The Bugle - April 2013

Boris Johnson goes on charm offensive in Paris

The mayor of London meets with the three women looking to become mayor of Paris on a whistle-stop charm offensive to plug his new book. >> Page 9

April 2013 Issue #42

German investigators visit Oradour

INSIDE > > > NEWS - Rare breed chicken making a comeback -

Following near extinction, the Poule Noire du Berry is on the way back. >> Page 5

♦ 10th June 1944 - German soldiers kill 642 civilians in Oradour-sur-Glane ♦ January 1953 – 21 men are tried and convicted over the massacre ♦ 6 surviving soldiers now stand accused in fresh German investigation

still looking for the perpetrators of the massacre after so long. “It is reassuring to know that the enquiry is still ongoing,” he told the press.

“There is no statute of limitations in Germany, so if they are in a fit state to be tried, then they should be.”

The team is being headed by Stefan Willms, who has 15 years' experience tracking Nazi war criminals. “The investigation will continue for as long as the suspects are alive,” Mr Willms told Le Parisien. The first thing they had to do was identify any German soldiers still alive today - no mean feat given that the division's records were destroyed during the war. After painstaking research, the

>> continued on page 4

The first mobile 'undetectable' speed cameras, in unmarked police cars, are rolled out across France. >> Page 7

BILINGUAL - France bringing nuclear to UK

France has a long relationship with nuclear power and is now transferring that knowledge to the UK. >> Page 15

© 2011 - Ammar Abd Rabbo (Flickr)

O

radour-sur-Glane, and the massacre for which the town became forever linked, was back on the front pages recently following a visit

by German prosecutors who are planning to bring charges against 6 former Nazi soldiers believed to have taken part. The investigation may seem symbolic to many, but to the German investigators it is anything but.

When news of the investigation was announced in 2010, it came as a shock, not least to the residents of the town. Raymond Frugier, mayor of Oradour-sur-Glane, said at the time that he had no idea that the German authorities were

NEWS - 'Undetectable' cameras in operation

Brad Pitt and Angelina Joile launch their new career as >> Page 8 winemakers

Your indispensible guide to the region's Businesses >> Centre Pages

APRIL 2013 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

2 ♦ IN THIS EDITION countryside and the people that live here are the traditions and superstitions that people swear by. When we first told our elderly neighbours that we were expecting our first child, they very nonchalantly said “Yes, we know”. We were taken aback, as unless someone at Guéret hospital had seriously betrayed a time of year is that as the weather trust, only our parents knew at that improves and the days get longer, stage - they don't speak French and the number of things to do across our neighbours don't speak English. the region increases exponentially.

“We knew last week when we When you get out there and look, it saw a stork land in the field next is amazing just how much is going to your house.” Apparently this on all the time. We try to put a was evidence enough to confirm a selection in the back pages of The healthy pregnancy. Who needs a 12Bugle, but this is only ever a fraction week scan?!! of what's on offer to see and do One of the local superstitions that each month. It always amazes me I take quite seriously involves the when people first cuckoo ask me if it's of spring. boring living A p p a r e n t l y, in rural France if you have with nothing money in your to do! Not that pocket when I manage to you hear the get out all that first cuckoo of much, what the year, then with work you will have and family a good year commitments, f i n a n c i a l l y. but I always According to have a long my neighbours list of things it doesn't Cuckoo - could be worth a fortune!! that I would matter how be doing if I could!! People travel much money you have, just that you from all over the world to come have some, but I have adjusted the here on holiday, but we get to live rules slightly. In my version, small here all the time!! change will mean an OK year, but Something I like about the notes will signify a good year. The

Welcome to

S

The Bugle

pring is here, in theory at least - looking out the window has me doubting that for the time being!! I do like spring. Here at Bugle Towers, this time of year, but more specifically the UK Easter holidays, marks a significant shift in business for us. There are many expats who live permanently in France, year round. But there are also a large number of second home owners who divide their time between France and the UK and decamp to their summer residences around now, or who come out to check on their properties over the holidays.

We tend to see a significant increase in our advertiser numbers – we have a record number this month! If you are looking for a product or service, the chances are you'll find someone in the pages of The Bugle. If you do ever avail yourself of the services of one of our advertisers, do please mention where you found them. This helps local businesses to know that their advertising with us works and allows us to keep producing this newspaper for FREE each month.

The other good thing about this

first cuckoos should be calling out in the not too distant future, so I will have to start regularly checking my pockets before heading outside!!

We have a lovely story this month about a group of chicken enthusiasts from the Berry who have resurrected a near extinct local breed, the Poule Noire du Berry (see page 5). Getting a few chickens was one of the very first things I did when I moved to France and I have become quite an amateur enthusiast myself. I love the idea of having a few rare breed local chickens in the garden, so I may well make the short journey up into the Indre to go and hunt down a few of these chickens from a market.

Until next month!

Steve Martindale Editor

INSIDE this edition

1 & 3-5 Local News 6-11 National News 12-14 French Life 15 Bilingual 16 Notice Board 17 Clubs & Associations 18-20 What's On B1-B10 Business Directory B11-B12 Classifieds

CONTACT us Tel: 05.55.41.17.76

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www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ APRIL 2013

LOCAL NEWS ♦ 3

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P

lans to build Europe's first and only exclusively ritual slaughter house in Guéret are once again making the headlines, with a demonstration protesting against the project organised for 13th April.

When the former abattoir in Guéret closed in 2007, subsequent attempts to reopen the facility were unsuccessful and for a long time, many predicted that Creuse had seen the last of its abattoir.

That is until a project by a group of investors to build a halal abattoir near to the site of the old slaughter house was announced in 2010; local authorities have the go-ahead to sell the land to the investors, although no sale agreement has yet been signed.

If the project is approved, the new unit would be used exclusively to slaughter animals under the Muslim ritual conditions required for meat to be labelled halal. The market for this meat would be nationwide across France as well as via export to other countries. The group of butchers behind the latest plan say that the facility will

supply an increasing demand for halal meat. The cost of the project is estimated at €8 million and would create 4050 jobs locally.

Ritual slaughter is nothing new in France, in fact many 'traditional' slaughter houses also produce halal meat. However, there has been controversy in the past when some have claimed that much of the meat that is ritually slaughtered ends up getting sold as 'normal' meat to an unsuspecting public.

Speaking in 2010 when the plans were first announced, vice-president of the ComCom de Guéret Saint-Vaury, Eric Correia, explained the appeal of an exclusively ritual abattoir: “Halal butchers are fed up with the agency fees involved providing traceability documentation for meat from ‘mixed’ slaughterhouses where halal meat is prepared alongside ‘normal’ meat.

They want to have an exclusively halal abattoir that will be a guarantee of origin for them and their clients.”

Initial estimates were that the plant would process 3,000 tonnes of meat per year for the first 3 years, rising

to 5,000 tonnes and finally reaching a capacity of 8,000.

The numbers are far smaller than the 15,000 tonnes that were processed each year by the old abattoir before it closed, but a new, local facility would still be good news for farmers in the Creuse.

Ritual slaughter is not without its controversy, however, and groups such as NARG (Non à l’abattoir rituel de Guéret) have been stepping up their protests in recent months. A number of protest marches have already been held, attracting up to 100 participants and NARG is organising a mass gathering, with protesters descending on Guéret from across the country, on 13th April.

Opposition politicians have also been campaigning for assurances that public money will not be used to fund the project.

NARG has stated publicly that their objection to halal ritual slaughter is on an animal rights basis, not anti-Muslim, saying that they would be protesting equally if the abattoir was to be used for Jewish kosher ritual slaughter. ■

I

t has been an open secret in Guéret for many years that the town's paid parking is very poorly monitored.

Every so often the local authorities will have a 'clamp down', but this has proved ineffective in the past and the status quo of 'free parking' soon resumes.

It appears that the authorities have now had enough, however, and they have hired a fulltime employee to permanently monitor the town's 308 paid parking spots.

In recent weeks, disgruntled motorists have been finding the dreaded slip of paper under their windscreen wipers, known as a procès-

verbal or more simply as a PV. Motorists in Guéret do not have too much to complain about, however. The town has 1,301 parking spaces in total and 993 of these are free.

What's more, by entering the first 4 numbers of your licence plate, you can also park in any of the paid spaces for free for 30 minutes, provided you display the ticket in your windscreen.

Parking has long been a bone of contention for Guéret's shopkeepers, who complain that the same cars can be seen parked in the prime, paid spaces all day long without a ticket. They claim that this means potential customers

editor@thebugle.eu

05 55 41 17 76

© 2006 - Raisix (WikiCommons)

Guéret to clamp down Protests against halal-only abattoir on parking fines

cannot find a spot close to their shops and this impacts on their business.

The fine for not displaying a valid

parking ticket in France is €17, although this could be set to rise in the near future (see article on page 9). ■

APRIL 2013 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

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>> continued from pg 1 team identified 6 soldiers: one lives in Austria and of the 5 remaining in Germany, 3 are already too ill to ever stand trial.

That did not stop the team questioning them.

“Some of them refused to talk, which is their right,” said Mr Willms. “The others did not reveal any new information. They claim that either they were not a part of the massacre, they were not in the village, or that they found out too late about the massacre to prevent it. It is up to us to find out if that was true.” The team hopes that by visiting Oradour and talking to the French survivors, they will be one step closer to the truth.

Robert Hébras, one of only six survivors of the massacre, is philosophical about what any investigation can achieve: “A new enquiry is very symbolic,” said the 87-year-old, who lost his mother and 2 sisters in the atrocity. “I was pleasantly surprised that the Germans are still interested, but I am not expecting much.

Whether they are convicted or not, it will not change anything.”

The visit of the German investigating team has once again raised the issue of whether it is still worth chasing the few Nazi war criminals who remain. Should 90-year-old men be tried for alleged crimes committed nearly 70 years ago? Those alive today would have been 20 at most when the massacre happened, so would presumably not have been in charge. Can it ever be possible to find out for certain exactly what happened that long ago, when so few who were present are alive today?

There have been a number of trials surrounding the events at Oradour-sur-Glane (see boxed timeline), but none since 1983. Nine years after the war, 21 men were tried for their part in the massacre: 14 men from the

COLOMBIER

Oradour massacre timeline

10 June 1944 – Soldiers from the 2nd SS Panzer Division ("Das Reich") enter Oradour-sur-Glane and massacre 642 inhabitants. The men are shot and the women and children burned in the church. th

January 1953 – 21 men (14 Frenchmen from Alsace and 7 Germans) are tried in Bordeaux. The most senior amongst them is a sergeant.

February 1953 – France passes an amnesty law for all malgré-nous (literally ‘in spite of us’ – the name given to French who fought for the Nazis). Days later, the men from from Alsace are released. By 1958, all of the Germans convicted are also released.

1971 – General Lammerding, commander of the Das Reich division dies of cancer aged 66 in Germany after a career as an engineer.

1983 - Heinz Barth, a platoon leader in charge of 45 soldiers becomes the last man to be tried over the massacre. He was released from prison in the reunified Germany in 1997 and he died in August 2007.

Alsace and 7 Germans; the most senior ranking amongst them was a sergeant.

General Lammerding, commander of the division responsible, was sentenced to death in absentia, but lived in Germany until his death in 1971.

Adolf Diekmann, who commanded the German troops on the ground on that day, was killed in action shortly afterward during the Battle of Normandy, and a large number of the soldiers who had committed the massacre were themselves killed in action within a few days.

The presence of troops from the Alsace region caused major frictions within France. Most of these French nationals claimed that they were forced to join the German army and the conviction of the 14 involved in the Oradour massacre sparked widespread outrage in Alsace. Eventually, these protests, coupled with increasing calls for autonomy from the region, led the French government in 1953 to pass an amnesty for all the so-called malgré-nous (literally ‘in spite of us’) involved in the Second World War. ■

16 July 1999 – Centre de la Mémoire is opened at the site of the massacre by Jacques Chirac.

How the massacre happened In the days after the Normandy landings, a local Nazi commander was informed that resistance fighters in Oradour-sur-Vayres were holding a German officer hostage. On 10th June 1944, a German battalion sealed off the town of Oradoursur-Glane - having confused it with their intended target of nearby Oradoursur-Vayres - and ordered all the townspeople and passers-by to assemble in the village square, ostensibly, to have their identity papers examined.

The men were then taken to a barn where a machine gun nest awaited. The women and children were led to the church, which was set alight. In a few short hours 642 of the town’s inhabitants were dead, 205 of which were children, with only a handful managing to escape. The town was subsequently sealed off and preserved as a memorial; it has remained a centre of remembrance ever since. The modern day town was built later, a few hundred metres away.

The massacre was the largest atrocity committed against civilians in France

by Nazi forces. ■

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LOCAL NEWS ♦ 5

Local Berry chicken is making a comeback

I

ntroduced in 1912, but virtually extinct by the late 1970s, the once popular Poule Noire du Berry is making something of a comeback. So much so that the group which has dedicated itself to the survival of the Berry Black Chicken has been awarded the premier prix de la Fondation du patrimoine pour l'agro-biodiversité animale at the recent International Agricultural Show in Paris.

In 1975, dismayed by the disappearance of this local breed, Gaston Touraine started collecting the few remaining Berry Black Chickens, as well as closely related cousins, from around the Berry region.

He continued his work until 2004 when a handful of amateur enthusiasts joined him to form the Club Français de la Poule Noire du Berry. An intensive breeding programme ensued and by 2008 the group were able to provide a pro-

fessional breeding centre with 309 eggs collected from 17 breeders.

By 2012, the selection centre was able to give 8,000 Poule Noire du Berry chicks back to 7 professional producers to breed the race commercially on their farms.

The Poule Noire du Berry is a modest layer, producing around 200 eggs per year with a weight around 60g, but its meat is of a very high quality. Speaking to The Bugle, the club's president, Francis Lasne, explained: “Whereas a commercial farm operator will bring a chicken to market in as little as 40 days, for these chickens you are looking at as many as 150 days.” Something that presumably comes at a price? “Indeed, that is true,” continued Mr Lasne. “But the quality of the meat is far superior. It is a labour of love to raise these chickens, but the reward is in the final product.”

The comeback of the Berry

Black Chicken may be down to the efforts of a few volunteers, but we can all now appreciate the rewards! A number of restaurants around the region are already serving certified Poule Noire du Berry on their menus.

The prize awarded to the group was in recognition of breeders working “to ensure the survival of a domestic breed in a commercially viable way”. Asked how they would spend the €6,000 prize money, Mr Lasne said: “It costs us nearly €20,000 per year to pay the selection centre to produce guaranteed pure breed chickens. So you can see the €6,000 does not go far in that respect.”

The club, which today has 125 members and 8 professional breeders, is committed to the survival of this breed of chicken and the remarkable success story continues. This year they hope to receive 12,000 chickens from the selection

British couple create airport security scare

centre.

If you would like to find out more about the Poule Noire du Berry, visit the club's website (www.lapoulenoireduberry.fr) where you can also find a list of the markets, breeders and restaurants where you can find one of these rare breed chickens. If you are interested in breeding yourself, a 15-week-old chicken or cockerel will cost around EUR 16 - a small investment to be part of resurrecting a near-extinct species. ■

There was a minor security scare in March when a light aircraft flew low over a nuclear facility near Le Havre, Seine-Maritime, before eventually landing at Limoges Airport. There is a strict no-fly zone below 3,300 feet over any nuclear facility in France and breaches are treated seriously.

When the plane was met by security officials on landing in Limoges, rather than finding members of an Al-Qaeda cell inside the Cirrus 22 aircraft, they found 2 British septuagenarians. The couple, aged 72 and 74, were flying out to their second home in the Dordogne as they had done countless times before.

The pair were whisked away to a police station in Limoges for questioning, where the pilot confirmed that he was aware of flight restrictions, but believed that he had been flying at 3,600 feet, 300 feet above the no-fly zone. The couple were sent on their way, but it is now up to the public prosecutor to decide if charges will be drawn up against the pilot. The maximum penalty for breaking the aviation code is a €15,000 fine and 6 months in prison. ■

APRIL 2013 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

6 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

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www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ APRIL 2013

NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 7 LE MOULIN DU BREUIL

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Protestor cleared of causing offence Benzema says he

T

he European Court of Human Rights has found the French government guilty of being unable to take a joke. In a potentially landmark ruling in favour of freedom of speech, it decided that France was wrong to convict a member of the public, who had offended the then French President Nicolas Sarkozy in public in 2008.

The case centered around Hervé Eon, who held up a placard bearing the words “Cassetoi pov’ con” during a presidential visit to Laval, in western France.

The phrase, which loosely translates as “get lost, you sad prat”, had not been plucked out of thin air by the political activist. Sarkozy himself had recently said the words to a French farmer after he refused to shake the president's hand at the Salon de l'Agriculture in Paris. The moment was caught on camera, caused a good deal of controversy, and within days had received over a million hits online.

On this occasion, however, Sarkozy's security detail did not see the funny side, and

arrested the protestor. He was subsequently convicted of “causing offence to the chief of state” and fined €30.

Mr Eon appealed unsuccessfully in France, before finally having his conviction overturned by the European Court, which found that the French government's actions were “disproportionate” and had violated his right to freedom of speech.

Given that Mr Eon was simply repeating a phrase Sarkozy himself had used, the European Court agreed that his actions were meant to be “satirical” in nature and did not constitute a personal attack.

Mr Eon was understandably overjoyed at the ruling, saying afterwards that he had simply “directed back the boomerang that Mr Sarkozy himself had thrown.” His lawyer added: “The president's name was not even mentioned on the placard. It is baffling that my client has been chased through the courts.”

The Court warned that any penalties for acts such as this would have a negative effect on public satirical contributions that

'Undetectable' speed cameras enter service

F

rance has launched its latest weapon in the continued fight to make the country's roads safer - the undetectable mobile speed camera. The special fleet of unmarked Renault Meganes are equipped with a radar speed detector installed behind the numberplate and an infra-red camera on the dashboard that takes a photograph without the need for a flash.

The equipment will be practically invisible to motorists and virtually undetectable by GPS devices or smart phone apps, and the radar flash will not be visible to the naked eye. The only way you will know that the car in front is potentially a mobile speed camera will be the uniformed drivers.

Over the next three years, 300 such vehicles will be rolled out across the country. In the first instance, the cars will only be flashing vehicles

Nicholas

will never sing national anthem

T are “fundamental to a democratic society”, also pointing out that “politicians inevitably and knowingly lay themselves open to close public scrutiny of their words and deeds and consequently have to display a greater degree of tolerance towards criticism directed at them”.

So feel free to tell politicians exactly what you think of them, just make sure that you are being 'satirical'! ■

that overtake them, but will eventually also be able to 'flash' oncoming traffic.

The new generation of speed control will initially be deployed on stretches of road which have an existing problem with excessive speeding. Due to the fact that they are mobile, the margin of error over 100km/h has been increased and excessive speeding will only be punished at 10% above the speed limit, i.e. above 145 km/h in 130 km/h zones.

Aurélien Wattez, head of the department for automated road safety, said that speeding motorists now have nowhere to hide: “There exists a minority of people that will only respect speed limits in areas where there is a fixed camera. This system exists to reinforce the fact that you must obey the speed limits all the time, not just where there are signs.”

One website has hit back at the new mobile speed camera cars. As reported in Aujourd'hui, www.abcmoteurs.fr, a forum for car enthusiasts, has urged its members to upload the number plates of the mobile vehicles, a move which the site's owners insist is perfectly legal.

Since the introduction of fixed speed cameras in France, road deaths have fallen from over 8,000 in 2002 to fewer than 4,000 a decade later.

Average speeds on the country's roads have also fallen by 10 km/h in this time. Excessive speed is the cause of 26% of all road fatalities in France. ■

Hemming

he National Front, France's far-right political party, has called on footballer Karim Benzema to be banned from playing for France after he publicly stated that he will never sing the national anthem before a game.

The Real Madrid striker, who was born in France but is of Algerian descent, told French radio station RMC that he has no intention of singing La Marseillaise - an anthem filled with French nationalist sentiment. “I love the national team,” said Benzema. “I don’t understand how anyone can question that. It’s a dream to play for France but nobody can make me sing. I don’t see the problem.

Zinedine Zidane didn’t sing the national anthem either.

There are fans in the stadium who don’t sing. What’s important is that we’re united. I am not going to score a hat-trick just because I sang the Marseillaise.”

Marine Le Pen and her right-wing party clearly disagree and it is a sentiment that is shared by many in online forums and message boards. Eric Domard, the sporting advisor to the Front National said in a statement that the footballer “shows an inconceivable and unacceptable contempt for the jersey he has the fortune to be able to wear”. Pointing out his estimated €1,484 an hour salary, he branded Benzema a “mercenary”. “Since Karim Benzema sees no problem with not singing the Marseillaise, the French people should have no problem with him not playing for France anymore,” Mr Domard concluded.

As well as citing the example of living legend Zinedine Zidane, other former internationals have spoken in Benzema's defence. Former French captain Patrick Vieira also never sang La Marseillaise. “I do not understand, this is a false problem. I never sung it but that does not mean that my heart is not pounding. Lilian Thuram sang it but that does not mean that he loves France more than me.”

The comments mark Benzema's most recent skirmish with controversy. In recent years, along with footballer Franck Ribéry, he has been embroiled in the underage prostitution scandal involving Zahia Dehar, the escort girl turned fashion designer. In March this year, he had his driving licence revoked for 8 months and was fined €18,000 after being flashed driving his Audi at 216km/h in a 100 km/h zone in Madrid. ■

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Made to measure items

The bargains don’t stop at THE SHED - we have 1000’s of value for money products in our 3000m² store including the best Ambient British Grocery selection available anywhere in the Limousin. We are reliable for lots of your favourite brands whether it be Heinz baked beans, Bisto gravy granules, Typhoo teabags etc.

Our British food aisle may be second to none, but at THE SHED we are about more than just groceries. We regularly restock our range of DULUX paints and English Plaster as well as many other DIY essentials. Whether you’re after HOUSEWARES, TOILETRIES, FURNITURE or CLOTHING, you’ll find them all at bargain prices... so get yourself down THE SHED!!

Decking, Ply, Flooring, Sand, Gravel, etc. ... plus a great range of Timber for all your DIY needs!!

Distinctive Carved Cat Trademark

Furniture and joinery made to last a lifetime - 02 48 63 15 09 n.hemming@orange.fr - www.nicholashemming.co.uk SIRET: 533 607 115 00011

Route de l’Isle Jourdain Opposite the Gendarmerie Just off the RN147

87320 Bussière-Poitevine

Tel: 05 55 68 74 73

Open Tue - Sat: 09h00 - 12h00 & 14h00 - 18h00 (closed Mon) Sun: 09h30 - 12h00 & 14h30 - 18h00 GPS: Long: 0° 53’ 33’’ 40 E Lat: 46° 13’ 45’’ 10 N

APRIL 2013 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

8 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

'Brangelina Nouveau' goes on sale to the 35-bedroom estate to cater for their growing family of six children and have been using it as a summer residence.

The sprawling property comes complete with moat, lake, forest and 150 acres of vines, already producing 150,000 bottles of well-regarded red, white and rosé.

Hollywood's first couple resisted the temptation to call their wine Château Brangelina, or even Brangelina Nouveau, as some had suggested. Instead, the only nod to the owners comes discretely on the back of the bottle where it simply states “Jolie-Pitt”. The other name on the bottle is “Perrin”, referring to the man who owns Château Beaucastel in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

He is one of the most renowned names in the Rhone Valley and will direct winemaking and distribution of Miraval Côtes de Provence.

In a statement reported by

Bloomberg, Brad Pitt said that both he and Angelina Jolie were excited about their sideways step into wine production. “We are intimately involved and quite enthused over the wine project with our friends the Perrin family.” A red and white are due later in the year and all bottles will be organic.

Mr Perrin insisted the couple were not simply putting their names on the bottle, and were active in the winemaking process, even taking part in back-breaking wine picking last year. “They want to be proud of the wine and their property,” he said. “They are incredibly demanding and are looking for excellence. They were present at the blending sessions this year, and are relooking at everything from the installations in the winery - where we have already switched to stainless steel tanks - to reworking the labels across the range of wines.”

© 2007 - Barbara Doduk (Flickr)

I

n March, 6,000 bottles of the little-known rosé wine Miraval Côtes de Provence went on general sale. Reasonably priced at €105 for a case of 6 bottles, the internet sale started at 9am, and by 2pm every last bottle had been sold. A further 100,000 bottles have already been sold to wine merchants and restaurants.

Why was there such interest in this particular vintage? The owners will tell you that it is down to the quality of the wine, but when those owners are Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, you can start to see where some of the appeal may lie.

Jolie and Pitt acquired the 1,200-acre Château Miraval estate, together with its vineyard, in 2008 for around €40 million after becoming captivated by the grounds while flying over them in a helicopter. The have since carried out extensive renovations

Super-tax down but not out

The actors are not the first celebrities to try their hand at winemaking in this part of France.

Formula One legend Michael Schumacher owns a Côtes de Provence vineyard in nearby Saint-Raphaël and French crooner Johnny Hallyday owns a château further west. ■

Plans for a 75% tax look to be dead in the water.

But if you are lucky enough to be one of France's super-rich, you may want to keep the Champagne on ice as France's Constitutional Court has suggested a 66.6% tax in its place.

The 75% tax rate for those earning more than €1 million was a cornerstone of President Hollande’s election campaign promises and led to a number of France's rich to threaten to become tax exiles in response. The Constitutional Court, which has the right to review laws to see if they abide by constitutional rules, said that a 75% rate was closer to “confiscation” than taxation.

Another problem encountered by the proposed law was that it applied to the individual, not to the household as all other taxes in France are calculated.

That meant that an individual earning €1.2 million would pay the tax, but a couple earning €750,000 each would not.

The minister for work, Michel Sapin, insisted that there would still be a super-tax: “There is no reason to back down from plans to target the richest of the rich.” He went on to say that the difference between 66.6% and 75% was not important, what was more significant was the government's commitment to tax France's super-rich. ■

Restaurant Camping La Perle Heated terrace!

Bonnat

At the Camping La Perle restaurant, why not try our delicious Spare Ribs in homemade marinade.

Mon - Sat: 09h00 - 12h30 & 14h30 - 19h00 Sun: 09h00 - 12h00

”

We also have many other delicious dishes, including local Limousin beef.

We speak English... ask for Lisa

We have a wide range of British products in store, as well as international produce from around the world.

Loyalty Card - more flexibility - more benefits - more savings Ask in store for more information

At Intermarché Bonnat, we work closely with local and regional producers to bring you quality products, straight to your store. Why not come and try one of our wines sourced direct from the château?

38 avenue la Marche Rte de Guéret, 23220 Bonnat Tel: 05 55 62 80 68

Let us surprise you!

The restaurant is open every evening.

Reservations required.

Camping La Perle, Fourneaux, 23200 St-Médard-la-Rochette

05.55.83.01.25 - info@camping-laperle.nl

The Traditional British Takeaway in France April (all venues from 18:00 unless stated otherwise) Tuesday 2nd St Leger Magnazeix Thursday 4th & 18th St Sulpice les Feuilles Thursday 11th & 25th Lussac les Eglises Friday 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th Le Dorat Saturday 6th Liglet (18:30 start) Early dates for May Thursday 2nd Friday 3rd Saturday 4th Tuesday 7th

St Sulpice les Feuilles Le Dorat Liglet (18:30 start) St Leger Magnazeix

Siret: 503 419 871 00010

“

We are open again...!!

We look forward to seeing you at one of our locations

Come along to the original chippy in the Haute Vienne and try our freshly filleted Icelandic cod (Minimum 200g), or our large cod (Minimum 300g) and for the children cod bites. All cooked in crispy beer batter and served with delicious chunky home cut traditional English chips. Don’t forget to collect your ever popular customer loyalty card when you next visit - collect 10 stamps and have a meal free on us.

For the month of April we are offering FREE mushy peas and curry sauce.

www.fish-et-frites.com

Tel: 05 55 68 78 23 / Mob: 06 43 97 83 66

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ APRIL 2013

NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 9

H2 0 Creuse HEATING

&

PLUMBING

ENGINEER

All forms of heating work undertaken: gas, oil & wood

Parking fines look set to rise

Parking fines could be about to double to €30 or even €35 as the government looks for ways to fund a massive infrastructure programme in Paris. Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault revealed plans to raise the fixed penalty from the current €17 fine in order to pay for the Grand Paris Express, an ambitious €30 billion project to link 72 stations with 200km of new railway.

The move has created uproar across France with some calling it a “racket”.

One group of lawyers said: “For years they have been saying that fines are to help the flow of traffic, but now that mask has slipped. They have shown that it is simply a way to pump money from motorists.”

Others have questioned the legality of a nationwide fine to fund a regional project, whilst at the same time paradoxically suggesting that it would be illegal to have different penalties in different parts of the country. ■

Qualigaz certificates arranged Winterising of heating & plumbing systems Kitchens & bathrooms fitted and tiled Swimming pool maintenance. Advice given Jason Green: 05.55.63.89.23 Email: h2ocreuse@orange.fr Siret no: 487 425 639 00027

TVA No: FR86487425639

Mayoral hopefuls look to London

P

aris mayoral hopeful Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet, known to the French press as NKM, has spoken of her desire to once again make Paris “the place to be”.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, NKM said she believes that Paris must reclaim its “historical role of leading the way” if it wants to stop the “gap widening” with London.

She was referring to the increasing number of French who have been moving to 'Paris on Thames' in recent years. As more and more of France's rich look to move abroad to avoid President Hollande's tax rises, it has recently been announced that a third lycée is to open in London to cater for the army of French children crossing the Channel with their parents.

“I don't mind London being so attractive to the French, but what I don't want is for there to be a widening gap between the two where London is attractive and Paris less so,” NKM said in the interview. “I want it to be self-evident that Paris is the place to be. If you leave for a professional opportunity, that is understandable, but to leave because you have the impression you can't succeed where you are, can't live in your life, that's a different matter.”

NKM is one of three women battling to become the first female mayor of Paris when the current Socialist mayor of Paris, Bertrand Delanöe, steps

down next year. The current front runner for the job, historically viewed as a springboard to the presidency, is Delanoë’s deputy, Anne Hidalgo, 53, who seems certain to be the unchallenged Socialist Party candidate. For a long time, her main rival looked to be Rachida Dati, 47, the glamorous star of former president Nicolas Sarkozy's “government of openness”, who was the early favourite for the Right.

That was until NKM caused a stir by throwing her hat into the ring.

A surprise player in the all-female battle for Paris has been London Mayor Boris Johnson. Despite his reputation as a bumbling, gaffe-prone politician, all three mayoral hopefuls were keen to meet him during a recent whirlwind trip to the City of Lights to promote his new book, Life of London - called Une Autre Histoire de Londres in French. Johnson was clearly a hit with the ladies, all of whom publicly praised the work he was doing in London.

The mayor of London was described by Le Monde as “clownish”, but went down a storm on radio station France Inter, where he gave a 40-minute interview in accented but near-perfect French.

This despite being well-known for his French bashing comments in the past. In a recent speech at the Conservative Party Conference, for example, he denounced President Hollande as a “tyrant”. “Allons enfants de la patrie”, he began - the opening lines of the French national anthem - “We say to

the people, not since 1789 has there been such tyranny in France. I am very keen to welcome talented French people to London,” adding, “we will roll out the red carpet and welcome more French businesses to Britain and they will pay taxes in Britain and that will pay for our health service, and our schools and everything else”.

In the interview, Johnson sidestepped questions about his Downing Street ambitions, saying of his relationship with David Cameron: “We're like Wallace and Gromit”. He didn't say which was the absent-minded inventor and which his far brainier dog, and when later asked to expand on the plasticine metaphor, he said only: “I was under severe mental pressure trying to speak in French.” ■

www.lamaisonshoppingservices.co.uk

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APRIL 2013 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

10 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS OSTEOPATHY & ACUPUNCTURE

50,000 sq ft of covered showrooms & 2 large external display areas

UK Registered Cranial & Structural

OSTEOPATH

- All reclamation bought & sold - Demolition undertaken - Specialists in oak beams - Metalwork & stonework - Indian stone flooring - Plywood, all in 8x4 sheets. Internal, external and marine grade ply available

PAUL BODIMEADE, BSc (Hons) OST UK Licensed Five Element & Traditional Chinese

ACUPUNCTURIST

LINDA BODIMEADE, BSc (Hons) MBAaC

Open Mon-Sat 8.30am to 6pm - www.reclamation-yard.com Only 1km from Confolens on the D952 Ansac-sur-Vienne road

Government proposes 6 months' paternity leave for new fathers President François Hollande has made a point of promoting women's rights since his election last year, but his latest piece of proposed legislation will be welcomed by many men as well. Speaking at an equality conference in March, Hollande has called to put forward a bill that would allow fathers in France to take up to six months of paid paternity leave after the birth of a child.

“Today, fewer than 4% of those who take paid leave following the birth of a child are men,” said the president. “This means that it is effectively a leave for women, but one that sometimes ends up working against women when they are subsequently unable to find work.”

Under current French law, fathers can take up to two weeks of paid paternity leave immediately following the birth of a baby; mothers are allowed several weeks of maternity leave paid for by

the employer. Then, a parent can take further time off to take care of a child while receiving about €500 a month from the state. For a first child, this leave is capped at six months, but for two or more children, the leave can go on for up to three years.

The government is considering reducing the total amount of parental leave allowed from three years to twoand-a-half years. The money saved would then be used to finance extra six-month leaves for fathers. The government believes that the measure could keep women in the work force and theoretically boost the economy.

Mr Hollande's push follows a recent move in Britain that extended paternity leave from two weeks for a new father to include a new option of 26 extra weeks as long as the other partner has returned to the workplace. ■

Do You Suffer from Back, Neck, Joint Pain, Arthritic conditions, Tension headaches or Sports Injuries, Insomnia, Stress, Sinus, Hayfever?

Based in Châteauneuf-la-Forêt - Home Visits now available in the Haute-Vienne, Corrèze and Dordogne

paulbodimeade@eircom.net - lindabodimeade@eircom.net

Tel: 05 87 41 07 93 or 06 18 74 05 08

France's top lawyer found drowned

T

he body of Olivier Metzner, one of France's most prominent lawyers, has been washed up on the coast of his private island near Brittany. The 63-yearold was found dead on the coast of Boëdic, a small island which he had bought in 2010. Police would not initially confirm reports in the media that a suicide note had been left behind, however the results of the autopsy confirmed “death by drowning” with “no evidence of third party intervention”.

Known as the “gangsters' lawyer”, Metzner was a larger-than-life figure known for his spirited defence of high-profile and controversial defendants, including the Panamanian former dictator Manuel Noriega, the “rogue trader” Jérôme Kerviel and Continental Airlines, accused of causing the catastrophic Concorde crash in 2000. The lawyer won a surprise ruling only last year to have manslaughter charges against the US airline overturned.

His associate, Antonin Levy, told The Asso-

ciated Press that Metzner's death represented a huge loss to the French bar, calling him a “great lawyer and a fighter”.

Often seen smoking his trademark cigar - occasionally inside the courts, flouting the smoking ban - Metzner once said that he chose law after devouring the works of Kafka and reading a story in his local paper about a shepherd who had been sentenced to death. “He was from the mountains and incapable of explaining his defence in any understandable language. It made me want to be an interpreter for those who had difficulty expressing themselves in front of the court and at the same time explain the justice system to them, because the incomprehension goes both ways.”

His expertise came at a price, allegedly €450 per hour, and his last case was defending the Swiss petrol group Vitol, accused of breaking the United Nations “food for oil” embargo against Saddam Hussein's Iraq. ■

Child benefits changes on horizon

A

s France struggles with its deficit, the latest cost-saving initiative could be aimed at the allocations familiales - child benefits. Child benefits in France have been universal since their introduction in 1945. Today, families with 2 children receive €127.05 per month, irrespective of their income. For 3 children, the amount is €289.82, rising by €162.78 for each additional child.

This universality looks set to change as the government

debates plans to link them to household income. “This is fair and politically acceptable,” said a government spokesperson.

Under the current system, 4.8 million households receive €12.9 billion per year in child benefits - this represents 20% of expenditure by the CAF (Caisse d'allocations familiales).

The CAF is currently operating at a €2.2 billion deficit, a hole that the government is keen to plug.

One plan being discussed is to keep the universality,

but to reduce the amount paid out by half to the wealthiest 20% of households. The move has general public support, with a recent survey suggesting that 60% are in favour.

Opponents point out that France is one of the only countries in Europe with universal child benefits; it also has the highest birth rate in Europe, despite the economic crisis – 2.01 children per woman in 2012.

They fear that a reduction in benefits would slow down this birth rate. ■

Fish and Chips w w w. l e s n a c k s h a c k . f r Tel: 05.55.68.24.19 Mob: 06.76.69.43.63 Dates for April Friday 5th Monday 8th Wednesday 10th Thursday 11th Friday 12th Saturday 13th

St. Sebastien - take away 6-8pm Champsac Bussiere Poitevine Persac Fromental Aigurande

Dates for May Friday 3rd Wednesday 8th Thursday 9th Friday 10th Saturday 11th Monday 13th

St. Sebastien - take away 6-8pm Bussiere Poitevine Persac Fromental Aigurande Champsac

** We will be serving from 6pm to 8.30pm at all of our venues unless stated otherwise.

Le Snack Shack is a traditional British ‘Fish and Chip Takeaway’, offering a varied menu direct from the U.K. We serve the best Icelandic Cod, cooked in a crispy, golden batter accompanied by chips and mushy peas or curry sauce.

Our full menu can be found on our website - www.lesnackshack.fr Take away and eat in the comfort of your own home or feel free to have a drink alongside your meal at the bar.

Siret: 517 841 839 00015

ideal for special occasions

The Bugle April 2013

2

12 Page Pull-out Section

Your indispensable guide to finding local businesses & artisans Accommodation Activities & Leisure Animals & Pets Antiques/Brocantes Auto Services Building Services Architects Carpenters/Joiners Electricians General Groundworks

Plasterers >> B4-B5 Plumbers >> B5 Sandblasters >> B6 Tilers >> B6 Chimney Sweeps >> B6 Computers/Satellites >> B6 Courses & Classes >> B6 >> B2 Food & Drink >> B7-B8 >> B2 >> B8 >> B2 Garden Services >> B8 >> B2-B4 Gifts & Crafts Handholding Services >> B8 >> B4 >> B1 >> B1 >> B1 >> B1 >> B2

Accommodation La Petite Maison Animals & Pets Beautiful 2-person gîte in the heart of Creuse.

Perfect for house-hunters & holidaymakers alike.

05.55.80.04.31

Tel: 05 55 60 27 83

champlongchatterie@me.com www.champlongchatterie.com SIRET: 520 896 671 00010

SIRET: 518 135 009 00018

Shops and restaurants close by.

3 prices for 3 increasingly high-spec apartments: 40€/50€/60€ per night - minimum 2 nights On foot: bus station 2mins, train station 10mins.

Fully furnished for 2 people: kitchen, bathroom, all towels and linen included.

French breakfast pack available by prior notice - €7.

Wifi available. Call Eric for more details:

Your advert here

+33 (0)6 77 90 83 37

05 55 41 17 76

The Linden House

Activities & Leisure

email: tipar@hotmail.fr

Self-catering gîte in Creuse Sleeps 6-8 Prices from €250/week

Family, cage-free boarding for dogs and cats.

Positive dog training and counseling.

We make sure that “Ze Dog (& Cat) House” is a real home from home for your companions so that they, as well as you, spend a great time on holiday!

June Altman, Le Puytren, 87800 Meilhac

Tel: 05 55 58 87 94 or Mob: 06 61 01 12 21 Email: zdh@ze-dog-house.fr Certificat de capacité n° 87-203 RCS Limoges 750 912 057

Dog Holidays at Valhalla Farm

5 Star Accommodation in our Home (Dept 23).

Contact Karen & Darren Tel: 05 55 80 95 18 / 06 52 58 17 95 valhallafarm@europe.com www.valhallafarm.org

www.thelindenhouse.eu info@thelindenhouse.eu

05.55.41.17.76 sales@thebugle.eu

ZE DOG (& CAT) HOUSE

4 Walks each day & lots of T.L.C.

06.04.17.80.93

SIRET: 511 629 610 00011

Cosmo Flight School

www.cosmoflightschool.com See page 10

Champlong Chatterie

Caring, quiet accommodation just for cats JUNCT 22 off A20, Arnac la Poste Alison & Ray

www.la-petite-maison.eu sue@la-petite-maison.eu

Apartments in the heart of Limoges Old Town

Health & Beauty >> B9 Insurance & Finance >> B9 Language Services >> B9 Online Shopping >> B9 Pest Control >> B9 Property Maintenance >> B10 Property Sales >> B10 Retail & Commerce >> B10 Transport/Removals /Storage >> B10 General >> B10

05.55.41.17.76 sales@thebugle.eu

sales@thebugle.eu

CaniClôture

Invisible boundaries for dogs

www.canicloture.fr

05 46 59 06 81 - see pg 7

The Orchard Kennels & Cattery (Farges, nr. Aubusson)

Small & friendly, English run.

Viewings welcome.

Certificat de capacité.

Also available: Pet foods, treats & accessories.

Mon - Sat: 9.00 - 7.00

Contact Dave Grant: 05 55 67 58 87

www.the-orchard.eu siret: 504 584 228 00010

Antiques/ Brocantes

The Caring Cattery Rochechouart

05 55 03 76 87 / 06 30 02 35 73

Only 30 mins from Limoges airport.

Established, purpose built secure cattery. Large individual/family units, tiled floors, shelving, adjoining outside areas.

Heated, individual needs catered for.

NEW - purpose built isolation unit.

Certificate of Capacity. Contact Barbara:

bdowning77@wanadoo.fr SIRET: 494 125 016 00019

PAWS & HEARTH

Specialist Pet Minding Service

Avoid the anguish of sending your pets away from the comfort of their home when you go away on holiday.

I can mind your pets for you in their familiar surroundings, keeping them safe and contented until you return.

05 55 50 19 16

carrie.ward@nordnet.fr Siret no. 538 488 578 00013

LA GRANGE ANTIQUE

FLEA MARKET / BROCANTE

13 rue Ledru Rollin, 36200 Argenton-sur-Creuse YOU NEED SOME FURNITURE? ASK ME - I HAVE EVERYTHING!!

I SPEAK ENGLISH AND I CAN DELIVER TO YOU!

tel: 06 08 50 36 26

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

05.55.41.17.76

APRIL 2013 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

B2 ♦ DIRECTORY

Entreprise Hines Building Services All Internal & External Works, completed to a high standard.

We also supply KWIKSTAGE scaffold for hire - either DIY or full scaffold service provided. siret: 503 169 237 00016

See website for more info - www.entreprisehines.com - 05 55 89 69 46 - robert.hines@orange.fr

Auto Services

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Building Services

Comprehensive planning & permissions service for your projects. Dossiers compiled, c/w floorplans, elevations and photo-realisations.

05.55.80.72.83 masterplans@orange.fr siret: 79001698400011

Car Breakers - C.R.A.L.

Buy/Sell/Scrap Spare Parts for Sale 05.55.48.21.33 - see pg 15

Architectural Services

RING BILL!

CHARTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

Registered Car Mechanic

05.55.81.31.85

See Display Ad - pg B2

Le Mécanique Anglais 30 years’ experience

● All Makes & Models ● Repairs ● Servicing ● CT’s ● Specialist in: Vehicle Diagnostics and Auto Electrics Covering 87/24/16 - I can come to you

Email: lemeca24@gmail.com

TEL: 05 53 62 50 46 SIREN: 514 423 532

The English Mechanic www.

tyresdirect2u.com

New & Part Worn Tyres 05 55 30 02 29 - see pg 13

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76 Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Pre-purchase & Structural Surveys.

Verbal & written reports.

Structural calculations & drawings.

Redevelopment ideas & solutions.

Tim Haw B.Eng C.Eng M.I.Struct.E

05 53 56 72 59 / 06 58 04 21 94 +44 (0)7910 283 965 Web: www.versineer.com Email: enquiries@versineer.com UK Reg No. 5245744

Your Home - Get it right first time

Thinking of improving or extending your house?

I am a retired British architect based in the Creuse near Aubusson, ready to work with you and your ideas.

Déclaration Préalable / Permis de Construire, General advice, Good reputation, Reasonable rates Please contact: Neil Parkyn

tel: 05 55 66 75 53

Building Services Carpenters/Joiners Le Charme De Chêne Handmade solid oak joinery and furniture

Our joinery expertise includes barn doors, barn door frame openings, staircases, kitchens, windows & doors.

We also make handmade furniture.

Every item is bespoke and made to measure.

Please visit our website for recent installations and references.

www.lecharmedechene.com contactus@lecharmedechene.com

02 54 25 65 08 06 16 91 64 67 SIRET: 510 156 763 00011

SUNMAN

Carpentry & Joinery www.sunmancarpentry.com

carol.neil@orange.fr

05.55.60.15.57 - see below

Architectural DRAWING SERVICE

Nicholas Hemming Wood Craft

Renovating your French property?

New build?

Dossiers prepared Permis de Construire Déclarations Préalables

Tel: 05 53 52 36 05

lavieilleabbaye@orange.fr www.latuspeter-architecturaldrawings-24.com SIRET: 493 770 358 00015

Building Services

masterplans.eu

www.nicholashemming.co.uk

02 48 63 15 09 - see main ad pg 7

SHUTTERS / VOLETS Made to Measure Woodwork

Pine Window Shutters from €35 Pine Ledge and Brace Doors from €69 Bespoke items made

www.scrollart.co.uk

Electricians Robert Johnson

ELECTRICIAN SIRET: 493 084 974 00010

Registered in France since 2007 Banque Populaire La Souterraine Décennale Insurance All works to normes NF C15-100 ● Fault finding ● Small Works ● Complete rewires ● Consuel certification arranged ● Temporary EDF supplies arranged ● Permanent EDF supplies arranged ● Free quotations

Mobile No: 06 50 63 65 29

Email: robrjhnsn@aol.com Website: www.rob-johnson.biz

ELECTRICIAN Philip Evans

Fully Qualified French Electrician All electrical work covered, from a light switch to a full rewire Limousin, Charente & Dordogne covered Emergency Callouts 24/7

Tel: 06 36 35 56 44 or 05 55 78 16 28

Email: philip.evans@live.fr

Tel: 05 55 63 10 68 Mob: 06 64 59 48 64 Email: info@pink-electrique.fr www.pink-electrique.fr SIRET: 788 709 871 00016

Salamandre électricité Keith Sloper Tel: 05 55 64 94 20 Mob: 07 86 38 09 61

* Qualified electrician * All types of electrical works carried out * Free estimates * Departments 23 and 87 No Siret: 494 916 760 00015

Building Services General LES VIDANGES LIMOUSINES ▪ Emptying septic tanks ▪ Unblocking pipes ▪ Cleaning wells ▪ Group rates available between neighbours Call David - 24/24 7/7

06 49 66 44 25 87800 Jourgnac Siret N° 750 725 780 00019

Lumiere Service et Energie

Dave Cardwell - Builder

Steven Rofe - 20 Years experience

05 55 98 24 12

See our Display Ad - pg 11

• NICEIC approved Electrician for 8 years in the UK • Wiring of new installations (including liaising with EDF) • Rewiring existing houses/barns • External & garden lighting • All aspects of electrical works • Fully insured - (10 year Decennale) • Departments covered 19,23 & 87

flyscreensandmore@gmail.com 05.55.60.62.97 - see ad below

email: lsetenergie@yahoo.co.uk

Stone flooring, delivered to France see pg 5

05 55 14 12 43 Siren 527 854 749

Siret No. 501.792.386.00010

Carpentry & Joinery

05.55.60.15.57

Ruth & Geoff Kowalczyk All electrical work, home automation & security.

Project management. See our website for more information. French qualified and insured.

30+ years worldwide experience.

Departments covered: 23, 36, 87.

Siret: 533 235 016 00011

05.55.69.75.67 / 06.89.47.69.71

Oradour-sur-Vayres (87150)

Pink Electrique

www.sunmancarpentry.com

Magnetic Double Glazing

Big Stone Co www.thebigstoneco.co.uk

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ APRIL 2013

DIRECTORY ♦ B3 ADVERTORIAL

La Noneix Construction and Property Services Limousin residents Paul and Joanne Rands moved to France with their two young children 7 years ago and established their successful construction company, La Noneix Construction and Property Services, offering a full range of building services, from a small job right through to a total renovation or complete new-build.

H

ere at La Noneix Construction we are into our 7th year of trading in France and business is going from strength to strength.

We find that there are still a lot of people moving to France from other countries and many of those are buying properties that require substantial renovation.

When carrying out a large renovation, the customer needs to be sure that the company they choose is fully qualified, insured, reliable and has a good track record. We pride ourselves on meeting these criteria and for the attention to detail and level of customer service that we provide.

We are in constant contact with our clients; we effectively run a 24/7 business via phone and email. Often, our clients will be based offsite or overseas and we send

WASTE REMOVAL SERVICES

• house and barn clearances • dechetterie runs • rubbish removal • cash paid for scrap • general labouring service • mini digger hire - with/without driver

05 55 37 45 35

weekly updates, with photos of how the work is progressing. They are able to get back from work in the UK in an evening and email us to find out how things are going - we will always respond.

We find that this service is essential to our customers who do not live permanently in France, allowing them to remotely see exactly what has been happening in their absence. This not only provides peace of mind, but also avoids the need for constant, costly, trips back and forth to make sure that the work is being carried out effectively and efficiently.

Something that we unfortunately see a lot of are enquiries from people who have been let down by other companies who have either not finished the job or have not carried out the work to the relevant standard. When doing any kind of work, but especially when the work is structural, it is imperative that customers ensure anyone they use has a valid insurance policy to cover them for this work.

La Noneix Construction and Property Services is a professional enterprise that is registered at the Chambre de Métiers. We operate under a full, mandatory 10-year

insurance (décennale) and we have an excellent customer service record.

Don’t take our word for it, though, just listen to what our customers have to say about our business in their own words:

Monte Sarginson

Traditional Building Services

House Renovations Inside & Out

Experience in Roofing, Tiling Floors & Walls, Plumbing, Fitting Kitchens & Bathrooms, Stonework & Rendering, Painting & Decorating

“I would highly recommend La Noneix Consrtuction. I initially chose La Noneix based on recommendation and I certainly made the right choice. My build is a full renovation and I knew I would be away from the build the majority of the time and I wanted to be secure that it was in safe hands. La Noneix is a husband and wife team who work brilliantly together. Joanne is the organiser of the team who keeps you fully updated with e-mails and pictures about every aspect of your build, whether you’re at site or away. Paul is the workman of the operation, with a dedicated group of skilled craftsmen around him. The quality of craftsmanship can be not be bettered and the eye for detail second to none.

I'm certainly glad I chose La Noneix.” Beverly Macdonald “La Noneix Construction did my barn conversion and I would recommend them

All aspects of renovation/ restoration covered including bespoke joinery and lime plastering.

All work is fully insured.

References available.

06 74 21 47 71

Tel: 05 55 63 88 70 Mob: 06 21 34 18 20

Ring Andy on 05 44 19 15 57 Ring Will on 05 55 37 45 35

Davis & Davis

Paul Brown

La Noneix

siret 532 981 198 00015

30 years' Experience in Construction, Renovation & Project Management Quality Workmanship Guaranteed Internal/ External Developments

Barn conversions, loft conversions, new-build, drylining, plastering, rendering, spray rendering, tiling, installation of kitchens/ bathrooms, painting, carpentry, replacement doors & windows, velux installation, groundworks, landscaping, decking & much more...

No job too big (or small). Give us a call for a free competitive quote.

05 55 60 29 50 / 06 04 13 30 57 email: davis-davis@sfr.fr

Based Arnac-la-Poste - Covering depts 87, 23 & 19 Siret: 498 203 652 00017

Tony Hall

General Builders All types of building work undertaken

Over 35 years experience References available Décennale Insurance - All areas covered

Tél: 02.54.06.91.54 hall.anthony@orange.fr Siret: 504 350 604 00014

Siret no 507 516 748 00013

From small repairs to renovations Garden maintenance La Souterraine & surrounding area

Mob: 06 06 43 90 81

Email: brownpaul006@gmail.com Siret: 483 059 242 00022

Harlequin Developments All aspects of renovation and refurbishment, big or small, undertaken.

Harlequin Developments are a Distributor and Installer for Solarventi, solar dehumidifying and water heating products, as well as a range of other renewable energies

siret: 532 981 198 00015

Construction & Property Services Established, Professional and Personal Building Services. Fully registered with décennale insurance covering all works.

●Renovations ●New builds ●Roofing ●Stonework ●Carpentry ●Ground works Large or small projects undertaken - please view our website.

Contact: Paul or Joanne Rands

05.55.66.44.06

www.lanoneix.com Paul.rands@orange.fr SIRET: 501 144 596 00019

BATIMENT SERVICES ROCHE Tailored solutions for your projects - big or small.

Can do part or all of your jobs.

harlequindevelopments@live.com www.harlequindevelopments.com

• Painting (inside/outside) • Plaster boarding and insulation • Floor coverings (laminated floors, carpet, etc.)

• Wall coverings (wallpaper, paper to paint, etc.)

• Handyman jobs Phone Seán: 06-77-21-24-54 87800 Meilhac - Free quotations.

SIRET: 494.501.067.00016

SIRET: 788 841 021 00017

05.55.68.67.56 06.06.60.46.97

Advertise your business here

05.55.41.17.76 sales@thebugle.eu

to anyone. Paul offered really good advice, made the process of getting the permis de construire dead easy and carried out the work in good time and to a very high standard. I was kept up to date by email of each stage of the project as I could not be on site. My French neighbours are very impressed with the result!” - Tim Claydon, 23250 Monteil Bardoux ■

La Noneix Construction & Property Services Tel: 05.55.66.44.06 Email: Paul.rands@orange.fr Find more information on our recently relaunched, fully bilingual website:

www.lanoneix.com

Lovejoy’s Fosse Septique Specialist Scaffolding Hire Steve Johns

20+ years experience All aspects covered: Paperwork and permissions arranged Installations (full/part) Upgrades (to current regs) Inspections

Digger and dumper hire

Groundworks, foundations, driveways, etc.

Building & Renovation services Free devis and site visit

05.55.64.11.73

We guarantee to beat any like for like quote ! siret: 514 556 208 00015

KWIKSTAGE Scaffold Hire DIY or Full Scaffold Service See our website or phone for details

05 55 89 69 46 www.entreprisehines.com robert.hines@orange.fr SIRET: 503 169 237 00016

The Reclamation Yard 05.45.30.72.04

www.reclamation-yard.com See our main ad - pg 10

Strong, fully adjustable cup-lock scaffolding Collect and erect yourself to save costs or delivery and erection included

Tel: 05 55 68 22 04 www.limousin-builders.com Siret 789 209 236 00015

Skilled Workman

Building Renovations & Small Jobs • Velux Windows • Roof Repairs • Tiling • Plumbing • Plaster boarding • Garden Projects & Maintenance For more info please call Barrie

05.55.02.66.58 / 06.76.09.68.37 Or visit my website

www.bw-renovations.co.uk SIRET: 501 338 230 00011

PROPERTY RENOVATIONS ED BREWIS

For all your renovation needs

Kitchen/Bathroom fitting - Plasterboarding Carpentry - Painting and Decorating - Tiling etc Areas 87, 23, 36 25yrs experience / 7yrs in France

Tel: 06 89 45 08 88

E-mail: edward.brewis@wanadoo.fr Siret No: 489 898 585 00018

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

APRIL 2013 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

B4 ♦ DIRECTORY ADVERTORIAL

CaniClôture - hidden fences for dogs

C

aniClôture are here to help you.

We offer an animal containment system to keep your dogs safe in your garden. We use a unique FM radio signal patented by Dog Watch this guarantees against any interference to your system. The radio signal is transmitted through a buried or hidden boundary wire, anything from a gateway to 200 acres.

Your dog then wears a receiver collar that will detect the signal as he approaches the wire. He will soon learn to react to the audible signal (a beep), then if he continues he will receive a

ADVERTORIAL

Spotlight your business to an estimated 30,000 readers

E

mild correction (a static shock) transmitted from the collar.

We offer a lifetime guarantee on the system and a containment guarantee on all systems installed by CaniClôture, as we will also personally train

Building Services

your dog after installations.

As spring is just around the corner, we are pleased to offer you a 15% discount on all installations in April, so you can rest assured your dog can enjoy the garden sa-

fely contained within your boundaries. ■ For more information please check out our website. www.canicloture.fr Simon & Tina Hatcher 05 46 59 06 81 canicloture@hotmail.fr

Elegance Home Improvements Full, Comprehensive Building Service

05.55.64.18.33 - see pg 11

La Coterie Entreprise

General PATIO & DECKING CLEANING Ring Bryan

05 55 64 87 92 / 06 47 46 62 29 see main advert - pg 7

DAVID LEE General Builder

All exterior and interior work undertaken including: • Plasterboarding • Plastering • Rendering • Tiling • Blockwork • Bathrooms and Kitchens • Septic tanks As seen on Channel 4's Grand Designs Abroad Covering Limoges and surrounding areas Free Estimates

Mob: 06 08 07 95 24 Email: david.lee044@orange.fr Siret: 453 965 493 00027

R & B Construction ALL ASPECTS OF RENOVATION & CONSTRUCTION *Special Spring Discounts* • House & barn renovations • Garage/loft conversions • Bathroom/shower rooms • Doors/windows • Roofing • Patios/decking • Plumbing & Electrical

See our website: http://www.rb-first-construction.com Tel: 05 55 37 74 06 (Dave) Tel: 05 55 69 75 67 (Steve) (Depts 23, 87 & 19)

siret: 501 792 386 00010

Approved septic tank installer

very month 13,000+ copies of The Bugle are printed and distributed across the region. Thanks to our targeted distribution where we personally visit each of our 350+ distributors every month, and adjust the number of papers left accordingly, we make sure that the right number of copies go in the right places. The Bugle has an estimated monthly readership of over 30,000 people!!

That means as many as 30,000 pairs of eyes will be reading this text in the coming few weeks… and they could be reading about your business! An Advertorial like this one costs just €50, that’s 600 potential new customers or clients for your business for every euro spent!

BURTON’s BUILDERS All Masonry High Finish Quality Work Pergolas Carports Patios Bonnat Dept 23, 03,18, 36

05.55.80.83.30

05 55 62 48 15

See our main ad - pg 13

siret: 489 041 830 00030

www.lce23.com

Builder

40yrs Experience in quality work, available for all your House Maintenance/Projects including Plumbing, Carpentry, Masonry, Structural Work, Decorating.

Plus Key Holding service.

Good References. Dept. 23/36

05.55.80.72.60

email: chris.coxon@orange.fr 497 962 001 00010

Tersannes Timber

www.gatesinfrance.com 05 55 60 14 18 - see pg 12

Property Maintenance Haute-Vienne and surrounding area Spring Deals Available

Project help Renovations interior & exterior General maintenance Conservation and restoration trained in the UK

Tel: 05 55 06 52 36

Septic tanks

systems designed with permissions & paperwork included and independent approval with certification.

GODSON

Travaux Publics www.pilgrim23.com 05.55.62.61.12 - pg 3

Entreprise Hines Building & Renovation ● Roofing - New & Repairs ● Masonry ● Plastering ● Dry Lining ● Sand Blasting ● Equestrian Buildings ● Digger/Scaffold Hire ● ... and much, much more

28 years qualified experience

Steve Booth

Siret Registered

stooze@wanadoo.fr

05.55.89.69.46

www.entreprisehines.com robert.hines@orange.fr SIRET: 503 169 237 00016

Celotex

Insulation Specialists 05.55.78.57.60 - see pg 12

RSW Entreprises

Fosse Septique Specialist

05.55.80.00.57

See our Display Ad - pg 14

Electrics

diagnostic report and remedial works – consuel approvals - liaison with ERDF for changes. full re-wires, new-build, additions, modifications.

As our newspaper has grown in popularity and The Bugle has established itself as the primary source of free local and national news in the region, our advertising has also become increasingly effective. Advertorials are just one of the advertising options we offer, but they have become a very cost-effective way of attracting new customers and raising the profile of your business. Because we only feature a handful of businesses each month, we highlight those businesses prominently and deliver your message in a targeted manner.

Advertorials are now available in 4 sizes: • 1/6 page - €50 (this one) • 1/3 page - €100 • 2/3 page - €200

Double D

Renovations & Home Improvements 05 55 65 00 29 - pg 13

• full page - €300.

If you would like to find out more about our Advertorials, or any of our other advertising options, please feel free to get in touch with us on 05.55.41.17.76 or drop us a line at sales@thebugle.eu ■

Building Services

T J Renovations 30 years experience in building trade

Full refurbishments undertaken • Stone/Brickwork • Patios • Repointing • Studwork • General Repairs & Maintenance

Groundworks

All areas in the Limousin covered Contact Tim

Mini-Digger with driver

Email: tjrenovations96@yahoo.fr

john.bonella@gmail.com

See Main Ad - Pull-out pg B3

Albo

Building Services

05 55 61 08 02 / 06 52 23 89 54 web: www.builderinthecreuse.co.uk Siret: 750 068 116 00011

Windows & Doors

www.albo.cz/english 07 86 95 18 90 - see pg 12

Masonry & More

General building Renovation & maintenance Reliable, good quality work 30 years exp Based central 23 - will travel Martin Sprague

05 55 61 93 07

martin_sprague_1@ hotmail.com SIRET: 531 768 182 00010

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Renovation

bathrooms & kitchens from design to completion; ceilings; partition walls; drylining.

05.55.78.62.29

Plasterers Le Plâtrier du Limousin The friendly and reliable plasterer Registered in France.

Fully insured offering 10 year guarantee.

Call Stuart on:

05 55 80 92 91

info@platrierlimousin.fr Siret: 534 396 908 00012

Pro-Point Facades

Re-pointing - Rendering - Plastering

05 55 78 80 31 See our Display Ad - pg 14

Tel: 05.55.80.83.30 Email: sales@LCE23.com Web: LCE23.com

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ APRIL 2013

DIRECTORY ♦ B5 ADVERTORIAL

Dave Cardwell - professional builder/designer

O

ur company is based on the belief that our customers' needs are of the utmost importance.

We are committed to meeting those needs. As a result, a high percentage of our business is from repeat customers and referrals. If you are searching for bespoke handmade Abri’s, Carports, Field Shelters, Stables or Animal Housing, look no further!

Whether you require basic stables or desire a complex design, we can create to an exact brief. If you would like to find out more information regarding our products, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We would

welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service for price.

Let's discuss your ideas! Your free consultation is just an email or call away.

For example: a 12 x 12 field shelter from just €2,300. Also available, post and rail fencing and rustic chestnut stock fencing.

Dave Cardwell www.limousinbuilder.webs.com dave.cardwell@yahoo.co.uk 05 55 98 24 12 - 06 06 44 35 28 Find us on facebook: www.facebook.com/CardwellArtisan

Unique chicken coops from €165

Solid handmade chicken houses made to order, ranging from 2 nesting boxes to 6 nesting boxes. All have 2 doors - one back, one front - front ventilation and all internal fittings are removable for ease of cleaning.

All come stained and have protection from predators but also the wet and windy weather we so often experience.

The large nesting boxes provide a cosy area for your birds to lay. Its position and lift-up lid allows you to easily collect your eggs, without disturbing your hens.

Multiple access points make this chicken house quick and easy to clean.

Removeable perches inside the front door provide a ramp access.

Delivery is possible. If you have a specific design, bespoke coops or any other animal sheltering can be made.

GLEN VINEY

PLASTERER Quality Plasterwork, Internal & External

Plasterboarding, Partitioning, Skiming, Solid Plastering, Floor Screeding, Rendering: Mono Couche/Coloured Render Waterproofing Render Systems

Tel: 06 45 18 86 10

(18 Years Experience) Email: glenviney1@btinternet.com Siret: 527 736 326 00010

MARK COLYER

LIMOUSIN PLASTERING LIMOUSIN STUKADOORS

20 years experience in: ● Solid plastering ● Skimming ● Dry Lining ● Rendering ● Plasterboard Studwork

Specialising in both French lime plastering and English plastering techniques.

10 years tiling experience.

Covering Creuse (23), Haute-Vienne (87), Northern Corrèze (19) & Southern Indre (36) For a free quotation & friendly advice call Mark or Mareike on

Multiskilled Artisan

Graham Carter Plastering

• Plastering • Rendering • Stud Walling • Tiling and associated works • Bespoke polished concrete surfaces for Window Sills, Shelves, Fire Surrounds etc.

• General Renovation interior and exterior of buildings to customer's specification.

Tel: 05 55 76 69 32 Mob: 06 43 11 95 87

Building Services

Siret No. 513 415 091 00018

« LE PLATRIER »

Chris the Plasterer A genuine plasterer French and English spoken Traditional Plastering Rendering, Floor Screeding Stud partition dry lining Lime mortar stone pointing

FOR A QUOTATION CALL

05 55 63 53 06 06 23 29 48 19

05 55 54 95 63

christopher.willis@orange.fr

siret: 539 941 450 00014

SIRET: 504 612 441 00015

mcolyerplasteringandtiling@orange.fr

05.55.41.17.76 sales@thebugle.eu

Le Bourg, 23360 Nouzerolles

Plumbers A. Ives Plumbing & Heating Installations & Alterations Bathroom suites, Showers, Kitchens, Tiling, Complete wetroom installations Emergency work undertaken

06 02 37 62 57 SIRET 538 689 530 00011

Martin Walters

Plumber

Caught out last winter?

Don't worry!

We can now offer winter checks, drain downs, caretaking, general DIY, key holding, as well as our usual friendly plumbing services.

Tel 02 54 24 84 62

Rick Fife

Plumbing & Heating Engineer

All aspects of Plumbing and Heating work undertaken.

23 Years Qualified (Previously UK CORGI registered – Oil / Natural Gas / LPG) Established and registered in France for 7 years.

Areas Covered: North Creuse (23) & South Indre (36)

Tel: 05 55 62 34 66

Email: amanda.rick@tiscali.co.uk Office Hours: 8:30 – 18:00 Please give us a call to discuss your requirements. If you get the answer machine we WILL return your call the same day.

Siret 522 804 723 00016

siret: 494 380 264 00015

Your advert here

H20 CREUSE

05 55 41 17 76

Heating & Plumbing engineer

05 55 63 89 23 - see pg 9

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

APRIL 2013 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

B6 ♦ DIRECTORY ADVERTORIAL

Authors Wanted

H

ave you written or are thinking of writing a book? Peter at Lucky Day eBooks is looking for new authors to help publish their work digitally and in print.

He has already helped Jacky publish her first book on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Apple, Smashwords and a multitude of other places. You can now buy Bubbala, Biker Scum and the 'T' Girls in paperback format as well (see cover, left). You can either download it to your Kindle, Nook etc. or have the paper version delivered free to a UK address from Amazon.co.uk or to a French address from Amazon.fr.

Peter has also helped Sue publish her Children's books about the donkeys on their Little French Donkey Farm (see cover,

right). The first three in the Precious Series are available in English as downloads from Amazon and all the other websites previously mentioned. The first one in the series is about to be published in French. These lovely children's books have got plenty of illustrations which have been created by Sue herself. They should be available later this year as paperback books and hardback books.

For more information, do get in touch to see how Peter can help you achieve your dream of publishing your book. Much of his help and advice is free and he is able to tailor his services to meet most authors' requirements and budgets. So, email now and you can join Sue and Jacky as published authors! ■

peter@luckydayebooks.co.uk

Building Services

Chimney Sweeps

Sandblasting Sand and Blast

TOUTE SWEEP

Chimney Sweep Service

We provide a fully operated

* All types of chimneys cleaned * Brush & Vacuum * Smoke Tested * Fully Insured * HETAS Approved and member of NACS * Official certificates of cleaning issued (Certificat de Ramonage) * Clean, tidy, professional & friendly service

sandblasting

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.

www.sandandblast.com

05.55.78.43.71 / 06.67.81.63.46 steve@sandandblast.com SIRET: 488 522 921 00037

Building Services

Contact Barry Manning

Phillip Girard Tiling

Tiling walls and floors, tanking systems, undertile heating, laying of natural stone, pattern specialists.

Full design and professional decorating service available.

Contact Phillip for a free estimate

05 44 19 13 97 / 06 81 47 68 94 phillipgirard1970@gmail.com Siret: 750 256 067 00018

All types of chimneys cleaned

Clean and Efficient Certificat de Ramonage issued with every chimney swept Woodburner repairs/installation Accredited Flue liner Installer Chimney repairs/maintenance Fabrication & welding to E.N. 287

TEL. 02 54 06 40 80 sootylesweep@orange.fr siren 535 199 483

Computers & Satellites

For all your TV and satellite installations and repairs (Sky TV, Internet etc.)

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

06.79.07.91.56

Courses & Classes

Call Patrice:

libre.antenne87@gmail.com Fast dependable service Based Séreilhac (87) siret: 353 613 227 00035

Creusetec

Satellite Systems 05 55 66 60 21

"Tooway" High speed internet via satellite TV Satellite Sales, Service & Installations.

TV Receiver & Electronic Repairs.

Dish alignments. Sky/Freesat/TNT/FTA. Most of depts 23,03,63,87,36 covered.

martin@creusetec.com http://www.creusetec.com

Tel: 05 55 66 14 11 Mob: 06 31 59 81 08

SIRET: 510 117 328 00011

REMEMBER - BLOCKED FLUES AND CHIMNEY FIRES CAN BE FATAL...

DON'T TAKE THAT RISK!

computer services - pc • mac • network

Mayday

barry@toutesweep.com

05 55 68 47 33 / 06 82 26 31 54 see pg 12

SIRET: 534 351 754 00013

Chimney Sweeping

Tilers

CLEAR CHIMNEY SERVICES

GOODWIN SATELLITE

• Flue ways cleared • Birds nests, vermin & debris removed • Smoke evacuation & gas tightness tests • Official certificates of cleaning issued (Certificat de Ramonage)

SALES & INSTALLATION OF ALL SATELLITE SYSTEMS & AERIALS. FAULT FINDING.

05 55 63 78 72

Email: garygoodwin@wanadoo.fr

www.stovesellers.com Siren: 502 409 949

05.55.41.17.76 sales@thebugle.eu

Dept 23 & surrounding areas

Tel: 05 55 62 05 61 Mob: 06 06 47 89 66 siret: 453 067 910 00019

Big Dish Satellite www.bigdishsat.com

05 55 78 72 98

see main ad - pg 4

NO FIX... NO FEE !!

IT Support for Creuse, HauteVienne, Indre and Vienne

www.indre-it.com 02.54.25.65.08 06.16.91.64.67

We provide a fast and friendly service either at the client's home, via remote software or computers can be left with us and collected when the work is complete. ● Ordering/Installing wireless & broadband ● Fixing results of a virus attack ● PC healthchecks ● Virus , trojan , worm removal and protection ● Backups/Disaster recovery ● Hardware/software upgrades. ● Website and graphic design. ● Printer/scanner assistance.

Traditional Black and White Photographic 2 Day Course Develop your film and take a mounted print home.

Expert one to one tuition.

Equipment and materials supplied.

Based 86200. Accommodation possible.

For details: richard.tuckey@orange.fr

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76 Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ APRIL 2013

DIRECTORY ♦ B7 ADVERTORIAL

How we topped up our retirement income

L

ike so many people, we have been dissatisfied with low returns from the ordinary and more traditional investment options here in France or in the UK. So last autumn my wife and I decided to analyse the returns from our modest investments. Our disappointment reached a new low when we found some were either producing very little income or actually going backwards in real terms. So we decided to search for something a little different but totally safe, offering a much higher rate of return.

At the time, the criteria we set seemed ambitious if not impossible to achieve.

However, we have now reinvested and to our delight, we have satisfied even the more onerous conditions. We certainly did not want any degree of risk, neither are we experts, so it had to be a safe investment we could virtually forget.

Our criteria: • A safe and secure investment • Annual returns of 8% perhaps 10% net • A guaranteed rate of return • Totally hands-off • Truly net, no hidden extras, overheads, fees or surprises • Not locked in, so with a fast and easy exit Having evaluated the widest variety of investments, we finally short-listed Luxury Hotels and University Student Accommodation.

This was primarily because both offered absolute security of tenure with excellent, guaranteed net returns. Hotel investments offered better returns plus a variety of ad-

Food & Drink

ditional benefits, including discounts on luxury accommodation, golf days and a guaranteed buy-back at higher values. However, we finally opted for Student Accommodation.

We have since discovered we had followed the same route of thousands of people who in 2012 invested a staggering £2.7 billion in UK-based student accommodation (CBRE). This growth was in spite of an 8.7% decline in applications for university places (UCAS).

Why choose University Accommodation?

In every region of the UK, demand substantially outstrips supply (KNIGHTFRANK).

Secondly, local authorities are starting to impose strict conditions on multiple-occupancy properties. This is because high level of demand removes too much of the housing stock from the local market. Furthermore, as the supply of student accommodation is unlikely to ever meet demand, we should also secure useful annual increments on future returns, plus a steady increase in asset value. These additional benefits will help keep us ahead of inflation, which of course was far from certain with ordinary investments.

So although Luxury Hotels is a more interesting option, offering higher returns plus many additional benefits, we are delighted with our leasehold Student Units guaranteeing us at least a 10% net annual return. www.cbre.co.uk www.ucas.ac.uk http://my.knightfrank.co.uk/research-reports/student-property-report.aspx

By Mike Davidson

Restaurant

AUX CEPES LA veytiZoU, 87130 Neuvic-entier

▪ Menu du jour ▪ Carte

BAILEYS

Bar & Restaurant

5 Rue de L’Abreuvoir Aubusson

Traditional French and English dishes Menu du Jour 16€, 4 courses incl. wine Open Fri 12pm-2pm Sat 11.30am-2pm & from 7pm Restaurant Menu

05.55.66.37.10

Book club open when bar is open

Fish et Frites

Mobile Fish & Chips 05.55.68.78.23 -see pg 8

JJ’s Cafe Bar Some customer quotes:

‘...more than just a bar’ ‘....a bit like Allo Allo and Cheers!’

Come and see for yourself - Open all week.

See our Notice Board events listings 39 Place du Champ de Foire 36140, Aigurande

▪ Our famous Fish & Chips

Tel: 05 55 69 33 38

Accept our invitation to:

An Investment Seminar

Including lunch and refreshments at a luxurious Limousin Château The seminar is aimed at individuals interested in totally secure, high yielding investments; minimum investment £15,000 Sterling. You will receive a comprehensive information pack to take away and consider at your leisure.

There is absolutely no charge, your attendance will not place you under any obligation and you will not be expected to make any decisions at the seminar.

We are certain your time and the journey will be worthwhile and we guarantee you will find much to interest you. However, should you be busy on the 27th April but wish to have the information pack forwarded, kindly call the HOTLINE below.

When: Saturday 27th April 2013 at 10.30 am until 3.30 pm with breaks for lunch, refreshments and questions.

Where: Château de la Cazine, Domaine de la Fôt, 23300 Noth (Creuse). The location is 10kms East of La Souterraine Reservations for the seminar opened earlier this month and places are strictly limited so we recommend you reserve your place now by visiting the website below.

www.ReserveMyPlace.co.uk DINNER Should you wish to reserve a table for dinner (39 € fixed menu or à la carte) or take advantage of the special overnight discount, call the HOTLINE below.

OVERNIGHT STAY Normal room rates are between €180-365, all discounted to a fixed price of €95 including Continental Breakfast, on a first come first served basis, subject to availability.

TO REQUEST AN INFORMATION PACK, TO BOOK DINNER OR A ROOM CALL:

+33 (0)555 68 48 80 (If out of hours leave a message and we will call you back)

L’Escale Restaurant & Bar

5 Rue Andre Jouhannaud, Compreignac

Freshly home-cooked Food

Plat du Jour, Mon-Sat: €12.50 Sunday Lunch with real Yorkshire puddings Every Friday Night - Fish & Chips with home-made mushy peas €8,50 To Eat In or Take Away (alternative menu available)

Open: Mon–Sat 11.30–2pm, Fri & Sat eve 7–11pm, Sun 11.30–3pm Party Bookings Welcomed For further information

Oh My Cod Fish and Chips

RIVE DROITE

05 55 80 34 26 - see pg 14

02 54 24 01 06

www.ohmycod.fr

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

Le Pub

Petticoat Lane

05 55 80 37 70 - see pg 7

02.54.60.02.14 - see pg 6

Tel: 05 45 29 03 99

Le Relais de l'Abloux

La Petite Fontaine

Le Moulin du Breuil BAR, RESTAURANT, TERRASSE 23140 PIONNAT

58, rue d'Orjon, Argenton-sur-Creuse

15 Grande Rue, Le Dorat

Café, Bar and Events Venue Lunch Menu Free WiFi

05.55.60.29.74

Bar - Restaurant Pizzeria

info@lapetitefontaine.com www.lapetitefontaine.com

Pizzas to eat in or take away

Restaurant Camping La Perle

36170 SACIERGES-ST-MARTIN

cafebarjj@yahoo.co.uk

02 54 47 56 74

SIRET: 508 754 314 00013

10%-12.5% p.a. net on your investments – guaranteed

tel: 05 55 12 99 45 or 06 04 09 03 10

Open Monday to Saturday from 12pm to 2pm and from 6pm to 9pm

02 54 06 30 77

www.frenchweb.eu/jjscafebar/

Investment Opportunity

SIRET: 489 218 636 00012

Fourneaux, 23200 St-Médard-la-Rochette info@camping-laperle.nl 05.55.83.01.25 - see page 8

5 Rue Nationale – 16150 Chabanais

Visit: www.petticoatlaneshop.com E-mail: sales@petticoatlaneshop.com English groceries, Fresh British Beef & Steaks (to order only), Gammon Steak, Bacon, Sausage & Cheddar Cheese.

Wide range of frozen items including vegetarian.

Traditional English beers, Sherries & Wine.

Cards for all occasions.

Opening hours: Mon - Thur 10am – 6pm Fri 10am – 7pm, Sat 9am – 6pm Visit us and compare our prices

Le Snack Shack www.lesnackshack.com

05.55.68.24.19 see main ad - pg 10

8 rue Ledru-Rollin 36200 Argenton-sur-Creuse

Restaurant - Pizzeria ● Italian Specialities ● Traditional Cuisine ● Home-made Desserts Moules de bouchot available from July to December High Quality Food, a Warm Welcome and a Friendly Atmosphere await Closed Sundays & Mondays

RESTAURANT DES23100 SOURCES FENIERS Weekday lunchtimes

Menu du jour - €12 (coffee and wine included) Weekends Menu gourmand - €18.50 or Menu grill - €21 ... local Limousin meat grilled, while you watch, over an open wood fire in our chimney dating from 1732.

Local, fresh and homemade produce.

Evening meals by reservation.

Tel: 05.55.67.15.27

www.restaurant-des-sources.fr

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

APRIL 2013 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

B8 ♦ DIRECTORY ADVERTORIAL

Electro-Sat comes to France

A

t last we are here, so come and see us at 5 Place de la République, Sauviat-sur-Vige,

87400 France.

Mike Genge is now in residence and hopefully we will soon have internet, phone, etc. all in place. Feel free to call us on 06 30 28 81 43 and you can be assured of an English voice on the other end.

Visitors are welcome, but please make an appointment, as we might be on site and wouldn’t want to miss you.

We will have a stock of UK Freesat boxes, DIY kits, single and multiple L.N.B.’s, dishes up to 1.1m and much more. All our Freesat boxes are genuine UK boxes, from our suppliers in the UK. If

you are considering a DIY install, we will shortly have some easy to use professional ROVER satellite meters for hire.

If you run a hotel or campsite, then talk to us about satellite distribution systems. From a single satellite point to a fibre optic satellite distribution system for over 160 apartments, we have the knowledge and experience.

We offer everything for UK TV reception, Broadband, CCTV, Home Cinema, WiFi networks for house or campsite, Tooway, HDTV distribution and much more.

We will also be providing DIY kits for UK TV and keeping a wide range of spares available both for DIY and trade customers.

Whatever your requirements then contact us. With over 25 years' experience, we will have the solution for you.

Our web site www.electrosat.fr is full of helpful information, as well as very competitively priced DIY kits and, via our UK company, we will be offering professional transfer of old cine film to DVD. ■

Building or renovating a new property? Then make sure the infrastructure you are installing is capable of carrying the technology.

Call us for planning advice and don’t get caught out in the future.

Electro-Sat Tel 06 30 28 81 43

Ecurat 23150 Food & Drink Atelier26,d'Art du Jardin

Open Fri, Sat, Sun and Bank Holidays 11h00 to 18h00 from Easter until the end of September.

Artisan art for your garden.

Cream teas on the terrasse.

RDV for weekday visits SVP.

C’est cheese

Find us at local markets selling a small and tasty selection of excellent quality english cheeses.

Also available online.

For more information, see our website:

www.cestcheese.fr 09.66.87.02.74 cest.cheese@orange.fr SIREN: 409 679 578

Le Creusois Bar/Restaurant

Les Genêts, Azerables

2km from Chénérailles and the Chateau Villemonteix

tel: 05 55 81 31 85

email: artdejardin@gmail.com www.atelierdartdujardin.net

Garden Services

FLOWER POWER PLANT NURSERY

02 54 08 44 39 see ad page 11

Cross Cut Tree Surgeons for all your tree requirements beverley.pawson@yahoo.co.uk 05.55.60.62.14 / 06.78.38.42.44 see main ad above

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

Vera Laine Gift Shop & Salon de Thé

SECOND HAND BOOK SHOP. GREAT SELECTION OF GIFTS, CARDS, CANDLES AND HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS 500+ DVD's now in stock

Large selection of gifts, candles, mugs, shabby chic homeware, cards, plus leather goods, jewellery and hair accessories. Affordable prices!

We look forward to meeting you!

Contact Jay:

Rochechouart

Tue 2.30pm - 5pm Thu, Fri 9:15-12 & 2:30-5pm Sat 9 - 12

05 55 78 19 24

www.theexchangerochechouart.com 9 rue Dr Charles Poitevin SIRET 484 479 480 00010

06 35 91 03 83

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Handholding Services

veralaine19@yahoo.com

Open Fri, Sat, Sun and Bank Holidays 11h00 to 18h00 from Easter until the end of September.

Artisan art for your garden.

Cream teas on the terrasse.

RDV for weekday visits SVP.

05.55.63.90.79

www.lecreusoisbistro.com SIREN: 483 988 853

05 55 41 17 76

The Exchange

Ecurat 23150 Gifts & Crafts Atelier26,d'Art du Jardin

High quality British & French food at reasonable prices.

Menu du Jour €12, Traditional Pub Food, Vegetarian dishes, Childrens & Snack menus also available

Your advert here

** OPENING APRIL 15th **

LE DORAT (Pl. Charles de Gaulle)

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.

Come and visit the workshop by appointment.

Tel: 05.55.80.29.88

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

2km from Chénérailles and the Chateau Villemonteix

tel: 05 55 81 31 85

email: artdejardin@gmail.com www.atelierdartdujardin.net

05.55.41.17.76 sales@thebugle.eu

Sophie Arsac

French lessons & handholding services 05.55.89.15.74 - pg 15

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

Cross Cut Tree Surgeons

for all your tree requirements 27 years experience Free quotes and advice We will not be beaten on price or standard of work Fully qualified arborist - Fully insured Covering depts: 87, 23, 86, 36, 19 & 16 Reliability guaranteed

beverley.pawson@yahoo.co.uk

05.55.60.62.14 / 06.78.38.42.44

siret: 530 840 958 00017

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ APRIL 2013

DIRECTORY ♦ B9 ADVERTORIAL

From low-cost shutters to beautiful handmade staircases - made right here in the Limousin

F

rance is known for its colourful blend of shutters and doors, but like many external products they do deteriorate over time. Sometimes the cost of replacement is prohibitive, so we have developed a range of low-cost shutters (starting from only €35 each) to complement our standard range of Douglas Fir and Oak shutters. Our shutters are made to measure, so little or NO trimming is required.

This makes fitting much easier than standard ‘brico’ kits that often require severe alteration and customisation.

Although we use electrical machinery, we try our utmost to

work within sustainable boundaries and our workshop is still powered using wind and solar as a result our carbon footprint is minimal.

Much of the Oak we use is sourced from retired French joiners and other old hardwood stocks - this makes it more sustainable than felling additional mature Oak trees and also has the benefit of being nicely seasoned, so the quality and figure is unmatched compared to some saw mills. If you have a dry stock of timber we are happy to purchase or use it for your commission.

We love to build crafted items and we are keen to be asked to create bespoke pieces such

Health & Beauty

ADVERTORIAL

Parking for Limoges Airport: New Service from April 2013

F as staircases, shutters, windows and doors for new or old properties.

If you would like to know more about our services, please visit our website:

www.scrollart.co.uk or call us on: 05 55 14 12 43 E: info@scrollart.co.uk Siret: 752 051 482 00012 Oradour-sur-Vayres (87150) ■

Your advert here

rom previous experience, we found that when arriving at the airport in France there was always a problem with the car that had been left in the car park too long: a flat tyre, flat battery, puncture, etc.

Just 20 minutes from Limoges Airport, we offer alternative, cheaper parking facilities with the benefit of regular vehicle checks so you can be confident that on arrival, your car will be ready to drive. We also offer packages to enable

Language Services

you to get to and we are offering a from Limoges town new meet and greet service for Limoges centre.

Airport, for new and existing customers.

We will meet you at the airport at your convenience and take your vehicle away to be parked securely with us until your return.

Additional serNEW from April 2013 vices include vehicle valeting, arranging a Starting April 2013 Contrôle Technique

Online Shopping

The English Hairdresser

Insurance & Finance

Established in Bellac since 2003

www.osteopathyforbackpain.com www.acupunctureforhealthwellbeing.com 06 18 74 05 08 - see pg 10

La Petite Place Hair salon, Le Dorat

05.55.60.87.37

Chénérailles Native qualified teacher

- Small groups - 1 to 1

05 55 80 44 83 japprendslefrancais@sfr.fr Free trial lesson!

Tel: 05 55 68 39 21

OSTEOPATHY & ACUPUNCTURE

FRENCH CLASS

Elisabeth Sicard

13 rue Thiers, Bellac

Siddalls

Financial Solutions & Expert Advice

05.56.34.75.51

See our Display Ad - pg 14

HiFX

International money transfer

See our Display Ad - pg 11

www.hifx.co.uk

05.55.41.17.76 sales@thebugle.eu

Integrated Tax Planning & Wealth Management

Blevins Franks

05 53 63 49 19 - see pg 3

Advertise your business here

05.55.41.17.76 sales@thebugle.eu

To find out more about our services tel: 05 55 03 37 96 or visit: www.parkinglimoges.com

05.55.41.17.76 sales@thebugle.eu

Pest Control

05 55 41 17 76 Colin Anthony

(MOT) and assistance with registering a vehicle in France.

For customers departing on an early flight or arriving late we can offer B&B accommodation. Visit: www.lemoulindelafauvette.com ■

Native French Translator 25 years experience Proposes French teaching and conversation as well as personal development.

Please call:

05 55 69 71 40

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

La Maison Shopping UK shopping delivered to your door

05 55 41 46 88 - pg 9 British Corner Shop

www.britishcornershop.co.uk British food shopping, delivered worldwide - See ad pg 5

Central France Pest Control Dératisation, Déinsectisation, Désinfection

Mouse 2 House

02 48 60 83 72 / 06 74 33 02 38

05.55.68.78.23 - see pg 13

Email: info@applicateur3d.com

www.mouse2housedeliveries.com

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

www.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

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

APRIL 2013 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

B10 ♦ DIRECTORY ADVERTORIAL

“SolarVenti”- the solar Harlequin solution to damp and Developments humidity A E stablished and registered in France since 2006, we specialise in all aspects of property renovation and refurbishment, along with barn conversions and extensions. No job is too big or too small and we will provide you with a detailed devis at a competitive rate.

Our work includes full renovations, extensions, insulation and plaster boarding, tiling, replacement windows and doors, re-pointing walls, parquet flooring, staircases, kitchens and bathrooms fitted.

We undertake insurance work - floods, fires etc - and send regular update emails, together with photographs, to clients who may live outside France, to keep them fully up to date with their project. References are gladly given from previous/current clients.

We are now able to offer an even wider range of renewable energy products from some of the world’s leading manufacturers.

With summer coming, why not think about putting a roof over your terrace/patio area? We will be happy to give you a quote for a traditional oak framed structure, with a roof finish to your specification. All bespoke to your requirements, and using the best local materials. It could also double as a car-port during the winter, and bring an end to scraping ice off car windscreens.

We have several satisfied clients from 2012, who will happily provide references for the quality of our workmanship.

For more information, a devis, or simply to discuss your project, please feel free to contact us.

Property Maintenance

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 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.

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 collar cell, introduces warm, dry air

Square Habitat

www.immolimousin.com

06 74 89 40 03

See main advert pg 4

Houses on Internet www.housesoninternet.com

05.55.65.12.19

See our Display Ad - pg 3

Stress Free Property Services

Security and Storm Damage Checks Housekeeping & Winter Care Key-holding & Changeovers Care & Maintenance Post Collection & Bill Paying References available

Retail & Commerce

05 55 64 15 42

carolalanbrodie@hotmail.co.uk Siret 533 817 573 00017

Property Sales

www.moulin-de-tintin.com 05.55.79.57.60 - see pg 4

see pg 8

Meuble & Déco

05.55.57.09.34 see advert on pg 2

87230 Bussière-Poitevine

05.55.68.74.73 - see pg 7

www.limousin-bilingual.com

05 55 54 95 85 - see pg 12

Auwell Piscine

Pools, hammams, saunas, spas, furntiure...

www.auwellpiscine.fr - see pg 11

Affordable Moves/ Single Items Regular UK runs - check website Europewide/ limousin based

E: pancentral@hotmail.com W: www.themanwithavan.info Siret : 532 526 001 00013

Man & Van Transport Genuine/Reliable/Honest Local + Europe + UK runs Goods In Transit Insurance 14m3 capacity 4.2m load length French Spoken

05 55 33 21 59 87150 Oradour-sur-Vayres

www.frenchvanman.eu

05 55 62 80 68

BABY/INFANT EQUIPMENT FOR HIRE

SIRET: 523 955 151 00015

Parking For Limoges Airport

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

www.chauffagebois-limousin.com

MAN + VAN Fiat Ducato with 11m² load capacity

jonathanpiddock@orange.fr

See our Display Ad - pg 8

Carrefour du bois Limousin

Siret 530 213 644 00012

05 55 83 02 77 / 06 81 33 07 15

05.55.63.78.72

General

05 55 63 72 45 - see pg 12

Collections / Deliveries Removals / Brico Runs All over France.

Competitve hourly rate incl fuel.

Please ring or e-mail for a quote.

Based nr Aubusson Dept 23

Stove Sellers www.stovesellers.com

sales@thebugle.eu

The Man With A Van Who Can

Tel: (+33) 07.61.21.85.15

SECOND HAND FURNITURE

Intermarché Bonnat

Alinéa

Transport, Removals & Storage

SIRET: 510 995 681 00010

Moulin de Tintin Furniture, interiors & gifts

SOLARVENTI - Available in the Limousin From Harlequin Developments Tel: 05 55 68 67 56 Mobile: 06 06 60 46 97

turneramandajane@gmail.com Tel: 05.55 48.28.89

05 55 02 30 60 - see pg 4

www.tannery-colombier.com

Get down The Shed

Bilingual Estate Agent in Creuse

Dress agency and gallery, specialising in designer and high quality pre-owned clothes for women and children, together with accessories, footwear, jewellery, gift items, and hand made furniture.

4 rue Principale, St Mathieu, 87440

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Mégisserie Colombier

Eco Entrepot Cendrillon - Bourganeuf

Soie et Bois Depot Vente des Vêtements

MEUBLES D'OCCASION

stressfreepropertyservices@hotmail.com

Is your holiday home all work and no play?

• House Maintenance • Cleaning • Gardening • Changeovers • Storm and Winter checks Bourganeuf area plus 40km

ADVERTORIAL

www.latourmasseret.com

05 55 81 35 95 / 06 74 03 07 05

Brodie's Homecare Services

into your home at the rate of 20 to 100 cubic metres per hour.

In Southern Europe, SolarVenti is not only used for ventilation/ dehumidification purposes; with far more winter sunshine hours, it also provides a substantial heating supplement.

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.

There are no electrical or water connections and it can be safely left running, even when the property is empty.

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!

Cheaper parking for all types of vehicles Book now!! www.parkinglimoges.com

05 55 03 37 96

To raise funds for the SPA dog rescue centre in Guéret.

High chair, buggy, play pen, travel cot, fire guard, stair gate etc.

Each item will incur a hire charge of 7 euros, plus a refundable 8 euros deposit.

For more INFO or to HIRE Call Jean: 05 55 54 96 36 jeanwhitham@orange.fr

05.55.41.17.76 sales@thebugle.eu

05.55.41.17.76

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ APRIL 2013

CLASSIFIEDS ♦ B11 The Bugle CLASSIFIEDS are brought to you in association with WWW.HOUSESONINTERNET.COM

Classified Adverts

Classified adverts are currently free for all small items (less than €500). For other types of classified adverts a small fee does apply: ● Items more than €500 are charged at €5 per month ● Accompanying photos are charged at €2.50 per month To place a classified advert, please email notices@thebugle.eu with the details you would like included in your advert.

FOR SALE

FOR SALE: 1940s/50s French Dresser with Ceramic Drawers

ANIMALS & PETS

FOR SALE: OUESSANT SHEEP 3 rams and 1 ewe 'Hubert, Spot, William and Wonky' our pet Ouessant sheep are looking for new homes! These very hardy, rustic, small sheep make perfect lawn mowers, pasture improvers and great for novice shepherds.

They will all live happily together but I am also happy to split. They are all tagged and wormed. €20 each. Email: sophiehabberjam@ hotmail.co.uk Tel: 05 55 62 47 06 Free to good homes I have two 2 lovely cats almost a year old who are looking for a new home. One tabby, one tabby and white. Litter trained, affectionate, love a fuss and good mousers. Tel: 05 45 31 07 83/ 09 75 91 05 45 FOR SALE: Labrador puppies 2 female and 1 male, all black. NonLOF. Wormed, vaccinated and microchipped ready for their new homes. Parents both KC registered full pedigree. 250 euros each. Tel 05 87 79 20 96 Email: john.walls@sfr.fr FOR SALE: Wintec 2000 saddle With girth, stirrups and price to include a full bridle. €150.00 Tel: 05 55 60 62 14 or 06 78 38 42 44 Email: beverley.pawson@yahoo. co.uk FOR SALE: Ferplast Atlas 40 Pet Transporters Ferplast Atlas 40 Pet Transporter, used only once, 35eurosFerplast Atlas 50 Pet Transporter, used only once, 45eurosFerplast Atlas 60 Pet Transporter, used only once, 60euros Tel: 05 55 98 57 62 Email: daveyd2050@aol.co.uk FOR SALE: Rugs Masta Deluxe Turn Out Rug Black 6FT V.G.C. 50€; Brown Check Travel Rug 6FT 25€ NEW; Green Stable Rug Chill Cheeta 6FT 25€ NEW. We are in dept 23 close to Chenerailles.

Tel: 05 55 62 77 41

For all Classified submissions: notices@thebugle.eu BUILDING MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: Building materials/ equipment Adjustable Steel Props.

Two 3.6m max height and two 2.9m max height. Euros 50 the lot.

Makhita 2200W Angle Grinder.

Euros 40. Tel: 05 55 63 43 69 FOR SALE: 15 sheets of 9mm exterior plywood 2.40 x 1.44 (3sq metres per sheet). Unused. Surplus to req. €30 per sheet. Tel: 05 55 89 00 67

FURNITURE FOR SALE: 2 large 3 seater sofas and 1 chair In dark brown leather.

Very good condition. €500.00 Tel: 05 55 78 45 24

Very unusual. €150.00 Tel: 05 55 62 91 97 (ANWSER MACHINE) Email: grandemaisonchenerailles@orange.fr FOR SALE: 2 Seater Settee + Armchair Cream Background/ Floral Print detachable covers + Matching Cushions & Pouffee.

Good Condition.SETTEE:- H 34cmxD 35cmxL 70cm.Contact:Tony or Marie Wood. 4 minutes from A20 exit 19 (Celon) Buyer Collects. €50.00 Tel: 02-54-2539-79 FOR SALE: Tapley '33' Teak glass fronted wall display cabinet 22 ins

wide by 44 ins high by 11 ins deep.

4 adjustable glass shelves. Fitted 2 lighting units (fluorescent tubes not fitted). Wall bracket included.

Good condition. €40.00 Tel: 05 55 69 79 71 (Eymoutiers) FOR SALE: 4 seater settee and 3 seater bed settee Biscuit colour in good condition. Together with arm protectors and large pouffe (small tear on one corner). Very comfortable and useful as the 3 seater doubles as a full length single bed. 87150. €400.00ono Tel: 05 55 50 49 51 FOR SALE: Pine table Round 77cm diam. €8.00 Tel: 05 55 03 87 56

GARDEN FOR SALE: Garden shredder €30.00 Tel: 05 55 58 90 39/ 06 04 49 90 79 FOR SALE: New above ground steel wall swimming pool Still in package with assembly instructions. Cost 600 euros now 500 euros. To be collected (Bessines-sur-Gartempe). €500.00 Phone 05 55 60 88 30 Email: ianmags@tiscali.co.uk

GENERAL FOR SALE: Four Electric Radiators All wall-mounted. 0ne Radiant 1500W. Three convector approx' 1500W each. Euros 50 the lot. €50.00 Tel: 05 55 63 43 69 FOR SALE: Multi purpose aluminium ladder nearly new €80.00 Tel: 05 55 58 90 39/ 06 04 49 90 79 FOR SALE: Bestway round

swimming pool Brand new. 15 ft by 3 ft depth. 100 euros telephone €100.00 Tel: 05 55 58 90 39/ 06 04 49 90 79 FOR SALE: Various Pressure cooker (new) 10€ Circular saw in case (used once) 20€ Gas paraffin heater (used twice) 40€ Electric heater (used) 10€ Loupiac 2005 sweet dessert wine, normal price 6.50€, our price 3.50€. If you buy 6 bottles 3€ a bottle. Tel: 05 55 62 91 97 (ANWSER MACHINE) Email: grandemaison-chenerailles@ orange.fr FOR SALE: 2 metal fuel storage tanks Hold approx 400 litres each.

120 euros each o.n.o. Tel: 05 45 31 07 83 / 09 75 91 05 45 FOR SALE: Swimming pool covers to fit pool 8 x 4m Summer cover complete with roller, very good condition, fully bound edges, €250. Winter cover conforming to French security norm, excellent condition, €150. Or €350 for both covers plus roller. Buyer to collect (Bellac, 87). Email: david.a.webb@orange.fr FOR SALE: Golf equipment Bargain as new Top-Flite golf bag----Master Gold 3 & 5 woods---Browning 3-4-5-6-7-8-9- irons---Pitching wedge----Sandwedge---Shoes worn once UK size 9----Waterproof leggings----Some balls new and used in very good condition----Bag is almost new.

ALL FOR BARGAIN PRICE 85 EUROS. €85.00 Tel: 05 55 68 27 80 Email: blaze87210@gmail.com FOR SALE: 30 X LED Bulbs Spot Lights 4 Watts, Day White. GU10 fitting, New. Reason FOR SALE: ordered the wrong colour. 120 Euros the lot. 87230. €120.00 Tel: 05.55.03.84.50 FOR SALE: Coffee Filter Machine 10/12 cups max. Black. Jug in burnished stainless steel. Never used. €15.00 Tel: 02 54 25 38 97 (36, Orsennes) FOR SALE: Oil Central Heating Boiler In good order. €70.00ono Tel: 02 54 25 38 97 (36, Orsennes) FOR SALE: Window - 176 x 101 4 panels, 36 x 82. Not double glazed.

In good condition. €30.00 Tel: 02 54 25 38 97 (36, Orsennes) FOR SALE: Window - 150 x 66 8 panels, 25 x 31. 2 broken. Not double glazed. €15.00 Tel: 02 54 25 38 97 (36, Orsennes) FOR SALE: Small Door Complete with its own metal shutters. 175 x 53. Window in door 78 x 26. €40.00 Tel: 02 54 25 38 97 (36, Orsennes) FOR SALE: Various 1. Canon MP240 Colour printer/copier in vgc, needs new ink cartridges. 2.

Samsung inkjet phone/fax in vgc.

Offers please for any of the above.

Tel: 05 55 60 25 92 FOR SALE: Brand New Set of Mens RH Golf Clubs Full set of Powerbilt clubs with stand bag inc. Driver, 3 Wood, 3&4 Hybrid, 5 - SW. All with graphite shafts + Putter. No offers 150 EUR. €150.00 Tel: 05 44 20 22 58 FOR SALE: Overlocker Used once.

Excellent Condition.

Contact:- Tony or Marie Wood. 4 minutes from A20 exit 19 (Celon) Buyer Collects. €95.00 Tel: 0254-25-39-79 FOR SALE: Digibox In perfect working order for Freeview or

Sky subscription channels. £20 ono. Tel: 02 54 37 76 24 Email: construction.uk@hotmail.com FOR SALE: Gas Air Rifle FX T12 gas air rifle, made in Sweden.

Hawke telescopic sight, silencer and case.Superb condition, hardly used.Cost £700 new will accept 400 euros ono €400.00ono Tel: 06 79 93 11 84 Email: karen2zante@ yahoo.co.uk FOR SALE: INFLATABLE DINGHY AVON REDCREST DINGHY, includes wooden floorboards, inflatable seat, fibreglass seat, 2 oars, electric pump, outboard bracket and storage bags.Dinghy:- Length 2.75m, Beam 1.32m.Capacity:4/5 persons , 320kgs.Ready to go and have lots of fun.Photos available if required. €400.00 Tel: + 44 (0) 7929 830643 or +33 (0) 6646 25092 Email: haynes.peter@ yahoo.co.uk FOR SALE: FORGE WULF, portable, coal fuelled forge in very good condition.Photos available if required. €230.00 Tel: + 44 (0) 7929 830643 or +33 (0) 6646 25092 Email: haynes.peter@ yahoo.co.uk FOR SALE: VACUUM PACKING MACHINE FULLY AUTOMATIC

VACUUM PACKING PACK AND SEAL MACHINE. DESKTOP STYLE.Suitable for food, meat, restaurant products, skin care products, electronics etc.Commercial grade vacuum packing machine, constructed with full stainless steel and high grade pump and components, designed to withstand the industrial environment. Stainless steel tank and chassis suitable for packing wide range of products and for easy cleaning.Long / wide tank design, application for food service such as sandwich, special shape product packing.

Computer adjustable vac timer and seal temperature control.

Suitable for many types of bags.

Very fast operation. Typical cycle time is 15 – 30 s. Specification:Tank size :- 380mm x 280mm x 90mmSealing bar size:255mmUnit size:- 500mm x 250mm x 280mmWeight :- 36 kgVoltage :- 220 volts Quantity of bags and stamping kit included.

Excellent condition. €790.00 Tel: + 44 (0) 7929 830643 or +33 (0) 6646 25092 Email: haynes. peter@yahoo.co.uk FOR SALE: Various 5 assorted Bikes + 9 assorted new tyres and 7 assorted new inner tubes. Ideal for a gite or brocante. 40 Euro's the lot. Motorized garage door, excellent condition. Cost new 470 Euro's SELL for 100 Euro's.

Steel sink with taps + 2 double top cupboards and 2 single. As new.

40 Euro's. Free standing bottle

gas cooker with 4 rings and oven.

As new. 50 Euro's. Large electric flymo. Good condition. 20 Euro's.

Stone shower base + shower door and thermostat. 40 Euro's. Log saw on stand. Blade 400mm.

Cost new 329 Euro's SELL for 90 Euro's. USED TWICE. Call 09 62 16 87 35 ask for Ken Email: jeanie3@wanadoo.fr FOR SALE: Various Coffee maker 8 euros. Bread maker 8 euros. New cot mattress and sheet 10 euros. 2 bikes 10 euros each.Marshall Cavendish Murder Casebook 150 issues, with binders 40 euros. Microwave Know How 90 issues, with binders 20 euros. Scottish Memories 201 issues from no. 1, March 1993 50 euros. Websters seven language dictionary, 3 volumes, 15 euros.

Tel. 06 26 07 72 75 FOR SALE: Persian carpet, goat skin rug & Chinese vase table lamp Large persian carpet... like new...overall colours are burgundy and dark blue...900 euros. Bought for 1.700 euros 2 years ago. Large goat skin rug... very thick and warm..overall colours are light brown and cream....600 euros. Large Chinese vase table lamp, with beautiful chinz shade....200euros. Tel: 06 01 83 50 55 or 05 55 57 53 19 FOR SALE: Various Prada Gents Jacket, medium, grey, excellent condition E60.00 OVNO. Henri Lloyd Jacket (with logo on outer collar) medium, cream, excellent condition E50.00 OVNO. Rover 25 steering wheel (no airbag console included) with stereo volume control (also fit Rover 200 1995 on) E25.00. Moulinex deep fat fryer VGC E25.00 ONO. Eurohike 2 man ten in bag (model no: 265TS) VGC E30.00.

Moulinex coffee maker (old/ retro 1980's) VGC E15.00. Gents Berghaus hiking trainers brown, size 8/EU 42.5 VGC E25.00.

BNIP - BHS pure cotton Double Flat sheet, cream BRITISH BED SIZE E20.00. BNIP - House of Fraser oxford pillowcase beige BRITISH BED SIZE E8.00. BNIP - House of Fraser Double fitted sheet, white polycotton (50/50) BRITISH BED SIZE E20.00.

BNIP - House of Fraser Sheet & Pillowcase set, double, white 100% Egyptian cotton BRITISH BED SIZE E40.00. BNIP - BHS single flat sheet & pillowcase sky blue polycotton (50/50) BRITISH BED SIZE E17.00. Tel: 05 55 60 46 33 FOR SALE: MICROSOFT desktop wired keyboard 600 In black with USB connection.

English layout. Brand-new, never used in original packaging. €30 + €5 postage or collect. 36170 close to Limoges border. 02 54 25 34 78 Email: blake.peter@orange.fr FOR SALE: Carp fishing Tackle 1) New, Unused, Tracker Armo Dome, 250 euros. 2) 3x Quantum Energy BCS750 big pit baitrunners, 200 euros. 3) 2x Shakespeare Albany 3.00lb tc Rods, 100 euros. 4) 2x Shimano Aero GTE 6000B baitrunners.

150 euros. 5) 2x Shimano Aerlex 7000 (ideal for spod and marker) 60 euros. 6) New ( still sealed packaging) Fox digital scales.

80 euros. 7) 3x Nash Pursuit 3.00 lb tc rods. 200 euros. 8) 2x DAM Titanium Allrounders (handcrafted) 12/13 foot. 140 euros. All are in excellent condition. Need the money to repair my car. Tel: 05 55 68 71 22.

After 6.00pm.

FOR SALE: 1000W wall-mounted electric inertie Ceramique radiator (never used). €80.00 Tel: 05 53 56 90 87 FOR SALE: Audi Q7 Parka Limited Edition Audi Q7 Parka for sale. Size Large, fits approx 42"-44" chest. Green with fur lined hood. As new condition, only worn twice. Very rare item as it was only issued to people who worked on the Audi Q7 development in Munich. €75.00 Tel: 06 06 60 46 97 FOR SALE: Confidence USA 2 in 1 excercise bike/cross-trainer In new condition complete with original packaging. Would like 75euros, but sensible offers considered.Based in Dept.86. Please telephone for further details. €75.00 Tel: 05.49.48.59.18 / 07.80.05.42.52 FOR SALE: Good quality hay Small square bales 3e each; big round bales 1m20 30e each; big wrapped silage/haylage 1m20 35e each. Tel: 05 55 68 20 27 FOR SALE: Dallas Accoustic guitar Condition as new. €85.00 Tel: 05 55 82 08 03 Boussac FOR SALE: Cornilleau 140 indoor table tennis table Condition as new. €195.00 Tel: 05 55 82 08 03 Boussac FOR SALE: Small Bales of Hay 10-12 kilo - 2.22 euros each. Near to Chénérailles. Can deliver up to 70 bales. Tel: Steve or Rosie 05 55 41 59 42 Email: stephen.towse@ wanadoo.fr FOR SALE: Model WS 5406 'Miele' Commercial Washer In good condition. €75.00 Tel: 05 55 98 57 62 FOR SALE: 'Keraco' Stone Effect Twin-Bowl Sink (120cm x 60cm) with single drainer in light grey, never used. €40.00 Tel: 05 55 98 57 62 FOR SALE: 'Extralight Sprint' Gents Bike Never used and in mint condition. €80.00 Tel: 05 55 98 57 62 FOR SALE: Telephone handsets & ext leads/ adaptors/ connectors BT (English) wifi telephone handset and Phillips Dect (French) wifi telephone handset, both in very good condition.

Also an assortment of phone ext leads, English/French adaptors, connectors etc. Offers please. Tel: 05 55 60 25 92 FOR SALE: Golf Equipment Lots of top quality golf equipment including bags, trolleys, clubs (irons, woods and putters), balls (new and used), gloves tees and a pair of size 9 1/2W Footjoy Dry Ice shoes. ALSO 1 ladies gooseneck putter and 1 ladies mashie niblick, both hickory shafted and made by Wm Gibson & Co Ltd Kinghorn Scotland. Sensible offers please.

Tel: 05 55 60 25 92 Email: malcolmwalden@yahoo.co.uk FOR SALE: Various Mens light grey salopettes size 32-34 waist & ladies cream salopettes size 29-30 waist, both unworn 10€

APRIL 2013 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

B12 ♦ CLASSIFIEDS The Bugle CLASSIFIEDS are brought to you in association with WWW.HOUSESONINTERNET.COM each; large mirror 66cm x 92cm with smoked grey surround 25€; electric mincer with sausage and biscuit attachment 20€; white modern sideboard with two drawers and two cupboards 60€; ladies B’Twin bike with padlock and helmet unused 90€; teal bedspread 200cm x 214cm unused 10€; Brita water filter with three cartridges 8€; Quechua single inflatable mattress 10€; four porcelain Franklin Mint model unicorns approx 26cm high in excellent condition 20€ each. Tel: 05 55 81 74 25 FOR SALE: Gents Apollo Mountain bike With pannier and storage. 20 Euros each. Tel: 05 55 60 03 34 (87330 Nouic) FOR SALE: 8 New Epson Inks T1285 (Fox) 2 x red, 2 x blue, 3 x yellow, 1 x black. Reason for sale - changed printer. €60.00 Tel Barbara: 05 55 03 76 87 FOR SALE: MENS COATS Due to loss of 3 stones in weight!

Quiksilver Parka, XXL, khaki with quilted soft fleece lining, half zip and hood with faux fur, worn only twice, 45 €; Ciro Citterio quality 3/4 length black leather jacket, XXL, 50 €; Stylish black corduroy coat, L, never worn, 35 €; Ben Sherman brown suedeeffect jacket, XL, with fleece lining, 35 €. All ovno. Email for photos. Tel: 05 55 64 83 13 Email: clairbirkett@hotmail.co.uk FOR SALE: NORDIC TRACK CXT 1200 cross trainer BURN OFF THE CALORIES AFTER CHRISTMAS! Can be seen on Nordic Track web site. In good condition. Lack of space after rearranging home forces sale.

100 Euros, cash. Buyer collects. €100.00 Tel: 05 55 14 28 09 Email: patriciawoodward@ hotmail.co.uk FOR SALE: Front fork for racing/ road cycle Carbon, FUNDA 3T PRO in excellent condition and hardly used. Buyer to collect.

Photos available. €140.00 Tel: 05 55 64 22 25 Email: geeinfrance@ gmail.com FOR SALE: Various Singer treadle sewing machine to restore.

10€Demijohns 1€ each.Full size tennis table; Coffee maker; Bread maker; Cot mattress and sheet Any reasonable offer accepted.

Tel: 06 26 07 72 75 FOR SALE: Metal Gun Cabinet Height 154 cm; width 40 cm; depth 26 cm. Holds 6-7 guns with internal ammo box. €250.00 Tel: 05 55 42 56 44 FOR SALE: Vase x 2 Peacock design, blue, pink and white, 14 inches €10.00 Tel: 05 55 60 03 34 (87330 Nouic) FOR SALE: Step machine with counter €20.00 Tel: 05 55 60 03 34 (87330 Nouic) FOR SALE: Electric food steamer 2 tiers, never been used. €10.00 Tel: 05 55 60 03 34 (87330 Nouic) FOR SALE: Mirror 82 x 63 cm incl. Wrought iron surround. €10.00 Tel: 05 55 03 87 56 FOR SALE: Raclette New, boxed. €5.00 Tel: 05 55 03 87 56 FOR SALE: Ceiling light fitting As new. Gold/wood. Semimodern design. Upward facing.

Approx depth 500mm. Today's approx price 85 euros, will accept 40 euros. €40.00 Tel: 05 55 03 87 56

PROPERTY TO LET: 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house, 5 Km west of Aubusson Oil fired central heating, English

and/or French TV. 400 Euros per month plus bills. Available 1/3/13 furnished or unfurnished. Tel: 05 55 67 58 87

fsmail.net FOR SALE: 2008 Belcanto 470TS

Burstner

Would you like to buy a lake...?

Set on 2.65 hectares of beautiful woodland in the commune of Javerdat (87520) and comprising: ◊ 2 areas of water, 400-1,000 m² ◊ a lake of 7,000 m² ◊ a caravan ◊ a small fishing boat All areas are compliant with current regulations. Beautiful lush green setting. Far from any other buildings.

If you love nature and fishing, then this is for you!!

Price: €79,500 (negotiable) Visit before making any decisions. Call Jean-François LEPINE: 05.55.03.30.87

Purchased new and registered in France. For sale due to ill health.4 Berth. Large central bed. Air pulse heating. Water heater. Fitted microwave oven.

Television.

Semi–automatic satellite dish.

Truma Mover. Dorema Maxi porch awning (320x240) used once. Many extra accessories included in price. €9,700.00 Tel: 05 55 68 29 73 / 06 31 30 08 13 FOR SALE: 1997 VOLVO ESTATE. 850 TDI. 5 cylinder turbo diesel. French registered.

FOR SALE

Building Plots / Economic Activity Areas The Brame Benaize Community of Communes would like to inform possible entrepreneurs in Limousin or elsewhere - interested in developing or setting up a business - that we have building plots / economic activity areas available for sale in JOUAC (87890) and MAGNAC-LAVAL (87190).

Interested parties can email in English for enquiries.

mairiestleger@wanadoo.fr

L.H.D. CT until 07/2014. Manual gearbox. Towing hook, max.

1600kg. Electric windows (front).

Heated mirrors. Auto cruise control.

Radio, CD, etc. Central locking.

Anti blocking system. Air bags etc. A non-smoker car. Garage maintained. Colour: Tropic Green.

Bodywork very good. Some scratches (supermarket trolleys).

The price includes 4 separate alloys with tryes. €1,300.00ono Tel: 02 54 47 24 15 (after 18:00 if possible) FOR SALE: Tractor Tame that

VEHICLES / PARTS FOR SALE: Swift Challenger 480SE caravan 1998 Two berth caravan with oven, hob, sink, hot water heater, and hot air heating.

Shower, toilet and wash hand basin in separate bathroom. Also included is a large awning. Perfect for an extra double bedroom for visitors or good accommodation for that renovation project. £450 Ono. (Cheronnac area) Tel 05 55 50 47 75 FOR SALE: Hyundai coupe TSIII Limited Edition Crystal White,

RHD, French Registered, Sunroof, 17" anthracite alloys, quad exhausts, sport suspension from the Eibach springs, quilted style leather seats with matching door-trims, high boot spoiler, 2.0 liter Beta engine badged chrome door sills, metal foot rest and pedals, iPod connectivity and heated seats, 30K. Contact for info or pictures. €9,000.00ono tel: 05 55 47 34 82 Email: jseretny@hotmail. co.uk FOR SALE: AUTO Ford Focus 1.6 silver LHD, French reg’d 2001, 195,000km. New tyres, A/C, CD/ radio, electric front windows, one owner last 5 years, good mechanical order and condition overall. €2,250.00ono Email: ileslie@

vegetable garden. Good working order (excellent rear tyres). Air cooled (no antifreeze needed).

Carte Grise (French log book) for road use. Single furrow reversible plough.Ferguson drill plough / cultivator.1.5mtre Grass cutter. Old trailer thrown in.€4000 the lot. €4,000.00 Tel: 05 55 78 76 31 FOR SALE: 1956 MG MAGNETTE Rhd sports saloon

(like the doctor's car in the tv series "Call the Midwife). Rust-free rebuild in Ivory over Green, chrome and leather are nicely patinated.

Converted to 12v negative earth alternator with additional indicators and seatbelts for safety. The overdrive gearbox gives 3000 revs at 70mph and the brakes have been overhauled, including a new master cylinder. The propshaft, gearbox mounts, fuel pump, front springs, hubcaps, carpet and five tyres all fitted new in 2012.Asking price €11000, or sterling equivalent. The car can be viewed in the Charente

during April. Please contact for photos/information. €11,000.00 Tel: 05 45 97 39 81 (France) or 0844 232 1708 (local UK rates) Email: seaward.james@aliceadsl.fr FOR SALE: French Registered 2001 Land Rover Freelander Td4 Automatic LHD Turbo Diesel, Col Black, leather interior, 5 Doors.

Automatic gear box, Air con, ABS, Hill descent, Electric windows, Tow bar, radio/CD, 4 New Tyres.

Roof rack/Snow chains opt. extras. €4,250.00ono Tel: 05 55 60 08 46 FOR SALE: CAMPERVAN Elnagh

1989 Fiat Ducato LHD 5.6m.2.5 Diesel 5 speed. Towbar.Ideal for 2 people. Fixed bed. New upholstrey & curtains.Internal screen protectors. Blinds & flyscreens.

Blown air heating. Shower, cooker, fridge etc. New cover. €6,500.00 Tel: 05 55 03 59 83 FOR SALE: Vauxhall Vectra 1.9 CDTI (150) diesel estate Sept.

2006. New MOT and Taxed. 2 owners with full Vauxhall main dealer service history. Full service with cambelt, water pump and clutch kit, including dual mass flywheel replaced Dec. at 148k. All Invoices to confirm with original service book and document pack.

Every extra including SAT NAV. New Goodyear tyres fitted last year. Non smoker car in excellent condition. Metallic Black with no damage. RHD will consider exchange for LHD car with cash adjustment either way. May interest person returning to the UK with French car to sell. £2995 ono or € equivalent. Tel: 02 54 37 76 24 Email: construction.uk@hotmail. com FOR SALE: H & K Bradley Trailer (Bingley, Yorks) 2 metres long, 2 metres high. Roller shutter door.Type No. HU4 & 5 MK Year DZA. Very good condition. €850.00ono Steve 05.55.6975.67/06.89.47.69.71 Email: lsetenergie@yahoo.co.uk FOR SALE: Mobile Home - English made 9 metres long x 3 metres wide. 2 Bedrooms, 1 shower room, dining room/lounge, kitchen, fridge & oven. Gas fire, gas boiler. Good condition. €3,500.00ono Steve 05.55.6975.67/06.89.47.69.71 Email: lsetenergie@yahoo.co.uk FOR SALE: ELLDIS VOUGE Mk 2 caravan A truly immaculate English ELLDIS VOUGE Mk 2 caravan which is proving too expensive to register in France.

Would make an ideal "Extra double bedroom" in the garden for visiting friends or relatives.

Alternatively would be suitable accommodation whilst restoring/ rebuilding a property.Comprising of shower, washbasin, toilet, hob, full oven, hot water system, sink, gas/electric fridge, central heating, gas fire, wardrobe, double glazing, flyscreens and sun blinds.This caravan has had very little use in its lifetime and is in superb condition.

Gargilesse 36190. €1,450.00ono Tel: 02 54 47 20 87 FOR SALE: VAN SAFE VAN VAULT 2, Size: 920 x 560 x490mm (LxWxH), Weight:46kg.

UK’s no.1 security container for fixed installation into commercial vehicles. High tensile steel storage box. 2mm sheet steel body & lid.

Tamper proof single pin hinge.

Anti-drill 70mm disc lock. Gas strut for soft open/close lid action. Siren holes for optional anti-theft alarm.

Excellent condition. NEW PRICE 242€.Photos available if required. €160.00 Tel: + 44 (0) 7929 830643 or +33 (0) 6646 25092 Email: haynes.peter@yahoo.co.uk FOR SALE: THERMAL BLINDS THERMAL FOIL WINDOW BLINDS FOR CAMPER VAN, MOTORHOME.NEW, 3 PIECES. Photos available if required. €50.00 Tel: + 44 (0) 7929 830643 or +33 (0) 6646 25092 Email: haynes. peter@yahoo.co.uk FOR SALE: RADIATOR 61349A (MADE IN DENMARK BY NISSENS), as new, suitable for the following models:- PEUGEOT 4062.0i Turbo 19961.9 TD 1995 à 19992.1 TD 1995 à 1999 PEUGEOT 406 COUPE2.0 Turbo 1997 à 1999PEUGEOT 605 2.0 Turbo 1995(M + Auto)2.1 TD 1995 CITROEN XM2.0i Turbo 19952.1 TD 1995Photos available if required. €45.00 Tel: + 44 (0) 7929 830643 or +33 (0) 6646 25092 Email: haynes.peter@yahoo.co.uk FOR SALE: TYRES 4 BRAND NEW 205/80R 16, Remoulds.

Photos available if required. €240.00 Tel: + 44 (0) 7929 830643 or +33 (0) 6646 25092 Email: haynes.peter@yahoo.co.uk FOR SALE: TRACTOR FERRARI

PowerSafe, 2 WHEEL TRACTOR, Type 340A/360 with the following attachments:-Plough, Potato ridger, Potato lifter.Very good condition and working order. €2,400.00 Tel: + 44 (0) 7929 830643 or +33 (0) 6646 25092 Email: haynes.peter@ yahoo.co.uk FOR SALE: Roof Rack Fits Peugeot Partner/ Citroen Belingo 2003/04 etc. €45.00 Tel: 05 55 69 49 28 FOR SALE: Nissan X trail Aventura T 30 2007 pair of genuine xenon left hand drive headlights including bulbs €500.00 Tel: 05.55.66.44.06

FOR SALE: 1988 MITSUBISHI L200 PICK-UP TRUCK 2.5 litre,

long wheelbase, with rear cover, two wheel drive 155,000 miles.

A good reliable workhorse, RHD UK registered. Engine & gearbox excellent but needs some welding underneath. Hence only €350 ONO.Please telephone or email for further details. €350.00ono Tel: 02 54 25 34 78 Email: blake.peter@ orange.fr FOR SALE: 4 x 15” steel wheels complete with brand new, unused, high quality snow tyres to suit Renault Megane/ Scenic etc. Cost me 400 Euros will sell for 300

Euros. €300.00 Contact Dave on 05 55 67 58 87 FOR SALE: 1994 Mercedes 408D Removal van Can be driven on car licence. Extra large 900 cubic ft body with all blankets, ties etc needed for household removal.

New MOT and Taxed. Excellent condition. The cheapest way to move to or from France. €2,000.00 Phone Martin 02 54 05 12 45 Email: mister.martin.lewis@googlemail. com

WHITE GOODS FOR SALE: Upright Freezer-4 draw Excellent condition.

H33cmxW22cmxD21cm.Contact:Tony or Marie Wood. 4 minutes from A20 exit 19 (Celon) Buyer Collects. €75.00 Tel: 02-54-25-3979 FOR SALE: Extra large lockable freezer Whirlpool complete with baskets - unused although has been in storage. Area 87120. €250.00 Tel: 05 55 36 23 95 or 00 44 77 07 60 413

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY I am a physicist and chartered engineer looking for a dynamic business person as agent or partner for the development and commercialisation of my 3D technologies. Interested in new ways of working? Email: barry@ barrygblundell.com FOR SALE: Licence 4 €4,000.00ono Tel: 06 76 52 26 47 FOR SALE: Licence IV covering whole of Creuse area Enables sales of beverages and spirits in Bars/ Restaurants etc Email: jsezer@ yahoo.co.uk

WANTED WANTED: Petrol rotary lawn mower (not ride-on) in good working condition to replace our worn-out and well used mower - soon destined for the scrap heap! Tel: 0555 787902 (near Rochechouart) WANTED: Fire bricks various dimensions for bread oven renovation Tel: 05 55 81 15 19 WANTED: Old cast iron door for bread oven renovation Tel: 05 55 81 15 19 WANTED: Curved corrugated metal sheets Pete tel 05 45 30 72 04 (daytime) 06 24 65 40 33 (eve) WANTED: OLD CARAVANS Any condition considered, will collect, cash paid. Pete tel 05 45 30 72 04 (daytime) 06 24 65 40 33 (eve)

Classified Submission Deadline: 15th of the month for the next edition

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ APRIL 2013

NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 11 FLOWER POWER PLANT NURSERY NO. 11 LE COURET, 36170 MOUHET - NEAR JUNCTION 21 OF A20 OPEN WED - SUN 11am - 6pm

ROSES, PERENNIALS, ROCKERY PLANTS, BEDDING PLANTS, HANGING BASKETS

TEL: 02 54 08 44 39 Email: marjiejones@hotmail.com SIRET NO. 428 177 042 00028

Government hit by first scandal

I

n the first major scandal to hit President François Hollande's Socialist government, Budget Minister Jérôme Cahuzac has been forced to resign over allegations that he had a secret, undeclared Swiss bank account containing hidden funds. The allegations are all the more embarrassing as Mr Cahuzac is a key figure in the government's efforts to raise taxes, reduce the deficit and clamp down on tax avoidance.

The scandal comes after website Mediapart uncovered tapes in which it says the former budget minister discusses the troublesome nature of his Swiss bank accounts. His resignation followed an announcement by the prosecutor’s office that it would be investigating after scientific analysis and a reliable witness had confirmed the authenticity of recordings, dating from 2000. Even more embarrassing for the government is that the account is alleged to have been used for payouts from drug companies during Mr Cahuzac's time as a doctor.

For several months, in interviews and in a solemn declaration to Parliament, Cahuzac has denied having a secret Swiss bank account or otherwise dodging taxes, telling MPs in the National Assembly: “I do not have, I have never had a foreign bank account. Not now, not before.” Following his resignation, he restated this assertion and said that he would be countersuing Mediapart for libel.

Mediapart reported that the account had been closed in 2010 and that the money had apparently been transferred to a bank in Singapore. Cahuzac also denied the existence of this account.

Cahuzac was replaced by Bernard Cazeneuve, who had been deputy minister for European affairs. ■

ELEGANCE Home Improvements -Windows -Doors -Conservatories -References Available Full Comprehensive Building Service

CALL

TEL: 05 55 64 18 33 / 06 77 12 27 66

www.elegancehomeimprovements.com info@elegancehomeimprovements.com SIREN: 511 268 310

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CARDWELL

PROFESSIONAL BUILDER Home renovations / Ground works Block works / Verandas, Abris & Terraces Barn doors & Shutters Also available: digger & driver Planning permission assistance and design available HNC and ONC qualified, 15 years experience & 5 in France

Tel: 05 55 98 24 12 Email: dave.cardwell@yahoo.co.uk

Skype illegal in France?

M

ost people will have heard of the internet telecoms company, Skype. Indeed, for many expats it is a vital way of keeping in touch with friends and loved ones back home. But what exactly is Skype? Is it a computer application... or is it a telephone service? The French government has made it clear that it believes Skype to be a telephone company and has accused it of operating illegally in France.

Telecoms companies in France are required to subsidize the fixed line network and the cost of the phone book, as well as providing number portability and routing emergency calls through their service. Skype currently does none of these things.

More crucially, they must also allow the French government to listen in to calls for national security reasons.

Any ruling may also have tax implications for Skype. A spokesman for ARCEP, the French telecoms regulator, told reporters: “When you act as a French operator you have to register as an operator,” adding that

once Skype does register, it would be required to file tax declarations in France.

It is not the first time that Skype has been in hot water with French telecoms regulators. In 2007, when Skype was targeted on exactly the same grounds, the company reacted by immediately closing its French offices and moving all of its European operations to Luxembourg.

In 2011, however, Microsoft acquired Skype for $8.6 billion. As the parent company, Microsoft has offices in France and all across Europe, which has led ARCEP chairman Jean-

Ludovic Silicani to call again on the state prosecution service to act. “Skype must comply in three respects: it must allow interception of calls for safety reasons (wiretapping), it must route emergency calls via its service and it must introduce portability for its phone numbers (SkypeIn). If Microsoft refuses, we have no choice but formally to notify them of action.”

If found guilty, the company faces a maximum penalty of a €75,000 fine and one year in jail.

In 2012 Skype handled an estimated 167 billion minutes of VoIP conversation worldwide. ■

Energy costs higher in the countryside The air may be cleaner and the property cheaper in the French countryside, but when it comes to energy costs inhabitants spend up to 23% more than the national average.

A recent survey by the Centre de recherche pour l'étude et l'observation des conditions de vie (CREDOC) shows that the average sum spent on energy in France is €1,450 per household per year. However, those of us living in smaller towns with fewer than 20,000 inhabitants pay 17% more and in communes of fewer than 2,000 people residents pay 23% more. Parisians fare best, paying 27% less than the national average.

CREDOC says the reason behind the large disparity is that many homes in the countryside are larger, poorly insulated, older, have more inefficient heating systems and the main source of heating is often fioul, exposing homeowners to wildly fluctuating fuel prices. ■

APRIL 2013 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

12 ♦ FRENCH LIFE

Tel: 05.55.78.57.60 dawn-2665@hotmail.com

For an electronic brochure, please email: aston@albo.cz OR For a free quotation, contact Mark on: 07 86 95 18 90 (French mob)

CARREFOUR BOIS LIMOUSIN Order your winter firewood today

All wood is stored under cover and cleaned before delivery

Oak, Beech, Hornbeam - Logs of 50, 33 & 25 cm Home delivery loose or palleted - depts 23/87

www.chauffagebois-limousin.com

05 55 63 72 45 / 06 76 05 81 38 (8h30-12h & 14h-18h)

20211438CC1243

Celotex Rigid Insulation Board B-Grade - all sizes available Delivery can be arranged

Wooden windows and doors Aluminium clad windows WOODEN WINDOWS AND DOORS Sliding glass and Bi-fold doors Solar windows Top quality products French doors and garage doors at very affordable prices !

Internal and external doors

www.albo.cz/english

Can you smell a rat ?

Environment contributor, Arthur Smith from Harlequin Developments, takes a look at how best to live alongside the ubiquitous rat and warns us about wasps.

S

eat up within a few minutes.

If there’s any food left as the birds lose interest, you are over-feeding, so cut back until you have the balance right, an important consideration with the price of food these days.

Once you get the feeding right, your birds will clean up, leaving nothing to attract rats, day or night. Store your feed in a rat-proof container, like a dustbin with a lid.

Many of us here in rural France have taken the opportunity to keep a few chickens, and it is vital that their housing should be rat-proof when it’s closed up for the night. Check regularly for holes gnawed through wooden floors and walls, and block these up. At this time of year when we are thinking about hatching a few chickens, it’s worth remembering that rats will kill and carry away chicks and ducklings, even taking them from under a broody hen, so don’t

lightly off topic this month, but still an environmental issue, is the subject of vermin around the house, garden shed, chicken house, etc.

Whilst I was moving some feed bins the other day, I noticed that there were rat holes underneath them. Not really surprising, as rats are everywhere, one of Nature's greatest survivors. No garden or smallholding can be considered rat-free, but they only become an obvious nuisance when they find something to eat, so don’t leave anything to attract them.

Poultry and waterfowl act as magnets to rats, simply because spilt or uneaten food is often left lying around. The easiest solution is to make sure that surplus food isn’t there. Feed your birds twice a day, morning and evening, with a ration that they will

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take any chances.

-------------------------- Here at Chez Smith we’re hoping for a better crop of fruit this year than last, so we’re going to take all steps to ensure that we get a good number of apples and pears.

We really fancy making our own eau-de-vie this year, and are fortunate that a mobile still comes to our village every year to distil our fruit.

Whilst wasps do some good by eating large quantities of flies, most years we have a problem with them, and have resorted to making ‘wasp traps’ from empty lemonade/water bottles. I thought we were doing okay, until I was told that a typical wasp's nest can contain up to 25,000 wasps!

SWMBO commented that we were going to need a lot more bottles !

So it seems the only viable

solution is to find the nests, and destroy them. If you watch the wasps and follow their flight plan, you should be able to locate the nest. If it’s in the ground, within a hedge row, or bank, you can just block it with some stone, and throw a shovel or two of earth over it. Most nests only have one entrance/exit, so blocking it will suffocate the inhabitants.

However, do not attempt to tackle a nest that is suspended above ground, such as in a building or a tree. A visit to the Mairie should be able to resolve the problem, as they usually have a local contact who can destroy the nest safely (or see the Pest Control section of the Bugle Business Directory!! ED). ■ Arthur Smith Harlequin Developments www.harlequindevelopments.com Tel: 05.55.68.67.56 Mob: 06.06.60.46.97

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Ref 843 – 55,000 euros. Three/four bedroom cottage in need of updating, but currently habitable, walking distance from a village and lake. Electric heating. Pretty garden of 984m².

Energy rating G 554 and E 45.

Ref 1767 – 130,800 euros. Large farmhouse in good condition with 3 bedrooms, lots of character, stone fireplace and wood-burner, plus oil fired central heating. Garden 6563m² Energy rating C 139 and D 31.

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www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ APRIL 2013

FRENCH LIFE ♦ 13 Septic tanks

Electrics

systems designed with permissions & paperwork included and independent approval with certification.

diagnostic report and remedial works – consuel approvals - liaison with ERDF for changes. full re-wires, new-build, additions, modifications.

Renovation

bathrooms & kitchens from design to completion; ceilings; partition walls; drylining.

In the garden - jobs for April

T

by Michelle Pierce

his is the time of year that temptation really sets in in the shops. Since mid March the jardineries, cooperatives and grandes surfaces have seen the arrival of lovely plants, many actually in flower. And Easter is a major flowery event. I was tempted the other day by ranks of lush green herbs, with a good 15 cm of top growth. And then I said to myself , “Your chives in the garden are at best 3cm high!” so putting something so advanced outside for the season clearly won't work.

If you can't resist, then do try and harden plants off by putting them in cold frames, cloches or under fleece for a couple of weeks before subjecting them to the rigours of 'real life' in your garden.

Similarly, packets of bulbs are everywhere now, and they very often say “plant February to May”, but make

Incredible! Now that you can get them in many places, not expensively, if you have the space consider planting a grove of magnolias. So much nicer than one single solitary specimen on its own. Why not also plan for succession by having, say, a red flowering prunus next to a pink flowering magnolia?

Their flowering seasons should overlap, and create a real wow factor.

sure that if it's something half hardy (ixias, watsonias, agapanthus, dahlias, begonias, etc.) that all risk of frost has passed, or that you protect them as soon as they are planted.

Blossom The spring flowering trees and shrubs get the year off to a fantastic start. The Limousin is absolutely gorgeous with its waves of blossom: magnolias, crabapples, judas trees, prunus, flowering cherries and lilacs. Just look around as you drive through Limoges and you can see the history of the place.

We are so used to the vast range of plants available to us now that we take it for granted, but just imagine the status of having a Magnolia soulangeana or Magnolia stellata in your front garden - as well as its inherent beauty, all your neighbours knew that it came from farflung America or China!

From April onwards, the gardening season really takes off here On fine days the old boys can be seen out in their gardens, and the sound of rotavators starts to fill the air. Of course, not everyone believes in disturbing their ground. Those of us who practise a no-dig policy can start peeling back textile, or add a layer of compost to the earth surface. It's really helpful to start the season with little weed in the beds (a

Dates for your diary Journée d'échange de plantes et de graines – 7 April, Jardins d'Ariane, la Fosse Martin - on the D6 - Montreuil-Bonnin (dept 86). 14h-18h30 Journée des plantes - 21 April, Nexon (dept 87) www.jardin-plante-nexon.com Fête des Plantes Vivaces - 12-14 April, Saint-Jean-de-Beauregard near Paris www.domsaintjeanbeauregard.com 2e Plantes en fête - 14 April - Jardins du Chaigne, Touzac (dept 16 9h30-18h30 (entry 5€) www.jardinsduchaigne.com Plantes et jardins en fête - 27-28 April - Château de Walmath, Saint-Laurent-les-Eglises (dept 87) Over 50 exhibitors (entry 3€) 06 11 49 27 11.

4e Les Flor'idées, marché aux fleurs et produits bio - 5 May, Vouneuil-sur-Vienne (dept 86) Place de la Libération. 9-19h. www.lesfloridees.sitew.com Fête des Plantes - 26 May, Jardin de Liliane, Saint-Laurent-sur-Gorre (dept 87) 9h-19h (entry 5€) 05 55 48 14 29

editor@thebugle.eu 05 55 41 17 76

siret: 510 357 155 00017

Double D

Renovations & Home Improvements

All types of building work, groundwork, renovations, decorating and maintenance Fosses septiques Roofing Tiling Kitchen and bathroom fitting Conservatories Plaster boarding Masonry Carpentry etc. etc.

Covering depts: 03, 23, 63, 87 Telephone:

Email:-

05 55 65 00 29 06 33 19 99 64

double-d-23@live.fr

main factor why rotavators are so popular), but you can clearly do this in a variety of ways. Hoeing works, as does penning hungry chickens onto your empty veg patch.

Surprising how much they can eat! However you do it, try and start off with as little weed as possible, but sow or plant directly into the space to avoid recolonisation. Or apply mulch.

It's a good time to crank up the sowing of seed Whether under cover in the greenhouse, or directly outside, with fleece as a standby if the weather turns cold. For old packets of seed of varieties like beans and peas, try sprouting first in your kitchen. Wash the seed several times a day in warm water and drain it. If it's

Tel: 05.55.80.83.30 Email: sales@LCE23.com Web: LCE23.com

viable, it will start to sprout after about 5 days (can take a week or so). You'll quite quickly see if the seed starts to rot. Then it is time to buy a new packet.

Be prudent about buying young veg plants too early.

The shops are often full of tomato plants from April of course they are only too happy that your first batch are caught by a late frost, and that you need to buy them again. Don't go by their appearance as a sign that it's the right time to plant them.

Grass

Start thinking about mowing, if you haven't already. Wait until dry weather, and put the blade on its highest setting.

Decide to leave some zones for a little later, and this will give you diversity in your garden, which can be an interesting design feature, at no cost at all.

Take inspiration from the Jardin Plume in Normandy, which has squares of long grass bordered by grass paths kept short.

Feed your garden After a long hard winter, it's a good idea to feed your ground. A layer of manure, leaf mould, a sprinkling of pelleted chicken manure, a liquid seaweed feed... can all help boost plants' immune systems and aid good growth. If it seems daunting to do it all in one go, then divide your area into zones, and feed them alternate years.

Plant fairs Local and national plant fairs start up from April, and are excellent opportunities to be tempted by new treasures, as well as get realistic growing information, and supporting producers. See you there! ■

APRIL 2013 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

14 ♦ FRENCH LIFE

How to clean fireplace/woodburner glass Many thanks to Bugle Reader Andy Smith for this excellent pratical (and cost-saving!) tip for gleaming fireplace glass.

I

f, like me, before coming to live in France the idea of an open fireplace or woodburner with the crackle of burning logs was a dim and distant memory from your childhood, or something you see in old Sherlock Holmes movies, then having to set the fire each morning is something of a novelty.

I soon discovered, however, that the once pristine glass screen very quickly becomes discoloured and scorched through use, and after a while there is a build up of ugly soot.

Being a typical single male,

Capital Gains Tax on French Property

W

hen selling a property in France for more than the purchase price you are potentially going to be liable for tax on the capital gain.

The gain is calculated by deducting the purchase price (plus eligible expenses) from the sale price (plus eligible expenses). Purchase expenses can either be claimed specifically with supporting documentary evidence or a fixed 7.5% of the purchase price is allowed, without such evidence.

Subsequent costs associated with construction, enlargement or improvement of the property can also be deducted from the gain. To claim these costs specifically you will need to be able to produce invoices to support the expenditure, and normally these will need to be from French registered builders. Otherwise, if you have owned the property for over 5 years you are allowed to deduct a fixed 15% from the purchase price without providing such evidence.

Eligible expenses for the

sale include estate agents fees.

There are, however, a number of capital gains tax exemptions, the most important of which are the ‘principal residence’ exemption and the ‘thirty year rule’.

If you have been permanently resident in France when selling your principal home then any capital gain is fully exempt from capital gains tax. In order to qualify the property must have been occupied by you on a habitual basis, although you need not actually be occupying it at the time of sale.

However, if you leave the property before it is sold you are not permitted to let out the property during the intervening period, or to leave other family members in occupation. The French tax authority will also expect you to have made an income tax declaration from the property address and paid “taxe d’habitation”.

If the property is not your principal residence you can take advantage of the ‘thirty year rule’. Under this rule you can benefit from an allowance according to the length of time the property has been held. An allowance of 2% is taken off the gain, for every year of ownership after the fifth year, 4% pa after the seventeenth year and 8% pa after the twentyfourth year, meaning that all the gain is capital gains tax free after thirty years owner-

ship.

With effect from 1st January 2013 an additional surtax has been introduced payable on gains over €50,000, after the application of the ‘taper relief’ allowances previously discussed.

There are five rates of taxation, starting at 2% and rising by 1% per €50,000 gain, with a maximum rate of 6% on gains of greater than €250,000.

However, there is a “softening” mechanism for reducing the level of tax for the first €10,000 of gain in each band.

The final calculated capital gain is then subject to tax at 19% plus 15.5% social taxes - “contributions sociales”.

For French residents it is the notaire handling the property sale who will calculate the gain, approve expenses and expenditure claims and apply any relevant exemptions and allowances. The notaire will then calculate the tax payable and deduct this from the sale proceeds before you receive them.

David Hardy is Regional Manager of Siddalls France, Independent Financial Adviser, specialised in tax, inheritance, pension and investment planning for the British community in the Poitou-Charentes since 1996. Telephone 05 56 34 75 51, bordeaux.office@ siddalls.net. www.siddalls.fr

that would previously have left this to the wiser “other half”, I wondered how best to clean the glass without furious scratching and possible damage of the surface.

As usual in these circumstances, I reverted to my good friend Mr. Google and the power of the internet. A number of friends so often say to me that they can never find anything on the internet, as it is so confusing and there is just too much information on there. I find the easiest way to find something is to keep it simple - don’t try to be too cryptic in your search. In this instance I simply asked the search engine: “How do I clean fireplace glass?” In the blink of an eye there were a number of websites to visit, many of them trying to convince me of the benefits of the latest wonder cleaning chemical. There were also a few YouTube clips which showed me just how remarkably simple this problem is to

solve, at no cost, so I thought I would share this with you. I am sure some of you will already be aware, but I have to say the excellent results startled me.

For those grannies I am about to teach how to suck eggs, my apologies.

All you will need for this cleaning task is a small block of wood, a bowl of water and some cold ashes from the previous night’s fire.

Dip the wood into the water and then dab into the ashes. Apply directly to the glass surface and began to rub with a circular motion. The ashes have amazing abrasive properties, without scratching the glass. Keep up the operation, from time to time dipping the block of wood into the water once more, and gathering a few more ashes. Wipe the glass with a sponge to see amazing results, with very little effort. For those hard to get at edges, use a long thin piece of wood in the same fashion.

After the first clean, which may take a bit of elbow grease for those stubborn deposits, future cleaning is simplicity itself. ■

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Fresselines (Place de l’Eglise) Wed 03 April Châtelus-Malvaleix (Auberge de Voyageurs) Fri 05 April Sardent (Auberge du Lac) Sat 06 April Crozant (L’Eclat de Soliel) Tue 09 April Marsac (Chez Jacques) Fri 12 April Peyrat-le-Château (Le Bellerive) Sat 13 April St-Germain-Beaupré (Chambre d’hôte) Thu 18 April Chéniers (Auberge La Chaumière) Fri 19 April ** Colondannes (take-away only, 6-8pm) Wed 24 April ** La Cellette (Auberge de la Tour) Fri 26 April All 6pm - 9pm unless stated **Check website for confirmation before going

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ APRIL 2013

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Lessons in Aigurande (36), Dun-le-Palestel and La Souterraine (23) Other services offered include: help with notaires, arranging new utilities (electricity etc), locating tradesmen, liaison with French administration etc. I can also be your French contact in France when you are away!

Contact Sophie ARSAC to discuss your requirements 05 55 89 15 74 (E-mail: scarolinea@yahoo.fr)

France's love affair with nuclear

I

t was a French scientist, Henri Becquerel, that first discovered radioactivity in the 1890s, work that was continued by scientists like Pierre and Marie Curie. It is perhaps logical, therefore, that France has such a close relationship with nuclear power.

Across France, huge chimneys throwing clouds of steam into the air are not an uncommon sight. In fact, every French person is said to live within 200 km of a nuclear reactor, although central France does have far fewer nuclear power plants than elsewhere in the country.

There are 58 nuclear reactors in mainland France and they produce 78% of the country’s electricity needs - the highest percentage in the world. Japan is a distant second with 34% of its electricity coming through nuclear technology.

In fact, France produces so much electricity that it is the world’s largest exporter, generating an estimated €3 billion per year by selling its excess electricity to its neighbours. Although it may not always feel like it, France also enjoys some of the lowest electricity costs in Europe, and this is mainly down to its nuclear industry.

Things are very different in the UK, which relies on nuclear energy for less than 20% of its electricity.

All but one of its existing

power stations are due to close by 2023 and no new reactors have been built in the UK since the 1980s. In 2008, the company that ran Britain's nuclear industry, British Energy, was sold to the French government's nuclear company EDF. France wants governments around the world to invest in new French-built nuclear reactors, something that could be happening very soon in England. The British government has just approved a plan by EDF to build a new £14 million

power plant at Hinkley Point, Somerset.

The Hinkley Point power station will create between 20,000 and 25,000 jobs during construction and 900 permanent jobs once it is in operation. It is expected to be the first of a number of new plants across the UK in the coming years.

Britain is investing, via France, in its nuclear energy industry, but it still has a long way to go before it catches up with the French in its dependence on nuclear power. ■

C

’est le scientifique français Henri Becquerel qui découvrit le premier la radioactivité dans les années 1890 puis Pierre et Marie Curie poursuivirent ses recherches.

Il paraît donc logique que la France entretienne une relation si étroite avec l’énergie nucléaire.

Un peu partout dans le pays, on peut voir d’énormes cheminées crachant des nuages de vapeur dans les airs. Chaque français se trouverait dans un rayon de 200 km autour d’un réacteur nucléaire, sauf dans le centre où l’on trouve moins de centrales que partout ailleurs.

Les 58 réacteurs nucléaires situés en France métropolitaine couvrent 78 % des besoins en électricité du territoire, ce qui représente le plus grand pourcentage mondial. Loin derrière la France, on trouve le Japon dont 34 % de l’électricité est issue de la technologie

The Bugle thanks local French teacher, Sophie Arsac, for the translation of this month's bilingual article on another topical aspect of Franco-British culture.

Bilingual Crossword Clues in English - answers in French

Across:

nucléaire. La France produit tellement d’électricité qu’elle en est également le plus gros exportateur mondial et l’excès d’énergie vendu aux pays voisins lui rapportent 3 milliards d’euros par an. Le consommateur français ne s’en rend peut-être pas compte mais le tarif de l’électricité est le moins élevé d’Europe, principalement grâce à son industrie nucléaire.

Le tableau est très différent au Royaume-Uni puisque l’énergie nucléaire ne représente que 20 % de la fourniture d’électricité.

Le dernier réacteur date

des années 80 et toutes les centrales, à l’exception d’une seule, devraient être fermées en 2023. En 2008, l’entreprise publique française EDF a racheté British Energy, l’exploitant de centrales nucléaires britannique.

La France aimerait bien vendre ses nouveaux réacteurs aux états du monde entier, ce qui devrait prochainement être le cas en Angleterre: le gouvernement britannique vient d’approuver le projet d’EDF de construire une nouvelle centrale nucléaire de 14 millions de livres

à Hinkley Point, dans le Somerset. Les travaux de construction généreront entre 20.000 et 25.000 emplois et 900 emplois permanents lorsqu’elle sera en état de fonctionnement.

Cette centrale devrait être la première d’une série d’implantations prévues dans les années à venir.

Par l’intermédiaire de la France, la Grande Bretagne investit dans l’industrie de l’énergie nucléaire mais il lui reste un long chemin à parcourir avant d’atteindre son niveau d’indépendance en la matière.■

5. cakes(7) 6. wheat(3) 8. glass(5) 9. large(5) 11. petrol(7) 14. steel(5) 15. room(5) 17. island(3) 18. oranges(7)

Down:

1. pasta(5) 2. terraces(9) 3. street(3) 4. white(5) 7. fractions(9) 10. dry(3) 12. school(5) 13. byte(5) 16. meadow(3)

Bilingual crossword solution can be found on page 18

Advertise your business here

05.55.41.17.76 sales@thebugle.eu

Car Breakers - C.R.A.L.

Centre de Recyclages d’Automobiles du Limousin - Les Tourettes, 87440 SAINT-MATHIEU

WE WILL COLLECT YOUR SCRAP CAR FOR FREE - WE BUY & SELL SECOND HAND CARS (RHD OR LHD) SPARE PARTS FOR SALE

TEL: 05.55.48.21.33 - ENGLISH SPOKEN - Email: cral87@gmx.fr

APRIL 2013 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

16 ♦ COMMUNITY Le Bellerive

Hotel - Restaurant - Café-Bar 29 Avenue de la Tour, 87470 Peyrat-le-Château

Thursday 4th and 25th April - English Book Swap (same day as La Maison Shopping Delivery!)

Saturday 13th April "Oh My Cod" Fish and Chip Soirée Saturday 20th April - Moules Soirée Friday 26th April - Fun Quiz For details of all the events, go to: www.facebook.com/hotellebellerive Email: bonjour@lebellerive.net

Phone: 05 55 36 20 63

Bugle Notice Board JJ’s Café Bar Aigurande

Free Concert Chez JJ's - Sat 27th April ** OPENING APRIL 15th ** LE DORAT (Pl. Charles de Gaulle)

Vera Laine Gift Shop & Salon de Thé Large selection of gifts, candles, mugs, shabby chic homeware, cards, plus leather goods, jewellery and hair accessories. Affordable prices!

We look forward to meeting you!

Contact Jay: 06 35 91 03 83 veralaine19@yahoo.com

Le Relais de l'Abloux 36170 SACIERGES-ST-MARTIN Every Thursday 2 Entrecôte steaks for €20 Every Friday Moules Frites (1kg) from €11 Tuesday to Friday Lunchtime Menu du Jour - €12

mail: lerelaisdelabloux@orange.fr facebook: "le relais de l'abloux"

Tel: 02 54 47 56 74

La Coterie Entreprise

now have pipe freezing equipment available - we can simplify your pipework modifications: no draining down required so it's quicker & cheaper. We can also help with moving radiators, repairing leaking taps, installing isolators, etc.

www.LCE23.com

British Corner Shop We are now able to ship branded British chilled items including bacon, sausages, black pudding, cheese and yogurts to your doorstep in France.

Visit our website to find out more:

www.BritishCornerShop.co.uk

Restaurant des Sources 23100 FENIERS

Soirée fondue bourguignonne Friday 19th April

Fondue of Limousin beef (Origin: GAEC Guinot, Magnat l’Etrange) – home-made chips – cheese – dessert (not incl. Drinks) - €19 Reservations before 15th April

Tel: 05.55.67.15.27 www.restaurant-des-sources.fr

Angie Palmer is back - yippeee!!

One of our favourite and hugely talented musicians is with us once again with her fab voice and her guitar. If you would like to eat, we are also serving Italian Meatballs followed by Tiramisu (€12). Dont miss her - or the the meatballs and tiramisu!

She is a very busy lady in demand all over Europe so we are lucky to have her here. Reservations advisable but optional.

Music Club

2nd Sat of every month. 8.30 pm.

Next event: 13th April

JJ's Music club is for musicians of all levels and genres entry is free, there is no membership and is open to everyone who loves music. You can also buy fish and chips from the van in the market square (from 6.30 - 8.30) and eat them in the comfort of JJ's. The club starts from 8:30, but we are open for all those who want to come earlier to eat. In fact we hardly ever shut !!!!

JJ's Cafe Bar, 39 Place du Champ de Foire, 36140 Aigurande

Tel: 02 54 06 30 77

www.frenchweb.eu/jjscafebar/ Email: cafebarjj@yahoo.co.uk

@ La Petite Fontaine 15 Grande Rue, Le Dorat

Petticoat Lane Please Note...

that we will be at Panazol Sunday Market on 14th & 28th April We will be closed for a short break from 6th May to 16th May, re-open again 17th May

5 Rue Nationale – 16150 Chabanais

Tel: 05 45 29 03 99

L'Escale

Restaurant & Bar

5 Rue Andre Jouhannaud, Compreignac Freshly home-cooked English and French food Easter Sunday Lunch - Sunday 31st March - Book now!

We are open all over Easter including Easter Monday lunch Curry Night Special - Saturday 6th April (reservations please) 2 Curries & Carafe Wine €19,50 Party Bookings welcomed See main ad for more information and opening hours Tel: 05 55 12 99 45 / 06 04 09 03 10 email: L_escale@yahoo.fr Or see us on Facebook for more details.

The Comité des Fêtes in Chéniers is organising an art exhibition called RENC'ARTS 2013 on May 1st 2013 in the salle polyvalente Pierre Laurent.

Anyone interested in exhibiting is welcome. All kinds of art will be represented (painting, drawing, photography, caricatures, sculpture, floral art...)

For further information and to sign up email s.franz@live.fr

RESTAURANT

Our new Friday night Menu will be served between 6pm and 9pm with Pizza, Steaks, Omelette, Caesar Salad, Chicken...

AUX CEPES

Friday 29th March - Music Night featuring the Flying Virgin (great young Pop Rock Band) Friday 5th April - Music Night featuring Steve & Greta (Pop Rock Country) Friday 12th April - Music Night featuring The Curtis Simmons Band (best Rock Band around) Friday 19th April - Music Night featuring Endless Trail (Pop Rock Country) Friday 26th April - Music Night featuring The MLC Band

On the main road (D979), Between Limoges & Eymoutiers

Tel Lynn or Jonathan: 05 55 60 29 74 Web: www.lapetitefontaine.com

(or in the week by order)

Le Moulin du Breuil 23140 PIONNAT

Soirée, Saturday 13th April - Spanish evening €18.50 - Reservations from 7.30pm English Breakfast Club - Sat 27th April, 9h-11h Come and enjoy a 'full English breakfast' including fruit juice and coffee/tea for only €10.00 Tel: 05 55 80 37 70 Mail: info@lemoulindubreuil.com Web: www.lemoulindubreuil.com

La Veytizou

Open Mic Night - Sat 13th April

Play, sing or just enjoy. Food from €4 - €15 *******************

Chinese Night - Sat 27th April Reservations only - €18 pp *******************

Fish & Chips - Every Friday For more information, please ring Sue:

05 55 69 33 38

Have you seen Ruby?

Ruby went missing on Wednesday 20th February from what was to be her new home near BussièrePoitevine Dept. 87 on the N147 from Bellac. We re-homed her because she was being bullied by our other cats and wanted to do the best thing for her.

International Apero Reseau

Unfortunately we had to cancel the quiz night at Baileys Bar Restaurant, Aubusson, which had been planned for the 16th March due to my husband Nick being unwell.

We apologise for any inconvenience, but thankfully he's on the road to recovery and we have rebooked the Quiz for Saturday 27th April, starting at 7pm. Teams maximum 4 people, €10 pp includes entrance to the quiz and a hot buffet meal. Please book in advance by telephoning Liz Rodwell: 05 55 66 22 92.

Baileys Bar/Restaurant 5 Rue de L'Abreuvoir 23200 Aubusson Tel: 05 55 66 37 10 or 05 55 66 22 92 Email: riversidehols@wanadoo.fr

This is the worst outcome I could imagine for her and it has left us heartbroken. She’s only 3 years old and very nervous. If you have any information at all that could lead to her safe return, please, please get in touch. I can offer a small reward.

Tel: 05 55 69 37 64

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ APRIL 2013

COMMUNITY ♦ 17

CLUBS, CHARITIES & ASSOCIATIONS

Church Notices Monthly Worship in English If your journey of life has brought you here to France, why neglect your journey of faith? We look forward to giving a warm welcome to everyone from whatever Christian tradition (or none) on the 3rd SUNDAY of the MONTH at 3pm. Where? At the Temple in Thiat (in the north of the Haute-Vienne) – we are part of the Parish of the Basse-Marche of the Eglise Protestante Unie de France. The Temple is on the main road close to the Mairie.

After worship there is tea/coffee and cake – and a chance to chat.

If you want to know more contact Rev Derek Lawson on 05 55 68 53 03 or Rev Stephen Sawyer on 05 49 84 33 86.

English-speaking church services Guéret Come as you are... This is an invitation to join us at our CHURCH SERVICE IN ENGLISH. Whether you have a faith or would just like to attend a church service you are welcome at 3pm on the 2nd Sunday of each month at the Eglise Evangélique, 9b Place Bonnyaud, Guéret, 23000.

We welcome all who want to join a group of English-speaking Christians for a time of worship and learning together. Children are very welcome. For more details contact Jim & Pat Scott on 05 55 67 54 78 / email scott.james@neuf.fr or Ian & Becky Jefferies on 05 55 61 10 23 / email mail@otiumsanctus.com Christians together in Limousin La Souterraine Area We hold a time of fellowship and Bible study every Tuesday afternoon. Barbara and Cedric look forward to welcoming you. Tel: 05 55 71 09 04 The International Free Church in Creuse The church presently meets at 10, La Chaudronnière, a small hamlet mid-way between Crozant and Eguzon. Sunday worship meetings are held on the first and third Sundays of the month at 10.30am. Fellowship meetings, for mid-week prayer, bible study and discussion are at the same venue every Thursday at 7.30pm. For further information contact Eric Sutton tel 05 55 89 26 62

Fitness & Fun Zumba!

Regular zumba classes across depts 36, 18 & northern 23.

For more info tel 06 58 37 17 04 - email evezumba36@gmail.com and for details of classes visit www.zumbazumba.fr Indoor Short-mat Bowling at Cussac 87150....and now Outdoor too!

As the premier bowls club in the Haute-Vienne, we are going from strength to strength with members seeking us out and travelling great distances to continue their love of bowls or simply to 'try us out'. Our reputation as a "very friendly and welcoming club" goes before us. If you've never tried the game, just come along and take a look; there is far more to it than first appears!

We are a formally registered association within the French system and benefit from assistance from our local commune by use of a wonderful indoor venue. AND NOW...the use of a synthetic outdoor court where Flat-green, Crown and Short-mat can be played.

Just imagine the summer evenings with a drink in your hand, watching fellow bowlers enjoying the quiet of village, interrupted only by the 'click' or 'tunk' of bowl against bowl!

Our regular sessions indoors are Wednesday evening at 8pm and Thursday Mornings at 10am. Outdoor sessions will be arranged as the spring arrives so keep in touch. Serious bowlers and beginners are welcome - club bowls are available for use.

For further information contact cussac-bowls-club@live.co.uk or telephone 05 55 50 40 89.

Association Equilibre, le mouvement du corps Yoga for all levels: Tue 18:30 Aubusson, Pied au plancher (Espace Philips); Wed 18:30 Vallière, salle polyvalante. Pregnancy/Post Natal: Tue 17:00 Aubusson, Pied au Plancher (Espace Philips) For further information tel 06 83 24 62 72 or visit www.spaequilibre. yolasite.com Chinese Gym & Karate Mondays & Thursdays 19h30-21h at the DOJO, Allée Jean-Marie Couturier, Aubusson.

Warm and friendly atmosphere. For more info tel 06 08 92 30 53 Tai Chi at Boussac and La Châtre Tai Chi classes in Boussac (Tue 18.15 - 19.45) and La Châtre (Thu 18.15 - 19.45). The first two lessons are free, the subscriptions are 36 euros per month and members can go to both venues having paid this fee. The style is that of Yang. All ages and abilities welcome, but folk must bear in mind that they will be on their feet, doing the equivalent of what one might classify as light exercise, for about an hour and a half. For more information contact 05 55 65 08 20.

Gym Bien-être Would you enjoy an afternoon of gentle exercise with a cheerful, light-hearted group?

Each week we exercise a different group of muscles, do a little country dancing & some floor exercise and laugh a lot. The aim of the activities is to increase suppleness and mental agility. We meet every Tuesday afternoon upstairs at the Capitole in Ro echouart between 2pm and 3.30pm. It isn’t necessary to speak French because you can copy but you will learn some. Come for 2 weeks’ free trial. For details contact: pauline. maskell@sfr.fr Learn to Meditate Learn to meditate and meet other like-minded people. Simple mindfulness technique.

Dechen Choling, Le Mas Marvent, St-Yrieix-sous-Aixe, 87700. Also, ongoing regular group meetings and events. Contact tel Christina 05 55 03 82 01 www.dechencholing.org

Press Release from the Chaplaincy of Christ the Good Shepherd, Poitou-Charentes

Come and Sing the hymns you love across South West France Cast your mind back to all those glorious traditional hymns you enjoyed in the past. Gems such as ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’ or ‘Guide me O thou Great Redeemer’ a favourite of Welsh rugby fans.

How would you like to come and immerse yourselves into the British choral tradition and have a really good sing! The many Anglican churches from the Poitou-Charentes in the west to Pau in the south and from the Atlantic to Cahors in the Tarn will reverberate to the glorious sounds of those traditional hymns during the week of 8th April.

Not formal services but simply a selection of hymns interspersed by lighthearted readings or poems. Some will feature choirs, others musicians and others well known personalities who will make it all happen. Good opportunities to meet new people and to find out about the local social and church community events.

In the Poitou-Charentes - La Rochefoucauld(16) and Jarnac (16) will both be participating on Thursday 11th April at 6pm.

Come and have fun singing the hymns you love!

For further details of the Songs of Praise evening nearest to you, please visit the Chaplaincy web site: www.church-in-france.com or contact Kate at katetwoplus@yahoo.co.uk

Gardening Les petits jardiniers du Limousin http://jardiniers-du-limousin.webs.com Do you love gardening or are you keen to learn more about it? Then why not come along and join Les Petits Jardiniers? We’re a friendly group of English, French and Dutch residents and normally meet on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 2.30pm in the salle de fêtes in St-Amand-le-Petit, between Peyrat-leChâteau and Eymoutiers. Our meetings are held mostly in English and we have guest speakers, organise garden visits and swap plants and seeds. Annual membership is 15 euros pp or 20 euros per couple or pay as you go for 3 euros per meeting. For more information or to be put on our mailing list for our quarterly newsletter or monthly agenda contact Carolyn at Carolyn@cnlees.eu or Gill at gillinfrance@orange.fr Agenda for 2013: 21st Mar Raised beds, vertical planting; 18th Apr Clematis and ground cover planting; 16th May Visit to botanical gardens Limoges and also the vaulted caves under the city; 20th Jun Trees & Shrubs; 18th Jul Farm Visit; 15th Aug Annual BBQ; 14th Sept Flower & Vegetable Show – How does your garden grow; 17th Oct Barnhaven Primroses; 21st Nov Planting a wildflower meadow; 12th Dec Xmas party, Gardeners Question Time and Quiz.

Club Liseron – Gardening Club Meets on the 2nd Mon evening of the month at 19.30 at the Salle des Fêtes in Massignac.

We're a mixed bunch of English & French, who are united by a passion for gardens and gardening, sharing plants, seeds and information. More info from Sally on 05 45 21 30 20 or Craig on 05 45 89 33 50 or mccolville@orange.fr Aux Plantes etc We are an association of independent, ethically-minded and passionate plant producers.

Our aim is to encourage consumers to know more about the plants they buy, how they were produced and their needs, thereby avoiding the disappointments that so often come with mass produced plants. It's not just about us selling you plants - we want them to thrive and do well for you! Current members include plantspeople specialising in unusual shrubs & trees, butterfly plants, heritage vegetables and flowers, irises, perennials and drought-tolerant plants. For more info contact Michelle Pierce 05 45 89 36 54 or vitist www.auxplantesetc.jimdo.com Integration International Apero Reseau We meet each Saturday from 11.30am-1pm at Baileys Bar/Restaurant, 5 Rue de L'Abreuvoir, Aubusson.

These meetings offer the opportunity to: exchange views - make new friends - share experiences - have fun together - help and advise one another - help intergrate newcomers.

Discussions in English (all nationalities welcome).

For more information please contact Catherine 06 86 17 80 88 or Liz 05 55 66 22 92.

Faceaface An association founded to facilitate and encourage interaction between all members of the local community. As our first venture we have created a library. Where? In the Mairie of St-Priest which is just off the D4 between Mainsat and Chénérailles. When? The 1st and 3rd Mon afternoon in every month between 2 - 5pm. To join all you have to do is donate six books and pay €5 per person or €8 per household. If you would like more information please contact us at: faceaface23@gmail.com or just come by and see us.

Everyone is welcome!

Learning Together – Apprenons Ensemble Our main aim is to foster understanding and good relations amongst the local Frenchspeaking and English-speaking populations. To this end we are offering courses of tuition in English and in French, and organising social and cultural events and visits.

LANGUAGE CLASSES (take place at the Maison des Associations, Rochechouart) Beginners and Intermediate - Mon am; French/English Conversation – Tues am; Advanced and Children’s – Wed am; Conversation (St-Junien) - Thur. SOCIAL EVENTS Games Night (Rochechouart) 1st Thur; Games Night (St-Junien) 2nd Thur; Lunch Club – Last Thur. FORTHCOMING EVENTS - More details in Association Newsletter. For more details visit www.learningtogether.me or contact Sue Ratcliffe 05 45 31 50 86 The Melting Pot Members of the Ambassador's Club of the Welcome en Limousin Association. We are a group of around 70 members, both French and British, who meet with the aim of sharing things and trying to integrate with the French community. We meet every week at the Ancienne Ecole in Darnac, on a Wednesday morning from 10am - 12noon, except for the first Wednesday, when we meet in the evening at 8pm. We hold information meetings, plant swaps, BBQ's, games nights, visits and have guest speakers about topics relevant to living in France. Contact: info@meltingpot-limousin.com Charente Limousine Exchange The Charente-Limousine-Exchange (CLE), founded in 2003, aims to improve the provision of French language courses and to share experiences and skills among members who live in Charente, Vienne and Haute-Vienne. CLE provides information to members living and/or working in France and works with local communities and organisations to tackle practical issues through forums and workshops, as well as organising a wide range of cultural and social events throughout the year. The recent launch of English lessons has been well attended by Confolentais. If you would like to know more about this group of volunteers, please look on our new website www.charente-limousine-exchange.com or contact the Chairman, Barry Leech, on 06 35 96 77 46.

Libraries & Books Baileys Book Exchange Baileys Bar/Restaurant, 5 Rue de L'Abreuvoir, Aubusson.

Large selection of English books, plus a few French books and DVDs. Swap (for each swapped book a small charge of 20cts applies) or buy books from as little as 50cts.

ALL money received donated to S.P.A. de la Creuse Dog Refuge Guéret.

Books available during opening hours, please check Baileys Restaurant Ad for details.

Sale of Second-hand Books, La Croisille-sur-Briance On the 18th of every month, during the monthly market at La Croisille-sur-Briance (87130), there is a sale of second-hand books (both English and French) from 9am to 12 noon, at the old garage in La Place - next door to the pharmacy. All proceeds towards the restoration of the church.

St Jean English Library, La Souterraine The La Souterraine Library and Information Centre is now firmly installed in a beautiful medieval building at the Porte de Puy Charraud, Route de Portail, La Souterraine. The library has over 5,000 books, DVDs and other items, as well as its café, Caxtons, which

Phoenix – desperately seeking foster homes for cats & dogs!

Here at Phoenix, our foster homes are full. There is a seemingly endless demand for us to take in dogs and we’re trying to prepare for kitten season which will soon be upon us.

If you are interested, even if it's to foster just ONE animal, please email publicrelations.phoenix@gmail.com for further details and an application form.

For cats, you must be within 1.5 hours drive from Issac, 24400 Dordogne, and for dogs, you must be within 1.5 hours drive from Vergt, 24380 Dordogne.

“Saving the life of one animal may not change the world, but the world will surely change for that one animal.”

Thank you, Phoenix Association,

www.phoenixasso.com www.facebook.com/PhoenixAssociationFrance

serves English cakes. The Library also provides French lessons and organises AngloFrench conversation groups. The Information Centre provides support and assistance with bureaucratic, family and legal problems to British residents and new arrivals. The library is open from 9.30 -12.30 on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Contact Rodney Sabine on 05 55 63 03 87 or at stjeanbiblio@yahoo.com. Our website is www. frenchweb.eu/biblio The English Library, Dun-le-Palestel The English Library, which has now been established for over 5 yrs, is situated in the Route des Rateries, beside the Bibliothèque Municipale, Parc Benjamin Bord. The library is a very welcoming meeting place, where you can come and enjoy a cup of tea, or coffee, whilst you browse through our collection of around 7,500 books, DVDs and talking books. Our opening hours are Thursdays, 10h00 – 16h00 and Saturdays 10h00 – 12h30.

Also, on the first Tuesday of every month, 10h00 – 12h00, you are invited to join us for our Club Franglais, which welcomes people from all nationalities, to chat in French, English or any language you wish(!) whilst enjoying a cup of tea, and a piece of homemade cake.

We host a range of other activities too, including the Café Philo, and Club Scrabble, More information can be found on the Entente Cordiale website at www.ententecordiale-creuse. org or email us at library.ententecordiale@yahoo.com Music Club de Musique Takes place on the last Fri of each month from 8pm at La Grange, Chassignolles (5mins from La Châtre). Open to all musicians, singers, groups and audience. PA and drum kit available. Bring your instrument, mic and join in a great French / English musical and social evening. Bar, hot and cold snacks. Meals available if reserved – see website for contact details of La Grange. For more info email: geoff@clubdemusique.fr http://www. clubdemusique.fr The Harmonics This is our 6th season of singing as a group. Our music is varied classical, madrigals, spiritual, songs from the shows etc and we sing in French, English, Swahili, Latin whatever the music demands. Our concerts are in support of a variety of charities including the British Legion, L'Oregon at Civray and Retina and thus non profit making.

We meet Wed 14h – 16h in the Salle d'Annexe behind the Mairie in Civray. Interested?

We'd love to see you so contact: David Lee tel 05 49 87 53 93 email dave.lee@cegetel. net or Dolly Ait Boualou email sylvia.murray@wanadoo.fr Support Alcoholics Anonymous If you or someone you know has a drinking problem, there are now English-speaking meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous at Limoges, Périgueux and the recently opened meeting at Civray.

Alcoholics Anonymous is a Fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership and A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.

For details of the meetings or other information contact Roger 05 55 76 22 65 (Limoges), Ewen 05 53 05 76 62 (Périgueux) or Angela 05 49 87 79 09 (Civray).

Other meetings in South-West France can be located on our web-site at aafrancesudouest.com Cancer Support France, Charente Plus Offers free and confidential support to English speakers affected by cancer in departments 16, 17 & 86. Our helpline number is 06 45 35 32 30. If you need any more information, please get in touch via csf.charenteplus@gmail.com Cancer Support France, Haute-Vienne We offer free and confidential support to English speakers affected by Cancer in the Haute-Vienne (87). Our helpline number is 06 04 43 39 87. If you would like more information or would like to become a member or help in any other way, please contact Sue Ware 05 55 00 31 15, csfhv@frangle.fr Cancer Support France, Creuse If you are English-speaking and need support or information, please phone Helpline number 06 06 47 18 60.

The Creuse Branch is now under the umbrella of Haute-Vienne.

Cancer Support France Creuse If you are English-speaking and need support or information, please phone Helpline number 06 06 47 18 60.

The Creuse Branch is now under the umbrella of Haute-Vienne.

CSF Haute-Vienne's First AGM The first AGM for Cancer Support France Haute-Vienne was held at the Mairie in Rochechouart on Wednesday 6 March.

It was well attended and I would like to thank everyone who came to it.

The Executive Committee and the Bureau were all re-elected unanimously and the speaker, talking about Living with Cancer, initiated a lively discussion.

We are in the process of helping our 22nd client and are very grateful for everybody’s continuing support.

Sue Ware President, Cancer Support France Haute-Vienne

AIPB Press Release The AGM of the Amitiés Internationales du Pays de Boussac (AIPB) will be held on Saturday 27th April, 2013 at 10h30 in the salle de réunion, Halle d'Agriculture (behind the salle polyvalente) in Boussac. Everyone welcome.

Don't forget the Soirée Celtique et Traditionelle on 13th April in the salle polyvalente in Boussac commencing at 20h30. Lou Patroun will play for us and there will be dancing, a bar and jacket potatoes with a selection of delicious fillings to eat. Entrance only 8 euros.

APRIL 2013 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

18 ♦ COMMUNITY

An African adventure

A

ren't we lucky to live in a place like the Creuse? Beautiful countryside, good weather, time to relax.

Lots of us have gardens where we can grow our own food or we can pop out to the supermarket to pick up anything we want, even baked beans or Marmite! We can turn on a tap for water and be sure that drinking it won't do us any harm. Of course we all know that life's not like this for lots of people but it can be difficult to imagine the other side of the coin.

With this in mind we have decided to see for ourselves. In October we're going to Malawi, a small, extremely poor country in the middle of Africa. It's politically stable but has many problems. It's prone to both drought and flood and it has a major HIV/AIDS problem. A generation is gradually being eliminated. We will work for a month with a charity called the Landirani Trust. Their aim is to help the communities they work with to become self-sufficient in food production, to ensure that all children between the ages of 5 and 10 can go to school, ensure that there is fresh water and sanitation in the villages and to provide care for the 3000 orphans living in the community as well as other vulnerable people affected by HIV/AIDS. A tall order and there's lots of work to do.

Mike will be working with an agricultural project and I'll be working with a project aimed at getting the most vulnerable children into school, where not only will they learn but will be given something to eat.

Before we go we want to raise as much money as we can to fund another project. The Trust wants to create vegetable gardens in each of seven villages in the community, primarily to feed pre-school children, the most vulnerable group. The total cost of the project will be around 4000€ which will pay for land preparation, tools, seeds, irrigation, training, etc.

Landirani has promised that every cent that we raise will go directly to the community and we will be able to see the work when we go there.

Our next fundraising event is on 4th May in the Salle de Loisirs in La Celle Dunoise from 10am until 6pm. We are having a sale plus all the extras. There will be a brocante, a plant stall with very competitive prices and with some interesting varieties - do you fancy a white cucumber or a striped tomato? There will be a cake and produce stall, beer and wine, sandwiches and hot dogs, tea, coffee and home-made cake. We hope it will be possible for the children to take a pony ride or maybe the family can clamber aboard for a horse and trap ride. Come along and join in the fun.

If you would like to know more about the Trust you can read about them at www.landirani.org and to get in touch with us email jo.calvert@free. fr. Finally, if you would like to help by donating you can do this online at mydonate. bt.com/fundraisers/calvertsinmalawi Mike and Jo Calvert

The state of voluntary work in France

Bugle Reader, Sylvie Desplat, discusses the nature of volunteer work and looks at three people who give their time for local associations.

D

espite the relatively sad economic climate and the rise of individualism, it must be reassuring to note that voluntary work in France is not in crisis!

Indeed, according to France's data gathering agency, Insee (Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques), there are around 14 million volunteers in our country. So, nearly one in two adults is engaged in an association of some kind.

The world of associations has changed a lot in the last 20 years. In the past, the commitment for a cause was closer to deep militancy. Nowadays, people give their help depending on their free time and their beliefs. While some of them are just occasional members (40% of the adult population), others dedicate more than 56 hours a month to an association (15%).

Of course, everyone has their own reasons to become a volunteer. It is interesting to find out why and how we volunteer, through some remarkable local examples: Sylvain DESPLAT, salaried employee, President of the APE (Association des parents d’élèves) of the Collège de SaintGermain-les-Belles “When I joined the APE for the first time, everybody saw how motivated I was, so they

designated me president. I wanted to be useful and to be the link between parents and teachers is very nice. To take part in the life of the college is very important. Of course it’s a personal investment (around 3 or 4 hours a week) but happily I’m helped by about ten members (we are 44 in total). The thing I regret is that I’m very often the only one to take the responsibilities!”

John Juniper, retired teacher of English and former President of the Fanfare of Saint-Germain-les Belles “We arrived in France fourteen years ago, and during our first eight years my wife and I worked, and our son Edward went to school.

For some of that time Kate drove the school bus, and I taught English. On retiring for a second time in 2007 - having already retired in 1996 from a full-time (non-teaching) career in England - I wanted to do something further. Certainly I enjoyed my role as president of our local fanfare for three years, but I also wanted to do something more: something of tangible use. What might that be?

For five years now, another English volunteer and I have been holding a fortnightly English conversation group, mostly for adults, in a local town. A link with the Faculté de Droit in Limoges, forged during my last four working years, led to being able to hold

weekly English conversational groups for law and economics students. These voluntary activities, along with recent membership of the Limoges Book Club, mean that I am able offer encouragement and practical help, especially to young people on the threshold of their professional lives, and to others who simply take pleasure in the English language and its literature. Cakes are for sharing.”

Jean-Louis Dubois, salaried employee, ex volunteer fireman in Magnac-Bourg “I was a volunteer fireman from 1984 to 2010. Why? Without doubt, I wanted to be useful and not only at my work. And, by dint of seeing my neighbour leaving his house at the sound of the siren, I decided to do like him when I was 26. So, I learnt to keep my calm in all circumstances and consecrated a lot of my free time to this activity. In 27 years, lots of things changed. At the start, there were more interventions for fires and accidents. Now 75% of the interventions are based on help to people. This evolution is due to improved safety of buildings and vehicles in general. I stopped it when I felt tired of this very physical hobby and my son Clément followed on from me when he was 17! Unfortunately, it’s becoming more and more difficult to find new volunteers…”

In our area, particularly, it’s not hard to guess that without volunteers in local associations like Comités des fêtes, sports or music associations, associations for people who are retired, isolated or in need, etc., life would be very sad and hard in our countryside! Happily, in most of our villages, there is still a hard core of people ready to organize events and help others. The problem for the near future will be the continued recruitment of new volunteers… ■

Neigh, I can't believe it's not BEEF! Doing Something Funny for Money

C

oming soon a collection of the 'Best of the Best' jokes from the Horse Meat Scandal. I wanted to raise some money for Red Nose Day 2013, but this idea came to me a bit late in the day, so I decided to make a proper Kindle Book using nominations from as many people as possible.

These nominations can be of any type of joke, graphic, text, remembered conversation, something seen on a blog. If possible I need to know where it came from so that I can avoid copyright problems and to help improve its chances of inclusion if lots of people nominate the same joke.

We will be printing the results of March's Caption Competition in next month's edition of The Bugle

I just need those nominating a joke to tell me who they are and where they saw or heard it and then we will pick the best. Those who get a name check in the book will get a free digital copy as an epub file so they can view it on most ebook readers.

I will then create the Kindle Book and put it on Amazon for the princely sum of 99p or $0.99 or 0.99€ with all the money received going to Comic Relief.

For more information contact peter@luckydayebooks.co.uk or visit:

www.luckydayebooks.co.uk

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: Rotocentre

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45770 Saran 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.

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: Rotocentre

348, rue Marcel Paul

45770 Saran France Tirage mensuel: 13,000 copies Tous droits réservés. Toute reproduction, totale ou partielle, des articles et illustrations du présent numéro est strictement interdite.

Dépôt légal à parution.

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.

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ APRIL 2013

WHAT’S ON ♦ 19

Festin d'Auteurs Cookery Book Fair – 6/7 April Beynat, Corrèze 09h30 – 18h – FREE ENTRY

games, bric-a-brac, specialist antiquarian and children's books and lots more!

Delicious home-made €1 savouries, tasty cakes, scones and other assorted goodies, along with hot and cold drinks will once again make it

Now in its second year, Festin d'Auteurs is the region's largest cookery book event.

http://www.facebook.com/festindauteurs

an unforgettable 'British' day in France! So come and make a day of it, browse, meet new people, join friends, have lunch and enjoy yourself.

And most importantly, you'll be supporting Phoenix Association to help care and rehome animals in need.

Salle Municipale, 24140 Camsegret - on the N21 between Bergerac and Perigueux - doors open from 9.30am to 3.00pm For more info visit: www.phoenixasso.com and www.facebook.com/ PhoenixAssociationFrance

other temptations, such as local wines, champagne, fish and chips, salted herring, olives, honey and much more.

Phoenix Association will be there and will be very happy to meet and talk to you about its work and about the many animals available for adoption.

The event is being held on Saturday 20th April from 4pm to 7pm at: Camping La Grenouille, Brégérac / La Besse, 24390 Hautefort. For details of the event please telephone 05 53 50 11 71.

Mon 6th to Sun 12th May FELLETIN 3rd European Felt Days - Exhibition-competition at the Eglise du Château (6-12 May) - Beginners and Professionals courses/ Workshops for children.

- Feltmakers market (11-12 May) For more information contact the Felletin Tourist Office - tel 05 55 66 54 60 - www.felletin-tourisme.fr

Sat 27th to Sun 28th Apr LA CELLE-DUNOISE Journées Univer'Celle The Association "Et au milieu coule la Creuse is organising the first "Journées Univer'Celle" on 27 and 28 April 2013 in La Celle Dunoise (in and around the clubhouse of the association, near to the river Creuse).

There will be a multitude of activities going on these two days.

On Saturday 27 April from 10am to 6pm artists and crafts(wo)men will show their latest creations at a small market. At 2pm people can come and exchange plants, seedlings, gardening tools and decoration. Also in the afternoon an "open mike" invites all those who wish to play and/or sing in the clubhouse.

Sunday 28 April is organised for sports-lovers. The day starts around 9am with a 2 hour walk. At 10am an instructor will be around to teach the basics of canoeing and at 2.30pm you are invited for a canoeing trip on the Creuse. You can also choose to take part in a relaxed mountain bike tour, leaving at 3pm from the clubhouse. Minors need a written authorisation from their parents to take part in the canoeing and MTB activities.

Of course there is a possibility to purchase snacks and drinks during the two days.

Sun 12th May SAINT-DIZIER-LEYRENNE Fête du Pain This annual celebration of one of our staple foods, organised as each year by the Societé Leyrenne Patrimoine, will be held this year in the village of Teillet, just to the north of St-Dizier-Leyrenne, starting from 08h30. Bread for sale will be baked in a restored traditional oven, pizzas prepared on site and cooked in a wood fired pizza oven, traditional lunches of Andouillette, Merguez, saucisses, and of course frites. Various artisanal stands will also be present throughout the day. There is no admission charge.

For more information, please see our Facebook page:

Wed 1st May FÉNIERS Renc'Arts Art exhibition organised by the Comité des Fêtes de Chéniers of painting (oil and pastel), drawing, photography, caricatures, sculpture, floral art...

Free entry. Salle Polyvalente Pierre Laurent. 9h-18h.

For more information or to sign up tel 06 45 02 99 00 or email s.franz@ live.fr Sat 4th May CAMPSEGRET - DORDOGNE The Great Phoenix Book Fair It's time to stock up on your summer reads! The largest Anglo-French fundraising event in South-West France will return on Saturday 4th May, 2013.

Over 18,000 well-sorted and recent books, CDs and DVDs will once again be available to all for only €1 a piece! The popular crime and non-fiction sections will be even bigger than before and even a good assortment of French books will be on offer for those who wish to polish their language skills. For the first time, brand new, high quality books will be available for a steal at €2.50 each!

There will also be stalls with our famous Tombola, family puzzles and

details.

Sun 26th May SAINT-LAURENT-SUR-GORRE Fête des Plantes au Jardin de Liliane Plant fair celebrating the Jardin de Liliane's 30th birthday with growers, artisans, brocante jardin, salon de thé etc.

Sale of roses, perennials, shrubs & ferns.

9h-19h. Entry €5. Contact: tel 05 55 48 14 29 - www.jardindeliliane.com

On the menu this year are 60 authors, live cookery demonstrations, talks, a food-themed photography exhibition and a host of other events.

Why not bring the young ones and leave them at Les Mini Chefs while you browse the stands? Run by the local Centre de Loisirs, the children can take part in facepainting or making bookmarks and on Sunday they can even learn to cook with a chef.

* Exciting bric-a-brac * Dog agility and obedience display (25th May) * Face-painting (26th May) * Classic car display (26th May) Please see www.hopeassoc.org for further Books to donate? Email givebooks4hope@gmail.com

Sun 19th May SEGUINAUD 7th Annual Plant Sale A BIG hellooooo to all GARDENERS. We are holding our 7th Annual PLANT SALE at Seguinaud (near to Nontron 24, and 5 mins outside Piégut) on the afternoon of Sunday May 19th from 2-5 pm.

As it is really gardening time now perhaps you could pot up some of those plants for our charity that need splitting. Now is the ideal time. You could then bring them on the day to add to our wonderful selection. This really is the best way to pick up those interesting plants that you can't find here ordinarily, and get excellent advice from our very keen gardener helpers.

There are also 2 resident Tree Surgeons on hand for advice on your trees (usually on car park duty).

ALL the money raised goes to Aide Pour L'Hopital Bansang de Gambie which is the sister Association here in France to The Bansang Hospital Gambia in England. Please visit www.bansanghospitalappeal.com for more information.

This is always a wonderful day, rain or shine, and I can absolutely guarantee that there will be lots of CAKE. Please help support this very worthy cause.

For further information please contact Linda Nicholson on 05 53 56 73 86.

Fri 24th to Sun 26th May CLUSSAIS-LA-POMMERAIE Hope Book Sale 10am-4pm. Salle des fêtes, Clussais-La Pommeraie 79190 (D45 Sauzé-Vaussais to Lezay Road) Thousands of English and French books, fiction and non-fiction for adults and children, each for just 1 euro.

Many trade stands and interesting things to see and do including: * Massive sale of plants * English fish and chips * Tea and cakes * Bacon butties * Excellent quality 2nd hand clothes

The Bugle, live on France Bleu Creuse Tune in to our next show: 09h30 MONday 8th APRIL

2013 Concert programme for L’orchestre Philharmonique de La Souterraine Saturday 27th April Annual concert at the Centre Yves Furet, La Souterraine. 20:30.

Saturday 4th May Open air concert at Bénévent l’Abbaye behind the Abbey or Salle des Fêtes if wet. 18:30.

Sunday 2nd June The festival of the Creuse Musical Societies, Roches. 10:00-18:00.

Saturday 15th June Concert with the Fanfare of the Boussac Sapeurs Pompiers, Boussac. TBC. 20:30.

Friday 21st June Fête de la Musique open air concert, La Souterraine. Location to be confirmed. 20:30.

Saturday 29th June Joint concert with the Guéret Fanfarons, Saint-Germain-Beaupré.

21:00.

Saturday 13th July Open air concert for the “Nuits d’été de Guéret”, Etang de Courtille.

TBC. Further details from the La Souterraine Tourist Office 05 55 63 10 06 or infos@ot-lasouterraine.fr If you or one of your family are interested in playing in an orchestra and think your standard might be adequate do get in contact with us.

We meet weekly on Friday evenings in La Souterraine (apart from the summer holidays) to rehearse. Most of our concerts are around Xmas or May-July. Our members come from all over Limousin so lifts to and fro may be possible if necessary.

Contacts: French language Marie-France Martinie 05 55 30 76 23 English language Alan Kerr 05 55 56 34 52

APRIL 2013 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

20 ♦ WHAT’S ON

UPCOMING EVENTS ACROSS THE REGION Sun 31st Mar MOUTIER-D'AHUN Brocante vide-greniers de Pâques 8h-18h.

Fri 5th to Sun 7th Apr LIMOGES Reading in Limoges Festival This is the month of book fairs, and Limoges is no exception to the rule with the Lire à Limoges (Reading in Limoges) event.

Featuring over 250 authors of general and children's literature as well as comics, this book festival brings together both children and adults, and exercises a strong appeal with extensive comics and youth literature stalls.

Book signings and conferences will punctuate a weekend full of literary discoveries.

Esplanade du Champ de Juillet. Free entry.

Sat 6th to Sun 7th Apr BOSMIE L'AIGUILLE Foire aux vins et Saveurs du Terroir Salle G. Bizet. Sat 10h30-23h & Sun 10h-19h.

Free entry.

Sat 6th Apr VIDAILLAT Concert: Du Bartàs With Du Bartàs the songs of the Languedoc combine with Mediterranean tempos.

20h30. Tickets €5.

To listen to some of their music visit http://www.myspace.com/dubartas Sun 7th Apr JARNAGES Marché de la Saint-Cochon Themed market: the mighty pig.

7h-13h. Place de l'église.

Sun 7th Apr LUSSAT Le retour des premiers migrateurs Outing organised by the SEPOL - the return of the first migratory birds. 9h. Etang des Landes. For more info visit: www.sepol.asso.fr

Fri 12th to Sat 13th Apr Concert: Bacchus et Ariane

Concert of world and baroque music by the Ensemble Chronochromie - Camerata vocale de Brive.

Bacchus and Ariadne is the story of the encounter between Ariadne, abandoned by her lover Theseus on the island of Naxos in Greece and Bacchus, the god of wine. A meeting between two musical worlds: the madrigals of Monteverdi and the music of North India. The spectator will travel between Bacchus and Ariadne, between Italy and India, between romantic love and contemplation.

Fri 12th - La Mégisserie - 14 avenue Léontine Vignerie, Saint-Junien. Tickets €4-€15. Reservations tel 05 55 02 87 98 - www.la-megisserie.fr/ Sat 13th - Théâtre municipal de Brive, Place Aristide Briand, Brive. Tickets €12-€16 (free for Under 12s) Reservations tel 05 55 76 11 04 (Camerata vocale de Brive) - www.cameratvocale.fr Fri 12th to Mon 15th Apr LA SOUTERRAINE Fête de la gastronomie d'ici et d'ailleurs 2nd Foire de printemps - Gastronomic Fair.

Esplanade Yves Furet.

Sat 13th Apr Saturdays in the Garden A series of gardening courses held at the Lycée Agricole in Ahun. For April: Discover Bach flower remedies & their uses.

Bach flower remedies are dilutions of flower material developed by Edward Bach, an English

bacteriologist, pathologist and homeopath, in the 1930s. The remedies are intended primarily for emotional and spiritual conditions, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, insomnia and stress.

This course costs EUR 27 (free for accompanying children) and will be held at CFPPA d’Ahun from 8h30-12h & CFPPA de Dun-le-Palestel from 14h-17h. For more information tel: 05.55.81.48.90.

Sat 13th Apr BOUSSAC Celtic and Traditional Music The AIPB of Boussac is holiding an evening of Celtic and Traditional Music performed by Lou Patroun at 20:30 on 13th April at the Salle Polyvalente, Boussac. Tickets are 8 euros, available at the Tourist Office in Boussac or on the door.

Audience participation/dancing will be encouraged and instruction given! Fun evening. There will be a bar and jacket potatoes with a selection of delicious fillings to eat. Phone Wendy for more info on 05 55 65 03 69 or visit the Tourist Office.

Sun 14th Apr MAGNAC-LAVAL Fête des Plantes Organised by LES AMIS DES FLEURS ET JARDINS. Takes place in the grounds of the Château. Free entry.

Contact: tel 06 50 96 47 70.

Sun 14th Apr SAINT-BAZILE Spring Concert ‘Culture en Tête’ presents a Spring Concert with the choir ‘Bagatelle’ under the direction of Francoise Geller with five choristers from London. The concert will be held in the church at Saint Bazile at 15h.

Entrance €5 (Members of Culture en Tête and children under 12 – €4).

For more information, ring Pat on 05-55-78-40-65.

Fri 19th to Sat 20th Apr LA SOUTERRAINE Blowzabella Day blowzabella is Andy Cutting, Jo Freya, Paul James,

Gregory Jolivet, David Shepherd, Barn Stradling, Jon Swayne. The band make an inimitable, driving, drone-based sound played with a fabulous sense of melody, rhythmic expertise and sheer feeling.

They compose their own music which is influenced

by British and European traditional dance music.

Many of their tunes have become "standards" in the modern folk repertoire and are played by people all over the world.

Friday 19 April. Acoustic session. Come and play with the band, Salle du Coq, Rue du Coq, La Souterraine. Free entry.

Saturday 20 April. 10:00-17:00 Workshops (dance, band, bagpipes, diatonic button accordion, vielle, violin). Evening dance 20:00 to late. Guest band.

Centre Culturel Yves Furet, La Souterraine, France.

Tickets 25/ person/ workshop.

For more information visit http://www.blowzabella. com/ Sat 20th Apr HAUTEFORT Dégustation de printemps - gourmet Dutch cheese

Every year since 2006, "Fromagerie Jolanda” opens its doors to visitors in order that they can taste the new season’s Gouda cheese. People flock from miles around as Jolanda is one of the few sellers of genuine Gouda (AOP) in France, in varying maturities and flavours.

Not only that, there are also many

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