The Bugle - January 2013

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January 2013 Issue #39

Ryanair to start flying from Brive

INSIDE > > > NEWS - Leeds to open 2014 Tour de France

Leeds has won the bid to host the Grand Départ of the 2014 Tour, with 3 stages to be held in Britain >> Page 6

NEWS - New tax on second homeowners

♦ Brive Vallée de la Dordogne will become Ryanair's second hub in the Limousin ♦ Initially 2 flights a week to Maastricht from April 2013 ♦ Ryanair also announces return to Clermont management of Brive Airport have made little secret of their desire to attract one of Europe's largest airlines onto its runways. Jean-Louis Nesti, president of the syndicate that owns the airport, was understandably delighted to be welcoming the Irish airline giant. “I am over the moon at the launch of this new link,” said Mr Nesti. “It will attract tourists from Holland, Belgium and Germany, which represent, after the UK, the countries with the most significant number of visitors to the areas covered by our airport.”

>> continued on page 5

BILINGUAL - The “Kate Effect” We take a look at how last year's royal wedding has affected French wedding fashions >> Page 13

© 2010 - Geroges Biard (WikiCommons)

R

yanair has announced that it is to fly from Brive Airport for the first time in 2013, with 2 flights a week to Maastricht. The flights will initially run every Wednesday and Sunday from 3rd April until the end of October. The low-cost airline already has an established presence in the Limousin through Limoges International Airport, but the new flights into Brive Vallée de la Dordogne will give Ryanair a second base in the region.

Since opening in 2010, the

Changes in capital gains tax are the latest government move to target France's wealthy >> Page 8

Gérard Depardieu has handed in his passport and joined other rich French abroad >> Page 7

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

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2 ♦ IN THIS EDITION

Welcome to

S

The Bugle

o, did you get what you wanted for Christmas...? I think I must have been a naughty boy at some point in 2012 and that someone grassed me up to Santa, because what I got for Christmas was a visit from the in-laws!! Anyone who reads this piece with any regularity will know just how much I love visits from my wife's wonderful parents!! Still, at least this one was a last-minute trip, so there was little time for the dread and foreboding that comes before – kind of like ripping off a plaster quickly, but in reverse.

I guess I shouldn't complain, in fact maybe quite the opposite. My 2 favourite things to talk about on this page are the weather and my in-laws. The fact that they arrived yesterday for a surprise Christmas visit at the end of one of the most depressing month's weather I can remember has given me plenty to write about – a 'perfect storm' of editorial topics, if you will.

I was at the supermarket yesterday with my father-in-law after they arrived, buying some essentials (whisky, sleeping pills, ear plugs...), when I bumped into someone that I knew through the paper. I introduced my father-in-law and the lady in question shot a nervous, quizzical look between the pair of us. I imagine that she had taken my ramblings in this column a bit too seriously

and was worried that we were about to 'make a scene'. So to put the record straight, it's not that I don't get on with my in-laws, more that I love to complain about them (and to be fair, they give me plenty of ammunition). They, on the other hand, think that I am wonderful, naturally.

It was terrible to read about the tragic events of the school shooting in America in December. I think having young children of my own makes this kind of story even more disturbing these days. I can't imagine what it must be like to lose your child in that way – it literally does make you feel sick. But even for the thousands of other children in the local community, what must it be like to have to come to terms with a tragedy on that scale at such a young age? After the event a genuinely emotional President Obama spoke of a “loss of innocence” and I think that is exactly right.

Children just shouldn't have to deal with that kind of thing.

Obama seems like a sensible man and I hope that the politicians can use the antigun momentum built up in the wake of this most recent shooting to push through tighter gun controls; at the very least to reintroduce the ban on assault rifles, which the previous administration inexplicably let expire. The NRA will tell you that guns don't kill people, people kill people.

Maybe. But people with an assault rifle kill an awful lot more people.

From a distance, America's gun laws seem absolutely absurd to me. I know that the right to bear arms is enshrined in the Constitution, but I suspect that the Founding Fathers may have added a clause or two if they had known that semiautomatic assault rifles would one day be available on the high street. I lived in a small village in the UK, where you theoretically had the right to graze your sheep on the village green, similarly enshrined in law.

Following the industrialisation of farming, I imagine these days that people would have a thing or two to say if the local farmer turned up outside the post office with 1,000 bleating sheep.

The gun ownership argument in the US always reminds me of that used by the Chelsea tractor drivers doing the school run back in the UK. The ridiculous cars which have never seen a field in their lives - get bigger and bigger and the bull bars on the front get closer and closer to head height for a small child. The often-quoted reason for such impractical city vehicles is that the driver is simply “protecting my children from other people on the roads”.

This is regardless of the fact that the car they are driving themselves is much more likely to cause serious injury to someone else's child!

I did quite a lot of target shooting as a young man and have handled a few guns in my time, but I was taken aback when I first saw the local police and gendarmes carrying handguns in public over here - I suppose it depends on what you are used to. I don't bat an eyelid these days when I drive past members of la chasse wandering

around with their shotguns over their shoulders.

I remember being on a business trip to America once and being pulled over by the police for not obeying a traffic sign.

My colleague stopped and, as you would in the UK, got out of the car... not the done thing in America! The policeman drew his weapon, pointed it straight at my petrified colleague and told him in no uncertain terms to get back in his vehicle and place his hands on the wheel. It was the first time that he had seen a gun up close and it was being pointed straight at him. He was visibly shaken for days.

Fortunately, gun crime is rare in rural France. I would struggle to live here with my young family if that were not the case.

Here's to a happy and safe 2013! Until next month!

Steve Martindale Editor

INSIDE this edition

1 & 3-5 Local News 6-9 National News 10-12 French Life 13 Bilingual 14-15 Classifieds 16 Games & Letters 17 Clubs & Associations 18 Community 19-20 What's On B1-B8 Business Directory

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LOCAL NEWS ♦ 3

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Final section of 2x2 opens on RN141

A

fter a wait of nearly 40 years, the two main towns of the Haute-Vienne - Limoges and Saint-Junien - have finally been connected by a dual carriageway. In early December, the final section of 2x2 voies opened between La Barre and Le Breuil to complete one of the region's largest infrastructure projects of recent years.

On the morning of Tuesday 11th December, transport authorities redirected traffic away from the old single carriage RN141 and onto the brand new 7.6 km stretch of pristine bitumen. Once all the slip roads are complete

by March, the journey time between Saint-Junien and the region's capital will be cut by 2 minutes. The primary objective of the project, however, was not the small gain in time but road safety.

The number of serious road accidents in the region can be expected to drop

dramatically over the coming years. Figures show that 70% of all traffic injuries on the entire length of the RN141 came on this 7.6 km section and the fork in the road at the Oradour-sur-Glane exit was one of the worst black spots on the Route Centre Europe Atlantique.

Days after the new road opened, the only vehicles that could be seen on the old one were a few local cars and a handful of tractors.

One person who is glad to see the back of the constant stream of heavy traffic is Maurice Lacouchie, owner of a local farm. He used to maintain a plot of land on the other side of the main road: “At its worst, it would take me 15 or 20 minutes to get across in a tractor.” Today, he can wander across on foot in a matter of minutes.

“Of course, you can still just about hear the traffic, but it's nothing like it used to be!” he said, pointing to a noise reduction barrier in

the distance flanking the new dual carriageway. “It's going to be peaceful round here now.”

Not everyone is so happy, however. Only days after the new section came into service, Francis Séguin, who runs a garage in La Chapelle-Blanche, was starting to see problems.

“It's a nightmare!” fumed the local businessman. “I'm sure that the politicians and press are delighted, but they could have thought to add some signposts for traffic. Even the locals are getting lost!”

As if to prove a point, while he voiced his grievances to Le Populaire, a customer came in complaining that it had taken him 20 minutes to find the garage from the new road.

One added bonus of the new dual carriageway, however, may be for the region's cyclists - the old RN141 could now become one of the country's largest and quietest cycle lanes!! ■

A

local schoolgirl has had a frightening experience when she was left on the bus at the end of the school run. The 5-year-old from La Croisille-sur-Briance, named in the press as Maud, boarded the bus after school as usual. However, the rest of the pupils from her class were on an away day and the bus driver thought that she had gone with them.

At the end of his round, the driver returned to his house, locked the bus and went inside without realising that Maud was still sitting patiently in the back. After ten minutes left alone and with darkness approaching the brave young girl decided she need to take matters into her own hands. She managed to open the emergency door and set off up the road in search of help.

Fortunately for all concerned, the girl's instincts were good and 700 metres up the D12 she came to the centre of La Croisillesur-Briance, although by this point she was in tears. A local lady recognised her and she was soon reunited with her relieved family.

Her father was understandably angry.

“For now, we have not made an official complaint, but we have written to the local council,” he said. “Despite the human error by the driver, there needs to be some kind of system in place to stop this happening.

Everything turned out fine, but it could have

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Girl locked on school bus makes a brave escape

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been so much worse!”

The story has echoes of the near disaster that befell a 3-year-old boy from Bessinessur-Gartempe in the Haute-Vienne who did not know how to undo his seatbelt and spent a day trapped inside a school bus in 2011. The boy was usually unbuckled by an 8-year-old neighbour who travelled to school with him, but his neighbour was not on the bus that day. The boy's absence was not noted from school as attendance is not compulsory for children of that age.

Later that day, the boy's mother received a call from the regional transport authorities to say that her son had not in fact been at school, but had spent the day locked inside the bus at their main bus depot in Limoges. A driver had been alerted by cries as he began his evening round at 4 pm. Fortunately the boy was unharmed by his ordeal. ■

JANUARY 2013 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

4 ♦ LOCAL NEWS

O

n December 8th, Miss Bourgogne was crowned Miss France, but this year's annual beauty pageant will be remembered locally for 2 other reasons. The first is that it was hosted in the Limousin - more precisely at the Zenith in Limoges a coup for the region as it represented a chance to shine a national light on one of France's more rural areas.

The other reason people may be talking about the 2012 edition in years to come is for the controversy surrounding the home favourite, Miss Limousin - Sandra Longeaud.

The scandal, which broke shortly before the event, surrounded a poster campaign for the 2011 Salon du Chocolat in Limoges. The Miss France rules are very clear: no entrant may appear nude in any photos before entering the competition or during her reign. In the poster, which reappeared on the internet at the worst possible time for the local hopeful, Ms Longeaud is not strictly speaking 'naked'; she looks to be wearing briefs but the only

thing she is wearing on top is a lot of melted chocolate.

Although she was not disqualified from the competition, it was made clear that the 'chocolate shot' would be discussed by the judges at the start of the event at which point the entrants were quickly whittled down to 12. Sure enough, Miss Limousin was eliminated at the first hurdle.

The photo was taken before Sandra Longeaud was crowned Miss Limousin and is clearly not an 'erotic' image, so why the fuss? As Sylvie Tellier, director of the Miss France tournament explained, “Even in underwear, this is considered naked... and that is against the rules”.

Speaking before the tournament, Ms Longeaud tried to play down the controversy. “The photo is not provocative in my opinion,” said Limousin's first lady. “I am not naked. These photos were taken by professionals and I am wearing this second skin, this layer of chocolate that covers me. I don't understand what I have to apologise for.” ■

© d.r. Salon du Chocolat.

Miss Limousin in 'nude shoot' controversy

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LOCAL NEWS ♦ 5

Ryanair unveils Region's apple growers receive compensation for frost damage flights from Brive airport >> continued from pg 1 “This new deal will generate about 15,000 passengers a year, 80% of whom will originate from areas around Maastricht,” said Jonathan Brisy, Ryanair's head of sales and marketing for France and Belgium. This is good news for the region when you take into account that the average Dutch tourist spends €55 per day in the region and stays for around 2 weeks.

Maastricht is the fifth city to be served by Brive Airport, joining flights to London, Paris, Amsterdam and Ajaccio.

When Brive Airport opened to much fanfare in 2010, many questioned whether the region needed, or indeed could handle, another airport. The project was the 20-year-old brainchild of the mayors of Brive and Souillac (in the Lot department) and was originally called BriveSouillac Airport. When the name was changed at the last minute to Brive Vallée de la Dordogne, not only did it cause much consternation amongst the politicians of the Lot department, who had invested heavily in the project, but it was also taken as a sign that British tourists would be a primary

target. Not many north of the Channel will have heard of the Lot department, or indeed the town of Souillac, but adding the word Dordogne generates more marketing clout with the average Brit!

When it opened, many feared that the larger airlines would play Brive, Limoges and Bergerac airports off against each other in order to acquire more favourable deals. Europe's low-cost airlines, and Ryanair in particular, are known for their aggressive negotiating tactics with small regional airports. In theory, the airports have agreed to a non-aggression pact where they will not enter into direct competition with each other and this has so far appeared to be the case.

After securing its first Ryanair flights, however, Brive will certainly be keen to add new lines, something that would be good for expats, but could be expensive for the airports in the long run if they start competing with each other.

Elsewhere, Ryanair has also signed a 3-year deal to return to Clermont-Ferrand, with regular flights from April 2013 to Charleroi (Belgium) and Porto (Portugal). ■

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T

he beleaguered apple growers of the famous 'golden triangle' of SaintYrieix-la-Perche, Lanouaille and Pompadour finally have a reason to smile as it has been announced that they will receive 50% compensation for their lost crops in 2012.

In April, more than 80% of all the trees in the area were hit by a freak, 'black frost'.

The standard compensation provided from state funds following disasters of this nature is 35%.

“With a compensation level of 35%, you can be sure that many businesses would have gone under,” said Serge Frescaline of the FDSEA (the Departmental Federation of Farmers Unions). The president of the Corrèze FDSEA agreed, saying, “It is a ray of hope for an industry which in this department accounts for 4,000 jobs. This is not insignificant.

Remember that these apples are the only ones in France that benefit from an AOC. We must fight to protect it.”

A black frost occurs when the internal frost damage on a plant is so

severe that it causes it to turn black. On April 17th, it was not so much the low temperature that caused the damage, more the length of time that it remained so cold. Speaking at the time, local apple grower Pierre Lortolary explained: “At 2 in the morning here, the temperature under cover was -3ºC, and at 6 in the morning it was -5ºC. You can see the flowers falling in the wind… I will not be harvesting anything this year.” Sadly he was proved right.

Across the golden triangle, 85% of all apples picked are of the famous ‘golden du Limousin’ variety, a type of Golden Delicious.

These apples were awarded an appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) in France in 2005, which means that only apples grown in this area may be called golden du Limousin. The region’s most famous fruit was then given appellation d'origine protégée (AOP) status in 2007, which is the equivalent of the AOC but on a Europewide level and remains the only apple in France with this protection. ■

Crédit Agricole to invest €90 million In one of the most significant private investments in recent years, French bank Crédit Agricole has announced that it will be spending €90 million over the next 3 years in the Limousin and Auvergne regions.

Announcing the sizeable investment, director general of Crédit Agricole Centre France, Marc Deschamps, said that the money would be used to improve and renovate its 210 branches in order to “better service client relationships” and “reinforce commercial potential” as well as “contributing to the economic activity of the region”.

“We are going to attract more customers and they will be more warmly welcomed,” promised the group's boss, while arguing that there is definitely a future for physical branches. “People have been saying for 30 years now that banks have no future on the high street, yet ours have never performed so well.”

The money will also be used to start a number of mobile banking buses for rural communities, as well as establishing new branches across the regions.■

JANUARY 2013 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

6 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

D

e s p i t e facing stiff competition from more e x o t i c locations such as Barcelona, Berlin and Florence, it is Leeds in the north of England that will host the start of the 2014 Tour de France. The largest annual sporting spectacle on Earth will head through Yorkshire on 5th and 6th July, before moving south for a third stage, finishing in London.

The race last visited the UK in 2007, when London hosted a prologue ahead of a road stage from the capital to Canterbury, attracting two million spectators. 2014 will be the fourth time that the Tour has travelled north of the Channel.

Rotterdam, in the Netherlands, hosted the 2010 Grand Départ, while the 2012 race started in Liège in Belgium and this year's 100th edition will begin in Corsica.

British Cycling president Brian Cookson said: “Like every other cycling fan, I am thrilled the world's biggest bike race is coming back to this country. The huge numbers who turned out

to support the 2007 Grand Départ and the London 2012 [Olympic] road races show the passion we have for cycling. I'm sure Yorkshire will give the 2014 Tour de France a welcome which will stand out in the race's rich history.”

Many people are giving credit for the coup to the tourism body Welcome To Yorkshire (WTY), which ran a stunning promotional film highlighting the dramatic Yorkshire landscape. They were backed in their bid by cycling heavyweights Mark Cavendish and Bradley Wiggins. The WTY team put on a show for the French delegates during the bid process, flying them by helicopter to the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales national parks and then landing at Harewood House near Leeds where they dined on food prepared by top chef Simon Guellor of the Box Tree restaurant in Ilkley.

The body's chief executive Gary Verity, a keen cyclist himself, said: “We served them Yorkshire lamb because we thought it was the absolute best of Yorkshire produce.”

The tactics obviously worked and the world's media will descend on Yorkshire next year. “It will mean that, less than two years after hosting the Olympics, the British public can look forward to another of the world's biggest sporting events coming to the country,” said Mr Verity with obvious pride. “I am in no doubt they will come to Yorkshire in their millions, lining the length and breadth of the route to cheer on the champions of world cycling and our home-grown British heroes.”

Race director Christian Prudhomme added: “Since the resounding success of the Grand Départ in London in 2007, we were very keen to return to the United Kingdom. Bradley Wiggins' historic victory last July and the enormous crowds that followed the cycling events in the streets of London during the Olympic Games encouraged us to go back earlier than we had initially planned.”

Despite being the reigning champion, it is not currently certain that Bradley Wiggins will defend his yellow jersey in 2013's Tour. Chris

© 2012 - Denismenchov08 (WikiCommons)

Leeds to open 2014 Tour de France

Froome, who supported Wiggins in last year's Tour and came second overall, has spoken openly of his desire to be Team Sky's leader this year. Wiggins himself has said that he wouldn't have a problem if the team selected Froome to lead the charge in the 2013 race.

Team principal, Dave Brailsford, has said that nothing will be certain until

the Tour begins. “We will see when we get there,” he said.

“The guys will be trying to be the best they can be. We will see what condition they are in. The legs will do the

talking.”

Froome responded by saying that as far as he is concerned, the team had assured him that he will be number one. ■

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NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 7 Ask at the reception desk for Erik

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B

eer, wine and tax dodgers are at the heart of increased tensions between France and its neighbour to the northeast, Belgium. Following President Hollande's move to introduce a 75% tax band for high earners (those earning more than €1 million), many of France's super-rich have decided to move across the border to Belgium where there are lower income tax rates and an absence of wealth or capital gains taxes.

One such person to migrate is Gérard Depardieu, the largerthan-life French actor, who has moved to the town of Néchin, population 2,800. It is not hard to see what attracted him to an unremarkable property located within walking distance of France and only a 15-minute drive from Lille and its super-fast train link to Paris.

Daniel Senesael, mayor of Néchin, insists, however, that Depardieu is simply fed up with the big city and prefers life on the Belgian side of the border.

“I think he wanted to enjoy the atmosphere in Belgium, our identity, the rural, bucolic setting,” the mayor told RTL radio.

Look in the local Belgian phone book and you will also find the Mulliez family, owners of the French supermarket group Auchan and the Decathlon sports shop chain. Earlier this year, France's richest man, Bernard Arnault, admitted that he had applied for Belgian citizenship, although he insisted it had nothing to do with paying lower taxes.

France's prime minister, JeanMarc Ayrault, slammed those moving abroad as unpatriotic, saying that they are not those who

are scared of becoming poor, but are aiming to get even richer.

Branding Depardieu “pathetic” he said, “We cannot fight poverty if those with the most, and sometimes with a lot, do not show solidarity and a bit of generosity.

Thankfully, few are seeking exile to exempt themselves from being in solidarity with fellow Frenchmen.”

Socialist MP Yann Galut went further and called for Depardieu to be “stripped of his nationality” if he failed to pay his dues in his mother country, saying the law should be changed to enable such a punishment.

The Cyrano de Bergerac actor retaliated against such harsh criticism with an open letter to the prime minister published in the Journal du Dimanche, in which he said he was leaving after paying 85% tax on his 2012 revenues and a total of 145 million euros in tax in forty-five years. He said was handing back his social security card which had never been used. “All those who

have left France have not been attacked as I have,” he wrote, saying his reasons for leaving were numerous and personal.

Elsewhere, another spat is brewing after France announced plans to increase the import duty on beer by 160%. Belgium, with its undisputed master brewers of Europe, boasts roughly 180 firms producing over 450 types of beer to a volume of 18 million hectolitres a year, with about a third of exports - 3.5 million hectolitres - going to France, its biggest foreign market.

The Belgians say the tax is discriminatory and protectionist and will have a potentially calamitous impact on sales and jobs. The dispute turned political when the Belgian prime minister, Elio Di Rupo, raised the issue with the French president, François Hollande, at the Élysée Palace but was given short shrift, raising the possibility that Belgium will introduce a tit-fortat increase in duty on French wine. ■

© 2009 - nicogenin (Flickr)

Franco-Belgian tensions as rich flee France

With an estimated $24 billion fortune, Bernard Arnault is the world's 13th richest person, and the wealthiest in France... but he is about to become Belgian.

Couple lose savings in EDF scam

A

n English couple have learned the hard way that the number of scam email frauds is on the increase in France and Connexion have urged readers not to fall victim to the same type of attack.

The couple, who have asked to remain anonymous, were about to return to the UK following a visit to their French property in the Languedoc when they received an email from EDF warning them that their bill was unpaid. “It was only €19 so I just clicked the link to the EDF site and paid it. We had had problems before, when Orange cut us off because we didn't receive their bill and it went unpaid. So we just thought we ought to pay it at once.”

The email and the site that the link took them to both looked genuine, but in fact the site was a fake one run by scammers and created to look the same as EDF's website. The bank details that they entered to pay their “bill” were collected by the hackers who then used them to empty their account.

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“We didn't even notice until we got home to the UK and there was the real bill from EDF. We rang up and discovered what had happened, but by that time it was too late.”

Unfortunately for the couple, La Banque Postale were not very sympathetic to their plight: “They said there was nothing they could do about it since we had effectively given the money away.

They didn't accept that we had been defrauded. They have now blocked the account but the money has gone. We were planning to have some work done on the house, so we lost around €3,000.”

Similar emails have been doing the rounds recently purporting to be from the services des impôts (tax office) or various telephone and gas companies. As a general rule, reputable companies will never send you an email containing a link to a page asking for bank details. It is very easy for scammers to set up official looking websites and emails. If you do need to go to a website to pay a bill, always type out the website address yourself and do not follow a link sent to you. ■

Frenchman becomes first to take wife's name A French man from Lyon has become the first man in France to take his wife's surname following a marriage. The 37-year-old, who married last September, had a few hurdles to jump, however, as local officials seemed unaware of the gender equality law allowing him to take his wife's name, which came into effect in 2011.

Speaking to RTL radio, the man, identified only as Philippe S, said: “I contacted seven town halls, they all turned me down. They checked several times the boxes they could tick on their computer systems and said it was simply impossible to change it to my wife's.”

His request was rejected a total of seven times - the civil servants could only offer him a double-barrelled name merging his current one with his wife's. His request was only finally granted when he printed a copy of the law from the government's own website and took it into his town hall.

Philippe S claimed that he wanted to use his wife's French-sounding surname because his own Turkish one was hard to pronounce and made it difficult to find work. “I needed my wife's name to be able to get ahead in life, not constantly get knock-backs, and I feel things are improving already,” he said. ■

The Traditional British Takeaway in France

Well didn’t that year go quickly? Jackie and Del hope that all of their customers enjoyed the festive holidays and wish them all a Happy and Prosperous New Year. We are closed for a couple of weeks over the Christmas period but Fish et Frites are pleased to be back from Thursday 10th January at our normal locations.

January (all venues from 18:00 unless stated otherwise) Thursday 10th & 24th Lussac les Eglises Thursday 17th St Sulpice les Feuilles Thursday 31st Jouac (18:30 start) Friday 11th, 18th and 25th Le Dorat Early dates for February Friday 1st and 8th Le Dorat Saturday 2nd Liglet Tuesday 5th St Leger Magnazeix Thursday 7th St Sulpice les Feuilles Thursday 14th Lussac les Eglises

Siret: 503 419 871 00010

Guéret

We look forward to seeing you at one of our locations

Fancy a fish and chip supper? Why not try a portion of our Icelandic cod weighing on average over 220gms, freshly filleted, cooked in crispy beer batter and served with chunky traditional home cut chips (not frozen French fries), or if you have a large appetite you could try our large cod weighing in at a monstrous 300gms. It’s the largest fish in town!!

We also have our customer loyalty card - collect yours when next visiting. Ask Jackie or Del for details.

www.fish-et-frites.com

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

JANUARY 2013 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

8 ♦ NATIONAL NEWS

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T

he world may soon have to change its stereotypical view of the French following the news that the nation now drinks less wine than ever before. A study, carried out every five years for the ministry of agriculture, has shown that average consumption has fallen to 57 litres per year, per person - barely one glass per person, per day. This is down from an impressive 160 litres per person, per year in 1965.

The number of people who drink wine on a daily basis has also dropped to 17%, down from 21% five years ago. In the same period, the number of occasional drinkers - those who enjoy a glass once or twice a week - rose from 41 to 45%. The number of French who drink no alcohol at all has remained stable at 38 per cent.

“There has also been a real shift in consumption habits,” said Caroline Plot, the official who

oversaw the research. “Fizzy drinks and fruit juices are taking the place of wine on the French table.” Wine would be served on average at half of all meals 30 years ago - that figure has now fallen to one in four.

“Alcohol in general and wine in particular have become a weekend thing, to be consumed in a convivial or celebratory setting,” explained Philippe Janvier, one of the study's authors.

The French wine industry has had to adapt to a changing market in recent years: a decrease in domestic demand; increased competition from New World wines; and the new thirst for French wine from the Chinese middle classes.

Although the Chinese market is proving to be a lucrative one for French wine makers, it is also changing the way wine is being made in France. The Chinese have been buying up vineyards all over Bordeaux in

recent years - they now own 20 châteaux in the region - and are colonising other parts of France.

In the last few months a Chinese gambling tycoon has purchased Château de Gevrey-Chambertin, the Burgundy vineyards that produced Napoleon's favourite tipple. Purists fear that in the future this new breed of owners will make their wines expressly for the lucrative overseas markets and adapt them to suit the Chinese palette.

Local wine makers are furious that so much French heritage is falling into the hands of rich Asian investors. Jean-Michel Guillon, the president of a winemakers syndicate who mounted a failed local bid to buy the vineyard, is one such man. “I think France is selling its soul and that our politicians must react. We are starting to say to ourselves that our heritage is going out the window. I'm afraid that within years, Burgundy will no longer belong to the Burgundians,” he

warned. “I have nothing against the investor… but if we turned the tables, what would the Chinese say if French investors bought up 10 or 50 metres of the Great Wall of China?”

Wine is big money in China... but so is fake wine. In November 2012, police found 10,000 bottles of fake Château Lafite Rothschild in a derelict house; one of the most expensive wines in the world, the haul had a street value of around €15 million. To date, Château Lafite Rothschild alone has won 6 separate lawsuits against Chinese companies producing fake wines. According to one Chinese wine expert, there is more Lafite '82 currently on sale in China than was ever made. ■

© 2008 - Southern Foodways Alliance (Flickr)

Is France still a nation of wine lovers...?

Government continues to target second homeowners

W

ealthy second homeowners in France could soon find themselves slapped with another unpopular tax as President François Hollande's Socialist government continues in its policy of targeting France's rich. In the firing line this time are second homeowners. Although it rejected the budget minister's proposals for a so-called “super taxe d'habitation” on second homeowners, the finance department has approved a hike in capital gains taxes charged on second home sales.

The new super taxe d'habitation would have added a further 20% to the current taxe d'habitation paid by property owners of “under used” homes - another way of saying second homes - but only for those in designated zones tendues (high-pressure areas). These included Paris, the Riviera, the Swiss border and other major cities such as Lyon and Toulouse.

Those lucky enough to own more than one home will have to sell quickly to avoid yet more taxes on France's wealthy, however.

They may have avoided this new super tax,

ideal for special occasions

but will soon be hit by the fresh increase in capital gains tax on large gains. From 2014, there will be an extra 2% tax imposed on capital gains of more than €50,000, rising on a sliding scale to an extra 6% on capital gains of more than €250,000. This is on top of the current 19% capital gains tax and 15% social charge on second home sales, so those selling second homes for a large profit will see more than 40% of it returned to the government!

The government had called the new taxes a form of “social justice” as only the richest will have to pay. Others, however, have said it could have a negative effect on an already troubled housing market as those with second homes are becoming increasingly reluctant to sell. The year 2012 saw three changes to the rules on capital gains tax and those that can afford to hold on are waiting to see what happens in the future before selling. Added to that, the rich and foreign investors will now be less likely to buy second homes in France, an area that is increasingly being targeted by the government as a source of easy income. ■

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ JANUARY 2013

NATIONAL NEWS ♦ 9

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French male Disgraced politician Dominique fertility falls at Strauss-Kahn settles out of court alarming rate

A

recent study has dealt a blow to the reputation of French men in the boudoir. Findings reported in the respected journal Human Reproduction show that the sperm count of French males has dropped by nearly one third in the last 20 years.

Based on statistics gathered from 26,600 men, the report's authors claim that over the course of 17 years they have shown for the first time a “significant and continuous” decrease in sperm concentration of 32.3% - a worrying drop of 1.9% per year. “To our knowledge, this is the first study concluding a severe and general decrease in sperm concentration and morphology at the scale of a whole country over a substantial period,” said Dr Joelle Le Moal, one of the authors. “This constitutes a serious public health warning.”

Researchers calculated that in French men with an average age of 35, sperm count was reduced from around 73.6 million per millilitre of semen in 1989 to just 49.9 million in 2005. Although the drop is significant, it is still well above the threshold of concern used by doctors for male infertility of 15 million per millilitre.

It is easy to make jokes about the lack of plomb in the French crayon, but the debate on male fertility is a serious one that has been ongoing for many years. This latest research adds weight to the numerous European studies that suggest one in five young men now has a sperm count low enough to impair fertility.

Prof Richard Sharpe, from the University of Edinburgh, said: “Something in our modern lifestyle, diet or environment like chemical exposure, is causing this. We still do not know which are the most important factors, but perhaps the most likely is a combination, a double whammy of changes, such as a high-fat diet combined with increased environmental chemical exposures.”

The study took place over a period of many years, therefore it was important to ensure that methods remained the same for comparison throughout that period, but critics have questioned if this was indeed the case. Dr Allan Pacey, senior lecturer in andrology at the University of Sheffield, has his doubts: “In the paper, the authors claim that the methods for measurement of sperm concentration and motility 'have not changed noticeably during the study period', yet to me this is an odd thing to say as in my experience they have changed remarkably everywhere else in the world. I would argue that the 'jury is still out' on this issue”.

Despite the seeming lack of male fertility, France still has one of the highest fertility rates in all of Europe, with an average 2.01 children born for every French woman. ■

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D

ominique StraussKahn, the disgraced former head of the IMF, has settled his case of sexual assault out of court with a New York hotel maid. Nafissatou Diallo claims that the man many tipped to be France's next president attacked her in his room at the upmarket Sofitel hotel in Manhattan in May 2011. The settlement in the civil lawsuit remains officially undisclosed, but is estimated to be in the region of $6 million.

The payment marks an apparent end to DSK's New York legal battles, but it has come at more than just a financial cost for the 63-year-old. As well as losing his job at the IMF, it ended any realistic chance Strauss-Kahn had for a run at the French presidency. Following his arrest, further lurid details of his lifestyle soon emerged as other women came forward to accuse him of sexual crimes. It is also likely to have contributed to his separation from his wife, French journalist Anne Sinclair.

Miss Diallo, a mother of one, told police that the 63-yearold Frenchman came out of the bathroom naked, assaulted her and forced her to have oral

sex when she arrived to clean his room. She described it as a “violent and sadistic act”.

DSK was arrested hours later after hurriedly leaving the hotel and boarding a plane at John F Kennedy airport. He claimed that the act was consensual, but was taken to Riker's Island jail and charged with multiple offences including attempted rape, sexual abuse,

criminal sexual act, unlawful imprisonment and forcible touching. All charges were later dropped, however, after Manhattan prosecutors cited “inconsistencies” in the housekeeper's statements. Mr Strauss-Kahn was allowed to return to France, although Ms Diallo pursued her case through the civil courts.

Outside the court, flanked by

her lawyers, Ms Diallo smiled and said: “I just want to say I thank everyone who supported me all over the world. I thank everybody.” DSK, who was not in court, gave no comment after it was announced that a settlement had been reached; neither did his legal representatives present at the court, other than to thank the judge. ■

JANUARY 2013 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

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Time for those New Year’s resolutions?

D

by Bugle reader Christine Moshy

ear Diary, In 2013 I will be fitter, jog at least 3 times a week, stop eating chocolate, be a nicer, kinder, more charitable person. Another mouthful of turkey casserole, turkey burgers, cold Christmas pudding, bûche de Noël.

Haven’t all those lovely Christmas “goodies” stopped being those longed for, yummy treats and now become the stuff of dyspeptic, nightmares? The last cracker has been pulled, the last present from Uncle Joe in Australia opened (not socks again!), the New Year cards are trickling in from one’s French friends (you have until the end of January to reply), the decorations have come down to be stowed away in the attic until next year, and the only thing that keeps our spirits up is writing, or thinking about, our New Year’s resolutions!

Come on, Bugle Readers, own up! I write them every year, don’t you? Lists of everything that I plan to make me into Superwoman by December 31st 2013. I WILL keep them this year! I didn’t last year, or the year before, but this year I really, truly will make that big effort and anyway, if I don’t, I do like writing lists. The older I get, the more lists I write: shopping lists (they get left by mistake on the kitchen table); daily “to do” lists, which get stapled together until they get too fat and are used to light the fire; and bucket lists!!!!!

Bucket lists? An interesting name as, with intimations of mortality, it seems they are called that because they are lists of everything we want to do, to see, to have, to achieve by the time we “kick the bucket”. Bucket lists are super, mega-length New

Year’s resolutions. A recent article in The Guardian Weekly is very negative about bucket lists, the writer Kira Cochrane saying that they encourage “a strange blend of highly individualised behaviour and conformity, in which everyone is hurtling, alone, towards similar goals”. Do they?

You can even buy books of bucket lists: 1001 Places You Must Visit in Your Lifetime, 1001 Books You Must Read, 1001 Films You Must See, etc. Google “bucket list”, and they all pop up, along with lists of activities like swimming with dolphins, climbing the 7 summits, canoeing up the Amazon.

There was a film in 2007 called The Bucket List, in which Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman meet in a cancer ward, and throwing care, treatment, money and possibly pain, to the wind, they race around the world, packing in experiences like flying in a micro light plane over the Serengeti, gambling in the casinos of Monte Carlo and so on. It is all very macho stuff - like Hemingway on amphetamines - but the smoochy, Hollywood ending has them dying happy in the bosom of loving families, presumably because they have achieved everything on their bucket list.

But hands up! Don’t we all write (or at least think about) those bucket lists? I do, and have done it all my life. I don’t get my lists off the internet, but I suppose most of my ever growing lists are the same as most people’s: visit this and that country (I’ve never made it to Scotland, next year maybe, I suspect it will be like Uganda, without the sun but with the deepfried Mars Bars), run a marathon, siret: 510 357 155 00017

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climb Kilimanjaro. I’ve done that last one twice, and an added bonus was that I met my future husband up there. He is a guide and got me down the first time when I was developing high altitude mountain sickness, thanks to a rather pushy fellow climber, who wanted our group to get up those 5895 metres at breakneck speed. The pushy guy came from the Pyrenees and carried a rope with him wherever he went. At the end of the trip, I had a few suggestions to make to him about how he could use it!

Anyway, I had only reached the crater ring when Fares, my now husband, decided I should go down, and that was how we met.

I finally ticked off “Get to the summit of Kilimanjaro” when I went the extra 110 metres to Uhuru Peak the following year.

Is this frantic list writing selfdestructive? Is it a distraction from getting on with life and being satisfied with what you have?

Personally, I don’t think so. If we all put up with our lot, we would still be gnawing bones in caves, wouldn’t we? Although at least then we wouldn’t be worried about how to pay the central heating bill!

I see my lists as a way of being positive about the future. I know in my heart of hearts that I will never see every country in the world, and that if I did manage to tick off number two hundred and something, more countries would then spring up. I actually have the old GDR (East Germany) ticked off, so that one doesn’t really count any more. And I would rather go back to Sweden than go to Mali for the first time. I also have a few modest things on my lists like “finish restoring my house in La Creuse”; I don’t believe that one will ever be ticked off either, but what’s wrong with dreaming?

There is nothing better than dozing off on a freezing Creuse night, post cocoa, imagining

getting together a team to drive down the Pan American Highway, or learning to speak totally fluent Russian, or reading the complete works of Balzac (I am on volume 4 - not there yet, another 10 or so to go! I got distracted by some light relief from Ruth Rendell).

It’s worth a chuckle too, to look back at some of the more eccentric wishes one has had over the years.

When I was 14 and going through a very weirdo period there were items like “Buy black eyeliner” next to “Truly know yourself” and “Keep hoping that G will fall in love with you”. Then, after a school reunion when I was 50, I noted in my diary “G was there, what a pompous prig. Nice wife, though, don’t know how she puts up with him”. So beware of ticking off the whole list too quickly, you might get something you didn’t bargain for!

In 2013 I really must get to Scotland..... ■

Sticks and stones may break my bones...

F

or centuries there has been, shall we say, rivalry if not downright warfare between the British and the French.

A distinct lack of entente cordiale.

Just mention Agincourt and the French look rather sick but are quick to riposte with accusations of how the British burnt Joan of Arc. Love all – or perhaps love isn't the right word. Each country gives as good as it gets and this has resulted in a number of expressions in their respective languages which range from the absurd to the amusing and from condescending to downright vituperative.

Of course, the British call the French 'frogs' and the French call the British 'les rosbifs', fairly inoffensive and relating to culinary preferences, although my French-born son at school in England once informed me that his life had been blighted by constantly being called 'froggy'.

Somehow I doubt it; more likely he revelled in it, particularly when it came to the French GCSE results. His friends may then have used language which would have obliged them to say “pardon my French”.

Somewhat more pointedly derogatory, Shakespeare in Henry VI speaks of things “done like a Frenchman turn and turn again,” obviously accusing them of being

by Bugle reader Elisabeth Orsini turncoats, but then in the sixteenth century the French were in the habit of calling creditors 'les Anglais'.

Interestingly enough, many expressions are equivalent in meaning, thus 'filer à l'anglaise' means to 'take French leave', in other words to absent oneself without permission. A 'French seam' when sewing is a 'couture anglaise'. Then things get a bit more indelicate. A condom or 'French letter' is a 'capote anglaise' and ratcheting up the vituperative stakes, the 'French disease' referred to syphilis and 'le vice anglais' to the supposed predilection of the British for homosexuality.

Interestingly, a more modern epithet 'la maladie anglaise' refers to strikes, presumably suggesting that this is a peculiarly British problem; it seems to me a case of the pot calling the kettle black. Somewhat stranger is the expression 'les Anglais ont débarqué'.

This doesn't mean that the English are about to storm or are storming the walls of the citadel but what a woman might say when she has her period.

On the British side, French kisses, French knickers or French maids are likely to provoke silly sniggers responding to what are considered slightly salacious subjects.

On a more mundane level, there are many remarks made about each other's cuisine. 'A l'anglaise' means anything boiled, presumably boiled

to death, whilst the French come off rather better in the stakes with French toast, French beans, French fries and French dressing.

Some of these bizarre misconceptions about national characteristics came to a head during the Napoleonic wars when the inhabitants of Hartlepool in the UK hanged a shipwrecked monkey because they believed it to be a French spy (I am allowed to refer to this as my mother was born in Hartlepool – no snide comments from anyone else please!) This rendered the town notorious but they redeemed themselves in more modern times when my French husband arrived unexpectedly early at my mother's house in the centre of old Hartlepool.

Finding no-one home he decided to repair to the local hostelry until we got back. To his amazement, he was treated to free drinks from all and sundry as they claimed he was the first Frenchman who had dared to set foot in the town since the monkey hanging incident. Not only that but, exhausted from the long drive, the landlady insisted he have a rest and then proceeded to boast to everyone about having a Frenchman in her bed.

Vive la difference! ■ All rights reserved by Elisabeth Orsini

The Bugle January 2013

2

8 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 Plumbers >> B4 Sandblasting >> B4 Chimney Sweeps >> B4 Computers & Satellites >> B5 Food & Drink >> B5-6 >> B2 Garden Services >> B6 >> B2 >> B6 >> B2 Gifts & Crafts >> B2-B4 Handholding Services >> B6 Health & Beauty >> B6 >> B4 >> B1 >> B1 >> B1 >> B2 >> B2

Accommodation La Petite Maison

Beautiful 2-person gîte in the heart of Creuse.

Perfect for house-hunters & holidaymakers alike.

05.55.80.04.31

www.la-petite-maison.eu sue@la-petite-maison.eu SIRET: 518 135 009 00018

Beautiful 4 person gîte /chalet in a charming village Perfect for nature lovers, walkers.

Available for weekends, week and monthly rentals from 70€.

Special rate for the Christmas weekend and New Year.

Call Florence Godson for more details:

06 40 12 93 53

Chatelus-le-Marcheix, 23430

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

La Courede Bed and Breakfast

Comfortable B&B. Two double rooms, en-suite. Guest lounge.

Evening meal on request.

20 minutes from Limoges airport.

05 55 71 08 56 06 75 79 28 71 stevens.peter@wanadoo.fr www.lacourede.eu

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

Animals & Pets

www.cosmoflightschool.com See page 8

5 Star Accommodation in our Home (Dept 23).

4 Walks each day & lots of T.L.C. Contact Karen & Darren Tel: 05.55.80.95.18 Mob: +44 (0)7700 045 517 valhallafarm@europe.com www.valhallafarm.org SIRET: 511 629 610 00011

Need help with your Puppy or Dog?

■ Pulls on lead ■ Recall bad ■ Jumps up at people ■ Generally misbehaving

05 55 68 67 56

www.limousindogtraining.fr

Weekly classes & 1 to 1 siret: 753.130.855.00012

Champlong Chatterie

Cosmo Flight School

at Valhalla Farm

Call Elaine Smith:

Activities & Leisure

www.thelindenhouse.eu info@thelindenhouse.eu

Dog Holidays

Good Citizens Dog Training

SIRET: 511 679 011 00011

06.04.17.80.93

05.55.41.17.76 sales@thebugle.eu

Your advert here

Insurance & Finance >> B6 Language Services >> B7 Online Shopping >> B7 Pest Control >> B7 Property Maintenance >> B7 Property Sales >> B7 Retail & Commerce >> B7 Transport/Removals /Storage >> B8 General >> B8

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

Tel: 05 55 60 27 83

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

sales@thebugle.eu

ZE DOG (& CAT) HOUSE

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

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

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

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76 CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

05.55.41.17.76

JANUARY 2013 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

B2 ♦ DIRECTORY Antiques/ Brocantes

Building Services Architectural Services

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

05.55.41.17.76 sales@thebugle.eu

Auto Services

Architectural DRAWING SERVICE Renovating your French property?

New build?

Dossiers prepared Permis de Construire Déclarations Préalables

Tel: 05 53 52 36 05

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The English Mechanic Car Breakers - C.R.A.L.

Buy/Sell/Scrap Spare Parts for Sale 05.55.48.21.33 - see pg 9

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Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

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

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

05 55 14 12 43

Oradour-sur-Vayres (87150) Siren 527 854 749

Your advert here

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Building Services

05 55 41 17 76 Building Services

Electricians

WASTE REMOVAL SERVICES

La Noneix

email: lsetenergie@yahoo.co.uk

06 74 21 47 71

05.55.69.75.67 / 06.89.47.69.71

05 55 37 45 35 siret 532 981 198 00015

Mini Digger and dumper hire with driver From €120 per day

06.43.40.58.85

No Siret: 494 916 760 00015

diggerhire@mail.com

Robert Johnson

T J Renovations

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 Siret: 533 235 016 00011

sales@thebugle.eu

harlequindevelopments@live.com www.harlequindevelopments.com

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

* Qualified electrician * All types of electrical works carried out * Free estimates * Departments 23 and 87

05.55.68.67.56 06.06.60.46.97

Renovations & Home Improvements 05 55 65 00 29 - pg 10

• 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

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

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

Double D

Steven Rofe - 20 Years experience

Salamandre électricité

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

SIRET: 494.501.067.00016

Lumiere Service et Energie

Siret No. 501.792.386.00010

Harlequin Developments

30 years experience in building trade

Full refurbishments undertaken • Stone/Brickwork • Patios • Repointing • Studwork • General Repairs & Maintenance All areas in the Limousin covered Contact Tim

05 55 61 08 02 / 06 52 23 89 54 web: www.builderinthecreuse.co.uk Email: tjrenovations96@yahoo.fr Siret: 750 068 116 00011

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

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

Michael Courtin

French Stonemason with 20 years Experience in ● Masonry ● Stonework ● Brickwork ● Pointing ● Structural Repairs

LES VIDANGES LIMOUSINES

Major & Minor works undertaken throughout the Limousin 10% discount for new clients Free Devis/Estimates References Available

06 49 66 44 25

Entreprise Hines Building & Renovation

▪ Emptying septic tanks ▪ Unblocking pipes ▪ Cleaning wells ▪ Group rates available between neighbours Call David - 24/24 7/7 87800 Jourgnac Siret N° 750 725 780 00019

Tersannes Timber

www.gatesinfrance.com 05 55 60 14 18 - see pg 5

Call:Siret: 0952278 23 38 59 076 546 00012

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

The Reclamation Yard

28 years qualified experience

www.reclamation-yard.com See our main ad - pg 12

www.entreprisehines.com robert.hines@orange.fr

05.45.30.72.04

05.55.89.69.46 SIRET: 503 169 237 00016

05.55.41.17.76

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ JANUARY 2013

DIRECTORY ♦ B3 ADVERTORIAL

Tersannes Timber – Quality Gates and Fencing

S

teve and Tracey Hull supply a wide range of timber gates and fencing products throughout France from their Limousin based business, Tersannes Timber.

Running alongside their livestock farm, the timber enterprise was a natural progression for the couple, who found that they could not find traditional five bar gates in France or source the quality of fencing timber that they required.

“We arrived here in 2004 and immediately needed to put up new gates and fences to keep our animals in. Straight away, when we were faced with a very limited choice of gates, high costs and, most importantly, the poor quality of treated timber in France, we set about to find alternative sources for ourselves,” explained Steve.

“Then, as people saw what we

were putting up on our farm, they wanted the same and in 2005 the timber business officially began.”

Steve and Tracey have spent a lot of time ensuring that their products can cope with the varied climatic conditions in France. All the imported timber products are pressure treated with Tanalith to ensure a long life, free of rot.

The gates are made of larch, which is a relatively heavy, dense softwood that copes well with changes in temperature and humidity. “We deliver all over France and needed a high quality wooden gate that can be hung anywhere and will look good for years to come. There are pine gates available over here but these are lightweight and pine is very prone to bad cracking – only larch seems to be able to give consistently good results over the years,” said Tracey.

The couple work closely with

their manufacturer in Devon to ensure that their handmade gates, finished with strong mortice and tenon joints, are of the highest quality possible. The gates, supplied complete with a galvanised hanging set and closure, come in a full range of sizes (3 ft / 0.9 m up to 12 ft / 3.66 m), while larger openings can be accommodated with a pair of gates. All the different sizes can also be supplied to order in the hardwood iroko, and curved head gates, made of Scandanavian redwood, are also available. The full range of gates, as well as fencing materials, is generally in stock, which is often a pleasant surprise for clients who are expecting to have to wait for gates to be ordered in. “Often we have an order in the morning and the gate is delivered that same week or the client comes over to

pick it up. Clients seem to like being able to get what they want straight away!” said Tracey.

Steve is happy to offer any advice on fitting, while, if the D.I.Y. approach is not for you, there is a friendly fitting service available through a wide network

of independent installers. There are gates on show at the farm, as well as a wooden stable and garage block that can give ideas about how other available products such as treated timber, shiplap and dung-walling can be used. Please call for an

appointment at any time with prior arrangement. The website also offers lots of information about the products available as well as a photo gallery. ■ Tel: 05 55 60 14 18 Web: www.gatesinfrance.com

ADVERTORIAL

Steve Booth

Property maintenance Haute-Vienne and surrounding area Project help.

Renovations interior & exterior.

General maintenance.

Conservation and restoration trained in the UK.

Tel: 05Siret55 06 52 36 Registered

Traditional Building Services

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

All work is fully insured.

References available.

Ring Andy on 05 44 19 15 57 Ring Will on 05 55 37 45 35 siret: 532 981 198 00015

Your advert here

BURTON’s BUILDERS Renovation New Build

05 55 41 17 76

05 55 62 48 15 / 06 33 17 17 54

Dave Cardwell - Builder

05 55 98 24 12

See our Display Ad - pg 9

Monte Sarginson

House Renovations Inside & Out

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

Tel: 05 55 63 88 70 Mob: 06 21 34 18 20 Siret no 507 516 748 00013

High Finish Quality Work Reliable 8 years Limousin - Photos Refs available

SAVE HEAT - GET INSULATION

Blockwork Brickwork Stonework Repointing Rendering Plastering Tiling Walls Floors etc Now available in Bonnat area 23 also 03,18,36

stooze@wanadoo.fr siret: 489 041 830 00030

R & B Construction ALL ASPECTS OF RENOVATION & CONSTRUCTION GET READY FOR WINTER, IT WILL SOON BE HERE - START NOW! BEST PRICES AS USUAL ON: ● INSULATION ● DOUBLE GLAZING ● ROOF REPAIRS ● KITCHENS ● BATHROOMS ● ALL ASPECTS OF REFURBISHMENT

ROOFING, JOINERY, ELECTRICS, PLASTERING... ONE CALL COVERS ALL!!

Tel: Dave - 05 55 37 74 06 Tel: Steve - 05 55 69 75 67 (Depts 23, 87 & 19)

siret: 501 792 386 00010

Scaffold and Plant Hire Please ring Robert

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

Lovejoy’s Scaffolding Hire

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

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

Can do part or all of your jobs.

• 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: 788 841 021 00017

Your advert here

Kitchen & Bathroom Fitting Including Tiling and Plasterboarding

05 55 41 17 76

Room construction to finishing touches

Builder

T: Ian 05 55 53 37 10 E: ian@zanado.co.uk www.zanado.co.uk

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

Siret. 484 206 624 00014

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

05.55.41.17.76 sales@thebugle.eu

Celotex

Approved septic tank installer

05.55.80.72.60

Insulation Specialists 05.55.78.57.60 - see pg 6

GODSON

Travaux Publics www.pilgrim23.com 05.55.62.61.12 - pg 3

RSW Entreprises

Fosse Septique Specialist

05.55.80.00.57

See our Display Ad - pg 12

Advertise your business here

05.55.41.17.76 sales@thebugle.eu

La Coterie Entreprise 05.55.80.83.30 www.lce23.com

See our main ad - pg 11 Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

JANUARY 2013 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

B4 ♦ DIRECTORY Septic tanks

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

Building Services General

Building Services

Mini-Digger with driver

05.55.64.18.33 - see pg 10

See Main Ad - Pull-out pg B3

Albo Windows & Doors

Building Services

www.albo.cz/english 07 86 95 18 90 - see pg 11

05.55.78.62.29

john.bonella@gmail.com

Magnetic Double Glazing info@magneticglazing.eu 05.55.60.62.97 - see ad pg B3

Plasterers

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

MARK COLYER

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

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

Your advert here

Groundworks 05 55 41 17 76

Elegance Home Improvements Full, Comprehensive Building Service

Electrics

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

LIMOUSIN PLASTERING LIMOUSIN STUKADOORS

19 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

Pro-Point Facades

Re-pointing - Rendering - Plastering

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

siret: 539 941 450 00014

SIRET: 504 612 441 00015

GLEN VINEY

Building Services

Quality Plasterwork, Internal & External

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.

H20 CREUSE

• 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.

Le Bourg, 23360 Nouzerolles

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: 494 380 264 00015

Building Services

Sand and Blast

Siret: 534 396 908 00012

SIRET 538 689 530 00011

sales@thebugle.eu

TOUTE SWEEP

Chimney Sweep Service

* 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

Rick Fife

FRENCH REGISTERED CERTIFIED PLUMBER

info@platrierlimousin.fr

Siren: 502 409 949

Plumbing & Heating Engineer

Le Plâtrier du Limousin

05 55 80 92 91 06 87 92 83 63

05 55 63 78 72

05.55.41.17.76 sales@thebugle.eu

Sandblasting

(29 years experience) ALL PLUMBING & HEATING INSTALLATIONS OR ALTERATIONS EMERGENCY WORK UNDERTAKEN ANDY IVES - 06 02 37 62 57

www.stovesellers.com

05 55 63 89 23 - see pg 8

Plumbers

The friendly and reliable plasterer Registered in France.

Fully insured offering 10 year guarantee.

Call Stuart on:

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

Heating & Plumbing engineer

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

Chimney Sweeping

Siret 522 804 723 00016

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

Tel: 06 45 18 86 10

Chimney Sweeps

Plumber

Multiskilled Artisan

05 55 54 95 63

PLASTERER

Martin Walters

Tel 02 54 24 84 62

Graham Carter Plastering

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

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

05 55 78 80 31 See our Display Ad - pg 9

christopher.willis@orange.fr

mcolyerplasteringandtiling@orange.fr

Renovation

Sandblasting & Floor Sander hire

We provide a fully operated 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

Contact Barry Manning

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

barry@toutesweep.com

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

DON'T TAKE THAT RISK! SIRET: 534 351 754 00013

CLEAR CHIMNEY SERVICES 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

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

05.55.41.17.76

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ JANUARY 2013

DIRECTORY ♦ B5 ADVERTORIAL

H

ome technology is expanding at a phenomenal rate and producing those “must-have gadgets”.

One area that homeowners are looking more and more closely at is home automation and cinema systems. The ability to control such things as lighting, audio, video and CCTV by using audio and video servers allows all the equipment to be located in a central position.

All your video and audio can be streamed to any desired location in the home, the servers will also allow access to the internet, enabling viewing of online and on demand services, such as BBC's iPlayer, radio channels and film providers, along with the downloading of albums. Members of the family can programme their own playlists, and listen to their own

particular type of music, whilst at the same time other members of the family can listen to or watch different formats in different locations.

Home automation gives you the convenience of controlling every device and appliance in your home, using remote controls, touch screens or user compatible Smartphones - you can even have weatherproof speakers and TVs for those lazy summer evenings on the patio!

With HD TVs getting larger and larger and with 3D TV starting to come into its own, the use of projection units and high quality surround sound in a dedicated room will give that “Cinema Experience”.

Customers can even integrate their CCTV into the system, allowing the viewing of their property, or the sending of alerts to your Smartphone when

Computers & Satellites

you are away from home, be it on holiday or just away from the premises.

Along with TVs and audio systems, you can even control your home lighting systems, allowing you the option of switching lighting levels.

Electro-Sat will be offering these services for homeowners across the region and if you would like to discuss any of these features further then our friendly staff will be willing to talk through your requirements with you in person.

After some unforeseen delays in the purchase of our showrooms in Sauviat-sur-Vige we hope to be there permanently in January. However, please do not hesitate to call us on 03 66 88 06 29 should you have any questions about Satellite Broadband, UK TV, CCTV or Home Cinema systems. ■

GOODWIN SATELLITE

© 2008 - Hustvedt (WikiCommons)

Home automation

ADVERTORIAL

Food & Drink

Dept 23 & surrounding areas

Le Relais de l'Abloux

Email: garygoodwin@wanadoo.fr

Bar - Restaurant Pizzeria

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

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

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 SIRET: 510 117 328 00011

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.

Mayday

Petticoat Lane

05 55 68 47 33 / 06 82 26 31 54 see pg 6

Tel: 05 45 29 03 99

computer services - pc • mac • network

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

Call Patrice:

06.79.07.91.56

libre.antenne87@gmail.com Fast dependable service Based Séreilhac (87)

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.

Please don’t forget we will not be open until 9th January 2013 Opening hours: Mon - Thur 10am – 6pm Fri 10am – 7pm, Sat 9am – 6pm

siret: 353 613 227 00035

Visit us and compare our prices

Big Dish Satellite

Le Creusois

www.bigdishsat.com

05 55 78 72 98

see main ad - pg 6

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Advertise your business here

05.55.41.17.76 sales@thebugle.eu

Bar/Restaurant

Les Genêts, Azerables

High quality British & French food at reasonable prices.

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

05.55.63.90.79

www.lecreusoisbistro.com SIREN: 483 988 853

Pizzas to eat in or take away 36170 SACIERGES-ST-MARTIN

02 54 47 56 74 Le Moulin du Breuil

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76 L'Escale

Restaurant & Bar

05.55.12.99.45 - see pg 8

BAR, RESTAURANT, TERRASSE

RIVE DROITE

05 55 80 37 70 - see pg 11

02 54 24 01 06

23140 PIONNAT

La ferme du Duc noir

Free range, rare breed pork 02.54.30.51.95 See our Display Ad - pg 3

JJ’s Café Bar

More than just a Bar - Especially January!!

BURNS NIGHT 25 JAN with a free Concert.

Meal €14 (inc. that wee dram of whisky) JJ's CLUB DE MUSIQUE CURRY NIGHT - 12 JAN 39 Place du Champ de Foire, 36140 Aigurande

02 54 06 30 77 cafebarjj@yahoo.co.uk SIRET: 508 754 314 00013

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

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

JANUARY 2013 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

B6 ♦ DIRECTORY

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

Fontaine Food & Drink La15Petite Grande Rue, Le Dorat Café, Bar and Events Venue Lunch Menu Free WiFi

05.55.60.29.74

info@lapetitefontaine.com www.lapetitefontaine.com

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

05.55.60.62.14 / 06.78.38.42.44

Handholding Services

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

02 54 60 02 14

Open Late!!

Sunday roast & pudding ONLY A TENNER (€) Fish + Chips + Mushy Peas, every Fri + Sat night

Hair salon, Le Dorat

05.55.60.87.37

Opening hours:

Thu 12-2pm & 6pm-midnight Fri 12-2pm & 6pm-2am Sat 6pm-2am, Sun 12pm-11pm

Tel: 05 55 69 33 38 Open Monday to Saturday from 12pm to 2pm and from 6pm to 9pm

BAILEYS

Tel: 05.55.67.15.27

www.restaurant-des-sources.fr

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

Grimpereau Elagage See ad pg B6 (below)

▪ Our famous Fish & Chips

RESTAURANT DES23100 SOURCES FENIERS 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.

05.55.89.15.74 - pg 13

02.54.25.66.58

▪ Carte

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

Weekday lunchtimes

French lessons & handholding services Qualified Tree Surgeon Climber

Fish et Frites

Mobile Fish & Chips 05.55.68.78.23 -see pg 7

Sophie Arsac

AUX CEPES ▪ Menu du jour

www.osteopathyforbackpain.com www.acupunctureforhealthwellbeing.com 06 18 74 05 08 - see pg7

See our Display Ad - pg 6

Restaurant

LA veytiZoU, 87130 Neuvic-entier

OSTEOPATHY & ACUPUNCTURE

La Petite Place

Garden Services

SIRET: 489 218 636 00012

Daniel welcomes you at

siret: 530 840 958 00017

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

DES LETTRES ET DES CHIFFRES Your freelance secretary for professionals or private individuals.

Let me manage letters, invoices, book keeping accounts, checkout reports, CV etc...

Telework possible. Very reasonable rates.

05.55.80.98.35

www.deslettresetdeschiffres.e-monsite.com dletdc23@gmail.com siret 531 793 255 00013

Gifts & Crafts

English Hairdresser All aspects of hairdressing, in your home or mine Call Jane:

05 49 91 02 23 06 47 94 95 75

Based La Trimouille (86290) siret: 502 867 211 00018

Insurance & Finance

Health & Beauty Siddalls

Bar & Restaurant

Financial Solutions & Expert Advice

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

See our Display Ad - pg 12

05.56.34.75.51

5 Rue de L’Abreuvoir Aubusson

05.55.66.37.10

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.

Book club open when bar is open

Your advert here

Tel: 05.55.80.29.88

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

The Exchange

05 55 41 17 76 05.55.41.17.76 sales@thebugle.eu

Rochechouart

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

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

Mobile Hairdresser

meche-highlighting, tinting, cutting and weddings Contact Debra on

05 55 53 37 10 06 15 63 70 22

debra@zanado.co.uk www.zanado.co.uk Siret. 482 420 114 00019

Submissions Deadline 15th of the month

Advertise your business here

05.55.41.17.76 sales@thebugle.eu

HiFX

International money transfer

www.hifx.co.uk Blevins Franks

Integrated Tax Planning & Wealth Management

05 53 63 49 19 - see pg 6

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ JANUARY 2013

DIRECTORY ♦ B7 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.

Harlequin Developments have just been appointed Distributors and Installers of industry leading wall and window mounted controlled ventilation systems from SIEGENIA-AUBI. These award-winning German products offer: Effective protection from mould, damage caused by humidity and safety hazards. Healthy fresh air without harmful substances or noise. Truly cost effective and sustainably energy efficient.

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

Language Services

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

Mouse 2 House

www.mouse2housedeliveries.com 05.55.68.78.23 - see pg 5

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!

ADVERTORIAL

Property Maintenance

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

Property Sales

UK shopping delivered to your door

Depot Vente des Vêtements

05 55 41 46 88 - pg 9 Chénérailles Native qualified teacher

Pest Control

Stress Free Property Services

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

- Small groups - 1 to 1 Elisabeth Sicard

05 55 80 44 83

05 55 81 35 95 / 06 74 03 07 05

japprendslefrancais@sfr.fr Free trial lesson!

stressfreepropertyservices@hotmail.com

Houses on Internet www.housesoninternet.com

05.55.65.12.19

See our Display Ad - pg 3

Retail & Commerce

Native French Central France DOVE HOME CARE Care and maintenance Translator for your home Pest Control 25 years experience Proposes French teaching and conversation as well as personal development.

Please call:

05 55 69 71 40

Online Shopping

Dératisation, Déinsectisation, Désinfection

02 48 60 83 72 / 06 74 33 02 38 www.applicateur3d.com Email: info@applicateur3d.com Curative and preventative rats, mice, moles, flies, woodworm, bed bugs, fleas, wasps, hornets La Petite Barre, 18210 Bessais Le Fromental SIRET No. 498 544 741 00024

Submissions Deadline 15th of the month

05.55.57.09.34 see advert on pg 2

Soie et Bois

La Maison Shopping

FRENCH CLASS

Alinéa

Meuble & Déco

Key Holding, Security Checks, Cleaning, Change-overs, General Gardening.

References available

Tel: 09 66 41 66 95 Mob: 06 62 95 78 43

Email: dovehomecare@hotmail.com

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

Stove Sellers

www.stovesellers.com

05.55.63.78.72

See our Display Ad - pg 4

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

turneramandajane@gmail.com Tel: 05.55 48.28.89 SIRET: 510 995 681 00010

Moulin de Tintin Furniture, interiors & gifts

www.moulin-de-tintin.com 05.55.79.57.60 - see pg 3

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

Eco Entrepot

05.55.41.17.76 87230 Bussière-Poitevine 05.55.68.74.73 - see pg 11 sales@thebugle.eu Get down The Shed

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

JANUARY 2013 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

B8 ♦ DIRECTORY ADVERTORIAL

Spotlight your business to an estimated 30,000 readers

E

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!

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

ADVERTORIAL

Transport, Removals & Storage

• 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 ■

MAN + VAN Fiat Ducato with 11m² load capacity 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

05 55 83 02 77 / 06 81 33 07 15 jonathanpiddock@orange.fr SIRET: 523 955 151 00015

Parking For Limoges Airport

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

05 55 03 37 96

Please mention The Bugle when responding to adverts

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 Siret 530 213 644 00012

ADVERTORIAL

From low-cost shutters to beautiful handmade staircases - made right here in the Limousin “Merry Christmas and Happy 2013” to all our customers and all who may use our woodworking services in the near future.

Our 2013 gift is a discount of up to 100 Euros based on 10% of whatever you order before the end of January 2013. The offer is valid on any of our timber joinery products including shutters and doors.

We love to build any crafted items and are keen to be asked to create bespoke items such as staircases, shutters, windows, doors and gates to your sizes. Top quality and economical shutters start from only €35 each.

Although our business is based on our low-cost shutters and ledge and braced pine doors we are

05.55.41.17.76 sales@thebugle.eu

proud of our staircases and other products made from old oak sourced from retired French joiners. If you need to match existing turned items such as an old stair spindle or would like a new front door in old oak then we can help. We live and work ethically and as a result we also build eco products from composting toilets to rustic gates.

References are available and we are happy to advise on your project. We are based in Oradour-surVayres but make products for all of Limousin with Customer Quote: a new delivery service “Many thanks again, I being offered soon to more distant locations. You are love my door & staircase” Regards, Jo welcome via appointment to visit our workshop to discuss your requirements For more information about our services: in more detail.

ADVERTORIAL

General

E: pancentral@hotmail.com W: www.themanwithavan.info

Tel: (+33) 07.61.21.85.15 Siret : 532 526 001 00013

Your advert here 05 55 41 17 76

FIRE LOGS FOR SALE

45cm Oak - €40/m3 45cm Mixed Hardwood - €35/m3 (poplar/cherry/hornbeam)

The Man With A Van Who Can

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

www.scrollart.co.uk or call us on: 05 55 14 12 43 E: info@scrollart.co.uk Siret: 752 051 482 00012 O r a d o u r- s u r- Va y r e s (87150) ■

Buyer collects from 36160 Lignerolles

02 54 30 51 95 (evenings best) siret 508 166 642 00019

Carrefour du bois Limousin

www.chauffagebois-limousin.com

05 55 63 72 45 - see pg 11

Submissions Deadline 15th of the month Ebénisterie Hemming

BABY/INFANT EQUIPMENT FOR HIRE 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.

Quality handmade wood furniture

For more INFO or to HIRE Call Jean: 05 55 54 96 36

See our main ad - pg 20

jeanwhitham@orange.fr

02 48 63 15 09

To advertise in the Bugle Business Directory 05.55.41.17.76 / sales@thebugle.eu

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ JANUARY 2013

FRENCH LIFE ♦ 11 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.

It's amazing what you can find on the internet

W

by Arthur Smith from Harlequin Developments after lunch just forgot what he had been doing that morning, gave a Gallic shrug, and wandered off into his potager, unaware of the future chaos this would cause.

The whole story ties in to France, because it appears that the ‘aliens’ are actually living in a ‘partially renovated’ (aren’t we all) mountain property near Bugarach.

Truly amazing what you can find out with a few clicks…

ell, it’s that time again when we look forward to a new, unspoilt year twelve months filled with hope and expectation. Three hundred and sixty-five days, all pristine, unused, and available for us to do with as we wish.

And if you’re reading this, the world didn’t end in December. On this subject, after a lot of research, I have finally got to the bottom of this story. It wasn’t a Mayan who caused all this fuss about the world ending in 2012, that was just the Hollywood version.

It was in fact, a Frenchman, from the Mayenne (an easy mistake to make). It seems old Jean-Pierre was busy writing out future years' calendars when he noticed it was time for aperitifs. Off he went, had a few too many Ricard (other brands are available), and

****** Also on t’interweb, it seems that millions of pounds of European taxpayers’ money is to be spent on a scheme aimed at reducing the flatulence of Colombian cattle. A £15 million grant to ranchers in the South American country is part of a £2.9 billion package of ‘climate aid’ to developing countries.

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

The initiative aims to improve animal diets by cultivating trees and plants on their grazing lands, and in doing so, reduce the amount of methane escaping into the atmosphere through belching and flatulence.

I would suppose in many places it would just be a case of leaving out the sprouts and stuffing on Christmas day… ****** At the time of writing this piece, here in ‘Middle of Nowhere’, Limousin, we are in danger of ending up completely submerged if the current rain continues for much longer, which got me thinking… It appears that the Department for International Development are funding meetings between tribal ‘rain-makers’ and meteorologists in Kenya to make it rain. They should just get France Météo to predict a settled sunny spell - that always makes the heavens open around here! ****** After drinking a bottle of ‘biodynamic’ wine over

Renovation

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

the festive period, I read that the Prince of Wales has embraced ‘biodynamic’ farming, and admitted planting seeds according to phases of the moon.

But rather than ploughing a lonely furrow (sorry), it seems that the Prince is inspiring a new generation of ‘cosmic’ farmers. These farmers grow fruit and vegetables according to signs of the zodiac and encourage their cows and sheep to develop a personality of their own.

Indeed, the personality of animals is so important that biodynamic farmer Sebastian Parsons admits to meeting with other enthusiasts to "talk about the politics of the herd, who is the leader, who is coming up, who is the troublemaker, and who likes to do what".

Carpe diem, dear readers - 2013 stands before us, and from today we are the ones writing history, and tomorrow could be whatever we want it to be, if we have the will to make it so.

I sincerely hope that it brings you all you wish for. ■ Arthur Smith Harlequin Developments www.harlequindevelopments.com Tel: 05.55.68.67.56 Mob: 06.06.60.46.97

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

Rabbit in Red Wine Gibelotte de Lapin

This dish tastes better if cooked the day before you need it, then reheated the next day. This is a very easy recipe and if you do not like rabbit, why not exchange it for chicken.

Ingredients (Serves 6): 1 Rabbit, divided into 6 portions 1 tbsp Olive oil Seasoned flour for coating 200g Smoked bacon lardons 12 Shallots, peeled but left whole 2 Cloves of garlic, peeled and chopped 3 Sprigs of thyme 3 Bay leaves 300ml Chicken stock 750ml Red wine 1. Preheat the oven to 170°C. Coat the rabbit in the seasoned flour. Heat the oil in an ovenproof dish, add the rabbit and brown all over. Remove the rabbit and set aside.

2. Put the bacon and shallots into the dish and fry off for about 5 minutes, until lightly brown.

3. Put the rabbit back in the pan with the garlic, herbs, wine, and stock, bring up to the boil, cover and place in the oven. Cook for 1½ hours, or until the rabbit is tender.

Serve with boiled potatoes and green beans.

Recipes provided by Chef George. Written and compiled by Frances of La Grande Maison (Table et Chambres d'Hôte), Chénérailles www.grandemaison-chenerailles.com

3000m² of great products incl. Toiletries, DIY, Housewares, Furniture plus loads more at great prices & we are even open on SUNDAYS!!

www.albo.cz/english

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

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

20211438CC1243

www.chauffagebois-limousin.com

LE MOULIN DU BREUIL BAR, RESTAURANT, TERRASSE

Le Moulin du Breuil would like to thank all their customers for their support over 2012 and wish everyone a Happy Christmas and New Year.

We are taking a break over January and February to recharge, ready for the new season in 2013.

Watch this space for our re opening date and events in March.

We look forward to seeing you all again and many new customers in 2013. With very best regards, Anne, Nick, Rachel and Brett.

23140 PIONNAT – Tel 05 55 80 37 70

info@lemoulindubreuil.com

www.lemoulindubreuil.com

YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL THE FAMILY 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!!

Happy New Year to all our customers from everyone at The Shed TRADE/BULK ORDER ENQUIRIES

Please note that many products at THE SHED can be ordered in bulk at favourable prices and all trade enquiries are welcome, so whether you are a builder, chip shop, B & B or just doing up your house please call Léon to discuss your requirements on 06 62 53 66 22 Route de l’Isle Jourdain Opp. the Gendarmerie, just off RN147

87320 Bussière-Poitevine

Tel: 05 55 68 74 73

Open Tuesday - Saturday 09h00 - 12h00 & 14h00 - 18h00 (closed Mondays) Sunday 09h30 - 12h00 & 14h30 - 18h00 GPS co-ordinates: Long: 0° 53’ 33’’ 40 E Lat: 46° 13’ 45’’ 10 N

JANUARY 2013 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

12 ♦ FRENCH LIFE

The Perennial Vegetable Garden Last month I looked at forest gardens, and so it seems a logical continuum to talk about perennial vegetable gardens. If you look at the work you need to do over and over again to grow annual veg, compared to how much work you do on a tree or bush in order to get a crop, you immediately realise how labour-intensive this kind of gardening is. Don't worry, I'm not going to suggest you stop growing tomatoes and peppers, just that you think about simplifying things by growing more perennials.

There are numerous advantages - crop rotation is not a problem, soil structure is generally better, it's less work for you, and you have a longer term productivity ratio that is much higher.

Globally, in traditional peasant economies around the world, very few people garden like modern European gardeners, but this has become such a way of life for us, that few of us question whether it's the best option.

This is really a return to more of the idea that cottage gardeners had, before easy access to artificial fertilizers, pesticides and plug plants. Whose grandfather or great grandfather didn't have things like gooseberries and rhubarb, artichokes, sorrel and asparagus alongside the salads and tomatoes? Bigger kitchen gardens always had this kind of mix, because it really makes sense to have crops that require different levels of labour. So if you want to grow productive crops, but prefer to do it with a little less effort, increase the quantity of perennial vegetables in your potager.

For more info read Martin Crawford: How to Grow Perennial Vegetables ■ Michelle Pierce - Un Jardin en France plant nursery unjardinenfrance@gmail.com - 05 45 89 36 54

05.55.41.17.76

editor@thebugle.eu

In the garden - jobs for January

T

he days are starting to get longer, I tell myself, and the knowledge that a new gardening year is on the horizon is just lovely!

However, it's too early to really get cracking, and you need to restrain yourself.

There are still a good number of weeks ahead of us where the weather can be « bad » (although, of course, we need that annual cycle of snow and rain to fill up the water table), and a very early start can be of little advantage, in the end.

Use this time to plan ahead Initially, I sort through my seed saved from previous years, so that I don't buy anything I've already got.

Then, I like to look at seed catalogues, old magazines and books. I make a wish list of all the things I'd like to sow. This usually covers pages! Kids in sweet shops come to mind!!!!

Then I whittle it down into a more realistic quantity.

Do I really need six types of chard? I try and factor in some new things every year, for the pleasure of growing something unknown. If I was super organised, I'd then make a rough plan to know what I'd plant where, and when, to keep on top of crop rotation. This can seem very complicated but basically just means not planting the same patch of ground over and over with the same family of vegetables in order to reduce pests and diseases accumulating. It also makes sense in that one type of plant will absorb different minerals etc. from the soil than another.

Sowing can start indoors A propagator is ideal, but a warm airing cupboard or windowsill will do fine.

Don't sow in too large a quantity - you may end up with fifty pepper plants getting leggy indoors as

they wait desperately for the better weather! Naturally, if you have a polytunnel, greenhouse, or even cold frames, then it's easier to park them. Hardy annuals like cornflowers, poppies, marigolds, scabious etc can be sown, as well as herbs like parsley. Avoid the really heatloving ones like coriander and basil. It's your last chance to plant garlic, but frankly any heads that are lingering in shops are probably not that special by now. Wait for the new ones to arrive.

Fruit trees It's soon the end of planting for bare rooted trees (make sure you trim the roots a little to encourage regrowth), and therefore also for moving young selfsown tree seedings like peaches, plums, etc. as well as raspberry canes, currants, gooseberries and other soft fruit. Prune them back when transplanting, and also finish pruning apple and pear trees.

Avoid doing any pruning if there are really hard frosts.

You can also clear around

the bases of trees, give a feed and clean the trunks with a stiff brush. This helps you see what sort of pests have hibernated on the bark. It is a very good thing sometimes just to go out and look at your trees, to get an idea of whether they look healthy or not. Then you can keep them in mind for special attention later.

Grafting starts in February, so decide what, if anything, you want to graft.

Weeding Keep a weather eye on the weeds, especially so that things don't install themselves right in the middle of clumps of plants.

You know which weeds are problematic in your garden, so prioritise these. Others can get hoed in later with no problem.

A clean patch If you want to clean your veg patch, you can lay down a covering of weed suppressant textile on the ground. Weigh it down with logs or stables directly where you want it.

Leave it until April before taking it up and sowing.

Most of the weeds will have been killed, or at least the germination of the next generation slowed down.

January is quite a good time to look at the structure of your garden and see if it works for you. If there's a muddy trail going across the lawn to the washing line, maybe a path, or stepping stones might be called for.

Hard landscaping can be a good use of time this month, cold conditions permitting. It is very useful to look at what other gardeners have done both by visiting gardens, if you can, and by travelling on the net. Then if you do decide to make some changes you can see what you've liked elsewhere.

Anyway, whatever you do, I wish you an excellent 2013 in the garden. ■ Michelle Pierce Un Jardin en France plant nursery unjardinenfrance@gmail.com 05 45 89 36 54

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

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

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ JANUARY 2013

BILINGUAL ♦ 13

The “Kate Effect” on the French

T

here is a growing trend in France for a British or American-style

wedding.

Much of the interest in British style has been linked to the so-called “Kate Effect” - the influence of the royal wedding between Kate Middleton and Prince William.

An area where the trend is particularly apparent is in the choice of wedding cake. A French wedding typically features a ‘pièce montée’, traditionally a ‘Croquembouche’, a delicious cone-shaped cake made from piling up creamfilled profiteroles with hard caramel all round the outside and decorated with flowers or ribbons. More and more common today,

however, are multi-tiered wedding cakes covered in white icing, a sight that will be much more familiar to British wedding guests.

Sales of these Britishstyle wedding cakes have exploded in Paris, with some cake makers saying that the demand doubled every month during 2012.

French couples seem to like the way that these cakes look... but not necessarily the way they taste. Rather than the traditional fruit cake centre, most of these cakes being sold in France are made with sponge.

Following the royal wedding, watched by an estimated 2 billion people worldwide, fashions are also changing. The Duchess of Cambridge wore a floorlength lace gown designed

by Sarah Burton. Since then, many brides on this side of the Channel are swapping French silk for English lace. British designers are enjoying their new popularity: in Paris recently, a number of designers showcased their creations at an event entitled “A Very British Affair”.

One of these designers is even opening a boutique in

Paris to satisfy the increase in demand from French brides.

Other areas of French weddings are also changing: bridesmaids are becoming more popular; there is an increasing demand for wedding planners; and the traditional sugared almonds given to guests are being swapped for less traditional, personalised gifts. ■

At the reception, the couple customarily uses a toasting cup called a Coupe de Mariage. The origin of giving this toast began in France, when a small piece of toast was literally dropped into the couple's wine to ensure a healthy life. The couple would lift their glass to "a toast", as is common in Western culture today. mariage sont régulièrement remplacés par des gâteaux à étages recouverts d’un glaçage blanc et plus familiers aux yeux des invités britanniques.

Leurs ventes ont explosé et certains pâtissiers affirment que la demande a doublé tous les mois en 2012. Cependant, les couples français semblent davantage apprécier l’aspect de ces pâtisseries que leur goût; le traditionnel gâteau au fruit placé au centre est ici remplacé par un gâteau éponge.

Le mariage royal - qui a attiré 2 milliards de spectateurs dans le monde entier - a également influencé la mode vestimentaire. La duchesse de Cambridge portait une robe longue de dentelle créée par la créatrice Sarah Burton et depuis lors les mariés de

Bilingual Crossword Clues in English - answers in French

Across:

© 2009 - soa2002 (Flickr)

L

e mariage à la britannique ou à l’américaine est de plus en plus en vogue en France.

Pour une grande part, ce nouvel intérêt des Français pour le style britannique vient de ce qu’on pourrait appeler «l’effet Kate», induit par le mariage royal de Kate Middleton et du Prince William.

Cette nouvelle tendance est particulièrement manifeste dans le choix du gâteau de mariage. Lors d’un mariage français type, on sert toujours une «pièce montée», traditionnellement un croquembouche; c’est un délicieux gâteau pyramidal composé de choux fourrés à la crème pâtissière recouverts de caramel et orné de fleurs ou de rubans.

Cependant, ces gâteaux de

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.

ce côté-ci de la Manche ont troqué la soie française contre la dentelle anglaise.

Les stylistes britanniques sont ravis de leur nouvelle popularité: certains d’entre eux ont présenté leurs créations lors d’une soirée parisienne intitulée «A very British Affair». L’un des créateurs a même ouvert une boutique à Paris en réponse à la demande croissante des

mariées françaises.

Les mariages français sont également sous influence britannique dans d’autres domaines: les demoiselles et garçons d’honneurs sont de plus en plus populaires, les organisateurs de mariage de plus en plus sollicités et les traditionnelles dragées offertes aux invités laissent la place à des cadeaux personnalisés. ■

The Bugle, live on France Bleu Creuse Tune in to our next show: 09h30 monday 7th january

5. Water (3) 6. Bull (7) 8. Churches (7) 9. Here (3) 11. Thank you (5) 12. Piano (5) 14. Rice (3) 15. Tickets (7) 17. Week (7) 18. Flight (3)

Down:

1. Daisies (11) 2. Berries (5) 3. Meadow (3) 4. Vaccination (11) 7. Room (5) 10. Daughter (5) 13. Line (5) 16. Bag (3)

Bilingual crossword solution can be found on page 19

Please be aware that the deadline for all submissions for content and advertising is the 15th of the month for the following month’s print edition. editor@thebugle.eu - sales@thebugle.eu 05.55.41.17.76

Advertise your business here from only €35/month

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JANUARY 2013 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

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

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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 phone 05.55.41.17.76, or email notices@thebugle.eu with the details you would like included in your advert.

FOR SALE ANIMALS & PETS 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 KITTENS TO GIVE AWAY Kittens ready to give away to good homes. Various colours, male and female, including pure white. Please contact for more information and photos. Can deliver. 06 11 41 95 14 (after 6pm) Email: davisaunis@aol. com FOR SALE: Affectionate Young Male Parson Russell Terrier Fully house-trained and well socialised. Microchipped and fully vaccinated. L.O.S. €300.00 Tel: 06 78 29 32 61 / 02 54 24 07 76 Urgent Home WANTED,

Spaniel/Beagle X Forever home wanted for Ebony, please see the linkhttp://hopeassoc. org/dogs-for-adoption/ ebonyand give this lovely 3 year-old a happy home.

Vaccinated, micro-chipped & neutered.For a donation to phoenix assoc or for more details please contact: 05 53 56 88 45 Email: insane4t@gmail. com

BUILDING MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT

FOR SALE: ISOLATION REFLECTIF (aka tin foil insulation) 5 layers, 1.5 x 13.34 linear metres, a good 2.5 rolls, bought too much! €65.00ono Call Dave on 05 55 64 83 13 FOR SALE: Unopened Leyland blue undercoat and gloss paint 7.5 litres of each. €80.00 Tel. 05 17 23 61 12 FOR SALE: Solid Oak old parquet flooring 5 square metres 390 mm X 50 mm X 22 mm thick. T&G all edges.

PLUS 1 metre 360 mm and 310 mm long, cut one end. 2.5 m X 2.5 m floor in all. €50.00ono Tel 05 55 69 79 71 (Eymoutiers )

FOR SALE: 7 Radiators, Brand New, Still Boxed 5 at 200 x 60 x 10, 2 at 60 x 60 x 10, 7 thermostats.EUR 300 the lot. €300.00 Tel: 06 45 73 57 50 FOR SALE: 1500 old handmade roof slates (56x28cm/22x11’) in good useable condition; 2 euros each.

If taking all, a price can be arranged. Call 05 55 64 27 86 FOR SALE: Plaster 5 sacks of Thistle multi finish plaster. 9 euros each. Tel 05 55 60 05 01

FURNITURE FOR SALE: Antique Oak Dining Table This lovely table

has cabriole legs and seats 6-8.

It is 168cms x 82cms and 76cms high. Will deliver. €400.00 Call 0555 60 62 97 Email: anthony. parson@gmail.com FOR SALE: Dressing table Sizes 170 x 113 x 50 cm. Made from reclaimed wood. From Bexleyheath Kent.E-mail for pictures or call to arrange a viewing. Based near Bonnat 23220. €500.00 Tel. 05 55 81 69 61 Email: bridger.nigel@ orange.fr FOR SALE: Pine Kitchen Trolley V.G.C. €15.00 Tel. 05 55 78 45 24 FOR SALE: 2 Seater Settee & Armchair Detachable Covers

+ Small Matching Cushions & Pouffe. V.G.C.Settee - H 87 x L 175 x W 92Chair - H 90 x L 98 x W 99Buyer Collects. €50.00 Tel: 02 54 25 39 79 Marie or Tony Wood FOR SALE: Pine table Round 77cm diam. €8.00 Tel: 05 55 03 87 56 FOR SALE: French Dresser with Ceramic Drawers €150.00 Tel: 06 76 52 26 47 Email: grandemaison-chenerailles@ orange.fr FOR SALE: Antique 2 seater Chesterfield Deep buttoned back and arms in soft brown velvet dralon. Solid frame on castors dim: w156 x h74 x d84.

Loc: Confolens 16 St Junien 87. €170.00 Tel: 0545 71 19 37 FOR SALE: SINGLE BED Modern 2 drawer divan wood / white finish 90 X190. Complete with very clean spring interior mattress 19 cm deep “ Prince “ make. €40.00 Tel 055 69 79 71 FOR SALE: Rattan Armchair In good condition. Well made and strong. Sadly we don’t have space for it. We are in the Creuse, dept 23, 10 minutes South East of Gueret, direction Ahun. €60.00 Telephone 05 55 80 04 31 Email: info@la-petitemaison.eu

GARDEN FOR SALE: Technovert Garden Rotavator B & S 205 cc, excellent condition, little use.

Buyer collects. €300.00ono Tel: 05.55.00.36.73 FOR SALE: 2005 Topper Gyromass G1252 B40 1.2m

width - excellent condition, hardly used. €900.00 Tel: 05 55 78 54 20 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 FOR SALE: Baler for straw/ hay Claas - small square type, needs the stub axle repairing, also one wheel is missing. Everything else complete, but not tested.

Old but stored inside so in good condition. Offers. Tel 05 55 61 05 65 (Located near Ahun) FOR SALE: Fleming Transport Box Suit compact tractor, very good condition. €250.00 Tel: 05 45 85 92 34 (eve) FOR SALE: Folding Chain Harrows 4 meters very good condition. €300.00 Tel: 05 45 85 92 34 (eve) FOR SALE: Flail Mower As new, suit compact tractor, c/w roller €800.00 Tel: 05 45 85 92 34 (eve)

GENERAL FOR SALE: Telephone handsets & ext leads/

Private sale

in Rochechouart Sunday, 30th December from 13h00 to 17h00

Furniture, antiques, paintings & prints, English books, oriental carpets, decorative objects and women's clothes and shoes.

Near the chateau in Rochechouart.

Call (after 16 December) or email for the address:

Franklin Mint model unicorns approx 26cm high in excellent condition 20€ each. Tel: 05 55 81 74 25 FOR SALE: 10kw woodburning stove This

lelhk@yahoo.com

05 55 03 71 12

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: Various 1. Canon MP240 Colour printer/copier in vgc, needs new ink cartridges.

2. Samsung inkjet phone/fax in vgc. 3. Rotary clothes line - large, brand new. 4. Sheet of opaque glass - 52 1/2 ins x 22 1/4 ins x 4 mm 5. Brand New Real Wood flooring. Glueless interlocking hickory planks.

8 packs each consisting of 6 planks 13.5 x 190 x 1220 - total 11.12 m2. Offers please for any of the above. 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€ 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

beautiful looking woodburner features bullrushes in an art deco style. It is in good working condition and measures 50cms (w) x 32cms (d) x 68cms in height. It has a rear flue of 15cms diameter. Could deliver. €250.00 T: 0555 60 62 97 Email: anthony.parson@ gmail.com 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 suede-effect 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: Camping car guide to all the Aires in Spain and Portugal (in English)

€10.00 Tel: 05 55 78 17 76 FOR SALE: Quantity of motorcycle clothing Including leather jackets and trousers, keprotec jackets and trousers, gloves, boots, helmets, etc.

Various sizes and prices. South Haute-Vienne area. Call for more details. Tel: 05 55 78 17 76 FOR SALE: Poele à fioul/ Deville oil heater Description: Deville Roméo flamme bleu oil heater8kw 88m2. Resevoir 12 litre (central heating oil)125mm rear fume outlet. Dim: h76 x l70 x p40.Loc: between Confolens 16 St Junien 87. €450.00 Tel: 0545 71 19 37 FOR SALE: Guitars 2 Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster guitars:One Black, white pickguard, couple of small marks but plays fine - Euro 65 One maroon, white pickguard, skunk stipe neck, perfect condition - Euro 95 Yamaha Pacifica Guitar, black sparkle, black pickguard, refinished headstock, great player - Euro 85 Laney 120 watt amp head, built-in effects, footswitch, massive sound, perfect working order - Euro 150 Email for further details and pix rfloate@ hotmail.co.uk 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: Caravan Watertight, 17’, 7 berth, towable with new tyres, suitable storage / temporary accommodation.

87130 Masleon. €100.00 Tel: 05 55 56 62 84 Email: pugsley. homer@gmail.com 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: Large Granite Chimney Lovely granite surround for integrated fire. Width: 1m85, height: 1m40, depth: 0m70.Very heavy - collection only. Near Eymoutiers (dept 87).Selling for my French neighbours, price negotiable. €1,500.00 Tel: 05 55 42 56 44 (English) or 05 55 69 73 20 (French - midday and evenings) 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

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ JANUARY 2013

CLASSIFIEDS ♦ 15 The Bugle CLASSIFIEDS are brought to you in association with WWW.HOUSESONINTERNET.COM 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: English television with built in vhs video 21” Made by AIWA. Silver in colour.E-mail for pictures or call to arrange a viewing. Based near Bonnat 23220. €75.00 Tel. 05 55 81 69 61 Email: bridger. nigel@orange.fr FOR SALE: Large picture/ print Sizes 134 x 106 cm.

Framed by beckindale’s of England. “spirit 1” of horsman and his horse.E-mail for pictures or call to arrange a viewing. Based near Bonnat 23220. €500.00 Tel. 05 55 81 69 61 Email: bridger.nigel@ orange.fr FOR SALE: Large mirror Sizes are 138 x 104 cm. Gold frame.E-mail for pictures or call to arrange a viewing. Based near Bonnat 23220. €500.00 Tel. 05 55 81 69 61 Email: bridger.nigel@orange.fr FOR SALE: Boys Toys Michelin Navigon model 2310/2410 Sat nav with all the benefits, including radar warnings; covers 40 countries.

Used successfully in Spain, England and France. Very useful kit. 40 euros. Tablet disgo 6000 7°5 inch touch screen many features including YOUTUBE embedded. 2°2 Android so apps available. 35 euros. Motorola Digital photo display with two 4°5 inch screen for displaying your photos comes with 2gb SD card. 40 euros. Finally Lexmark Easy color printer Z640 model ready for use 15 euros. Call Viv 05 55 81 32 20 Creuse area FOR SALE: Brand new white cooker hood 90cms x 50cms with 3 speed fan, light and carbon filters. Bought new in the UK but never used. Still wrapped in box. €50.00 Phone 02 54 47 20 87 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: Industrial Meat Slicer Good condition.

€150.00ono Tel: 06 76 52 26 47 Email: grandemaisonchenerailles@orange.fr FOR SALE: Various 3 tier computer/printer stand 20 EuroMans bicycle black,

perfect condition 50 EuroGirls Bicycle mauve, perfect condition 50 EuroExercise bike with computerized monitor, perfect condition 100 Euro Tel: 05 55 69 39 04 FOR SALE: Cuisiniere à Bois Rosieres Woodburning cooker 10kw white. Logs: 36cm. Choice of top or rear flue 130mm. Dim: h900 x w776 x d600.Working when removed but in need of a clean. Loc: near Confolens 16 St Junien 87. €100.00 Tel: 0545 71 19 37 FOR SALE: Childs folding travel cot 120 x 60 with mattress and carry case.

2 weeks use only, as new condition.Loc: near Confolens 16 St Junien 87. €20.00 Tel: 0545 71 19 37 FOR SALE: Cast Iron Woodburner Invicta Le Cossu 8kw. Takes logs up to 60cm.153mm rear flue outlet.

Dim: h830 x w710 x d450.

Good working order only used 1 season.Loc: between Confolens 16 St Junien 87. €300.00 Tel: 0545 71 19 37 FOR SALE: Ceiling light fitting As new. Gold/wood.

Semi-modern design. Upward facing. Approx depth 500mm.

Today’s approx price 85 euros, will accept 40 euros. €40.00 Tel: 05 55 03 87 56 FOR SALE: Heaters 2 Portable gas heaters with regulators & empty gas bottles 60 euros each1 Oil filled electric heater with onoff timer 30 euros2 halogen rotating electric heaters 25 euros each Please phone 0545 30 23 71 for details FOR SALE: PEANUTS FOR WILD BIRDS 1kg bags 5 Euros Tel: 0555 60 62 97 Email: nuts@lifeinlimousin. com FOR SALE: Microsoft Media Desktop 1000 & Logitech querty keyboards Microsoft Media Desktop 1000 (querty ultra-thin keyboard and optical mouse). Unused, still in sealed box. €35.Logitech querty keyboard. Used, but in working order. €10.10 minutes from Aubusson. Tel: 05 87 36 00 50 FOR SALE: 200+ framed pictures All sorts. From 3 to 10 Euros each.Contact for list.

Phone 0555-64-48-35 Email: bigbob.bb@wanadoo.fr FOR SALE: Kenwood Combination microwave and grill Stainless steel. Good condition, full working order with complete instruction manual. €30 - buyer to collect.

36170 near Limoges border. €30.00 02 54 25 34 78 Email: blake.peter@orange.fr 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: 2 Black Iron 3-Armed Wall Hanging Candle Holders With candles and candle snuffer. Ideal for hanging on a patio or terrace. €10.00 Tel: 05 55 48 82 79 FOR SALE: 2 Straw Hats One mens, one ladies. €5 the pair. €5.00 Tel: 05 55 48 82 79 FOR SALE: Drizabone Ladies Full Length Waxed Coat Brown with caped shoulders.

Chest 105cm. €40.00 Tel: 05 55 48 82 79 FOR SALE: Ikea oven White. Used only few times.

V.G.C. Buyer collects. Phone Patricia for details. €30.00 Tel: 05 55 41 19 28 FOR SALE: White gas cooker Basic but in good working order. €20.00 Tel: 09 61 21 30 34 FOR SALE: 4 double glazed wood framed windows and wooden shutters Windows 50cm wide x 105cm long. €150.00 Tel: 09 61 21 30 34 FOR SALE: SINGER Sewing Machine Great for those ladies who know what they are doing. Old Industrial sewing machine in cabinet.

Works needs some attention.

Make Offer. To be collected (Mainsat). Tel: Sue 0555 675774 FOR SALE: 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.Email for further details and photos €450.00 Email: haynes.peter@yahoo. co.uk FOR SALE: TWO GOOD QUALITY VERY WARM SLEEPING BAGS Used only a few times and in excellent condition. 55 euros for the two. Tel: 0555 787902 (near Rochechouart)

VEHICLES / PARTS FOR SALE: Citroen Xsara Picasso MPV Diesel 2002.

Very economical - 50mpg+.

English plates.

Good condition. Good running order. €950.00 Tel: 05 55 65 84 95 FOR SALE: BACK BOX 1.2m wide, used with Siromer Compact tractor.

Bought new in 2007 but hardly used. €325.00ono Call Dave on 05 55 64 83 13

FOR SALE: Roof rack (Genuine part) to fit Peugeot Partner around year 2003 models, also Citroen Berlingo.

Used 3 times. €65.00 Tel: 05 55 69 49 28 FOR SALE: 1988 MITSUBISHI L200 PICKUP 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: Volkswagen Golf Mk 2 1600 Auto English Registered 1990 4 door hatchback. Has been used for the last 2 years as a runabout. Now it’s surplus to requirements.

Engine and Gearbox in very good condition. New radiator, heater matrix, battery plus brakes overhauled for C.T. 2 years ago. 185/60 R14 tyres on 6J wheels all in good condition.

Interior and seats in above average condition. Body work in good condition. This is the twin headlight model fitted with a sunroof. Ideal for a cheap, reliable, easy start runabout, or use for spares.

Near Azerables. €100.00ono Call 05 55 63 60 81 for details FOR SALE: Hyundai coupe TSIII Limited Edition

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

NEW LIFE – NEW BUSINESS

AN OPPORTUNITY TO ACQUIRE AN ESTABLISHED PROPERTY BUSINESS IN THE HAUTE-VIENNE (LIMOUSIN) AREA OF FRANCE. »» »» »» »»

Established 15 years ago Sale due to retirement Full Training and Continuing Support will be given Knowledge of French useful but willingness to lear essential (help available) »» Fully supported by Accountants / Bankers (Information only available to serious parties) »» Ideally suited for a couple »» Further information available on request

+33 (0)5 55 60 04 79 / +33 (0)6 82 13 86 51 enquiries1@orange.fr 05 87 88 40 21 Email: chez. copley@cegetel.net FOR SALE: Misubishi L200 4 Life Diesel. Double cab pick-up. Aluminium lined carry boy. Year 2000. 1 owner.

193,000 miles. RHD. French registered. Grey/green with bull bar attached. CT until Aug 2013. Slight damage to bodywork. Interior in good condition.

Stereo/ radio.

Towing hitch. €3,000.00ono Tel: 02 54 36 94 17 Email: christine.baxter@orange.fr

WHITE GOODS FOR SALE: Fridge + Freezer Whirlpool upright fridge + separate Electronic freezer. EUR 300 for both. €300.00 Tel: 06 45 73 57 50 FOR SALE: Freezer 2 years old. An up-right freezer, Ariston A class.23 inches wide, 22 inches deep, 66 inches high.Perfect working order, but does not self de-frost.Cost 680 Euros new, cheap price 200 Euros ovno. €200.00ono Phone 0555-64-48-35 Email: bigbob.bb@wanadoo.fr

beverages and spirits in Bars/Restaurants etc Email: jsezer@yahoo.co.uk FOR SALE: Licence 4 €4,000.00ono Tel: 06 76 52 26 47 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY I am an engineer looking for a dynamic business person as agent or partner for the development and commercialisation of my 3D technologies. Interested in the new way of working? Email me at: Email: techagent2013@ gmail.com

WANTED WANTED: Curved corrugated metal sheets Pete tel 05 45 30 72 04 (daytime) 06 24 65 40 33 (eve) WANTED: House/Garden/ Garage Clearance Single items or entire contents. Tel: 05 55 65 84 95 WANTED: OLD CARAVANS Any condition considered, will collect, cash paid. Pete tel 05 45 30 72 04 (daytime) 06 24 65 40 33 (eve)

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

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. €11,000.00ono tel: 05 55 47 34 82 Email: jseretny@hotmail.co.uk FOR SALE: AUDI A6 2.5 TDI V6 Colour Green - Year 07/1999 manual transmission.

281,000 km. New MOT. Can be seen in Bourganeuf. Tel:

FOR SALE: Licence IV covering whole of Creuse area Enables sales of

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

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

JANUARY 2013 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

16 ♦ GAMES Crossword

Caption Competition - January

Clues and answers in English

Send your entries for this month's Caption Competition to: editor@thebugle.eu

Last Month's Winners

Down:

1. Restricted (7) 5. Perils (5) 8. Detection device (5) 9. Villain (5) 10. The sheltered side (7) 11. Flightless bird of Australia (3) 12. Chasm (5) 14. Complies (5) 19. Prohibit (3) 20. Diplomatic (7) 22. Nimble (5) 23. Light beam (5) 24. Reside (5) 25. Boring (7)

1. Food store (6) 2. Decoration (5) 3. Goals (7) 4. Fin (6) 5. Stiff (5) 6. Stage set (7) 7. Repress (6) 13. Dressing (7) 15. Perplexed (7) 16. Overseas (6) 17. Dialect (6) 18. Tusked marine mammal (6) 20. Test (5) 21. Cowboy tool (5)

Please be aware that the deadline for all submissions for content and advertising is the 15th of the month for the following month’s print edition.

SUDOKU - EASY

© 2012 - macboozle (Flickr)

Across:

WINNER:

"Argh!! How many times have I told you not to squeeze the tube in the middle!!" - Emma Williams HONOURABLE MENTIONS: "Boris has gone too far this time!" - James Vance "You wait all day and then three come along all at once!" - Pauline Kingsley "Members of the Integrated Transport Policy think-tank enjoy a day out" Mike and Amanda Scott "You may laugh, but the Swiss Army have ordered fifty." - Mal Alexander "So is it a bus ticket or a rail ticket I need?" - John Turley "At least you only need one ticket!" - John Martin

SUDOKU - MEDIUM

SUDOKU - HARD

The solutions to this month’s Crossword and Sudokus can be found on page 19

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ JANUARY 2013

COMMUNITY ♦ 17 Le Bellerive

Hotel - Restaurant - Café-Bar

We will be closed from 1st-14th January 2013, open as normal on 15th!

17th Jan - Book Swap Club - Come along and bring your books to exchange with other people: 10am - 2pm.

Coffees, teas and homemade cakes on sale and Menu du jour available at midday.

25th Jan - Burns Night Quiz - Haggis, neeps and tatties supper... and whisky on promotion!

For details of all the events, go to: www.facebook.com/hotellebellerive Email: bonjour@lebellerive.net

Phone: 05 55 36 20 63

29 Avenue de la Tour, 87470 Peyrat-le-Château

Bugle Notice Board

JJ’s Café Bar Aigurande

Saturday 25th August JJ’s Café Bar Soirée Chilli n Blues with 'Taurus Blues'

Aigurande

(In aid of the Association Sapeurs-Pompiers, Aigurande)

BURNS NIGHT 25TH JAN

This is going to be a fab evening and will be supporting a

IT'S TIME FOR€1Afrom WEEeach DRAM very good cause. meal OF will WHISKY be donatedAGAIN to the

Creusetec

Winter offer - "tooway" satellite internet.

18 Mb DL speed, 26 Gb monthly data allowance, FREE equipment. Only €49.95 / month!!

Other data options from € 29.95 / month

Come and celebrate withbe uspassing with some really flavoursomebox Association.

We will also round a collection traditionaltofare and a fab concert by some of our favourite relieve you of your small change!!!! musicians (Mike Cain, Bev from Souvenir Concert (free entry) 9pm and others).

9pm (FREE) Meal Starts 7.30 - 9Concert pm (Chilli Con Carne + Tiramisu) €12 pp Meal €14 (inc. that wee dram of whisky!)

Reservations optional but advisable Reservations preferable but optional

Music Club Night Music + month.

Curry 2nd Sat Club of every 8.30 pm.

Tel: Martin - 05.55.66.60.21 Web: http://www.creusetec.com

2nd Sat every11th month.

8.30 pm.

Nextofevent: August event: 12th JJ's Music club isNext for musicians of allJanuary levels and genres entry is

L'Escale

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

Restaurant & Bar

5 Rue Andre Jouhannaud, Compreignac Freshly home cooked English and French food

New Year's Eve - Live Entertainment with Jack Law. A few places left - Book Now!!

Open New Year's Day 12h30 - 14h30 - Traditional English Menu Sunday Lunch - January Special Main course only €6.50. Children under 6 eat from the Childrens menu FOR FREE when with 2 paying adults (by reservation only please) HAPPY NEW YEAR and a big thank you to all who have supported us in our first year!

See main ad for more information and opening hours Tel: 05 55 12 99 45 email: L_escale@yahoo.fr Or see us on Facebook for more details.

Limousin Dog Training

For anyone who received a new puppy for Christmas, start them off the right way with training from Limousin Dog Training.

Contact Elaine on 06 04 47 35 19 for details of her new puppy classes starting in January.

A trained dog is a happy dog. www.limousindogtraining.fr

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

348, rue Marcel Paul

45770 Saran France Monthly circulation: 12,000 copies All copyright, unless stated otherwise, is reserved to The Bugle. Reproduction in whole or part of any text without permission is prohibited.

Butter Chicken Lamb Curry who loves free, thereMILD: is no membership andorisMED: open to everyone or HOT: Pork Vindaloo. music. You can also buy fish and chips from the van in the mar€8 (incl. rice).

Eat6.30 in or -Take Away.

Please pre-order if you can. ket square (from 8.30) and eat them in the comfort of (Please there no Fish Chip for JJ's. The clubnote starts fromis8:30, butnwe arevan open forthe all those Jancome or Feb Music ClubIn hence Night) who want to earlier to eat. fact Curry we hardly ever shut !!!!

The Caring Cattery

Barbara would like to wish her customers, new and old, as well as all readers of The Bugle a Happy New Year and the best of luck for 2013 Saurette-Durand, 87600 Rochechouart

Tel: 05 55 03 76 87

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

La Coterie Entreprise

We are EPARCO approved septic tank installers.

These are compact systems that can be installed for use intermittently - perfect for holiday homes!!

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

Tel: 02 02 54 54 06 06 30 30 77 77 Tel:

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

Le Moulin du Breuil 23140 PIONNAT

Le Relais de l'Abloux 36170 SACIERGES-ST-MARTIN

Friday 22nd February

Karaoke Night - English & French

Saturday 23rd March Soirée Cabaret

Tel: 02 54 47 56 74

Daniel welcomes you at

Le Moulin du Breuil would like to thank all their customers for their support over 2012 and wish everyone a Happy Christmas and New Year.

We are taking a break over January and February to recharge, ready for the new season in 2013.

Watch this space for our re opening date and events in March.

We look forward to seeing you all again and many new customers in 2013. With very best regards, Anne, Nick, Rachel and Brett Tel: 05 55 80 37 70 Mail: info@lemoulindubreuil.com Web: www.lemoulindubreuil.com

Le Pub

58, rue d'Orjon, Argenton-sur-Creuse Saturday 12th & 26th January

Soirée Musicale - Accoustic guitar music night Other events on our Facebook page - "le pub 36"

02 54 60 02 14 le-pub@orange.fr

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: 12,000 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.

Pianist/ vocalist available for events/ gigs/ private parties etc...

New Orleans old time jazz n blues n boogie...

Call: 07.61.21.85.15

Happy New Year to all our readers and all the best for 2013!!

JANUARY 2013 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

18 ♦ COMMUNITY

CLUBS, CHARITIES & ASSOCIATIONS

Church Notices 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 Cussac Bowls Club The new arrangements at Cussac gymnasium bring us new facilities and more sessions for Lawn-Bowling, Short-mat Bowling and Crown-green Bowling. We will now be able to accept members who have a preference for other types of bowling, so why not come along and see if we can satisfy your needs.

If you have never played before or don't have your own bowls, don't worry. The club has a supply of bowls for your use and most of our nowcompetetive bowlers had never played before joining us a year ago.

Session times: Mon morning OUTSIDE (synthetic lawn); Wed evening - inside - short-mat bowling (4 mats available); Thurs morning - inside short-mat; Friday morning OUTSIDE (synthetic lawn).

CUSSAC (87150) is in southern Haute-Vienne, just 6km from the Dordogne and Charente borders and the gymnasium is easily found next to the school near the town centre.

Ring Roger Hammond on 05 55 50 40 89 or mail roger.hammond@ orange.fr for further information.

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, lighthearted 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 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 Peyratle-Château 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

CSF Haute-Vienne press release At the recent mini Christmas market in Lussac-les-Eglises, €289,31 was raised for Cancer Support France Haute-Vienne association.

I thank Tina and Jane for the use of their barn, Joan and everyone who came along and supported his event.

Finally not forgetting Kevin for his wonderful storytelling.

Karen Blewett Treasurer CSF Haute-Vienne

Agenda for 2013: 17th Jan Decorating planters and making decorative objects for your garden; Feb No meeting; 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 contact Michelle Pierce on 05 45 89 36 54 or at unjardinenfrance@gmail.com 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 French-speaking 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 Mike or Christine ELLINGHAM 05 55 03 27 67 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 HauteVienne. 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 Croisillesur-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 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 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 Located in the Route des Rateries, just behind the Biblithèque Municipale, you will find the Anglophone Library, which offers a wide variety of reading material, DVDs, talking books and videos. It is also a meeting point and arranges a host of activities including: Café Franglais; Club Scrabble; Café Philo; Sewing Group; Art Group. Library opening hours: Thu 10am – 4pm & Sat 10am – 12.30pm. For details of activities or general information visit www.ententecordiale-creuse.org or email library@ententecordiale-creuse.org.

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 is now an English-speaking meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous at 2 Avenue Pierre Traversat, Limoges Thu 7.30pm - 9.00pm. 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. Contact tel Roger 05 55 76 22 65 or Nancy 02 54 24 09 74 or visit www.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

PHOENIX ASSOCIATION - Adoption Lily – 1-year-old Tabby Girl

Sweet Lily is an affectionate little girl, who was sadly found abandoned. She loves people and a cuddle and really wants to be sitting with you by the fire this winter! She is currently in Phoenix foster care, and now all she needs is her own family to love her.

If you are interested in adopting Lily, please contact Sharon on 05 53 60 73 11 or at sharonleechappell@hotmail.co.uk Rasta - 12-year-old English Setter

Rasta is our ‘oldie but goldie’ girl! She is just gorgeous - gentle, affectionate, good with cats, dogs and children.

She’s even been taken to a restaurant by her foster mum, who says she settled down and snored through lunch! Apparently she knows how to make good use of her ‘sad eyes’ for a treat!

If you are interested in adopting Rasta, please contact Margaret & Gary on 05 45 30 10 39 or at maggieslap52@hotmail.com Check out our ADOPTION PAGE at www. phoenixasso.com or FACEBOOK www. facebook.com/PhoenixAssociationFrance for other Phoenix animals available for adoption.

www.thebugle.eu ○ THE BUGLE ○ JANUARY 2013

WHAT’S ON ♦ 19

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Evaux-les-Bains

WEEKLY MARKETS

Auzances Bénévant-l’Abbaye Bussière-Poitevine Champagnac-la-Rivière Genouillac Gouzon Laurière Limoges (Le Vigenal) Peyrat-le-Château Rochechouart Royère-de-Vassivière Saint-Sulpice-les-Feuilles

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY Ahun Bourganeuf Chambon-sur-Voueize Cognac-la-Forêt Clugnat Le Dorat Isle Limoges (pont St Martial) Nantiat Séreilhac

All markets are in the morning unless stated otherwise.

Boussac Coussac-Bonneval Dun-le-Palestel Guéret Limoges Bastide et Corgnac Magnac-Laval Oradour-sur-Vayres (except 3rd Thu) Peyrat-le-Château Saint-Sulpice-les-Champs Saint-Victurnien La Souterraine (Friday - cont.....)

St-Etienne-de-Fursac Saint-Sulpice-Laurière Verneuil-sur-Vienne(15h-18h30)

BY DAY Aixe-sur-Vienne: 1st Fri Ambazac: 1st Wed Auzances: 2nd Tue Bourganeuf: 1st & 3rd Wed Boussac: 1st & 3rd Thu Bujaleuf: Last Mona Châlus: 2nd Thu Châteauneuf-la-Forêt: 2nd Sun Cognac-la-Forêt: 1st Tue Cussac: 4th Sun

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Aigurande Aixe-sur-Vienne Ambazac Bessines-sur-Gartempe Bosmie l’Aiguille (16h - 19h30) Bujaleuf Châlus (except 2nd Fri) Châteauponsac Châtelus-Malvaleix Couzeix (16h30 - 19h30) Le Dorat Felletin Limoges (place des Bancs et Beaubreuil) Nexon Pierre-Buffière Rochechouart

Aixe-sur-Vienne Aubusson Bellac Bonnat Bussière-Poitevine Châteauponsac Condat-sur-Vienne Eymoutiers Feytiat Flavignac Guéret La Jonchère-Saint-Maurice La Souterraine Limoges (place des Bancs et place Marceau) Le Palais-sur-Vienne Nantiat

Bessines-sur-Gartempe Blond Crocq (1st and 3rd Sun) Panazol Peyrat-le-Château Saint-Paul St-Sulpice-le-Guéretois (3rd Sun) Saint-Vaury (2nd Sun) Veyrac (2nd Sun)

Domps: 2nd Tue Dun-le-Palestel: 1st Thu Evaux-les-Bains: 1st Mon Eymoutiers: 1st & 3rd Thu Feytiat: 1st Sat La Souterraine 2nd & 4th Sat Magnac-Bourg: 2nd Sat Meuzac: 4th Mon Mézières-sur-Issoire: 2nd & 4th Mon Nexon: 3rd Fri Oradour-sur-Vayres: 3rd Thu Peyrat-le-Château: 3rd Mon Peyrilhac: 3rd Sun

Letters to

The Editor

Nigel Bridger

By Email

F

EASY

Peyrat-le-Château Rochechouart Saint-Junien St-Léonard-de-Noblat Saint-Mathieu Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche

MONTHLY FOIRES Pierre-Buffière: 1st Fri Royère-de-Vassivière: 2nd Tue Saint-Germain-les-Belles: last Sat Saint-Jouvent: 1st Sun Saint-Junien: 3rd Sat Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat: 1st Mon Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche: 2nd & 4th Fri Sauviat-sur-Vige: 2nd Mon Veyrac: 2nd Sun

BY DATE

1 (day before if public holiday): Bellac 3: Bellegarde-en-Marche 3: Châteauponsac 5: Bussière-Poitevine 5: Chénérailles 6: Bussière-Boffy 8: Compreignac 9: Saint-Sulpice-Laurière 11 (Sat if 11 is a Sun): Bessines-surGartempe 13 (Sat if 13 is a Sun): Le Dorat

Online classified scam warning

urther to your article in December's Bugle, I am writing concerning buyers on “leboncoin.fr”.

Although this is a very good way of selling items, there are a number of drawbacks.

(Saturday - cont.....)

You mentioned people from Ghana, but they are not the only ones, there are operators from the Ivory coast as well.

They say they are “expats” from France who work there, they even give you addresses in France.

They say they will pay for the transportation of any items they wish to buy. However, they will send “Western Union” payments which are bogus, or they will send “American Express” cheques which are fakes.

These cheques can take 6 weeks or longer to clear properly through your bank, by which time you have sent or had collected your items, only to find out that your bank has taken back these funds and charged you for the privilege. These charges can run into hundreds of euros.

If you sell through “leboncoin” accept only face-to-face buyers

MEDIUM

who pay in cash of NO larger then €50 notes, as anything above that can be fake, which is why shops generally do not accept the larger notes. “leboncoin.fr” does work; I have traded successfully, but be careful.

Regards

Nigel Bridger PS Also watch out for the same scams on other sites.

If you think what you are being offered “is too good to be true” then “it is”.

When selling TRUST NO ONE.

HARD

15: Oradour-sur-Glane 17: Mortemart 18: La Croisille-sur-Briance; La Jonchère-Saint-Maurice 20: Chénérailles 21: Ambazac; Saint-Sulpice-les-Feuilles 22 (Mon if 22 is a Sun): Magnac-Laval 23: Razès; St Laurent sur Gorre 24: Nantiat 25: Blond - St Paul 26: Nouic; Rochechouart 28: Cieux 29: Laurière

JANUARY 2013 ○ THE BUGLE ○ www.thebugle.eu

20 ♦ WHAT’S ON

UPCOMING EVENTS ACROSS THE REGION Fri 14th Dec to Sun 6th Jan LIMOGES La patinoire de Noël Ice rink - place de la République. Free skating & skate hire.

Sun 6th Jan to Sun 21st Apr Les Bistrots d’Hiver 2013

The Bistrots d’Hiver are back to liven up winter Sundays in and around the Plateau de Millevaches. Organised by

the association Pays’Sage this season sees a diverse programme including jazz, manouche, samba, pop-rock... there is something for everyone! Concerts take place in auberges and cafes across the region and take the form of an aperotchatche (debate on something topical or related to the territory) before lunch and an afternoon concert. The following take place this month. For full details and to download the programme visit http://www.pays-sage.net/ 6th – Tomislav – L’Auberge Felletinoise – Felletin (23) 13th – Gérard Morel – le Relais des Forêts – Blessac (23) 20th – Courir les Rues – L’Auberge de la Fontaine – Cheissoux (87) 26th – I Am A Band – La Mijotière – Mautes (23) 27th – Chez Nanou – Millevaches (19) 27th – Trio André Garnier – L’Auberge de la Tour – La Cellette (23) Tue 8th Jan GUÉRET Theatre - ‘Dom Juan’ Molière’s ‘Dom Juan’. Espace André Lejeune. 20h30. Tickets: €16; €6,90 students. Contact: tel 05 55 52 84 97.

Sat 12th Jan AIXE-SUR-VIENNE Theatre - ‘Deux semaines après

Handmade joinery and woodwork at prices you can afford

Happy New Year from Ebénisterie Hemming Doors, Stairs, Shutters, Gates & Furniture...

We can beat any like-for-like quote Qualified furniture restorer Trade enquiries welcome No job too small - Call us today for a FREE QUOTE Français parlé - English spoken

Find us on Facebook - search for “Ebenisterie Hemming” Covering central France - call for more information 02 48 63 15 09 Montgenoux Nicholas Hemming 18170, Maisonnais n.hemming@orange.fr SIRET: 533 607 115 00011

l’éternité’ Mise en scène by the Compagnie Asphodèle de Limoges and the Théâtre du Transport en Commun de Québec.

Recently widowed, a woman comes to picnic on the grave of her husband. After years of living in the unhealthy silence of her marriage, concealing her dreams, ambitions and desires, she decides to speak. In talking she will lift the weight of an eternity from her shoulders.

Centre culturel Jacques Prévert. 20h30.

Tickets: €7 / €4 / €2. Contact: tel 05 55 70 77 00.

Sat 12th to Sun 13th Jan SAINTMATHIEU Love Letters in the Haute Vienne Culture en Tête will be presenting Love Letters, a play by the American Playwright A. R. Gurney, on Saturday the 12th and on Sunday the 13th of January at Saint-Mathieu (87) in the Salle des Fêtes. Both performances will be at 15h30. The performance on the 12th will be in English and the performance on the 13th will be in French. Tickets are €8 (€6 for members of Culture en Tête). The two performers are Melinda Mullins and Joshua Bryant who before coming to live in France acted in a range of popular American

TV shows and theatrical productions.

Tickets can be reserved by phoning Pat or Peter on 05 55 78 40 65.

Tue 22nd Jan AUBUSSON Sonate à Kreutzer By the Quator Béla: Violin Julien Dieudegard & Frédéric Aurier; Viola Julian Boutin; Cello Luc Dedreui.

Programme: Leos Janacek - String Quartet No. 1, Kreutzer Sonata; Dimitri Chostakovitch - String Quartet No. 7 in F sharp minor, opus 108; Alfred Schnittke - String Quartet No. 2; Igor Stravinsky - Concertino for String Quartet. Théâtre Jean Lurçat. 20h30. Tickets: €20. http:// www.ccajl.com/ Fri 25th Jan AIGURANDE Burns Night Come and celebrate with us with some really flavoursome traditional fare and a fab concert by some of our favourite musicians (Mike Cain, Bev from Souvenir and others). Concert 9pm (FREE) Meal €14 (incl. a wee dram of whisky!) Reservations preferable but optional. JJ’s Cafe; Bar, 39 Place du Champ de Foire, 36140 Aigurande.

Tel: 02 54 06 30 77 Email: cafebarjj@ yahoo.co.uk