordogne farms in the 19th century. The attraction has a small off-season price of just €5 for under 12s and it is free for accompanying adults and babies. The park will host school parties and outings during the holidays and is planning special events for the Toussaint break at the end of October. Off season opening hours are Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sunday afternoons and school holidays. For more information visit www.lebournat.fr. ■ by Brian Hinchcliffe

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ike many other UK citizens now living in a European country I sat up all night on 23/24 June watching the results of the referendum come in with an increasing sense of fear, anxiety and plain disbelief. I am an active member of several English-speaking social media groups within France. Through them, I became quickly aware that many other people were desperately in need of a place to air their worries, their shock and their increasing feelings of anger. I decided to set up a Facebook Group, Remain In France Together (RIFT), initially as a “meeting hall” where people could safely let off steam and share very real concerns about the future. However, within 48 hours the group had over 1500 members, and there was a clear call for action. The group focus moved rapidly from moaning to motivation, from anxiety to action. Petitions were shared and set up, stock letters to MPs were composed, a

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RIFT - Remain in France Together

barrister came onboard to assist, and French nationals visited the group to offer support and advice. RIFT currently has almost 3,500 active members. The group is now working with two concurrent strategic aims. First, to understand and publicise the legal and constitutional issues raised by the prospect of leaving. In particular, the sovereign position of parliament under our representational democracy. Second, to raise our voices and seek to protect our position in any deal that might be made in respect of UK citizens residing in other EU countries. We are very much aware, and feel very aggrieved, that as individuals we have no proper democratic representation for our unique circumstances - neither within the UK nor within the EU. Many group members are British citizens who are not allowed to vote in any UK elections. Anyone who thought that there was “no taxation without representation” would be mistaken. There are British people, still paying taxes in the UK, perhaps on their pensions, who are denied the right to vote by the so-called “15 year rule”. These, many, disenfranchised British people could not even vote in the referendum, although the outcome may have a huge effect on their lives. And now? We do not intend to sit back and let politicians use us as unwitting pawns in some horsetrading process. We are horrified to learn from the

news that, if and when Article 50 is invoked to start the clock running on actual Brexit, everything is up for negotiation. It seems that we are seen by the government as potential bargaining chips. But we are human beings. We want to have the right to keep our families, businesses, houses and ties of friendship in the lives we built here legally and in good faith. So the strategic planning goes on. We are developing ways and means to reach out to UK citizens living in other countries within the Eurozone: as a combined voice we WILL be heard. We will lobby MPs, governments, MEPs, persons of influence and Eurozone leaders. We will not go away. Ros Petherick, RIFT ED - RIFT have also been in touch to warn readers about the fact that some unscrupulous people have apparently been trying to make money out of the current worry and uncertainty prevalent amongst UK citizens living in the EU. Please be wary of websites and organisations that want you to “sign up” for membership of groups/websites that claim they will fight for your “rights” as UK citizens living abroad. Make sure you check in advance their legal status as an organisation (Siret number, association number, etc.) and ask in advance if they will be charging a fee for their services.

NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 7

AUGUST 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

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fter months of protests across the country and friction between unions and the government, the controversial changes to France's employment law have finally passed through parliament and will soon come into force. In the end, the government was forced to again use the 49-3 procedure - which bypasses a parliament vote - to push through the changes after amendments were suggested by France's upper house, the Senate. Valls hailed the passing of the law as “a great step for the reform of our country: more rights for workers, more visibility for our small and medium enterprises and more jobs”. “This country is too used to mass unemployment,” Valls told parliament as many members booed and several walked out of the chamber. Invoking the controversial article 49-3 gave MPs 24 hours to introduce a vote of no confidence in the government, a move that failed by just 2 votes - a sign of the divisions among the Socialist Party, many of whom opposed their own party's changes. Unions have vowed to keep up their protests - although these will apparently not resume until after the summer holidays, in September - and the largest opposition party, the Republicans, said it would take the matter to the Constitutional Council. The Front de Gauche also said it would do the

same to protest “a forceful passage which only strengthens a democratic crisis in our institutions”. Despite being watered down after public protests and the threat of an internal back-bench revolt, the changes do include a measure which the government hopes will loosen the grip of the unions: precedence will now be given to agreements negotiated between companies and their staff over deals reached with unions across entire industrial sectors, notably on working hours. The unions fear this will be used to weaken workers' rights. France has notoriously strict labour laws - the labour code is famously a weighty 3,800-page tome - and loosely speaking, the current reforms are aimed at relaxing a number of rules on hiring and firing workers. France, the eurozone's second largest economy, has come under increasing pressure from the European Commission to bring down labour costs as well as its 10.2% unemployment rate. The International Monetary Fund welcomed the new law, calling it “necessary” but cast doubt on whether it would make a difference to jobless figures. Hollande had hoped that the labour reforms would be his lasting legacy and give his poll ratings a much needed boost before next year's elections. In reality, the watered down reforms have angered unions but not gone far enough to satisfy employers. ■

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briefly crashed Sugarfina's website and there is already a waiting list of thousands for the next batch of the summery sweets due out at the end of July. “The rosé gummy madness is out of control… we had no idea it was going to be this crazy!” said a spokesman for Sugarfina. The gummy bears retail at $8.50 for a 3.9 ounce box (110g) or $34 a pound – that's more than €75 per kilo! If rosé is not your thing, the company also offer Champagne bears as well as sweets infused with pale ale and single malt whisky. ■

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8 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

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Hollande's pledge to expats >> continued from pg 1 that ban formal negotiations with Britain until the clause of the treaty is invoked. She would not be drawn on how Germany sees its future trading and labour relations with the UK. “A good negotiating process and a sensible and constructive one is in all of our interests. So we will wait for the moment when the UK invokes this - and then we will put our guidelines on the table,” Merkel said. At a subsequent meeting with Britain’s new PM, President Hollande also acknowledged that the new government needed time to consider its position. However, he warned: “But let me repeat, the sooner the better in the common interests of Europe … because uncertainty is the greatest danger.” There was a glimmer of good news for expats in France with Mr Hollande’s reassurance that Britons living in France will be welcome to stay in the country after Brexit. “The UK will remain a full member of the EU throughout the negotiations process so nothing will change for our citizens. After the negotiations the rules will be set,” Hollande told a press conference. “There’s no doubt that the French who reside in the UK and the Britons who live in France

will continue to work there and spend as much time as they like there.” Hollande did reiterate his assertion that the UK cannot expect to enjoy access to the European single market if it wants to restrict the free movement of EU citizens, an issue that is sure to form a major part of any future negotiations. “It’s the most crucial point. That’s the point that will be the subject of the negotiation. The UK today has access to the single market because it respects the four freedoms,” explained the French president. “There cannot be free movement of goods, free movement of capital, free movement of services if there isn’t a free movement of people. It will be a choice facing the UK - remain in the single market and assume the free movement that goes with it or have another status.” The president’s promise that British expats would be welcome to remain in France was met with scepticism by some, however, who pointed out that Hollande only really referred to those ‘working’ in France and that the situation remained unclear for retirees, a group that forms a significant proportion of the estimated 300,000 Brits living here. Unlike the UK, France has MPs to represent its citizens liv-

ing abroad. Christophe Premat represents French citizens living in the UK and many French expats north of the Channel are also worried for their future. “They all have questions regarding the consequences: what will happen to their child benefit or work benefits?” he said. “Students are also worried about university fees. A lot of people here are talking about taking British nationality. That’s a very personal decision; if it’s just for fiscal or administrative purposes I would say it’s a shame, but if it’s to participate in UK politics and they have been established here for a few years then it’s a good choice.” Although much remains uncertain, the British government has set up a section on its website aimed at expat British nationals living abroad. “The government has made clear that we want the legal rights of British nationals living in European countries, as well as EU nationals in the UK, to be properly protected,” the website states, which also includes information on passports, pensions, healthcare, as well as a link to some general information on applying for dual citizenship. For more information, go to www.gov.uk and search for “Advice for British nationals travelling and living in Europe”. ■

Man forgets wife on Millau bridge

Anyone who has driven over the world-famous Millau bridge in the Aveyron department of southern France would agree that it is a wonder of modern engineering. At 343 metres high, it is the tallest bridge in the world and the 2,460 metre long viaduct gives stunning views over the river Tarn and the valley below.

For those that want to spend their time admiring the bridge, there is a viewing point and a service station where you can have your photo taken with this engineering masterpiece. This is exactly what one French man did recently when he stopped with his wife for a bite to eat at the A75 service station overlooking the bridge. So taken was he with the view, that it was not until he was 20 km down the road that he realised he had set off towards his holiday destination and left his wife behind! Rather than double back to pick her up, he instead called back to staff at the service station, asking if it would be possible for someone to run his presumably angry wife down the road to him. Unbelievably this appears to be what happened next, thanks to a highway worker from construction company Eiffage who kindly gave the abandoned woman a lift back to her forgetful husband. ■

NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 9

AUGUST 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

aris was at the forefront of public bike-sharing with its Vélib scheme, it now also has electric carsharing schemes and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s antipathy toward polluting tailpipes has become a hallmark of her administration. In the latest move to cut down on pollution and improve the air quality in the nation's capital, motorists with cars registered before 1997, and motorcycles registered before 2000, will no longer be able to drive them in the city during daylight hours on weekdays. From July, these vehicles are barred from all roads inside the city's périphérique ring road from Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 8 pm. Anne Hidalgo says the ban could be extended in 2020 to cover all combustion engine cars more than nine years old. Motorists who flout the ban will face a €35 fine, although this is set to rise at the end of the year. Air quality in Paris has been notoriously bad over recent years and much of the problem is due to fine particulate fuel emissions. France’s public health agency recently revealed figures

which show that air pollution kills 48,000 people each year in France, about 400,000 in Europe and around 3.7 million worldwide. Upwards of half a million owners in and around Paris will be hit by the ban, according to a driver defence group, 40 million d’automobilistes, which is taking legal action to seek financial compensation for the drop in value of now-banned vehicles. According to Le Parisien newspaper, there are 430,000 cars that are at least 19 years old in the Paris region, 13,000 aged motorbikes and 50,000 trucks. Exceptions have been made for classic cars which carry a carte grise de collection and vehicles which are used for purely tourist purposes. Understandably there has been anger from those who stand to be affected by the new law change, which they claim unfairly penalises poor residents. “When you have an old car in France, it's because you don't have the money to buy a new one,” said Pierre Chasseray, the executive director of 40 million d’automobilistes. “So you can't say to this person that they can't drive their car.

Paris bans bangers from the roads

They bought their car and they need their car. Public transport is a solution, but it's not the solution for everybody.” Some owners protested by parking their vehicles near the National Assembly and Champs Elysées and claim the ban could put them out of business. “I drive 50 km per week, I don't have the means to change vans so I will continue using it, I'll get fined every week and there you go,” said Marc

Martin, who uses his ageing Peugeot van to deliver picture frames to clients. “And if it goes too far, I'll close my business, people will lose their jobs, that's it. What can I say, not much. This law is pathetic.” Last September, Paris trialled a “day without cars” across large swathes of the city and this year, mayor Hidalgo expanded her “Paris Respire” (Paris Breathes) air quality improvement programme by turning the

busy Champs-Élysées into a tourist-friendly pedestrian walkway on the first Sunday of each month - coinciding with the Parisian museums’ monthly free-admission day. Norway is planning to ban petrol and diesel-fuelled cars from 2025 and several cities in Europe are testing various anti-pollution or anti-congestion measures based on tolls for city centre access or temporary and selective car bans during surges in pollution levels. ■

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Smacking ban closer Hollande's haircuts

Nantes airport approved A local referendum held in the western city of Nantes has been passed with a 55% majority to approve the controversial building of a major new airport. The vote brings to an end a 55-year battle between local authorities and environmentalists. The project involves transferring the current Nantes Atlantique airport to a 1,650-hectare site of protected swampland just outside the city. The former mayor of Nantes, Jean-Marc Ayrault, a long-time supporter of the project as well as an ex-prime minister and current foreign minster, praised the voters’ decision: “This is a clear vote on a project that has been so contested, so I think that today the message we can say is: respect the decision of voters from Loire-Atlantique,” Ayrault told AFP. Following the vote, environmental campaigners have again occupied the site and vowed to continue their protest. ■

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New York price war

President Hollande may be known in the French press as Mr Normal, but his haircut is apparently anything but. According to the satirical weekly, Le Canard Enchainé, the president spends almost €10,000 a month on haircuts, meaning his barber is paid “only” €5,000 less per month than Hollande himself is paid to run the country! “I can understand the questions, I can understand that there are judgements,” said government spokesman Stephane Le Foll, who confirmed the hairdresser's steep salary of €9,895 a month. “Everyone has their hair done, don't they? This hairdresser had to abandon his salon and he’s on tap 24 hours a day.” Over the course of the five-year contract to maintain the presidential barnet, the barber - named only as Olivier B - will have pocketed a cool €590,000. The story was too hard to resist for the country's social media users and within hours images were cir-

There has never been a better time to visit New York. Perhaps looking to cash in on a surge in popularity following the country’s impressive showing at the recent Euros, an Icelandic airline, Wow Air, has escalated a transatlantic price war by offering flights from Paris to the Big Apple for just €129. Budget airline Norwegian made headlines earlier this year when it announced flights to New York for €179 one way, but this latest offer has taken the price war a step further. Those wanting to hit Fifth Avenue will have to wait, however, as the flights on sale do not start until November and you will have to endure a 90-minute stopover in Reykjavik and also pay €55 to check in a bag. ■

Frenchman sets new 100-metre world record

n Rio, Usain Bolt will be defending his 100-metre Olympic crown and hoping to beat his previous best of 9.58 seconds to set a new world record. Here in France, a local student has also recently set a 100-metre world record of his own when he completed the course in 1 minute 59 seconds. This may sound relatively pedestrian until you learn that he did this at an altitude of almost 12,000 feet on a slackline suspended across a Chinese glacier! Lucas Milliard, a medical student from Limoges, was recently invited out to Chengdu in south-west China, to take part in a slacklining event with several other French practitioners of the extreme sport. Slacklining refers to the act of walking or balancing along a suspended length of flat webbing that is tensioned between two anchors. It differs from tightrope walking in that slacklines carry far less tension which creates a line that will stretch and bounce like a long and narrow trampoline - the width of the webbing in Milliard’s record-setting walk was just 2.5 centimetres! Lucas Milliard’s surname literally translates in English as “billion”, and one in a billion is about the odds of getting your average person to attempt his recent feat! “When I’m faced with great difficulty I count my steps,” explained Lucas matter of factly after setting his Guinness World Record. “It allows me to remove negative thoughts and to clear my head. Conversely, when you say to yourself ‘it’s good, I’ll get there’ you pay less attention and that’s when you fall. This happened to me in China 50 metres from the end. Fortunately, I managed to go through during the next trial.” The walkers were each given three attempts to cross the glacier. So how did traversing a valley on the other side of the world differ from entertaining tourists in Limoges? “It was beautiful but it was also a shock on a cultural level and quite a challenge. It was also the first

French MPs have voted in favour of an amendment prohibiting the use of physical violence against children, taking the country one step closer towards a ban on smacking. The move changes the definition of parental authority in the Civil Code to exclude “all cruel, degrading or humiliating treatment, including any recourse to corporal violence”. The country's family minister, Laurence Rossignol, welcomed the vote, calling it “an indispensable tool in the prevention of child abuse”, which “sets out a clear principle, which should be repeated to fathers and mothers and influence their future behaviour”. France has been under increasing pressure to pass the amendments; in 2015, the Council of Europe argued that its laws on the matter were not “sufficiently clear, binding and precise”. In February the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child urged France “to explicitly prohibit corporal punishment in all settings”. The changes, which must be approved by the Senate before they become law, are seen as symbolic, as the crime is a civil one and comes with no criminal penalties. The current law bans violence against children in school and disciplinary establishments, but allows parents the “right to discipline” their children. ■

culating of Hollande sporting suggested hairdos borrowed from Margaret Thatcher, the Queen and even Paris St Germain footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic. ■

time that I was at high altitude. For the first few days we had a bit of a headache and tired quickly, but it was not too bad by the time I was up on the line.” Despite appearing to be incredibly risky, Lucas insists that it is not a dangerous sport and anyone can get involved. “It may look like an extreme sport but no one ever gets hurt,” assured the 23-year-old, who had a safety line attached during his record-setting feat. “To get to walk well on the line you just need to be very relaxed. So you don’t need to be a physical beast like a rock climber, for example. Mentally, the more you do it, the more used you get to the void, so with time you no longer get scared.” The medical student may make it all sound very easy, but it is probably best not to try this at home! ■

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How do you apply for French nationality?

or many expats, a common reaction to the threat of Britain leaving the EU has been to look into the possibility of taking French citizenship, but how does that work, who can apply and how long will it take? Firstly, it is important to stress that there is no need to panic and nothing will change for British expats until at least two years after the UK invokes Article 50 and formally leaves the European Union. Prime Minister Theresa May has indicated that this 2-year period will not start until at least the end of this year (see pg 1) and many experts suggest that the negotiations could end up dragging on far longer than the timeframe laid out in Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. British Ambassador to France Sir Julian King has issued a statement reassuring UK nationals living and working in France in which he said “There is no immediate change in your status”. Different countries have different rules, but

Britain allows its citizens to hold dual nationality, so if you choose to become French you will not have to renounce your British nationality. Even if you do qualify for French nationality, another option may simply be to apply for a French permanent residence permit, which allows you to live and work in France and enjoy the same rights as French citizens to benefits and healthcare. It does not, however, give you voting rights or allow you to hold public office. So, if you have lived in France for five continuous years, you may apply for a carte de séjour UE – séjour permanent, which (despite the name) is a renewable, 'permanent' residence permit that allows you to live in France for up to 10 years. Whether or not you are granted this will depend on your personal circumstances, such as the reason for your continued stay, employment situation and financial stability, how well integrated you are into French society and your language ability. Prefectures differ in

exactly what documents they ask for so it is advisable to contact them and find out before you apply. The application for full French citizenship is not quick and can take at least 18 months to be fully processed. There are many rules concerning applications based on marriage, birth and adoption, as well as other special situations such as for those in fulltime higher education (see the French government website www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/N111 for full details). What follows is the “basic” case of an adult British national that lives permanently in France. Again, your local prefecture will be able to advise you on your individual case. In simple terms, you can apply to become a naturalised French citizen if: • You have been living in France for five continuous years. • You can prove that you have integrated into the community by speaking French and possessing a

knowledge of French culture, society and the rights and duties of French citizens. This second condition is evaluated via a written and oral language test, during which it will be decided whether you need to take further language or civic courses. To pass, you need to be able to demonstrate that you are comfortable with the language at “a pre-intermediate level”, or B1 according to the DELF scale. There are exceptions; for example, those over 60 do not need to sit a test but will instead attend an interview at their local prefecture. Alternatively, if you have a qualification that shows a sufficient level of French, you may also be exempt from this step. For more information about the test and possible exemptions visit http://www. ciep.fr/en/tcf-anf/faq. The definition of a person with B1 level French is someone who is able to handle day-today matters that arise in school, work or leisure. They should be able to get by while travelling in an area where only French is spoken, and should be able to describe events and justify things like opinions, plans, or ambitions. The test involves 29 multiple choice questions as part of a 30-minute listening comprehension. The final step is then a 12-minute oral with a single examiner. Don't worry if you do not pass the test first time; much like a driving test it can be taken as many times as required, with a minimum 30-day gap between tests. If you qualify, there is an application form to fill in (“demande

d’acquisition par déclaration”), as well as a number of documents that need to be supplied along with the fee of €55. Documents include (non exhaustive list): • Two copies of the application form form, signed and dated • Proof of identity (e.g. passport) • Two recent passport photographs (with your surname, forename(s) and date of birth on the back) • Proof of address with your full name • Full birth certificate (with certified translation if not in French) • Your parents' birth certificates (with certified translation if not in French) • Evidence that you don’t have a criminal record, for example, a criminal record certificate from your country of residence for the last 10 years • Evidence of employment or means of financial support and residence in France • Proof that you have acquired a sufficient knowledge of the French language, such as a French language diploma or certificate (as described above) If you are married, in a civil partnership, separated, divorced or widowed you will also need to provide the following, as applicable: • Marriage certificate and those of previous marriages and divorces • Civil partnership document • If you are legally separated, a copy of the court judgement • If a spouse has died, a copy of their death certificate

• Proof of identity (e.g. passport) of current partner If you have children who are minors: • Full birth certificate of each child (or adoption certificate if applicable) and if they are in school copies of certificats de scolarité proving this; carnets de santé for children not yet in school Once you have satisfied all the conditions and submitted all your documents, these will be sent to the government ministry in charge of naturalisation within 6 months of submission. This ministry will then give an answer within 18 months of the initial submission, a delay that is reduced to 12 months if you can show that you have lived permanently in France for at least 10 years. If all goes well... congratulations and vive la France! ■ Citizenship for children born in France - Children of foreign parents born in France are automatically entitled to French nationality at the age of 18, as long as they currently live in France and have done so for at least 5 years between the ages of 11 and 18. From the age of 16, the child can claim French nationality without needing parental consent, as long as they have been resident in France since they were 11 years old. The foreign parents of a child who has been living in France since the age of 8 can claim nationality for that child once she/ he reaches the age of 13.

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Brexit - what next?

Since the UK voted to leave the EU in June's referendum, The Bugle has received a constant stream of correspondence from worried readers. Some have asked what happens next, others have questioned whether they can stay in France or if they need to apply for a carte de séjour. We asked our resident legal expert, Laure Chaveron, for her thoughts.

or most Brits living in France and as has been previously mentioned in The Bugle, the recent Brexit was a shock. Fear and panic occurred in much of the British community immediately after the news came through. However, some key points have to be kept in mind: Even though the UK has voted to

leave, British citizens living in the EU are still, from a legal point of view, Europeans. No visa is actually needed for a British citizen travelling in EU. and Brits living in France do not need to apply for a “carte de séjour” as a South-African must currently do, for example. This situation will remain unchanged

FRENCH LIFE ♦ 13 for a while as several steps will first have to take place: a) Firstly, the UK has yet to invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. PM Theresa May has explained that the UK will not do this before it is ready. It might be December 2016 but there is NO deadline in the EU treaties, so it could be much later... and just maybe never. b) Secondly, as soon as Article 50 is invoked, a 2-year period begins. This time is dedicated to negotiations between the UK and the EU in order to find an agreement to determine how exactly the UK will leave the EU. The UK ceases to be a member of the EU after this 2-year period, or when an agreement has been reached, but this period could be extended if the UK and the EU both decide more time is needed.

Since around 1.2 million British-born people live in other EU countries and 3.3 million EU citizens live in the UK, all politicians will carefully take into account all consequences. Most legal experts agree that since Article 50 has never been applied before, and no such similar negotiations have ever taken place, everything is very confusing. But there is one point that is sure: nothing will happen very soon! ■ Laure CHAVERON - Avocat 36 av. Pierre Leroux, 23600 BOUSSAC Tel: 05 55 82 18 99 SECONDARY OFFICE 13 pl. Général Espagne, 23200 AUBUSSON

In the garden - jobs for August

by Michelle Pierce

he recent sudden heatwave across France has had a significant impact on gardens - the vegetable one more so than the flower garden. The thin ‘new’ leaves and roots of this year’s annual vegetable plants are much more sensitive to heat and drought than the established structures of perennial plants. As long as these are in the ground, and not in a container, they have got their roots well down, and therefore have a measure of protection. So the difference between the tomato plants I mulched and those I didn’t is now clearly evident! But when you have a fairly large potager, it can be a bit pricey to buy in mulch, depending on what you go for. You can also choose to reuse your weeds, by piling them round the base of your plants, and leaving the sun to dry them up, thereby killing them, and maximizing them usefully. The water that their structure is largely composed of is released, and the blanketing effect helps insulate the roots of your protected plant from the heat of the sun... win win!! It’s best to select weeds that won’t shed seeds, or are not very pernicious rooters, and do try to put them down on a hot, sunny day. You can also spread stems of herbaceous perennials that you have pruned back from, say,

spilling over paths, or other fresh plant material. At the moment, the slugs have gone right down into the soil, seeking damp conditions, so aren’t as much of a problem as they were in spring. Now it’s the turn of beetles, especially the infamous Doryphore, or Colorado beetle. These striped little bugs can decimate your potato leaves, and other members of the solanum family (including tomatoes and aubergines). There are chemicals you can use against them, but the best way is to just collect and squash the little blighters. They do hibernate in the soil, so keep a good eye from one year to the next and get them early! If you can let chickens or ducks onto your patch, these make an efficient way of clearing them, too. Keep picking crops, drying herbs, and collecting seeds as and when. Think about sowing more beans and peas if you have the space and if the first ones you sowed are coming to an end of cropping. And don’t forget to sow new things, especially varieties that you want to take you through the winter. Strange to be thinking of cold weather crops in the height of summer, but sow them mid to late August and they’ll have a good period of growth before the cold starts. Make a list of autumn planted bulbs and pre-order them, or make yourself a

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note to do so. Pick your peaches, and prune off any dead wood the trees may have. This is easier to see when the tree is in leaf, and by doing it when the weather is not cold, you reduce the risk of catching the silver leaf fungal disease. If your roses have blackspot and are losing their leaves, make sure you collect the fallen leaves and dispose of them adequately - don’t put them on your compost heap. Consider giving the plants a spray with nettle tea to boost them and help them fight the fungus. There is a school of thought that says spraying a baking soda solution on the leaves alters their pH and helps. I’ve

never tried, but why not? There has been such a change in terms of weather conditions from the last few months and trying to stick a fork into my now rock-hard ground makes me totally aware how quickly things can change. Being adaptable is key in the garden, that and planning ahead. For instance, now is a good time to collect bracken for winter mulch, or negotiate with your local farmer to supply you with some manure. So, plenty to do, and if it’s not too hot, how wonderful it is being outside under the azure blue sky. Good gardening! ■

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The wines of Bergerac and night markets

by Martin Walker

he night markets of the Dordogne region began around a decade ago and have become highly popular and an instant tradition. They also offer an opportunity to explore the region and to discover a whole variety of lesser-known local wines. What’s more, the food and the music can be terrific. The first of these evening markets took place in the hilltop village of Audrix, between Le Bugue and St-Cyprien, in the shadow of the 12th century church. Initially, only people from the local commune and their relatives were supposed to set up stalls to offer their food and drink. The event was so intimate that the village mayor would cook omelettes on a portable gas stove and if they ran out of chairs, you nipped into the church and borrowed theirs. The secret weapon was the village’s own baking oven, in the middle of the square, which produced pizzas and bread fresh from the oven. They also boasted the local cheesemaker, Stéphane Bounichou, from the Fromagerie d’Audrix. Then they got fancy, and the local snail farm began offering their own dishes, and another stall began cooking to order foie gras in a heavenly sauce of honey and balsamic vinegar. There were donkey rides for children and an ecolo system of renting proper plates rather than using plastic dishes. The idea spread like wildfire and now there are several such markets every night of the week, some with seating for a thousand people

and more. Some offer Indian, Chinese and Caribbean food along with the usual salads, moules-frites, grilled steaks and duck breasts. And the idea has spread beyond small towns and villages with vineyards getting into the act. Château de Panisseau is close to Thénac in the western corner of the Bergerac wine district, about 5 km from the boundary with the Bordeaux region, and they are running night markets in the courtyard flanked by the 13th century château, the covered and heated swimming pool and their gîtes with Hicksville Swing as their live band. I had a great evening with friends, and some dancing on the eve of Bastille Day. The next ones are 10th and 24th August. The food was great: all the usual fare of grilled meats, duck and chicken, crêpes and strawberries and cheeses, along with a real treat of roasted shoulder of pork served with haricots aux couennes, beans in a tomato sauce with strips of pork rind that adds a lovely rich flavour. Being a vineyard, tastings of three types of wine are free, and then they ask 2 euros a glass and a very reasonable 7 euros a bottle. The place is multilingual, and winemaker Emmanuel Guiot has worked in vineyards in New Zealand and South Africa. He makes a lovely Bergerac sec white and his red was rich and mellow. Further east at St-Léond’Issigeac, the Domaine de Zacharie vineyard (which also raises excellent milk-fed veal) hosts night markets on 31st August and 18th September. They produce good, unpre-

tentious red, white and rosé wines of Bergerac and invite their neighbouring farmers to come and offer their own produce. Another of my favourite night markets is Beaumont-duPérigord on Monday evenings through July and August, held in a lovely bastide square with an excellent range of food and terrific music, a different band each week, and there’s always dancing. Best of all, the wine comes from Christian Roche’s Domaine de l’Ancienne Cure, one of my favourite winemakers in the region. At 7 euros a bottle, you are drinking a very good wine indeed. At Creysse, on Saturday nights, the wine lover cannot go wrong. This is Pécharmant country, which has traditionally produced the finest of the Bergerac reds thanks in part to

a deep layer of iron-bearing clay called Tran which defines the terroir. It produces supple and elegant red wines but the white and rosé wines offered by Château de Tiregand (my personal favourite among the Pécharmant vineyards) are worth seeking out. You can eat at a marché nocturne every night of the week. My recommendations are Beaumont on Mondays, Eymet or Le Bugue on Tuesdays, Belvès on Wednesdays, Badefols-sur-Dordogne on Thursdays, Issigeac or Le Buisson on Fridays, Audrix or Creysse on Saturdays and a giant farm barbecue at Soulaure on Fridays. Usually plastic dishes and cutlery are provided but take your own glasses, plates and eating irons, and a big plastic bag to take them away.

And if you read this in time, on Saturday evening, 6th August, the city and Vins de Bergerac celebrates 80 years of the appellation contrôlée with a night market and special Bergerac wine bar in the old port with music, dancing and fireworks. ■ Martin Walker, author of the best-selling ‘Bruno, chief of police’ novels, is a Grand Consul de la Vinée de Bergerac. Formerly a journalist, he spent 25 years as foreign correspondent for The Guardian and then became editor-inchief of United Press International. He and his wife Julia have had a home in the Périgord since 1999 and one of his great hobbies is visiting the vineyards of Bergerac.

Living with Brexit - Blevins Franks

e are certainly living in interesting times, as the UK prepares to start a new chapter in its history. This has created uncertainty for British expatriates here in Limousin and elsewhere in the EU. Many moved to France many years ago; they now consider France their permanent home and have no plans to leave. There are a lot of questions and theories about what will happen next, but the process of exiting the EU will take at least two years, maybe longer. The rights we have at present will be maintained for this period, and it is possible that there will not be drastic changes here after that. The first big question for expatriates is residency. We can continue to live in France, as we have done, for at least the next two years and probably a lot longer. After the Brexit terms have been agreed we expect common sense to prevail and a new bilateral agreement set up between France and the UK to protect the rights of Britons in France and French nationals in the UK. Or there could be a multilateral agreement between the UK and EU governing issues like residency rights. British expatriates provide a significant contribution to the local economy.

We buy property, pay taxes, spend money in local establishments etc. We expect the French government will want to continue to attract Britons to move to France. Likewise it will want to protect the rights of all the French people living in the UK, which would involve reciprocal agreements. Healthcare is another concern for expatriates here (although some may also have private health cover). Although we do not know what will happen longterm, the current system should continue to apply for at least the next couple of years until the point where the UK officially leaves the EU. Another concern is how the Brexit vote will hit us financially. We can expect exchange rates to continue to fluctuate for a while. Ideally, the currency of your assets should match the currency of your liabilities. So if you live in France, and your living expenses are in Euros, at least some of your savings and investments should be in Euros. Speak to a financial adviser based here and discuss your aims and circumstances to determine what would be the best solution for you. We can also expect investment assets prices to continue to fluctuate, as markets often do in times of uncertainty. It is more important than ever to have

suitable asset allocation and diversification in your portfolio. Many British expatriates lean towards UK investments – corporate bonds issued by UK companies, gilts, UK shares, etc. Indeed UK advisers often structure their clients’ portfolios this way but that may not always be the right balance for you. You need to seek expert financial advice from a locally based adviser, to review your portfolio to see if you need more diversification across assets, geographical locations, etc. You also want the peace of mind of knowing it is designed around your needs, aims and risk profile. Taxation also hits our pockets; will Brexit lead to tax changes? Brexit should have very limited consequences on how are taxed in France. Local tax rates will generally remain the same for all residents and double tax treaties, such as the one between the UK and France, are independent of the EU, so your existing tax treatment will continue to apply. However there are circumstances where taxation may be affected. For example, UK bonds would become non-EU bonds, and so will not qualify for the beneficial tax treatment given to EU assurance-vie and capital redemption bonds. You may wish to seek pro-

fessional advice to review your position. There may be tax rises in the UK. Prior to the vote Chancellor George Osborne warned that leaving the EU would leave a “black hole” which would “require sharp and difficult tax rises” to fill. He gave examples of higher tax rates including a 22% basic rate of income tax, a 43% higher rate of income tax and a jump to 45% for inheritance tax. Speaking on the Today Show after the result, he said there could absolutely be tax rises, but the decision would come under a new Prime Minister. In the current climate, you should build a good relationship with an established locally based financial adviser, so they keep you informed of developments that affect you and help you plan if and when you need to make changes to your wealth management. ■ Tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices, which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; an individual is advised to seek personalised advice.

DIRECTORY ♦ 15

AUGUST 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Business Directory

Your indispensable guide to finding local businesses & artisans Animals & Pets

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Auto Services Architectural DRAWING SERVICE

DOG GROOMING FOR ALL TYPES OF DOGS Clipping, cutting, hand stripping, bathing, ear care & nail trimming. INGRID GELAUDIE La Baronnie, 24260 Audrix

06 31 98 92 07 MinouCats

Purpose built cattery with 7 heated, well equipped luxury suites Relaxed and secure environment Experienced and qualified owners Tender loving care all day long Agnac, 47800

Tel: 05 53 93 92 44 nicky@minoucats.fr www.minoucats.fr

SHAMPOOCHIENS Dog Grooming Parlour All breeds catered for Clipping, hand stripping and bathing 30 years’ experience 24500 Eymet

05 53 58 55 38 and home of CANOUAN ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIELS Puppies sometimes available Siret: 499 234 615 00015

Renovating your French property?

MOTOR PARTS CHARENTE

New build?

Suppliers of Car & Van Spares & LHD headlights, anywhere in France

Dossiers prepared Permis de Construire Déclarations Préalables

JOHN SOWERSBY

Tel: 05 53 52 36 05

+44 (0)1377 538 639

motorptscharente@aol.com www.motorpartscharente.com

Building Services

Pre-purchase & Structural Surveys. Verbal & written reports. Structural calculations & drawings. Redevelopment ideas & solutions. Tim Haw B.Eng C.Eng M.I.Struct.E

FR: 0033 (0)6 05 56 42 81 UK: 0044 (0)7448 466 662

Web: www.versineer.com Email: enquiries@versineer.com Siret: 498 843 051 00018

At Masterplans.eu we can help guide you through your planning application in France. From initial feasibility to completed dossiers. We will compile all the relevant drawings and complete the necessary paperwork to ensure your application proceeds smoothly. We are equally at home working with clients here in France or those living abroad.

Email: info@masterplans.eu www.masterplans.eu Siret: 790 016 984 00011

Building Services

Carpenters/ Joiners

General

Wood Work SHUTTERS/DOORS, STAIRCASES, etc. MADE TO MEASURE

IN SOFTWOODS OR LOCAL HARD WOODS SIMPLE ORDERING / 10 DAY TURNAROUND Please explore our website for more info: www.scrollart.co.uk

05 55 14 12 43

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

CHARKER DAVID

Specialist in the renovation and restoration of period and contemporary buildings All small works undertaken

Stonework, Traditional renderings in Lime, Doors and Windows, Dry line walls, Zinc work, Electrical wiring and interior finishes Based near Brantôme

E-mail : dn.charker@sfr.fr

Tel: 05 53 09 42 18

Oradour Sur Vayres (87150)- siren 752 051 482

Building Services

SIRET: 493 770 358 00015

CHARTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

Architectural Services

Tel: 05 55 80 72 83 Mob: 06 33 07 29 72

lavieilleabbaye@orange.fr www.latuspeter-architecturaldrawings-24.com

Building Services

No Siret: 402 444 871 00030

upvc-solutions uPVC windows, doors, porches & conservatories

Available in white, beige & oak woodgrain. Visit our website for more information.

Electricians

www.upvc-solutions.webs.com email: upvc-solutions@orange.fr siret: 503 133 159 00015

Harlequin BARWICK ÉLECTRICITÉ Developments SHAUN BARWICK QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN

Available for all types of electrical work Small jobs, new builds, renovations, rewires Consuel assistance and certification service available Fully insured with 10 year workmanship guarantee Based near Châlus (87230)

Tel: 09 72 35 74 73

Email: barwick.shaun@gmail.com

All aspects of renovation and refurbishment, big or small, undertaken. Harlequin Developments are a Distributor and Installer for Solarventi, solar dehumidifying and ventilating products.

05.55.68.67.56 06.06.60.46.97

harlequindevelopments@live.com www.harlequindevelopments.com

@iret: 794 282 368 00016

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Simply email - subscriptions24@thebugle.eu For more details visit www.thebugle.eu

SIRET: 494.501.067.00016

16 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ AUGUST 2016

ADVERTORIAL

“SolarVenti”- the solar solution to damp and humidity

simple solar energy system that runs on its own, even when you are not there! – And provides a free heat supplement in winter. The Solarventi air panel was invented more than 20 years ago by Hans Jørgen Christensen, from Aidt Miljø, with the backing of the Danish government. He wanted to use the sun’s energy for airing and ventilation of the thousands of holiday homes on the West coast of Jutland, - houses that were left empty and unheated for long periods - houses with damp problems, mould and bad odours - houses that left their owners with discomfort, lots of work and expense. He wanted a system that would be safe, simple, without the need for radiators, water and/ or mains electricity. Slowly but surely, the first Solarventi model came together.

How it works The principle behind Solarventi is simple: a small, built-in, solar cell powers a 12V fan that is connected to an air vent, a control unit and an on/ off switch. Whenever the sun shines, the air in the solar panel is heated and the fan, receiving power from the solar cell, introduces warm, dry air into your home at the rate of 20 to 100 cubic metres per hour. The initial models were more than capable of keeping the cottages dry (and ventilated), even with the limited sunshine hours available in Denmark during the winter season. Since that time, the technology has really come along in leaps and bounds. Now, more than 20 years later, the 3rd and 4th generation Solarventi have exceeded all expectations. In Southern Europe, Solar-

Building Services

venti is not only used for ventilation/dehumidification purposes; with far more winter sunshine hours, it also provides a substantial heating supplement. Several technical and governmental studies show that incoming air temperature can be increased by as much as 40°C. A DIY Solution? The installation process is very straightforward and should only take two or three hours. All that is needed is a drill, hammer and chisel to make a hole in the wall. Roof installations are also possible. In fact, the Solarventi was originally designed to be a DIY product - in Scandinavia it still is. There are no electrical or water connections and it can be safely left running, even when the property is empty. Solarventi requires no maintenance

Building Services Sandblasting

Simon Carter

Sand and Blast

Qualified craftsman with over 25 years UK experience, now based Haute-Vienne/north Dordogne border.

service for wood, stone and metal. Perfect for stripping away years of grime or paint. Contact us for a free quote, or see our website:

Specialist services: Interior & exterior painting & decorating, wallpapering, plastering. FREE QUOTES

Tel: 05 87 19 91 50 Mob: 07 81 26 88 65 Web: www.sjcmontluc.fr Email: sjcmontluc@yahoo.fr siret: 792.130.932.00017

Building Services

Units start from €630 TTC. Several ex-demonstration models available at reduced prices, call for details.

Food & Drink

SOLARVENTI - Available in the Dordogne and Lot from Harlequin Developments Tel: 05 55 68 67 56 Mobile: 06 06 60 46 97

Gifts & Crafts

We provide a fully operated

sandblasting

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05 55 76 31 59 / 06 77 40 95 92 bobby@sandandblast.com steve@sandandblast.com SIRET: 812 727 253 00013

sales24@thebugle.eu

05 55 41 17 76

Computers & Satellites

www.soshelpline.org

The Dordogne Chippy

Traditional Fish & Chips in a town near you All venues are in the evening between 6pm & 8.30 pm 1st Monday: Le Champsac Tuesday: Tremolat Thursday: Eymet 1st & 3rd Friday: Lauzun 2nd Friday: Ste-Alvère Last Friday: Daglan See our website for full details:

www.thedordognechippy.com 05 53 74 01 91 or 06 19 99 25 62 siret: 444 925 630 00014

AUBERGE AUX DELICES DE LA TREILLE

Ivan Petley

3D Puzzle Maker Handmade, fully interlocking, multi-layered 3D puzzles from just €9. Keyrings €2 plus other unique gift ideas. Customisation and personalisation possible. Postal delivery options across France.

Tel: 05.55.80.29.98 Les Bregères, 23150 St-Martial-le-Mont alison.petley@wanadoo.fr

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Health

- Breakdown / Replacement boilers - Emergency plumbing repairs - Full analysed testing

M : 06 72 47 88 00 T: 05 53 20 64 02 E : wellers@orange.fr Registered Artisan - Siret No: 480 857 853 00018

Stephen Wisedale

WiFi Anglais Losing business due to poor Internet and WiFi?

Extended wired and wireless networks for homes, gîtes and small businesses. VPN solutions. Windows and Mac OSX.

www.wifianglais.com Email: hello@wifianglais.com Tel: 05 53 30 23 96 Mob: 07 78 52 20 46 Siret: 800 525 040 00013

Lunchtimes (except Sun and bank hols) Soup+Starter+Main+Dessert - €15 Soup+Starter+Main - €11.90 Soup+Main+Dessert - €11.90 Soup+Main - €8.90 €24.90 Menu Soup+Starter+Main+Cheese+Dessert

La Poutre

Bar & Restaurant

24400 Beaupouyet (N89 between Montpon & Mussidan)

French/International cuisine. Open Tue - Fri: 11am - 9pm (except Wed eve) Sat: 6pm - 10pm, Sun: 12pm - 3pm, For further details call Steve:

05 53 80 29 54

or email: steve.francis24@gmail.com or facebook: Beaupouyet La Poutre siret 537 415 903 00013

For more information on advertising in the Bugle Business Directory, give us a call or send us an email: sales24@thebugle.eu

Language Services

A La Carte or 2 Set Menus

Plumbers

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

05 55 41 17 76

05 53 91 12 63

- Installation, from kitchen taps to full central heating systems

anxious? stressed? feeling down? call us up! 3 - 11pm daily Confidential & Non-profit

24350 MONTAGRIER

PLUMBING & HEATING ENGINEER

SOS Help

01 46 21 46 46

Painters/ Decorators Painter & Decorator

- if the property is unoccupied during the hot summer months, then it can be left running at low speeds for ventilation and dehumidification purposes or simply switched off. With a range of panel sizes, and the option for wall or roof mounting, Solarventi is suitable for all types of buildings, caravans or even boats!! Following the patenting of its design in 2001, Solarventi has only recently been actively commercialized. Over the last six years, Solarventi units have been installed in more than 24 countries and demand is increasing rapidly. From Greenland to Australia, Solarventi is finally getting the recognition it deserves. ■

Ellen B. Sanchez

Gestalt Therapist Couple’s therapy Individual therapy English speaking Rue de La République, 24200 Sarlat-la-Canéda

Tel: 06 21 95 24 42

www.existtherapy.com

TRANSLATION SERVICES Do you need help with translating French correspondence and everyday dealings with French bureaucracy? If so contact: Fabienne MURPHY e: fabiennemurphy@yahoo.co.uk

t: +33 (0)5 53 24 21 88 m: +33 (0)6 87 99 78 12

DIRECTORY ♦ 17

AUGUST 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

ADVERTORIAL

DON’T LOSE THOUSANDS ON YOUR HOUSE TRANSACTION Pioneer France ensures sellers and buyers maximise their funds

he last fifteen years have seen a huge volume of foreign buying and selling activity in France. In fact, the level of activity has almost tripled compared with the previous fifteen-year period. “The internet has obviously played a huge part in this change but so too have methods of financing,” says Harris Raphael, Managing partner of Francebased Pioneer France. “The biggest financing change has been the ability for those transferring funds when buying or selling properties to utilise the services of a specialist foreign exchange company to achieve exchange rates only available previously to large commercial organisations.”

Pest Control

more likely to have traditionally used a bank for their transfers and are reluctant and nervous about using ‘new methods’. “I understand this completely,” says Harris. “Anything new can be daunting, especially when it concerns one’s major asset! However, Pioneer France’s foreign exchange brokerage has been operating for over 35 years and is one of the very few that is fully authorised and regulated by the FCA, with the right of establishment in France. As such, we are able to provide our clients with full security of funds, and we can give expert currency exchange guidance to aid our client’s decision making, which the banks are not licensed to do.” Pioneer France was recently voted number one for foreign exchange rates and service, so contact Harris and his team to find out more about saving thousands. ■

“What is odd is that buyers are almost twice as likely as sellers to use the services of such a specialist,” says Harris. “This is a real shame, as having tried so hard to achieve the best price for their house, many sellers then relinquish an unnecessary chunk of these funds by using old-fashioned and very expensive banking methods to repatriate their money back into sterling, dollars or whatever. This often loses the seller thousands which could have been so easily avoided. Our historic data shows that the average loss is around €3,500.” Harris believes that this is primarily because the profile of a typical seller is usually older than that of a buyer. Sellers are therefore

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Short ‘optimised’ web videos in English and/or French for your property sale or your business.

Property Sales

Contact Joanna:

www.VideoProFrance.com Te: +33 (0) 6 99 07 64 28 contact@videoprofrance.com

Retail & Commerce

Central France Pest Control Dératisation, Déinsectisation, Désinfection

02 48 60 83 72 / 06 74 33 02 38 www.applicateur3d.com

HOLIDAY HOMES IN THE UK

Email: info@applicateur3d.com Curative and preventative rats, mice, moles, flies, woodworm, bed bugs, fleas, wasps, hornets

La Petite Barre, 18210 Bessais Le Fromental SIRET No. 498 544 741 00024

For more information on advertising in the Bugle Business Directory, give us a call or send us an email: sales24@thebugle.eu

05 55 41 17 76

Tel: 05 53 07 06 27 Email: info@pioneerfrance.com Web: www.pioneerfrance.com

SECONDHAND CLOTHING for the whole family

ABJAT-SUR-BANDIAT

(opp. the boulangerie) Open: Tue & Thu, 14h-17h also Sun, 10h-12h in July & August only By appointment outside these hours:

Tel: 06 79 04 10 21

09 82 12 69 73

05 55 41 17 76

www.frenchvanman.eu

Transport, Removals & Storage

MICHAELS MOVERS

£9,995

CALL 0044 1424 853 764 www.ParkHolidays.com/beauportsales

www.leschaletsdedordogne.com Village of 18 chalets above a lake

Eco Entrepot

Heated pool. Family site 23 km south of Bergerac Airport Low cost daily flights from London Rent a chalet from €250-€550 / week (possibility to buy a chalet for €25,000)

32,000ft2 of great products incl. British Groceries, DIY, Housewares, Furniture, Clothing, Toiletries plus loads more!!

00 33 (0)5 53 63 97 56 24500 Razac d’Eymet, France contact@leschaletsdedordogne.com

aka The Shed

05 55 68 74 73 Open every day except Monday

87150 Oradour-sur-Vayres Siret 530 213 644 00012

Removals

UK ↔ France ↔ UK Full & Part loads All size of vehicles Storage facilities in Sussex UK free phone:

19 r Victor Hugo, 24310 Brantôme

09 51 45 57 49

Genuine/Reliable/Honest Local + Europe + UK runs Now also available for House/Barn clearances! 14m3 capacity 4.2m load length

sales24@thebugle.eu

Quality second-hand books in English & French

Enjoy a relaxing read in the tea room or riverside garden bookstop24@gmail.com facebook.com/bookstop24

Man & Van Transport

English & French Spoken

bookstop

Are you looking for your perfect base in the UK? We have beautiful 2 and 3 bedroom models available in East Sussex. Relax in style in a modern holiday home and take advantage of fantastic facilities. Open for 11 ½ months a year. From

The Pioneer France team, from left: Harris, Tanya, Carole and Peter

DSD Removals & Storage

0800 840 3058 Mob: +44 (0)7808 338 386 Removals, storage & house clearance in Dordogne

06 73 96 38 39 (FR)

The Removal Experts

www.michaelsmovers.freeindex.co.uk

• All risk insurance cover • Full and Part load specialists • Professional staff & modern vehicles • Every vehicle from a Luton van to a full removals lorry • Prices from £3.63 per sq ft

Your advert here

France ↔ UK

+44 (0)1274 724 545

info@dsdremovalsltd.com www.dsdremovalsltd.com facebook.com/DSDRemovals

05 55 41 17 76

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18 ♦ DIRECTORY

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ AUGUST 2016

ADVERTORIAL

Half of British house hunters in France wanting to leave the UK permanently

poll conducted by Leggett Immobilier, the largest seller of French property to British purchasers, has shown that half of all British clients considering buying a property in France, are doing so to move to the country permanently. The poll, which was run following the result of the referendum, has shown that British people are keener than ever to make a permanent move to France, despite uncertainty about how Brexit may affect British immigration to the country. A similar poll conducted by Rightmove Overseas last year showed that only 38% of Brits were looking for a full-time move, with more than half of British buyers looking to buy a holiday home. It’s clear that of the 16m who ticked the “remain in the EU” box, a significant number are now lit-

erally voting with their feet! Poll breakdown • 50% of Brits polled said they intended to make a permanent move to France • 20% of Brits polled said they intended to purchase a holiday home in France • 2% of Brits polled said they intended to purchase an investment property in France • 28% of Brits polled had not yet decided * Source, Leggett Immobilier poll

of 1,072 British people run on www. frenchestateagents.com (29th June 12th July) Alongside this, figures recently released by the company show record breaking sales, despite Brexit uncertainty with a 21% rise in ‘sales agreed’ in the first half of the year. “It is interesting to see that many of our clients are wanting to purchase property in order to make a permanent move to France,” said Trevor Leggett, chairman of Leggett Immobilier. “Despite Brexit uncertainty, it seems that the British love affair with

the relaxed French lifestyle, the wonderful culture and climate and the beautiful affordable property available here remains as strong as ever.” Mark and Tracie Sharp, who intend to move to France permanently, say: “We both love France, the culture, the people, the food and especially the wine! With all the economic uncertainty in the UK, we found that we could get so much more for our money in France. We want to enjoy a slower pace of life, mortgage free.” ■ www.frenchestateagents.com tel: 05 53 60 84 88

Advertising in The Bugle Business Directory Advertising your business couldn’t be easier. Text only, boxed listings are available in our Business Directory from just €13.50/month. Alternatively, why not spotlight your business with an Advertorial, available from 1/6 Page (€50 HT) up to Full Page (€300 HT). Both Directory Adverts and Advertorials represent a cost effective way to put your brand in front of more than 25,000 pairs of eyes each month!!

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sales24@thebugle.eu Managing Editor: Steve Martindale Editor-in-Chief: Steve Martindale Registered Address: Les Quatre Chemins 23150 St-Yrieix-les-Bois France SIRET: 514 989 748 00017 Printed by: Charente Libre 16340, L’Isle d’Espagnac France Monthly circulation: 13,000 copies All copyright, unless stated otherwise, is reserved to The Bugle. Reproduction in whole or part of any text without permission is prohibited. Dépôt légal à parution.

Directeur: Steve Martindale Rédacteur-en-chef: Steve Martindale Siège Les Quatre Chemins 23150 St-Yrieix-les-Bois France SIRET: 514 989 748 00017 Imprimé par: Charente Libre 16340, L’Isle d’Espagnac France

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The Bugle cannot accept responsibility for the claims of advertisers or their professionalism. We strongly advise readers to verify that the company you are dealing with is a registered trading company in France or elsewhere in the world.

Maestro born 10/04/2016 Maestro is a beautifully marked little black and white boy with the most amazing ears, and quite a scamp! As you can see from the photo he loves a good romp, but he’s also a very affectionate little fellow. He is clean and loving and will make a wonderful companion. He is very happy to be around other cats and is just waiting for his forever home . If you’d like to reserve Maestro, or want further details, please contact his carer, Sophie, on 05 53 73 91 13 / 07 78 21 13 55 or at sophie.nicol@yahoo.fr www.phoenixasso.com www.facebook.com/PhoenixAssociationFrance

COMMUNITY ♦ 19

AUGUST 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Monday

Market Days

Beynac Le Fleix Les Eyzies Ste-Alvère

Tuesday

Beaumont du Périgord Bergerac Brantôme Cénac-et-Saint-Julien Lanouaille Le Bugue Mareuil Neuvic Ribérac Salignac Eyvigues Thenon Trémolat Villefranche-de-Lonchat

Wednesday Bergerac Gardonne Hautefort Jumilhac-le-Grand La Tour Blanche Montpon-Ménestérol Montignac Périgueux

AQUITAINE CHURCH SERVICES AUGUST 2016

The Chaplaincy of Aquitaine covers the Dordogne, Gironde, Lot-et-Garonne, and Condom (Gers). All services are held in English. For further details, please see our website: www.churchinaquitaine.org or contact Chaplaincy Administration: Amy Owensmith, +33 (0) 607 04 07 77 chapaq.office@gmail.com

SUNDAY 07 AUGUST 10:30 Service of the Word – Bertric Burée 10:30 Family Communion – Bordeaux 10:30 Fresh Expressions + Baptism - Eymet 10:30 Prayer & Praise – Limeuil 10:30 Morning Worship – Monteton 11:00 Holy Communion – Doudrac 11:00 Holy Communion – Sainte Nathalène 18:00 Evensong – Bertric Burée Wednesday 10 August 11:00 BCP Holy Communion – Bertric Burée SUNDAY 14 AUGUST 10:30 Holy Communion – Bertric Burée 10:30 All Age Worship – Bordeaux 10:30 Fresh Expressions – Eymet Temple 10:30 Holy Communion – Limeuil 10:30 Morning Prayer - Monteton 10:30 Family Service – Négrondes 11:00 Holy Communion – Sainte Nathalène 11:00 Prayer & Praise - Condom

Piégut Pluviers Razac Sarlat Siorac-en-Périgord Vélines

Thursday

Domme Excideuil Eymet La Coquille Lalinde Monpazier St Astier St-Julien-de-Lampon Terrasson

Friday Bergerac Brantôme Cubjac Le Buisson Ribérac Sarlat Vergt

Saturday

Agonac Beaumont du Périgord Belvès Bergerac

Lalinde La Roche Chalais Le Bugue Montignac Mussidan Neuvic Nontron Périgueux Razac Sarlat Sigoulès St Aulaye Thiviers Verteillac Villefranche du Périgord

Sunday

Bergerac Couze St Front Daglan Gardonne Issigeac Pontours Pressignac-Vicq Rouffignac Sarlat Sorges St Cyprien St Génies St Pardoux la Rivière

A new club was formed last year for Past and Present Rotarians and other like-minded Service Club members and their spouses or partners to join a fellowship club. We currently have 38 members and we meet in Bergerac once a month for lunch and informal discussions. This has proved an excellent conduit for members to meet new people without having to become involved with an exclusive French organisation where language, etc. might be a problem. More information can be obtained by contacting royston.watkins@orange.fr

CANTABILE

Tuesday 16 August 11:30 Holy Communion – Envals Thursday 18 August 10:30 BCP Morning Prayer – Limeuil SUNDAY 21 AUGUST 10:30 Family Service – Bertric Burée 10:30 Family Communion – Bordeaux 10:30 Holy Communion – Chancelade 10:30 Holy Communion – Dondas 10:30 Fresh Expressions – Eymet Temple 10:30 Morning Worship – Limeuil 10:30 Prayer & Praise – Monteton 11:00 Holy Communion – Sainte Nathalène 17:00 Evensong - Limeuil Thursday 25 August 11:00 Holy Communion – Condom SUNDAY 28 AUGUST 10:30 Holy Communion – Bertric Burée 10:30 Family Communion – Bordeaux 10:30 Fresh Expressions – Eymet Temple 10:30 Holy Communion – Limeuil 10:30 Holy Communion - Monteton 10:30 Holy Communion – Négrondes 11:00 Prayer & Praise – Sainte Nathalène SUNDAY 04 SEPTEMBER 10:30 Service of the Word – Bertric Burée 10:30 Family Communion – Bordeaux 10:30 Prayer & Praise – Limeuil 10:30 Morning Worship – Monteton 11:00 Holy Communion – Doudrac 11:00 Holy Communion – Sainte Nathalène 18:00 Evensong – Bertric Burée

Join us once again on Saturday 24th September for the 5th annual WorshipFest, a time to come together, as many as can, to share our testimonies and join our voices together to sing with joy to our Lord. There is no entrance fee; please bring your friends, all are welcome! The event will take place at the Eglise Evangélique Libre in Bergerac (5, rue Durou) beginning at 10 am, until 3 pm. As in previous years we will have a bring and share lunch. Join us for part of the day, or stay all day. For more details, please contact Charlotte Sullivan on 05 53 61 81 61 or at kevet2adsl@aol.com

An exciting and challenging season starts on 7th September when Cantabile, the ACFAA French-English Choir start rehearsing Carmina Burana by Carl Orff. Directed by Simon Kenworthy, this complex work will be performed in Eymet Church on 17th June 2017 at 8 pm and in Bergerac on Sunday 18th at a time and place to be confirmed. Singers interested in taking part are invited to contact Philippa Tillyer by email at pippacogulot@gmail.com for further information.

Got an event for The Bugle? notices@thebugle.eu

05 55 41 17 76

Welcome to the new Chaplain of Aquitaine, Rev’d Tony Lomas The Licensing and Installation of the new Chaplain of Aquitaine, Rev’d Tony Lomas (pictured with wife Ingrid) will be conducted on Saturday 10th September in Bordeaux. The Licensing Service will commence at 11 am, followed by a bring and share lunch. The service will be officiated by the Bishop of Europe, the Right Rev’d Dr Robert Innes. We hope many will come and support the Chaplain as he takes up his office in Aquitaine, and enjoy the fellowship of the Chaplaincy on this important day. More details regarding the bring and share lunch to follow soon, please bring your couverts. Directions of how to get to the Chapelle de l’Assomption in Bordeaux by various means of transport can be found on the Bordeaux website: www.anglicanbordeaux.org For details or more information, please contact Amy Owensmith on 06 07 04 07 77 or at chapaq.office@gmail.com

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Hard to know which tourist sites to visit?

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WHAT’S

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ AUGUST 2016

Grumpy Granny Guide

The Grumpy Granny Guide® will help you choose if you:

Need practial information Are with young children or a pushchair Are elderly Hate standing in the sun Tire easily and need to sit down Can’t manage any steps or stairs Are with your dog The Grumpy Granny website provides all the information you need to make the right choice for a comfortable experience in the Dordogne Visit us on:

www.GRUMPYGRANNYGUIDE.com It’s FREE, quick & easy to use

Fête du Cinéma en Plein Air en Dordogne

Ciné-Passion has a programme of mobile open-air cinema for the summer season with movie teams visiting a score of venues across the department. What better way to spend a hot summer’s night?! For programme and venue details visit www.cine-passion24.com

The Comedy of Errors Exhibition at the Château de Limeuil Exhibition organised by the association “RIVES D’ART” at the Château de Limeuil. Limeuil is one of the most beautiful villages of France and each year it welcomes many tourists from all over the world. The hall for exhibiting art is situated in the château’s panoramic garden. Visits to the exhibition are free (but there is an entrance fee to the garden). In August, the exhibition welcomes Serge Delfau, who has lived in Gers since 1984, and is a landscape painter. Originally self-taught, he subsequently followed the teachings of Christoff Debusschere and Stéphane Ruais for several years. His work focuses on landscapes, still lifes and interior scenes. His pictorial research leads him to capture the secret atmosphere of the landscape, the transience of life, the beauty of flowers.

Celebrating Shakespeare400, award-winning UK theatre company Antic Disposition are bringing a brand new production of the Bard’s most farcical comedy to Périgord and Quercy. Antipholus of Syracuse has travelled to the town of Ephesus, accompanied by his long-suffering servant, Dromio, in search of the twin brothers they both lost as babies. Swept into a bewildering society of mobsters and misfits, and caught up in a double case of mistaken identity, can Antipholus and Dromio find their path to a happy ending? Performed in English but with a riotous energy that transcends language barriers, The Comedy of Errors is a frenetic evening of slapstick humour perfect for all the family. Performances take place in ten beautiful open-air locations from 31st July to 11th August. Tickets €20-€40; 16 and under Free (maximum 2 per adult). Booking recommended. For more information visit www.ad-tour.com.

AUGUST 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Foire à la brocante et aux antiquités Issigeac Sat 6th & Sun 7th August from 9h-18h Over 70 stalls Place du Château et de la mairie

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16th edition of this roaming medieval festival which takes place between 4th and 15th August across Dordogne, Lot-et-Garonne and Gironde. Thursday 4th August CADOUIN (24) Friday 5th and Saturday 6th August EYMET (24) Sunday 7th August SOUMENSAC (47) Sunday 7th August DURAS (47) Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th August ISSIGEAC (24) Monday 15th August SAINT-FÉLIX-DE-FONCAUDE (33) This festival allows the visitor to discover the most attractive sites of the Dropt valley and to enter the heart of the Middle Ages by way of numerous spectacles, games and banquets - all in a convivial ambiance. For the full programme visit www.medieval.dropt.org

Not to be missed this month is the Nontron Knife Festival, which is one of the largest cutlery showcases in France and Europe, with over 100 exhibitors from all over the world. It concludes a week dedicated to the rich heritage of iron and forges in the region and follows the Festival Forges et Métallurgie at Etouars. Entry to the Fête du Couteau (6th-7th August): €5/ day; €7 for both days (free for under 16s). For more information visit lafeteducouteau.jimdo.com

DID YOU KNOW...? Nontron Knives are traditional forged folding knives with decorated wooden handles made in Nontron, in the heart of the Périgord Vert. The methods and techniques used in making these have remained virtually unchanged since the fifteenth century when they were first in manufacture; in fact the workshop where they are hand made by local craftsman is the oldest continually running cutlery forge in France. Each pocket knife is an original work by one of only six artisan knife makers. The boxwood used for the handles of Nontron knives is cut only in the immediate region and allowed to air dry for at least five years before being cut, shaped and finished as a handle. Each knife is hand decorated with a circle of pyrograved figures of ancient and unknown significance.

Summer exhibition of photos by the Eymet Photo Group 9th to 21st August: 10h-12h & 14h-18h Rooms above the Tourist Office in Eymet Bastide

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www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ AUGUST 2016

Salon du livre d’été Summer writers festival Friday 12th August from 9 am Ribérac in front of the tourist office

Organised by the bookshop L’Arbre à Palabres, 20 authors (including local British writer Rick Lee) will be present.

Marché des Potiers 30 potters will line the streets of the village of Beauronne, between Mussidan and Ribérac, on 13th and 14th August from 10h-19h. There will be demonstrations, children’s workshops and family entertainment on the theme of trees. Everyone is welcome at the cultural highlight of the Issigeac summer: On Monday 15th August at 5 pm international pianist Anthony Adkins will be performing the works of Chopin at the Saint-Félicien church. The concert is free but donations towards the cost of rental of the piano welcome.

2016 - Pop Sur Dronne Two intimate music evenings hosted by Andy Davies and wife Abigail WellsDavies, with food by Joss Genestet of Domaine de Vignes, 16210 Saint-Romain, Charente (10 mins from the Dordogne border). Andy is best known for his years spent on BBC Radio 2 co-hosting and producing alongside Jonathan Ross on Saturday mornings. We really enjoy bringing something very different and special to the area that you wouldn’t be able to access in this way normally.

Wednesday 17th August:

DODGY

The definitive line up of Nigel Clark, Andy Miller and Mathew Priest is back... The first time round, Dodgy were together for seven years and in that time they sold over a million records worldwide, released three albums and 12 Top 40 singles, including 3 Top 10s and the Top 5 hit ‘Good Enough’, which is still a staple of the Radio 2 playlist. The Dodgy of today are not resting on their laurels, having released two new albums in three years, with fan favourite “Stand Upright in a Cool Place” and the 2015 release “Hold Up To The Light”. www.dodgyology.com

Wednesday 31st August:

NICK HEYWARD

Concert on Monday 15th August at 15h30 at Boschaud Abbey, 24530 Villars (near Brantôme) FestiVillars presents the Quintet Azanca, invited back after a superb concert last year, with a programme of Argentinian Tangos. Entry 12 Euros, Under 16’s free. Reservations and info tel 09 64 09 95 91.

Is a songwriter, guitarist and vocalist, whose career began when he formed Haircut 100 in 1981. The band had 4 top ten UK singles and their album ‘Pelican West’ reached No1. His solo career has produced 3 top twenty singles with his single ‘Kite’ making No 3 on the Billboard Hot Modern Rock Tracks Chart. Still recording, he releases a new album this year. www.nickheyward.com Domaine des Vignes, 16210 Saint-Romain. Tickets are €40 for dinner, glass of fizz and concert. Reservation is imperative. Evening starts at 19h. Call Abigail on 05 45 78 98 79 or by email popsurdronne@gmail.com

AUGUST 2016 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

Shakespeare’s open-air performance of Much Ado About Nothing

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For over twenty-five years Sinfonia has established itself as an unmissable event for lovers of Baroque music, with an ever-changing line-up designed to offer audiences a week of unforgettable experiences. Concerts take place from 22nd to 27th August against the backdrop of Périgord’s most beautiful locations. Abbeys, churches, theatres and châteaux all become places of discovery and exchange between audiences and artists. For more information visit: www.sinfonia-en-perigord.com

Why not spend a glorious late summer’s evening watching The Lord Chamberlain’s men perform Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing? Bring a picnic and bottle of something chilled and spend a lazy few hours watching this funny, moving and fast-paced production.

...will again be held in Campsegret (24140) with over 20,000 English and French books (in excellent condition, all sorted and in category), DVDs and CDs on offer from one euro and up.

Location Maison St Louis, D195, Passirac 16480, Charente

The Phoenix Cuisine will be offering all sorts of delicious home-made cakes and savouries. Special selections are Antiquarian/Collectors, Military/General History, Cookery, Children’s and Puzzles. The Bric-a-brac and the Tombola stands will also be there with lots of goodies.

Dates September 9th & 10th - 7 pm (gates open 5 pm) September 11th - 1 pm (gates open 11 am)

Doors open at 9:30 am (9 am for people with limited mobility) and close at 3 pm. Entrance and parking are free. All donations of books, DVDs, CDs and Tombola gifts are welcome on the day! All the proceeds of the fair will go the the Phoenix Association.

The Phoenix Book Fair on Saturday 24th September

For further information go to www.phoenixasso.com

Ticket price: €20 Adults; €12 Children Purchase: To buy tickets visit www.maisonstlouis.com or call 05 45 78 23 42 Sponsor: Charente Immobilier www.charente-immobilier.com

Got an event for The Bugle?

notices@thebugle.eu

05 55 41 17 76

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